Emergency steering system and vehicle

Abstract

The application relates to an emergency steering system and a vehicle, and relates to the technical field of steering. The emergency steering system comprises an emergency steering power unit, a DC / DC converter, a super capacitor and a control unit. The emergency steering power unit comprises a first motor and an emergency steering pump driven by the first motor, an oil inlet of the emergency steering pump is used for being connected with a hydraulic oil tank, and an oil outlet of the emergency steering pump is used for being connected with a hydraulic steering gear; the first motor is electrically connected with an output end of the super capacitor; an input end of the super capacitor is electrically connected with a vehicle power supply through the DC / DC converter; the control unit is in communication connection with the DC / DC converter and the super capacitor, and is used for controlling the vehicle power supply to charge the super capacitor through the DC / DC converter or controlling the super capacitor to discharge to the first motor. The emergency steering system and the vehicle of the application can prolong the working time of the emergency steering system and improve the driving safety of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of steering technology, and more specifically, to an emergency steering system and vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Engineering vehicles operating in harsh conditions such as mining areas are characterized by heavy loads, poor road conditions, steep road slopes, numerous curves, and uneven surfaces. To address the risk of steering system failure, these vehicles are typically equipped with redundant steering systems, which can be activated when the main steering system loses power, providing necessary power to the steering mechanism so that the driver can still control the vehicle's direction in an emergency, thereby avoiding safety accidents.

[0003] Current emergency steering systems suffer from insufficient operating time, making it difficult to continuously and stably meet the emergency steering requirements of medium and heavy-duty vehicles. Utility Model Content

[0004] This disclosure provides an emergency steering system and vehicle that can extend the working time of the emergency steering system and improve vehicle driving safety.

[0005] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an emergency steering system is provided, comprising: Emergency steering power unit, DC / DC converter, supercapacitor and control unit; The emergency steering power unit includes a first motor and an emergency steering pump driven by the first motor. The oil inlet of the emergency steering pump is used to connect to the hydraulic oil tank, and the oil outlet of the emergency steering pump is used to connect to the hydraulic steering gear. The first motor is electrically connected to the output terminal of the supercapacitor. The input terminal of the supercapacitor is electrically connected to the vehicle power supply via a DC / DC converter; The control unit is communicatively connected to the DC / DC converter and the supercapacitor, and is used to control the vehicle power supply to charge the supercapacitor through the DC / DC converter, or to control the supercapacitor to discharge to the first motor.

[0006] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the outlet of the emergency steering pump is connected in parallel with the outlet of the main steering system; the main steering system includes a power source and a main steering pump driven by the power source, the inlet of the main steering pump is connected to a hydraulic oil tank, and the outlet of the main steering pump is connected to a hydraulic steering gear.

[0007] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the control unit is electrically connected to the supercapacitor and the first motor. When the main steering system fails, the control unit connects the discharge circuit of the supercapacitor to the first motor.

[0008] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the oil outlet of the emergency steering pump is connected in parallel with the oil outlet of the main steering pump to form an oil supply line, which is connected to the hydraulic steering gear.

[0009] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the oil outlet of the emergency steering pump and the oil outlet of the main steering pump are respectively provided with a one-way valve.

[0010] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a pressure sensor for detecting hydraulic pressure is provided on the oil supply line.

[0011] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the control unit is communicatively connected to a pressure sensor; the control unit determines whether the main steering system has failed based on the pressure signal detected by the pressure sensor.

[0012] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the control unit is a vehicle control unit, which is communicatively connected to a DC / DC converter and a supercapacitor via a CAN network.

[0013] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, when the main steering system is operating normally, the vehicle control unit sends a charging command to the DC / DC converter via the CAN network. The charging command is used to charge the supercapacitor to a preset capacity.

[0014] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle is provided that includes an emergency steering system according to any of the foregoing.

[0015] The emergency steering system disclosed herein can power the first motor with a supercapacitor to achieve emergency steering. Supercapacitors possess advantages such as rapid charging and discharging, high-current rapid discharge, good dynamic performance, high cycle efficiency, long cycle life, and good environmental adaptability. They can achieve short-term continuous high-current output, which helps overcome the shortcomings of insufficient working time in emergency steering systems and the problem of rapid lifespan degradation due to frequent high-current discharge when the vehicle's power supply directly powers the emergency steering system. Furthermore, supercapacitors have good high and low temperature resistance, which helps ensure the functionality of the emergency steering system in harsh environments such as mining trucks and dump trucks, thus guaranteeing driving safety.

