A steering column lock assembly, a steer-by-wire system and a vehicle

Abstract

The application relates to a steering column locking assembly, a steer-by-wire system and a vehicle. The steering column locking assembly comprises a column shell, a column shaft, an upper locking disc, a lower locking disc, a return spring and a driving mechanism. The upper locking disc is arranged at one end of the column shaft in the column shell. The lower locking disc is arranged opposite to the upper locking disc. The return spring is arranged between the lower locking disc and the column shell. The driving mechanism is connected with the lower locking disc. When the driving mechanism is in a power-off state, the return spring drives the lower locking disc to abut against the upper locking disc, so that the lower locking disc and the upper locking disc are locked and fixed. In the power-off state, the steering wheel cannot be freely rotated, so that the steering wheel can provide auxiliary force support to the driver when getting on the vehicle. Moreover, there is no angle difference between the upper locking disc and the lower locking disc.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle component manufacturing technology, specifically to a steering column locking assembly, a steer-by-wire system, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Steer-by-Wire (SBW) is an advanced system that controls steering electronically, eliminating the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the steering wheels and using electricity to achieve steering. In existing solutions, when the SBW system is powered down, the upper and lower locking discs are disconnected, allowing the steering wheel to turn freely without providing driver assistance. Furthermore, turning the steering wheel causes the upper locking disc to rotate as well, creating an angular difference between them. When the SBW system is powered on again, aligning the upper and lower locking discs takes a considerable amount of time, impacting the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One objective of this application is to provide a steering column locking assembly to solve the problem in the prior art where the upper locking disc and the lower locking disc disconnect when the steer-by-wire system is in a power-off state, thereby avoiding an angle difference between the upper and lower locking discs; a second objective is to provide a steer-by-wire system; and a third objective is to provide a vehicle.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted in this application is as follows:

[0005] A steering column locking assembly includes:

[0006] Tube casing;

[0007] A mandrel for the tubing column, which passes through the outer shell of the tubing column;

[0008] A locking plate is disposed at one end of the tubular mandrel located inside the tubular housing;

[0009] A lower locking plate is disposed inside the tubing housing and is opposite to the upper locking plate. The lower locking plate can move along the axial direction of the tubing housing.

[0010] At least one return spring is disposed between the tubular housing and the lower locking disc;

[0011] A drive mechanism is disposed inside the casing of the tubular column and is connected to the lower locking plate;

[0012] When the drive mechanism is in the off state, the return spring drives the lower locking plate to abut against the upper locking plate, so that the lower locking plate and the upper locking plate are locked and fixed; when the drive mechanism is in the on state, the drive mechanism drives the lower locking plate to separate from the upper locking plate, so that the lower locking plate and the upper locking plate are unlocked.

[0013] According to the above-mentioned technical means, since at least one return spring is provided between the lower locking disc and the column housing, when the drive mechanism is in the de-energized state, the elastic force of the return spring can drive the lower locking disc to abut against the upper locking disc, thereby locking the lower locking disc and the upper locking disc in place. When the drive mechanism is in the energized state, the drive mechanism drives the lower locking disc and the upper locking disc to separate, thereby unlocking the lower locking disc and the upper locking disc, thus ensuring the normal use of the steer-by-wire system. Compared with the prior art, in this embodiment, the steering wheel cannot rotate freely when the power is off, so the steering wheel can provide auxiliary force to support the driver when getting into the vehicle. Furthermore, it can also avoid the problem of an angle difference between the upper and lower locking discs caused by the rotation of the steering wheel when the power is off.

[0014] Furthermore, the lower locking plate is also provided with a mounting cavity, and the end of the mounting cavity opposite to the upper locking plate is provided with a mating groove; the driving mechanism includes a motor and a cam, the motor is connected to the tube column housing, the output end of the motor is connected to the cam, the cam is located in the mounting cavity, and the cam abuts against the mating groove;

[0015] When the drive mechanism is in the power-off state, the base circle of the cam abuts against the mating groove.

