A steering lock housing collapse mechanism and a vehicle

Abstract

This invention provides a steering lock housing collapse mechanism and a vehicle. The collapse mechanism includes a lock housing assembly, a lock housing cover, and a guide member. The lock housing assembly covers the outside of the steering column assembly and is located between the steering wheel assembly and the instrument panel assembly. A first end of the lock housing cover is movably connected to the instrument panel assembly, and a second end abuts against the outer surface of the lock housing assembly. The guide member is fixed to the inner side of the lock housing cover. The lock housing assembly is used to abut against the guide member when subjected to axial compression along the steering column assembly, causing the second end of the lock housing cover to move away from the outer surface of the lock housing assembly. This application can reduce the reverse impact that the lock housing cover may generate on the steering wheel assembly, thereby greatly reducing secondary injuries to the driver caused by the steering wheel assembly in the event of a vehicle collision.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle technology, specifically to a steering lock housing collapse mechanism and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] During driving, the vehicle's steering system and steering wheel can be adjusted according to the driver's height and driving habits to accommodate different driving postures. However, with the adjustment of the steering system, a gap will form between the lock assembly and the instrument panel assembly. This not only affects the aesthetics but also makes it easy for a large amount of dust to enter and accumulate over time, thereby affecting the precision and lifespan of the components inside the gap.

[0003] Currently, PVC soft-touch materials are typically used to cover gaps in the instrument panel assembly. However, this method has two drawbacks: firstly, it fails to effectively conceal the gap between the lock housing assembly and the instrument panel assembly during steering system adjustments; secondly, it hinders operators from inspecting and replacing components, the instrument panel assembly, and the lock housing assembly within the gap, and the grooves in the soft-touch material are prone to dust accumulation and difficult to clean. Therefore, some designs incorporate a cover plate to conceal the gap between the instrument panel and the lock housing assembly. This cover plate is movably connected to the instrument panel assembly at one end, while the other end rests against the outer surface of the lock housing assembly, thus maintaining stable coverage of the gap under different steering adjustment states.

[0004] However, when a vehicle is involved in an accidental collision, the driver, due to inertia, will continue to move forward, causing the head and chest to impact the steering wheel. This impact is transmitted through the steering wheel to the steering column connected to it and the lock housing assembly covering the steering column. Since one end of the cover plate directly abuts against the outer surface of the lock housing assembly, when the lock housing assembly moves axially along the steering column under force, the cover plate will slide into the gap between the steering wheel and the lock housing assembly. This causes the cover plate to press against the bottom of the steering wheel, generating a reverse impact on the steering wheel. This reverse impact is then transmitted through the steering wheel to the driver's head or chest, causing secondary injury. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above problems, embodiments of the present invention provide a steering lock housing collapse mechanism and a vehicle to solve the problem in the prior art where, in the event of an accidental collision, the shielding cover plate abuts against the steering wheel, causing a reverse impact on the driver.

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention provides a steering lock housing collapse mechanism, comprising:

[0007] The lock housing assembly covers the outside of the steering column assembly and is located between the steering wheel assembly and the instrument panel assembly;

[0008] A lock cover plate, wherein a first end of the lock cover plate is movably connected to the instrument panel assembly, and a second end abuts against the outer surface of the lock assembly;

[0009] A guide fixed to the inner side of the lock case cover; the lock case assembly is used to abut against the guide when subjected to compression in the axial direction along the steering column assembly, so that the second end of the lock case cover moves away from the outer surface of the lock case assembly.

[0010] In one alternative, the guide member has a guide surface configured as an incline, the distance between the incline and the lock housing assembly gradually increasing in the direction approaching the steering column assembly, the lock housing assembly abutting against the guide member along the guide surface.

[0011] In one alternative embodiment, the sidewall of the lock housing assembly includes a straight section and a bent section connected to each other, the bent section being located at one end of the lock housing assembly near the instrument panel assembly, a second end of the lock housing cover abutting against the outer surface of the straight section, and the bent section bending toward the steering column assembly.

[0012] The connection between the straight section and the bent section is provided with an inflection point for abutting against the guide member along the guide surface.