[0016] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this disclosure, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the steering system of the vehicle disclosed herein.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the control principle in one exemplary embodiment of the emergency steering system disclosed herein.

[0020] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 11. First motor; 12. Emergency steering pump; 20. DC / DC converter; 30. Supercapacitor; 40. Hydraulic steering gear; 50. Vehicle power supply; 61. Main steering pump; 62. Engine; 71. Check valve; 72. Pressure sensor; 80. Steering cylinder; 90. Vehicle control unit. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, they are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar structures, and therefore detailed descriptions of them will be omitted. Furthermore, the drawings are merely illustrative of this disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0022] Unless otherwise specified or stated, the technical or scientific terms used in this disclosure shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms “a,” “an,” “the,” “the,” and “at least one” are used to indicate the presence of one or more elements / components / etc.; the terms “comprising” and “having” are used to indicate an open-ended inclusion and to mean that there may be other elements / components / etc. in addition to those listed; the terms “first” and “second” are used only as illustrative marks and are not intended to limit the number, importance, or order of the objects.

[0023] The terms “connection” and “fixation” should be interpreted broadly. For example, “connection” can be a fixed connection, a movable connection, an integral connection, or a detachable connection. It can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium.

[0024] A "communication connection" can be a wired or a wireless communication connection; it can be direct communication or indirect signal connection through an intermediary medium.

[0025] This disclosure provides an emergency steering system, with reference to Figure 1 As shown, it includes an emergency steering power unit, a DC / DC converter 20, a supercapacitor 30, and a control unit. The emergency steering power unit includes a first motor 11 and an emergency steering pump 12 driven by the first motor 11. The oil inlet of the emergency steering pump 12 is connected to the hydraulic oil tank through a pipeline, and the oil outlet is connected to the vehicle's hydraulic steering gear 40.

[0026] The first motor 11 is electrically connected to the output terminal of the supercapacitor 30, and the input terminal of the supercapacitor 30 is electrically connected to the vehicle power supply 50 through the DC / DC converter 20. The control unit is communicatively connected to the DC / DC converter 20 and the supercapacitor 30, and is used to control the vehicle power supply 50 to charge the supercapacitor 30 through the DC / DC converter 20, or to control the supercapacitor 30 to discharge to the first motor 11.

[0027] The control unit can manage the energy flow. When the vehicle is running normally, it controls the vehicle power supply 50 to charge the supercapacitor 30 through the DC / DC converter 20. When emergency steering is required, it controls the supercapacitor 30 to discharge to the first motor 11.

[0028] The emergency steering system disclosed herein can power the first motor 11 with a supercapacitor 30 to achieve emergency steering. The supercapacitor 30 possesses advantages such as rapid charging and discharging, high-current rapid discharge capability, good dynamic performance, high cycle efficiency, long cycle life, and good environmental adaptability. It can achieve short-term continuous high-current output, which helps overcome the shortcomings of insufficient working time in emergency steering systems and the problem of rapid lifespan degradation due to frequent high-current discharge when the vehicle power supply 50 directly powers the emergency steering system. Furthermore, the supercapacitor 30 has good high and low temperature resistance, which helps ensure the functionality of the emergency steering system of engineering vehicles such as mining trucks and dump trucks in harsh environments, thus ensuring driving safety.

[0029] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, reference is made to Figure 1 As shown, the outlet of the emergency steering pump 12 is connected in parallel with the outlet of the main steering system; the main steering system includes a power source and a main steering pump 61 driven by the power source, the inlet of the main steering pump 61 is connected to the hydraulic oil tank, and the outlet of the main steering pump 61 is connected to the hydraulic steering gear 40.

[0030] Specifically, the emergency steering system of this disclosure works in conjunction with the vehicle's main steering system. The control unit is electrically connected to the supercapacitor 30 and the first motor 11. In the event of a failure of the main steering system, the control unit can activate the discharge circuit from the supercapacitor 30 to the first motor 11. For example, the control unit can activate or deactivate the discharge circuit from the supercapacitor 30 to the first motor 11 by controlling a relay or power switch located between the supercapacitor 30 and the first motor 11.