[0016] According to the aforementioned technical means, a mating groove is provided at the end of the mounting cavity away from the upper locking plate. The cam abuts against the mating groove, and when the drive mechanism is in the off state, the base circle of the cam abuts against the mating groove. Therefore, it can be ensured that when the drive mechanism is in the off state, the lower locking plate is in the highest position to lock and fix it with the upper locking plate. When the drive mechanism is in the on state, the motor drives the cam to rotate, and the radius of the cam abutting against the mating groove gradually increases, thereby driving the lower locking plate and the return spring to move away from the upper locking plate, so that the lower locking plate unlocks from the upper locking plate, ensuring the normal operation of the steer-by-wire system.

[0017] Furthermore, the cam is also provided with a limiting boss, and the mating groove is provided with an abutting protrusion. When the drive mechanism is powered on, the motor drives the cam to rotate so that the limiting boss abuts against the abutting protrusion.

[0018] According to the above-mentioned technical means, the further rotation of the cam can be limited by the contact between the limiting boss and the abutting protrusion, thereby limiting the downward movement of the lower locking plate.

[0019] Furthermore, the lower locking plate is provided with a plurality of fixing grooves, which are spaced apart along the circumference of the lower locking plate. A plurality of return springs are provided, and each of the plurality of return springs corresponds to one of the plurality of fixing grooves.

[0020] By using the above-mentioned technical means, multiple return springs are spaced apart along the circumference of the lower locking plate, which can ensure the uniformity of force on each part of the lower locking plate and prevent the lower locking plate from tilting when it moves toward the upper locking plate under the elastic force of the return spring, thereby ensuring the stability of the locking between the lower and upper locking plates.

[0021] Furthermore, a first guide post is provided in the fixing groove, a second guide post is provided in the outer shell of the tube column, the first end of the return spring is sleeved on the first guide post, and the second end of the return spring is sleeved on the second guide post.

[0022] According to the above technical means, since the two ends of the return spring are respectively sleeved on the first guide post and the second guide post, the deformation direction of the return spring can be guided by the first guide post and the second guide post, thus preventing the return spring from falling out of the fixing groove.

[0023] Furthermore, the upper locking plate has an upper locking part at one end facing the lower locking plate; the lower locking plate has a lower locking part at one end facing the upper locking plate.

[0024] When the drive mechanism is in the power-off state, the upper locking part cooperates with the lower locking part to lock the lower locking plate and the upper locking plate in place.

[0025] According to the above technical means, since an upper locking part is provided at the end of the upper locking plate facing the lower locking plate, and an upper locking part is provided at the end of the lower locking plate facing the upper locking plate, the lower locking plate and the upper locking plate can be locked and fixed by the connection and cooperation of the upper locking part and the lower locking part.

[0026] Furthermore, the upper locking portion includes a plurality of upper locking protrusions, which are spaced apart circumferentially along the upper locking disc; the lower locking portion includes a plurality of lower locking protrusions, which are spaced apart circumferentially along the lower locking disc.

[0027] When the drive mechanism is in the power-off state, the lower locking protrusion is inserted between two adjacent upper locking protrusions to lock the lower locking plate and the upper locking plate in place.

[0028] According to the above technical means, when the return spring drives the lower locking plate to abut against the upper locking plate, the lower locking protrusion on the lower locking plate can be inserted between the two upper locking protrusions on the corresponding upper locking plate, thereby locking and fixing the lower locking plate and the upper locking plate.

[0029] Furthermore, the inner wall of the tubular casing is provided with a guide groove, and the outer periphery of the lower locking disc is provided with a guide rib, which is located in the guide groove.

[0030] According to the above technical means, by cooperating with the guide rib on the outer periphery of the lower locking plate and the guide groove on the inner wall of the pipe column housing, the lower locking plate can be guided to move up and down along the axial direction of the pipe column housing, while avoiding tilting when the lower locking plate moves.

[0031] A steer-by-wire system includes a steering column locking assembly as described in any of the above descriptions.

