Steering column for a vehicle

Abstract

Disclosed is a steering column of a vehicle. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a steering column of a vehicle can be provided, including: an inner tube into which a steering shaft is inserted and coupled to an inside thereof; an outer tube coupled to an outer circumferential surface of the inner tube, a first hole recessed along an axial direction being provided at an outer surface of the outer tube; a housing coupled to an outer circumferential surface of the outer tube, a second hole recessed along the axial direction being provided at a position of an outer surface of the housing corresponding to the first hole; and a driving unit connected to the inner tube and the outer tube to move the inner tube and the outer tube in and out along the axial direction, the driving unit including: a stopper portion including a first block and a second block, the first block being accommodated in the first hole and the second hole and coupled to the inner tube, the second block being accommodated in the second hole and coupled to the outer tube; a moving portion coupled to the first block and the second block; and a driving portion connected to the moving portion to transmit a driving force to move the stopper portion in and out.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a steering column for vehicles, and more particularly, to a steering column for vehicles capable of expanding the range of telescopic operation within the steering mechanism of a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, a vehicle's steering column is a device that surrounds the steering shaft to support its rotation. The steering shaft transmits the rotational force generated by the driver's steering wheel to the rack and pinion mechanism, while also being connected to the vehicle body via a bracket to fix the position of the steering shaft.

[0003] As described above, the steering column can be equipped with telescope or tilt functions for the convenience of the driver. The tilt device is a device used to adjust the fixed angle of the steering wheel, and the telescope device is formed by inserting two hollow tubes so that it can extend and retract along the axial direction. It also has the function of absorbing impact energy when the steering shaft and steering column collapse during a vehicle collision.

[0004] Therefore, steering systems are sometimes classified as telescopic or tilt steering systems based on such functions. In some cases, a tilt function is added to telescopic steering systems, allowing drivers to adjust the convexity or tilt angle of the steering wheel according to their height or body type, thereby achieving smooth steering operation.

[0005] Another approach is to develop a vehicle that can find and drive itself to its destination without the need for a driver to operate the steering wheel, accelerator pedal, brakes, etc. In autonomous driving, more space is needed to make it easier for the driver sitting in the driver's seat.

[0006] Therefore, an attempt is being made to expand the extension and retraction range (extension stroke) of the steering shaft. However, in steering columns that use existing screws to perform the extension and retraction operation, the solution of increasing the extension stroke simply by increasing the length or lead of the screw has difficulties in implementation when considering factors such as vehicle space and the self-supporting conditions of the screw.

[0007] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a steering column that can overcome these problems, expand the operating range of the telescopic mechanism, increase the utilization of vehicle interior space, and improve overall rigidity. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention can provide a vehicle steering column that can expand the telescopic operating range through a triple structure of inner tube, outer tube and shell.

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention can provide a vehicle steering column that improves overall rigidity by combining the inner and outer tubes using a moving part and a stop part.

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention can provide a vehicle steering column that can increase the utilization of interior space by rotating the screw component in place.

[0012] means for solving problems

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, a steering column for a vehicle can be provided, comprising: an inner tube into which a steering shaft is inserted and coupled; an outer tube coupled to the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube, wherein a first hole recessed along the axial direction is provided on the outer surface of the outer tube; a housing coupled to the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube, wherein a second hole recessed along the axial direction is provided on the outer surface of the housing at a position corresponding to the first hole; and a drive unit connected to the inner tube and the outer tube to cause the inner tube and the outer tube to move forward and backward along the axial direction, the drive unit comprising: a stop portion comprising a first block and a second block, the first block being received in the first hole and the second hole and coupled to the inner tube, the second block being received in the second hole and coupled to the outer tube; a moving portion coupled to the first block and the second block; and a drive portion connected to the moving portion to transmit a driving force to cause the stop portion to move forward and backward.

[0014] A steering column for a vehicle may be provided, wherein the first and second blocks are arranged in a straight line along the axial direction.

