Steering column stiffness and retention force testing mechanism and test method capable of being operated by one person

Abstract

A steering column stiffness and retention force testing mechanism and testing method that can be operated by one person include a testing platform, the testing platform is provided with two parallel guide rails, and two vertical and oppositely arranged test tool frames are provided on the guide rails, the tool frames can slide along the guide rails, and the steering column to be tested is hung in the two test tool frames; one end of the testing platform is provided with a test device carrying platform, and a column horizontal test device assembly is provided on one side of the test device carrying platform; the lower part of the test device carrying platform is provided with a column vertical test and tool frame moving device assembly; the present invention tests stiffness and retention force by adjusting the left and right, up and down positions and the position and front and back spacing of the test tool frames; the present invention reduces the labor intensity of personnel, reduces the working space of the test bench, realizes single-person one-handed operation, can maintain test stability and accuracy, and improves the test work efficiency of the operator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of detection devices and detection methods, and in particular to a single-person-operated stiffness and retention force testing mechanism and testing method for a steering column of an automobile steering system. Background Art

[0002] Currently, cars with existing technology convey their performance and characteristics to the driver through their steering systems. Among them, the steering column of the steering system is an important bridge in this process. The steering column is the main control device of the steering system. The vehicle's perception of the road is transmitted to the driver through the steering column, and the torque transmitted to each wheel through the steering column is the driver's control of the vehicle.

[0003] During the development and testing of steering columns, various parameters must be tested. Steering column stiffness and retention are particularly crucial. As the vehicle's steering transmission mechanism, the stiffness of the steering column determines its natural frequency. Greater stiffness results in a higher natural frequency within a certain range, effectively avoiding resonance effects caused by vibrations transmitted from the vehicle or chassis system, thus preventing steering wheel shake during driving, especially at high speeds. Retention, on the other hand, determines how well the steering column can withstand impact collapse while preventing detachment due to misoperation. These two parameters directly determine the actual product optimizability and design robustness of the steering column.

[0004] However, there are many defects in the existing devices and methods for testing the stiffness and retention of steering columns, which are as follows:

[0005] 1. The steering column stiffness and retention test methods are two independent tests performed using two separate test benches with manual adjustment of the horizontal and vertical directions, resulting in asynchronous and complex testing.

[0006] 2. When testing the stiffness and holding force of the steering column, levers are often used to reduce operator workload, which results in a larger workspace and unstable control accuracy.

[0007] 3. Testing the stiffness and holding force of the steering column requires two people to coordinate control: one person operates the lever to maintain balance, while the other operates the measurement system to clear and save data, resulting in low test efficiency.

[0008] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new steering column stiffness and retention force testing mechanism and testing method, which requires a simple, efficient, accurate and reliable test and can improve the development and design of the steering column. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a steering column stiffness and retention force testing mechanism and testing method that can be operated by one person. The device of the present invention partially utilizes a reducer to reduce the labor intensity of the operator while reducing the working space of the test bench. It can be operated by one person with one hand and maintain the stability of the test, while the operator's other hand can operate the system. This synchronous test can ensure the accuracy of the test, save human resources, and improve the operator's testing work efficiency.

[0010] The specific structure and testing method of the steering column stiffness and holding force testing mechanism and testing method that can be operated by one person of the present invention are as follows:

[0011] A single-operable steering column stiffness and retention testing mechanism includes a testing platform, characterized in that:

[0012] The test platform is provided with two parallel guide rails, on which two vertical and oppositely arranged test fixture frames are provided. The test fixture frames can slide along the guide rails, and the steering column to be tested is hung in the two test fixture frames;

[0013] A test device carrying platform is provided at one end of the test platform, and a pipe string horizontal test device assembly is provided on one side of the test device carrying platform;

[0014] The lower part of the test device carrying platform is provided with a pipe column vertical testing and tooling frame moving device assembly;

