A steering column with a collapsible function

Abstract

The present invention relates to a steering column with a collapsible function. The column comprises a column, an aluminum cast tube, a handle, a handle shaft, and a bracket. The aluminum cast tube and the bracket are placed on the outside of the aluminum cast tube. The handle shaft passes through the bracket and the aluminum cast tube to clamp the column. The handle is placed at one end of the handle shaft. The outside of the column is connected to an energy absorbing device. The lower side of the energy absorbing device has a first meshing tooth. A first pin is transversely installed in the aluminum cast tube. A gear is fixedly installed on the pin. The gear is provided with a second meshing tooth. The second meshing tooth meshes with the first meshing tooth. A shift block is sleeved on the handle shaft. The shift block drives the gear to rotate. Most of the parts that realize the collapsible function, such as the gear and the shift block in this application, are wrapped inside the aluminum cast tube, reducing the influence of too many exposed external parts of the steering column assembly on the performance of the parts (for example, dust on the surface of the parts, abnormal noise caused by the entry of foreign objects, jamming, etc.), and saving external space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of vehicle steering systems, in particular to a steering column with a collapse function. Background Art

[0002] To mitigate or prevent driver damage from steering system injuries in head-on collisions, a collapsible steering column was invented and rapidly developed. In a collision, a collapsible steering column deforms forward according to a pre-designed mechanism. This creates more space between the steering wheel and the driver, increasing survivability while also absorbing the impact energy to protect the driver's chest from injury.

[0003] However, the collapsible steering column in the prior art has the following defects: 1. Figure 9-10 As shown, the existing steering column relies on the engagement of a toothed stone 100 mounted on the handle and a rack mounted on the column to open and lock the handle, which makes part of the structure of the collapse system exposed outside the aluminum cast tube, resulting in a complex structure, high manufacturing cost, and easy surface dust accumulation, which can cause foreign objects to enter and produce abnormal noise. 2. The existing rack and energy-absorbing sheet 200 are combined together, making it impossible to select the material of the energy-absorbing sheet according to the collapse force requirements, resulting in low collapse force. The engagement of the rack and the toothed stone is unstable. 3. The collapse structure of the existing structure is complex, and each component has a special structure, which makes it difficult to manufacture and unstable. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a steering column with a collapsible function to improve the collapsing force. The collapsing component is arranged in an aluminum cast tube to prevent foreign matter from entering and causing abnormal noise and jamming problems.

[0005] The technical solution of the present invention:

[0006] A steering column with a collapse function comprises a column, an aluminum cast tube, a handle, a handle shaft, and a bracket. The aluminum cast tube and the bracket are placed on the outside of the column, the handle shaft passes through the bracket and the aluminum cast tube to clamp the column, and the handle is placed at one end of the handle shaft. The outside of the column is connected to an energy absorption device, and the lower side of the energy absorption device has a first meshing tooth. A first pin is horizontally installed in the aluminum cast tube, and a gear stone is fixed on the pin. The gear stone is provided with a second meshing tooth, and the first meshing tooth is meshed with the second meshing tooth. A shift block is sleeved on the handle shaft, and the shift block drives the gear stone to rotate. An elastic support is installed in the aluminum cast tube, and the elastic support is placed under the gear stone.

[0007] Beneficial effects of the present invention:

[0008] 1. Most of the parts that realize the collapse function in this application, such as the gear stone and the shift block, are wrapped inside the aluminum cast tube, reducing the impact of too many exposed external parts of the steering column assembly on the performance of the parts (for example: dust accumulation on the surface of the parts, abnormal noise caused by the entry of foreign objects, jamming, etc.), and saving external space.

[0009] 2. The engagement between the rack structure and the tooth stone provides a more stable holding force. At the same time, because the rack structure and the energy-absorbing sheet are independent parts, more structural forms of the energy-absorbing sheet can be added to increase and weaken the collapse force (for example, methods to increase the collapse force include increasing the thickness, adding reinforcing ribs to the energy-absorbing sheet, and reducing the bending R angle of the energy-absorbing sheet. Methods to weaken the collapse force include reducing the thickness, cutting grooves in the energy-absorbing sheet, and increasing the bending R angle of the energy-absorbing sheet).

