Patent Description:
When a vehicle is steered, steering angles of left and right steering wheels are different because steering radii of the left and right steering wheels are different. A steering mechanism is designed according to Ackermann (Ackermann) steering geometry, so that a steering angle of an inner wheel is <NUM> to <NUM> degrees greater than a steering angle of an outer wheel during steering of the vehicle, so that the vehicle can be steered smoothly.

To implement a more flexible steering function of a vehicle, a steer-by-wire technology can be applied to a steering system of the vehicle. A conventional vehicle steering system is a mechanical system, and a vehicle steering motion is implemented by manipulating a driving wheel by a driver and transferring the manipulation to steering wheels through a steering gear and a series of rods. For the steer-by-wire technology, a mechanical connection between the driving wheel and the steering wheels is cancelled, and steering is implemented completely by electric energy. Further, left and right steering wheels can be controlled independently, which can better meet requirements of future vehicles and implement flexible steering. However, for the steer-by-wire independent technology, when one of steering motors respectively configured for the left and right steering wheels is faulty, overall steering needs to be recovered, and an independent steering function is lost.

US <NUM>/<NUM> A1 discloses a steering apparatus for an automobile that includes: a steering housing in which a steering drive unit, which moves a left tie rod and a right tie rod to the left and right sides, is disposed; a left mounting bracket which is coupled to a left side of the steering housing and coupled to a left lower arm; and a right mounting bracket which is coupled to a right side of the steering housing and coupled to a right lower arm.

Embodiments of this application provide an independent steering mechanism, a steering system, and a control method. A plurality of power-assisted motors are disposed to implement an independent steering function, and resolve a problem that when one of the power-assisted motors is faulty, independent steering cannot be performed without changing a mechanical structure.

According to a first aspect, an independent steering mechanism is provided, including: a first power-assisted motor, a second power-assisted motor, a third power-assisted motor, and a middle tie rod. The middle tie rod includes a first connecting rod, a second connecting rod, and a third connecting rod, and two ends of the third connecting rod are connected to the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod. The first power-assisted motor is configured to control the first connecting rod to move along an axial direction of the middle tie rod, the second power-assisted motor is configured to control the second connecting rod to move along the axial direction of the middle tie rod, and the third power-assisted motor is configured to control the third connecting rod to rotate, to drive the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod to approach or move away from each other along the axial direction of the middle tie rod.

According to this embodiment of this application, the first power-assisted motor, the second power-assisted motor, and the third power-assisted motor may respectively control the first connecting rod, the second connecting rod, and the third connecting rod, to adjust a length and a position of the middle tie rod. In addition, when one of the three power-assisted motors is faulty, the length and the position of the middle tie rod can still be adjusted by using two power-assisted motors that work normally, without changing a mechanical structure.

With reference to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the third connecting rod is of a hollow structure, and the two ends of the third connecting rod are connected to the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod through screw threads.

According to this embodiment of this application, the third connecting rod is of the hollow structure, and the two ends of the third connecting rod are connected to the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod through the screw threads. That is, the third connecting rod is of a socket structure, and one end of the first connecting rod and one end of the second connecting rod are respectively disposed in openings on two sides of the socket structure, and are connected through the screw threads. Alternatively, the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod may be of hollow structures, and the two ends of the third connecting rod are connected to the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod through ball screws or screw nuts. That is, the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod are of socket structures, and the two ends of the third connecting rod are respectively disposed in openings of one end of the first connecting rod and one end of the second connecting rod.

With reference to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the screw threads at the two ends of the third connecting rod are rotated in opposite directions.

According to this embodiment of this application, when the screw threads disposed on the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod are rotated in opposite directions, the third motor controls the third connecting rod to rotate, so that the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod approach or move away from each other along the axial direction of the middle tie rod.

With reference to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the independent steering mechanism further includes a first transmission part, a second transmission part, and a third transmission part. The first power-assisted motor controls, by using the first transmission part, the first connecting rod to move along the axial direction of the middle tie rod, the second power-assisted motor controls, by using the second transmission part, the second connecting rod to move along the axial direction of the middle tie rod, and the third power-assisted motor controls, by using the third transmission part, the third connecting rod to rotate.

According to this embodiment of this application, a rotational speed of the power-assisted motor is high, and the first transmission part, the second transmission part, and the third transmission part are all of transmission structures of deceleration. In this embodiment of this application, an example in which the first transmission part, the second transmission part, and the third transmission part are of belt transmission structures is used for description, but a structure of the transmission part is not limited. The first transmission part, the second transmission part, and the third transmission part may also be of a rack-and-pinion transmission structure, or may be of a worm-and-gear transmission structure, or may be of a transmission structure of parallel shaft gears.

With reference to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first transmission part includes a first gear, and the first gear is connected to the first connecting rod through a screw thread. The first power-assisted motor drives the first gear to rotate, to control the first connecting rod to move along the axial direction of the middle tie rod.

According to this embodiment of this application, a screw thread may be disposed on a surface on which the first connecting rod is in contact with the first gear, and an inner side (a surface on which the first gear is in contact with the first connecting rod) of the first gear may be of a screw nut or a ball screw structure. When the first power-assisted motor drives the first gear to rotate, the screw nut or the ball screw structure of the first gear is combined with the screw thread structure of the first connecting rod to drive the first connecting rod to move along the axial direction of the middle tie rod. A tooth may be disposed on an outer side (a surface on which the first gear is in contact with a first transmission belt) of the first gear, and may be meshed with a tooth disposed on an inner side (a surface on which the first transmission belt is in contact with the first gear) of the first transmission belt, to improve power transmission efficiency.

With reference to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second transmission part includes a second gear, and the second gear is connected to the second connecting rod through a screw thread; and the second power-assisted motor drives the second gear to rotate, to control the second connecting rod to move along the axial direction of the middle tie rod.

According to this embodiment of this application, a screw thread may be disposed on a surface on which the second connecting rod is in contact with the second gear, and an inner side (a surface on which the second gear is in contact with the second connecting rod) of the second gear may be of a screw nut or a ball screw structure. When the second power-assisted motor drives the second gear to rotate, the screw nut or the ball screw structure of the second gear is combined with the screw thread structure of the second connecting rod to drive the second connecting rod to move along the axial direction of the middle tie rod. A tooth may be disposed on an outer side (a surface on which the second gear is in contact with a second transmission belt) of the second gear, and may be meshed with a tooth disposed on an inner side (a surface on which the second transmission belt is in contact with the second gear) of the second transmission belt, to improve power transmission efficiency.

With reference to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the third transmission part includes a third gear. A guiding boss disposed along the axial direction of the middle tie rod is disposed on a surface of the third connecting rod. A guiding groove corresponding to the guiding boss is disposed on the third gear. The third gear is connected to the third connecting rod through the guiding groove and the guiding boss. The third power-assisted motor drives the third gear to rotate, to control the third connecting rod to rotate.

According to this embodiment of this application, a guiding boss may be disposed on a surface on which the third connecting rod is in contact with the third gear, and a guiding groove corresponding to the guiding boss may be disposed on an inner side (a surface on which the third gear is in contact with the third connecting rod) of the third gear. The guiding boss may be disposed along the axial direction of the middle tie rod, so that efficiency of power transmission between the third gear and the third connecting rod can be improved. In addition, disposing of the guiding boss does not affect movement of the third connecting rod along the axial direction of the middle tie rod.

Optionally, a tooth may be disposed on an outer side (a surface on which a third gear <NUM> is in contact with a third transmission belt <NUM>) of the third gear <NUM>, and may be meshed with a tooth disposed on an inner side (a surface on which the third transmission belt <NUM> is in contact with the third gear <NUM>) of the third transmission belt <NUM>, to improve power transmission efficiency.

