Steering system device for centering steering wheel, vehicle and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a steering system device for centering a steering wheel, a vehicle and a control method of the vehicle. The steering system device for steering wheel centering comprises a steering column inner shaft and a steering column outer shaft, wherein one end of the steering column inner shaft is used for being connected with a steering wheel; one end of the steering transmission shaft is used for being connected with a steering gear, and the other end of the steering transmission shaft and the other end of the steering column inner shaft are locked or decoupled through a decoupling device; the steering wheel centering unit comprises a controller, an angle sensor and an angle regulator; an input module of the controller is connected with the angle sensor, and a processing module of the controller obtains a compensation angle with the first rotation angle signal according to the first rotation angle signal recorded by a vehicle in a no-load state when a steering wheel is located at the center position and according to a second rotation angle signal of the angle sensor when the vehicle is subjected to load change; and the output module of the controller controls the decoupling device to decouple or lock, and the angle regulator drives the steering column inner shaft to rotate to the steering wheel to be centered during decoupling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of vehicle steering, and in particular to a steering system device for steering wheel centering, a vehicle and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] When a commercial vehicle is unloaded or fully loaded, the front axle and frame may shift relative to each other due to the varying arc height of the front leaf spring. The steering gear is secured to the frame via a steering gear bracket. The steering knuckle arm is bolted to the front axle I-beam. The steering gear output shaft is rigidly connected to the knuckle arm by a drop arm and steering tie rod assembly. The input shaft is rigidly connected to the steering wheel. This inevitably results in the knuckle arm's position shifting relative to the frame as the load changes, causing the drop arm to swing along the steering gear output shaft, shifting the steering wheel from neutral and causing it to deflect, leading to customer complaints.

[0003] In related technologies, front air suspensions can be matched by adding or removing air, ensuring that the front axle position remains unchanged when the vehicle is empty or fully loaded, ultimately preventing steering wheel deflection. However, the large diameter of the front airbags in air suspensions makes them relatively unsuitable for many vehicle models due to space and cost constraints. Furthermore, commercial vehicles currently mostly use leaf spring front suspensions. For leaf spring front suspension models, the solution is to increase the stiffness of the front leaf springs while still meeting vehicle handling and smoothness performance indicators. This minimizes the change in the center of the knuckle ball between empty and fully loaded, thereby reducing steering wheel deflection. Furthermore, EHPS (or EPS) steering systems can achieve automatic centering calibration without separate calibration equipment. However, this only maintains the steering system in neutral, leaving the steering wheel deflected when loaded. Therefore, these solutions cannot prevent steering wheel deflection when the vehicle is empty or fully loaded. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention provides a steering system device for steering wheel centering. This device can automatically adjust the steering wheel to the center position regardless of whether the vehicle is unloaded or fully loaded. The device has a simple structure and control logic, achieving high efficiency at low cost.

[0005] The present invention further provides a vehicle.

[0006] The present invention further proposes a control method for a steering system device for centering a steering wheel.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, a steering system device for steering wheel centering includes: a steering column assembly, including a steering column inner shaft and a steering column housing covered on the outside of the steering column inner shaft, one end of the steering column inner shaft being used to connect with the steering wheel; a steering transmission shaft, one end of the steering transmission shaft being used to connect with the steering gear, and the other end of the steering transmission shaft being locked or decoupled from the other end of the steering column inner shaft by a decoupling device; a steering wheel centering unit, including an angle sensor, an angle adjuster and a controller, the angle sensor being arranged on the steering column inner shaft, the angle adjuster being arranged on the steering column housing, and the angle sensor being used to detect a rotation angle signal of the steering column inner shaft , the angle adjuster is used to drive the inner shaft of the steering column to rotate; the controller includes: an input module, a processing module and an output module; the input module is connected to the angle sensor for receiving the angle signal of the angle sensor; the processing module records the first angle signal when the steering wheel is in the center position when the vehicle is in an unloaded state and obtains a compensation angle between the first angle signal and the second angle signal of the angle sensor when the vehicle has a load change; the output module is connected to the decoupling device for controlling the decoupling or locking of the decoupling device and, when decoupling, controls the angle adjuster according to the compensation angle to drive the inner shaft of the steering column to rotate until the steering wheel is in the center position.

[0008] The steering wheel centering system device according to an embodiment of the present invention can automatically adjust the steering wheel to the center position regardless of whether the vehicle is unloaded or fully loaded. Furthermore, if the vehicle encounters a situation such as a cargo box replacement that affects the arc height of the unloaded front suspension, the steering wheel zero position reference in the unloaded state can be recalibrated. Compared to other solutions, this device not only has a simple structure and control logic, but also achieves efficient application at a low cost while effectively ensuring driving safety.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the steering system device for steering wheel centering further includes: a reference button and a calibration button, both of which are electrically connected to the controller; the controller is configured as follows: when the vehicle is in an unloaded state and the steering wheel is in the center position, the user long presses the reference button, and the processing module records the first angle signal of the angle sensor as a zero-position reference; when the steering wheel is in a skewed position due to a load change in the vehicle, the user presses the calibration button, and the output module controls the decoupling device to decouple the steering drive shaft and the steering column inner shaft, and controls the angle adjuster to drive the steering column inner shaft to rotate according to the compensation angle until the steering wheel is in the center position; pressing the calibration button again controls the decoupling device to lock the steering column inner shaft and the steering drive shaft.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the controller is further configured to: when the wheel is in a straight state and the steering wheel is in a center position, the user can long press the reference button; when the wheel is in a straight state and the steering wheel is in a skewed position, the user can press the calibration button.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the steering system device for steering wheel centering also includes: a steering gear centering unit, which is used to adaptively control the automatic centering of the wheel; the steering gear centering unit is electrically connected to the controller, and the controller is configured as follows: after the steering gear centering unit automatically centers the wheel, the user long presses the reference button or presses the calibration button, and the controller works.