[0015] A steering column for a vehicle may be provided, the movable part comprising: a screw member connected on one side to the drive unit to receive driving force from the drive unit and engaged with a second block; and a nut member connected to the other side of the screw member, capable of moving forward and backward along the screw member in an axial direction and engaged with the first block.

[0016] A steering column for a vehicle may be provided, wherein the screw member and the nut member extend in a direction parallel to the axial direction.

[0017] A steering column for a vehicle may be provided, wherein the screw member is formed with a first thread, and the nut member is formed with a second thread at a position corresponding to the first thread, which engages with the first thread.

[0018] A steering column for a vehicle may be provided, the screw component comprising: a first screw connected on one side to the drive unit and coupled to the second block; and a second screw disposed on the other side of the first screw and connected to the nut component.

[0019] A steering column for a vehicle may be provided, wherein the first screw and the second screw are configured to have different leads.

[0020] A vehicle steering column may be provided in which the first screw and the second screw are configured to have first threads with different pitches.

[0021] A steering column for a vehicle may be provided, wherein the nut member is configured to be larger than the outer diameter of the screw member, a first thread is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the screw member, and a second thread is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the nut member.

[0022] A vehicle steering column may be provided in which the outer diameter of the second screw is configured to be equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the first screw.

[0023] A steering column for a vehicle may be provided, wherein the second block has a third thread that engages with the first thread at a position corresponding to the first thread.

[0024] A steering column for a vehicle may be provided, wherein the first screw is coupled to the second block in a manner that passes through the second block.

[0025] A steering column for a vehicle may be provided in which, by means of the rotation of the screw member, the nut member moves forward and backward along the axial direction of the screw member, and the position of the screw member is fixed.

[0026] A steering column for a vehicle may be provided, the drive unit comprising: an actuator for generating power; and a gear member connected to a rotational shaft of the actuator to transmit driving force to the moving part.

[0027] A steering column for a vehicle may be provided, the gear component comprising: a worm gear connected to the actuator; and a worm wheel connected externally to the worm gear and internally to the moving part.

[0028] A steering column for a vehicle may be provided, wherein the gear portion further includes a damping member surrounding the worm and the worm wheel.

[0029] A steering column for a vehicle may be provided, further comprising: a stop supported by the outer tube, wherein at least a portion of the stop contacts the inner tube.

[0030] A steering column for a vehicle may be provided, wherein a first receiving groove for receiving the stop is formed through the outer surface of the outer tube.

[0031] A steering column for a vehicle may be provided, the housing having a second receiving groove for receiving the stop.

[0032] A steering column for a vehicle may be provided, the stop comprising: a bolt member, at least a portion of which contacts the inner tube; and an elastic member disposed between the inner tube and the bolt member.

[0033] Invention Effects

[0034] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the steering column of a vehicle can expand its telescopic operating range through a triple structure of an inner tube, an outer tube, and a housing.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the steering column of a vehicle has an inner tube and an outer tube joined together by a moving part and a stop part, thereby improving the overall rigidity.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the steering column of a vehicle can increase the utilization rate of the vehicle interior space by rotating the screw member in place. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a vehicle steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 2 This is an enlarged view of a portion of the steering column of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 3 This is a top view showing a portion of the steering column of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 4 This is a top view showing the stop portion and the moving portion of the steering column of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 5 This is a top view showing the drive section of the steering column of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing a stop for the steering column of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the state in which the steering column of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is operated. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are provided to fully convey the spirit of the invention to those skilled in the art. The invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but can be embodied in other forms. To clarify the invention, figures of parts unrelated to the description will be omitted from the drawings, and the size of structural elements may be slightly exaggerated for ease of understanding.

[0045] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating a vehicle steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is an enlarged view of a portion of the steering column of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a top view showing a portion of the steering column of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a top view showing the stop portion and the moving portion of the steering column of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a top view showing the drive section of the steering column of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a perspective view illustrating a steering column stop for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the state in which the steering column of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is operated.

