Steering column for a motor vehicle and motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a steering column (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a support unit (3) which has a holding section (31) in which a steering shaft (4) is rotatably mounted about a longitudinal axis (40) of the steering shaft (4) extending in a longitudinal direction (L), and which has at least one engagement section (33) connected to the holding section (31). In order to give an improved support unit (3) which achieves a higher natural frequency, the invention proposes that at least one elastic support element (7) is mounted outwardly projecting on the support unit (3) with a spacing (A) from the engagement section (33).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a steering column for a motor vehicle, comprising a support unit having a retaining section in which a steering shaft is rotatably supported about a longitudinal axis extending in a longitudinal direction, and the support unit having at least one engagement section connected to the retaining section. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a motor vehicle having such a steering column. Background Technology

[0002] A motor vehicle's steering column includes a steering shaft rotatably supported about its longitudinal axis. A steering wheel or similar steering handle, typically with a steering spindle, is mounted on a section of the steering shaft rearward in the direction of travel for inputting manual steering commands. Rotation of the steering shaft, as the input steering command, can be mechanically converted into steering rotation of the steerable wheels in conventional mechanical steering systems via a steering transmission mechanism and steering tie rods, or detected in wire steering systems by means of an electric angle sensor that controls electric actuators acting on the steerable wheels to produce steering rotation.

[0003] To maintain and position within the passenger compartment, the steering shaft is held in a support unit and is typically rotatably supported in a housing unit held by the support unit. The support unit is fixedly connected to the vehicle body, for example, by means of a structure that is fixed relative to the vehicle body, such as by a threaded connection or similar means, to a vehicle crossbeam.

[0004] The support unit has a retaining section in which the steering shaft is rotatably held. In an extended embodiment, such as that described in JP 2010-023797 A, the arched, U-shaped retaining section has two sidewalls opposing each other about a longitudinal axis and extending downward in the height direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, and the housing unit supporting the steering shaft can be fixedly or adjustably fixed between the sidewalls. At least one engagement section is connected to the retaining section for connecting the support unit to the vehicle body.

[0005] The joining section can extend laterally relative to the retaining section in a lateral direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, wherein two joining sections can be mounted laterally opposite each other relative to the longitudinal axis. Each joining section can be secured to the vehicle body by joining or fixing elements, such as form-fitting elements like fixing holes or pins. In the described embodiment, installation is carried out in a joining direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, for example by mounting the joining section to the vehicle crossbeam from below. Connecting devices such as screws pass through fixing holes whose axial direction is parallel to the joining direction, thereby securingly tensioning the joining section to the vehicle body.

[0006] For steering columns installed in vehicles, the goal is to achieve the highest possible rigidity, corresponding to the highest possible natural frequency. This natural frequency is primarily influenced by the connection of the support unit to the vehicle body. In the prior art, to ensure reliable clamping, a spring washer has been proposed to be inserted between the engagement section and the structure fixed to the vehicle, which applies a preload to the fixing element in the engagement direction. However, a drawback here is the undesirable reduction in the natural frequency. Furthermore, using a spring washer between the engagement section and the structure fixed to the vehicle requires adjustment of the support unit structure, because without adjustment, the predetermined position of the steering spindle and therefore the steering wheel within the vehicle can no longer be achieved. This is complex and expensive. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the aforementioned problems, the object of this invention is to provide an improved support unit that achieves a higher natural frequency and requires only less structure-related adjustment.

[0008] According to the present invention, this objective is achieved by the steering column of the present invention.

[0009] In a steering column for a motor vehicle, the steering column includes a support unit having a retaining section in which a steering shaft is rotatably supported about a longitudinal axis extending in the longitudinal direction, and the support unit has at least one engagement section connected to the retaining section. According to the invention, at least one resilient support element is mounted on the support unit with a spaced-out projection from the engagement section.

[0010] Because of this embodiment of the invention, a higher natural frequency is achieved, while requiring only a small amount of structure-related adjustments compared to the prior art, the solution can be implemented at low cost and without significantly increasing structural space requirements.

[0011] In the following text, by definition, the longitudinal direction of the steering axis extends from rear to front relative to the vehicle's direction of travel, the height direction extends from bottom to top transverse to the vehicle's direction of travel, and the lateral direction extends transverse to both the longitudinal and height directions.

