Safety interlocking control method of electric adjusting steering column, vehicle and storage medium

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of vehicles, and discloses a safety interlocking control method of an electric adjusting steering column, a vehicle and a storage medium, the safety interlocking control method of the electric adjusting steering column comprises the electric adjusting steering column, the electric adjusting steering column is provided with a steering wheel quick release structure, and the safety interlocking control method comprises the steps that whether the steering wheel quick release structure is in a locked state or not is judged; when the steering wheel quick release structure is in a locked state, the electric adjusting function of the electric adjusting steering column is controlled to be started; judging whether the steering wheel quick release structure works in an abnormal state or not; when the steering wheel quick-release structure works in an abnormal state, the electric adjusting function of the electric adjusting steering column is controlled to be closed, and a lead screw in the electric adjusting steering column is controlled to be locked, so that the situation that the electric adjusting function of the steering wheel is started by mistake when the steering wheel quick-release structure is not locked is avoided; and safety accidents caused by mistaken starting of the steering wheel quick release structure in the electric adjusting process of the steering wheel can be prevented.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicles, and more particularly to a safety interlock control method for electrically adjustable steering columns, vehicles, and storage media. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing intelligence and personalization of automotive steering systems, the combination of electrically adjustable steering columns and quick-release steering wheel technology is becoming more and more widely used. However, in existing technologies, the electric adjustment function and the quick-release function are mostly controlled independently without establishing a safety interlock logic, which poses a safety risk. When the steering wheel quick-release mechanism is not completely locked, such as when the user does not tighten the steering wheel after replacement, if the electric adjustment button is accidentally triggered, the steering column may easily cause the steering wheel to deviate or even fall off during the movement. Alternatively, when the electrically adjustable steering column is in the adjustment process, such as when the driver adjusts the steering column height, if the quick-release mechanism is suddenly unlocked due to vibration, accidental touch, or other factors, the steering wheel will lose its fixed support, which may lead to a driving safety accident. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention aims to solve the technical problems existing in the background art mentioned above, and proposes a safety interlock control method, vehicle and storage medium for electrically adjustable steering column, which can associate the electrically adjustable steering column with the electric steering wheel quick-release structure to improve the safety of the steering wheel position adjustment function and disassembly function.

[0004] A safety interlock control method for an electrically adjustable steering column according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an electrically adjustable steering column, wherein the electrically adjustable steering column is provided with a steering wheel quick-release structure, characterized in that it includes: Determine whether the steering wheel quick-release structure is in a locked state; When the steering wheel quick-release structure is in a locked state, the electric adjustment function of the electric adjustable steering column is activated. Determine whether the steering wheel quick-release structure is in an abnormal working state; When the steering wheel quick-release structure is in an abnormal working state, the electric adjustment function of the electric adjustable steering column is turned off, and the lead screw inside the electric adjustable steering column is locked.

