Rail retractable power column

Abstract

The present application provides a track telescopic electric column, which has a telescopic driving structure in a track mode to move the whole steering column assembly in the axial direction, ensures the telescopic amount of the steering column, thereby ensuring the space of the driver according to the development requirement of the unmanned technology, and at the same time, the structural rigidity can be ensured. For this purpose, the track telescopic electric column of the present application comprises a track base arranged on a vehicle body; a steering column arranged slidably in the axial direction on the track base; a driving tool arranged to provide a driving force for sliding the steering column in the axial direction; wherein a fixed track extending in the axial direction is arranged on both sides of the track base; a rolling bearing is arranged on both sides of the steering column, the rolling bearing is supported by the fixed track, and when the steering column is slid in the axial direction by the driving force of the driving tool, the rolling bearing rotates while moving in the axial direction.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a track telescopic electric column, and more particularly, to a track telescopic electric column that can have structural stability while securing an increase in the amount of telescoping of a steering column. BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, a steering device of a vehicle is a device that changes the traveling direction of a vehicle according to the will of a driver, and rotates the left and right wheels of the vehicle to the left or right, and thus enables the vehicle to travel in the direction desired by the driver.

[0003] In such a steering device, a steering wheel is operated by a driver, and the steering force thus generated is transmitted to a rack and pinion mechanism at the lower end through a steering shaft, and finally changes the direction of the wheels on both sides.

[0004] On the other hand, in a steering device including a telescoping and tilting function, by which the degree of protrusion and the tilting angle of the steering wheel can be adjusted according to the driver's own elongation or body type, smooth steering operation can be performed.

[0005] In addition, the telescoping and tilting function is initially a manual operation method in which the driver directly operates a lever to move the steering wheel in the axial direction or rotate the steering wheel about a hinge shaft, but after that, an automatic operation method using a motor has been developed.

[0006] A motor-driven steering column device for a vehicle using the automatic operation method is disclosed in Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-2018-0112231 (published on October 12, 2018; hereinafter referred to as "the related art").

[0007] The related art includes a housing having a hollow pipe shape, a telescoping tube inserted into the inner diameter portion of the housing, and a steering shaft inserted into the telescoping tube. The steering wheel is connected to the steering shaft, and the telescoping tube moves in the axial direction by a driving device provided in the housing, and thus performs the telescoping function.

[0008] On the other hand, recently, with the rapid development of self-driving vehicles, securing a driver's space in a self-driving mode is becoming a hot topic. However, the related art performs the telescoping function only by the axial movement of the telescoping tube, and thus has a small amount of telescoping, and there is a problem in that it is difficult to secure the driver's space. SUMMARY

[0009] (PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED)

[0010] The present application provides a track telescopic electric column, which has a telescopic driving structure in a track mode to move the whole steering column assembly in the axial direction, ensures the telescopic amount of the steering column, and thus ensures the space for the driver according to the development of the unmanned technology while ensuring the structural rigidity.

[0011] The technical problems of the present application are not limited to the above-mentioned, and other problems not mentioned can be understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0012] (Means for solving the problem)

[0013] To achieve the above-mentioned problems, the track telescopic electric column of the present application is composed of a track base, a steering column and a driving tool. The track base is arranged on the vehicle body. The steering column is arranged on the track base in a slidable manner in the axial direction. The driving tool provides a driving force for sliding the steering column in the axial direction. Fixed tracks extending in the axial direction are arranged on both sides of the track base. Rolling bearings are arranged on both sides of the steering column. The rolling bearings are supported by the fixed tracks and move in the axial direction while rotating when the steering column slides in the axial direction by the driving force of the driving tool.

[0014] The rolling bearings can be composed of an inner wheel and an outer wheel. The outer wheel can rotate the inner wheel through a plurality of balls between the inner wheel and the outer wheel. The inner wheel can be fixed to the steering column. The outer wheel contacts the fixed track and rotates when the steering column slides in the axial direction.