[0012] A vehicle according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention comprises the steering system device for steering wheel centering.

[0013] According to the third aspect of the embodiment of the present invention, a control method for a steering system device for steering wheel centering includes the following steps: when the vehicle is in an unloaded state, the wheels are in a straight state and the steering wheel is in a center position, and the reference button is long pressed to record the first steering wheel angle signal; when the vehicle undergoes a load change, the wheels are in a straight state. If the steering wheel is in a skewed position, the calibration button is pressed to decouple the steering column inner shaft and the steering drive shaft, and according to the compensation angle between the second steering wheel angle signal and the first steering wheel angle signal, the angle adjuster drives the steering column inner shaft to rotate until the compensation angle is zero and no longer rotates; then the calibration button is pressed to control the decoupling device to lock the steering column inner shaft and the steering drive shaft.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the control method of the steering system device for steering wheel centering further includes the following steps: when the vehicle is restored from a loaded state to an unloaded state, the wheels are placed in a straight state, the reference button is pressed, and the steering wheel is restored to the center position corresponding to the first turning angle signal state.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the control method further includes the following steps: pressing the calibration button for the first time to power on the decoupling device, and the decoupling device decouples the steering column inner shaft and the steering drive shaft; pressing the calibration button again to power off the decoupling device, and the decoupling device locks the steering column inner shaft and the steering drive shaft.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the control method further comprises the following step: while the vehicle is traveling, the decoupling device is powered off.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the control method further comprises the following step: when the vehicle is in a stationary state, pressing the reference button or the calibration button.

[0018] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description which follows, or may be learned by practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a steering system device according to an embodiment of the present invention from a first perspective; Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a steering system device according to a second perspective of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a steering system device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a decoupling device of a steering system device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 3 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a decoupling device of a steering system device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Reference numerals: 1. Steering column inner shaft; 2. Steering wheel; 3. Steering drive shaft; 4. Decoupling device; 41. Yoke part; 42. Electromagnetic part; 43. Notch; 44. End; 45. Boss; 5. Angle adjuster; 6. Column housing; 7. Angle sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below. The embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary. The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0022] Reference below Figure 1-Figure 3 A steering system apparatus for steering wheel centering according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0023] like Figure 1-Figure 3 As shown, the steering system device for steering wheel centering of this embodiment includes: a steering column assembly, a steering transmission shaft 3, a decoupling device 4 and a steering wheel centering unit.

[0024] The steering column assembly includes a steering column inner shaft 1 and a steering column housing 6. The housing 6 protects the steering column inner shaft 1 by surrounding it. For example, the inner shaft 1 and the housing 6 are connected via two bearings, ensuring stable rotation relative to the housing 6.

[0025] One end of the steering column inner shaft 1 is used to connect to the steering wheel 2. One end of the steering transmission shaft 3 is used to connect to the steering gear, and the other end of the steering transmission shaft 3 is locked or decoupled with the other end of the steering column inner shaft 1 through a decoupling device 4.

[0026] Specifically, the upper end of the steering column inner shaft 1 is connected to the steering wheel 2. In one embodiment, an external spline is formed on the upper end of the steering column inner shaft 1, and a corresponding internal spline is formed in the center hole of the steering wheel 2, and the two are connected through spline engagement. Furthermore, the lower end of the steering column inner shaft 1 is connected to the steering transmission shaft 3, which serves as the input shaft of the steering gear. The steering gear output shaft is rigidly connected to the steering knuckle arm via a steering drop arm and a steering tie rod assembly, thereby transmitting the rotational motion of the steering wheel 2 to the steering wheel through the steering gear.

[0027] Furthermore, a decoupling device 4 is provided between the steering drive shaft 3 and the steering column inner shaft 1 to decouple or lock the two shafts. It will be appreciated that when the steering drive shaft 3 and the steering column inner shaft 1 are locked, that is, the steering column inner shaft 1 and the steering drive shaft 3 are in a transmission connection. Thus, when the steering wheel 2 rotates the steering column inner shaft 1, the steering column inner shaft 1 transmits torque to the steering drive shaft 3 via the decoupling device 4. When the steering drive shaft 3 and the steering column inner shaft 1 are decoupled, that is, the steering column inner shaft 1 and the steering drive shaft 3 are disconnected. Consequently, when the vehicle load changes, the position of the steering knuckle arm changes relative to the vehicle frame, causing the steering drop arm to swing along the steering gear output shaft. Due to the transmission connection between the steering column inner shaft 1 and the steering drive shaft 3, this causes the steering wheel 2 to deviate. In this case, by disconnecting the steering column inner shaft 1 from the steering drive shaft 3, the steering wheel 2 can be independently adjusted for centering, while ensuring that the wheels remain straight.