[0013] In one alternative embodiment, when the lock housing cover abuts against the lock housing assembly, the guide surface has a first included angle with the axial direction of the steering column assembly, and the straight section has a second included angle with the axial direction of the steering column assembly, the first included angle being greater than the second included angle, such that the projection of the inflection point in the extension direction of the straight section is located on the guide surface.

[0014] In one alternative embodiment, the first end of the lock cover is provided with a rotating part, and the instrument panel assembly is provided with a mating part, wherein the rotating part is rotatably connected to the mating part.

[0015] In one alternative embodiment, the lock cover is further provided with an elastic element, the two ends of which are operatively connected to the lock cover and the instrument panel assembly, respectively, so that the lock cover is tightly pressed against the outer surface of the lock assembly under the elastic force of the elastic element.

[0016] In one alternative embodiment, the rotating part is a rotating seat with a mounting hole, the mating part is a rotating shaft that mates with the mounting hole, the elastic element is a torsion spring disposed on the rotating seat, and the two ends of the torsion spring are respectively connected to the instrument panel assembly and the rotating seat.

[0017] In one alternative embodiment, the edge of the lock case cover is provided with rollers, and the lock case cover abuts against the outer surface of the lock case assembly via the rollers.

[0018] In one alternative embodiment, the lock housing assembly has a weakening groove extending toward the steering column assembly, so that the lock housing assembly breaks off from the weakening groove when subjected to external force.

[0019] Another aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle including the steering lock housing collapse mechanism as described above.

[0020] Due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the technical effects achieved by this invention are as follows:

[0021] First, the steering lock housing collapse mechanism provided by this invention includes a lock housing cover plate, a lock housing assembly, a steering column assembly, and a guide member. By fixing the guide member inside the lock housing cover plate, when the lock housing assembly is subjected to axial compression from the steering wheel assembly along the steering column assembly, it can abut against the guide member along the guide surface. This allows the lock housing cover plate to move with the guide member, ultimately causing the lock housing cover plate to move away from the outer surface of the lock housing assembly, thereby reducing the potential reverse impact of the lock housing cover plate on the steering wheel assembly. This structural design can significantly reduce secondary injuries to the driver caused by the steering wheel assembly in the event of a vehicle collision, thus contributing to the protection of the driver's personal safety.

[0022] Secondly, the present invention also provides a vehicle that includes the aforementioned steering lock housing collapse mechanism, which greatly improves the vehicle's safety performance.

[0023] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention. In order to better understand the technical means of the embodiments of the present invention and to implement them in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention are described below. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a steering lock housing collapse mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a steering lock housing collapse mechanism in the first state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a lock case cover plate and a lock case assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a steering lock housing collapse mechanism in the second state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a steering lock housing collapse mechanism in the third state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a lock cover provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a rotating part provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an instrument panel assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of another lock cover plate provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] In the picture:

[0035] 100 - Instrument panel assembly, 110 - First clearance, 120 - Fitting part;

[0036] 200-Lock cover plate, 210-Rotating part, 211-Mounting hole, 212-Elastic element;

[0037] 300-Lock housing assembly, 310-Weakening groove, 320-Straight section, 321-Chamfer, 330-Bending section;

[0038] 400 - Steering wheel assembly, 500 - Steering column assembly, 600 - Guide component. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the invention can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a steering lock housing collapse mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Reference Figure 1 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a steering lock housing collapse mechanism, including an instrument panel assembly 100, a lock housing cover plate 200, a lock housing assembly 300, a steering wheel assembly 400, a steering column assembly 500, and a guide member 600.

[0042] The instrument panel assembly 100 and the lock housing assembly 300 may or may not have a first gap 110. The lock housing assembly 300 covers the outside of the steering column assembly 500 and is located between the steering wheel assembly 400 and the instrument panel assembly 100. The steering wheel assembly 400 and the steering column assembly 500 are rotatably connected.

[0043] In addition, the first end of the lock cover 200 is movably connected to the instrument panel assembly 100, and the second end abuts against the outer surface of the lock assembly 300. When there is a first gap 110 between the instrument panel assembly 100 and the lock assembly 300, the lock cover 200 can cover the first gap 110.