[0010] 3. The parts of the structure of this application are simple and compact in appearance, which can reduce the difficulty of part manufacturing and save costs.

[0011] 4. The structure of the present application is wrapped by the aluminum cast pipe. Because the structure is exposed outside the aluminum cast pipe, it is not necessary to groove the aluminum cast pipe. By adding a mechanism to connect with the pipe column, the strength of the aluminum cast pipe is improved.

[0012] 5. The rack structure and the energy absorbing structure of the energy absorbing device of the present application are designed separately. Compared with the integrated structure in the prior art, the meshing teeth can be set on a specific side of the rack structure according to actual needs. It has strong adaptability and a wider range of applications and can adapt to different vehicles.

[0013] 6. In the prior art, the rack structure and the energy absorbing structure are an integrated structure, so the rack structure and the energy absorbing structure are made of the same material. In order to facilitate the processing of the tooth shape, the rack structure needs to use a relatively soft material, and in order to increase the crushing force, the energy absorbing structure needs to use a relatively hard material. However, in the prior art, the two are an integrated structure. In actual production, in order to achieve two functions, it is necessary to use a material with a medium hardness, which results in poor results in both functions. The rack structure and the energy absorbing structure of the energy absorbing device of the present application can be made of different materials and different processing techniques as needed. It is convenient for processing and production, and the processing technology is simple. In order to increase the crushing peak, the energy absorbing device can use a harder material to increase the crushing force.

[0014] 7. In the prior art, the energy absorption structure is provided with meshing teeth, but because the energy absorption structure is mostly flat, the meshing teeth have a small module, weak bite force, and poor stability. The rack structure and the energy absorption structure of the energy absorption device of the present application are designed separately, so the rack structure can be made slightly larger and thicker, and the meshing teeth on the rack structure can be selected with a larger module. A larger module increases the meshing strength with the gear and improves stability.

[0015] 8. The energy-absorbing structure of the present application is similar to a "U"-shaped structure. When collapse occurs, the pipe column moves with the energy-absorbing plate, and has the characteristic of continuously absorbing the impact energy, thereby significantly reducing the damage to the driver caused by the impact energy and protecting the driver's safety and health.

[0016] 9. The engagement between the rack structure and the tooth stone of the present application provides a more stable holding force. At the same time, because the rack structure and the energy absorption structure are independent parts, more structural forms of the energy absorption plate can be added to increase and decrease the crushing force, and the crushing force adjustment range is large. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative work.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the steering column with a collapse function in this application.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the steering column structure with a collapsible function for this application (after removing the aluminum casting tube)

[0020] Figure 3 This is another perspective diagram of the structure of the steering column with a collapsible function (after removing the aluminum casting tube)

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the steering column structure with a collapsible function for this application (after removing the aluminum cast tube, bracket and handle)

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the steering column energy absorption device with a collapse function in this application.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram from another angle of the steering column energy absorption device with a crush function in this application.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the energy-absorbing structure of the steering column with a crush function in this application.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram from another angle of the steering column energy absorption structure with a crush function in this application.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of another shift block and gear structure of a steering column with a collapse function in this application.

[0027] Figure 10This is a schematic diagram of the locked state of the steering column with a collapsible function in this application. (The gear stone and the energy absorption device are engaged)

[0028] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the steering column with a collapsible function in the released state. (The gear stone and energy absorption device are separated)

[0029] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the partial structure of a steering column with a collapse function in the prior art.

[0030] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the partial structure of a steering column with a collapse function in the prior art.