[0005] This technical solution has at least the following beneficial effects: Before using the electric adjustment function of the electrically adjustable steering column, it is necessary to first determine whether the steering wheel quick-release structure is locked. If the steering wheel quick-release structure is locked, and the electric adjustment function is then activated, the quick-release structure may suddenly unlock due to factors such as vibration and accidental activation. Therefore, it is necessary to determine whether the quick-release structure is in an abnormal state. If the quick-release structure is in an abnormal state, the electric adjustment function of the electrically adjustable steering column is turned off, and the position of the steering wheel can no longer be adjusted. Furthermore, the lead screw used for movable adjustment inside the electrically adjustable steering column is locked to ensure that the electric adjustment function is locked. In this way, the functional state of the electrically adjustable steering column is correlated with the functional state of the steering wheel quick-release structure, which helps to avoid accidental activation of the electric adjustment function of the steering wheel when the quick-release structure is not locked. It also helps to prevent safety accidents caused by accidental activation of the quick-release structure during the electric adjustment of the steering wheel, thereby improving overall safety.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the abnormal state includes the quick-release structure of the steering wheel being unlocked and abnormal vibration. The step of determining whether the working state of the quick-release structure of the steering wheel is in an abnormal state includes: Determine whether the steering wheel quick-release structure is unlocked or vibrating abnormally.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, after the control activates the electric adjustment function of the electric adjustable steering column, the method further includes: Determine whether the steering wheel quick-release structure function is enabled; When the steering wheel quick-release structure function is activated, determine whether the electric adjustment function of the electric adjustable steering column is in the activated state. When the electric adjustment function of the electrically adjustable steering column is in the on state, the electric adjustment function of the electrically adjustable steering column is stopped, and the current steering column position is recorded. After lowering the drive steering column to the preset position, release the steering wheel lock; Check that the steering wheel has been reinstalled correctly. Once the steering wheel is reinstalled, the control locks the quick-release mechanism of the steering wheel and resets the drive steering column according to the current steering column position.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, after the control activates the electric adjustment function of the electric adjustable steering column, the method further includes: When the electric adjustment function of the electrically adjustable steering column is not in the activated state, the steering wheel is unlocked after the drive steering column is lowered to the preset position.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, after the control activates the electric adjustment function of the electric adjustable steering column, the method further includes: An alarm will be issued if the steering wheel is not properly reinstalled.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, When the steering wheel quick-release structure is not in the locked state, the electric adjustment function of the electric adjustable steering column is turned off.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the present invention further includes: Issue an alarm notification; Repeat the process of determining whether the steering wheel quick-release structure is in a locked state.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the present invention further includes: When the steering wheel quick-release structure is not in an abnormal working state, the electric adjustment function of the electric adjustable steering column is activated and adjusted to the target position.

[0013] A vehicle according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a memory, a processor, and a program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the program, when executed by the processor, implements the above-described safety interlock control method for electrically adjustable steering columns.

[0014] This technical solution has at least the following beneficial effects: In this vehicle, since the vehicle can use the above-mentioned safety interlock control method for electrically adjustable steering column, the functional state of the electrically adjustable steering column can be correlated with the functional state of the steering wheel quick-release structure. This helps to avoid the accidental activation of the electric adjustment function of the steering wheel when the steering wheel quick-release structure is not locked, and also helps to prevent safety accidents caused by the accidental activation of the steering wheel quick-release structure during the electric adjustment of the steering wheel, thereby improving driving safety.

[0015] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions for causing a computer to perform the above-described safety interlock control method for electrically adjustable steering columns.

[0016] The technical solution has at least the following beneficial effects: the above-mentioned safety interlock control method for electrically adjustable steering column can be implemented as a computer program and tangibly contained in a computer-readable storage medium. When the processor uses this computer-readable storage medium to implement the function of quick-release or position adjustment of the steering wheel, the functional state of the electrically adjustable steering column is correlated with the functional state of the steering wheel quick-release structure. This helps to avoid the accidental activation of the electric adjustment function of the steering wheel when the steering wheel quick-release structure is not locked, and also helps to prevent safety accidents caused by the accidental activation of the steering wheel quick-release structure during the electric adjustment of the steering wheel, thereby improving the overall safety of use.

[0017] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly explained below. Obviously, the described drawings are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. Those skilled in the art can obtain other design schemes and drawings based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the safety interlock control method for the electrically adjustable steering column of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the present invention when the steering wheel quick-release structure is not in a locked state. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0022] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0023] In the description of this invention, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0024] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "set up," "install," and "connect" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0025] Reference Figure 1 According to a first aspect of the present invention, a safety interlock control method for an electrically adjustable steering column includes an electrically adjustable steering column, wherein the electrically adjustable steering column is provided with a steering wheel quick-release structure, characterized in that it includes, but is not limited to, the following steps: Step S100: Determine whether the steering wheel quick-release mechanism is locked. This can be detected using a Hall effect sensor.

[0026] When the steering wheel quick-release mechanism is locked, proceed to step S200 to activate the electric adjustment function of the electrically adjustable steering column. While ensuring the steering wheel is locked by the quick-release mechanism, electric adjustment of the electrically adjustable steering column is permitted.

[0027] Step S300: Determine if the steering wheel quick-release mechanism is in an abnormal state. This mainly involves testing parameters such as height, angle, and abnormal vibration within the steering wheel quick-release mechanism.