[0015] V-shaped grooves and inclined surfaces can be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the outer wheel. The V-shaped grooves and the inclined surfaces are continuously formed along the circumferential direction of the outer wheel, respectively. The inclined surfaces can be formed on the two side surfaces located outside the V-shaped grooves. Curved portions having a circular arc cross section protruding outward can be formed on the fixed tracks. The outer wheel can be inserted into the inside of the curved portions. The two side end inner walls of the curved portions can contact the inclined surfaces on both sides.

[0016] Moving tracks can also be arranged on both sides of the steering column, respectively. The moving tracks can support the fixed tracks. The moving tracks can slide in the axial direction together with the steering column when the steering column slides in the axial direction.

[0017] The moving tracks can be composed of a main plate and a friction plate. The main plate can be combined with the steering column. The friction plate is combined with the main plate and can be arranged between the fixed track and the main plate. The friction plate can rub against the fixed track when the steering column slides in the axial direction.

[0018] A friction plate can form a friction groove inserted into the curved portion. A bottom surface of the friction groove can be formed as a flat surface. A center of an outer wall of the curved portion can contact a center of a bottom surface of the friction groove. Both side end outer walls of the curved portion can contact both side end inner walls of the friction groove.

[0019] The rolling bearing can be composed of a plurality of rolling bearings arranged in the axial direction.

[0020] A surface of the rail base facing the steering column can protrude to form a pair of first guides spaced apart from each other in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction. A guide hole can be formed in the rail base, extending in the axial direction between the pair of first guides. A pair of second guides can be formed to protrude toward the rail base on both sides of the steering column. The pair of second guides can be respectively slidably coupled to the pair of first guides in the axial direction. The rolling bearing can be provided in the pair of second guides. A third guide can be formed to protrude from the steering column, capable of sliding in the axial direction through the guide hole between the pair of second guides. A support member can be provided at an end of the third guide, protruding in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction to be supported by the rail base. The steering column is supported by the pair of first guides and the pair of second guides against a first direction load, and the support member provided in the third guide is supported against a second direction load, which is orthogonal to the first direction.

[0021] The driving tool can be composed of a gear box, a driving motor, and a screw rod. The gear box can be provided in the steering column. A worm gear and a turbine gear can be rotatably disposed inside the gear box. An outer peripheral surface of the turbine gear can be engaged with the worm gear. The driving motor can be provided in the gear box. A rotation shaft of the driving motor can be coupled to the worm gear. The screw rod can be provided in the rail base, extending in the axial direction. The screw rod can pass through the turbine gear and the gear box. A thread can be formed on an outer peripheral surface of the screw rod to be engaged with a thread formed on an inner peripheral surface of the turbine gear. When the driving motor is driven, the turbine gear rotates while moving along the length of the screw rod together with the gear box, and thus the steering column can slide in the axial direction.

[0022] The rotation shaft of the driving motor and the screw rod can be disposed orthogonal to each other.

[0023] The gear box can be disposed close to any one of the fixed rails provided on both sides of the rail base, respectively. The driving motor can be disposed close to the other of the fixed rails provided on both sides of the rail base, respectively.

[0024] One end of the screw rod can be hingedly coupled to the rail base.

[0025] Details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0026] (EFFECTS OF INVENTION)

[0027] The rail telescopic electric column of the present application can move the entire steering column assembly in the axial direction, can ensure the telescopic amount, and has a rail type driving mechanism and a fastening structure, thus having the advantage of excellent rigidity, and simplifying the assembly structure, thereby having the effect of improving the production efficiency.

[0028] Effects of the present application are not limited to the above-mentioned, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the recitations of the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an extended state of the rail telescopic electric column of the embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a retracted state of the rail telescopic electric column of the embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 3 is a front view of the rail telescopic electric column of the embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the rail base except for the rail base in Figure 1 ;

[0033] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the driving tool of Figure 4 ;

[0034] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the gear box of Figure 5 ;

[0035] Figure 7 is a perspective view and a partially enlarged view showing the rail base, the fixed rail, the rolling bearing, and the moving rail of Figure 3 ;

[0036] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the right side portion in the upper portion of Figure 3 ;

