A vehicle steering wheel controller

Abstract

This application relates to the technical field of vehicle control, and in particular to a vehicle steering wheel controller, including a steering wheel, steering column, steering gear, speed sensor, controller, and power steering adjustment mechanism. The speed sensor detects the vehicle speed and transmits it to the controller. The controller generates a power steering adjustment command based on the speed signal and a preset speed-power steering mapping table, controlling the power steering adjustment mechanism to adjust the amount of steering assist. The power steering adjustment mechanism includes a motor, a reduction gear set, and a torque sensor, which detects the driver's steering torque. The system also includes a road condition sensor to detect road conditions, and the controller adjusts the steering assist based on both speed and road condition signals. Furthermore, the driver can select different steering modes via a mode selection switch. This invention can automatically adjust steering assist according to vehicle speed and road conditions, improving driving comfort, convenience, handling, and safety, increasing system flexibility, and meeting different driving needs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle control technology, and in particular to a vehicle steering wheel controller. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of the automotive industry, vehicle performance and safety have been significantly improved. However, traditional steering wheel control systems still have some shortcomings in practical applications. At high speeds, the steering wheel's sensitivity is relatively high, and even slight turns by the driver can cause significant changes in the vehicle's direction, posing a potential threat to vehicle stability. For example, when a vehicle is traveling at high speed on a highway, if the driver makes an emergency turn to avoid a suddenly appearing obstacle, the high steering wheel sensitivity may cause oversteering, potentially leading to loss of control and other dangerous situations.

[0003] When a vehicle is traveling at low speed or parking, traditional steering systems require the driver to exert considerable force to turn the steering wheel, which places a significant operational burden on the driver. This is especially true for drivers with less strength or when frequently maneuvering in confined spaces, where the difficulty of operation increases significantly. For example, when reversing into a parking space, the driver needs to turn the steering wheel multiple times, and the large steering force can easily cause driver fatigue and make the operation inconvenient.

[0004] Furthermore, in complex road conditions, such as bumpy or slippery surfaces, traditional steering systems struggle to adjust steering assist in a timely manner according to road conditions, impacting vehicle handling and safety. For instance, when driving on bumpy roads, the undulations cause severe vibrations in the steering wheel, making it difficult for the driver to maintain stable control and increasing driving difficulty and risk. Therefore, to address these issues, this application provides a vehicle steering wheel controller. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides a vehicle steering wheel controller.

[0006] The vehicle steering control system of the present invention mainly includes a steering wheel, a steering column, a steering gear, a speed sensor, a controller, and a power steering adjustment mechanism. The steering wheel is firmly fixedly connected to one end of the steering column, and the other end of the steering column is connected to the steering gear, forming the basic mechanical connection structure for vehicle steering.

[0007] The speed sensor is configured to accurately detect the vehicle's speed and transmit the detected speed signal to the controller in real time via electrical signal transmission. The speed sensor can be a wheel speed sensor, installed near the wheel hubs of the vehicle, which calculates the vehicle's speed by detecting the rotational speed of the wheels.

[0008] The controller, as the core control unit of the entire system, is electrically connected to both the speed sensor and the power assist adjustment mechanism. Its main function is to receive the speed signal from the speed sensor and generate corresponding power assist adjustment commands based on preset algorithms and logic to control the working state of the power assist adjustment mechanism.

[0009] The power steering adjustment mechanism, mounted on the steering column, precisely adjusts the amount of power steering assistance based on adjustment commands from the controller. This mechanism includes a motor, a reduction gear set, and a torque sensor. The motor is electrically connected to the controller and outputs the corresponding amount of power steering torque upon receiving the adjustment command. The reduction gear set is positioned between the motor's output shaft and the steering column, transmitting the motor's torque to the steering column through gear meshing and performing torque reduction and amplification to meet the vehicle's higher torque requirements during steering. The torque sensor, also mounted on the steering column, detects the steering torque applied by the driver to the steering wheel in real time and transmits the detected torque signal to the controller, allowing for more precise adjustment of the power steering assistance.

[0010] To enable intelligent adjustment of steering assist based on vehicle speed, the controller pre-stores a speed-assistance mapping table. This table details the optimal steering assist values ​​for different speed ranges. When the controller receives a speed signal from the speed sensor, it quickly searches the speed-assistance mapping table to determine the optimal steering assist value corresponding to the current speed and generates the appropriate assist adjustment command.

[0011] To further improve the system's adaptability to complex road conditions, a road condition sensor has been added. This sensor detects the road surface conditions on which the vehicle is traveling and transmits the signals to the controller. Upon receiving the speed and road condition signals, the controller analyzes them to generate more appropriate power assist adjustment commands. The road condition sensor includes an accelerometer and a gyroscope. The accelerometer, mounted on the vehicle's chassis, detects changes in the vehicle's acceleration during driving, such as the vertical acceleration when the vehicle is traveling on a bumpy road. The gyroscope, also mounted on the chassis, detects changes in the vehicle's attitude, such as changes in tilt angle when turning. Based on the signals from the accelerometer and gyroscope, the controller can accurately determine the current road conditions the vehicle is on, such as whether it is on a bumpy road, a slippery road, or a curve.