[0028] When the steering wheel quick-release mechanism malfunctions, proceed to step S410 to disable the electric adjustment function of the electrically adjustable steering column and lock the lead screw inside the electrically adjustable steering column. When the measured parameters such as height, angle, or abnormal vibration exceed preset values, the lead screw inside the electrically adjustable steering column is locked by ejecting a brake pin, thus restricting the electric adjustment function of the electrically adjustable steering column.

[0029] As mentioned above, before using the electric adjustment function of the electrically adjustable steering column, it is necessary to first determine whether the steering wheel quick-release mechanism is locked. If the steering wheel quick-release mechanism is locked, and the electric adjustment function is then activated, the quick-release mechanism may suddenly unlock due to factors such as vibration and accidental activation. Therefore, it is necessary to determine whether the steering wheel quick-release mechanism is in an abnormal state. If the steering wheel quick-release mechanism is in an abnormal state, the electric adjustment function of the electrically adjustable steering column should be turned off, and the position of the steering wheel should no longer be adjusted. Furthermore, the lead screw used for movable adjustment inside the electrically adjustable steering column should be locked to ensure that the electric adjustment function is locked. This correlation between the functional state of the electrically adjustable steering column and the functional state of the steering wheel quick-release mechanism helps to prevent accidental activation of the electric adjustment function when the steering wheel quick-release mechanism is not locked, and also helps to prevent safety accidents caused by accidental activation of the steering wheel quick-release mechanism during electric steering wheel adjustment, thereby improving overall safety.

[0030] In step S300, abnormal states include the quick-release mechanism of the steering wheel being unlocked and abnormal vibration. Determining whether the working state of the quick-release mechanism of the steering wheel is in an abnormal state includes, but is not limited to, the following steps: determining whether the quick-release mechanism of the steering wheel is unlocked or experiencing abnormal vibration. A Hall effect sensor can be used to detect whether the quick-release mechanism is unlocked, a photoelectric sensor can be used to detect the electric adjustment position, and a piezoelectric sensor can be used to detect abnormal vibration in the quick-release mechanism. When either the quick-release mechanism is unlocked or abnormal vibration occurs, the working state of the quick-release mechanism is abnormal. In this case, manual troubleshooting is required, followed by unlocking and resetting the lead screw in the electric adjustment steering column, and then the system re-detects and determines the working state of the quick-release mechanism.

[0031] In step S200, after controlling the activation of the electric adjustment function of the electric adjustable steering column, in the above embodiment, the main function is to determine whether to continue using the electric adjustment function based on the working status of the steering wheel quick-release structure. When using the steering wheel quick-release function, the following steps are also included, but are not limited to: Step S510: Determine whether the steering wheel quick-release mechanism function is enabled. Determine whether an instruction requiring the steering wheel quick-release function has been received.

[0032] When the steering wheel quick-release structure function is activated, that is, when an instruction is received that the steering wheel quick-release function needs to be performed, step S520 is entered to determine whether the electric adjustment function of the electric adjustable steering column is in the activated state.

[0033] When the electric adjustment function of the electrically adjustable steering column is in the enabled state, proceed to step S530, control to stop the electric adjustment function of the electrically adjustable steering column, and record the current steering column position.

[0034] Step S540: After lowering the drive steering column to the preset position, release the steering wheel lock. When the drive steering column is lowered to the preset position, it is in a safe low position, effectively avoiding interference during steering wheel replacement. After releasing the steering wheel lock, the steering wheel can be replaced.

[0035] Step S550: Check if the steering wheel has been reinstalled properly.

[0036] Once the steering wheel is reinstalled, proceed to step S560, where the quick-release mechanism of the steering wheel is locked, and the drive steering column is reset according to the current steering column position. At this point, the steering wheel is relocked, and the drive steering column is reset according to the previous steering wheel adjustment. This achieves automatic position calibration when reinstalling the steering wheel after quick-release, improving operational convenience and accuracy.

[0037] In step S520, it is determined whether the electric adjustment function of the electrically adjustable steering column is in the activated state. If the electric adjustment function of the electrically adjustable steering column is not in the activated state, proceed to step S570, where the drive steering column is lowered to a preset position and the steering wheel is unlocked. At this time, the drive steering column is directly lowered to a safe low position, effectively avoiding interference during steering wheel replacement. After the steering wheel is unlocked, it can be replaced.