According to a second aspect, an independent steering system is provided, including: a first steering wheel, a second steering wheel, and the independent steering mechanism according to any one of the possible implementations of the first aspect. The first connecting rod in the independent steering mechanism is connected to the first steering wheel, and the second connecting rod in the independent steering mechanism is connected to the second steering wheel. The first power-assisted motor in the independent steering mechanism is configured to control the first connecting rod to move along the axial direction of the middle tie rod in the independent steering mechanism, to enable the first steering wheel to rotate, and the second power-assisted motor in the independent steering mechanism is configured to control the second connecting rod to move along the axial direction of the middle tie rod in the independent steering mechanism, to enable the second steering wheel to rotate.

With reference to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the independent steering system further includes: a first steering knuckle, a second steering knuckle, a first steering kingpin, and a second steering kingpin. The first steering wheel is connected to the first steering kingpin through the first steering knuckle, the first steering knuckle is connected to the first connecting rod, and the first power-assisted motor is configured to control the first connecting rod to move along the axial direction of the middle tie rod, to enable the first steering knuckle to drive the first steering wheel to rotate around the first steering kingpin. The second steering wheel is connected to the second steering kingpin through the second steering knuckle, the second steering knuckle is connected to the second connecting rod, and the second power-assisted motor is configured to control the second connecting rod to move along the axial direction of the middle tie rod, to enable the second steering knuckle to drive the second steering wheel to rotate around the second steering kingpin.

With reference to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the independent steering system further includes a first tie rod and a second tie rod. One end of the first tie rod is connected to the first connecting rod, and the other end of the first tie rod is connected to the first steering knuckle. One end of the second tie rod is connected to the second connecting rod, and the other end of the second tie rod is connected to the second steering knuckle.

With reference to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the independent steering system further includes a control unit. The control unit is configured to determine a target steering angle of the first steering wheel and a target steering angle of the second steering wheel. When the first power-assisted motor or the second power-assisted motor is faulty, the control unit is configured to: control the third power-assisted motor in the independent steering mechanism to adjust a length of the middle tie rod in the independent steering mechanism; and control a normal power-assisted motor in the first power-assisted motor or the second power-assisted motor to adjust a position of the middle tie rod, so that the middle tie rod drives the first steering wheel and the second steering wheel to rotate to a corresponding target steering angle.

With reference to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, when the first power-assisted motor and the second power-assisted motor are normal, the control unit is specifically configured to: control the first power-assisted motor and the second power-assisted motor to adjust the length of the middle tie rod and the position of the middle tie rod, so that the middle tie rod drives the first steering wheel and the second steering wheel to rotate to the corresponding target steering angle.

With reference to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the independent steering system includes: a first electronic control unit ECU, a second ECU, and a third ECU. The control unit is specifically configured to: send a first control instruction to the first ECU, where the first ECU is configured to control the first power-assisted motor according to the first control instruction; send a second control instruction to the second ECU, where the second ECU is configured to control the second power-assisted motor according to the second control instruction; and send a third control instruction to the third ECU, where the third ECU is configured to control the third power-assisted motor according to the third control instruction.

With reference to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the control unit is specifically configured to: determine a target position of the first connecting rod and a target position of the second connecting rod based on the target steering angle of the first steering wheel and the target steering angle of the second steering wheel; and determine a target length of the middle tie rod based on the target position of the first connecting rod and the target position of the second connecting rod. The control unit calculates a target rotation angle of the third connecting rod in the independent steering mechanism based on the target length; controls, based on the target rotation angle, the third power-assisted motor to adjust the length of the middle tie rod to the target length, and controls, based on the target position of the first connecting rod and the target position of the second connecting rod, the normal power-assisted motor in the first power-assisted motor or the second power-assisted motor to adjust the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod to a corresponding target position.

With reference to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the two ends of the third connecting rod are connected to the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod through the screw threads, and the target rotation angle satisfies the following formula: <MAT> where
L is the target length of the middle tie rod, L<NUM> is a shortest length of the middle tie rod, and iang is a lead of the screw thread.

With reference to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the control unit is specifically configured to: send the third control instruction to the third ECU, where the third control instruction is used to indicate the third ECU to control the third power-assisted motor to output torque, so that the length of the middle tie rod is the target length. The third ECU controls the third power-assisted motor according to the third control instruction.

With reference to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the control unit is specifically configured to: send the first control instruction to the first ECU, where the first control instruction is used to indicate the first ECU to control the first power-assisted motor to output torque, so that the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod rotate to the corresponding target position, or send the second control instruction to the second ECU, where the second control instruction is used to indicate the second ECU to control the second power-assisted motor to output torque, so that the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod reach the corresponding target position.

With reference to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the independent steering system further includes: a first sensor, a second sensor, and a third sensor. The first sensor is configured to determine position information of the first connecting rod, the second sensor is configured to determine position information of the second connecting rod; and the third sensor is configured to determine length information of the middle tie rod.

With reference to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the control unit is specifically configured to determine the first control instruction, the second control instruction, or the third control instruction based on the position information of the first connecting rod, the position information of the second connecting rod, and the length information of the middle tie rod.

With reference to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first sensor is a translational position sensor or an angular position sensor.

With reference to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the second sensor is a translational position sensor or an angular position sensor.

With reference to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the third sensor is an angular position sensor.

According to a third aspect, a control method for an independent steering system is provided. The independent steering system includes: a control unit, a first steering wheel, a second steering wheel, and the independent steering mechanism according to any one of the possible implementations of the first aspect. The first steering wheel and the second steering wheel are respectively connected to the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod of the middle tie rod in the independent steering mechanism, and the method includes: The control unit determines a target steering angle of the first steering wheel and a target steering angle of the second steering wheel. When the first power-assisted motor or the second power-assisted motor in the independent steering mechanism is faulty, the control unit controls the third power-assisted motor in the independent steering mechanism to adjust a length of the middle tie rod in the independent steering mechanism, and controls a normal power-assisted motor in the first power-assisted motor or the second power-assisted motor to adjust a position of the middle tie rod, so that the middle tie rod drives the first steering wheel and the second steering wheel to rotate to a corresponding target steering angle.

With reference to the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the control method further includes: When the first power-assisted motor and the second power-assisted motor are normal, the control unit controls the first power-assisted motor and the second power-assisted motor to adjust the length of the middle tie rod and the position of the middle tie rod, so that the middle tie rod drives the first steering wheel and the second steering wheel to rotate to the corresponding target steering angle.

With reference to the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the independent steering system includes: a first ECU, a second ECU, and a third ECU. The first ECU is configured to control the first power-assisted motor, the second ECU is configured to control the second power-assisted motor, and the third ECU is configured to control the third power-assisted motor. The method further includes: The control unit receives first information sent by the first ECU, where the first information is used to indicate whether the first power-assisted motor is faulty. The control unit receives second information sent by the second ECU, where the second information is used to indicate whether the second power-assisted motor is faulty. The control unit receives third information sent by the third ECU, where the third information is used to indicate whether the third power-assisted motor is faulty.

With reference to the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, that the control unit controls the third power-assisted motor in the independent steering mechanism to adjust a length of the middle tie rod in the independent steering mechanism, and controls a normal power-assisted motor in the first power-assisted motor or the second power-assisted motor to adjust a position of the middle tie rod includes: The control unit determines a target position of the first connecting rod and a target position of the second connecting rod based on the target steering angle of the first steering wheel and the target steering angle of the second steering wheel. The control unit determines a target length of the middle tie rod based on the target position of the first connecting rod and the target position of the second connecting rod. The control unit calculates a target rotation angle of the third connecting rod in the independent steering mechanism based on the target length. The control unit controls, based on the target rotation angle, the third power-assisted motor to adjust the length of the middle tie rod to the target length, and controls, based on the target position of the first connecting rod and the target position of the second connecting rod, the normal power-assisted motor in the first power-assisted motor or the second power-assisted motor to adjust the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod to a corresponding target position.