[0015] According to the steering column stiffness and retention force testing mechanism that can be operated by one person in the present invention, it is characterized in that the column horizontal testing device assembly includes a horizontal testing guide mechanism, a rigid adapter frame, a rigid adjustment bracket, a slider-type connecting plate, a horizontal testing connecting rod, a horizontal connecting rod hinge, a horizontal connecting rod sensor and a horizontal deceleration mechanism, wherein the horizontal testing guide mechanism is horizontally arranged at the lower part of one end of the test device carrying platform, and the horizontal testing guide mechanism moves left and right along the platform through a horizontal movement slot for the test device carrying platform provided thereat, and the horizontal testing guide mechanism is moved left and right along the platform through a horizontal movement slot for the test device carrying platform provided thereat, and the horizontal testing guide mechanism is moved left and right along the platform through a horizontal movement slot for the test device carrying platform provided thereat, and the horizontal testing guide mechanism is moved left and right along the platform through a horizontal movement slot for the test device carrying platform The right-angle rigid adapter frame is connected to the vertical rigid adjustment bracket, and the slider-type connecting plate is arranged on the rigid adjustment bracket. One end of the horizontal test connecting rod is connected to the slider-type connecting plate, and the upper and lower positions of the horizontal test connecting rod are adjusted by the slider-type connecting plate. The other end of the horizontal test connecting rod is connected to the horizontal connecting rod sensor through the horizontal connecting rod hinge. The horizontal connecting rod sensor is facing the side of the steering column to be tested, and the horizontal deceleration mechanism is arranged on the upper part of the horizontal test guide mechanism. The horizontal deceleration mechanism is driven by the adjusting handle to fine-tune the left and right position of the entire column horizontal test device assembly.

[0016] The steering column stiffness and retention force testing mechanism that can be operated by one person according to the present invention is characterized in that the column vertical testing and tooling frame moving device assembly includes a vertical testing connecting rod, a vertical deceleration mechanism, a vertical connecting rod hinge, a vertical connecting rod sensor, a tooling frame moving screw, a screw linkage gear, a screw linkage clutch and a screw moving handle, wherein the vertical testing connecting rod is vertically arranged at a vertical through hole opened on the table at the other end of the test device carrying platform, and a vertical deceleration mechanism is provided at the lower part of the vertical testing connecting rod, which is driven by adjusting the handle to drive the vertical deceleration mechanism. The speed mechanism is used to fine-tune the upper and lower heights of the vertical test connecting rod. The upper end of the vertical test connecting rod is connected to the vertical connecting rod sensor through the vertical connecting rod hinge. The vertical connecting rod sensor is facing the bottom of the steering column to be tested; there are two sets of tooling frame moving screws, which are respectively connected to the two test tooling frames, and there are two sets of screw linkage gears and screw linkage clutches, which are respectively assembled at the ends of the tooling frame moving screws. The screw linkage clutch is operated by the screw moving handle to move the tooling frame moving screw back and forth, thereby synchronously driving the test tooling frame to move back and forth.

[0017] The steering column stiffness and retention force testing mechanism that can be operated by one person according to the present invention is characterized in that the adjustment handle is of a detachable design and can be used for left and right fine-tuning of the column horizontal test device assembly and up and down fine-tuning of the vertical test connecting rod.

[0018] The steering column stiffness and retention force testing mechanism that can be operated by one person according to the present invention is characterized in that the screw moving handle is of a detachable design and can be used for the screw linkage clutches of the two tooling frames to move the screws respectively to adjust the position of the test tooling frame.

[0019] The single-operable steering column stiffness and retention test method is based on the above-mentioned single-operable steering column stiffness and retention test mechanism, and its specific steps are as follows:

[0020] 1) Depending on the model of the steering column to be tested, the position and front-to-back spacing of the two test fixture frames are adjusted by adjusting the screw linkage clutch of the two fixture frame moving screws using the screw moving handle. That is, the attached steering column to be tested is placed in the set testing position;

[0021] 2) Hang the steering column to be tested on two test fixture frames;

[0022] 3) Connect the horizontal connecting rod sensor to the horizontal test connecting rod through the horizontal connecting rod hinge;

[0023] 4) In step 3), the upper and lower positions of the horizontal test connecting rod are adjusted by the slider-type connecting plate;

[0024] 5) Connect the vertical connecting rod sensor to the upper end of the vertical test connecting rod through the vertical connecting rod hinge;

[0025] 6) Start the horizontal test guide mechanism and place the horizontal connecting rod sensor directly on the side of the steering column to be tested;

[0026] 7) In step 6), the position of the horizontal connecting rod sensor can be fine-tuned left and right by adjusting the horizontal reduction mechanism using the handle;

[0027] 8) Remove the adjustment handle and place it on the vertical reduction gear mechanism. Use the adjustment handle to fine-tune the vertical reduction gear mechanism to fine-tune the position of the vertical connecting rod sensor up and down so that it is directly under the bottom of the steering column to be tested.

[0028] 9) After completing the above steps, confirm that both sensors are in the set detection position and lock them. Connect the two sensors to the backend measurement system via signal lines to perform vertical and horizontal steering column stiffness and retention force tests.

[0029] According to the steering column stiffness and retention force testing method that can be operated by one person in accordance with the present invention, it is characterized in that, in the step 2, if only one of the tool frame moving screws needs to be adjusted, the screw linkage clutch assembled on the tool frame moving screw at the other location can be pulled out.