[0028] Furthermore, positioning the decoupling device 4 between the steering column inner shaft 1 and the steering drive shaft 3 effectively accommodates changes in the angle between the steering column inner shaft 1 and the steering gear caused by suspension system movement. Furthermore, in the event of a failure in the steering drive shaft 3 or the steering gear, the decoupling device 4 prevents damage from spreading to the steering column inner shaft 1. Compared to decoupling devices 4 positioned elsewhere in the steering system, the decoupling device 4 of this embodiment ensures the reliability of mechanical steering, features a simple structure, and offers low manufacturing and maintenance costs, making it suitable for widespread adoption.

[0029] Moreover, the steering wheel centering unit includes: an angle sensor 7, an angle adjuster 5 and a controller. The angle sensor 7 is arranged on the inner shaft 1 of the steering column, and the angle adjuster 5 is arranged on the steering column housing 6. The angle sensor 7 is used to detect the angle signal of the inner shaft 1 of the steering column, and the angle adjuster 5 is used to drive the inner shaft 1 of the steering column to rotate.

[0030] As will be understood, the angle sensor 7 is mounted on the steering column inner shaft 1 and is used to detect the rotation angle of the steering column inner shaft 1. Since the steering column inner shaft 1 rotates synchronously with the steering wheel, this also means detecting the rotation angle of the steering wheel 2. Furthermore, the angle adjuster 5 is mounted on the steering column housing 6 and is drivingly connected to the steering column inner shaft 1. When the steering wheel 2 deflects, the steering column inner shaft 1 is driven to rotate a certain angle until the steering wheel 2 is centered. Of course, the angle sensor 7 can also be connected to the steering wheel 2, and similarly, the angle adjuster 5 can also be connected to the steering wheel 2.

[0031] Furthermore, the controller includes an input module, a processing module, and an output module. The input module is connected to the angle sensor 7 and is used to receive the angle signal from the angle sensor 7. The processing module records the first angle signal when the steering wheel 2 is in the center position when the vehicle is unloaded, and derives a compensation angle between the first angle signal and the second angle signal from the angle sensor 7 when the vehicle load changes. The output module is connected to the decoupling device 4 and is used to control the decoupling or locking of the decoupling device 4. During decoupling, the angle adjuster 5 is controlled according to the compensation angle to drive the steering column inner shaft 1 to rotate until the steering wheel 2 is in the center position.

[0032] It can be understood that the controller's input module is used to receive the angle signal regarding the steering column inner shaft 1 / steering wheel 2 transmitted from the angle sensor 7. The processing module enters different processing procedures based on the different load states of the vehicle. Specifically, when the vehicle is unloaded, the wheels are aligned and the steering wheel 2 is aligned with the center of the instrument panel to ensure that the steering wheel 2 and the wheel center coincide when the vehicle leaves the factory. At this time, if the conditions of wheel alignment and steering wheel centering are met, the processing module records the first angle signal of the angle sensor 7 and regards it as the zero position reference of the steering wheel 2. At this time, the wheel and the steering wheel 2 coincide with each other. When the vehicle is driving straight, the steering wheel 2 is in the center position, meeting the driver's driving requirements.

[0033] When the vehicle is in a loaded state (changing from an unloaded state to a loaded state), after the wheels are aligned, if the steering wheel 2 deflects, there will be an angular deviation from the center of the instrument panel. At this point, the processing module reads the second angle signal from the current angle sensor 7 and calculates the compensation angle of the steering wheel 2 based on the first and second angle signals. Subsequently, based on the compensation angle value, the output module first controls the decoupling device 4 to decouple the steering column inner shaft 1 from the steering drive shaft 3, and then controls the angle adjuster 5 to rotate the steering column inner shaft 1 by the compensation angle value, causing the steering column inner shaft 1 to rotate in the opposite direction to compensate. At this point, the wheels are aligned with the center position of the steering wheel 2, indicating that the steering wheel 2 is in the zero position state under full load.

[0034] When the vehicle returns from a loaded state to an unloaded state and the wheels are straightened, if the steering wheel 2 deflects, there will be an angular deviation from the center of the instrument. At this time, the processing module re-reads the second angle signal of the angle sensor 7 when the vehicle load changes, and calculates the compensation angle of the steering wheel 2 based on the first angle signal and the second angle signal. Subsequently, based on the compensation angle value, the output module first controls the decoupling device 4 to decouple the steering column inner shaft 1 from the steering transmission shaft 3, and then controls the angle adjuster 5 to drive the steering column inner shaft 1 to rotate the compensation angle value, so that the steering column inner shaft 1 rotates in the opposite direction to compensate. At this point, the wheel and the steering wheel 2 are aligned in the middle position, that is, the steering wheel 2 returns to the zero position state in the unloaded state.

[0035] It should be noted that the load change of the vehicle includes two types of load changes: the vehicle changes from an unloaded state to a loaded state, and the vehicle changes from a loaded state to an unloaded state. Also, before adjusting the steering wheel 2, ensure that the wheels are aligned.