With reference to the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the two ends of the third connecting rod are connected to the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod through the screw threads, and the target rotation angle satisfies the following formula: <MAT> where
L is the target length of the middle tie rod, L<NUM> is a shortest length of the middle tie rod, and iang is a lead of the screw thread.

With reference to the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, that the control unit controls, based on the target rotation angle, the third power-assisted motor to adjust the length of the middle tie rod to the target length includes: The control unit sends a third control instruction to the third ECU, where the third control instruction is used to indicate the third ECU to control the third power-assisted motor to output torque, so that the length of the middle tie rod is the target length; and the third ECU controls the third power-assisted motor according to the third control instruction.

With reference to the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, that the control unit controls, based on the target position of the first connecting rod and the target position of the second connecting rod, the normal power-assisted motor in the first power-assisted motor or the second power-assisted motor to adjust the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod to a corresponding target position includes: The control unit sends a first control instruction to the first ECU, where the first control instruction is used to indicate the first ECU to control the first power-assisted motor to output torque, so that the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod rotate to the corresponding target position. Alternatively, the control unit sends a second control instruction to the second ECU, where the second control instruction is used to indicate the second ECU to control the second power-assisted motor to output torque, so that the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod reach the corresponding target position.

According to a fourth aspect, a vehicle is provided, including the independent steering system according to any one of the possible implementations of the second aspect. An independent steering mechanism in the independent steering system controls steering wheels to perform steering by adjusting a length and a position of a middle tie rod.

According to a fifth aspect, a control apparatus is provided. The control apparatus includes a processing unit and a storage unit. The storage unit is configured to store instructions. The processing unit executes the instructions stored in the storage unit, so that the control apparatus performs any possible method according to the third aspect.

Optionally, the control apparatus may be an independent controller in a vehicle, or may be a chip having a control function in the vehicle. The processing unit may be a processor. The storage unit may be a memory (for example, a register or cache) in the chip, or a storage unit (for example, a read-only memory or a random access memory) that is in the vehicle and that is located outside the chip.

It should be noted that, in the foregoing controller, the memory is coupled to the processor. That the memory is coupled to the processor may be understood as that the memory is located inside the processor, or the memory is located outside the processor, to be independent of the processor.

According to a sixth aspect, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product includes computer program code, and when the computer program code is run on a computer, the computer performs the method according to the foregoing aspects.

It should be noted that all or some of the computer program code may be stored in a first storage medium. The first storage medium may be encapsulated together with a processor, or may be encapsulated separately from a processor. This is not specifically limited in embodiments of this application.

According to a seventh aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided. The computer-readable medium stores program code. When the computer program code is run on a computer, the computer performs the method in the foregoing aspects.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of conventional vehicle steering.

As shown in <FIG>, when a vehicle is steered, steering angles of left and right steering wheels are different because steering radii of the left and right steering wheels are different. A steering mechanism is designed according to Ackermann steering geometry. When the vehicle turns along a curve, the steering angle of the inner wheel can be <NUM> to <NUM> degrees greater than the steering angle of the outer wheel by using equal cranks of four connecting rods, that is, a steering trapezoid shown in <FIG>. This structure allows centers of steering paths of four wheels of the vehicle to roughly intersect on an extension line of a rear axle, so that the vehicle turns smoothly.

A conventional steering system vehicle is a mechanical system, and a vehicle steering motion is implemented by manipulating a driving wheel by a driver and by transferring the manipulation to steering wheels through a steering gear and a series of rods. The conventional vehicle steering system is limited by a mechanical structure of the conventional vehicle steering system, and steering is not flexible. However, a vehicle steer-by-wire system cancels a mechanical connection between the driving wheel and the steering wheels, and steering is implemented completely by electric energy. Especially for a steer-by-wire independent system, steering motors are respectively configured for the left and right steering wheels, so that the left and right steering wheels can rotate independently, and therefore steering of the vehicle is more flexible.

<FIG> shows a steer-by-wire independent system in the conventional technology.

As shown in <FIG>, a steering wheel <NUM> and a steering wheel <NUM> are respectively provided with a steering motor <NUM> and a steering motor <NUM>. The two motors are independent of each other, and directly drive respectively corresponding steering wheels to perform steering. When one of the steering motor <NUM> and the steering motor <NUM> is faulty and stops working, a rotating motor <NUM> may be used to control a left connecting piece <NUM> to connect to a right connecting piece <NUM>, to change independent steering into overall steering.

For this structure, the steering motor may be used to directly drive the corresponding steering wheel to steer, and the rotating motor may be used to control separation and combination of left and right connecting pieces. However, when one of the steering motors is faulty, and when the rotating motor <NUM> controls the connection of the left and right connecting pieces, normal steering is affected, and after the fault occurs, an independent steering capability is lost.

This application provides an independent steering mechanism, an independent steering system, and a control method. A plurality of power-assisted motors are disposed to implement an independent steering function, and resolve a problem that when one of the power-assisted motors is faulty, independent steering cannot be performed without changing a mechanical structure.

<FIG> shows an independent steering mechanism according to an embodiment of this application.

As shown in <FIG>, an independent steering mechanism <NUM> may include a first power-assisted motor <NUM>, a second power-assisted motor <NUM>, a third power-assisted motor <NUM>, and a middle tie rod <NUM>.

The middle tie rod <NUM> includes a first connecting rod <NUM>, a second connecting rod <NUM>, and a third connecting rod <NUM>. Two ends of the third connecting rod <NUM> are connected to the first connecting rod <NUM> and the second connecting rod <NUM>. The first power-assisted motor <NUM> is configured to control the first connecting rod <NUM> to move along an axial direction of the middle tie rod <NUM>. The second power-assisted motor <NUM> is configured to control the second connecting rod <NUM> to move along the axial direction of the middle tie rod <NUM>. The third power-assisted motor <NUM> is configured to control the third connecting rod <NUM> to rotate to drive the first connecting rod <NUM> and the second connecting rod <NUM> to move toward or opposite to each other along the axial direction of the middle tie rod <NUM>, and the first connecting rod <NUM> and the second connecting rod <NUM> approach or move away from each other along the axial direction of the middle tie rod <NUM>.

Optionally, the independent steering mechanism <NUM> may further include a first transmission part <NUM>, a second transmission part <NUM>, and a third transmission part <NUM>. The first power-assisted motor <NUM> may control, by using the first transmission part <NUM>, the first connecting rod <NUM> to move along an axial direction of the middle tie rod <NUM>. The second power-assisted motor <NUM> may control, by using the second transmission part <NUM>, the second connecting rod <NUM> to move along the axial direction of the middle tie rod <NUM>. The third power-assisted motor <NUM> may control, by using the third transmission part <NUM>, the third connecting rod <NUM> to rotate.

Optionally, the third connecting rod <NUM> is of a hollow structure, and the two ends of the third connecting rod <NUM> are connected to the first connecting rod <NUM> and the second connecting rod <NUM> through screw threads. That is, the third connecting rod <NUM> is of a socket structure, and one end of the first connecting rod <NUM> and one end of the second connecting rod <NUM> are respectively disposed in openings on two sides of the socket structure, and are connected through the screw threads.

Alternatively, the first connecting rod <NUM> and the second connecting rod <NUM> may be of hollow structures, and the two ends of the third connecting rod <NUM> are connected to the first connecting rod <NUM> and the second connecting rod <NUM> through ball screws or screw nuts. That is, the first connecting rod <NUM> and the second connecting rod <NUM> are of socket structures, and the two ends of the third connecting rod <NUM> are respectively disposed in openings of one end of the first connecting rod <NUM> and one end of the second connecting rod <NUM>.