[0031] Markings in the figure:

[0032] 1. Pipe column; 2. Aluminum cast pipe; 3. Handle; 4. Handle shaft; 5. Bracket; 6. Energy absorbing device; 7. Tooth stone; 8. Shift block; 9. Guide limit block; 21. First pin shaft; 22. Second pin shaft; 23. Spring piece; 61. Rack structure; 62. Energy absorbing structure; 63. Rivet; 64. Bolt; 611. First meshing tooth; 612. First through hole; 621. Rack connecting piece; 622. Energy absorbing piece; 623. Rivet hole; 624. Bolt hole; 625. Second through hole; 626. Limiting structure; 627. Limiting block; 71. Second meshing tooth; 72. Notch; 73. Depression; 81. Shifting protrusion; 82. Ring; 83. Shifting piece; 91. Cylindrical body; 92. Limiting part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] In order to solve the problems existing in the background technology, the steering column with a collapse function of the present application is invented.

[0034] The present application will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are illustrated. However, the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, the disclosed features of the exemplary embodiments may be combined. For the sake of brevity and / or clarity, well-known functions or configurations may not be described in detail in this application.

[0035] like Figure 1-3As shown, a steering column with a collapsible function includes a column 1, an aluminum cast tube 2, a handle 3, a handle shaft 4, and a bracket 5. The aluminum cast tube 2 and the bracket are placed on the outside of the aluminum cast tube 2. The handle shaft passes through the bracket 5 and the aluminum cast tube 2 to clamp the column 1. The handle 3 is placed at one end of the handle shaft 4. The outside of the column 1 is connected to an energy absorption device 6. The lower side of the energy absorption device 6 has a first meshing tooth. A first pin 21 is installed horizontally in the aluminum cast tube 2. A tooth stone 7 is fixed on the first pin 21. The tooth stone 7 is provided with a second meshing tooth 71. The second meshing tooth 71 meshes with the first meshing tooth. A shift block 8 is sleeved on the handle shaft 4, and the shift block 8 drives the tooth stone to rotate. An elastic support is installed in the aluminum cast tube, and the elastic support is placed under the tooth stone. The elastic support is used to support the tooth stone and has a certain elasticity. When the tooth stone rotates under the action of the shift block, the elastic support always presses against the tooth stone to prevent the tooth stone from flipping over and provides a certain supporting force to the tooth stone. The elastic support can be a spring, one end of which is bolted to the aluminum casting tube, and the other end is tilted upward and placed under the tooth stone. The elastic support can also be a spring or a torsion spring, which is fixed in the aluminum casting tube and placed under the tooth stone.

[0036] During use, the handle 3 and the handle shaft 4 rotate to drive the shift block to rotate, and the rotation of the shift block drives the gear stone to rotate, thereby causing the first meshing teeth and the second meshing teeth 71 to engage or disengage. When the first meshing teeth and the second meshing teeth are disengaged, the length of the pipe column can be adjusted. When the first meshing teeth and the second meshing teeth are engaged, the pipe column is locked and the length cannot be adjusted.

[0037] like Figure 1-3 As shown, a guide stopper 9 is provided on each of the upper and lower sides of the energy absorbing device 6. The guide stopper 9 comprises a cylindrical body 91 with an arcuate stopper portion 92 at its outer end. The arcuate stopper portion extends perpendicularly to the cylindrical body. The cylindrical body 91 is bolted to the aluminum cast tube 2. The main body of the guide stopper 9 contacts the upper and lower sides of the energy absorbing device 6, limiting the position of the energy absorbing device 6 and preventing it from moving up or down. The stopper portion 92 contacts the front side of the energy absorbing device 6, guiding the energy absorbing device 6 and ensuring its movement in the desired design direction.

[0038] like Figure 4-7As shown, the energy absorbing device 6 is composed of a rack structure 61 and an energy absorbing structure 62. The main body of the rack structure 61 is square, and one side facing the column 1 is arc-shaped, and the other side opposite to the arc is connected to the energy absorbing structure 62. The rack structure 61 is parallel to the column 1 and has a first meshing tooth 611 on one side that is not connected to the energy absorbing structure 62. The energy absorbing structure 62 is divided into a rack connecting piece 621 and an energy absorbing piece 622. One end of the rack connecting piece 621 is bolted to the rack structure 61, and the other end of the rack connecting piece 621 is bent backward to form an energy absorbing piece 622. The energy absorbing piece 622, the rack connecting piece 621 and the column 1 are parallel. The energy absorbing device 6 of the present application is applied to the steering column of the vehicle steering system, and the rack structure 61 and the energy absorbing structure 62 are fixed together. Rack structure 61 mates with the toothed stone on the handle shaft. When the handle is open, the rack structure 61 and the toothed stone separate, allowing adjustment of the column length. When the handle is locked, the rack structure and the toothed stone engage, preventing adjustment of the column length. Energy-absorbing structure 2 is similar to a "U"-shaped structure. When a collapse occurs, the column, carrying the energy-absorbing plate, collapses into the vehicle. As the energy-absorbing plate straightens, it absorbs the energy of the impact.