[0036] In this way, the steering wheel 2 can be kept in the center position regardless of whether the vehicle is unloaded or loaded, that is, the wheels and the center position of the steering wheel 2 coincide, thereby effectively ensuring driving safety. Of course, if the vehicle encounters a situation that affects the arc height of the unloaded front suspension, such as replacing the cargo box, the zero position reference of the steering wheel 2 in the unloaded state can be recalibrated.

[0037] In addition, after the steering wheel returns to the center position from the deflected position, the output module of the controller controls the decoupling device 4 to lock the steering column inner shaft 1 and the steering transmission shaft 3 to ensure normal driving of the vehicle.

[0038] Thus, the steering wheel centering device of the embodiment of the present invention can automatically adjust the steering wheel 2 to the center position regardless of whether the vehicle is unloaded or fully loaded. Furthermore, when the vehicle encounters a situation where the arc height of the unloaded front suspension is affected by changes to the cargo box, wheels, or suspension, the zero position reference of the steering wheel 2 in the unloaded state can be recalibrated. Compared to other solutions, this embodiment not only has a simple structure and control logic, but also achieves efficient application at a low cost while effectively ensuring driving safety.

[0039] Furthermore, the steering system device for steering wheel centering further includes: a reference button and a calibration button, both of which are electrically connected to a controller; and the controller is configured to: When the vehicle is unloaded and the steering wheel 2 is in the center position, the user presses and holds the reference button, and the processing module records the first rotation angle signal of the angle sensor 7 as the zero position reference; When the steering wheel 2 is in a deflected position due to a load change in the vehicle, the user presses the calibration button, and the output module controls the decoupling device 4 to decouple the steering transmission shaft 3 and the steering column inner shaft 1, and controls the angle adjuster 5 according to the compensation angle to drive the steering column inner shaft 1 to rotate until the steering wheel 2 is in the center position; Press the calibration button again, and the decoupling device 4 locks the steering column inner shaft 1 and the steering transmission shaft 3.

[0040] It's understood that when a vehicle leaves the factory, it's unloaded, with the wheels aligned and the steering wheel 2 aligned with the center of the instrument panel. At this point, a long press on the reference button causes the processing module to record the first rotation angle signal from the angle sensor 7, which serves as the zero-position reference for the unloaded steering wheel 2. At this point, the steering system's wheels are aligned with the center of the steering wheel 2, ensuring that the steering wheel 2 is centered when the vehicle is traveling straight ahead, ensuring safe driving.

[0041] After the vehicle is loaded and the wheels are aligned, if the steering wheel 2 deflects, there will be an angular deviation from the center of the instrument panel. At this point, while the vehicle is stationary, press the calibration button. The processing module transmits the calculated compensation angle to the output module. The output module first controls the decoupling device 4 to decouple, disconnecting the steering column inner shaft 1 and the steering drive shaft 3. Based on the received compensation angle, the output module then inputs an appropriate torque to the angle adjuster 5 to drive the steering column inner shaft 1 to rotate in the opposite direction to compensate for the compensation angle. At this point, the wheels are aligned, the steering wheel 2 is aligned with the center of the instrument panel, and the steering wheel 2 is centered. The steering system's wheels and the center of the steering wheel 2 coincide, and the steering wheel 2 is now in its zero position under full load. Press the calibration button again, and the decoupling device 4 locks the steering column inner shaft 1 and the steering drive shaft 3, restoring the rigid connection of the steering system. Similarly, when the vehicle returns from a loaded to an unloaded state, after the wheels are aligned, if the steering wheel 2 deflects, there will be an angular deviation from the center of the instrument panel. At this point, the processing module rereads the second rotation angle signal from angle sensor 7 during the current vehicle load change and calculates the compensation angle for steering wheel 2. Subsequently, the output module controls decoupling device 4 to decouple steering column inner shaft 1 from steering drive shaft 3. It then controls angle adjuster 5 to rotate steering column inner shaft 1 by the compensation angle, causing the steering column inner shaft 1 to rotate in the opposite direction to compensate for the change. At this point, the wheels are aligned with the neutral position of steering wheel 2, meaning that steering wheel 2 has returned to its zero position, as observed under no-load conditions.

[0042] In addition, if the vehicle encounters a situation where the cargo box is replaced, etc., which affects the arc height of the unloaded front suspension of the entire vehicle, the steering wheel 2 zero position reference in the unloaded state can be recalibrated by long pressing the reference button.

[0043] Thus, by providing a human-machine interactive reference button and a calibration button—the reference button is used to calibrate the zero position of the steering wheel 2 when the vehicle is unloaded, and the calibration button is used to adjust the steering wheel 2 to the zero reference standard when the vehicle load changes—the user can restore the steering wheel 2 to the center with a single click. This not only avoids errors caused by improper manual operation by the user or the repair station, but also provides fast response and intuitive feedback, making users feel convenient and intelligent, effectively enhancing product affinity and satisfaction, and ensuring widespread popularization and application of the device.