[0030] The following beneficial effects are achieved by using the steering column stiffness and retention force testing mechanism and testing method that can be operated by one person:

[0031] 1. The present invention's single-operable steering column stiffness and retention testing mechanism and method provide a novel testing structure and method, filling a gap in similar testing mechanisms in China. Based on different steering column products, the device can test vertical and horizontal stiffness and retention by adjusting the left-right, up-down position, and the position and front-to-back spacing of the test fixture frame.

[0032] 2. The steering column stiffness and retention force testing mechanism and testing method that can be operated by one person can utilize a reducer for fine-tuning, thereby reducing the labor intensity of the operator while reducing the working space of the test bench. It can be operated by one person with one hand and can maintain the stability of the test, while the operator's other hand can operate the system. This synchronous testing can ensure the accuracy of the test, save human resources, and greatly improve the operator's testing work efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the specific structure of the steering column stiffness and retention force testing mechanism and testing method that can be operated by one person according to the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a front view of the specific structure of the steering column stiffness and retention force testing mechanism and testing method that can be operated by one person in the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 This is an enlarged view of the configuration structure of the screw linkage gear, screw linkage clutch and screw movement handle of the steering column stiffness and retention force testing mechanism and testing method that can be operated by one person in the present invention.

[0036] In the figure: 1-test platform, 2-guide rail, 3-test tooling frame, 4-steering column to be tested, 5-test device carrying platform, 5a-through slot for horizontal movement, 5b-vertical through hole, 6-adjustment handle, A-column horizontal test device assembly, A1-horizontal test guide mechanism, A2-rigid adapter frame, A3-rigid adjustment bracket, A4-slider type connecting plate, A5-horizontal test connecting rod, A6-horizontal connecting rod hinge, A7-horizontal connecting rod sensor, A8-horizontal deceleration mechanism, B-column vertical test and tooling frame moving device assembly, B1-vertical test connecting rod, B2-vertical deceleration mechanism, B3-vertical connecting rod hinge, B4-vertical connecting rod sensor, B5-tooling frame moving screw, B6-screw linkage gear, B7-screw linkage clutch, B8-screw moving handle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The following further describes the steering column stiffness and retention force testing mechanism and testing method that can be operated by one person in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0038] Example

[0039] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a single-person-operated steering column stiffness and retention force testing mechanism includes a testing platform 1, which is provided with two parallel guide rails 2. Two vertical and oppositely arranged test fixture frames 3 are provided on the guide rails. The test fixture frames can slide along the guide rails, and a steering column 4 to be tested is hung in the two test fixture frames.

[0040] A test device carrying platform 5 is provided at one end of the test platform 1, and a pipe string horizontal test device assembly A is provided on one side of the test device carrying platform 4;

[0041] The lower part of the test device carrying platform 5 is provided with a pipe string vertical testing and tooling frame moving device assembly B;

[0042] The pipe string horizontal test device assembly A includes a horizontal test guide mechanism A1, a rigid adapter frame A2, a rigid adjustment bracket A3, a slider-type connecting plate A4, a horizontal test connecting rod A5, a horizontal connecting rod hinge A6, a horizontal connecting rod sensor A7 and a horizontal deceleration mechanism A8, wherein the horizontal test guide mechanism is horizontally arranged at the lower part of one end of the test device carrying platform 5, and the horizontal test guide mechanism moves left and right along the platform through the horizontal movement slot 5a of the test device carrying platform opened there, and the horizontal test guide mechanism is connected to the horizontal test platform by a right-angle rigid adapter frame. It is connected to a vertical rigid adjustment bracket, and a slider-type connecting plate is arranged on the rigid adjustment bracket. One end of the horizontal test connecting rod is connected to the slider-type connecting plate, and the upper and lower positions of the horizontal test connecting rod are adjusted by the slider-type connecting plate. The other end of the horizontal test connecting rod is connected to the horizontal connecting rod sensor through the horizontal connecting rod hinge. The horizontal connecting rod sensor is facing the side of the steering column 4 to be tested, and the horizontal deceleration mechanism is arranged on the upper part of the horizontal test guide mechanism. The horizontal deceleration mechanism is driven by the adjusting handle 6 to fine-tune the left and right position of the entire column horizontal test device assembly.