[0044] The lock housing assembly 300 is used to abut against the guide 600 when subjected to compression in the axial direction along the steering column assembly 500, so that the second end of the lock housing cover 200 moves away from the outer surface of the lock housing assembly 300.

[0045] It should be noted that the first gap 110 in this embodiment of the invention provides space for the position adjustment of the steering column assembly 500 in different directions, enabling it to meet the needs of different drivers. A second gap (not shown in the figure) can be provided between the steering wheel assembly 400 and the lock housing assembly 300. The second gap allows the steering wheel assembly 400 to rotate flexibly relative to the lock housing assembly 300, avoiding interference between the steering wheel assembly 400 and the lock housing assembly 300 during rotation. The specific dimensions of the first gap 110 and the second gap are not limited in this embodiment of the invention; they can be reasonably selected according to the design requirements of different products.

[0046] Since the first gap 110 and the second gap have different design intentions, they can be implemented in different ways. Optionally, the first gap 110 can be formed by the interval between the instrument panel assembly 100 and the lock housing assembly 300, and the second gap can be formed by the interval between the lock housing assembly 300 and the steering wheel assembly 400, or by a groove on the side of the lock housing assembly 300 facing the steering wheel assembly 400, or by a groove on the side of the steering wheel assembly 400 facing the lock housing assembly 300. The embodiments of the present invention do not limit the implementation of the first gap 110 and the second gap.

[0047] Furthermore, since the first end of the lock cover 200 is movably connected to the instrument panel assembly 100, the lock cover 200 can move relative to the instrument panel assembly 100 and has a normal state and a separated state. In the normal state, the second end of the lock cover 200 abuts against the outer surface of the lock assembly 300 to block the first gap 110, thereby preventing dust, particles, etc. from entering the first gap 110; in the separated state, the second end of the lock cover 200 is separated from the outer surface of the lock assembly 300, so that the first gap 110 communicates with the external space of the steering lock housing collapse mechanism, thereby facilitating maintenance personnel to disassemble, replace, etc., related components in the steering lock housing collapse mechanism.

[0048] The embodiments of the present invention do not limit the movable connection method between the lock cover 200 and the instrument panel assembly 100. For example, the lock cover 200 and the instrument panel assembly 100 can be rotatably connected, plugged in, snap-fitted, screwed in, etc. However, for ease of understanding, the relevant content in the embodiments of the present invention and the structure shown in the accompanying drawings are all described using the rotatable connection between the lock cover 200 and the instrument panel assembly 100 as an example, as detailed below.

[0049] In addition, it should be noted that when a vehicle is involved in an accidental collision, the driver will exert an impact force on the steering wheel assembly 400. The direction of this impact force may be entirely along the axis of the steering column assembly 500, or it may be at an angle to the axis of the steering column assembly 500. However, regardless of the direction of the impact force, the steering column assembly 500 will move along its axis. The difference lies in the different axial movement distance of the steering column assembly 500.

[0050] In view of this, the embodiment of this application provides a guide member 600 on the inner side of the lock housing cover 200. The guide member 600 has a guide surface facing the lock housing assembly 300, so that when the lock housing assembly 300 is subjected to axial compression from the steering wheel assembly 400 along the steering column assembly 500, it can abut against the guide member 600 along the guide surface. This allows the lock housing cover 200 to move with the guide member 600, ultimately causing the lock housing cover 200 to move away from the lock housing assembly 300, rather than towards the steering wheel assembly, thereby reducing the potential reverse impact of the lock housing cover 200 on the steering wheel assembly 400. This structural design can significantly reduce secondary injuries to the driver caused by the steering wheel assembly 400 in the event of a vehicle collision, thus contributing to the protection of the driver's personal safety.

[0051] It should be noted that when setting the distance between the guide surface of the guide member 600 and the lock housing assembly 300, the displacement of the steering column assembly 500 along its axial direction under different impact forces, as well as the safety design requirements of different products, can be comprehensively considered to ultimately determine the reasonable range of the distance between the guide surface and the lock housing assembly 300. Correspondingly, when designing the specific structure and dimensions of the guide member 600, the reasonable range of the aforementioned distance should also be considered. This embodiment of the invention does not limit the specific dimensions and structure of the guide member 600.