[0037] Figure 9 is a view showing the upper portion of Figure 3 ;

[0038] Figure 10 is a view showing the steering column and the support member of Figure 1 ;

[0039] (Reference numeral explanation)

[0040] 1: track telescopic electric column 100: track base

[0041] 110: fixed track 113: curved portion

[0042] 120: first guide 130: guide hole

[0043] 200: steering column assembly 230: steering column

[0044] 231: second guide 233: third guide

[0045] 235: support member 250: rolling bearing

[0046] 251: inner wheel 252: outer wheel

[0047] 253: V-shaped groove 254: inclined surface

[0048] 260: moving track 261: main body plate

[0049] 262: friction plate 263: friction groove

[0050] 300: driving tool 310: gear box

[0051] 313: worm gear 314: turbine gear

[0052] 320: driving motor 321: rotation shaft of driving motor

[0053] 330: screw rod DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a track telescopic electric column of the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an extended state of the track telescopic electric column of the embodiment of the present application; Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a retracted state of the track telescopic electric column of the embodiment of the present application. Here, the extension can mean that the total length in the axial direction of the track telescopic electric column 1 is extended, and the retraction can mean that the total length in the axial direction of the track telescopic electric column 1 is shortened. In the following description, the extension and retraction can mean the movement in the axial direction.

[0056] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the track telescopic electric column 1 of the embodiment of the present application can include a track base 100 and a steering column assembly 200.

[0057] The track telescopic power column 1 is configured such that the entire steering column assembly 200 slides in the axial direction with respect to the track base 100, thereby ensuring the telescopic amount.

[0058] The track base 100 is a metal member in the shape of a plate and is fixedly installed in the vehicle body. The steering column assembly 200 is disposed on the lower side of the track base 100. The steering column assembly 200 is slidably disposed in the axial direction with respect to the track base 100. The power column 1 is extended or retracted by the steering column assembly 200 sliding in the axial direction with respect to the track base 100.

[0059] Of course, the steering column assembly 200 itself can include a structure that can perform the extension and retraction function. Specifically, the steering column assembly 200 can include a steering shaft 210, a steering housing 220 that slides in the axial direction by the driving force of a telescopic driving unit 240, and a steering column 230 that adjusts the length of the steering column assembly 200 in the axial direction.

[0060] The power column 1 of the present embodiment not only realizes the telescopic function of the steering column assembly 200 itself by the driving force of the telescopic driving unit 240, but also realizes the telescopic function of the entire steering column assembly 200 by the driving force of a driving tool 300 (see FIG. 4) to be described later, thereby additionally ensuring the telescopic amount. However, it is not necessary to realize the telescopic function of the steering column assembly 200 itself by the driving force of the telescopic driving unit 240, and it is also possible to have only the telescopic function of the entire steering column assembly 200 realized by the driving force of the driving tool 300. Figure 4

[0061] The structure of the steering column assembly 200 will be described in more detail as follows.

[0062] A steering wheel (not shown) that is grasped by the driver's hand in order to turn the traveling direction of the vehicle can be disposed at one end of the steering shaft 210.

[0063] The steering housing 220 can be formed in the shape of a cylinder that is inserted into the other end of the steering shaft 210. The steering housing 220 can include an inner tube 221 and an outer tube 222. The other end of the steering shaft 210 is inserted into the inside of the inner tube 221, and protrudes to the outside of the inner tube 221 through one end of the inner tube 221. The other end of the inner tube 221 is inserted into the inside of the outer tube 222, and protrudes to the outside of the outer tube 222 through one end of the outer tube 222.

[0064] The steering shaft 210 can be locked to the inner tube 221 so as not to move in the axial direction. The steering shaft 210 can be rotatably coupled to the inner tube 221 in the circumferential direction by a rolling bearing.

[0065] ​The inner tube 221 can also be locked in the outer tube 222 without moving in the axial direction and without rotating in the circumferential direction. In the event of a car collision, the driver can be prevented from being injured by the impact force applied to the steering column assembly 200 while the inner tube 221 is inserted into the inside of the outer tube 222 while the locking of the inner tube 221 in the outer tube 222 is released. The outer tube 222 can be slidably disposed in the steering column 230 in the axial direction.