[0044] Furthermore, the controller is further configured as follows: when the wheel is in a straight state and the steering wheel 2 is in the center position, the user can long press the reference button; when the wheel is in a straight state and the steering wheel 2 is in a deflected position, the user can press the calibration button. In other words, the prerequisite for centering the steering wheel 2 is to ensure that the wheel is in a straight state. Under the premise that the wheel is in a straight state, align the steering wheel 2 with the center of the instrument, and calibrate the zero reference of the steering wheel 2 by long pressing the reference button. In addition, when checking whether the steering wheel 2 is in a deflected position, it is necessary to first put the wheel in a straight state. At this time, if the steering wheel 2 is in a deflected position, press the calibration button to adjust the steering wheel 2 to the center position.

[0045] Furthermore, the steering system device for steering wheel centering also includes: a steering gear centering unit, which is used for adaptively controlling automatic centering of the wheels.

[0046] It is understandable that when the vehicle is loaded, the wheels may deflect, and the steering gear centering unit can be used to automatically center the wheels so that the wheels are in a straight state, that is, the steering wheel can only be adjusted when the wheels are in a straight state. Specifically, when the vehicle is in an unloaded state at the time of leaving the factory, the wheels are adjusted to a straight state, and the steering gear centering unit records the current zero position reference of the wheels. When the vehicle is loaded, if the conditions for activating the automatic centering of the wheels of the steering gear centering unit are met, the automatic centering control program of the steering gear centering unit can be triggered to start, so as to drive the wheels to swing to a straight state, that is, the wheels are now in the loaded zero position reference. And, when the vehicle returns from the loaded state to the unloaded state, similarly if the conditions for activating the automatic centering of the wheels of the steering gear centering unit are met, the automatic centering control program of the steering gear centering unit can be triggered to start, so as to drive the wheels to swing to a straight state, that is, the wheels are now restored to the zero position reference under no-load.

[0047] Furthermore, the steering gear centering unit is electrically connected to the controller, and the controller is configured such that: after the steering gear centering unit automatically centers the wheels, the user long presses the reference button or presses the calibration button, and the controller starts working.

[0048] It can be understood that when the vehicle is loaded, after the automatic centering control program of the steering gear centering unit is activated to automatically align the wheels, if the steering wheel 2 deflects, there will be an angular deflection from the center of the instrument. At this time, the user presses the calibration button to trigger the control program of the steering wheel centering unit, so that the output module controls the decoupling device 4 to decouple the steering column inner shaft 1 and the steering transmission shaft 3, and drives the angle adjuster 5 to rotate, thereby pushing the steering column inner shaft 1 to rotate, thereby achieving calibration of the zero position reference of the steering wheel 2 under load changes in the vehicle. When the vehicle needs to recalibrate the zero position reference of the steering wheel 2 in the unloaded state due to situations such as changing the cargo box, after activating the automatic centering control program of the steering gear centering unit to automatically align the wheels, the user presses and holds the calibration button to re-record the unloaded zero position reference of the steering wheel 2.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3-Figure 5 As shown, the decoupling device 4 includes a connected yoke portion 41 and an electromagnetic portion 42. The yoke portion 41 is used to be connected to the yoke of the steering transmission shaft 3. The electromagnetic portion 42 is arranged around the other end of the steering column inner shaft 1 and is locked or decoupled with the steering column inner shaft 1.

[0050] Specifically, the electromagnetic portion 42 of the decoupling device 4 can be locked or decoupled from the steering column inner shaft 1, while the yoke portion 41 is connected to the yoke of the steering transmission shaft 3 via a cross shaft. It will be understood that when the electromagnetic portion 42 is locked to the steering column inner shaft 1, there is a transmission connection between the steering column inner shaft 1 and the steering transmission shaft 3. Thus, when the steering wheel 2 rotates the steering column inner shaft 1, the steering column inner shaft 1 rotates the yoke portion 41, which in turn rotates the yoke of the steering transmission shaft 3 via the cross shaft, thereby driving the steering transmission shaft 3. When the electromagnetic portion 42 is decoupled from the steering column inner shaft 1, there is a disconnection between the steering column inner shaft 1 and the steering transmission shaft 3. Consequently, when the vehicle load changes, the position of the steering knuckle arm changes relative to the vehicle frame, causing the steering drop arm to swing along the steering gear output shaft. At this time, due to the transmission connection between the steering column inner shaft 1 and the steering transmission shaft 3, the steering wheel 2 may deflect. To this end, the wheels are first kept in a straight line, and then the connection between the steering column inner shaft 1 and the steering transmission shaft 3 is disconnected by the decoupling device 4. The steering wheel 2 can then be adjusted separately to restore it to the center position.

[0051] In this embodiment, the outer periphery of the steering column inner shaft 1 is evenly distributed with spline teeth, and the inner side of the electromagnetic part 42 is provided with corresponding spline teeth. When the steering column inner shaft 1 and the electromagnetic part 42 are locked, the two are connected by spline engagement to meet the radial torque transmission. In addition, the yoke part 41 includes two yoke arms, and the two yoke arms are relatively arranged at the lower end of the electromagnetic part 42. The electromagnetic part 42 and the two yoke arms can be an integrally formed part, so that the decoupling device 4 has good structural strength, which is convenient for manufacturing and installation. It should be noted that the steering column inner shaft 1 and the electromagnetic part 42 are in a decoupled state, which means that the steering column inner shaft 1 can rotate relative to the electromagnetic part 42, and the two are not in a completely disengaged state.