[0012] According to the invention, the support element is configured as a spring-elastic element, for example, a spring element, and is mounted on the support unit such that the support element spring-elastically protrudes outward from the support unit in the support direction. Here, the support element is arranged such that, in the assembled state, it can be supported on a structure fixed relative to the vehicle, for example, on a mating surface or support surface on a crossbeam, and can be elastically clamped. Here, the elastic force of the support element acts on the support unit in the support direction, preferably substantially perpendicularly in the normal direction in the surface region, where the support element is positioned outwardly on the support unit.

[0013] Unlike existing technologies, where spring elements are inserted between a support element and a structure fixed relative to the vehicle, and the spring element is directly and without gaps mounted and supported on the support element, the support element according to the invention is arranged relative to the support element at defined intervals such that the support unit can be elastically supported on the structure fixed relative to the vehicle outside the engagement section, more specifically, with intervals from the engagement element of the engagement section, such as a joint or fixing port, through which connecting devices such as screws are guided.

[0014] Preferably, the joining section has a joining element oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction along the joining direction. This joining element can be, for example, a fixing element or connecting element, such as a fixing hole, whose axis extends along the height direction. By inserting a fixing element through the joining element, the joining element, and thus the support unit, can be clamped relative to the opposing vehicle in the same height direction as the joining direction.

[0015] Advantageously, the support element protrudes laterally to the longitudinal direction and / or laterally to the engagement direction in the support direction. Thus, the support element can apply additional support force to the support unit via the steering shaft and / or engagement element, tilted or perpendicular to the support direction possible in the prior art. Preferably, the support direction can be lateral, so that the support unit is additionally supported laterally by the support element. Therefore, improved support can be achieved in multiple spatial directions, which in the prior art are connected only by friction fit, for example, lateral support in the friction fit area between the engagement section and the vehicle's crossbeam. The additional elastic fixation spaced apart from the engagement section by the support element according to the invention suppresses undesirable resonances of vibratory masses arranged outside the engagement section. This advantageously increases the natural frequency of the entire mounted steering column.

[0016] The elastic support element according to the invention has a further advantage over rigid supports, namely, that potential constraint forces can be elastically absorbed and thereby limited by tolerance deviations. This enables better reproducibility of the natural frequency. Furthermore, it simplifies manufacturing and installation.

[0017] Advantageously, the support element is mounted on the retaining section. Thus, the support unit can be fixed to the joining section by a fixing element, and additionally supported at the retaining section at a distance from the joining section by the support element. This effectively increases the natural frequency.

[0018] Advantageously, the support element can be arranged at a distance from the connecting area on the retaining section, where the engaging section connects to the retaining section. Here, it may be advantageous for the support element to project laterally in the same direction as the engaging section with its supporting direction, and to be spaced apart in the height direction relative to the engaging section, which coincides with the engaging direction of the engaging element when assembled in the vehicle. Thus, the support unit can be supported laterally on the vehicle body via the engaging section and additionally by the support element, thereby effectively increasing the natural frequency.

[0019] Possibly, the engagement section extends laterally from the retaining section transversely to the longitudinal axis. The retaining section may have an arcuate, U-shaped profile in a manner known per se, with downward-pointing sidewalls, between which the steering shaft is retained and supported. Engaging elements may extend laterally from the sidewalls or the base, and these engaging elements may be arranged planarly, floor-like, perpendicular to the height direction. Supporting elements according to the invention may also advantageously be arranged at intervals relative to the engagement sections on the exterior of one sidewall, preferably projecting in opposite lateral directions onto two sidewalls, and these engagement sections may also be connected to the retaining section at the sidewalls. This enables the sidewalls to be effectively laterally supported on the support surfaces provided for this purpose on a structure fixed relative to the vehicle, and the support elements can be elastically tensioned relative to these support surfaces and spaced apart from the engagement elements. By pointing the support direction laterally in the direction of the extension of the engagement section, simple and effective support can be provided transversely to the engaging elements oriented in the engagement direction or height direction, wherein screws are used, for example, as fixing elements.