[0052] Regarding the connection method between the guide member 600 and the lock housing cover 200, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited. Optionally, for example, the guide member 600 and the lock housing cover 200 can be glued together, or threaded together with screws, bolts, or welded together or integrally formed.

[0053] In one alternative approach, continue to refer to Figure 1 As shown, the guide surface is configured as an inclined surface, and the distance between the inclined surface and the lock housing assembly 300 in the normal state gradually increases in the direction close to the steering column assembly 500; and the lock housing assembly 300 is used to slide on the inclined surface in the direction close to the steering column assembly 500 when it is subjected to axial compression from the steering wheel assembly 400 along the steering column, so that the second end of the lock housing cover 200 moves away from the outer surface of the lock housing assembly 300.

[0054] The guide surface is configured as an inclined surface because the steering column assembly 500 is usually inclined in the vehicle, meaning there is an angle between the axial direction of the steering column assembly 500 and the horizontal direction, to facilitate the driver's operation of the steering wheel assembly 400. Furthermore, to ensure better contact between the lock housing assembly 300 and the guide member 600 when the lock housing assembly 300 moves with the steering column assembly 500, the guide surface is preferably inclined, and the inclination direction is from the side away from the steering column assembly 500 to the side closer to the steering column assembly 500 under normal conditions.

[0055] Furthermore, to make the relative movement between the lock housing assembly 300 and the guide surface smoother, a suitable material can be selected to reduce the friction between the lock housing assembly 300 and the guide surface; or, the lock housing assembly 300 and the guide surface can be smoothed separately; or, a lubricating agent such as grease can be applied to the lock housing assembly 300 and / or the guide surface. This embodiment of the invention does not limit this.

[0056] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a steering lock housing collapse mechanism in its first state according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a lock cover plate 200 and a lock assembly 300 provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] In one alternative approach, refer to Figure 2 As shown, the sidewall of the lock housing assembly 300 may include a straight section 320 and a bent section 330 connected to each other. The bent section 330 is located at one end of the lock housing assembly 300 near the instrument panel assembly 100. The second end of the lock housing cover 200 abuts against the outer surface of the straight section 320 in the normal state. The bent section 330 bends toward the steering column assembly 500. During the axial movement of the lock housing assembly 300 along the steering column assembly 500, the guide surface slides into the straight section 320 through the inflection point at the connection between the straight section 320 and the bent section 330.

[0058] In this embodiment, the connection between the straight section 320 and the bent section 330 has an inflection point, and the guide surface has endpoint a and endpoint b. When the lock housing assembly 300 moves axially along the steering column assembly 500, the inflection point can first contact endpoint a of the guide surface. As the lock housing assembly 300 continues to move, the inflection point moves from endpoint a to endpoint b on the guide surface until the inflection point contacts endpoint b. Simultaneously with the contact between the inflection point and endpoint b, endpoint b slides into the straight section 320 through the guiding effect of the inflection point. When the inflection point moves between endpoints a and b on the guide surface, the guide member 600 can rotate clockwise around the rotation center between the lock housing cover 200 and the instrument panel assembly 100, thereby causing the lock housing cover 200 to rotate. When the endpoint b of the guide surface moves on the straight section 320, since the direction of the straight section 320 is fixed, the guide 600 does not rotate relative to the lock housing assembly 300, and the included angle between the guide surface and the straight section 320 remains unchanged.

[0059] By setting the straight section 320 and the bent section 330, on the one hand, it is convenient to realize the cooperation between the lock housing assembly 300 and the guide member 600, thereby facilitating the switching of the lock housing cover 200 from the normal state to the separated state; on the other hand, after the guide surface slides into the straight section 320, the lock housing cover 200 maintains a stable opening angle, thereby ensuring that the lock housing cover 200 is always away from the second gap, which in turn helps to ensure the safety of the collapse mechanism.

[0060] In another alternative approach, refer to Figure 3 As shown, the sidewall of the lock housing assembly 300 includes a straight section 320, and the edge of the straight section 320 facing the lock housing cover 200 has a chamfer 321. This chamfer 321 plays the same role as the aforementioned inflection point in the relative movement between the lock housing assembly 300 and the guide member 600, and will not be described again here.