[0043] The pipe column vertical test and tooling frame moving device assembly B includes a vertical test connecting rod B1, a vertical deceleration mechanism B2, a vertical connecting rod hinge B3, a vertical connecting rod sensor B4, a tooling frame moving screw B5, a screw linkage gear B6, a screw linkage clutch B7 and a screw moving handle B8. Among them, the vertical test connecting rod is vertically arranged at a vertical through hole 5b opened on the table at the other end of the test device carrying platform 5. The lower part of the vertical test connecting rod is provided with a vertical deceleration mechanism. The vertical test is fine-tuned by driving the vertical deceleration mechanism by adjusting the handle 6. The upper and lower heights of the test connecting rod are tested, and the upper end of the vertical test connecting rod is connected to the vertical connecting rod sensor through the vertical connecting rod hinge, and the vertical connecting rod sensor is facing the bottom of the steering column 4 to be tested; there are two sets of tooling frame moving screws, which are respectively connected to the two test tooling frames 3, and there are also two sets of screw linkage gears and screw linkage clutches, which are respectively assembled at the ends of the tooling frame moving screws. The screw linkage clutch is operated by the screw moving handle to move the tooling frame moving screw back and forth, and synchronously drive the test tooling frame to move back and forth.

[0044] The adjustment handle 6 is of detachable design and can be used for left and right fine adjustment of the horizontal test device assembly of the pipe string and up and down fine adjustment of the vertical test connecting rod.

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, the screw moving handle B8 is of detachable design and can be used for the screw linkage clutch B7 of the two tool frame moving screws B5 to adjust the position of the test tool frame 3.

[0046] The single-operable steering column stiffness and retention test method is based on the above-mentioned single-operable steering column stiffness and retention test mechanism, and its specific steps are as follows:

[0047] 1) Depending on the model of the steering column 4 to be tested, the position and front-to-rear spacing of the two test fixture frames are adjusted by adjusting the screw linkage clutch B7 of the two fixture frame moving screws B5 using the screw moving handle B8. That is, the attached steering column to be tested is placed in the set testing position;

[0048] 2) Hang the steering column to be tested in two test fixture frames 3;

[0049] 3) Connect the horizontal connecting rod sensor A7 to the horizontal test connecting rod A5 through the horizontal connecting rod hinge A6;

[0050] 4) In step 3), the upper and lower positions of the horizontal test connecting rod are adjusted by the slider-type connecting plate A4;

[0051] 5) Connect the vertical connecting rod sensor B4 to the upper end of the vertical test connecting rod B1 through the vertical connecting rod hinge B3;

[0052] 6) Start the horizontal test guide mechanism A1 and place the horizontal connecting rod sensor A7 directly on the side of the steering column 4 to be tested;

[0053] 7) In step 6), the position of the horizontal connecting rod sensor A7 can be fine-tuned left and right by adjusting the horizontal speed reduction mechanism A8 by adjusting the handle 6;

[0054] 8) Remove the adjustment handle and place it on the vertical reduction gear mechanism B2. Use the adjustment handle to fine-tune the vertical reduction gear mechanism to fine-tune the position of the vertical connecting rod sensor up and down so that it is directly under the bottom of the steering column to be tested.

[0055] 9) After completing the above steps, confirm that both sensors are in the set detection position and lock them. Connect the two sensors to the backend measurement system via signal lines to perform vertical and horizontal steering column stiffness and retention force tests.

[0056] In step 2, if only one of the tool frame moving screws B5 needs to be adjusted, the screw linkage clutch assembled on the tool frame moving screw at the other location can be pulled out.

[0057] The steering column stiffness and retention force testing mechanism and testing method that can be operated by one person of the present invention provide a novel testing structure and testing method, filling the gap in similar testing mechanisms in China. The mechanism and testing method can test the stiffness and retention force in the vertical and horizontal directions by adjusting the left and right, up and down positions and the position and front and rear spacing of the test tooling frame according to the different steering column products. The steering column stiffness and retention force testing mechanism and testing method that can be operated by one person of the present invention can utilize a reducer for fine-tuning, thereby reducing the labor intensity of the operator and reducing the working space of the test bench. The mechanism and testing method can realize single-handed operation by one person and maintain the stability of the test, while the operator's other hand can perform system operations. This synchronous testing can ensure the accuracy of the test, save human resources, and greatly improve the testing work efficiency of the operator.