[0032] Because the steer-by-wire system in this embodiment employs the aforementioned steering column locking assembly, the steering wheel cannot rotate freely when the power is off, allowing the steering wheel to provide auxiliary force to the driver for getting into the vehicle. Furthermore, it avoids the problem of an angle difference between the upper and lower locking discs caused by steering wheel rotation when the power is off.

[0033] A vehicle including the steer-by-wire system as described above.

[0034] Because the vehicle in this embodiment uses the aforementioned steer-by-wire system, the steering wheel cannot turn freely when the system is powered off, but the steering wheel can still provide assistance to the driver when getting into the vehicle. Furthermore, it avoids the problem of an angle difference between the upper and lower locking discs caused by steering wheel rotation when the system is powered off. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a simplified structural diagram of a steering column locking assembly provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 2 A simplified diagram of the mating structure of the cam and the lower locking disc provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 3 A simplified structural diagram of the locking disc provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 4 A simplified structural diagram of the lower locking disc provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 5 A flowchart of a control method for a steer-by-wire system provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0040] Figure label:

[0041] 100 - Tube casing; 110 - Second guide post; 120 - Guide groove; 130 - Clearance groove;

[0042] 200-Section Mandrel;

[0043] 300 - Locking stop disc; 310 - Locking stop protrusion;

[0044] 400-Lower locking plate; 410-Mounting cavity; 411-Matching groove; 412-Abutting protrusion; 420-Fixing groove; 421-First guide post; 430-Lower locking protrusion; 440-Guide rib;

[0045] 500-Return Spring;

[0046] 600 - Drive mechanism; 610 - Motor; 611 - Motor output shaft; 620 - Cam; 621 - Limiting boss; 622 - Assembly hole;

[0047] X - First direction; Y - Second direction; Z - Third direction. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this application from the content disclosed in this specification. This application can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of this application. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments are only for illustrating this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0049] It should be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic representations of the basic concept of this application. Therefore, the drawings only show the components related to this application and are not drawn according to the actual number, shape and size of the components in the actual implementation. In the actual implementation, the form, quantity and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed, and the layout of the components may also be more complex.

[0050] As described in the background section, in the related technology, when the steer-by-wire system is powered down, the upper and lower locking discs are disconnected. At this time, the steering wheel can rotate freely, but it cannot provide driver assistance for getting into the vehicle. Furthermore, turning the steering wheel causes the upper locking disc to rotate as well, resulting in an angular difference between the upper and lower locking discs. When the steer-by-wire system is powered on, aligning the upper and lower locking discs takes a considerable amount of time, impacting the user experience.

[0051] In view of this, the embodiments of this application aim to provide a steering column locking assembly, a steer-by-wire system, and a vehicle. When powered down, a return spring causes the lower locking disc to abut against the upper locking disc, locking them in place and preventing the steering wheel from turning, thus providing assistance to the driver for getting into the vehicle. Furthermore, it avoids the problem of an angle difference between the upper and lower locking discs caused by steering wheel rotation when powered down. When powered on, a drive mechanism causes the lower and upper locking discs to separate, unlocking them and allowing the steering wheel to turn, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the steer-by-wire system.

[0052] In the description of this embodiment, the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z are three different directions in three-dimensional space. The first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z can be perpendicular to each other. The first direction X and the second direction Y can be, for example, two mutually perpendicular radial directions of the tubular housing 100, and the third direction Z can be, for example, the axial direction of the tubular housing 100.

[0053] Please refer to Figures 1-4 This embodiment provides a steering column locking assembly, including:

[0054] The tubing housing 100. Exemplarily, the tubing housing 100 is generally cylindrical and has a cavity formed therein for mounting other components.

[0055] A column mandrel 200 is inserted through a column housing 100. For example, the column mandrel 200 can be inserted through the column housing 100 in a third direction Z. One end of the column mandrel 200 located outside the column housing 100 can be connected to the steering wheel, and the column mandrel 200 can rotate together with the steering wheel.