[0020] The support unit can be constructed as a single piece together with the retaining section and the joining section, for example, as a metal die-casting, such as made of aluminum or magnesium alloy, or as a sheet metal molded part preferably made of steel plate or composite material. Alternatively, the support unit can be constructed, for example, as an assembly of sheet metal molded parts welded together. In any case, by using the support element of the present invention, a sufficiently high natural frequency can be achieved even in a simplified structure while realizing an advantageous lightweight construction.

[0021] Advantageously, at least two support elements can be arranged in pairs with opposite support directions. Through structural support, for example, two support elements protruding laterally about the longitudinal axis along the extension direction of the joint section and capable of being laterally fixed relative to the opposing vehicle, the support unit can be elastically clamped between the two support elements. This allows for a particularly effective increase in the natural frequency.

[0022] Preferably, two support elements can be mounted on the retaining section. For example, at least one support element can be arranged on the outer side of each sidewall of the U-shaped retaining section. The U-shaped retaining section can thus be elastically tensioned at the structure fixed relative to the vehicle, in addition to being fixed by the engagement section.

[0023] Another advantage of this invention is that, by selecting the shape, size, and positioning of the support elements, the support unit can be matched with the shape of existing beam structures with minimal structural cost. This achieves increased flexibility in structural design and manufacturing. Furthermore, vibration characteristics and natural frequencies can be specifically optimized by pre-setting the elastic properties of the support elements.

[0024] Advantageously, the support element includes a spring element. The spring element is preferably made of a metallic material, most preferably spring steel. Here, by using specially tailored structural forms, such as helical springs, ring springs, wave springs, or leaf springs, a flexible and optimized match can be achieved to the available structural space, elastic properties, and other relevant parameters.

[0025] One advantageous embodiment specifies that the spring element has a bent leaf spring. The bent leaf spring can simply project outwardly in a convex and / or concave shape from the support unit, wherein the leaf spring can extend, for example, along the outer surface, such as laterally on the sidewall of the U-shaped retaining section. It is advantageous that the leaf spring can be easily implemented in a very flat structural form, determined solely by the material thickness and deflection of the spring leaf. This structural form can be structurally matched and manufactured with minimal cost. Another advantage is that the leaf spring can be easily fixed at one end, for example by spot welding, riveting, or also loosely by threaded connection.

[0026] It may be advantageous to fix the support element to the support unit. Preferably, a non-removable connection can be provided, for example, through material fit and / or shape fit connection such as welding, riveting, or extrusion. Alternatively, a detachable connection can be made by screws or the like.

[0027] It can be specified that the support element has a damping element. The damping element may, for example, include a friction device arranged parallel to the elastic deformation path of the support element and suppressing possible elastic vibrations of the support element through external friction or, alternatively or additionally, internal friction. This can further reduce undesirable resonances and inherent vibrations.

[0028] The retaining section may have a U-shaped retainer. In this known configuration, the U-shaped profile extends longitudinally, and the steering shaft is housed between downward-pointing U-shaped legs. The engagement section preferably extends outwardly from the U-shaped legs on both sides. In a manner known per se, the housing unit rotatably supporting the steering shaft can be held between the U-shaped legs.

[0029] In an advantageous improvement, the support unit may have more than two joint sections, and particularly preferably four joint sections.

[0030] Advantageously, each joint section can be provided with a corresponding support element according to the invention.

[0031] It can be specified that the steering shaft is adjustable relative to the support unit. For example, the steering shaft can be rotatably supported in a housing unit that can tilt relative to the support unit to adjust the height position of the steering wheel in the height direction. Alternatively or additionally, the steering shaft and housing unit can be telescopically constructed to enable adjustment of the steering wheel position along the longitudinal axis.

[0032] This adjustability can be manually designed in a manner known per se, wherein the clamping device acting between the support unit and the housing unit can be manually switched between a fixed position and a released position, wherein in the fixed position the position of the steering shaft is releasably fixed to the support unit, and in the released position the adjustment in the height direction and / or longitudinal direction is released.

[0033] Alternatively, a motor adjustment drive may be connected between the steering shaft and the support unit. In a manner known per se, an electrically driven screw drive is provided in the height direction between the housing unit supporting the steering shaft and the support unit, and additionally or alternatively in the longitudinal direction between the telescopically adjustable housing and the length-adjustable steering shaft component.