It should be understood that, in this embodiment of this application, an example in which the third connecting rod <NUM> is of the hollow structure is used for description, and specific structures of the first connecting rod <NUM>, the second connecting rod <NUM>, and the third connecting rod are not limited.

<FIG> is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of an independent steering mechanism according to an embodiment of this application.

Optionally, as shown in <FIG>, the first transmission part <NUM> may include a first transmission belt <NUM> and a first gear <NUM>. The first gear <NUM> has a central hole, and the first connecting rod <NUM> passes through the first gear <NUM> through the hole. When the first power-assisted motor <NUM> rotates, the first transmission belt <NUM> may drive the first gear <NUM> to rotate, and further drive the first connecting rod <NUM> to move along the axial direction of the middle tie rod <NUM>.

Optionally, a screw thread may be disposed on a surface on which the first connecting rod <NUM> is in contact with the first gear <NUM>, and an inner side (a surface on which the first gear <NUM> is in contact with the first connecting rod <NUM>) of the first gear <NUM> may be of a screw nut or a ball screw structure. When the first power-assisted motor <NUM> drives the first gear <NUM> to rotate, the screw nut or the ball screw structure of the first gear <NUM> is combined with the screw thread structure of the first connecting rod <NUM> to drive the first connecting rod <NUM> to move along the axial direction of the middle tie rod <NUM>.

Optionally, a tooth may be disposed on an outer side (a surface on which the first gear <NUM> is in contact with the first transmission belt <NUM>) of the first gear <NUM>, and may be meshed with a tooth disposed on an inner side (a surface on which the first transmission belt <NUM> is in contact with the first gear <NUM>) of the first transmission belt <NUM>, to improve power transmission efficiency.

Optionally, the second transmission part <NUM> may include a second transmission belt <NUM> and a second gear <NUM>. The second gear <NUM> has a central hole, and the second connecting rod <NUM> passes through the second gear <NUM> through the hole. When the second power-assisted motor <NUM> rotates, the second transmission belt <NUM> may drive the second gear <NUM> to rotate, and further drive the second connecting rod <NUM> to move along the axial direction of the middle tie rod <NUM>.

Optionally, a screw thread may be disposed on a surface on which the second connecting rod <NUM> is in contact with the second gear <NUM>, and an inner side (a surface on which the second gear <NUM> is in contact with the second connecting rod <NUM>) of the second gear <NUM> may be of a screw nut or a ball screw structure. When the second power-assisted motor <NUM> drives the second gear <NUM> to rotate, the screw nut or the ball screw structure of the second gear <NUM> is combined with the screw thread structure of the second connecting rod <NUM> to drive the second connecting rod <NUM> to move along the axial direction of the middle tie rod <NUM>.

Optionally, a tooth may be disposed on an outer side (a surface on which the second gear <NUM> is in contact with the second transmission belt <NUM>) of the second gear <NUM>, and may be meshed with a tooth disposed on an inner side (a surface on which the second transmission belt <NUM> is in contact with the second gear <NUM>) of the second transmission belt <NUM>, to improve power transmission efficiency.

Optionally, the third transmission part <NUM> may include a third transmission belt <NUM> and a third gear <NUM>. The third gear <NUM> has a central hole, and the third connecting rod <NUM> passes through the third gear <NUM> through the hole. When the third power-assisted motor <NUM> rotates, the third transmission belt <NUM> may drive the third gear <NUM> to rotate, and further drive the third connecting rod <NUM> to rotate.

Optionally, a guiding boss <NUM> may be disposed on a surface on which the third connecting rod <NUM> is in contact with the third gear <NUM>, and a guiding groove <NUM> corresponding to the guiding boss <NUM> may be disposed on an inner side (a surface on which the third gear <NUM> is in contact with the third connecting rod <NUM>) of the third gear <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The guiding boss <NUM> may be disposed along the axial direction of the middle tie rod <NUM>, so that efficiency of power transmission between the third gear <NUM> and the third connecting rod <NUM> can be improved. In addition, disposing of the guiding boss <NUM> does not affect movement of the third connecting rod <NUM> along the axial direction of the middle tie rod <NUM>.

Optionally, a tooth may be disposed on an outer side (a surface on which the third gear <NUM> is in contact with the third transmission belt <NUM>) of the third gear <NUM>, and may be meshed with a tooth disposed on an inner side (a surface on which the third transmission belt <NUM> is in contact with the third gear <NUM>) of the third transmission belt <NUM>, to improve power transmission efficiency.

Optionally, the first transmission part <NUM> and the second transmission part <NUM> may be of non-self-locking structures. The first transmission part <NUM> is used as an example. When the first connecting rod <NUM> moves, the first gear <NUM> may be driven to rotate. In addition, when the first gear <NUM> rotates, the first connecting rod <NUM> may be driven to move. It may also be correspondingly understood that the second transmission part <NUM> is of a non-self-locking structure.

It should be understood that, in this embodiment of this application, a rotational speed of the power-assisted motor is high, and the first transmission part <NUM>, the second transmission part <NUM>, and the third transmission part <NUM> are all of transmission structures of deceleration. In this embodiment of this application, an example in which the first transmission part <NUM>, the second transmission part <NUM>, and the third transmission part <NUM> are of belt transmission structures is used for description, but a structure of the transmission part is not limited. The first transmission part <NUM>, the second transmission part <NUM>, and the third transmission part <NUM> may also be of a rack-and-pinion transmission structure, or may be of a worm-and-gear transmission structure, or may be of a transmission structure of parallel shaft gears.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a third connecting rod according to an embodiment of this application.

As shown in <FIG>, the third connecting rod <NUM> may be connected to the first connecting rod <NUM> and the second connecting rod <NUM> through the screw threads.

Optionally, the screw threads disposed on the first connecting rod <NUM> and the second connecting rod <NUM> are rotated in opposite directions.

When the screw threads disposed on the first connecting rod <NUM> and the second connecting rod <NUM> are rotated in opposite directions, the third motor <NUM> drives, by using the third transmission part <NUM>, the third connecting rod <NUM> to rotate, and the first connecting rod <NUM> and the second connecting rod <NUM> move toward or opposite to each other along the axial direction of the middle tie rod <NUM>. For example, when the third connecting rod <NUM> rotates in a first direction, the first connecting rod <NUM> and the second connecting rod <NUM> may move toward each other along the axial direction of the middle tie rod <NUM>, that is, the first connecting rod <NUM> and the second connecting rod <NUM> approach each other. When the third connecting rod <NUM> rotates in a second direction, the first connecting rod <NUM> and the second connecting rod <NUM> may move opposite to each other along the axial direction of the middle tie rod <NUM>, that is, the first connecting rod <NUM> and the second connecting rod <NUM> move away from each other. The first direction is opposite to the second direction. For example, the first direction may be a clockwise direction, and the second direction may be a counterclockwise direction.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of an independent steering system <NUM> according to an embodiment of this application. The independent steering system <NUM> shown in <FIG> may be applied to a vehicle.

As shown in <FIG>, the independent steering system <NUM> may include the independent steering mechanism <NUM>, a first steering wheel <NUM>, and a second steering wheel <NUM>.

The independent steering mechanism <NUM> may be any one of the independent steering mechanisms described in the foregoing embodiments, and may include: the first power-assisted motor <NUM>, the second power-assisted motor <NUM>, the third power-assisted motor <NUM>, and the middle tie rod <NUM>. The middle tie rod <NUM> includes the third connecting rod <NUM>, the first connecting rod <NUM>, and the second connecting rod <NUM>.