[0031] The outlet of the emergency steering pump 12 is connected in parallel with the outlet of the main steering pump 61 to form an oil supply line, which is connected to the hydraulic steering gear 40. The emergency steering system and the main steering system constitute a dual-redundant steering system, ensuring that the two systems can work independently, guaranteeing the vehicle's steering function if one fails; and they can also converge at the output end to jointly provide a pressure oil source for the hydraulic steering gear 40.

[0032] The outlet of the emergency steering pump 12 is connected in parallel with the outlet of the main steering pump 61 to form a common oil supply line, which is ultimately connected to the inlet of the hydraulic steering gear 40. For example, the outlet of the emergency steering pump 12 is connected in parallel with the outlet of the main steering pump 61 through a pipeline and a tee fitting. The hydraulic steering gear 40 can be a fully hydraulic steering gear, see reference. Figure 1 As shown, the input end of the hydraulic steering unit 40 is connected to the driver's steering wheel via the steering column, and its output end is connected to the left and right steering cylinders 80 via hydraulic lines. When the driver turns the steering wheel, the hydraulic steering unit 40 distributes pressurized oil from the supply line to the corresponding steering cylinder 80 according to the steering direction, pushing the piston rod of the cylinder to extend or retract, thereby driving the wheels to turn and achieving vehicle steering. For example, the hydraulic steering unit 40 is also connected to the steering cylinder 80 via a return line, and a filter may be installed on the return line.

[0033] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a check valve 71 is provided at the oil outlet of the emergency steering pump 12 and the oil outlet of the main steering pump 61, respectively. The check valve 71 allows pressurized oil to flow from the pump towards the oil supply line, but effectively prevents pressurized oil from flowing back into the non-operating pump. The provision of check valves 71 at the oil outlets of the emergency steering pump 12 and the main steering pump 61 ensures that when one of the emergency steering pump 12 or the main steering pump 61 is operating, high-pressure oil is prevented from flowing back into the other non-operating pump, avoiding seal damage or pump reversal, thus protecting the hydraulic pumps and improving the reliability of the emergency steering system.

[0034] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a pressure sensor 72 is provided between the outlet of the main steering pump 61 and the hydraulic steering gear 40. The pressure sensor 72 can detect the outlet pressure of the main steering pump 61. Exemplarily, the control unit has a pressure threshold set internally, and can determine whether the main steering system has failed by receiving and analyzing the pressure signal detected by the pressure sensor 72. The control unit is communicatively connected to the pressure sensor 72; the control unit determines whether the main steering system has failed based on the pressure signal detected by the pressure sensor 72.

[0035] For example, when the pressure value is lower than the pressure threshold, the control unit determines that the main steering pump 61 is malfunctioning and the main steering system fails. Then, it connects the discharge circuit of the supercapacitor 30 to the first motor 11. The first motor 11 drives the emergency steering pump 12 to work and continue to supply pressurized oil to the steering oil circuit. The driver can still perform steering operations in an emergency by operating the steering wheel, thus avoiding the occurrence of safety accidents.

[0036] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, reference is made to Figure 1 As shown, pressure sensor 72 is installed on the oil supply line. Pressure sensor 72 can detect the oil pressure in the oil supply line. In some embodiments, when the control unit detects that the pressure signal of pressure sensor 72 is lower than the pressure threshold, it connects the discharge circuit of supercapacitor 30 to first motor 11 to start the emergency steering system. For example, when a sudden failure occurs and the power source of the main steering system fails, the main steering pump 61 stops working and cannot continue to output pressurized oil. The pressure signal of pressure sensor 72 drops or cannot detect hydraulic pressure. Pressure sensor 72 can send an alarm signal to control unit. Control unit sends a command to supercapacitor 30 to start discharging, driving first motor 11 to drive emergency steering pump 12.

[0037] For example, the power source for the main steering system can be the vehicle's engine 62, which can directly drive the main steering pump 61 via a mechanical structure such as a belt or coupling. In other embodiments, such as in new energy vehicles, the power source for the main steering system can also be another electric motor.

[0038] In some exemplary embodiments, the control logic of the control unit may also have a redundant design. For example, the control unit may receive a fault signal from the engine 62. Once the engine 62 failure signal is received, regardless of whether the pressure sensor 72 has dropped below the pressure threshold at this time, the control unit controls the supercapacitor 30 to discharge to the first motor 11, thereby increasing the reliability and response speed of the emergency steering system triggering.

