Steering column and vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a steering column and a vehicle. The steering column comprises a steering shaft, a fixed bracket, a first column barrel, a second column barrel, an angle adjustment motor, an angle adjustment screw nut mechanism, a connecting rod mechanism, a height adjustment motor, and a height adjustment screw nut mechanism. The second column barrel is arranged in the first column barrel and is slidably sleeved with the first column barrel. The steering shaft is passed through the first column barrel and the second column barrel. The steering shaft comprises an upper shaft and a lower shaft connected by a spline. The upper shaft is supported in the second column barrel by a first bearing, and the lower shaft is supported in the first column barrel by a second bearing. The first column barrel is hinged on the fixed bracket around a first hinge axis. The angle adjustment motor can drive the first column barrel to rotate relative to the fixed bracket through the angle adjustment screw nut mechanism and the connecting rod mechanism. The height adjustment motor can drive the second column barrel to move axially relative to the first column barrel through the height adjustment screw nut mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an automobile steering system, and in particular to a steering column and a vehicle having the steering column. Background Art

[0002] The utility model patent with publication number CN205706835U discloses an electric four-way adjustable steering column mechanism. This type of electric four-way adjustable steering column mechanism is relatively simple in structure, with poor adjustment displacement accuracy, poor reliability, and high noise during the adjustment process. The core components such as the adjustment motor and controller are not compact and are easily damaged by being used as a force lever. From the overall structure to the product executability, the quality of the steering column mechanism cannot be effectively guaranteed. Summary of the invention

[0003] The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a steering column that can achieve height adjustment and angle adjustment at the same time, and the adjustment accuracy of the steering column is high.

[0004] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present disclosure provides a steering column, comprising a steering shaft, a fixed bracket, a first column cylinder, a second column cylinder, an angle adjustment motor, an angle adjustment screw nut mechanism, a connecting rod mechanism, a height adjustment motor, and a height adjustment screw nut mechanism, wherein the second column cylinder is arranged in the first column cylinder and is slidably sleeved with the first column cylinder, the steering shaft is passed through the first column cylinder and the second column cylinder, the steering shaft comprises an upper shaft and a lower shaft connected by a spline, the upper shaft is supported in the second column cylinder by a first bearing, the lower shaft is supported in the first column cylinder by a second bearing, the first column cylinder is hinged to the fixed bracket around a first hinge axis, the angle adjustment motor can drive the first column cylinder to rotate relative to the fixed bracket through the angle adjustment screw nut mechanism and the connecting rod mechanism, and the height adjustment motor can drive the second column cylinder to move axially relative to the first column cylinder through the height adjustment screw nut mechanism.

[0005] Optionally, the angle adjustment screw nut mechanism includes an angle adjustment screw and an angle adjustment nut sleeved on the angle adjustment screw, the angle adjustment screw is connected to the angle adjustment motor, the angle adjustment nut is connected to the fixed bracket through the connecting rod mechanism, a connecting rod in the connecting rod mechanism is hinged to the first column tube around a second hinge axis, and the first hinge axis is parallel to the second hinge axis.

[0006] Optionally, the axis of the angle adjustment screw is perpendicular to the first hinge axis.

[0007] Optionally, the steering column further comprises an angle adjustment motor base, the angle adjustment motor is fixed on the angle adjustment motor base, the angle adjustment motor base is hinged on the first column tube around a third hinge axis, and the third hinge axis is parallel to the first hinge axis.

[0008] Optionally, the connecting rod mechanism includes a first connecting rod and a second connecting rod, the first end of the first connecting rod is hinged to the angle adjustment nut around a fourth hinge axis, the second end of the first connecting rod is hinged to the first end of the second connecting rod, the second end of the second connecting rod is hinged to the fixed bracket around a fifth hinge axis, the first hinge axis, the fourth hinge axis and the fifth hinge axis are parallel, and the first connecting rod is hinged to the first column around the second hinge axis.

[0009] Optionally, the first connecting rod has a first hinge point connected to the angle adjustment nut, a second hinge point connected to the first cylinder, and a third hinge point connected to the second connecting rod, and the connecting line between the first hinge point, the second hinge point and the third hinge point is a triangle.

[0010] Optionally, there are two connecting rod mechanisms, and the two connecting rod mechanisms are respectively arranged on both sides of the angle adjustment nut.

[0011] Optionally, the height adjustment screw nut mechanism includes a height adjustment screw and a height adjustment nut sleeved on the height adjustment screw, the height adjustment screw is connected to the height adjustment motor, the height adjustment nut is connected to the second column barrel, and the axis of the height adjustment screw is parallel to the axis of the second column barrel.

[0012] Optionally, the steering column further comprises a height-adjusting motor base, the height-adjusting motor is fixed on the height-adjusting motor base, and the height-adjusting motor base is fixed on the first column tube.

[0013] In the steering column disclosed in the present invention, the angle adjustment screw nut mechanism is used to convert the rotational motion of the angle adjustment motor into the linear motion of the angle adjustment nut, and the angle adjustment nut drives the first column tube to rotate around the first hinge axis through the connecting rod mechanism. The cooperation between the angle adjustment screw nut mechanism and the connecting rod mechanism can significantly improve the accuracy of angle adjustment and the movement reliability during the adjustment process. The height adjustment screw nut mechanism can improve the accuracy of height adjustment.

[0014] The present disclosure also provides a vehicle, comprising the steering column as described above.