[0046] Reference Figures 1 to 7 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the steering column 10 of a vehicle may include: an inner tube 100, into which a steering shaft 101 is inserted and coupled; an outer tube 200, coupled to the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube 100, with a first hole 201 recessed along the axial direction on the outer surface of the outer tube 200; a housing 300, coupled to the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube 200, with a second hole 301 recessed along the axial direction on the outer surface of the housing 300 at a position corresponding to the first hole 201; a drive unit 400, connected to the inner tube 100 and the outer tube 200 to enable the inner tube 100 and the outer tube 200 to move forward and backward along the axial direction; and a stop 210, supported by the outer tube 200, with at least a portion of the stop 210 contacting the inner tube 100.

[0047] The drive unit 400 may include: a stop portion 410, which includes a first block 411 and a second block 412, the first block 411 being received in a first hole 201 and a second hole 301 and coupled to the inner tube 100, and the second block 412 being received in a second hole 301 and coupled to the outer tube 200; a moving portion 420, which is coupled to the first block 411 and the second block 412; and a drive portion 430, which is connected to the moving portion 420 to transmit driving force to cause the stop portion 410 to move forward and backward. The moving portion 420 may include: a screw member, one side of which is connected to the drive portion 430 to receive driving force from the drive portion 430 and is coupled to the second block 412; and a nut member 424, which is connected to the other side of the screw member, can move forward and backward along the axial direction in the screw member, and is coupled to the first block 411. The screw assembly may include: a first screw 421, one side of which is connected to the drive unit 430 and engaged with the second block 412; and a second screw 423, which is disposed on the other side of the first screw 421 and connected to the nut assembly 424. The nut assembly 424 is engaged with the first block 411 and can move forward and backward together with the inner tube 100, while the first screw 421 is engaged with the second block 412 and can move forward and backward together with the outer tube 200.

[0048] The housing 300 has a hollow shape, and a steering shaft 101, an inner tube 100, and an outer tube 200 can be inserted into its inner side. The housing 300 can surround and connect with at least a portion of the outer tube 200. The inner tube 100 can be introduced into and led out of the housing 300 and can be extended or retracted. The housing 300 can be connected to the vehicle body via a mounting bracket or the like, and can have a collision energy absorption structure to absorb collision energy during collapse movement with the inner tube 100.

[0049] The steering shaft 101 is the part that transmits operating forces when the driver operates the steering wheel. The steering shaft 101 can be connected to the housing 300 via an inner tube 100 and an outer tube 200. The steering shaft 101 has a telescopic structure and can be connected to the inner tube 100, extending and retracting as the inner tube 100 moves along its axial direction, thereby realizing the telescopic operation of the vehicle's steering column 10. Specifically, the steering shaft 101 includes an upper shaft and a lower shaft, one of which is inserted into the other, and is formed in a manner that allows them to slide along their axial direction, thus creating a telescopic structure.

[0050] The inner tube 100 may be hollow. The steering shaft 101 can be inserted into and engaged with the inner tube 100. The inner tube 100 is the part into which the steering shaft 101 is inserted and engaged; when the inner tube 100 moves relative to the steering shaft 101 along the axial direction, the steering shaft 101 can extend or retract. The inner tube 100 can be inserted into the outer tube 200, slide on the inner circumferential surface of the outer tube 200, and be introduced into or drawn out of the outer tube 200 for extension / retraction operations.

[0051] The outer tube 200 can be configured to be hollow. The inner tube 100 can be inserted into and connected to the outer tube 200. The outer tube 200 can be inserted into the housing 300, slide on the inner circumferential surface of the housing 300, and be introduced into or led out of the housing 300 for telescopic operation.

[0052] The inner tube 100 and the outer tube 200 can move together when moving forward and backward along the axial direction of the steering shaft 101. In addition, the inner tube 100 and the outer tube 200 can have a combined structure of the inner tube 100 and the outer tube 200 so that they can move forward and backward independently along the axial direction.