[0039] The rack structure 61 is provided with a first through hole 612. The rack connecting piece 621 and the energy absorbing piece 622 of the energy absorbing structure 62 are both rectangular and flat. The rack connecting piece 621 is provided with a rivet hole 623, a bolt hole 624, a second through hole 625 and a limiting structure 626 in sequence. The energy absorbing piece 622 is provided with a bolt hole 624. The limiting structure 626 includes a connecting plate with a bolt hole. The connecting plate is provided with a limiting block 627. The limiting block 627 is bolted to the connecting plate. The limiting structure plays a limiting and guiding role. The limiting role is that the limiting block moves in the long hole of the aluminum cast pipe and limits the adjustment stroke of the pipe column length by the length of the hole. The guiding role is to limit the radial steering of the pipe column by the width of the rectangular hole. The rivet 63 passes through the first through hole 612 and the rivet hole 623 to connect the rack structure 61 and the energy absorbing structure 62 to the pipe column 1. Bolts 64 pass through bolt holes 624 to connect the rack structure 61 and the energy absorbing structure 62. The energy absorbing sheet 622 is connected to the column 1 via bolts 64, and bolts 64 pass through bolt holes 624 to connect the energy absorbing sheet 622 to the column 1. The energy absorbing sheet 622 is fixed to the column tube 1 via bolts 64, and then rivets are used to rivet the toothed connecting sheet and the energy absorbing sheet to the column (to provide the peak value of the collapse force). Depending on the requirements of the collapse force, the rivets of this application can also be replaced with plastic blocks.

[0040] The energy-absorbing sheet can be structurally adjusted based on the peak crush force requirements to suit different vehicles. Thicker material or the addition of reinforcing ribs 628 can increase crush force. Thinner material or hollowing out the sheet with holes 629 can reduce crush force.

[0041] The first embodiment of the structure of the tooth stone 7 and the shift block 8 is that one end of the shift block 8 is sleeved on the handle shaft, and the other end is a shifting protrusion 81 extending outward; the main body of the tooth stone 7 is arc-shaped, and a second meshing tooth 71 is provided on the outer edge of one end of the tooth stone 7, and the shifting protrusion 81 is placed in the arc-shaped notch 72 of the tooth stone 7.

[0042] like Figure 8 As shown, the structure of the tooth stone 7 and the shifter 8 can also be adjusted, and can also be as described below. The main body of the tooth stone 7 is arc-shaped, and a second meshing tooth 71 is provided on the outer edge of one end of the tooth stone 7, and a recess 73 is provided on the outer edge of the other end of the tooth stone 7; the shift block 8 is composed of a ring 82 and a shift piece 83, and the ring 82 is sleeved on the handle shaft. The main body of the shift piece 83 is "U"-shaped, and one end of the shift piece is fixedly connected to the ring 82, and the two free ends of the shift piece 83 are respectively placed at the arc-shaped notch 72 of the tooth stone and the recess 73 on the outer edge of the tooth stone.

[0043] Working process:

[0044] When the length of the pipe string needs to be adjusted, rotate the handle to drive the handle shaft to rotate and the shift block to rotate the gear stone to Figure 2 Rotate the lower right center to separate the first and second meshing teeth of the toothed stone and rack structure, allowing the pipe column length to be adjusted as needed. After adjusting the pipe column length, the handle drives the handle shaft and the dial to rotate in the other direction. The dial block removes the pressure on the toothed stone, and the toothed stone rotates under the pressure of the shrapnel. The first and second meshing teeth engage, and the pipe column is locked, and the length can no longer be adjusted. When collapse occurs, external force cuts the rivet between the energy absorption device and the pipe column. The energy absorbing plate collapses forward under the drive of the pipe column, absorbing the impact energy during the process of being straightened, eliminating or reducing the damage to the driver caused by the impact force.