[0015] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be described in detail in the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The accompanying drawings are used to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and constitute a part of the specification. Together with the following specific embodiments, they are used to explain the present disclosure but do not constitute a limitation of the present disclosure. In the accompanying drawings:

[0017] Figure 1 is a perspective schematic diagram of a steering column according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 2 and Figure 3 is a perspective schematic diagram of a steering column from another perspective according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 4 is an exploded schematic diagram of a steering column according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 5 is a perspective schematic diagram of a steering shaft in a steering column according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the assembly of an angle adjustment screw rod and an angle adjustment motor base in a steering column according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the angle adjustment motor base is shown in a cross-sectional view in order to show the internal structure;

[0022] Figure 7 is an exploded schematic diagram of an angle adjustment screw rod and an angle adjustment motor base in a steering column according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 8 is an exploded schematic diagram of an angle adjustment nut in a steering column according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Fig. 9 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a screw rod pressing block in a steering column according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram of the assembly of a height adjustment screw rod and a height adjustment motor base in a steering column according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the height adjustment motor base is shown in a cross-sectional view in order to show the internal structure;

[0026] Fig.11 is an exploded schematic diagram of a height adjustment screw rod and a height adjustment motor base in a steering column according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Fig.12 is a schematic assembly diagram of a height adjustment module in a steering column according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the first column barrel is shown in a cross-sectional view in order to show the internal structure;

[0028] Fig.13 is an exploded schematic diagram of a height adjustment module in a steering column according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Fig.14 is a perspective schematic diagram of a sliding collar in a steering column according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Fig.15 is a perspective schematic diagram of a sliding column in a steering column according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Fig.16 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a sliding column in a steering column according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Fig.17 is a perspective schematic diagram of a first column barrel in a steering column according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the first column barrel is shown in a cross-sectional view in order to show the internal structure;

[0033] Fig.18 is an exploded schematic diagram of a clamping mechanism in a steering column according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Fig.19 is a schematic assembly diagram of a second column cylinder in a steering column according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the sliding column cylinder is shown in a cross-sectional view in order to show the internal structure;

[0035] Fig. 20 is an exploded schematic diagram of a second column barrel in a steering column according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Fig.21 is a perspective schematic diagram of a sliding column in a steering column according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the sliding column is shown in a cross-sectional view in order to show the internal structure;

[0037] Fig. 22 is a perspective schematic diagram of a crush ring in a steering column according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Description of Reference Numerals

[0039] 10 angle adjustment motor 20 angle adjustment motor base

[0040] 21 Second limiting step 22 Third limiting step

[0041] 30 Angle adjustment screw 31 First limit step

[0042] 32 first pin hole 40 angle adjustment nut

[0043] 41 nut body 42 screw rod clamping block

[0044] 43 compression spring 44 compression nut

[0045] 411 first threaded hole 412 second threaded hole

[0046] 421 small diameter part 422 large diameter part

[0047] 423 step surface 424 concave surface

[0048] 425 positioning protrusion 51 first thrust bearing

[0049] 52 second thrust bearing 53 first locking nut

[0050] 54 first slotted nut 55 first cotter pin

[0051] 56 first load bearing 57 second load bearing

[0052] 58 first limit ring 60 steering shaft

[0053] 61 upper shaft 62 lower shaft

[0054] 71 first bearing 72 second bearing

[0055] 80 first column 801 chute

[0056] 802 Mounting lug 803 Annular mounting groove

[0057] 804 mounting hole 90 second column

[0058] 91 sliding column 92 collapse column

[0059] 93 crush ring 911 second friction reducing coating

[0060] 912 connecting plate 913 annular positioning groove

[0061] 931 raised 100 sliding collar

[0062] 101 first anti-friction coating 110 height adjustment motor

[0063] 120 height adjustment motor base 121 fifth limit step

[0064] 122 sixth limit step 130 height adjustment screw

[0065] 131 fourth limiting step 132 second pin hole

[0066] 140 height adjustment nut 151 third thrust bearing

[0067] 152 fourth thrust bearing 153 second locking nut

[0068] 154 second slotted nut 155 second cotter pin

[0069] 156 third load bearing 157 fourth load bearing

[0070] 158 second limit ring 160 fixed bracket

[0071] 171 first connecting rod 172 second connecting rod

[0072] 180 adjustment controller 191 first wiring harness

[0073] 192 second wiring harness 200 clamping mechanism

[0074] 201 circlip 202 disc spring compression piece

[0075] 203 disc spring 204 gasket

[0076] 205 clamping block 211 first fastener

[0077] 212 second fastener DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0078] The specific implementation of the present disclosure is described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific implementation described herein is only used to illustrate and explain the present disclosure, and is not used to limit the present disclosure.

[0079] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, Figures 1 to 4 As shown, a steering column is provided, including a steering shaft 60, a fixing bracket 160, a first column cylinder 80, a second column cylinder 90, an angle adjustment motor 10, an angle adjustment screw nut mechanism and a connecting rod mechanism.

[0080] The angle adjustment screw nut mechanism includes an angle adjustment screw 30 and an angle adjustment nut 40 sleeved on the angle adjustment screw 30. The fixing bracket 160 is used to be fixed to the vehicle body, the first column 80 is hinged on the fixing bracket 160 around the first hinge axis AA, the second column 90 is slidably sleeved with the first column 80, and the steering shaft 60 is penetrated through the first column 80 and the second column 90.

[0081] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the steering shaft 60 includes an upper shaft 61 and a lower shaft 62 connected by a spline. The upper shaft 61 is supported in the second column barrel 90 through a first bearing 71, and the lower shaft 62 is supported in the first column barrel 80 through a second bearing 72. The upper shaft 61 is used to connect the steering wheel, and the lower shaft 62 is used to connect the transmission shaft. The angle adjustment motor 10 is used to drive the first column barrel 80 to rotate relative to the fixed bracket 160 through the angle adjustment screw nut mechanism and the connecting rod mechanism in turn to adjust the angle between the first column barrel 80 and the fixed bracket 160, thereby realizing the angle adjustment function of the steering column.