[0066] The steering column 230 can support the load of the steering column assembly 200. That is, the steering column assembly 200 includes the steering shaft 210, the steering housing 220, and the steering column 230, and the steering column 230 can support the load of the steering column assembly 200 except for the steering column 230.

[0067] The driving unit 240 includes a gear case 241 fixedly disposed in the steering column 230, a motor 242 fixedly disposed in the gear case 241, a screw rod 243 rotatably disposed in the circumferential direction in the gear case 241, a nut setting rack 244 fixedly disposed in the outer tube 222, and a nut member 245 disposed in the nut setting rack 244.

[0068] The rotation shaft of the motor 242 can be disposed in the axial direction, that is, the same direction as the screw rod 243. The inner circumferential surface of the nut member 245 can be formed with a screw thread, and the screw thread formed in the inner circumferential surface of the nut member 245 can be engaged with the screw thread formed in the outer circumferential surface of the screw rod 243. A worm gear and a turbine gear can be rotatably disposed in the inside of the gear case 241. Here, the worm gear can be coupled to the rotation shaft of the motor 242, and the turbine gear can be engaged with the worm gear. In addition, the screw rod 243 can be coupled to the center of the turbine gear. Accordingly, when the motor 242 is driven, the screw rod 243 can be rotated in the circumferential direction, and accordingly the nut member 245 can be moved in the axial direction, that is, the length direction of the screw rod 243, and accordingly the outer tube 222 can be slid in the axial direction with respect to the steering column 230, and thus the steering column assembly 200 itself can perform the telescopic function.

[0069] Hereinafter, referring to Figures 3 to 10 The structure for achieving the telescopic function of the entire steering column assembly 200 by the driving force of the driving tool 300 will be described.

[0070] Figure 3 It is a front view of a track telescopic electric column according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0071] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 The fixed tracks 110 can be respectively fixedly disposed in the axial direction on both sides of the track base 100. The fixed tracks 110 can be fastened to the track base 100 by a plurality of bolts and can be respectively fixedly disposed in the axial direction on both sides of the track base 100. The fixed tracks 110 can be formed in a plate shape bent several times, and can be opened toward the side surface of the steering column 230.

[0072] Rolling bearings 250 can be provided on both sides of the steering column 230, respectively. The rolling bearings 250 are supported by the fixed rail 110 to be movable in the axial direction while being rotatable when the steering column 230 is slidable in the axial direction by the driving force of the driving tool 300.

[0073] Since the rolling bearings 250 are movable in the axial direction along the fixed rail 110 while being rotatable when the steering column 230 is slidable in the axial direction by the driving force of the driving tool 300, noise can be reduced when the electric tube column 1 is operated to be extended or retracted, and the assembly rigidity of the electric tube column 1 can be improved, and the extension or retraction amount can be stably controlled.

[0074] A moving rail 260 can be provided on both sides of the steering column 230, respectively. The moving rail 260 is disposed at the lower side of the fixed rail 110 to support the fixed rail 110. The moving rail 260 is fastened to the steering column 230 by a plurality of bolts, and can be disposed to be elongated in the axial direction on both sides of the steering column 230, respectively. The moving rail 260 can be formed to have a length in the axial direction smaller than that of the fixed rail 110. The moving rail 260 is fixedly disposed at the steering column 230, and when the steering column 230 is slidable in the axial direction, the moving rail 260 can be slidable in the axial direction together with the steering column 230 in a state of supporting the fixed rail 110.