[0056] A locking disc 300 is disposed at one end of the column mandrel 200 located inside the column housing 100. Exemplarily, the locking disc 300 is generally disc-shaped and can be integrally formed with the column mandrel 200, or it can be locked and fixed to the column mandrel 200 by fasteners such as bolts.

[0057] A lower locking plate 400 is disposed within the tubing housing 100 and opposite to the upper locking plate 300. The lower locking plate 400 is movable along the axial direction of the tubing housing 100. For example, the upper locking plate 300 and the lower locking plate 400 are disposed opposite each other along the third direction Z. The lower locking plate 400 is movably disposed within the tubing housing 100 and can move up and down along the third direction Z, thereby causing the upper locking plate 300 to contact or separate from the lower locking plate 400.

[0058] At least one return spring 500 is disposed between the column housing 100 and the lower locking plate 400. Exemplarily, the return spring 500 may be disposed on the side of the lower locking plate 400 opposite to the upper locking plate 300. A first end of the return spring 500 abuts against the lower locking plate 400 and may be fixedly connected to the end of the lower locking plate 400 opposite to the upper locking plate 300, for example, by welding. A second end of the return spring 500 abuts against the column housing 100 and may be fixedly connected to the column housing 100 below the lower locking plate 400, for example, by welding. The return spring 500 may extend or shorten in the third direction Z.

[0059] A drive mechanism 600 is disposed within the column housing 100 and connected to the lower locking plate 400. The drive mechanism 600 can drive the lower locking plate 400 to move in a third direction Z. Exemplarily, the drive mechanism 600 may include components such as a motor, hydraulic cylinder, or pneumatic cylinder, and can be connected to the lower locking plate 400 through components such as a cam, gear rack, or piston rod.

[0060] Specifically, in this embodiment, the return spring 500 can always be in a pre-tensioned state. When the drive mechanism 600 is powered off, the elastic force of the return spring 500 drives the lower locking plate 400 to move towards the upper locking plate 300, and the lower locking plate 400 abuts against the upper locking plate 300 to lock them in place. It can be understood that when the drive mechanism 600 is powered off, this embodiment relies solely on the elastic force of the return spring 500 to maintain the lower locking plate 400 and the upper locking plate 300 in a relatively locked state, without the need for any other external force, thus helping to reduce wear and tear and save costs.

[0061] When the drive mechanism 600 is powered on, it moves the lower locking plate 400 away from the upper locking plate 300, thus separating the lower locking plate 400 from the upper locking plate 300 and unlocking them. Simultaneously, the movement of the lower locking plate 400 also compresses the return spring 500, allowing the return spring 500 to store elastic potential energy.

[0062] As described above, in this embodiment, at least one return spring 500 is provided at the end of the lower locking disc 400 opposite to the upper locking disc 300. When the drive mechanism 600 is in the de-energized state, the elastic force of the return spring 500 can drive the lower locking disc 400 to abut against the upper locking disc 300, thereby locking the lower locking disc 400 and the upper locking disc 300 together. When the drive mechanism 600 is in the energized state, the drive mechanism 600 drives the lower locking disc 400 to separate from the upper locking disc 300, thereby unlocking the lower locking disc 400 and the upper locking disc 300 and ensuring the normal use of the steer-by-wire system. Compared with the prior art, in this embodiment, the steering wheel cannot rotate freely in the de-energized state, so the steering wheel can provide auxiliary force to support the driver when getting into the vehicle. Furthermore, it can also avoid the problem of an angle difference between the upper locking disc 300 and the lower locking disc 400 caused by the rotation of the steering wheel in the de-energized state.

[0063] Please continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, the lower locking plate 400 is further provided with a mounting cavity 410, which can be located on the side of the lower locking plate 400 opposite to the upper locking plate 300. The end of the mounting cavity 410 opposite to the upper locking plate 300 is provided with a mating groove 411, which is used for... Figure 1 and Figure 2 It is understandable that the mating groove 411 can be located at the bottom end of the mounting cavity 410 along the third direction Z.