The third power-assisted motor <NUM> is configured to control the third connecting rod <NUM> to rotate to drive the first connecting rod <NUM> and the second connecting rod <NUM> to move along the axial direction of the middle tie rod <NUM>.

The first connecting rod <NUM> may be connected to the first steering wheel <NUM>, and the first power-assisted motor <NUM> may be configured to control the first connecting rod <NUM> to move along the axial direction of the middle tie rod <NUM>, to enable the first steering wheel <NUM> to rotate.

The second connecting rod <NUM> may be connected to the second steering wheel <NUM>, and the second power-assisted motor <NUM> may be configured to control the second connecting rod <NUM> to move along the axial direction of the middle tie rod <NUM>, to enable the second steering wheel <NUM> to rotate.

Optionally, the independent steering system <NUM> may include a first steering knuckle <NUM>, a second steering knuckle <NUM>, a first steering kingpin <NUM>, and a second steering kingpin <NUM>.

The first steering wheel <NUM> is connected to the first steering kingpin <NUM> through the first steering knuckle <NUM>, and the first steering knuckle <NUM> is connected to the first connecting rod <NUM>. The first power-assisted motor <NUM> is configured to control the first connecting rod <NUM> to move along the axial direction of the middle tie rod <NUM>, to enable the first steering knuckle <NUM> to drive the first steering wheel <NUM> to rotate around the first steering kingpin <NUM>.

The second steering wheel <NUM> is connected to the second steering kingpin <NUM> through the second steering knuckle <NUM>, and the second steering knuckle <NUM> is connected to the second connecting rod <NUM>. The second power-assisted motor <NUM> is configured to control the second connecting rod <NUM> to move along the axial direction of the middle tie rod <NUM>, to enable the second steering knuckle <NUM> to drive the second steering wheel <NUM> to rotate around the second steering kingpin <NUM>.

Optionally, the first steering kingpin <NUM> and the second steering kingpin <NUM> may be fastened on a chassis of the vehicle, to increase reliability when the steering wheel works.

Optionally, the independent steering system <NUM> may include a first tie rod <NUM> and a second tie rod <NUM>. The first tie rod <NUM> may be configured to connect to the first connecting rod <NUM> and the first steering knuckle <NUM>. The second tie rod <NUM> may be configured to connect to the second connecting rod <NUM> and the second steering knuckle <NUM>.

Optionally, the independent steering system <NUM> may include a first housing <NUM> and a second housing <NUM>. The first housing <NUM> may be configured to accommodate a part of the first transmission part <NUM>, for example, may accommodate the first gear in the first transmission part <NUM>, to prevent the first gear from being exposed outside. The second housing <NUM> may be configured to accommodate a part of the second transmission part <NUM>. In addition, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be configured to fasten the independent steering system <NUM> on the chassis of the vehicle, to increase reliability of using the independent steering system <NUM>.

It should be understood that, because the first connecting rod <NUM> and the second connecting rod <NUM> are respectively connected to the first steering knuckle <NUM> and the second steering knuckle <NUM>, the first connecting rod <NUM> and the second connecting rod <NUM> are configured to drive the first steering wheel <NUM> and the second steering wheel <NUM> to rotate around the first steering kingpin <NUM> and the second steering kingpin <NUM>, to enable the vehicle to steer. Therefore, the first connecting rod <NUM> and the second connecting rod <NUM> can only move along the axial direction of the middle tie rod <NUM>, and cannot rotate.

For the third connecting rod <NUM>, the third power-assisted motor <NUM> may drive, by using the third transmission part <NUM>, the third connecting rod <NUM> to rotate, to drive the first connecting rod <NUM> and the second connecting rod <NUM> to move toward or opposite to each other along the axial direction of the middle tie rod <NUM>, and may control a length L of the middle tie rod <NUM>. In addition, when only the first power-assisted motor <NUM> or the second power-assisted motor <NUM> works, the third connecting rod <NUM> may drive the first connecting rod <NUM> or the second connecting rod <NUM> to move. The third connecting rod <NUM> is used as a connecting piece between the first connecting rod <NUM> and the second connecting rod <NUM>, and the third connecting rod <NUM> does not rotate when the connecting rod connected to only one end of the third connecting rod <NUM> moves. Therefore, when only the first power-assisted motor <NUM> or the second power-assisted motor <NUM> works, the third connecting rod <NUM> may drive the middle tie rod <NUM> to move along the axial direction of the middle tie rod <NUM>. Therefore, the third connecting rod <NUM> may rotate, and may move along the axial direction of the middle tie rod <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are schematic diagrams of vehicle steering according to an embodiment of this application. Working states of the independent steering system provided in this application in different turning cases are shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> is a schematic diagram of common steering when a vehicle includes an independent steering system according to an embodiment of this application. <FIG> is a schematic diagram of in-situ steering when a vehicle includes two independent steering systems according to an embodiment of this application.

As shown in <FIG>, the vehicle may include the independent steering system <NUM>. During common steering, left steering is used as an example. During steering, a steering angle of an inner steering wheel is greater than a steering angle of an outer steering wheel. The first power-assisted motor <NUM> and the second power-assisted motor <NUM> may respectively drive the first connecting rod <NUM> and the second connecting rod <NUM> to move to the left along the axial direction of the middle tie rod <NUM>. In this case, the third motor <NUM> may be in a standby state, and does not output torque. Because the screw threads through which the third connecting rod <NUM> is connected to the first connecting rod <NUM> and the second connecting rod <NUM> are of non-self-locking structures, the third connecting rod <NUM> has no constraint effect on the first connecting rod <NUM> and the second connecting rod <NUM>. Therefore, steering angles of the first steering wheel <NUM> and the second steering wheel <NUM> are independently controlled, and corresponding angles may be flexibly adjusted.

It should be understood that, when the vehicle includes two independent steering systems, during the common steering, rear wheels may remain still, and the common steering may be implemented in the foregoing manner.

As shown in <FIG>, a vehicle may include two independent steering systems. During in-situ steering, steering wheels of an independent steering system <NUM> need to rotate to an inner side, and steering wheels of an independent steering system <NUM> need to rotate to an outer side, so that a steering center of the vehicle is at a geometric center of the vehicle, and the vehicle can implement an in-situ steering function along a dashed line.

In a case in which the steering wheels of the independent steering system <NUM> need to rotate to the inner side, a first power-assisted motor <NUM> and a second power-assisted motor <NUM> may respectively drive a first connecting rod <NUM> and a second connecting rod <NUM> to approach each other along the axial direction of the middle tie rod <NUM>. In this case, a third motor <NUM> may be in a standby state, and does not output torque.

In a case in which the steering wheels of the independent steering system <NUM> need to rotate to the outer side, a first power-assisted motor <NUM> and a second power-assisted motor <NUM> may respectively drive a first connecting rod <NUM> and a second connecting rod <NUM> to move away from each other along the axial direction of the middle tie rod <NUM>. In this case, a third motor <NUM> may be in a standby state, and does not output torque.

<FIG> and <FIG> are schematic diagrams of steering when a vehicle includes two independent steering systems according to an embodiment of this application. <FIG> is a schematic diagram of vehicle translation according to an embodiment of this application. <FIG> is a schematic diagram of vehicle steering with a small radius according to an embodiment of this application.

As shown in <FIG>, during translation, steering angles of four steering wheels of a vehicle are the same. In this case, the vehicle may translate, and a steering center of the vehicle is at an infinite distance.

As shown in <FIG>, during steering in a small radius, front side steering wheels of a vehicle are steered, rear side steering wheels on a rear side assist in the steering, and a steering angle of the rear side steering wheels is opposite to a steering angle of the front side steering wheels. In this case, a steering center of the vehicle can be very close to the vehicle body compared with the common steering, and a turning radius is greatly reduced.