[0061] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the steering lock housing collapse mechanism in its second state, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a steering lock housing collapse mechanism in the third state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] To better understand the content of this solution, the working principle of the steering lock housing collapse mechanism will be illustrated below by combining the movement process of components such as the lock housing assembly 300 and the guide component 600:

[0063] Reference Figure 3 As shown, when the steering lock housing collapse mechanism is in the first state, the lock housing cover 200 is in a normal state, the steering wheel assembly 400 and the steering column assembly 500 are in the positions adjusted by the driver, and the vehicle has not experienced any collision. At this time, the lock housing assembly 300 and the guide member 600 are not in contact, and the lock housing cover 200 abuts against the outer surface of the lock housing assembly 300.

[0064] Reference Figure 4 As shown, when the steering lock collapse mechanism is in the second state, it indicates that a collision has occurred and the steering wheel assembly 400 has received an impact force transmitted by the driver (e.g., the direction of the impact force is...). Figure 2 (In the direction indicated by the middle arrow), and the steering wheel assembly 400 transmits the impact force to the steering column assembly 500, which is rotatably connected to it, causing the steering column assembly 500 to move along its axial direction. This, in turn, causes the lock housing assembly 300, which covers the outside of the steering column, to move along with the steering column assembly 500. Specifically, the inflection point of the edge of the lock housing assembly 300 first contacts end point a of the guide surface, and the guide member 600 and the lock housing cover plate 200 tend to move under the action of the lock housing assembly 300. Furthermore, as the collision process progresses, the inflection point moves along the guide surface from end point a to end point b, and the guide member 600 and the lock housing cover plate 200 can rotate with the movement of the inflection point.

[0065] Reference Figure 5 As shown, when the steering lock housing collapse mechanism is in the third state, it indicates that the vehicle is in the latter half of the collision process. As the steering column assembly 500 continues to move, the inflection point of the edge of the lock housing assembly 300 passes through end point b, and end point b slides into the straight section 320. At this time, although the lock housing assembly 300 continues to move along the axial direction of the steering column assembly 500, the rotation angle of the guide member 600 and the lock housing cover plate 200 reaches its maximum value, and the lock housing cover plate 200 remains in a stable separated state.

[0066] In this way, through the relative movement between the lock housing assembly 300 and the guide member 600, the lock housing cover 200 achieves the switching between the normal state and the separated state, so that when the vehicle is involved in a collision, the lock housing cover 200 moves away from the second gap, thereby reducing the reverse impact of the lock housing cover 200 on the steering wheel assembly 400 and minimizing the possibility of secondary injuries to the driver during the collision.

[0067] In some examples, continue to refer to Figure 2 As shown, when the lock cover 200 abuts against the lock assembly 300, there is a first included angle (not marked in the figure) between the guide surface and the axial direction of the steering column, and a second included angle (not marked in the figure) between the straight section 320 and the axial direction of the steering column. The first included angle is greater than the second included angle, so that the projection of the inflection point in the extension direction of the straight section 320 is located on the guide surface.

[0068] It is understandable that when the first included angle is greater than the second included angle, the projection of the inflection point in the extension direction of the straight section 320 can fall into the guide surface, so that the lock housing assembly 300 can always be in contact with the guide surface when it moves toward the guide member 600, avoiding the situation where the lock housing assembly 300 and the guide member 600 fail to cooperate, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the steering lock housing collapse mechanism.

[0069] The specific values ​​of the first and second included angles should not be too large or too small. When the first included angle is too large (e.g., 90°), even if the second included angle is within a reasonable range, in the event of a vehicle collision, the lock housing assembly 300 may only abut against the guide surface and cannot move relative to the guide surface, resulting in a failure of the lock housing assembly 300 to cooperate with the guide member 600. When the first included angle is too small (e.g., 10°), on the one hand, there may always be a gap between the lock housing assembly 300 and the guide surface; on the other hand, even if the lock housing assembly 300 can contact the guide surface, the rotation angle of the guide member 600 will be too small, thus failing to achieve the purpose of moving the lock housing cover 200 away from the outer surface of the lock housing assembly 300. Similarly, when the second included angle is too large or too small, the cooperation between the lock housing assembly 300 and the guide member 600 will also be poor, which is detrimental to the rotation of the lock housing cover 200.