[0053] The inner tube 100 and outer tube 200 can be engaged with the stop portion 410 and move together with the stop portion 410. Specifically, the inner tube 100 can be connected to the first block 411, and the outer tube 200 can be engaged with the second block 412. The drive unit 430 can transmit driving force to the first block 411 and the second block 412 through the moving part 420, so that the inner tube 100 and the outer tube 200 can move forward and backward along the axial direction of the steering shaft 101. Thus, the inner tube 100 can be introduced and the outer tube 200 can be led out, and the outer tube 200 can be introduced and led out of the housing 300.

[0054] The connection state of the inner tube 100 and the outer tube 200 does not refer to the insertion or tightening connection, and is not limited to the situation shown in the figure. The connection state of the inner tube 100 and the outer tube 200 can be configured in various ways.

[0055] The outer tube 200 may have a first hole 201 recessed along the axial direction on its outer surface. The first hole 201 may be formed through the outer surface of the outer tube 200. A first block 411 may be accommodated in the first hole 201. The first block 411 may move forward and backward along the axial direction along the first hole 201. At this time, the inner tube 100 connected to the first block 411 may move forward and backward along the axial direction.

[0056] The housing 300 may have a second hole 301 recessed along the axial direction at a position corresponding to the first hole 201 on its outer surface. The second hole 301 may be formed through the outer surface of the housing 300. The second hole 301 may accommodate the first block 411 and the second block 412. The first block 411 and the second block 412 may move forward and backward along the axial direction along the second hole 301. At this time, the inner tube 100 connected to the first block 411 and the outer tube 200 connected to the second block 412 may move forward and backward along the axial direction. The outer tube 200 may be introduced into and out of the housing 300, and the inner tube 100 may be introduced into and out of the outer tube 200.

[0057] The drive unit 400 can be connected to the inner tube 100 and the outer tube 200 to allow the inner tube 100 and the outer tube 200 to move forward and backward along the axial direction. The inner tube 100 can be introduced into and led out of the outer tube 200 through the drive unit 400, thereby performing a steering wheel extension or retraction operation connected to the steering shaft 101. At this time, the inner tube 100 can slide on the outer tube 200, and the outer tube 200 can slide on the housing 300.

[0058] The drive unit 400 may include: a stop portion 410 connected to the inner tube 100 and the outer tube 200; a moving portion 420 that transmits driving force to the stop portion 410 to cause the stop portion 410 to move forward and backward; and a drive portion 430 that transmits driving force to the moving portion 420. The drive portion 430 transmits driving force to the moving portion 420, and the moving portion 420 transmits driving force to the stop portion 410, thereby causing the inner tube 100 and the outer tube 200, which are connected to the stop portion 410, to move forward and backward relative to the axial direction of the steering shaft 101.

[0059] The stop portion 410 may include: a first block 411, received in the first hole 201 and the second hole 301 and coupled to the inner tube 100; and a second block 412, received in the second hole 301 and coupled to the outer tube 200. The first block 411 and the second block 412 may be arranged in a straight line along the axial direction. As shown in the figure, the first block 411 and the second block 412 may be arranged in a straight line along line A.

[0060] The second block 412 may have a third thread 413 that meshes with the first thread 422a at a position corresponding to the first thread 422a. The first screw 421 may pass through the second block 412 and engage with it. At this time, when the first thread 422a is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first screw 421, the third thread 413 may be formed inside the first block 411.

[0061] The shapes of the first block 411 and the second block 412 are not limited to those shown in the figure. They can form a combined structure with the inner tube 100, the outer tube 200, the first screw 421, and the nut component 424 in various forms.

[0062] The movable part 420 may include: a screw member, one side of which is connected to the drive part 430 to receive driving force from the drive part 430 and engages with the second block 412; and a nut member 424, which is connected to the other side of the screw member, can move back and forth along the axial direction of the screw member, and engages with the first block 411. The movable part 420 may be formed extending in a direction parallel to the axial direction. Specifically, the screw member and the nut member 424 may be formed extending in a direction parallel to the axial direction.