It should be understood that the independent steering system provided in embodiments of this application includes the independent steering mechanism whose length is adjustable. Independent steering of two steering wheels can be implemented by controlling the first power-assisted motor, the second power-assisted motor, and the third power-assisted motor. When two independent steering systems are used, the vehicle can implement functions such as translational steering, turning radius reduction, and in-situ steering, to make driving modes more diversified.

According to the independent steering system provided in embodiments of this application, when one of the power-assisted motors is faulty, the independent steering system can still implement an independent steering function without a structural adjustment. With reference to <FIG>, the following describes a working state of the independent steering system when the power-assisted motor is faulty.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram corresponding to a failure of the third power-assisted motor <NUM> in the independent steering system. Because the screw threads through which the third connecting rod <NUM> is connected to the first connecting rod <NUM> and the second connecting rod <NUM> are of non-self-locking structures, and the third connecting rod <NUM> has no constraint effect on the first connecting rod <NUM> and the second connecting rod <NUM>, when the third power-assisted motor <NUM> is faulty, the first power-assisted motor <NUM> and the second power-assisted motor <NUM> may independently control steering angles of corresponding steering wheels.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram corresponding to a failure of the first power-assisted motor <NUM> in the independent steering system. When the first power-assisted motor <NUM> is faulty, the third power-assisted motor <NUM> may control the length L of the middle tie rod <NUM>, and the second power-assisted motor <NUM> drives the middle tie rod <NUM> to move along the axial direction of the middle tie rod <NUM>, to implement independent steering of two steering wheels. It should be understood that, compared with working of the first power-assisted motor <NUM> and the second power-assisted motor <NUM>, a <NUM>% power-assisted capability can be provided in this case.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram corresponding to a failure of the second power-assisted motor <NUM> in the independent steering system. When the second power-assisted motor <NUM> is faulty, the third power-assisted motor <NUM> may control the length L of the middle tie rod <NUM>, and the first power-assisted motor <NUM> drives the middle tie rod <NUM> to move along the axial direction of the middle tie rod <NUM>, to implement independent steering of two steering wheels. It should be understood that, compared with working of the first power-assisted motor <NUM> and the second power-assisted motor <NUM>, a <NUM>% power-assisted capability can be provided in this case.

It should be understood that the independent steering system provided in this embodiment of this application can implement independent steering of two steering wheels by controlling the steering wheels by the first power-assisted motor, the second power-assisted motor, and the third power-assisted motor. In addition, a driving posture of a vehicle may be corrected by adjusting a single steering wheel, to ensure good operation stability of the vehicle. When the vehicle includes two independent steering systems, four-wheel steering can be applied to the vehicle, to implement functions such as translational steering, turning radius reduction, and in-situ steering. When any one of the power-assisted motors in the independent steering system fails, the other two power-assisted motors can still work together to implement independent steering. In addition, when the power-assisted motor fails, the independent steering system can continue to respond to a steering operation of a user without a structural adjustment, to ensure steering safety of the vehicle. The independent steering system provided in this embodiment of this application does not require components such as a clutch, and has a simpler structure.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of another independent steering system <NUM> according to an embodiment of this application. The independent steering system <NUM> shown in <FIG> may be applied to a vehicle.

As shown in <FIG>, the independent steering system <NUM> may further include: a control unit <NUM>, a first electronic control unit (electronic control unit, ECU) <NUM>, a second ECU <NUM>, and a third ECU <NUM>.

The first ECU <NUM> may be configured to control the first power-assisted motor <NUM>. The second ECU <NUM> may be configured to control the second power-assisted motor <NUM>. The third ECU <NUM> may be configured to control the third power-assisted motor <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may send a corresponding first control instruction, second control instruction, and third control instruction to the first ECU <NUM>, the second ECU <NUM>, and the third ECU <NUM>. The first ECU <NUM>, the second ECU <NUM>, and the third ECU <NUM> may separately control, according to the first control instruction, the second control instruction, and the third control instruction, corresponding power-assisted motors to output torque.

Optionally, the control instruction may include output torque instructions corresponding to the first power-assisted motor <NUM>, the second power-assisted motor <NUM>, or the third power-assisted motor <NUM>.

Optionally, the independent steering system <NUM> may further include a first sensor <NUM>, a second sensor <NUM>, and a third sensor <NUM>. The first sensor <NUM> may be configured to determine position information of the first connecting rod <NUM>. The second sensor <NUM> may be configured to determine position information of the second connecting rod <NUM>. The third sensor <NUM> may be configured to determine length information of the middle tie rod <NUM>.

Optionally, the first sensor <NUM>, the second sensor <NUM>, and the third sensor <NUM> may send the determined information to the control unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may determine the first control instruction, the second control instruction, or the third control instruction based on current position information of the first connecting rod <NUM>, current position information of the second connecting rod <NUM>, and current length information of the middle tie rod <NUM>.

Optionally, the first sensor <NUM> may be a translational position sensor or an angular position sensor. When the first sensor <NUM> is the translational position sensor, a specific position of the first connecting rod <NUM> may be directly measured. When the first sensor <NUM> is the angular position sensor, a specific position of the first connecting rod <NUM> may be calculated by measuring an angular position of the first power-assisted motor <NUM> or an angular position of the first gear in the first transmission part <NUM>.

Optionally, the second sensor <NUM> may be a translational position sensor or an angular position sensor. When the second sensor <NUM> is the translational position sensor, a specific position of the second connecting rod <NUM> may be directly measured. When the second sensor <NUM> is the angular position sensor, a specific position of the second connecting rod <NUM> may be calculated by measuring an angular position of the second power-assisted motor <NUM> or an angular position of the second gear in the second transmission part <NUM>.

Optionally, the third sensor <NUM> may be an angular sensor. The third sensor <NUM> may determine a length of the middle tie rod <NUM> by measuring a rotation angle of the third connecting rod <NUM>. It should be understood that, because there is a non-self-locking structure between the first connecting rod <NUM>, the second connecting rod <NUM>, and the third connecting rod <NUM>, when the third connecting rod <NUM> rotates, the first connecting rod <NUM> and the second connecting rod <NUM> approach or move away from each other along the axial direction of the middle tie rod <NUM>, that is, the rotation angle of the third connecting rod <NUM> corresponds to the length of the middle tie rod <NUM>. Therefore, the length of the middle tie rod <NUM> may be determined by measuring the rotation angle of the third connecting rod <NUM>.

The independent steering mechanism and the independent steering system provided in embodiments of this application are described above with reference to <FIG>. The following describes a control method in embodiments of this application with reference to <FIG>. It should be noted that the control method in embodiments of this application may be applied to any apparatus described above, and this is not limited in embodiments of this application.

<FIG> is a flowchart of a control method according to an embodiment of this application. The method shown in <FIG> includes step <NUM> and step <NUM>.

Step <NUM>: Determine a target steering angle of a first steering wheel and a target steering angle of a second steering wheel.

The target steering angle of the first steering wheel and the target steering angle of the second steering wheel are calculated based on an advanced driver assistance system (advanced driver assistance system, ADAS) or a steering operation of a user.

Step <NUM>: A control unit controls a power-assisted motor to adjust the first steering wheel and the second steering wheel to a corresponding target steering angle.

When a first power-assisted motor in an independent steering mechanism is faulty, a first working mode may be enabled. The control unit controls a third power-assisted motor to adjust a length of a middle tie rod in the independent steering mechanism, and controls a second power-assisted motor to adjust a position of the middle tie rod, so that the middle tie rod drives the first steering wheel and the second steering wheel to rotate to the corresponding target steering angle.