[0075] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the rail base, excluding the driving tool; Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the driving tool of Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the gear box of Figure 4 . Figure 6 Figure 5 Referring to and

[0076] , Figure 1 , the driving tool 300 can provide a driving force to slide the steering column 230 in the axial direction. That is, the electric tube column 1 can be in an extended state as shown in Figure 2 or can be in a retracted state as shown in Figures 4 to 6 by the driving force of the driving tool 300. Figure 1 Figure 2

[0077] ​​The driving tool 300 can be composed of a gear box 310, a driving motor 320, and a screw 330. The gear box 310 and the driving motor 320 can be disposed in the steering column 230 toward the face of the rail base 100. The gear box 310 can be provided in the steering column 230, and the driving motor 320 can be provided in the gear box 310. The screw 330 can be provided in the rail base 100 in the axial direction. The rotational shaft 321 of the driving motor 320 and the screw 330 can be disposed orthogonally to each other. That is, the rotational shaft 321 of the driving motor 320 can be disposed in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction.

[0078] The gear box 310 can be fastened to the steering column 230 by a plurality of bolts. The gear box 310 can include a box base 311 and a box cover 312. The box base 311 can form a lower portion of the gear box 310, and the box cover 312 can form an upper portion of the gear box 310. The box base 311 can be fastened by a plurality of bolts, and the box cover 312 can be fastened to the box base 311 by a plurality of bolts. The box base 311 and the box cover 312 can form a space in the inside thereof in combination with each other.

[0079] A worm gear 313 and a turbine gear 314 can be rotatably disposed in the inside of the gear box 310. The worm gear 313 and the turbine gear 314 can be engaged with each other. The outer circumferential surface of the turbine gear 314 can be engaged with the outer circumferential surface of the worm gear 313.

[0080] The driving motor 320 can be fastened to the gear box 310 by a plurality of bolts. The rotational shaft 321 of the driving motor 320 can be combined with the worm gear 313. Thus, if the driving motor 320 is driven to rotate the rotational shaft 321 of the driving motor 320, the worm gear 313 and the turbine gear 314 can be rotated.

[0081] The screw 330 can be formed as a straight line rod having a circular cross section and formed straight in the axial direction. The screw 330 can pass through the turbine gear 314 and the gear box 310. Holes for the screw 330 to pass through can be formed in the center of the turbine gear 314 and the box cover 312 of the gear box 310, respectively. A screw thread can be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the screw 330 and engaged with a screw thread formed on the inner circumferential surface of the turbine gear 314. Thus, when the driving motor 320 is driven, the turbine gear 314 is rotated while moving along the length of the screw 330 together with the gear box 310, so the steering column 230 can slide in the axial direction, and the outer wheel 252 can be rotated while moving in the axial direction in the state of being supported by the fixed rail 110.

[0082] In order for the gear box 310 to move along the length of the screw 330 by the driving force of the driving motor 320, it can be preferable that the portion of the rail base 100 in which the screw 330 is provided forms a space in which the gear box 310 can move.

[0083] Since the gear case 310 and the turbine gear 314 move in a state of surrounding the outer circumferential surface of the screw 330, the steering column 230 does not shake in all directions orthogonal to the axial direction. Thus, the rolling bearings 250 on both sides rotate smoothly while moving along the length of the fixed rails 110 on both sides, and thus do not emit noise.

[0084] The gear case 310 can be accessible to any one of the fixed rails 110 provided on both sides of the rail base 100, and the drive motor 320 can be accessible to the other one of the fixed rails 110 provided on both sides of the rail base 100.

[0085] Specifically, the gear case 310 can be disposed between any one of a pair of second guides 231 to be described later and a third guide 233 to be described later, and the drive motor 320 can be disposed between the other one of the pair of second guides 231 and the third guide 233.

[0086] Thus, the load of the gear case 310 and the load of the drive motor 320 are uniformly dispersed to the rolling bearings 250 provided on both sides of the steering column 230, and the rolling bearings 250 on both sides rotate smoothly while moving along the length of the fixed rails 110 on both sides, and thus do not emit noise.

[0087] One end of the screw 330 can be hingedly coupled to the rail base 100. Specifically, hinge protrusions 331 can be protruded on both sides of one end of the screw 330, and a bushing 332 can be provided on the outer circumferential surface of each hinge protrusion 331. Each bushing 332 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and each hinge protrusion 331 can be inserted into each bushing 332. Each bushing 332 is rotatably inserted into a pair of bushing frames 333, and each bushing frame 333 can be fixedly provided to the rail base 100 by a bolt.