[0063] The screw member can receive driving force from the drive unit 430 to rotate. As the screw member rotates, the second block 412 and the nut member 424 connected to the screw member can move forward and backward along the axial direction of the steering shaft 101. At least a portion of the screw member can be introduced and withdrawn from the nut member 424 as it moves forward and backward. At this time, the first block 411, which is engaged with the nut member 424, can also move forward and backward along the axial direction.

[0064] That is, the second block 412 and the nut member 424, which are connected to the screw member, move back and forth along the screw member, so that the first block 411, which is engaged with the second block 412 and the nut member 424, can move back and forth relative to the screw member. Thus, the inner tube 100 and the outer tube 200, which are engaged with the first block 411 and the second block 412, can move back and forth. The screw member rotates in place about its axial direction, and the inner tube 100 and the outer tube 200 are introduced and withdrawn from the housing 300 by the movement of the first block 411 and the second block 412, thereby performing the extension and retraction operation of the steering wheel connected to the steering shaft 101, which is protruding or being introduced.

[0065] By rotating the screw member, the nut member 424 can move forward and backward along the axial direction of the screw member, at which time the position of the screw member can be fixed. That is, the relative position of the screw member with respect to the drive unit 430 can remain consistent before and after the extension and retraction operation. Therefore, by making the relative position of the screw member constant, the design structure can be changed, for example, the space in the steering column 10 of the vehicle in the prior art used for the forward and backward movement of the screw member can be changed for other purposes, thereby increasing the utilization rate of the vehicle's interior space.

[0066] The screw member may have first threads 422a and 422b, and the nut member 424 has a second thread 425 at a position corresponding to the first threads 422a and 422b, which engages with the first threads 422a and 422b. The nut member 424 can move forward and backward relative to the screw member as the screw member rotates. At least a portion of the screw member can be introduced into and withdrawn from the nut member 424.

[0067] The nut component 424 can be configured to be larger than the outer diameter of the screw component. The screw component can have first threads 422a and 422b formed on its outer peripheral surface, and the nut component 424 can have a second thread 425 formed internally. The second block 412 of the stop portion 410 can have a third thread 413 formed at a position corresponding to the first threads 422a and 422b. When the first threads 422a and 422b are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first screw 421, the first block 411 can have the third thread 413 formed internally.

[0068] The screw component may include: a first screw 421, one side of which is connected to the drive unit 430 and is coupled to the second block 412; and a second screw 423, which is disposed on the other side of the first screw 421 and is connected to the nut component 424.

[0069] The first screw 421 and the second screw 423 can be configured to have different leads. As an example, referring to the accompanying drawings, the lead of the first screw 421 can be configured to be less than the lead of the second screw 423. Because the lead of the first screw 421 is configured to be less than the lead of the second screw 423, when the first screw 421 rotates one revolution, the first block 411 can move a longer distance relative to the second block 412. That is, the forward and backward movement speed of the inner tube 100 can be configured to be greater than the forward and backward movement speed of the outer tube 200. Therefore, when the forward and backward movements are completed sequentially according to the outer tube 200 and the inner tube 100, the time difference between the completion of the forward and backward movements of the outer tube 200 and the inner tube 100 can be reduced.

[0070] Furthermore, by reducing the protruding distance between the inner tube 100 and the outer tube 200, the space occupied by the steering column 10 during telescopic operation can be minimized, thus easily ensuring installation space and preventing interference with surrounding components. However, this is not the only option; the lead relationship between the first screw 421 and the second screw 423 can be set by considering the length ratio of the first screw 421 and the second screw 423.