[0082] In the steering column disclosed in the present invention, the angle adjustment screw nut mechanism is used to convert the rotational motion of the angle adjustment motor 10 into the linear motion of the angle adjustment nut 40, and the angle adjustment nut 40 drives the first column 80 to rotate around the first hinge axis AA through the connecting rod mechanism. Through the cooperation of the angle adjustment screw nut mechanism and the connecting rod mechanism, the accuracy of angle adjustment and the motion reliability during the adjustment process can be significantly improved.

[0083] Further, in one embodiment, Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the angle adjustment motor 10 is installed on the first column 80, the angle adjustment screw 30 is connected to the angle adjustment motor 10, and the angle adjustment nut 40 is connected to the fixed bracket 160 through a connecting rod mechanism. One connecting rod in the connecting rod mechanism is hinged on the first column 80 around the second hinge axis BB, and the first hinge axis AA is parallel to the second hinge axis BB. In this way, on the one hand, the overall rigidity and reliability of the steering column can be improved, so that the first column 80 can only be driven to rotate when the angle adjustment motor 10 is started, and the first column 80 cannot be shaken by hand or other external forces. On the other hand, the first-order natural mode of the steering column can be improved to reduce vibration.

[0084] In the present disclosure, the angle adjustment screw 30 can be arranged in any appropriate direction. In one embodiment, the axis of the angle adjustment screw 30 can be perpendicular to the first hinge axis AA to facilitate the transmission of motion.

[0085] Alternatively, if Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the first column cylinder 80 can be located between the angle adjustment screw nut mechanism and the fixed bracket 160 to make the structure of the steering column more compact.

[0086] In order to improve the angle adjustment accuracy and reduce the driving force required for angle adjustment, in one embodiment, Figures 1 to 4 As shown, one end of the first column cylinder 80 is hinged on the fixed bracket 160, and a connecting rod in the connecting rod mechanism is hinged on the other end of the first column cylinder 80.

[0087] In order to facilitate the installation of the angle adjustment motor 10 on the first column 80, in one embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the steering column may further include an angle adjustment motor base 20, the angle adjustment motor 10 is fixed to one end of the angle adjustment motor base 20, and the angle adjustment motor base 20 is mounted on the first column tube 80. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the angle adjustment screw 30 is inserted into the angle adjustment motor base 20, and the angle adjustment screw 30 is supported in the angle adjustment motor base 20 through the first load bearing 56 and the second load bearing 57. One end of the angle adjustment screw 30 extends out of the angle adjustment motor base 20 and is spline-connected with the angle adjustment motor 10, and the other end of the angle adjustment screw 30 extends out of the angle adjustment motor base 20 and is threadedly matched with the angle adjustment nut 40. The first load bearing 56 and the second load bearing 57 make the angle adjustment screw 30 unable to move in the radial direction.

[0088] In this case, there may be an axial gap between the angle adjustment screw 30 and the angle adjustment motor base 20, which may cause the following problems: 1. Abnormal noise is generated when the angle adjustment screw 30 rotates; 2. There is a deviation between the expected position and the actual position of the angle adjustment nut 40; 3. The steering wheel shakes.

[0089] In order to eliminate the axial clearance between the angle adjustment screw rod 30 and the angle adjustment motor base 20 so that the angle adjustment screw rod 30 cannot move in the axial direction, in one embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, a first thrust bearing 51 is arranged on the angle adjustment screw 30, and the steering column further includes a first axial clamping mechanism, which applies force to the angle adjustment screw 30 so that the angle adjustment screw 30 and the angle adjustment motor base 20 are axially clamped through the first thrust bearing 51. Specifically, a first limiting step 31 is formed on the angle adjustment screw 30, and a second limiting step 21 is formed on the inner wall of the angle adjustment motor base 20, and both sides of the first thrust bearing 51 are respectively abutted against the first limiting step 31 and the second limiting step 21.

[0090] The first axial clamping mechanism may have any appropriate structure, for example, may include a clamping spring, which is arranged between the angle adjustment motor base 20 and the angle adjustment screw 30, and applies an axial elastic force to the angle adjustment screw 30 so that the first thrust bearing 51 is clamped by the angle adjustment screw 30 and the angle adjustment motor base 20.

[0091] In one embodiment, Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the first axial clamping mechanism includes a second thrust bearing 52 and a first locking nut 53 arranged on the angle adjustment screw 30, the second thrust bearing 52 is located between the first thrust bearing 51 and the first locking nut 53, and a third limiting step 22 is also formed on the inner wall of the angle adjustment motor base 20. Both sides of the second thrust bearing 52 are respectively abutted against the third limiting step 22 and the first locking nut 53, and the first thrust bearing 51 and the second thrust bearing 52 are located between the first limiting step 31 and the first locking nut 53.

[0092] Here, the first thrust bearing 51 and the second thrust bearing 52 can both bear the axial force and rotate around the axis. The first locking nut 53 and the angle adjustment screw 30 are threaded. When the first locking nut 53 is tightened, the distance between the first limiting step 31 on the angle adjustment screw 30 and the first locking nut 53 will gradually decrease; when the first locking nut 53 is further tightened, the gap between the first limiting step 31 and the first thrust bearing 51, the gap between the first thrust bearing 51 and the second limiting step 21, the gap between the third limiting step 22 and the second thrust bearing 52, and the gap between the second thrust bearing 52 and the first locking nut 53 will be reduced to the minimum, that is, there is no gap.

[0093] In order to prevent the first locking nut 53 from loosening due to the rotation of the angle adjustment screw rod 30, further, as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the first axial clamping mechanism also includes a first slotted nut 54 and a first cotter pin 55 arranged on the angle adjustment screw rod 30, and the side of the first locking nut 53 facing away from the second thrust bearing 52 is fixed by the first slotted nut 54, and the first slotted nut 54 is fixed by the first cotter pin 55. After the first locking nut 53 is tightened, the first slotted nut 54 is tightened and the first cotter pin 55 is passed through the first slotted nut 54 and inserted into the first pin hole 32 reserved on the angle adjustment screw rod 30. The first slotted nut 54 will not be loosened due to the obstruction of the first cotter pin 55. Similarly, the first locking nut 53 will not be loosened due to the obstruction of the first slotted nut 54.