[0052] Furthermore, in an embodiment of the present invention, a notch 43 is formed on the electromagnetic portion 42 to form two ends 44 of the electromagnetic portion 42. The two ends 44 of the electromagnetic portion 42 can be in close contact with each other so that the electromagnetic portion 42 and the steering column inner shaft 1 are radially locked. A notch 43 is formed between the two ends 44 of the electromagnetic portion 42 so that the electromagnetic portion 42 and the steering column inner shaft 1 are radially separated, and the steering column inner shaft 1 can rotate relative to the electromagnetic portion 42. Figure 4 As shown, the electromagnetic portion 42 is formed with a notch 43, so that the electromagnetic portion 42 has two ends 44 at the position of the notch 43. When the two ends 44 of the electromagnetic portion 42 are in close contact, the notch 43 disappears, thereby achieving radial locking between the electromagnetic portion 42 and the steering column inner shaft 1. When the notches 43 are present at the two ends 44 of the electromagnetic portion 42, the electromagnetic portion 42 is radially separated from the steering column inner shaft 1, allowing the steering column inner shaft 1 to rotate relative to the electromagnetic portion 42, thereby adjusting the steering wheel 2 to be in the center position. In addition, in order to enhance the close contact between the two ends 44 of the electromagnetic portion 42, the two ends 44 of the electromagnetic portion 42 are extended in a direction away from the axis of the steering column inner shaft 1, so that the side wall area where the two ends 44 contact each other is increased, thereby improving the close connection between the two.

[0053] Furthermore, a locking protrusion 45 is provided on the inner side of the electromagnetic part 42, and a locking groove is provided on the outer side of the steering column inner shaft 1, and the locking protrusion 45 is engaged in the locking groove. Figure 5As shown, when the electromagnetic portion 42 is decoupled from the steering column inner shaft 1, to prevent the decoupling device 4 and the steering transmission shaft 3 from falling downward due to their own weight, this embodiment engages the latching protrusion 45 on the inner side of the electromagnetic portion 42 with the latching groove of the steering column inner shaft 1. This effectively prevents the decoupling device 4 and the steering transmission shaft 3 from falling downward due to radial separation of the electromagnetic portion 42 from the steering column inner shaft 1. Furthermore, it limits the axial movement of the steering column inner shaft 1, ensuring that the steering column inner shaft 1 only rotates and does not move axially. In this embodiment, a circle of latching protrusions 45 is provided on the inner side of the electromagnetic portion 42, and a circle of latching grooves are correspondingly provided on the outer periphery of the steering column inner shaft 1. This ensures that the electromagnetic portion 42 remains latched to the outer periphery of the steering column inner shaft 1 and does not fall off when the steering column inner shaft 1 rotates to any angle.

[0054] Of course, the decoupling device of the present invention includes but is not limited to the above-mentioned decoupling device 4, and can also be other structures, as long as it meets the requirements of transmission connection (locking) between the steering transmission shaft 3 and the steering column inner shaft 1 and disconnection (decoupling) between the steering transmission shaft 3 and the steering column inner shaft 1.

[0055] A vehicle according to an embodiment of a second aspect of the present invention includes a steering system device for centering a steering wheel.

[0056] A control method for a steering system device for steering wheel centering according to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present invention comprises the following steps: When the vehicle is unloaded, with the wheels in a straight line and the steering wheel in the center, long-press the reference button to record the first steering angle signal of steering wheel 2; When the vehicle is in a loaded state, the wheels are in a straight state. If the steering wheel 2 is in a skewed position, press the calibration button to decouple the steering column inner shaft 1 and the steering transmission shaft 3. According to the compensation angle between the second steering angle signal and the first steering angle signal of the current steering wheel 2, the angle adjuster 5 drives the steering column inner shaft 1 to rotate until the compensation angle reaches zero and no longer rotates; press the calibration button again to control the decoupling device 4 to lock the steering column inner shaft 1 and the steering transmission shaft 3.

[0057] Specifically, when the vehicle is unloaded, the wheels are aligned and the steering wheel 2 is adjusted to the center of the instrument panel. At this point, the user long-presses the reference button, recording the first steering wheel angle signal as the zero reference. When the vehicle is loaded, the wheels are aligned. If the steering wheel 2 deflects and deviates from the instrument panel, the user presses the calibration button, triggering the control program for automatically centering the steering wheel 2. This program first decouples the decoupling device 4, disconnecting the steering column inner shaft 1 from the steering drive shaft 3. Then, the output module inputs an appropriate torque to the angle adjuster 5 based on the compensation angle determined by the processing module, driving the steering column inner shaft 1 to rotate in the opposite direction to compensate for the compensation angle. At this point, the steering system's wheels are aligned with the center of the steering wheel 2, and the steering wheel 2 is now in the fully loaded zero position. The calibration button is then pressed again, causing the decoupling device 4 to lock the steering column inner shaft 1 and the steering drive shaft 3, restoring a rigid connection to the steering system.

[0058] Furthermore, the control method of the steering system device for steering wheel centering also includes the following steps: when the vehicle is restored from a loaded state to an unloaded state, the wheels are placed in a straight state, the reference button is pressed, and the steering wheel 2 is restored to the center position corresponding to the first turning angle signal state.