When the second power-assisted motor in the independent steering mechanism is faulty, a second working mode may be enabled. The control unit controls the third power-assisted motor to adjust the length of a middle tie rod in the independent steering mechanism, and controls the first power-assisted motor to adjust the position of the middle tie rod, so that the middle tie rod drives the first steering wheel and the second steering wheel to rotate to the corresponding target steering angle.

Optionally, when the first power-assisted motor and the second power-assisted motor are normal, a third working mode may be enabled. The control unit controls the first power-assisted motor and the second power-assisted motor to adjust the length of the middle tie rod and the position of the middle tie rod, so that the middle tie rod drives the first steering wheel and the second steering wheel to rotate to the corresponding target steering angle. It should be understood that because screw threads through which a third connecting rod is connected to a first connecting rod and a second connecting rod are of non-self-locking structures, the third connecting rod has no constraint effect on the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod. Therefore, that the control unit controls the first power-assisted motor and the second power-assisted motor to adjust the length of the middle tie rod, and the position of the middle tie rod may be understood as that the control unit controls the first power-assisted motor and the second power-assisted motor to adjust positions of the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod.

Optionally, the method may further include: A first ECU may send first information to the control unit, and the first information may be used to indicate whether the first power-assisted motor is faulty. A second ECU may send second information to the control unit, and the second information may be used to indicate whether the second power-assisted motor is faulty. A third ECU may send third information to the control unit, and the third information may be used to indicate whether the third power-assisted motor is faulty.

Optionally, the first information may be further used to indicate whether the first ECU is faulty. It should be understood that because the first ECU is configured to control the first power-assisted motor, when the first ECU is faulty, the first power-assisted motor cannot be controlled to output torque, and it may be considered that the first power-assisted motor is faulty.

Optionally, the second information may be further used to indicate whether the second ECU is faulty. It should be understood that, because the second ECU is configured to control the second power-assisted motor, when the second ECU is faulty, the second power-assisted motor cannot be controlled to output torque, and it may be considered that the second power-assisted motor is faulty.

Optionally, the third information may be further used to indicate whether the third ECU is faulty. It should be understood that, because the third ECU is configured to control the third power-assisted motor, when the third ECU is faulty, the third power-assisted motor cannot be controlled to output torque, and it may be considered that the third power-assisted motor is faulty.

Optionally, a first sensor may send fourth information to the control unit, and the fourth information may be used to indicate current position information of the first connecting rod. A second sensor may send fifth information to the control unit, and the fifth information may be used to indicate current position information of the second connecting rod. A third sensor may send sixth information to the control unit, and the sixth information may be used to indicate current length information of the middle tie rod.

Optionally, the fourth information may be further used to indicate whether the first sensor is faulty. It should be understood that when the first sensor is faulty, the control unit cannot determine the position information of the first connecting rod. Therefore, the control unit cannot accurately control the first power-assisted motor to output torque, and it may be considered that the first power-assisted motor is faulty.

Optionally, the fifth information may be further used to indicate whether the second sensor is faulty. It should be understood that when the second sensor is faulty, the control unit cannot determine the position information of the second connecting rod. Therefore, the control unit cannot accurately control the second power-assisted motor to output torque, and it may be considered that the second power-assisted motor is faulty.

Optionally, the sixth information may be further used to indicate whether the third sensor is faulty. It should be understood that when the third sensor is faulty, the control unit cannot determine the length information of the middle tie rod. Therefore, the control unit cannot accurately control the third power-assisted motor to output torque, and it may be considered that the third power-assisted motor is faulty.

It should be understood that, according to the control method provided in this embodiment of this application, different working modes may be selected based on an actual situation. When the three power-assisted motors work normally, two steering wheels in an independent steering system may be controlled to implement independent steering. In addition, when any one of the three power-assisted motors is faulty, independent steering can be implemented without changing a mechanical structure of the independent steering system, which is more efficient.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of a method for determining different working modes according to an embodiment of this application.

Step <NUM>: A control unit determines whether a first power-assisted motor is faulty.

Step <NUM> is performed if the first power-assisted motor is not faulty. Step <NUM> is performed if the first power-assisted motor is faulty.

Optionally, that the control unit determines whether the first power-assisted motor is faulty may include determining whether the first power-assisted motor, a corresponding first ECU, and a corresponding first sensor are faulty.

Optionally, the control unit may determine, based on first information sent by the first ECU, whether the first power-assisted motor and the first ECU are faulty.

Optionally, the control unit may determine, based on fourth information sent by the first sensor, whether the first sensor is faulty.

Step <NUM>: The control unit determines whether a second power-assisted motor is faulty.

If the second power-assisted motor is not faulty, the control unit determines that a current working mode is a third working mode. Step <NUM> is performed if the second power-assisted motor is faulty.

Optionally, that the control unit determines whether the second power-assisted motor is faulty may include determining whether the second power-assisted motor, a corresponding second ECU, and a corresponding second sensor are faulty.

Optionally, the control unit may determine, based on second information sent by the second ECU, whether the second power-assisted motor and the second ECU are faulty.

Optionally, the control unit may determine, based on fifth information sent by the second sensor, whether the second sensor is faulty.

Step <NUM>: The control unit determines whether a third power-assisted motor is faulty.

If the third power-assisted motor is not faulty, the control unit determines that a current working mode is a second working mode. If the third power-assisted motor is faulty, the control unit determines that a current working mode is a failure mode, that is, two of the three power-assisted motors are faulty and cannot perform steering.

Optionally, that the control unit determines whether the third power-assisted motor is faulty may include determining whether the third power-assisted motor, a corresponding third ECU, and a corresponding third sensor are faulty.

Optionally, the control unit may determine, based on third information sent by the third ECU, whether the third power-assisted motor and the third ECU are faulty.

Optionally, the control unit may determine, based on sixth information sent by the third sensor, whether the third sensor is faulty.

Step <NUM>: The control unit determines whether the second power-assisted motor is faulty.

Step <NUM> is performed if the second power-assisted motor is not faulty. If the second power-assisted motor is faulty, the control unit determines that a current working mode is a failure mode.

Step <NUM>: The control unit determines whether the third power-assisted motor is faulty.

If the third power-assisted motor is not faulty, the control unit determines that a current working mode is a first working mode. If the third power-assisted motor is faulty, the control unit determines that a current working mode is a failure mode.

Table <NUM> shows a correspondence between each working mode and a working state of each power-assisted motor.

√ indicates that the power-assisted motor works properly, × indicates that the power-assisted motor is faulty, and / indicates that the power-assisted motor is in any state.

<FIG> is a schematic flowchart of controlling a power-assisted motor by a control unit according to an embodiment of this application.

Step <NUM>: Determine a target position of a first connecting rod and a target position of a second connecting rod.

A control unit determines the target position of the first connecting rod and the target position of the second connecting rod based on a target steering angle of a first steering wheel and a target steering angle of a second steering wheel, that is, when the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod are in target positions, the first steering wheel and the second steering wheel may reach target steering angles, so that a vehicle completes steering.

Step <NUM>: Determine a target length of a middle tie rod.

The control unit determines the target length of the middle tie rod based on the target position of the first connecting rod and the target position of the second connecting rod.

Step <NUM>: Determine a target rotation angle of a third connecting rod.

The control unit may calculate the target rotation angle of the third connecting rod based on the target length of the middle tie rod. Because the third connecting rod is connected to the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod through screw threads, when the third connecting rod rotates, the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod approach or move away from each other along an axial direction of the middle tie rod, to adjust a length of the middle tie rod.

The target rotation angle satisfies the following formula: <MAT> where
L is the target length of the middle tie rod, L<NUM> is a shortest length of the middle tie rod, and iang is a lead of the screw thread.