[0094] The first load bearing 56 and the second load bearing 57 can be arranged at any suitable position. Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the first load-bearing bearing 56 is located between the first thrust bearing 51 and the second thrust bearing 52, and the second thrust bearing 52, the first locking nut 53 and the first slotted nut 54 are located between the first bearing 71 and the second bearing 72. The side of the second load-bearing bearing 57 facing the first load-bearing bearing 56 can be fixed by a first limiting retaining ring 58, and the first limiting retaining ring 58 is installed on the inner wall of the angle adjustment motor base 20, and the side of the second load-bearing bearing 57 facing away from the first load-bearing bearing 56 can be limited by the angle adjustment motor 10.

[0095] In order to increase the degree of freedom of the angle adjustment motor 10 and make the motion transmission smoother, in one embodiment, as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the angle adjustment motor base 20 is hinged on the first cylinder 80 around the third hinge axis CC, and the third hinge axis CC is parallel to the first hinge axis AA.

[0096] In order to facilitate the installation of the angle-adjustable motor base 20, in one embodiment, as Figure 4 As shown, a mounting lug 802 is formed on the first column barrel 80, and the angle adjustment motor base 20 is hinged on the mounting lug 802 around the third hinge axis CC. Along the axial direction of the first column barrel 80, the mounting lug 802 is located between the two ends of the first column barrel 80, so that the angle adjustment motor 10 and the angle adjustment motor base 20 are located between the two ends of the first column barrel 80, making the steering column structure more compact.

[0097] After the angle adjustment nut 40 moves on the angle adjustment screw 30 for a long time, a certain amount of wear will occur, resulting in a gap between the angle adjustment nut 40 and the angle adjustment screw 30. On the one hand, this gap will cause the angle adjustment nut 40 to vibrate, and on the other hand, it will cause the driver to feel an empty feeling when holding the steering wheel, causing the steering wheel to shake.

[0098] In order to eliminate or reduce the gap between the angle adjustment nut 40 and the angle adjustment screw rod 30, in one embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, the angle adjustment screw nut mechanism includes an angle adjustment screw 30 and a radial clamping mechanism, the nut body 41 is threadedly matched with the angle adjustment screw 30, and the radial clamping mechanism applies a force along the radial direction of the angle adjustment screw 30 to the angle adjustment screw 30 and / or the nut body 41 so that the nut body 41 is pressed against the angle adjustment screw 30.

[0099] In one embodiment, one end of the radial clamping mechanism is connected to the nut body 41, and the other end acts on the angle adjustment screw 30. In this case, the radial clamping mechanism applies forces in opposite directions to the nut body 41 and the angle adjustment screw 30, so that the nut body 41 and the angle adjustment screw 30 are compressed in the radial direction.

[0100] The radial clamping mechanism may have any appropriate structure. In one embodiment, the radial clamping mechanism includes a screw clamping block 42, a clamping spring 43 and a clamping nut 44, a nut body 41 is formed with a first threaded hole 411 that matches the angle adjustment screw 30 and a second threaded hole 412 that matches the clamping nut 44, the first threaded hole 411 is connected to the second threaded hole 412, the clamping spring 43 is arranged between the clamping nut 44 and the screw clamping block 42 and applies elastic force to the screw clamping block 42 so that the screw clamping block 42 is pressed against the side of the angle adjustment screw 30.

[0101] When the clamping nut 44 rotates in the direction of compressing the clamping spring 43, the elastic force of the clamping spring 43 is transmitted to the angle adjustment screw 30 through the screw clamping block 42, so that the gap between the angle adjustment screw 30 and the angle adjustment nut 40 becomes smaller or fits without gap.

[0102] In order to better realize the pressing function, in one embodiment, Fig. 9 As shown, the screw rod pressing block 42 has a concave surface 424 adapted to the threaded cylindrical surface of the angle adjustment screw rod 30 , and the screw rod pressing block 42 is pressed against the threaded cylindrical surface of the angle adjustment screw rod 30 by the concave surface 424 .

[0103] The screw pressing block 42 may have any suitable structure. Fig. 9 As shown, the screw clamping block 42 has a coaxial small diameter portion 421 and a large diameter portion 422, a step surface 423 is formed between the small diameter portion 421 and the large diameter portion 422, and the clamping spring 43 is sleeved on the small diameter portion 421, one end of the clamping spring 43 abuts against the step surface 423, and the other end abuts against the inner side of the clamping nut 44, and a concave surface 424 is formed at the end of the large diameter portion 422 away from the small diameter portion 421.

[0104] In order to ensure that the concave surface 424 of the screw rod pressing block 42 is exactly matched with the side surface of the angle adjustment screw rod 30 after the screw rod pressing block 42 is assembled, in one embodiment, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 As shown, a positioning protrusion 425 is formed on the side of the screw clamping block 42, and a positioning groove matched with the positioning protrusion 425 is formed in the nut body 41. In the process of installing the screw clamping block 42 into the nut body 41, the positioning protrusion 425 on the side of the screw clamping block 42 is inserted into the positioning groove in the nut body 41, so that the screw clamping block 42 cannot rotate, realizing assembly error prevention.

[0105] In order to more effectively transmit the elastic force of the compression spring 43 to the angle adjustment screw rod 30, in one embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 8As shown, the axis of the first threaded hole 411 is orthogonal to the axis of the second threaded hole 412. In other possible implementations, the axis of the first threaded hole 411 and the axis of the second threaded hole 412 may intersect but not be perpendicular.