[0059] Specifically, after the vehicle returns from a loaded state to an unloaded state, the wheels are adjusted to a straight line, and the reference button is pressed, causing the steering wheel 2 to return to the center position corresponding to the first turning angle signal state. It should be noted that pressing the reference button and long-pressing the reference button perform different functions, and the long-press duration is longer than the press duration.

[0060] Furthermore, the control method of the steering system device for steering wheel centering also includes the following steps: after pressing the calibration button for the first time, the decoupling device 4 is powered on, and the decoupling device 4 decouples the steering column inner shaft 1 and the steering transmission shaft 3; after pressing the calibration button again, the decoupling device 4 is powered off, and the decoupling device 4 locks the steering column inner shaft 1 and the steering transmission shaft 3; when the vehicle is in motion, the decoupling device 4 is powered off.

[0061] It will be appreciated that while the vehicle is in motion, the decoupling device 4 is powered off. At this point, the decoupling device 4 maintains a transmission connection between the steering column inner shaft 1 and the steering drive shaft 3, effectively securing the connection between them and ensuring safe driving. After the vehicle is loaded, the calibration button is pressed for the first time, causing the controller to energize the decoupling device 4. After the decoupling device 4 decouples the steering column inner shaft 1 from the steering drive shaft 3, the angle adjuster 5 drives the steering column inner shaft 1 to rotate until the steering wheel 2 is centered. The calibration button is then pressed, causing the controller to de-energize the decoupling device 4, restoring the transmission connection between the steering column inner shaft 1 and the steering drive shaft 3, thereby restoring the vehicle's steering function and ensuring normal driving.

[0062] Further, the control method for the steering system device for steering wheel centering further includes the following steps: when the vehicle is in a stationary state, press the reference button or the calibration button.

[0063] With such a setting, when the vehicle is in a parked state, the user presses the calibration button to decouple the inner shaft 1 of the steering column and the steering drive shaft 3 by the decoupling device 4, so as to perform centering adjustment on the steering wheel and ensure driving safety. Also, when the vehicle is in a parked state, the user presses the reference button to make the steering wheel 2 return to the zero position reference in the no-load state.

[0064] Further, during vehicle driving, the user adjusts the steering wheel to make the vehicle in a straight-ahead state and keeps the vehicle speed higher than V1 km / h; near the middle position of the steering wheel, without obvious rotation and without being affected by an obvious torque (torque < F1 Nm), the automatic wheel centering program set by the steering gear centering unit is activated, thereby controlling the automatic wheel centering. For example, when the vehicle speed is higher than 40 km / h, without being affected by an obvious torque and the torque is less than 2 Nm, when the above conditions are met, the automatic wheel centering program of the steering gear centering unit can be activated to adjust the wheels to the straight-ahead driving state.

[0065] In some embodiments, the controller can be a separately provided controller, or the controller of the steering system, or the vehicle controller. Preferably, the controller is the vehicle controller, which has low cost and saves installation and layout.

[0066] The control method for the steering system device for steering wheel centering in this embodiment is applied to a vehicle, wherein the steering system device includes a steering gear centering unit. The specific control method is as follows: When the vehicle leaves the factory, the steering gear centering unit is calibrated in the no-load state. At this time, the wheels are straightened, and the steering wheel 2 is assembled in alignment with the center of the instrument panel. Long-press the reference button to record the first rotation angle signal of the angle sensor 7 at no-load, and use this as the zero position reference of the no-load steering wheel 2. At this time, the wheels coincide with the middle position of the steering wheel 2. When the vehicle is going straight, the steering wheel 2 is centered.

[0067] After the vehicle is loaded, the steering gear centering unit automatically straightens the wheels. At this time, if the steering wheel 2 deflects and there is an angular deflection from the center of the instrument panel. Then, keep the vehicle in a stationary state and press the calibration button. The decoupling device 4 is powered on to disconnect the steering drive shaft 3 from the inner shaft 1 of the steering column. Among them, the processing module reads the second rotation angle signal of the angle sensor 7 due to the change in vehicle load, compares it with the first rotation angle signal of the steering wheel 2 at the zero position reference recorded at no-load, and calculates the compensation angle value. The output module inputs a torque to the angle regulator 5 according to the compensation angle value to push the inner shaft 1 of the steering column to rotate in the reverse direction to make up for it. At this time, the wheels are straightened, the steering wheel 2 is aligned with the center of the instrument panel, and the steering wheel 2 is centered. The wheels coincide with the middle position of the steering wheel 2, and the steering wheel 2 is in the zero position state under full load.

[0068] Press the calibration button again to deenergize the decoupling device 4, locking the steering drive shaft 3 and the steering column inner shaft 1. The steering system regains its rigid connection, allowing the vehicle to travel normally. After unloading, the vehicle returns to an unladen state, and the steering system returns to its unladen zero position. Press the reference button to restore the unladen steering wheel 2 to its initial zero reference position.

[0069] In addition, if the vehicle's cargo box is replaced, etc., which affects the arc height of the vehicle's unloaded front suspension, you can recalibrate the zero reference position of the unloaded steering wheel 2 by long pressing the reference button.