[0088] As described above, since one end of the screw 330 is hingedly coupled to the rail base 100, the screw 330 slightly rotates around each hinge protrusion 331 when the gear case 310 and the turbine gear 314 move along the length of the screw 330 by the driving force of the drive motor 320, and thus the gear case 310 and the turbine gear 314 can move smoothly and do not emit noise.

[0089] Here, each bushing 332 prevents each hinge protrusion 331 from directly rubbing against each bushing frame 333, and thus when the screw 330 slightly rotates around each hinge protrusion 331, the screw 330 can rotate smoothly and noise can be prevented.

[0090] Figure 7 is a perspective view and a partially enlarged view showing a rail base, a fixed rail, a rolling bearing, and a moving rail of Figure 3 ;Figure 8 is Figure 3 an enlarged view of the right side portion in the upper portion of

[0091] With reference to Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the rolling bearing 250 can be composed of a plurality of rolling bearings 250 arranged in the axial direction. That is, the rolling bearing 250 can arrange a plurality of rolling bearings 250 in the axial direction on one side of the steering column 230, and can arrange a plurality of rolling bearings 250 in the axial direction on the other side of the steering column 230. In the present embodiment, four rolling bearings 250 are arranged in the axial direction on one side of the steering column 230, and four rolling bearings 250 are arranged in the axial direction on the other side of the steering column 230.

[0092] The rolling bearing 250 can be composed of an inner race 251 and an outer race 252. The outer race 252 can rotate with respect to the inner race 251 by a plurality of balls (not shown) between the inner race 251 and the outer race 252. The inner race 251 can be fixed to the steering column 230 by a bolt, and the outer race 252 can contact the fixed rail 110 and rotate when the steering column 230 slides in the axial direction by the driving force of the driving tool 300.

[0093] A V-shaped groove 253 and an inclined surface 254 can be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the outer race 252. The V-shaped groove 253 and the inclined surface 254 are continuously formed in the circumferential direction of the outer race 252, respectively. The inclined surface 254 can be formed on both side surfaces outside the V-shaped groove 253.

[0094] The rolling bearing 250 can be composed of a single rolling bearing, the V-shaped groove 253 can be formed at the center of the outer circumferential surface of the outer race 252, and the inclined surface 254 can be formed on both sides of the outer circumferential surface of the outer race 252. Alternatively, the rolling bearing 250 can be composed of a pair of rolling bearings, the pair of rolling bearings 250 in which the inclined surfaces 254 formed on both sides of the outer circumferential surface of the outer race are arranged on the same shaft, and the V-shaped groove 253 can be formed by the inclined surfaces 254 facing each other of the outer races of the respective rolling bearings arranged on the same shaft.

[0095] A curved surface portion 113 having a circular arc-shaped cross section protruding outward can be formed on the fixed rail 110. The curved surface portion 113 can have a circular arc-shaped cross section in which the surface facing the moving rail 260 is protruded, and the opposite surface is recessed. The outer race 252 of the rolling bearing 250 can be inserted into the inside of the curved surface portion 113. The inner walls of both side ends of the curved surface portion 113 can contact the inclined surfaces 254 on both sides. In this way, the rolling bearing 250 is configured to be supported by two contact points with the curved surface portion 113 of the fixed rail 110, and the rigidity can be further ensured.

[0096] The moving rail 260 can include a main body plate 261 and a friction plate 262. The main body plate 261 can be coupled to the steering column 230. The main body plate 261 can be fastened to the steering column 230 by a plurality of bolts. The friction plate 262 is coupled to the main body plate 261 and can be disposed between the fixed rail 110 and the main body plate 261. The friction plate 262 can be fastened to the main body plate 261 by a plurality of bolts. When the steering column 230 is slid in the axial direction by the driving force of the driving tool 300, the friction plate 262 can be in friction with the fixed rail 110.