Claims

1. A single-operable steering column stiffness and retention testing mechanism, comprising a testing platform (1), characterized in that: The test platform (1) is provided with two parallel guide rails (2), on which two vertically and relatively arranged test fixture frames (3) are provided. The test fixture frames can slide along the guide rails, and the steering column (4) to be tested is hung in the two test fixture frames. A test device carrying platform (5) is provided at one end of the test platform (1), and a pipe column horizontal test device assembly (A) is provided on one side of the test device carrying platform; The lower part of the test device carrying platform (5) is provided with a pipe column vertical testing and tooling frame moving device assembly (B); The pipe column horizontal test device assembly (A) comprises a horizontal test guide mechanism (A1), a rigid adapter frame (A2), a rigid adjustment bracket (A3), a slider-type connecting plate (A4), a horizontal test connecting rod (A5), a horizontal connecting rod hinge (A6), a horizontal connecting rod sensor (A7) and a horizontal deceleration mechanism (A8), wherein the horizontal test guide mechanism is horizontally arranged at the lower part of one end of the test device carrying platform (5), and the horizontal test guide mechanism moves left and right along the platform through a horizontal movement slot (5a) provided at the test device carrying platform, and the horizontal test guide mechanism The horizontal test connecting rod is connected to the vertical rigid adjustment bracket through a right-angle rigid adapter frame, and the slider-type connecting plate is arranged on the rigid adjustment bracket. One end of the horizontal test connecting rod is connected to the slider-type connecting plate, and the upper and lower positions of the horizontal test connecting rod are adjusted by the slider-type connecting plate. The other end of the horizontal test connecting rod is connected to the horizontal connecting rod sensor through the horizontal connecting rod hinge. The horizontal connecting rod sensor is directly on the side of the steering column (4) to be tested, and the horizontal deceleration mechanism is arranged on the upper part of the horizontal test guide mechanism. The horizontal deceleration mechanism is driven by the adjustment handle (6) to fine-tune the left and right positions of the entire column horizontal test device assembly. The pipe column vertical test and tool frame moving device assembly (B) includes a vertical test connecting rod (B1), a vertical deceleration mechanism (B2), a vertical connecting rod hinge (B3), a vertical connecting rod sensor (B4), a tool frame moving screw (B5), a screw linkage gear (B6), a screw linkage clutch (B7) and a screw moving handle (B8), wherein the vertical test connecting rod is vertically arranged at a vertical through hole (5b) opened on the table at the other end of the test device carrying platform (5), and a vertical deceleration mechanism is arranged at the lower part of the vertical test connecting rod, which is driven by adjusting the handle (6). The vertical speed reduction mechanism is used to fine-tune the vertical test connecting rod's height. The upper end of the vertical test connecting rod is connected to the vertical connecting rod sensor through the vertical connecting rod hinge. The vertical connecting rod sensor is directly opposite to the bottom of the steering column (4) to be tested. There are two sets of tool frame moving screws, which are respectively connected to the two test tool frames (3). There are also two sets of screw linkage gears and screw linkage clutches, which are respectively assembled at the ends of the tool frame moving screws. The screw linkage clutch is operated through the screw moving handle to move the tool frame moving screw forward and backward, thereby synchronously driving the test tool frame to move forward and backward.

2. A method for testing the stiffness and holding force of a steering column that can be operated by one person, based on the mechanism for testing the stiffness and holding force of a steering column that can be operated by one person as described in claim 1, wherein the specific steps are as follows: 1) According to the different models of the steering column (4) to be tested, the position and front-to-back spacing of the two test fixture frames are adjusted by adjusting the screw linkage clutch (B7) of the two fixture frame moving screws (B5) through the screw moving handle (B8), that is, the mounted steering column to be tested is placed at the set test position; 2) Hang the steering column to be tested in two test fixture frames (3); 3) Connect the horizontal connecting rod sensor (A7) to the horizontal test connecting rod (A5) through the horizontal connecting rod hinge (A6); 4) In step 3), adjust the upper and lower positions of the horizontal test connecting rod through the slider connecting plate (A4); 5) Connect the vertical connecting rod sensor (B4) to the upper end of the vertical test connecting rod (B1) through the vertical connecting rod hinge (B3); 6) Start the horizontal test guide mechanism (A1) and place the horizontal connecting rod sensor (A7) directly on the side of the steering column (4) to be tested; 7) In step 6), the position of the horizontal connecting rod sensor (A7) can be fine-tuned left and right by adjusting the horizontal reduction mechanism (A8) by adjusting the handle (6); 8) Remove the adjustment handle and place it on the vertical reduction gear (B2). Fine-tune the vertical reduction gear by adjusting the handle to adjust the vertical connecting rod sensor up and down so that it is directly under the bottom of the steering column to be tested. 9) After completing the above steps, confirm that both sensors are in the set detection position and lock them. Connect the two sensors to the backend measurement system via signal lines to perform vertical and horizontal steering column stiffness and retention force tests.

3. The method for testing the stiffness and holding force of a steering column capable of being operated by one person according to claim 2, wherein: In the above step 2), if only one of the tool frame moving screws (B5) needs to be adjusted, the screw linkage clutch assembled on the tool frame moving screw at the other location can be pulled out.

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