[0064] The drive mechanism 600 includes a motor 610 and a cam 620. The motor 610 is connected to the column housing 100, and the output end of the motor 610 is connected to the cam 620. The cam 620 is located in the mounting cavity 410 and abuts against the mating groove 411. For example, in this embodiment, the motor 610 can be mounted on the column housing 100 below the lower locking disc 400. The motor 610 can be located on one side of the cam 620 along the first direction X. The motor 610 can be connected to the cam 620 via the motor output shaft 611. When the motor 610 rotates, it can drive the cam 620 to rotate in the plane formed by the second direction Y and the third direction Z, thereby moving the lower locking disc 400 via the cam 620. Understandably, to avoid interference between the lower locking plate 400 and the motor 610 and motor output shaft 611 when the lower locking plate 400 moves up and down along the third direction Z, a clearance hole can be opened at the end of the mounting cavity 410 away from the upper locking plate 300, so that part of the motor 610 can be inserted into the clearance hole; and the motor output shaft 611 is positioned between the lower locking plate 400 and the column housing 100, and sufficient clearance is reserved between the motor output shaft 611 and the lower locking plate 400 to avoid interference between the lower locking plate 400 and the motor output shaft 611 when the lower locking plate 400 moves.

[0065] Figure 2The diagram illustrates the engagement structure of the cam 620 and the lower locking disc 400 when the drive mechanism 600 is powered off. In this embodiment, when the drive mechanism 600 is powered off (i.e., when the motor 610 is powered off), the base circle of the cam 620 abuts against the mating groove 411. In other words, when the drive mechanism 600 is powered off, the point on the surface of the cam 620 closest to the rotation center of the cam 620 abuts against the mating groove 411. At this time, the lower locking disc 400 is at its highest position in the third direction Z, and the lower locking disc 400 is locked and fixed with the upper locking disc 300, preventing the steering wheel from rotating freely.

[0066] When the drive mechanism 600 is powered on, the motor 610 drives the cam 620 to rotate. The radius of the cam 620 surface that abuts against the mating groove 411 gradually increases, thereby driving the lower locking disc 400 to move downward along the third direction Z, so that the lower locking disc 400 separates from the upper locking disc 300, and the steering wheel can rotate freely, ensuring the normal use of the steer-by-wire system.

[0067] When the motor 610 is de-energized, the elastic force of the return spring 500 causes the lower locking disc 400 to move towards the upper locking disc 300. At the same time, the lower locking disc 400 causes the cam 620 to rotate in the opposite direction, ultimately causing the cam 620 to return to its original position. Figure 2 The location shown.

[0068] For example, in this embodiment, the mating groove 411 can protrude from the lower locking plate 400, and the column housing 100 located below the lower locking plate 400 can also be provided with a relief groove 130. When the lower locking plate 400 moves downward, at least part of the mating groove 411 can enter the relief groove 130, thereby avoiding interference between the lower locking plate 400 and the column housing 100.

[0069] According to the above technical means, in this embodiment, a mating groove 411 is provided at the end of the mounting cavity 410 away from the upper locking plate 300, so that the cam 620 abuts against the mating groove 411. When the drive mechanism 600 is in the off state, the base circle of the cam 620 abuts against the mating groove 411. Therefore, it can be ensured that when the drive mechanism 600 is in the off state, the lower locking plate 400 is in the highest position so as to lock and fix it with the upper locking plate 300. When the drive mechanism 600 is in the energized state, the motor 610 drives the cam 620 to rotate, and the radius of the cam 620 abutting against the mating groove 411 gradually increases, thereby driving the lower locking plate 400 and the return spring 500 to move away from the upper locking plate 300 together, so that the lower locking plate 400 is unlocked from the upper locking plate 300, ensuring the normal use of the steering-by-wire system.