Step <NUM>: Control a power-assisted motor for adjustment.

When an independent steering system works in a first working mode, the control unit controls, based on the target rotation angle, a third power-assisted motor to adjust the length of the middle tie rod to the target length, and controls, based on the target position of the first connecting rod and the target position of the second connecting rod, a second power-assisted motor to adjust the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod to a corresponding target position.

When the independent steering system works in a second working mode, the control unit controls, based on the target rotation angle, the third power-assisted motor to adjust the length of the middle tie rod to the target length, and controls, based on the target position of the first connecting rod and the target position of the second connecting rod, a first power-assisted motor to adjust the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod to a corresponding target position.

Optionally, the control unit may send a third control instruction to a third ECU, and the third control instruction is used to indicate the third ECU to control the third power-assisted motor to output torque, so that the length of the middle tie rod is the target length. The third ECU may control the third power-assisted motor according to the third control instruction.

Optionally, the control unit may obtain a current length of the middle tie rod based on sixth information sent by a third sensor, and determine the third control instruction based on the current length and the target length of the middle tie rod.

Optionally, when the independent steering system works in the second working mode, the control unit may send a first control instruction to a first ECU, and the first control instruction is used to indicate the first ECU to control the first power-assisted motor to output torque, so that the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod reach the corresponding target position. The first ECU may control the first power-assisted motor according to the first control instruction.

Optionally, the control unit may obtain a current length of the middle tie rod based on fourth information sent by a first sensor, and determine a fourth control instruction based on the current length and the target length of the middle tie rod.

Optionally, when the independent steering system works in the first working mode, the control unit may send a second control instruction to a second ECU, and the second control instruction is used to indicate the second ECU to control the second power-assisted motor to output torque, so that the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod reach the corresponding target position. The second ECU may control the second power-assisted motor according to the second control instruction.

Optionally, the control unit may obtain a current length of the middle tie rod based on fifth information sent by a second sensor, and determine the second control instruction based on the current length and the target length of the middle tie rod.

It should be understood that the foregoing step <NUM> to step <NUM> are processes corresponding to the first working mode and the second working mode. Because screw threads through which the third connecting rod is connected to the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod are of non-self-locking structures, the third connecting rod has no constraint effect on the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod. Therefore, when the control unit determines that a working mode is a third working mode, the control unit may control the first power-assisted motor and the second power-assisted motor to adjust the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod to a corresponding target position, that is, only step <NUM> and step <NUM> are required to complete a process of controlling the power-assisted motor.

Optionally, when the independent steering system works in the third working mode, the control unit may send a first control instruction to a first ECU, and the first control instruction is used to indicate the first ECU to control the first power-assisted motor to output torque, so that the first connecting rod reaches the target position. The first ECU may control the first power-assisted motor according to the first control instruction. The control unit may send a second control instruction to a second ECU, and the second control instruction is used to indicate the second ECU to control the second power-assisted motor to output torque, so that the second connecting rod reaches the target position. The second ECU may control the second power-assisted motor according to the second control instruction.

The foregoing describes the control method provided in embodiments of this application with reference to <FIG>. The following describes, with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, a control unit that performs the foregoing control method. It should be noted that the apparatus in this embodiment of this application may be applied to any independent steering mechanism or independent steering system described above, to implement any control method described above. For brevity, details are not described herein again.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of a control apparatus according to an embodiment of this application. A control apparatus <NUM> shown in <FIG> includes a generation unit <NUM> and a sending unit <NUM>.

The generation unit <NUM> is configured to generate a control instruction, and the control instruction is used to control a power-assisted motor.

The sending unit <NUM> is configured to send the control instruction to an ECU corresponding to the power-assisted motor, and control the ECU to drive the corresponding power-assisted motor to output torque, to implement independent steering.

In an optional embodiment, the generation unit <NUM> may be a processor <NUM>, the sending unit <NUM> may be a communications interface <NUM>, and a specific structure of the control unit is shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a schematic block diagram of a control unit according to another embodiment of this application. A control unit <NUM> shown in <FIG> may include a memory <NUM>, a processor <NUM>, and a communications interface <NUM>. The memory <NUM>, the processor <NUM>, and the communications interface <NUM> are connected through an internal connection path. The memory <NUM> is configured to store instructions. The processor <NUM> is configured to execute the instructions stored in the memory <NUM>, to control the communications interface <NUM> to receive/send information. Optionally, the memory <NUM> may be coupled to the processor <NUM> through an interface, or may be integrated with the processor <NUM>.

It should be noted that the communications interface <NUM> uses an apparatus such as but not limited to an input/output interface (input/output interface), to implement communication between the controller <NUM> and another device or a communication network.

In an implementation process, the steps in the foregoing method may be performed by using a hardware integrated logical circuit in the processor <NUM>, or by using instructions in a form of software. The method disclosed with reference to embodiments of this application may be directly performed by a hardware processor, or may be performed by using a combination of hardware in the processor and a software module. The software module may be located in a mature storage medium in the field, such as a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory, an electrically erasable programmable memory, or a register. The storage medium is located in the memory <NUM>, and the processor <NUM> reads information in the memory <NUM> and completes the steps in the foregoing method in combination with hardware of the processor <NUM>. To avoid repetition, details are not described herein again.

It should be understood that, in embodiments of this application, sequence numbers of the foregoing processes do not mean execution sequences. The execution sequences of the processes should be determined based on functions and internal logic of the processes, and should not constitute any limitation on implementation processes of embodiments of this application.

A person of ordinary skill in the art may be aware that units and algorithm steps described with reference to embodiments disclosed in this specification can be implemented by electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed by hardware or software depends on particular applications and design constraints of the technical solutions.

A person skilled in the art may clearly understand that, for convenient and brief description, for a detailed working process of the foregoing system, apparatus, and unit, refer to a corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiments.

For example, the described apparatus embodiments are merely examples. For example, division into the units is merely logical function division and may be other division in an actual implementation. In addition, the displayed or discussed mutual couplings or direct couplings or communication connections may be implemented through some interfaces. The indirect couplings or communication connections between the apparatuses or units may be implemented in electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and components displayed as units may or may not be physical units, may be located in one position, or may be distributed on a plurality of network units.

When the functions are implemented in a form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, the functions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on such an understanding, the technical solutions of this application essentially, or the part contributing to the conventional technology, or some of the technical solutions may be implemented in a form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium, and includes several instructions for instructing a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, a network device, or the like) to perform all or some of the steps of the methods described in embodiments of this application. The foregoing storage medium includes any medium that can store program code, such as a USB flash drive, a removable hard disk, a read-only memory (read-only memory, ROM), a random access memory (random access memory, RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disc.

Claim 1:
An independent steering mechanism (<NUM>), comprising:
a first power-assisted motor (<NUM>), a second power-assisted motor (<NUM>), a third power-assisted motor (<NUM>), and a middle tie rod (<NUM>), wherein
the middle tie rod (<NUM>) comprises a first connecting rod (<NUM>), a second connecting rod (<NUM>), and a third connecting rod (<NUM>);
two ends of the third connecting rod (<NUM>) are connected to the first connecting rod (<NUM>) and the second connecting rod (<NUM>);
the first power-assisted motor (<NUM>) is configured to control the first connecting rod (<NUM>) to move along an axial direction of the middle tie rod (<NUM>);
the second power-assisted motor (<NUM>) is configured to control the second connecting rod (<NUM>) to move along the axial direction of the middle tie rod (<NUM>); and
the third power-assisted motor (<NUM>) is configured to control the third connecting rod (<NUM>) to rotate, to drive the first connecting rod (<NUM>) and the second connecting rod (<NUM>) to approach or move away from each other along the axial direction of the middle tie rod (<NUM>).