[0097] To smoothly rotate the outer wheel 252 of the rolling bearing 250 while moving in the axial direction along the length of the fixed rail 110, the moving rail 260 can perform the function of supporting the support body of the fixed rail 110, and the friction plate 262 is located between the fixed rail 110 and the main body plate 261 and is in friction with the fixed rail 110 with a predetermined frictional force, so that the outer wheel 252 of the rolling bearing 250 can rotate without slipping on the fixed rail 110 and can move in the axial direction along the length of the fixed rail 110.

[0098] The friction plate 262 can form a friction groove 263 to be inserted into the curved portion 113 of the fixed rail 110. The bottom surface of the friction groove 263 can be formed as a flat surface. The outer wall center of the curved portion 113 can contact the center of the bottom surface of the friction groove 263, and the outer wall of both sides of the curved portion 113 can contact the inner wall of both sides of the friction groove 263. In this way, the friction plate 262 is configured to be supported by three points in contact with the curved portion 113 of the fixed rail 110, and thus the rigidity can be ensured. The friction plate 262 is preferably made of a synthetic material having excellent wear resistance, such as polyimide resin.

[0099] Figure 9 is a view showing the upper portion of Figure 3 ; Figure 10 is a view showing the steering column and the support member of Figure 1 .

[0100] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 9 and Figure 10In the rail base 100, a pair of first guides 120 can be formed protruding toward the steering column 230, and the pair of first guides 120 can be spaced apart from each other in a first direction Dl, that is, in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction. Then, a pair of second guides 231 can be formed protruding toward the rail base 100 on both sides of the steering column 230. The pair of second guides 231 can be disposed between the pair of first guides 120. The pair of second guides 231 can be slidably coupled to the pair of first guides 120 in the axial direction, respectively. Rolling bearings 250 can be provided in the pair of second guides 231. The steering column 230 can support a load in the first direction Dl through the pair of first guides 120 and the pair of second guides 231.

[0101] In addition, in the rail base 100, a guide hole 130 can be formed extending in the axial direction between the pair of first guides 120. The guide hole 130 can be formed at the center between the pair of first guides 120.

[0102] In the steering column, a third guide 233 can be formed protruding between the pair of second guides. The third guide 233 can be formed protruding toward the surface of the rail base 100 in the steering column 230. The third guide 233 can be formed at the center between the pair of second guides 231. The third guide 233 can slide in the axial direction through the guide hole 130 of the rail base 100. A support member 235 can be provided at the end of the third guide 233, the support member 235 being disposed protruding in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction and being supported by the rail base 100.

[0103] In the present embodiment, it is illustrated that the end of the third guide 233 can be formed to have a thickness smaller than the remaining portion of the third guide 233, and the end of the third guide 233 having such a thin thickness can pass through the guide hole 130, and the support member 235 can be provided at the end of the third guide 233 having such a thin thickness, but the thickness of the end of the third guide 233 can be variously changed within the range of the thickness formed to pass through the guide hole 130. The steering column 230 can be supported by the support member 235 of the third guide 233 with respect to a load in a second direction D2, which is a direction orthogonal to the first direction Dl.

[0104] As described above, the rail telescopic electric pipe column 1 of the embodiment of the present application can move the entire steering column assembly 200 in the axial direction, can secure a telescopic amount, and has a rail-type driving mechanism and a fastening structure, thus having an excellent rigidity, and can simplify an assembly structure, thereby improving productivity.

[0105] Those skilled in the art with ordinary knowledge in the field of the present application can understand that other specific forms can be implemented without changing the technical idea or essential characteristics of the present application. Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be understood as exemplary in all aspects rather than limiting. The scope of the present application should be interpreted as embodied by the claims, and all changes or modified forms derived from the meaning, scope and equivalent concepts of the claims are all included in the scope of the present application.

[0106] Industrial applicability

[0107] The present application provides a track telescopic electric column having a track type telescopic driving structure, ensuring the telescopic amount of the steering column, thereby ensuring the space of the driver according to the development requirement of the unmanned technology, and at the same time, ensuring the structural rigidity.