[0106] The linkage mechanism may include any number of links, such as two or more. Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the connecting rod mechanism includes a first connecting rod 171 and a second connecting rod 172, the first end of the first connecting rod 171 is hinged to the angle adjustment nut 40 around the fourth hinge axis DD, the second end of the first connecting rod 171 is hinged to the first end of the second connecting rod 172 around the sixth hinge axis FF, the second end of the second connecting rod 172 is hinged to the fixed bracket 160 around the fifth hinge axis EE, and the first hinge axis AA, the fourth hinge axis DD, the fifth hinge axis EE and the sixth hinge axis FF are parallel.

[0107] In one embodiment, the first connecting rod 171 is hinged on the first column 80 around the second hinge axis BB, so as to drive the first column 80 to rotate through the first connecting rod 171. In this case, the second connecting rod 172 supports the first connecting rod 171 to ensure the movement stability during the angle adjustment process.

[0108] In the above embodiment, the first connecting rod 171 has a first hinge point connected to the angle adjustment nut 40, a second hinge point connected to the first column 80, and a third hinge point connected to the second connecting rod 172. In order to ensure the movement flexibility of the connecting rod mechanism, in one embodiment, the connecting line between the first hinge point, the second hinge point and the third hinge point can be triangular. Further, the first connecting rod 171 can be formed as a fork-shaped plate, the second hinge point is located in the middle of the fork-shaped plate, and the first hinge point and the third hinge point are located at both ends of the fork-shaped plate.

[0109] In order to further improve the motion stability during the angle adjustment process, in one embodiment, Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the steering column includes two connecting rod mechanisms, which are respectively arranged on both sides of the angle adjustment nut 40, the first column tube 80 is located between the two connecting rod mechanisms, and the angle adjustment nut 40 is connected to the fixed bracket 160 through the two connecting rod mechanisms.

[0110] In the present disclosure, the first cylinder 80 and the second cylinder 90 are slidably connected. When the second cylinder 90 is extended, the steering shaft 60 is extended, thereby raising the steering wheel; when the second cylinder 90 is retracted, the steering shaft 60 is shortened, thereby lowering the steering wheel.

[0111] In order to facilitate adjusting the height of the steering wheel, in one embodiment, Figures 1 to 4As shown, the steering column may further include a height adjustment motor 110 and a height adjustment screw nut mechanism. The height adjustment motor 110 is mounted on the first column 80 and is used to drive the second column 90 to move axially relative to the first column 80 through the height adjustment screw nut mechanism.

[0112] Specifically, Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the height adjustment screw nut mechanism includes a height adjustment screw 130 and a height adjustment nut 140 sleeved on the height adjustment screw 130. The height adjustment screw 130 is connected to the height adjustment motor 110. The height adjustment nut 140 is fixed to the second column 90. The axis of the height adjustment screw 130 is parallel to the axis of the second column 90. When the height adjustment motor 110 is started, the height adjustment screw 130 rotates, and the height adjustment nut 140 moves along the axial direction of the height adjustment screw 130, thereby driving the second column 90 to extend or retract.

[0113] In order to facilitate fixing the height adjustment nut 140 to the second column 90, in one embodiment, as shown in FIG. Fig.13 As shown, a connecting plate 912 is provided on the second column 90 , and a slide groove 801 extending along the axial direction of the first column 80 is provided on the first column 80 . The connecting plate 912 passes through the slide groove 801 , and the height adjustment nut 140 is fixed to the connecting plate 912 by a second fastener 212 .

[0114] In order to facilitate the installation of the height adjustment motor 110 on the first column 80, in one embodiment, as shown in FIG. Fig.13 As shown, the steering column further includes a height adjustment motor base 120, on which the height adjustment motor 110 is fixed, and the height adjustment motor base 120 is fixed to the first column barrel 80 via a first fastener 211. In order to make the steering column structure more compact, in one embodiment, the height adjustment motor base 120 is located between the two ends of the first column barrel 80 along the axial direction of the first column barrel 80.

[0115] like Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown, the height adjustment screw 130 is inserted into the height adjustment motor base 120, and the height adjustment screw 130 is supported in the height adjustment motor base 120 through the third bearing 156 and the fourth bearing 157. One end of the height adjustment screw 130 extends out of the height adjustment motor base 120 and is spline-connected to the height adjustment motor 110, and the other end of the height adjustment screw 130 extends out of the height adjustment motor base 120 and cooperates with the height adjustment nut 140. The third bearing 156 and the fourth bearing 157 prevent the height adjustment screw 130 from moving in the radial direction.

[0116] In this case, there may be an axial gap between the height adjustment screw 130 and the height adjustment motor base 120, which may cause the following problems: 1. Abnormal noise is generated when the height adjustment screw 130 rotates; 2. There is a deviation between the expected position and the actual position of the height adjustment nut 140.

[0117] In order to eliminate the axial gap between the height adjustment screw rod 130 and the height adjustment motor base 120 so that the height adjustment screw rod 130 cannot move in the axial direction, in one embodiment, as shown in FIG. Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown, a third thrust bearing 151 is arranged on the height adjustment screw 130, and the steering column further includes a second axial clamping mechanism, which applies force to the height adjustment screw 130 so that the height adjustment screw 130 and the height adjustment motor base 120 are axially compressed through the third thrust bearing 151. Specifically, a fourth limiting step 131 is formed on the height adjustment screw 130, a fifth limiting step 121 is formed on the inner wall of the height adjustment motor base 120, and both sides of the third thrust bearing 151 are respectively in contact with the fourth limiting step 131 and the fifth limiting step 121.

[0118] The second axial clamping mechanism can have any appropriate structure, for example, it can include a clamping spring, which is arranged between the height adjustment motor base 120 and the height adjustment screw 130, and applies an axial elastic force to the height adjustment screw 130 so that the third thrust bearing 151 is clamped by the height adjustment screw 130 and the height adjustment motor base 120.

