Electrically adjustable tube column motor and electrically adjustable tube column system

Abstract

The application discloses an electric adjusting tube column motor and an electric adjusting tube column system. The electric adjusting tube column motor comprises a motor shell and a telescopic mechanism, the telescopic mechanism comprises a fixed end, an output end and an intermediate end. The fixed end is fixedly connected with the motor shell. The output end can drive a steering tube column to perform linear motion so as to adjust the length of the steering tube column. The intermediate end can be driven to drive the output end to move. The electric adjusting tube column motor disclosed by the application can adjust the length of the steering tube column in a space-saving manner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electronically controlled column systems, and more specifically, to an electronically controlled column motor and an electronically controlled column system having such an electronically controlled column motor. Background Technology

[0002] The steering column is a crucial component connecting the steering wheel and the steering gear; its length and angle adjustability directly impact driving comfort and safety. In automotive engineering, the column allows for vertical adjustment of the steering wheel position within a certain range to suit the driver's operating habits. Adjusting the steering wheel's angle and axial direction via a controller further enhances driving comfort and ease of operation.

[0003] Currently, electrically adjustable steering columns exhibit diverse structures, resulting in a variety of designs based on the different requirements of various OEMs and vehicle models. Furthermore, the development of intelligent driver assistance technologies has placed new demands on vehicle interior space design, such as requiring steering columns to have a longer adjustment range than traditional designs. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main technical problem this application aims to solve is how to adjust the length of the steering column in a space-saving manner.

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides an electrically adjustable column motor, which includes a motor housing and a telescopic mechanism, the telescopic mechanism comprising: The fixed end is fixedly connected to the motor housing; The output end is capable of driving the steering column to make linear movements, thereby adjusting the length of the steering column; and The intermediate end can be driven to move the output end.

[0006] According to one aspect of this application, an ESC column motor includes an output member connected to the intermediate end, the output member being capable of driving the intermediate end to move.

[0007] According to one aspect of this application, the fixed end includes a fixed end hinge supported in the motor housing, and the telescopic mechanism includes a fixed end link that is rotatable about the fixed end hinge.

[0008] According to an aspect of this application, an electronically controlled column motor is provided, wherein the telescopic mechanism includes a secondary fixed end link, the secondary fixed end link being connected to the fixed end link via a secondary fixed end hinge, and the secondary fixed end link being rotatable relative to the fixed end link.

[0009] According to one aspect of this application, an ESC column motor is provided, wherein the output end includes an output end hinge, and the telescopic mechanism includes an output end link, the output end link being rotatable about the output end hinge.

[0010] According to an aspect of this application, an ESC column motor is provided, wherein the telescopic mechanism includes a secondary output end link, the secondary output end link being connected to the output end link via a secondary output end hinge, and the secondary output end link being rotatable relative to the output end link.

[0011] According to one aspect of this application, an electronically controlled column motor is provided. The telescopic mechanism includes two fixed-end connecting rods, which are arranged symmetrically about the telescopic direction of the mechanism; and / or The telescopic mechanism includes two output end links, which are arranged symmetrically about the telescopic direction of the telescopic mechanism.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present application, the secondary fixed end connecting rod and the fixed end connecting rod form a rhombic structure, and the secondary output end connecting rod and the output end connecting rod form a rhombic structure.

[0013] According to one aspect of this application, the output component of the electronically controlled column motor is a lead screw, the intermediate end of which includes an intermediate end hinge, and the driving part of the lead screw drives the intermediate end hinge.

[0014] On the other hand, this application provides an electrically adjustable column system, which includes the electrically adjustable column motor described in any of the preceding aspects.

[0015] According to the technical solution of this application, by setting a telescopic mechanism consisting of a fixed end, an output end, and a driveable intermediate end, only a small linear displacement needs to be applied to the intermediate end, and the telescopic mechanism can amplify that displacement, resulting in an increased linear stroke at the output end. This design allows the ESC column motor to maintain a compact structural size when the telescopic mechanism extends and retracts, meeting the layout requirements of the limited space inside the vehicle, while also providing a longer adjustment stroke for the steering column, effectively resolving the contradiction between the adjustment stroke and the installation space. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The disclosure of this application is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Wherein: Figure 1 An electronically controlled column motor according to one embodiment of this application is schematically shown; and Figure 2 Schematic representation Figure 1The telescopic mechanism of the ESC column motor in the middle. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these descriptions are merely descriptive and exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application.