[0045] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "back", etc. indicate orientations based on the orientation relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be understood as limitations on this application.

Claims

1. A steering column with a collapsible function, comprising a column, an aluminum cast tube, a handle, a handle shaft, and a bracket, wherein the aluminum cast tube and the bracket are placed outside the column, the handle shaft passes through the bracket and the aluminum cast tube to clamp the column, and the handle is placed at one end of the handle shaft, characterized in that: The outer side of the column is connected to an energy absorbing device, and the lower side of the energy absorbing device has a first meshing tooth, a first pin is installed horizontally in the aluminum cast tube, a tooth stone is fixed on the pin, and a second meshing tooth is provided on the tooth stone, and the first meshing tooth is meshed with the second meshing tooth, and a shift block is sleeved on the handle shaft, and the shift block drives the tooth stone to rotate, and an elastic support is installed in the aluminum cast tube, and the elastic support is placed under the tooth stone; a guide limit block is respectively provided on the upper and lower sides of the energy absorbing device; the guide limit block includes a cylindrical main body, and the outer end of the cylindrical main body has an arc-shaped limit portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the cylindrical main body, and the cylindrical main body is connected to the aluminum cast tube by bolts. The main body of the guide limit block contacts the upper and lower side surfaces of the energy absorbing device, and the limiting part contacts the front side surface of the energy absorbing device; the energy absorbing device consists of a rack structure and an energy absorbing structure, the main body of the rack structure is square, and is arc-shaped toward one side of the pipe column, and the other side opposite to the arc is connected to the energy absorbing structure, the rack structure is parallel to the pipe column and has a first meshing tooth on a side that is not connected to the energy absorbing structure, the energy absorbing structure is divided into a rack connecting piece and an energy absorbing piece, one end of the rack connecting piece is bolted to the rack structure, and the other end of the rack connecting piece is bent backward to form an energy absorbing piece, and the energy absorbing piece, rack connecting piece and pipe column are parallel.

2. The steering column with a collapse function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rack connecting piece and the energy absorbing piece of the energy absorbing structure are both rectangular and flat. The rack connecting piece is provided with a rivet hole, a bolt hole, a second through hole and a limiting structure in sequence. The energy absorbing piece is provided with a bolt hole. The limiting structure includes a connecting plate with a bolt hole. The connecting plate is provided with a limiting block, and the limiting block is bolted to the connecting plate.

3. The steering column with a collapse function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The energy absorbing sheet is provided with a plurality of reinforcing ribs.

4. The steering column with a collapse function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The energy absorbing sheet is a hollow structure.

5. The steering column with a collapse function according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the shift block is sleeved on the handle shaft, and the other end is a shifting protrusion extending outward; the tooth stone body is arc-shaped, and a second meshing tooth is provided on the outer edge of one end of the tooth stone, and the shifting protrusion is placed in the arc-shaped notch of the tooth stone.

6. The steering column with a collapse function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tooth stone body is arc-shaped, with a second meshing tooth provided on the outer edge of one end of the tooth stone, and a depression on the outer edge of the other end of the tooth stone; the shift block is composed of a ring and a shift piece, the ring is sleeved on the handle shaft, and the shift piece body is "U"-shaped, with one end of the shift piece fixedly connected to the ring, and the two free ends of the shift piece are respectively placed on the arc-shaped notch of the tooth stone and the depression on the outer edge of the tooth stone.

7. The steering column with a collapse function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic support is a spring, one end of which is bolted to the aluminum casting tube, and the other end is tilted upward and placed under the tooth stone; the elastic support is a spring, which is fixed in the aluminum casting tube and placed under the tooth stone.

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