[0119] In one embodiment, Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown, the second axial clamping mechanism includes a fourth thrust bearing 152 and a second locking nut 153 arranged on the height adjustment screw 130, the fourth thrust bearing 152 is located between the third thrust bearing 151 and the second locking nut 153, and a sixth limiting step 122 is also formed on the inner wall of the height adjustment motor base 120, and both sides of the fourth thrust bearing 152 are respectively abutted against the sixth limiting step 122 and the second locking nut 153, and the third thrust bearing 151 and the fourth thrust bearing 152 are located between the fourth limiting step 131 and the second locking nut 153.

[0120] Here, the third thrust bearing 151 and the fourth thrust bearing 152 can both bear the axial force and rotate around the axis. The second locking nut 153 and the height adjustment screw 130 are threaded. When the second locking nut 153 is tightened, the distance between the fourth limiting step 131 on the height adjustment screw 130 and the second locking nut 153 will gradually decrease; when the second locking nut 153 is further tightened, the gap between the fourth limiting step 131 and the third thrust bearing 151, the gap between the third thrust bearing 151 and the fifth limiting step 121, the gap between the sixth limiting step 122 and the fourth thrust bearing 152, and the gap between the fourth thrust bearing 152 and the second locking nut 153 will be reduced to the minimum, that is, there is no gap.

[0121] In order to prevent the second locking nut 153 from loosening due to the rotation of the height adjustment screw rod 130, further, as Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown, the second axial clamping mechanism also includes a second slotted nut 154 and a second cotter pin 155 arranged on the height adjustment screw rod 130, and the side of the second locking nut 153 away from the fourth thrust bearing 152 is fixed by the second slotted nut 154, and the second slotted nut 154 is fixed by the second cotter pin 155. After the second locking nut 153 is tightened, the second slotted nut 154 is tightened and the second cotter pin 155 is passed through the second slotted nut 154 and inserted into the second pin hole 132 reserved on the height adjustment screw rod 130. The second slotted nut 154 will not be loosened due to the obstruction of the second cotter pin 155. Similarly, the second locking nut 153 will not be loosened due to the obstruction of the second slotted nut 154.

[0122] The third load bearing 156 and the fourth load bearing 157 can be arranged at any suitable position. Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown, the third bearing bearing 156 is located between the third thrust bearing 151 and the fourth thrust bearing 152, and the fourth thrust bearing 152, the second locking nut 153 and the second slotted nut 154 are located between the third bearing bearing 156 and the fourth bearing bearing 157. The side of the fourth bearing bearing 157 facing the third bearing bearing 156 can be fixed by a second limiting retaining ring 158, and the second limiting retaining ring 158 is installed on the inner wall of the height adjustment motor base 120, and the side of the fourth bearing bearing 157 facing away from the third bearing bearing 156 can be limited by the height adjustment motor 110.

[0123] During the height adjustment process, relative sliding will occur between the first column 80 and the second column 90. Due to the influence of the friction coefficient between the parts, the relative sliding between the two will inevitably generate noise. In order to reduce the noise during the height adjustment process, in one embodiment, Figures 12 to 16 As shown, the first column 80 and the second column 90 can be slidably connected through a sliding collar 100. The sliding collar 100 is installed in the first column 80 and sleeved on the second column 90. The relative positions of the sliding collar 100 and the first column 80 are fixed. The inner wall of the sliding collar 100 is coated with a first friction-reducing coating 101, and the outer wall of the second column 90 is coated with a second friction-reducing coating 911. When the height adjustment motor 110 is working, the height adjustment nut 140 moves on the height adjustment screw 130, driving the second column 90 to slide in the first column 80, thereby realizing the height adjustment function of the steering column.

[0124] By coating the first friction-reducing coating 101 on the inner wall of the sliding collar 100 and the second friction-reducing coating 911 on the outer wall of the second cylinder 90, the friction coefficient between the sliding collar 100 and the first cylinder 80 can be reduced, thereby reducing the noise generated when the two slide relative to each other.

[0125] Here, the first anti-friction coating 101 and the second anti-friction coating 911 may be any appropriate anti-friction material, for example, one or more selected from the group consisting of polyamide, polyoxymethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0126] In order to improve the adhesion rate of the anti-friction material, in one embodiment, the first anti-friction coating 101 may contain a copper mesh.

[0127] The sliding collar 100 can be installed in the first column 80 by any suitable means, such as welding or riveting to the first column 80. In one embodiment, as Fig.17 As shown, an annular mounting groove 803 is formed on the inner wall of the first column 80 , and the sliding ring 100 is embedded in the annular mounting groove 803 .

[0128] In order to stably support the second column 90 in the first column 80 and prevent the second column 90 from shaking in the first column 80, in one embodiment, Fig.12 and Fig.13 As shown, there are two sliding collars 100 , and the two sliding collars 100 are spaced apart from each other along the axial direction of the first cylinder 80 .

[0129] The second column cartridge 90 may be a single part or an assembly composed of multiple parts, which is not limited in the present disclosure.

[0130] In order to improve the collision safety of the steering column, in one embodiment, as Figures 19 to 22 As shown, the second cylinder 90 includes a sliding cylinder 91 and a collapse cylinder 92 which are nested with each other.

[0131] In this case, the upper shaft 61 of the steering shaft 60 is supported in the crushing cylinder 92 through the first bearing 71, the lower shaft 62 of the steering shaft 60 is supported in the first cylinder 80 through the second bearing 72, the height adjustment nut 140 is connected to the sliding cylinder 91, the sliding collar 100 is sleeved on the sliding cylinder 91, the connecting plate 912 is arranged on the sliding cylinder 91, and the first friction-reducing coating 101 is arranged on the outer wall of the sliding cylinder 91. During assembly, the crushing cylinder 92 is pressed into the sliding cylinder 91 from one end thereof, and the magnitude of the pressing force is monitored during the pressing and assembling process. After the assembly is in place, the monitored pressing force is the crushing force during the collapse.