[0012] In addition, this system is equipped with a mode selection switch, which is electrically connected to the controller. The driver can select different steering modes, such as "Comfort Mode" or "Sport Mode," by operating the mode selection switch. After receiving the steering mode signal selected by the driver, the controller generates power assist adjustment commands based on the preset parameters corresponding to that mode, to meet the driver's steering performance requirements under different driving needs.

[0013] In summary, this application includes the following beneficial technical effects:

[0014] The system detects vehicle speed using a speed sensor, and the controller automatically adjusts the power steering assist based on the speed signal. At high speeds, the system provides less steering assist, effectively reducing steering wheel sensitivity, making the vehicle more stable, reducing the risk of loss of control due to driver error, and improving high-speed safety. At low speeds or when parking, the system provides greater steering assist, making steering easier and significantly reducing the driver's workload, especially for female drivers or those with less strength, making operation more convenient and significantly improving driving comfort and ease of use.

[0015] Enhanced handling performance: The torque sensor detects the steering torque applied by the driver to the steering wheel in real time and transmits the torque signal to the controller. When generating power steering adjustment commands, the controller combines the speed and torque signals for comprehensive analysis, making the power steering adjustment more closely match the driver's actual operating intentions, resulting in more precise and smooth steering operations, and further improving the vehicle's handling performance.

[0016] Enhanced Safety: The application of road condition sensors enables the controller to acquire real-time information about road conditions while the vehicle is driving, and to adjust the steering assist based on speed and road condition signals. In complex road conditions, such as bumpy roads, the system can appropriately increase steering assist to help the driver better cope with the impact of road bumps on the steering wheel and maintain stable steering control. On slippery roads, the system can reduce steering assist to improve steering wheel handling stability and prevent dangerous situations such as skidding due to oversteering or understeering, thereby effectively enhancing the safety of the vehicle when driving in complex road conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is the control logic diagram in Embodiment 1 of this application; Detailed Implementation

[0018] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1 This application will be described in further detail.

[0019] Example 1:

[0020] A vehicle steering wheel controller, system installation and initialization

[0021] During vehicle production or modification, the steering wheel, steering column, and steering gear are correctly installed and adjusted according to the vehicle's mechanical design requirements to ensure a stable and reliable mechanical connection of the steering system and smooth steering operation. Speed ​​sensors are installed near the wheel hubs to ensure accurate detection of wheel speed, and the output of the speed sensor is connected to the corresponding input of the controller via a cable. The motor, reduction gear set, and torque sensor from the power steering adjustment mechanism are installed on the steering column. The motor's output shaft is correctly meshed with the input gear of the reduction gear set, and the output of the reduction gear set is securely connected to the steering column via couplings or other components. The torque sensor is installed in a suitable position on the steering column to accurately detect steering torque, and the signal transmission lines of the motor and torque sensor are connected to the controller. The accelerometer and gyroscope from the road condition sensor are installed in suitable positions on the vehicle chassis to ensure accurate detection of changes in vehicle acceleration and attitude. Similarly, the output of the road condition sensor is connected to the controller via a cable. Finally, the mode selection switch is installed in a location easily accessible to the driver, such as on the steering wheel or near the instrument panel, and electrically connected to the controller. After the system is installed, the controller is initialized by loading the preset speed-assist mapping table, parameters for different steering modes, and other data into the controller's memory.

[0022] System working process

[0023] When the vehicle starts and begins to move, the speed sensor continuously monitors the vehicle's speed and transmits the speed signal to the controller. Upon receiving the speed signal, the controller immediately searches its internal speed-assistance mapping table for the optimal steering assist value corresponding to the current speed and generates an assist adjustment command based on this value, sending it to the motor in the assist adjustment mechanism. The motor outputs an appropriate amount of assist torque according to the assist adjustment command. This torque is reduced and amplified through a reduction gear set before being transmitted to the steering column, thus providing appropriate assistance to the driver when turning the steering wheel. During the driver's steering wheel movements, the torque sensor continuously monitors the steering torque applied by the driver and transmits the torque signal to the controller. When generating the assist adjustment command, the controller uses the torque signal as an important reference factor, combining it with the speed signal to make the assist adjustment more precise and meet the driver's steering operation needs.