[0070] Please continue to refer to Figure 2In this embodiment, the cam is also provided with a limiting boss 621 and a mounting hole 622. The motor output shaft 611 can pass through the mounting hole 622, thereby realizing the connection between the motor 610 and the cam 620. The limiting boss 621 can be located at the end of the cam 620 away from the base circle. The mating groove 411 is provided with an abutment protrusion 412. The abutment protrusion 412 and the limiting boss 621 can be located on the same side of the cam 620 along the second direction Y. When the drive mechanism 600 is powered on, the motor 610 drives the cam 620 to rotate, so that the limiting boss 621 abuts against the abutment protrusion 412. When the limiting boss 621 abuts against the abutment protrusion 412, it will prevent the cam 620 from continuing to rotate, thereby keeping the cam 620 in its current position, and the corresponding lower locking plate 400 cannot continue to move downward. That is to say, the cooperation between the limiting boss 621 and the abutment protrusion 412 can limit the maximum downward stroke of the lower locking plate 400.

[0071] According to the above technical means, the abutment between the limiting boss 621 and the abutting protrusion 412 can be used to limit the further rotation of the cam 620, thereby limiting the downward movement of the lower locking plate 400.

[0072] Please continue to refer to Figure 1 In this embodiment, the lower locking plate 400 is provided with a plurality of fixing slots 420, which are spaced apart along the circumference of the lower locking plate 400. For example, the plurality of fixing slots 420 can be equally spaced along the circumference of the lower locking plate 400. A plurality of return springs 500 are provided, and each return spring 500 corresponds one-to-one with a fixing slot 420, and each return spring 500 is disposed in a fixing slot 420 to which it is adapted.

[0073] Based on the above technical means, in this embodiment, multiple return springs 500 are spaced apart along the circumference of the lower locking plate 400, which can ensure the uniformity of force on each part of the lower locking plate 400 and prevent the lower locking plate 400 from tilting when it moves toward the upper locking plate 300 under the elastic force of the return springs 500, thereby ensuring the stability of the locking between the lower locking plate 400 and the upper locking plate 300.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a first guide post 421 is provided in the fixing groove 420, a second guide post 110 is provided in the tube column housing 100, the first end of the return spring 500 is sleeved on the first guide post 421, and the second end of the return spring 500 is sleeved on the second guide post 110.

[0075] According to the above technical means, since the two ends of the return spring 500 are respectively sleeved on the first guide post 421 and the second guide post 110, the deformation direction of the return spring 500 can be guided by the first guide post 421 and the second guide post 110, thus preventing the return spring 500 from falling out of the fixing groove 420.

[0076] Please continue to refer to Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 In this embodiment, the upper locking plate 300 has an upper locking portion at one end facing the lower locking plate 400. The lower locking plate 400 has a lower locking portion at one end facing the upper locking plate 300.

[0077] When the drive mechanism 600 is powered off, the upper locking part and the lower locking part cooperate to lock the lower locking plate 400 and the upper locking plate 300 in place. For example, when the drive mechanism 600 is powered off, the upper locking part and the lower locking part can be connected and fixed through abutment, insertion, and / or locking mechanisms, thereby ensuring that the lower locking plate 400 and the upper locking plate 300 are locked in place.

[0078] According to the above technical means, since an upper locking part is provided at one end of the upper locking plate 300 facing the lower locking plate 400, and an upper locking part is provided at one end of the lower locking plate 400 facing the upper locking plate 300, the lower locking plate 400 and the upper locking plate 300 can be locked and fixed by the connection and cooperation of the upper locking part and the lower locking part.

[0079] Specifically, the upper locking portion of this embodiment includes a plurality of upper locking protrusions 310, which are spaced apart circumferentially along the upper locking disc 300, and an upper locking groove is formed between two adjacent upper locking protrusions 310. The lower locking portion includes a plurality of lower locking protrusions 430, which are spaced apart circumferentially along the lower locking disc 400, and a lower locking groove is formed between two adjacent lower locking protrusions 430. Along the third direction Z, the upper locking protrusions 310 correspond to the lower locking grooves and are fitted one-to-one; the lower locking protrusions 430 correspond to the upper locking grooves and are fitted one-to-one.