[0071] The first screw 421 and the second screw 423 can be configured to have different pitches. For example, when the pitch of the first screw 421 is configured to be smaller than the pitch of the second screw 423, and screws with the same line are used, the lead of the second screw 423 is longer than the lead of the first screw 421. Therefore, the first block 411 can move forward and backward at a faster speed than the second block 412. Consequently, the inner tube 100 coupled with the first block 411 can move forward and backward at a faster speed than the outer tube 200 coupled with the second block 412.

[0072] The first screw 421 and the second screw 423 can be configured as screws with different threads. As an example, when the second screw 423 uses a two-thread screw and the first screw 421 uses a one-thread screw, and the pitch of the first screw 421 and the second screw 423 is the same, the lead of the second screw 423 is longer than the lead of the first screw 421. Therefore, the first block 411 can move forward and backward at a faster speed than the second block 412.

[0073] The outer diameter of the second screw 423 can be configured to be equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the first screw 421. Thus, when the nut member 424 moves forward and backward in the screw member, the nut member 424 can move forward and backward along the second screw 423 and the first screw 421.

[0074] The drive unit 430 can be connected to the moving unit 420 to transmit driving force, thereby causing the stop unit 410 to move forward and backward. The stop unit 410 is combined with the inner tube 100 and the outer tube 200, so that the inner tube 100 and the outer tube 200 can also move together with the forward and backward movement of the stop unit 410. The drive unit 430 may include: an actuator 431 for generating power; and a gear member 432 connected to the rotation shaft of the actuator 431 to transmit driving force to the moving unit 420. The gear member 432 may include: a worm 433 connected to the actuator 431; and a worm wheel 434, whose outer side is connected to the worm 433 and whose inner side is connected to the moving unit 420.

[0075] In detail, the first screw 421 can be linked with the worm gear 434 of the gear component 432 to receive the driving force of the actuator 431, thereby causing the first screw 421 and the second screw 423 to rotate about the axial direction. At this time, the first screw 421 and the second screw 423 can rotate in place about the axial direction. As the second screw 423 rotates in place, the nut component 424, which is engaged with the second block 412, can move forward and backward on the second screw 423.

[0076] The actuator 431 can be a motor. The driving force transmitted from the motor to the worm gear 433 via the worm 433 is transmitted to the first screw 421 and the second screw 423, so as to move the stop block 410 forward and backward, and to move the nut component, the inner tube 100 and the outer tube 200 forward and backward.

[0077] The drive unit 430 may include a damping member 435 to mitigate the impact of the gear member 432. The damping member 435 may be disposed between the first screw 421 and the gear member 432. However, it is not limited to this; the damping member 435 may be disposed in a manner that surrounds the worm 433 or the worm wheel 434. The damping member 435 may be configured as an elastic body.

[0078] Reference Figure 6 The stopper 210 can be supported by the outer tube 200, and at least a portion of it contacts the inner tube 100. The stopper 210 can increase the bonding force between the inner tube 100 and the outer tube 200, thereby increasing the rigidity of the multiple tubes. The stopper can also be disposed between the outer tube 200 and the housing 300.

[0079] The outer tube 200 may have a first receiving groove 203 formed through its outer surface for receiving the stopper 210. The housing 300 may have a second receiving groove 303 for receiving the stopper 210. As shown, the second receiving groove 303 may be formed at at least a protruding part of the housing 300, but is not limited thereto, and may be provided at a recessed part of the inner surface of the housing 300.

[0080] The outer tube 200 may include a guide 202 that protrudes along a first receiving groove 203 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The guide 202 supports a stop 210, thereby preventing the stop 210 from disengaging from the second receiving groove 303. The guide 202 may be received in the second receiving groove 303 of the housing 300.

[0081] The stopper 210 may include: a bolt member 211, at least a portion of which contacts the inner tube 100; and an elastic member 212 disposed between the inner tube 100 and the bolt member 211. A bushing member 213 may be disposed between the elastic member 212 and the bolt member 211. At least a portion of the bolt member 211 contacts the inner tube 100 to increase the bonding force between the inner tube 100 and the outer tube 200, thereby increasing the rigidity of the tube. The elastic member 212 or the bushing member 213 may be disposed between the inner tube 100 and the bolt member 211 to distribute the force applied to the bolt member 211 and to prevent the bolt member 211 from disengaging from the first receiving groove 203.