Claims

1. A track telescopic electric column comprising: a track base provided in a vehicle body; a steering column provided in the track base so as to be slidable in an axial direction; a driving means provided to supply a driving force for sliding the steering column in the axial direction; wherein fixed tracks elongated in the axial direction are provided on both sides of the track base, respectively; rolling bearings are provided on both sides of the steering column, respectively, the rolling bearings being supported by the fixed tracks and moving in the axial direction while rotating when the steering column is slid in the axial direction by the driving force of the driving means; characterized in that the driving means comprises: a gear box provided in the steering column and internally rotatably configured with a worm gear and a worm wheel, an outer peripheral surface of the worm wheel being engaged with the worm gear; a driving motor provided in the gear box and combined with the worm gear in a rotating shaft; and a screw rod provided in the track base so as to be elongated in the axial direction, penetrating the worm wheel and the gear box, and having a screw thread formed on an outer peripheral surface so as to be engaged with a screw thread formed on an inner peripheral surface of the worm wheel; wherein when the driving motor is driven, the worm wheel rotates while moving along the length of the screw rod together with the gear box, and the steering column is thereby slid in the axial direction.

2. The track telescopic electric column according to claim 1, characterized in that: the rolling bearing comprises an inner race and an outer race, the outer race rotating the inner race by a plurality of balls between the inner race and the outer race; the inner race is fixed to the steering column, and the outer race contacts the fixed track, the outer race rotating when the steering column is slid in the axial direction.

3. The track telescopic electric column according to claim 2, characterized in that: a V-shaped groove and an inclined surface are formed on an outer peripheral surface of the outer race, the V-shaped groove being continuously formed in a circumferential direction of the outer race, and the inclined surface being continuously formed in the circumferential direction of the outer race on both side surfaces outside the V-shaped groove; a curved surface portion is formed on the fixed track, the curved surface portion having a circular arc cross section protruding outward and inserting the outer race on an inner side; both side end inner walls of the curved surface portion contact the inclined surfaces on both sides. Further comprising:

4. The rail telescoping power column of claim 3, wherein, moving tracks provided on both sides of the steering column, respectively, supporting the fixed tracks and sliding in the axial direction together with the steering column when the steering column is slid in the axial direction.

5. The track telescopic electric column according to claim 4, characterized in that: the moving track comprises: a main plate combined with the steering column; and a friction plate combined with the main plate and configured between the fixed track and the main plate, the friction plate rubbing against the fixed track when the steering column is slid in the axial direction.

6. The track telescopic electric column according to claim 5, characterized in that: a friction groove is formed on the friction plate so as to be inserted into the curved surface portion, a bottom surface of the friction groove is formed as a flat surface, a center of an outer wall of the curved surface portion contacts a center of the bottom surface of the friction groove, and both side end outer walls of the curved surface portion contact both side end inner walls of the friction groove. ​ 7. The track telescopic electric column according to claim 1, wherein the rolling bearing is composed of a plurality of rolling bearings arranged in the axial direction.

8. The track telescopic electric column according to claim 1, wherein a pair of first guides are formed in the face of the track base toward the steering column, the pair of first guides are spaced apart from each other in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction, and a guide hole is formed in the axial direction between the pair of first guides; a pair of second guides are formed on both sides of the steering column, the pair of second guides are projected toward the track base and are respectively slidably coupled to the pair of first guides in the axial direction, and the rolling bearing is provided; a third guide is formed on the steering column, the third guide is slid in the axial direction through the guide hole between the pair of second guides, and a support member is provided at the end of the third guide, the support member is projected in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction to be supported by the track base; the steering column is supported by the pair of first guides and the pair of second guides against a first direction load, and the support member provided in the third guide is supported against a second direction load, the first direction is orthogonal to the axial direction, and the second direction is orthogonal to the first direction.

9. The track telescopic electric column according to claim 1, wherein the rotation shaft of the driving motor is arranged orthogonal to the screw rod.

10. The track telescopic electric column according to claim 1, wherein the gear box is arranged close to any one of the fixed tracks respectively provided on both sides of the track base; the driving motor is arranged close to the other one of the fixed tracks respectively provided on both sides of the track base.

11. The track telescopic electric column according to claim 1, wherein one end of the screw rod is hingedly coupled to the track base.

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