[0018] Figures 1 to 2 The illustration schematically shows an electronically controlled steering column motor 100 according to one specific embodiment of this application. The electronically controlled steering column motor 100 can be used to adjust the extension position, i.e., the axial length, of the steering column of a vehicle. The electronically controlled steering column motor 100 includes a motor housing 1 and a telescopic mechanism 2. A drive source, such as an electric motor, and a gear transmission mechanism for transmitting power can be accommodated inside the motor housing 1.

[0019] The telescopic mechanism 2 is a crucial component for adjusting the stroke of the steering column. The telescopic mechanism 2 can be made of steel. It includes a fixed end 3, an output end 4, and an intermediate end 5 located between them. The fixed end 3 is fixedly connected to the motor housing 1. The fixed end 3 reliably secures the telescopic mechanism 2 to the motor housing 1. The output end 4 drives the adjusted component, such as the slider of the steering column, thereby adjusting the length of the steering column by causing linear movement of the steering column through the slider. The intermediate end 5 can be driven, thus moving the output end 4.

[0020] In the technical solution according to this application, by setting a telescopic mechanism 2 consisting of a fixed end 3, an output end 4, and a driveable intermediate end 5, the electronically adjustable column motor 100 can utilize the stroke amplification principle of a lever mechanism or linkage mechanism. Only a small linear displacement needs to be applied to the intermediate end 5 through the driving component, and the telescopic mechanism 2 can amplify this linear displacement, causing the output end 4 to generate an increased linear stroke. This design allows the electronically adjustable column motor 100 to maintain a compact structural size when the telescopic mechanism 2 extends and retracts, meeting the layout requirements of limited space inside the vehicle, while simultaneously providing a longer adjustment stroke required for applications such as intelligent assisted driving, effectively resolving the contradiction between adjustment stroke and installation space.

[0021] For example, in high-level autonomous driving mode, the driver does not need to operate the steering wheel, and the telescopic mechanism 2 can enter a fully retracted state. At this time, the space structure of the electronically controlled column motor 100 remains small, and there is enough installation space inside the instrument panel. The steering column can be completely retracted into the instrument panel, which can greatly improve the flexibility and comfort of the driving and riding space.

[0022] Furthermore, the electronically controlled steering column motor 100 includes an output component 6, which is connected to the intermediate end 5. The output component 6 can drive the intermediate end 5 to move, thereby driving the output end 4 to move. The output component 6 only needs to drive the intermediate end 5 to move through a small linear displacement, and the telescopic mechanism 2 amplifies this linear displacement, generating an increased linear stroke at the output end 4. The linear stroke of the output component 6 can be small, therefore the output component 6 can be constructed to be shorter, and its installation space occupies less. With this solution, it is not necessary to use a longer output component as in existing solutions, thereby saving installation space while ensuring that the steering column has a longer adjustment stroke.

[0023] The fixed end 3 may include a fixed end hinge 31, which is supported within the motor housing 1. The telescopic mechanism 2 includes a fixed end link 71, which is rotatable about the fixed end hinge 31. One end of the fixed end link 71 is rotatably fixed to the fixed end hinge 31, for example. Exemplarily, the telescopic mechanism 2 includes two fixed end links 71, each rotatably fixed at one end to the fixed end hinge 31 and rotatable about the axis of the fixed end hinge 31. These two fixed end links 71 may be arranged symmetrically about the telescopic direction X of the telescopic mechanism 2.

[0024] Furthermore, the telescopic mechanism 2 includes a secondary fixed-end connecting rod 72, which is connected to the fixed-end connecting rod 71 via a secondary fixed-end hinge 32. The secondary fixed-end connecting rod 72 is rotatable relative to the fixed-end connecting rod 71. The secondary fixed-end connecting rod 72 serves a transmission function in the telescopic mechanism 2.

[0025] The output end 4 may include an output end hinge 33, and the telescopic mechanism 2 includes an output end link 73, which is rotatable about the output end hinge 33. One end of the output end link 73 is rotatably fixed to the output end hinge 33, for example. Exemplarily, the telescopic mechanism 2 includes two output end links 73, each rotatably fixed at one end to the output end hinge 33 and rotatable about the axis of the output end hinge 33. These two output end links 73 may be arranged symmetrically about the telescopic direction X of the telescopic mechanism 2.

[0026] The output end 4 may further include an output section 41, which is rotatably fixed to the output end hinge 33 and is capable of driving the slider of the steering column. The output end hinge 33 drives the output section 41 to make linear movements, and thus drives the slider of the steering column and the steering column to make linear movements, thereby adjusting the length of the steering column.