[0039] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the control unit is a vehicle control unit (VCU), referenced to... Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle control unit 90 communicates with the DC / DC converter 20 and the supercapacitor 30 via a CAN network, which simplifies the wiring harness layout, improves the reliability and anti-interference capability of communication, and facilitates information interaction with other vehicle systems to achieve more complex vehicle management strategies.

[0040] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, during normal operation of the main steering system, the vehicle control unit 90 can send a charging command to the DC / DC converter 20 via the CAN network. The charging command is used to control the DC / DC converter 20 to charge the supercapacitor 30 with the rated voltage and current until it reaches a preset capacity, such as full capacity, thereby ensuring that the supercapacitor 30 has sufficient power in the event of a sudden failure of the main steering system.

[0041] For example, the supercapacitor 30 can be packaged into a large-capacity capacitor module suitable for vehicle vibration and temperature environments. The rated capacitance of a single supercapacitor 30 can be no less than 3000F to meet the requirements of short-term high-power output.

[0042] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle is provided that includes an emergency steering system according to any of the foregoing.

[0043] The vehicle disclosed herein features an emergency steering system that can work in conjunction with the main steering system. The first motor 11 can be powered by a supercapacitor 30 to achieve emergency steering. The supercapacitor 30 possesses advantages such as rapid charging and discharging, high-current rapid discharge capability, good dynamic performance, high cycle efficiency, long cycle life, and good environmental adaptability. It can achieve short-term continuous high-current output, which helps overcome the shortcomings of insufficient working time in the emergency steering system and the problem of rapid lifespan decay due to frequent high-current discharge when the vehicle power supply 50 directly supplies power to the emergency steering system, thus improving vehicle driving safety. Furthermore, the supercapacitor 30 has good high and low temperature resistance, which helps ensure the functionality of the emergency steering system in harsh environments for engineering vehicles such as mining trucks and dump trucks, demonstrating good adaptability to harsh working conditions.

[0044] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the utility models disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An emergency steering system, characterized in that, include: Emergency steering power unit, DC / DC converter (20), supercapacitor (30) and control unit; The emergency steering power unit includes a first motor (11) and an emergency steering pump (12) driven by the first motor (11). The oil inlet of the emergency steering pump (12) is used to connect to the hydraulic oil tank, and the oil outlet of the emergency steering pump (12) is used to connect to the hydraulic steering gear (40). The first motor (11) is electrically connected to the output terminal of the supercapacitor (30); The input terminal of the supercapacitor (30) is electrically connected to the vehicle power supply (50) through the DC / DC converter (20); The control unit is communicatively connected to the DC / DC converter (20) and the supercapacitor (30) and is used to control the vehicle power supply (50) to charge the supercapacitor (30) through the DC / DC converter (20) or to control the supercapacitor (30) to discharge to the first motor (11).

2. The emergency steering system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outlet of the emergency steering pump (12) is used to connect in parallel with the outlet of the main steering system; the main steering system includes a power source and a main steering pump (61) driven by the power source, the inlet of the main steering pump (61) is connected to the hydraulic oil tank, and the outlet of the main steering pump (61) is connected to the hydraulic steering gear (40).

3. The emergency steering system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control unit is electrically connected to the supercapacitor (30) and the first motor (11). When the main steering system fails, the control unit connects the discharge circuit of the supercapacitor (30) to the first motor (11).

4. The emergency steering system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The oil outlet of the emergency steering pump (12) is connected in parallel with the oil outlet of the main steering pump (61) to form an oil supply line, which is connected to the hydraulic steering gear (40).

5. The emergency steering system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The emergency steering pump (12) and the main steering pump (61) are respectively equipped with a check valve (71) at their respective oil outlets.

6. The emergency steering system according to claim 4, characterized in that, A pressure sensor (72) for detecting hydraulic pressure is installed on the oil supply line.

7. The emergency steering system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The control unit is communicatively connected to the pressure sensor (72); the control unit determines whether the main steering system has failed based on the pressure signal detected by the pressure sensor (72).

8. The emergency steering system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The control unit is a vehicle control unit (90), which is connected to the DC / DC converter (20) and the supercapacitor (30) via a CAN network.

9. The emergency steering system according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the main steering system is operating normally, the vehicle control unit (90) sends a charging command to the DC / DC converter (20) through the CAN network. The charging command is used to charge the supercapacitor (30) to a preset capacity.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, The emergency steering system includes any one of claims 1 to 9.

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