[0070] Preferably, the range of the first included angle can be 45°-80°, and the range of the second included angle can be 0°-70°. Specifically, the first included angle can be 60° and the second included angle can be 5°. In this embodiment of the invention, there is no limitation on the specific values ​​of the first included angle and the second included angle, as long as a good fit is ensured between the lock housing assembly 300 and the guide member 600.

[0071] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a lock cover plate 200 provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a rotating part 210 provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an instrument panel assembly 100 provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] When the lock cover 200 is connected to the instrument panel assembly 100 by a rotatable connection, as an optional method, refer to Figures 6-8 As shown, the first end of the lock cover plate 200 is provided with a rotating part 210, and the instrument panel assembly 100 is provided with a mating part 120. The rotating part 210 and the mating part 120 cooperate to realize the rotational connection between the first end of the lock cover plate 200 and the instrument panel assembly 100.

[0073] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of another lock cover plate 200 provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Furthermore, referring to Figure 3 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 As shown, the lock cover 200 may also be provided with an elastic element 212. The two ends of the elastic element 212 are respectively connected to the lock cover 200 and the instrument panel assembly 100, so that the lock cover 200 is tightly pressed against the outer surface of the lock assembly 300 under the elastic force of the elastic element 212.

[0075] The purpose of the elastic element 212 is to ensure that the lock cover plate 200 is always in close contact with the outer surface of the lock assembly 300 when it is in the normal state, so as to improve the sealing performance of the lock cover plate 200 to the first gap 110 and prevent dust, particles and other objects from entering the first gap 110.

[0076] It is understood that, based on the above objectives, in addition to using the aforementioned method of setting the elastic element 212, the lock case cover 200 can also be configured as an arc-shaped plate made of elastic material, so that the lock case cover 200 abuts against the lock case assembly 300 through the elastic force of the arc-shaped plate itself; or a first magnetic element can be provided on the lock case cover 200 and a second magnetic element can be provided on the lock case assembly 300, so that the lock case assembly 300 and the lock case cover 200 are tightly connected through the magnetic attraction between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element. The above-mentioned elastic element 212 structure is only an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and does not constitute a specific limitation on the structure of the lock case cover 200 and the lock case assembly 300.

[0077] In a specific example, continue to refer to Figure 3 , Figures 6-9As shown, the rotating part 210 can be a rotating seat with a mounting hole 211, the mating part 120 can be a rotating shaft that mates with the mounting hole 211, and the elastic element 212 is a torsion spring provided on the rotating seat, with the two ends of the torsion spring respectively connected to the instrument panel assembly 100 and the rotating seat.

[0078] In another alternative embodiment, the edge of the lock housing cover 200 can be provided with rollers (not shown in the figure), and the lock housing cover 200 abuts against the outer surface of the lock housing assembly 300 via the rollers. The rollers provide a buffering effect between the lock housing assembly 300 and the lock housing cover 200, preventing excessive pressure from the lock housing cover 200 on the lock housing assembly 300 due to excessive elastic force of the elastic element 212, thus helping to maintain the structural stability of the lock housing assembly 300. Furthermore, during the axial movement of the lock housing assembly 300 along the steering column assembly 500, the rollers allow the lock housing cover 200 to slide better relative to the lock housing assembly 300 during the initial transition from the normal state to the separated state, and also facilitate the smooth rotation of the lock housing cover 200.

[0079] In another alternative approach, refer to Figure 1 As shown, the lock housing assembly 300 has a weakening groove 310 extending towards the steering column assembly 500, so that the lock housing assembly 300 will break at the weakening groove 310 when subjected to external force. The weakening groove 310 not only creates a second gap between the steering wheel assembly 400 and the lock housing assembly 300, but also limits the structural strength of the lock housing assembly 300 to a certain extent, so that the lock housing assembly 300 will break in time during a vehicle collision, thereby reducing the injury to the driver caused by the lock housing assembly 300.