[0132] Under normal circumstances, the crush cylinder 92 and the sliding cylinder 91 are fixed together, and the two do not move relative to each other. When the height adjustment motor 110 is working, the second cylinder 90 moves axially as a whole relative to the first cylinder 80. When the vehicle has a head-on collision, the sliding cylinder 91 does not move, and the collision force causes the crush cylinder 92 to move axially in the sliding cylinder 91. During the movement, the crush cylinder 92 is crushed and deformed, thereby absorbing the collision energy and reducing the damage to the driver.

[0133] In order to facilitate the control of the crush deformation of the crush cylinder 92, in one embodiment, the second cylinder 90 further includes a crush ring 93, which is installed in the sliding cylinder 91, and the crush ring 93 is sleeved on the crush cylinder 92 and is pressed and matched with the crush cylinder 92. During assembly, the crush ring 93 is first installed to a predetermined installation position in the sliding cylinder 91. After the installation is completed, the crush ring 93 cannot move in the sliding cylinder 91; then, the crush cylinder 92 is pressed into the sliding cylinder 91 from one end of the sliding cylinder 91, and the magnitude of the pressing force is monitored during the pressing and assembling process. After the assembly is in place, the monitored pressing force is the crush force during the crushing. When the vehicle has a head-on collision, the sliding cylinder 91 does not move, and the collision force causes the crush cylinder 92 to move axially in the sliding cylinder 91. During the movement, the surface of the crush cylinder 92 is scratched by the crush ring 93, resulting in crush deformation, thereby absorbing the collision energy and reducing the damage to the driver.

[0134] In order to increase the collapse effect, in one embodiment, as Fig. 22As shown, a plurality of protrusions 931 protruding inward are formed on the crush ring 93. During the axial movement of the crush cylinder 92 relative to the sliding cylinder 91, the protrusions 931 on the crush ring 93 form scratches on the surface of the crush cylinder 92, causing the crush cylinder 92 to produce a crush deformation. The magnitude of the crush force can be changed by adjusting the number of protrusions and the height of the protrusions on the crush ring 93 until the design requirements are met. Since the crush ring 93 is a component that directly affects the crush force, the magnitude of the crush force is basically determined after the size and characteristics of the crush ring 93 are finalized, so the use of this method can make the consistency of the crush force very high.

[0135] In order to ensure that the crush ring 93 can scratch the surface of the crush cylinder 92 , the material hardness of the crush ring 93 may be greater than the material hardness of the crush cylinder 92 .

[0136] The collapse ring 93 can be installed in the sliding cylinder 91 by any suitable means, such as welding or riveting to the sliding cylinder 91. Fig.21 As shown, an annular positioning groove 913 is formed on the inner wall of the sliding cylinder 91 , and the collapse ring 93 is embedded in the annular positioning groove 913 .

[0137] In order to increase the collapse effect and prevent the collapse cylinder 92 from shaking in the sliding cylinder 91, in one embodiment, as shown in FIG. Fig.19 and Fig. 20 As shown, there are two collapse rings 93 , and the two collapse rings 93 are spaced apart from each other along the axial direction of the sliding cylinder 91 .

[0138] In order to eliminate the gap between the sliding cylinder 91 and the sliding collar 100 and reduce shaking, in one embodiment, as shown in FIG. Fig.13 As shown, a pressing mechanism 200 is disposed on the first cylinder 80 , and the pressing mechanism 200 applies radial force to the side of the sliding cylinder 91 to press the sliding cylinder 91 onto the sliding collar 100 .

[0139] Furthermore, if Fig.17 and Fig.18 As shown, a mounting hole 804 is provided on the side wall of the first column 80, and the pressing mechanism 200 is arranged in the mounting hole 804. The pressing mechanism includes a clamping spring 201, a disc spring pressing piece 202, a plurality of disc springs 203, a gasket 204 and a pressing block 205 which are stacked in sequence. The clamping spring 201 is clamped to the inner wall of the mounting hole 804, a plurality of disc springs 203 are stacked and pressed between the disc spring pressing piece 202 and the gasket 204, and the pressing block 205 abuts against the side of the sliding column 91. The elastic force of the disc spring 203 is transmitted to the sliding column 91 through the pressing block 205, and the sliding column 91 and the sliding collar 100 are pressed.

[0140] In addition to the components described above, Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the steering column of the present disclosure may further include an adjustment controller 180 , which is mounted on the first column tube 80 , connected to the angle adjustment motor 10 via a first wiring harness 191 , and connected to the height adjustment motor 110 via a second wiring harness 192 .

[0141] In order to make the overall structure of the steering column more compact and occupy less space, in one embodiment, as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, along the axial direction of the first column barrel 80, the adjustment controller 180 is located between the two ends of the first column barrel 80, and the fixed bracket 160, the angle adjustment screw nut mechanism, the height adjustment screw nut mechanism, and the adjustment controller 180 are distributed around the first column barrel 80, that is, the fixed bracket 160, the angle adjustment screw nut mechanism, the height adjustment screw nut mechanism, and the adjustment controller 180 surround the first column barrel 80.

[0142] The following briefly describes the working process of the steering column performing angle adjustment and height adjustment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0143] After receiving the angle adjustment signal, the adjustment controller 180 drives the internal circuit and sends the drive signal to the angle adjustment motor 10 through the first wiring harness 191. The angle adjustment motor 10 starts to rotate after receiving the drive signal. After the angle adjustment motor 10 rotates, it transmits the torque generated by itself to the angle adjustment screw 30, so that the angle adjustment screw 30 also rotates. There is a screw nut pair between the angle adjustment screw 30 and the angle adjustment nut 40. When the angle adjustment screw 30 rotates, the angle adjustment nut 40 moves along the axis of the angle adjustment screw 30. While the angle adjustment nut 40 moves along the angle adjustment screw 30, it also drives the first connecting rod 171 to rotate. The rotation of the first connecting rod 171 will drive the second connecting rod 172 to rotate around the fifth articulation axis EE, and at the same time drive the first column tube 80 to rotate around the first articulation axis AA, thereby realizing the angle adjustment function of the steering column.