[0034] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a motor vehicle including a crossbeam coupled to the aforementioned steering column. Through the coupling of the steering column and the crossbeam, an elastic support element is pre-tensioned and comes into direct or indirect contact with the crossbeam. Therefore, the natural frequency of the steering column is increased, and significant structural adjustments to the steering column support unit or the crossbeam are not required. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention will now be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

[0036] Figure 1 The steering column according to the invention is shown in a schematic perspective view.

[0037] Figure 2 It shows that according to Figure 1 Another 3D view of the steering column.

[0038] Figure 3 Show Figure 2 Enlarged detail image,

[0039] Figure 4 It shows that according to Figures 1 to 3 A magnified view of the steering column in the longitudinal direction.

[0040] Figure 5 A motor vehicle according to the invention is shown, having a steering column according to the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0041] In different accompanying drawings, the same parts are always given the same reference numerals, and therefore are usually named or mentioned only once each.

[0042] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The schematic diagram shows an overall perspective view of the steering column 1 according to the invention in a motor vehicle in its installation position, specifically on the crossbeam 2 of the motor vehicle, which is not shown further.

[0043] The steering column 1 includes a support unit 3 designed according to the invention, which is fixed to the crossbeam 2, and the steering shaft 4 is held by the support unit 3 in a manner that allows it to be rotatably supported about its longitudinal axis 40. The steering shaft 4 has a connecting portion 41 at its rear end for mounting a steering wheel (not shown).

[0044] By definition, the longitudinal axis 40 extends from rear to front along the longitudinal direction L relative to the direction of travel, the height direction H extends laterally from bottom to top in the longitudinal direction, and the lateral direction S...

[0045] It extends laterally in the longitudinal direction L and the height direction H. Here, the longitudinal direction L and the height direction H are perpendicular to the lateral direction S, and the longitudinal direction L generally extends obliquely forward and downward.

[0046] The support unit 3 has a U-shaped retaining section 31, from which two sidewalls 32 forming U-shaped legs extend downward. Two engaging sections 33 are connected to the retaining section 31, and these two engaging sections 33 protrude outward relative to the sidewalls 32 in two lateral directions S. Here, each engaging section 33 is respectively (preferably in one piece) connected to a connecting section 34 of the retaining section 31. Here, the two connecting sections 34 extend substantially parallel to the sidewalls 32, and the engaging sections 33 extend planarly perpendicular to the height direction H, which is the engagement direction of these engaging sections 33.

[0047] The steering shaft 4 is supported in a housing unit 5 arranged between sidewalls 32 in a manner rotatable about its longitudinal axis 40. For fixation, a clamping device 6 may be provided in the manually adjustable steering column 1 (shown only as an example in the drawings), which can be selectively placed in a fixed or released position, for example, by manual switching. In the fixed position, the sidewalls 32 are clamped relative to the housing unit 5 to secure it relative to the retaining section 31. In the released position, the clamping is released, allowing the housing unit 5, together with the steering shaft 4, to be adjusted in the height direction H to adjust the steering wheel position. If necessary, the housing unit 5 and the steering shaft 4 are also configured to be telescopic in the longitudinal direction L to achieve longitudinal adjustment of the steering wheel.

[0048] As an alternative to the manual adjustment shown exemplarily, motor adjustment can also be provided. Here, an electric motor adjustment drive device (not shown) can be integrated between the support unit 3 and the steering shaft 4, which can realize adjustment along the height direction H and / or the longitudinal direction L. When using a self-locking adjustment drive device, the clamping device 6 can be omitted.

[0049] The steering column 1 is connected to two load-bearing supports 21 of the crossbeam 2. These supports are arranged such that two joint sections 33 can be installed from below and fixed to the load-bearing supports 21 in the height direction H, as shown in... Figure 2 Detailed view and in Figure 4 As can be seen from the rear axial view along the longitudinal direction L of the longitudinal axis 40.

[0050] The joint section 33, as a joint element, has fixing holes 35, which have a hole axis B pointing along the height direction H, i.e. along the joint direction.

[0051] Each fixing hole 35 is passed through by a fixing element 36 (e.g., a bolt) to clamp the corresponding engagement section 33 onto the corresponding load-bearing support 21 in the height direction H.