[0038] In step S550, it is detected whether the steering wheel has been reinstalled correctly. If the steering wheel has not been reinstalled correctly, the following steps are also included: Step S580: Issue an alarm notification. For example, one or more of the following can be activated: a warning light or a warning sound, to inform the user immediately.

[0039] In step S100, it is determined whether the steering wheel quick-release mechanism is in a locked state. Figure 2 As shown, when the steering wheel quick-release mechanism is not in the locked state, the following steps are also included but not limited to: Step S610: Control the power adjustment function of the power-adjustable steering column to be turned off. At this time, the power adjustment function is unusable to ensure driving safety.

[0040] Step S620: Issue an alarm notification. For example, one or more of the following can be activated: a warning light or a warning sound, to inform the user immediately.

[0041] Repeat step S100 to determine if the steering wheel quick-release mechanism is locked. When the steering wheel quick-release mechanism is locked, its working status can be immediately detected and updated, allowing for timely adjustments to the use of the electrically adjustable steering column.

[0042] In step S300, it is determined whether the steering wheel quick-release mechanism is in an abnormal state. If the steering wheel quick-release mechanism is not in an abnormal state, proceed to step S420, control the activation of the electric adjustment function of the electrically adjustable steering column, and adjust it to the target position. The electric adjustment function of the electrically adjustable steering column can be used normally when the steering wheel quick-release mechanism is locked and not in an abnormal state.

[0043] A vehicle according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a memory, a processor, and a program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When executed by the processor, the program implements the aforementioned safety interlock control method for electrically adjustable steering columns. The vehicle can be a private car, such as a sedan, SUV, MPV, or pickup truck. The vehicle can also be a commercial vehicle, such as a van, bus, small truck, or large trailer. The vehicle needs to have an electric motor capable of outputting power or storing mechanical energy as a generator. When the vehicle is a new energy vehicle, it can be a hybrid vehicle or a pure electric vehicle.

[0044] In this vehicle, since the vehicle can use the aforementioned safety interlock control method for electrically adjustable steering column, the functional state of the electrically adjustable steering column can be correlated with the functional state of the steering wheel quick-release structure. This helps to prevent the electric adjustment function of the steering wheel from being accidentally activated when the steering wheel quick-release structure is not locked, and also helps to prevent safety accidents caused by the accidental activation of the steering wheel quick-release structure during the electric adjustment of the steering wheel, thereby improving driving safety.

[0045] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions for causing a computer to perform the above-described safety interlock control method for electrically adjustable steering columns.

[0046] The aforementioned safety interlock control method for electrically adjustable steering column can be implemented as a computer program and tangibly contained in a computer-readable storage medium. When the processor uses this computer-readable storage medium to implement the function of quick-release or position adjustment of the steering wheel, the functional state of the electrically adjustable steering column is correlated with the functional state of the steering wheel quick-release structure. This helps to prevent the accidental activation of the electric adjustment function of the steering wheel when the steering wheel quick-release structure is not locked, and also helps to prevent safety accidents caused by accidental activation of the steering wheel quick-release structure during the electric adjustment of the steering wheel, thereby improving overall safety.

[0047] This invention also provides a vehicle control device, including a memory, a processor, and a program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the program is executed by the processor, it implements the safety interlock control method for the electrically adjustable steering column described in the above embodiments.

[0048] Taking the example of a processor and memory in a vehicle control device being connected via a bus, the memory, as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, can be used to store non-transitory software programs and non-transitory computer-executable programs. Furthermore, the memory may include high-speed random access memory, and may also include non-transitory memory, such as at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, or other non-transitory solid-state storage device. In some embodiments, the memory may optionally include memory remotely located relative to the control processor, and these remote memories can be connected to the control device via a network.

[0049] The non-transient software program and instructions required to implement the control method of the above embodiments are stored in the memory. When executed by the processor, the safety interlock control method of the electrically adjustable steering column in the above embodiments is executed.

[0050] The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0051] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention also provides a computer program product, including a computer program or computer instructions, which are stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor of a computer device reads the computer program or computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the computer program or computer instructions, causing the computer device to perform the above-described safety interlock control method for electrically adjustable steering columns.