[0070] Therefore, the steering wheel 2 of existing commercial vehicles will experience angular deflection problems when it is unloaded or fully loaded. For some models, the deflection angle can be reduced by optimizing the design of the entire vehicle. However, from a structural analysis, it is impossible to completely avoid angular deflection from a design perspective for models that match a hydraulic steering gear and a front leaf spring suspension. It can only be reduced. The present invention, by using an electronic hydraulic power steering system or an electric power steering system, utilizes a simple configuration of the decoupling device 4, various modules of the controller, and a set of buttons, and can efficiently restore the steering wheel 2 to the center before and after loading and unloading with one click. This not only avoids mistakes caused by improper manual operation by users or maintenance stations, but also enables rapid response and intuitive feedback, making users feel convenient and intelligent, effectively enhancing product affinity and satisfaction, and enabling the device to be widely popularized and applied.

[0071] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like to indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0072] Throughout this specification, reference to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples" means that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0073] While embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, and that the scope of the invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A steering system device for steering wheel centering, characterized in that: include: The steering column assembly includes a steering column inner shaft and a steering column housing covered on the outside of the steering column inner shaft, wherein one end of the steering column inner shaft is connected to the steering wheel; A steering transmission shaft, one end of which is connected to a steering gear, and the other end of which is locked or decoupled with the other end of the inner shaft of the steering column via a decoupling device; A steering wheel centering unit, comprising an angle sensor, an angle adjuster, and a controller, wherein the angle sensor is disposed on the inner shaft of the steering column, the angle adjuster is disposed on the steering column housing, the angle sensor is used to detect a rotation angle signal of the inner shaft of the steering column, and the angle adjuster is used to drive the inner shaft of the steering column to rotate; The controller includes: an input module, a processing module and an output module; the input module is connected to the angle sensor and is used to receive the angle signal of the angle sensor; the processing module records the first angle signal when the steering wheel is in the center position when the vehicle is in an unloaded state, and derives a compensation angle between the first angle signal and the second angle signal of the angle sensor when the vehicle has a load change; the output module is connected to the decoupling device and is used to control the decoupling device to lock or decouple and, when decoupling, control the angle adjuster according to the compensation angle to drive the inner shaft of the steering column to rotate until the steering wheel is in the center position.

2. The steering system device for steering wheel centering according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: A reference button and a calibration button, both of which are electrically connected to the controller; The controller is configured such that: when the vehicle is in an unloaded state and the steering wheel is in the center position, the user long presses the reference button, and the processing module records the first rotation angle signal of the angle sensor as a zero position reference; When the steering wheel is in a deflected position due to a load change in the vehicle and the user presses the calibration button, the output module controls the decoupling device to decouple the steering transmission shaft and the steering column inner shaft, and controls the angle adjuster to drive the steering column inner shaft to rotate according to the compensation angle until the steering wheel is in the center position; Pressing the calibration button again controls the decoupling device to lock the steering column inner shaft and the steering transmission shaft.

3. The steering system device for steering wheel centering according to claim 2, characterized in that: The controller is further configured to: when the wheels are in a straight state and the steering wheel is in a centered position, the user can long press the reference button; when the wheels are in a straight state and the steering wheel is in a deflected position, the user can press the calibration button.

4. The steering system device for steering wheel centering according to claim 3, characterized in that: It also includes: a steering gear centering unit, the steering gear centering unit is used to adaptively control the automatic centering of the wheels; The steering gear centering unit is electrically connected to the controller, and the controller is configured such that: after the steering gear centering unit automatically centers the wheels, the controller operates when the user long presses the reference button or presses the calibration button.

5. A vehicle, characterized in that: include: A steering system device for steering wheel centering according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A control method for a steering system device for steering wheel centering according to claim 3, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: When the vehicle is in an unloaded state, the wheels are in a straight line and the steering wheel is in the center position, and the reference button is long pressed to record the first steering wheel angle signal; When the vehicle is in a loaded state, the wheels are in a straight state. If the steering wheel is in a deflected position, the calibration button is pressed to decouple the steering column inner shaft and the steering transmission shaft. According to the compensation angle between the second steering wheel angle signal and the first steering wheel angle signal, the angle adjuster drives the steering column inner shaft to rotate until the compensation angle reaches zero and stops rotating. Press the calibration button again, and the decoupling device locks the steering column inner shaft and the steering transmission shaft.

7. The control method for a steering system device for steering wheel centering according to claim 6, characterized in that: The following steps are also included: When the vehicle is restored from a loaded state to an unloaded state, the wheels are placed in a straight line, and the reference button is pressed, and the steering wheel is restored to the center position corresponding to the first turning angle signal state.

8. The control method for a steering system device for steering wheel centering according to claim 6, characterized in that: The control method further comprises the following steps: Pressing the calibration button for the first time powers on the decoupling device, which decouples the steering column inner shaft and the steering transmission shaft; pressing the calibration button again powers off the decoupling device, which locks the steering column inner shaft and the steering transmission shaft.

9. The control method for a steering system device for steering wheel centering according to claim 8, characterized in that: The control method further includes the following steps: when the vehicle is in motion, the decoupling device is powered off.

10. The control method for a steering system device for steering wheel centering according to claim 6, characterized in that: The control method further includes the following steps: when the vehicle is in a stationary state, pressing the reference button or the calibration button.

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