[0080] When the drive mechanism 600 is in the energized state, under the elastic force of the return spring 500, the lower locking protrusion 430 is inserted between two adjacent upper locking protrusions 310, and the upper locking protrusion 310 is inserted between two adjacent lower locking protrusions 430. The lower locking protrusion 430 and the upper locking protrusion 310 abut against each other in the circumferential direction of the column housing 100, so that the lower locking plate 400 and the upper locking plate 300 are locked and fixed.

[0081] According to the above technical means, when the return spring 500 of this embodiment drives the lower locking plate 400 to abut against the upper locking plate 300, the lower locking protrusion 430 on the lower locking plate 400 can be inserted between the two upper locking protrusions 310 on the corresponding upper locking plate 300, thereby locking and fixing the lower locking plate 400 and the upper locking plate 300.

[0082] Please continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4In this embodiment, the inner wall of the column housing 100 is provided with a guide groove 120, and the outer periphery of the lower locking plate 400 is provided with a guide rib 440, which is located in the guide groove 120.

[0083] For example, the guide groove 120 can be provided along a third direction Z, and two guide grooves 120 can be provided, which are disposed opposite to each other on the inner wall of the column housing 100 along the first direction X. Two guide ribs 440 can also be provided, which are respectively located on both sides of the lower locking disc 400 along the first direction X. The two guide ribs 440 are respectively located within the two guide grooves 120 and can slide along the guide grooves 120.

[0084] According to the above technical means, in this embodiment, the guide rib 440 on the outer periphery of the lower locking plate 400 and the guide groove 120 on the inner wall of the column housing 100 can guide the lower locking plate 400 to move up and down along the axial direction of the column housing 100, while avoiding tilting of the lower locking plate 400 when it moves.

[0085] This embodiment also provides a steer-by-wire system, including the aforementioned steering column locking assembly.

[0086] Specifically, a steer-by-wire system may include, for example, a steering column locking assembly and a steering wheel. The steering wheel is connected to one end of the column spindle located outside the column housing. The motor of the drive mechanism can communicate with the vehicle controller, which is used to acquire information, etc.

[0087] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating the control method for a steer-by-wire system is shown. Figure 5 As shown, the steer-by-wire system control method of this embodiment includes:

[0088] Step S110: Obtain the vehicle status signal and the driver's seat status signal.

[0089] For example, the vehicle's status signal may include ignition status (i.e., the vehicle is in the "On" position) and ignition-off status (i.e., the vehicle is in the "Off" position). The driver's seat status signal may include whether there is a driver or not, and the driver's seat status signal can be obtained through the driver's seat gravity sensor.

[0090] Step S120: Based on the vehicle's status signal and the driver's seat status signal, send corresponding control commands to the motor to make the motor enter the power-off state or the power-on state.

[0091] For example, when the vehicle is off, the vehicle controller sends a power-off command to the motor, causing the motor to be powered off. At this time, the elastic force of the return spring locks the lower locking disc and the upper locking disc in place, preventing the steering wheel from turning.

[0092] When the vehicle is in the ignition state, the vehicle controller further acquires the status signal of the driver's seat.

[0093] If there is no driver in the driver's seat, the vehicle controller sends a power-off command to the motor, putting the motor in a powered-off state. At this time, the elastic force of the return spring locks the lower locking disc and the upper locking disc in place, and the steering wheel cannot be turned.

[0094] If there is a driver in the driver's seat, the vehicle controller sends a power-on command to the motor, putting the motor into a powered-on state. At this time, the motor drives the drive components to move, which in turn moves the lower locking disc toward the side opposite to the upper locking disc, unlocking the lower locking disc from the upper locking disc, and the steering wheel can be turned.

[0095] Because the steer-by-wire system in this embodiment employs the aforementioned steering column locking assembly, the steering wheel cannot rotate freely when the power is off, allowing the steering wheel to provide auxiliary force to the driver for getting into the vehicle. Furthermore, it avoids the problem of an angle difference between the upper and lower locking discs caused by steering wheel rotation when the power is off.