[0082] The following describes the operation of a vehicle steering column 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle steering column 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention can perform telescopic movement by using the drive unit 430, the moving unit 420, and the stop unit 410 of the drive unit 400 to move the inner tube 100 and the outer tube 200 forward and backward along the axial direction of the steering shaft 101.

[0083] The driving force can be transmitted to the moving part 420 through the actuator 431, worm 433, and worm wheel 434 of the driving part 430. By rotating the first screw 421 and the second screw 423 of the moving part 420, the second block 412 and the nut member 424 can move forward and backward along the axial direction of the steering shaft 101. The first block 411, which is engaged with the nut member 424, can also move forward and backward along the axial direction of the steering shaft 101. The inner tube 100, which is engaged with the first block 411, and the outer tube 200, which is engaged with the second block 412, can also move forward and backward along the axial direction of the steering shaft 101.

[0084] The binding force between the inner tube 100 and the outer tube 200 can be increased by setting a stopper 210 on the outer tube 200, thereby increasing the rigidity of the multiple tubes.

[0085] The lead of the first screw 421 can be configured to be smaller than the lead of the second screw 423. By configuring the lead of the first screw 421 to be smaller than the lead of the second screw 423, the forward and backward speed of the second block 412 can be made smaller than the forward and backward speed of the first block 411. As a result, the forward and backward speed of the inner tube 100 coupled with the first block 411 can be made greater than the forward and backward speed of the outer tube 200 coupled with the second block 412. Therefore, when the forward and backward movements are completed sequentially by the outer tube 200 and the inner tube 100, the time difference between the completion of the forward and backward movements of the outer tube 200 and the inner tube 100 can be reduced.

[0086] As described above, the steering column 10 of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention can expand its telescopic operating range through a triple structure of an inner tube 100, an outer tube 200, and a housing 300. By configuring a triple structure in which the inner tube 100, outer tube 200, and housing 300 can overlap, the telescopic operating range can be expanded compared to a dual structure consisting only of an inner tube 100 and an outer tube 200 or a tube and a housing 300. In the case of the triple structure, the operating range reaches the sum of the sliding distances of the inner tube 100 and the outer tube 200, thus significantly increasing the telescopic stroke compared to the dual structure of the prior art. Therefore, by minimizing the space occupied by the tubes and the steering column 10 during telescopic operation, installation space can be easily secured, and interference with surrounding components can be prevented.

[0087] Meanwhile, when the lead of the first screw 421 of the screw assembly is configured to be smaller than the lead of the second screw 423, and the forward and backward movements are completed sequentially by the outer tube 200 and the inner tube 100, the time difference between the completion of the forward and backward movements of the outer tube 200 and the inner tube 100 can be reduced. Furthermore, by reducing the protrusion distance between the inner tube 100 and the outer tube 200 during the telescopic operation, the space occupied by the steering column 10 during the telescopic operation can be minimized.

[0088] Furthermore, under the action of the drive unit 430, the screw member of the moving unit 420 rotates in place, and the nut member 424 moves forward and backward relative to the screw member, thereby minimizing the space required for the movement of the screw member. Thus, during extension / retraction operations, the space occupied by the screw member of the steering column 10 and the steering column 10 is minimized, thereby easily ensuring installation space and preventing interference with surrounding components. Without increasing the overall size of the steering column 10, the extension / retraction range can be expanded, thereby easily ensuring installation space for the steering column 10.

[0089] Furthermore, by combining the inner tube 100 with the first block 411 and the nut component 424, and the outer tube 200 with the second block 412 and the screw component, and the screw component and the nut component 424 are combined, a structure is formed in which all structural elements are integrally connected, which can effectively disperse the force applied to the steering column 10. This improves the overall rigidity of the steering column 10. In addition, the use of the stopper 210 further enhances the overall rigidity of the steering column 10.