[0052] It is worth noting that, since the computer program product of this embodiment can execute the safety interlock control method of the electric adjustable steering column of any of the above embodiments, the specific implementation method and technical effects of the computer program product of this embodiment can be referred to the specific implementation method and technical effects of the safety interlock control method of the electric adjustable steering column of any of the above embodiments.

[0053] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that all or some of the steps and systems in the methods disclosed above can be implemented as software, firmware, hardware, and suitable combinations thereof. Some or all of the physical components can be implemented as software executed by a processor, such as a central processing unit, digital signal processor, or microprocessor, or as hardware, or as an integrated circuit, such as an application-specific integrated circuit. Such software can be distributed on a computer-readable medium, which can include computer storage media (or non-transitory media) and communication media (or transient media). As is known to those skilled in the art, the term computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information (such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data). Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical disc storage, magnetic cartridges, magnetic tape, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired information and is accessible to a computer. Furthermore, as is known to those skilled in the art, communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in modulated data signals such as carrier waves or other transmission mechanisms, and may include any information delivery medium.

[0054] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described. Those skilled in the art can make various equivalent modifications or substitutions without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and these equivalent modifications or substitutions are all included within the scope defined by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A safety interlock control method for an electrically adjustable steering column, comprising an electrically adjustable steering column, wherein the electrically adjustable steering column is provided with a steering wheel quick-release structure, characterized in that: include: Determine whether the steering wheel quick-release structure is in a locked state; When the steering wheel quick-release structure is in a locked state, the electric adjustment function of the electric adjustable steering column is activated. Determine whether the steering wheel quick-release structure is in an abnormal working state; When the steering wheel quick-release structure is in an abnormal working state, the electric adjustment function of the electric adjustable steering column is turned off, and the lead screw inside the electric adjustable steering column is locked.

2. The safety interlock control method for electrically adjustable steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that: The abnormal states include the steering wheel quick-release mechanism unlocking and abnormal vibration. Determining whether the steering wheel quick-release mechanism is in an abnormal state includes: Determine whether the steering wheel quick-release structure is unlocked or vibrating abnormally.

3. The safety interlock control method for electrically adjustable steering columns according to claim 1, characterized in that: After the control activates the electric adjustment function of the electric adjustable steering column, it also includes: Determine whether the steering wheel quick-release structure function is enabled; When the steering wheel quick-release structure function is activated, determine whether the electric adjustment function of the electric adjustable steering column is in the activated state. When the electric adjustment function of the electrically adjustable steering column is in the on state, the electric adjustment function of the electrically adjustable steering column is stopped, and the current steering column position is recorded. After lowering the drive steering column to the preset position, release the steering wheel lock; Check that the steering wheel has been reinstalled correctly. Once the steering wheel is reinstalled, the control locks the quick-release mechanism of the steering wheel and resets the drive steering column according to the current steering column position.

4. The safety interlock control method for electrically adjustable steering column according to claim 3, characterized in that: After the control activates the electric adjustment function of the electric adjustable steering column, it also includes: When the electric adjustment function of the electrically adjustable steering column is not in the activated state, the steering wheel is unlocked after the drive steering column is lowered to the preset position.

5. The safety interlock control method for electrically adjustable steering column according to claim 3, characterized in that: After the control activates the electric adjustment function of the electric adjustable steering column, it also includes: An alarm will be issued if the steering wheel is not properly reinstalled.

6. The safety interlock control method for electrically adjustable steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: When the steering wheel quick-release structure is not in the locked state, the electric adjustment function of the electric adjustable steering column is turned off.

7. The safety interlock control method for electrically adjustable steering column according to claim 6, characterized in that: Also includes: Issue an alarm notification; Repeat the process of determining whether the steering wheel quick-release structure is in a locked state.

8. The safety interlock control method for electrically adjustable steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: When the steering wheel quick-release structure is not in an abnormal working state, the electric adjustment function of the electric adjustable steering column is activated and adjusted to the target position.

9. A vehicle, characterized in that, It includes a memory, a processor, and a program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the program, when executed by the processor, implements the safety interlock control method for an electrically adjustable steering column as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions for causing a computer to perform the safety interlock control method for an electrically adjustable steering column as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

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