[0027] Furthermore, the telescopic mechanism 2 includes a secondary output end link 74, which is connected to the output end link 73 via a secondary output end hinge 34. The secondary output end link 74 is rotatable relative to the output end link 73. The secondary output end link 74 serves a transmission function in the telescopic mechanism 2.

[0028] In the embodiment shown in the figure, for the telescopic mechanism 2, the fixed end connecting rod 71, the secondary fixed end connecting rod 72, the secondary output end connecting rod 74, and the output end connecting rod 73 are arranged sequentially from the fixed end 3 to the output end 4. It should be noted that the secondary fixed end connecting rod 72 and the secondary output end connecting rod 74 do not each refer to a single connecting rod. In embodiments not shown, the secondary fixed end connecting rod 72 and the secondary output end connecting rod 74 may each include multiple connecting rods, and the secondary fixed end connecting rod 72 and the secondary output end connecting rod 74 may also refer to the same connecting rod.

[0029] For example, the secondary fixed end connecting rod 72 and the fixed end connecting rod 71 form a rhombus structure, and the secondary output end connecting rod 74 and the output end connecting rod 73 form a rhombus structure.

[0030] The telescopic mechanism 2 adopts a symmetrical double-rhomboid structure, forming a stable and efficient stroke amplification mechanism. Specifically, the telescopic mechanism 2 includes two secondary fixed-end connecting rods 72. Each of the two secondary fixed-end connecting rods 72 is pivotally connected at one end to the free end of a corresponding fixed-end connecting rod 71 via a secondary fixed-end hinge 32. The two secondary fixed-end connecting rods 72 are pivotally connected at the other end via a secondary-secondary fixed-end hinge 35. The two fixed-end connecting rods 71 ​​and the two secondary fixed-end connecting rods 72 together form a rhomboid structure. Similarly, the telescopic mechanism 2 also includes two secondary output-end connecting rods 74. Each of the two secondary output-end connecting rods 74 is pivotally connected at one end to the free end of a corresponding output-end connecting rod 73 via a secondary output-end hinge 34. The two secondary output-end connecting rods 74 are pivotally connected at the other end via a secondary-secondary output-end hinge 36. The two output-end connecting rods 73 and the two secondary output-end connecting rods 74 together form a rhomboid structure. These two rhomboid structures are connected together via an intermediate end 5. All the links mentioned above can be arranged symmetrically about the telescopic mechanism 2 in the telescopic direction X. This symmetry ensures that the telescopic mechanism 2 moves smoothly during the telescopic process and does not generate unnecessary lateral forces or jamming.

[0031] Furthermore, the structure of the telescopic mechanism 2 can be simplified or modified. For example, it can use only a single rhomboid structure, or it can use other four-bar or multi-bar combinations that are not rhomboid but still achieve the stroke amplification effect. These variations do not deviate from the concept of using the telescopic mechanism 2 to amplify the stroke.

[0032] In an embodiment not shown, the telescopic mechanism 2 may consist of only a fixed end link 71, a secondary fixed end link 72, a secondary output end link 74, and an output end link 73, thereby forming a telescopic mechanism 2 that is generally wavy in shape.

[0033] To drive the telescopic mechanism 2, an output component 6 is provided, specifically a lead screw. This lead screw is driven linearly by a motor via a gear transmission mechanism. A drive unit is located at the free end of the lead screw, which drives the intermediate hinge 35 of the intermediate end 5. The drive unit has, for example, an opening in which a drive pin 61 is rotatably fixed. The drive pin 61 is fixedly connected to the intermediate hinge 35, allowing the drive unit of the lead screw to drive the intermediate hinge 35. The drive unit moves linearly along the axis of the lead screw, thereby moving the intermediate end 5. By applying driving force to the central connection point of the double-rhomboid structure, i.e., the intermediate hinge 35, the entire telescopic mechanism 2 can be driven to extend or retract in a highly efficient and stable manner.

[0034] Furthermore, the output component 6 driving the intermediate end 5 is not limited to a lead screw; other actuators capable of providing linear driving force can also be used, such as hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, rack and pinion mechanisms, or linear motors. These variations all fall within the scope of "output component".

[0035] The intermediate end 5 includes an intermediate end hinge 35, which refers to a specific hinge between the fixed end 3 and the output end 4. The intermediate end hinge 35 may be the same hinge as the secondary fixed end hinge or the secondary output end hinge.