[0144] After receiving the height adjustment signal, the adjustment controller 180 drives the internal circuit and sends the drive signal to the height adjustment motor 110 through the second wiring harness 192. The height adjustment motor 110 starts to rotate after receiving the drive signal. After the height adjustment motor 110 rotates, it transmits the torque generated by itself to the height adjustment screw 130, so that the height adjustment screw 130 also rotates. There is a screw nut pair between the height adjustment screw 130 and the height adjustment nut 140. When the height adjustment screw 130 rotates, the height adjustment nut 140 moves along the axis of the height adjustment screw 130. The height adjustment nut 140 is fixedly connected to the second column 90. When the height adjustment nut 140 moves, the second column 90 also moves together, thereby realizing the height adjustment function of the steering column.

[0145] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes the steering column as described above.

[0146] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings; however, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific details in the above embodiments. Within the technical concept of the present disclosure, a variety of simple modifications can be made to the technical solution of the present disclosure, and these simple modifications all fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0147] It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described in the above specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, the present disclosure will not further describe various possible combinations.

[0148] In addition, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be arbitrarily combined, and as long as they do not violate the concept of the present disclosure, they should also be regarded as the contents disclosed by the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A steering column, characterized in that: The invention comprises a steering shaft (60), a fixing bracket (160), a first column cylinder (80), a second column cylinder (90), an angle adjustment motor (10), an angle adjustment screw nut mechanism, a connecting rod mechanism, a height adjustment motor (110), and a height adjustment screw nut mechanism, wherein the second column cylinder (90) is arranged in the first column cylinder (80) and is slidably sleeved with the first column cylinder (80), the steering shaft (60) is inserted through the first column cylinder (80) and the second column cylinder (90), and the steering shaft (60) comprises an upper shaft (61) and a lower shaft (62) connected by a spline, and the upper shaft (61) is connected to the first bearing (7 1) supported in the second column (90), the lower shaft (62) is supported in the first column (80) via a second bearing (72), the first column (80) is hinged on the fixed bracket (160) around a first hinge axis (AA), the angle adjustment motor (10) can drive the first column (80) to rotate relative to the fixed bracket (160) through the angle adjustment screw nut mechanism and the connecting rod mechanism, and the height adjustment motor (110) can drive the second column (90) to move axially relative to the first column (80) through the height adjustment screw nut mechanism; The second column (90) comprises a sliding column (91) and a crush column (92) which are nested with each other. The crush column (92) is arranged inside the sliding column (91) and is fixedly connected to the sliding column (91), so that when a frontal collision occurs in the vehicle, the crush column (92) generates a crush deformation to absorb the collision energy.

2. The steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that: The angle adjustment screw-nut mechanism comprises an angle adjustment screw (30) and an angle adjustment nut (40) sleeved on the angle adjustment screw (30); the angle adjustment screw (30) is connected to the angle adjustment motor (10); the angle adjustment nut (40) is connected to the fixed bracket (160) via the connecting rod mechanism; a connecting rod in the connecting rod mechanism is hinged to the first column (80) around a second hinge axis (BB); the first hinge axis (AA) is parallel to the second hinge axis (BB).

3. The steering column according to claim 2, characterized in that: The axis of the angle adjustment screw rod (30) is perpendicular to the first hinge axis (AA).

4. The steering column according to claim 2, characterized in that: The steering column further comprises an angle adjustment motor base (20), the angle adjustment motor (10) being fixed on the angle adjustment motor base (20), the angle adjustment motor base (20) being hinged on the first column tube (80) around a third hinge axis (CC), and the third hinge axis (CC) being parallel to the first hinge axis (AA).

5. The steering column according to claim 2, characterized in that: The connecting rod mechanism comprises a first connecting rod (171) and a second connecting rod (172), wherein the first end of the first connecting rod (171) is hinged to the angle adjustment nut (40) around a fourth hinge axis (DD), the second end of the first connecting rod (171) is hinged to the first end of the second connecting rod (172) around a sixth hinge axis (FF), the second end of the second connecting rod (172) is hinged to the fixed bracket (160) around a fifth hinge axis (EE), the first hinge axis (AA), the fourth hinge axis (DD), the fifth hinge axis (EE) and the sixth hinge axis (FF) are parallel, and the first connecting rod (171) is hinged to the first column (80) around the second hinge axis (BB).

6. The steering column according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first connecting rod (171) has a first hinge point connected to the angle adjustment nut (40), a second hinge point connected to the first column (80), and a third hinge point connected to the second connecting rod (172), and the connecting line between the first hinge point, the second hinge point and the third hinge point is a triangle.

7. The steering column according to claim 2, characterized in that: There are two connecting rod mechanisms, and the two connecting rod mechanisms are respectively arranged on both sides of the angle adjustment nut (40).

8. The steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that: The height adjustment screw rod and nut mechanism comprises a height adjustment screw rod (130) and a height adjustment nut (140) sleeved on the height adjustment screw rod (130); the height adjustment screw rod (130) is connected to the height adjustment motor (110); the height adjustment nut (140) is connected to the second column barrel (90); and the axis of the height adjustment screw rod (130) is parallel to the axis of the second column barrel (90).

9. The steering column according to claim 8, characterized in that: The steering column further comprises a height adjustment motor base (120), the height adjustment motor (110) is fixed on the height adjustment motor base (120), and the height adjustment motor base (120) is fixed on the first column tube (80).

10. A vehicle, characterized in that: Comprising a steering column according to any one of claims 1-9.

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