[0052] Support elements 7 according to the invention are mounted laterally on the retaining section 31. In this example, they are each configured as spring-elastic leaf springs made of spring steel. Each support element 7 has an arcuate section 71 that convexly protrudes outward in the lateral direction S. Each plate-shaped support element 7 is fixed to the support unit 3 on one side by a fixing section 72, for example, by spot welding or similar means, to prevent loosening. The free end 73 can be loosely supported on the support element 3 from the outside, whereby the arcuate section 71 can be laterally elastically springed into the retaining section 31 against a predetermined spring force F, as in Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown in the diagram, the spring force F acts outward along the support direction, which in the example shown corresponds to the lateral direction S.

[0053] In the outer contact area of ​​the arc-shaped section 71, each support element 7 is supported on a load-bearing support 21 in the lateral direction S, i.e., transverse to the height direction H, which corresponds to the engagement direction, in which the engagement section 33 is clamped from below to the load-bearing support 21 by means of a fixing element 36. The support unit 3 is actually elastically clamped between the load-bearing supports 21 above the engagement section 33 by means of two support elements 7.

[0054] Here, the contact area of ​​the support element 7 has a spacing A in the height direction H according to the present invention, which is relative to the upper contact area of ​​the joint section 33, and more specifically, relative to the upper contact area of ​​the joint section 33 from below to the bearing support 21.

[0055] Figure 5 A motor vehicle 100 including a crossbeam 2 is schematically shown, which is coupled to a steering column 1 according to the invention, wherein the steering column 1 is fixed to the crossbeam 2.

[0056] By clamping the support unit 3 onto the crossbeam 2 along the height direction H (joining direction) at its joint section 33, and additionally by clamping and supporting it between the load-bearing supports 21 in the lateral direction by the support element 7 according to the invention, the natural frequency of the steering column 1 is advantageously increased in the illustrated installation state. Here, tolerances can be elastically compensated by the elastic support element 7, thus preventing undesirable high stresses.

[0057] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0058] 1 Steering column

[0059] 2 crossbeams

[0060] 21 load-bearing support

[0061] 3 support units

[0062] 31 Maintaining Section

[0063] 32 sidewalls

[0064] 33 Joint Section

[0065] 34 connecting sections

[0066] 35 fixing holes

[0067] 36 fixed components

[0068] 4 steering shafts

[0069] 40 longitudinal axis

[0070] 41 Connecting part

[0071] 5 housing units

[0072] 6 clamping devices

[0073] 7 Supporting elements

[0074] 71 Arc Section

[0075] 72 fixed sections

[0076] 73 Free End

[0077] 100 motor vehicles

[0078] L longitudinal direction

[0079] H-axis (joint direction)

[0080] S-direction (support direction)

[0081] B-hole axis

[0082] F Spring force

[0083] A interval

Claims

1. A steering column (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a support unit (3) having a retaining section (31) in which a steering shaft (4) is rotatably supported about a longitudinal axis (40) extending in a longitudinal direction (L), and the support unit having at least one engaging section (33) connected to the retaining section (31). Its features are, At least one resilient support element (7) is mounted outwardly on the support unit (3) with a connecting section (33); the connecting section (33) has a connecting element (35) oriented in a connecting direction (H) transverse to the longitudinal direction (L); the support element (7) protrudes in a supporting direction (S) transverse to the longitudinal direction (L) and transverse to the connecting direction (H); the support element (7) has a contact area spaced (A) relative to the connecting section (33) in the connecting direction (H).

2. The steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support element (7) is mounted on the retaining section (31).

3. The steering column according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The joining section (33) extends laterally across the longitudinal axis (40) from the holding section (31).

4. The steering column according to claim 3, characterized in that, At least two joint sections (33) are arranged opposite each other relative to the longitudinal axis (40).

5. The steering column according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, At least two support elements (7) are arranged in pairs with opposite support directions.

6. The steering column according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The support element (7) includes a spring element.

7. The steering column according to claim 6, characterized in that, The spring element (7) has a bent leaf spring (7).

8. The steering column according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The support element (7) is fixed on the support unit (3).

9. The steering column according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The support element (7) has a damping element.

10. The steering column according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The retaining section (31) has a U-shaped retainer.

11. The steering column according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The steering shaft (4) is adjustable relative to the support unit (3).

12. The steering column according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, A motor-driven adjustment drive device is connected between the steering shaft (4) and the support unit (3).

13. A motor vehicle (100) comprising a crossbeam (2) coupled to a steering column (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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