[0036] When the ESC-column motor 100 is in its fully retracted state, both diamond-shaped connecting rod structures are folded, and the included angle between the rods is small. The total length between the fixed-end hinge 31 and the output-end hinge 33 reaches its minimum value. This results in a very compact structural dimension for the entire motor assembly in the retracted state, thus occupying less layout space.

[0037] When a longer adjustment of the steering column is required, the ESC motor 100 drives the lead screw to move linearly to the left, causing the drive unit (and the intermediate end hinge 35 connected to it) to move along the lead screw axis. The movement of the intermediate end 5 unfolds the two rhomboid structures, similar to a scissor jack, pushing the output end 4 away from the fixed end 3. The intermediate end 5 moves a small stroke under the drive of the lead screw, denoted as the lead screw stroke d. Due to the stroke amplification effect of the linkage mechanism, the output end 4 moves a larger stroke, denoted as the extension stroke D. The stroke amplification ratio D / d is greater than 1. It is this stroke amplification effect that allows the ESC motor 100 to achieve a long adjustment stroke for the steering column that meets application requirements, driven by a short-stroke, compact lead screw.

[0038] This application also includes an electrically adjustable column system with an electrically adjustable column motor 100 having any one or more of the foregoing embodiments, the technical features and effects of which are corresponding to the foregoing description, and therefore will not be repeated here.

[0039] The electronically adjustable column system also includes a steering column, and an electronically adjustable column motor 100 is used to adjust the extension and retraction position of the steering column. This electronically adjustable column motor 100 provides a long adjustment range while occupying a small installation space. This electronically adjustable column system is particularly suitable for vehicles with advanced autonomous driving functions that require the steering wheel to be fully integrated into the dashboard.

[0040] Furthermore, a slider is provided in the steering column, and the slider is fixedly connected to the steering column. The output 41 of the extension mechanism 2 of the ESC motor 100 drives the slider to move, and the slider thus drives the steering column to move linearly to adjust the length of the steering column. For example, the output 41 has an opening in which an output pin is rotatably fixed, and the output pin is fixedly connected to the slider, so that the output 41 can drive the slider. The ESC system may also include a slide rail, along which the slider can move linearly, for example, to extend or retract the steering column.

Claims

1. An electrically adjustable column motor (100), characterized in that, The electrically controlled column motor (100) includes a motor housing (1) and a telescopic mechanism (2), the telescopic mechanism (2) including: Fixed end (3), the fixed end (3) is fixedly connected to the motor housing (1); Output terminal (4), which can drive the steering column to make linear movements to adjust the length of the steering column; and The intermediate end (5) can be driven to drive the output end (4) to move.

2. The electrically adjustable column motor (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ESC column motor (100) includes an output component (6) connected to the intermediate end (5), and the output component (6) is capable of driving the intermediate end (5) to move.

3. The electrically adjustable column motor (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed end (3) includes a fixed end hinge (31) which is supported in the motor housing (1). The telescopic mechanism (2) includes a fixed end link (71) which is rotatable around the fixed end hinge (31).

4. The electrically adjustable column motor (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The telescopic mechanism (2) includes a secondary fixed end link (72), which is connected to the fixed end link (71) via a secondary fixed end hinge (32). The secondary fixed end link (72) is rotatable relative to the fixed end link (71).

5. The electrically adjustable column motor (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The output end (4) includes an output end hinge (33), and the telescopic mechanism (2) includes an output end link (73), which is capable of rotating around the output end hinge (33).

6. The electrically adjustable column motor (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The telescopic mechanism (2) includes a secondary output end link (74), which is connected to the output end link (73) via a secondary output end hinge (34). The secondary output end link (74) is rotatable relative to the output end link (73).

7. The electrically adjustable column motor (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The telescopic mechanism (2) includes two fixed-end connecting rods (71) arranged symmetrically about the telescopic direction (X) of the telescopic mechanism (2); and / or The telescopic mechanism (2) includes two output end links (73), which are arranged symmetrically about the telescopic direction (X) of the telescopic mechanism (2).

8. The electrically adjustable column motor (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The secondary fixed end connecting rod (72) and the fixed end connecting rod (71) form a rhombus structure, and the secondary output end connecting rod (74) and the output end connecting rod (73) form a rhombus structure.

9. The electrically adjustable column motor (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The output component (6) is a lead screw, and the intermediate end (5) includes an intermediate end hinge (35). The driving part of the lead screw drives the intermediate end hinge (35).

10. An electrically adjustable tubing system, characterized in that, It includes an ESC column motor (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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