[0024] When a vehicle travels on different road conditions, the road condition sensors come into play. Accelerometers detect changes in the vehicle's acceleration, and gyroscopes detect changes in the vehicle's attitude; these signals are transmitted to the controller in real time. Based on these road condition signals, including acceleration and attitude changes, and the vehicle's speed, the controller dynamically adjusts the steering assist. For example, when the vehicle is traveling on a bumpy road, the acceleration sensor detects a large change in acceleration, indicating road roughness. The controller will appropriately increase the steering assist, making it easier for the driver to control the steering wheel and reducing the impact of road bumps on steering. When the vehicle is traveling on a slippery road, the gyroscope is more sensitive to changes in vehicle attitude, and the controller will reduce the steering assist, improving steering wheel stability and preventing dangerous situations such as skidding.

[0025] In addition, drivers can select different steering modes via the mode selection switch according to their needs and driving scenarios. When the driver selects "Comfort Mode," the controller adjusts the amount and variation of steering assist based on the preset parameters of "Comfort Mode," making the steering wheel lighter and smoother, suitable for use in congested city traffic or long-distance driving. When the driver selects "Sport Mode," the controller provides relatively less steering assist based on the parameters of "Sport Mode," increasing the driver's control over the vehicle, suitable for use in high-speed driving or scenarios where driving pleasure is desired.

[0026] System maintenance and troubleshooting

[0027] During daily vehicle use, the steering control system requires regular maintenance and inspection. Check the secure connections of all components, such as the connection between the steering wheel and steering column, the connection between the steering column and steering gear, and the cable connections of all sensors and controllers, ensuring there are no loose or disconnected parts. Regularly check the operating status of the speed sensor, torque sensor, and road condition sensor; this can be done by reading the sensor output signals using professional testing equipment to determine if they are functioning correctly. For the motor and reduction gear set in the power steering adjustment mechanism, check for abnormal noise, overheating, etc., and add lubricating oil regularly to ensure proper operation.

[0028] When a system malfunctions, troubleshooting can be performed using the controller's fault diagnosis function. The controller typically records fault information during system operation. Maintenance personnel can connect specialized diagnostic equipment to read the fault codes and, based on the fault type indicated by the codes, inspect and repair the corresponding components. For example, if the fault code indicates a speed sensor malfunction, maintenance personnel can check if the speed sensor is installed correctly, if the cable is damaged, and replace the speed sensor if necessary. If the fault code indicates a power assist adjustment mechanism malfunction, they can check if the motor is damaged, if the reduction gear set is stuck, and perform appropriate repairs or replacements.

[0029] The foregoing description, with reference to preferred embodiments, illustrates an exemplary implementation of a vehicle steering wheel controller provided by this disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and alterations can be made to the above specific embodiments without departing from the spirit of this disclosure, and various combinations can be made to the various technical features and structures proposed in this disclosure without exceeding the protection scope of this disclosure, the protection scope of which is determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle steering wheel controller, characterized in that, This includes the steering wheel, steering column, steering gear, speed sensor, controller, and power steering adjustment mechanism; The steering wheel is fixedly connected to one end of the steering column, and the other end of the steering column is connected to the steering gear. The speed sensor is used to detect the vehicle's speed and transmit the speed signal to the controller; The controller is electrically connected to the speed sensor and the power assist adjustment mechanism. The controller is used to receive the speed signal and generate a power assist adjustment command based on the speed signal. The power steering adjustment mechanism is mounted on the steering column and is used to adjust the amount of power steering assistance according to the power steering adjustment command.

2. The steering wheel controller according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power assist adjustment mechanism includes a motor, a reduction gear set, and a torque sensor; The motor is electrically connected to the controller and is used to output assist torque according to the assist adjustment command; The reduction gear set is located between the output shaft of the motor and the steering column, and is used to transmit the output torque of the motor to the steering column and reduce and increase the torque. The torque sensor is mounted on the steering column to detect the steering torque applied by the driver to the steering wheel and transmit the torque signal to the controller.

3. The steering wheel controller according to claim 1, characterized in that: The controller has a preset speed-assistance mapping table, which stores the optimal steering assist value corresponding to different driving speed ranges. The controller looks up the speed-assistance mapping table based on the driving speed detected by the speed sensor, determines the corresponding optimal steering assist value, and generates the corresponding assist adjustment command.

4. The steering wheel controller according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a road condition sensor, which is used to detect the road conditions on which the vehicle is traveling and transmit the road condition signal to the controller; the controller generates a power assist adjustment command based on the speed signal and the road condition signal.

5. The steering wheel controller according to claim 4, characterized in that: The road condition sensor includes an accelerometer and a gyroscope. The accelerometer is used to detect changes in the vehicle's acceleration during driving, and the gyroscope is used to detect changes in the vehicle's attitude. The controller determines the road condition based on the changes in acceleration and attitude.

6. The steering wheel controller according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a mode selection switch, which is electrically connected to the controller and is used to allow the driver to select different steering modes. The controller generates power assist adjustment commands based on the selected steering mode.

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