[0080] Another aspect of this invention provides a vehicle including the steering lock housing collapse mechanism described above. By providing the steering lock housing collapse mechanism, the safety performance of the vehicle can be greatly improved.

[0081] Numerous specific details are set forth in the specification provided herein. However, it will be understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. Similarly, for the sake of brevity and to aid in understanding one or more aspects of the invention, in the description of exemplary embodiments of the invention above, various features of the embodiments are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof. The claims, which follow the detailed description, are hereby expressly incorporated into that detailed description, wherein each claim itself is a separate embodiment of the invention.

[0082] It should be noted that the above embodiments are illustrative of the invention and not restrictive, and that those skilled in the art can devise alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses should not be construed as limiting the claims. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps not listed in the claims. The word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention can be implemented by means of hardware comprising several different elements and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In the unit claims enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by the same item of hardware. The use of the words first, second, and third, etc., does not indicate any order. These words can be interpreted as names. The steps in the above embodiments, unless otherwise specified, should not be construed as limiting the order of execution.

Claims

1. A steering lock housing collapse mechanism, characterized in that, include: The lock housing assembly (300) covers the outside of the steering column assembly (500) and is located between the steering wheel assembly (400) and the instrument panel assembly (100); Lock cover plate (200), the first end of the lock cover plate (200) is movably connected to the instrument panel assembly (100), and the second end abuts against the outer surface of the lock assembly (300); A guide (600) fixed to the inside of the lock case cover (200); the lock case assembly (300) is used to abut against the guide (600) when pressed in the axial direction along the steering column assembly (500) so that the second end of the lock case cover (200) moves away from the outer surface of the lock case assembly (300); The guide member (600) has a guide surface, and the side wall of the lock housing assembly (300) includes a straight section (320) and a bent section (330) connected together. The connection between the straight section (320) and the bent section (330) is provided with an inflection point for abutting against the guide member (600) along the guide surface. When the lock cover plate (200) abuts against the lock assembly (300), the guide surface has a first included angle with the axial direction of the steering column assembly (500), and the straight section (320) has a second included angle with the axial direction of the steering column assembly (500). The first included angle is greater than the second included angle, so that the projection of the inflection point in the extension direction of the straight section (320) is located on the guide surface.

2. The steering lock housing collapse mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide surface is configured as an inclined surface, and the distance between the inclined surface and the lock housing assembly (300) gradually increases in the direction close to the steering column assembly (500), with the lock housing assembly (300) abutting against the guide member (600) along the guide surface.

3. The steering lock housing collapse mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bent section (330) is located at one end of the lock housing assembly (300) near the instrument panel assembly (100), the second end of the lock housing cover (200) abuts against the outer surface of the straight section (320), and the bent section (330) bends toward the steering column assembly (500).

4. The steering lock housing collapse mechanism according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first end of the lock cover plate (200) is provided with a rotating part (210), and the instrument panel assembly (100) is provided with a mating part (120). The rotating part (210) is rotatably connected to the mating part (120).

5. The steering lock housing collapse mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The lock cover plate (200) is also provided with an elastic element (212), the two ends of which are respectively connected to the lock cover plate (200) and the instrument panel assembly (100) so that the lock cover plate (200) is tightly abutted against the outer surface of the lock assembly (300) under the elastic force of the elastic element (212).

6. The steering lock housing collapse mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The rotating part (210) is a rotating seat with a mounting hole (211), the mating part (120) is a rotating shaft that mates with the mounting hole (211), the elastic element (212) is a torsion spring provided on the rotating seat, and the two ends of the torsion spring are respectively connected to the instrument panel assembly (100) and the rotating seat.

7. The steering lock housing collapse mechanism according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The edge of the lock case cover (200) is provided with rollers, and the lock case cover (200) abuts against the outer surface of the lock case assembly (300) through the rollers.

8. The steering lock housing collapse mechanism according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The lock housing assembly (300) has a weakening groove (310) extending toward the steering column assembly (500) so that the lock housing assembly (300) breaks from the weakening groove (310) when subjected to external force.

9. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the steering lock housing collapse mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-8.

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