[0090] The above description and illustrations have provided specific embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art can make various modifications without departing from the spirit of the technical concept set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A steering column for a vehicle, in, include: The inner tube and steering shaft are inserted into the interior of the inner tube; An outer tube is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube, and a first hole is provided on the outer surface of the outer tube, which is recessed along the axial direction. A housing, attached to the outer circumferential surface of the outer tube, has a second hole recessed along the axial direction at a position corresponding to the first hole on the outer surface of the housing; and A drive unit, connected to the inner tube and the outer tube, enables the inner tube and the outer tube to move forward and backward along the axial direction. The driving unit includes: The stop portion includes a first block and a second block, wherein the first block is received in the first hole and the second hole and is coupled to the inner tube, and the second block is received in the second hole and is coupled to the outer tube; The movable part, which is combined with the first block and the second block; and A drive unit is connected to the moving unit to transmit driving force so as to move the stop unit forward and backward.

2. The steering column of the vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The first block and the second block are arranged in a straight line along the axial direction.

3. The steering column of the vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The moving part includes: A screw member, one side of which is connected to the drive unit to receive driving force from the drive unit, and engages with the second block; and The nut component is connected to the other side of the screw component, and is capable of moving forward and backward along the axial direction of the screw component, and engaging with the first block.

4. The steering column of the vehicle according to claim 3, wherein, The screw member and the nut member extend in a direction parallel to the axial direction.

5. The steering column of the vehicle according to claim 3, wherein, The screw component has a first thread. The nut component has a second thread that engages with the first thread at a position corresponding to the first thread.

6. The steering column of the vehicle according to claim 5, wherein, The screw component includes: A first screw, one side of which is connected to the drive unit and also engages with the second block; and The second screw is located on the other side of the first screw and is connected to the nut component.

7. The steering column of the vehicle according to claim 6, wherein, The first screw and the second screw are configured to have different leads.

8. The steering column of the vehicle according to claim 7, wherein, The first screw and the second screw are configured to have a first thread with a different pitch.

9. The steering column of the vehicle according to claim 6, wherein, The nut component is configured to be larger than the outer diameter of the screw component. The first thread is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the screw member, and the second thread is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the nut member.

10. The steering column of the vehicle according to claim 6, wherein, The outer diameter of the second screw is configured to be equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the first screw.

11. The steering column of the vehicle according to claim 6, wherein, The second block has a third thread that meshes with the first thread at a position corresponding to the first thread.

12. The steering column of the vehicle according to claim 10, wherein, The first screw is attached to the second block in a manner that passes through the second block.

13. The steering column of the vehicle according to claim 3, wherein, By rotating the screw member, the nut member moves forward and backward along the axial direction of the screw member, and the position of the screw member is fixed.

14. The steering column of the vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The drive unit includes: Actuators, used to generate power; and A gear component is connected to the rotating shaft of the actuator to transmit driving force to the moving part.

15. The steering column of the vehicle according to claim 14, wherein, The gear component includes: The worm gear is connected to the actuator; and The worm gear is connected to the worm on the outside and to the moving part on the inside.

16. The steering column of the vehicle according to claim 15, wherein, The gear assembly also includes a damping member surrounding the worm and the worm wheel.

17. The steering column of the vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, Also includes: The stop is supported by the outer tube, and at least a portion of the stop contacts the inner tube.

18. The steering column of the vehicle according to claim 17, wherein, A first receiving groove is formed through the outer surface of the outer tube for accommodating the stopper.

19. The steering column of the vehicle according to claim 17, wherein, The housing has a second receiving groove for accommodating the stopper.

20. The steering column of the vehicle according to claim 17, wherein, The stopper includes: The bolt member, at least a portion of which contacts the inner tube; and An elastic member is disposed between the inner tube and the bolt member.

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