[0096] This embodiment also provides a vehicle including the above-described steer-by-wire system.

[0097] Because the vehicle in this embodiment uses the aforementioned steer-by-wire system, the steering wheel cannot turn freely when the system is powered off, but the steering wheel can still provide assistance to the driver when getting into the vehicle. Furthermore, it avoids the problem of an angle difference between the upper and lower locking discs caused by steering wheel rotation when the system is powered off.

[0098] The above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments provided to fully illustrate this application, and the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art based on this application are all within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A steering column locking assembly, characterized in that, include: Tube casing (100); A mandrel (200) is inserted through the outer casing (100) of the tubular column. A locking stop plate (300) is disposed at one end of the column mandrel (200) located inside the column housing (100); The lower locking plate (400) is disposed inside the tubing housing (100) and is disposed opposite to the upper locking plate (300). The lower locking plate (400) can move along the axial direction of the tubing housing (100). At least one return spring (500) is disposed between the column housing (100) and the lower locking disc (400); A drive mechanism (600) is disposed inside the column housing (100) and connected to the lower locking plate (400); When the drive mechanism (600) is powered off, the return spring (500) drives the lower locking plate (400) to abut against the upper locking plate (300) so that the lower locking plate (400) and the upper locking plate (300) are locked and fixed; when the drive mechanism (600) is powered on, the drive mechanism (600) drives the lower locking plate (400) to separate from the upper locking plate (300) so that the lower locking plate (400) and the upper locking plate (300) are unlocked.

2. The steering column locking assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower locking plate (400) is further provided with a mounting cavity (410), and the mounting cavity (410) is provided with a mating groove (411) at one end away from the upper locking plate (300); the drive mechanism (600) includes a motor (610) and a cam (620), the motor (610) is connected to the column housing (100), the output end of the motor (610) is connected to the cam (620), the cam (620) is located in the mounting cavity (410), and the cam (620) abuts against the mating groove (411); When the drive mechanism (600) is powered off, the base circle of the cam (620) abuts against the mating groove (411).

3. The steering column locking assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cam (620) is also provided with a limiting boss (621), and the mating groove (411) is provided with an abutting protrusion (412). When the drive mechanism (600) is powered on, the motor (610) drives the cam (620) to rotate so that the limiting boss (621) abuts against the abutting protrusion (412).

4. The steering column locking assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower locking plate (400) is provided with a plurality of fixing grooves (420), which are spaced apart along the circumference of the lower locking plate (400). There are a plurality of return springs (500), and each of the plurality of return springs (500) corresponds to one of the plurality of fixing grooves (420).

5. The steering column locking assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The fixing groove (420) is provided with a first guide post (421), the tube column housing (100) is provided with a second guide post (110), the first end of the return spring (500) is sleeved on the first guide post (421), and the second end of the return spring (500) is sleeved on the second guide post (110).

6. The steering column locking assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper locking plate (300) has an upper locking part at one end facing the lower locking plate (400); the lower locking plate (400) has a lower locking part at one end facing the upper locking plate (300); When the drive mechanism (600) is in the power-off state, the upper locking part cooperates with the lower locking part to lock the lower locking plate (400) and the upper locking plate (300) in place.

7. The steering column locking assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The upper locking portion includes a plurality of upper locking protrusions (310), which are spaced apart circumferentially along the upper locking disc (300); the lower locking portion includes a plurality of lower locking protrusions (430), which are spaced apart circumferentially along the lower locking disc (400). When the drive mechanism (600) is powered off, the lower locking protrusion (430) is inserted between two adjacent upper locking protrusions (310) to lock the lower locking disc (400) and the upper locking disc (300) in place.

8. The steering column locking assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the tubular casing (100) is provided with a guide groove (120), and the outer periphery of the lower locking disc (400) is provided with a guide rib (440), which is located in the guide groove (120).

9. A steer-by-wire system, characterized in that, Includes the steering column locking assembly as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the steer-by-wire system as described in claim 9.

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