Steering column clearance adjustment device and vehicle

Abstract

This application provides a steering column clearance adjustment device and a vehicle. The clearance adjustment device includes an inner adjusting plate, a middle adjusting plate, and an outer adjusting plate. The outer adjusting plate has a first groove, and at least a portion of the middle adjusting plate is located within the first groove. The inner adjusting plate is pressed against the middle adjusting plate. The clearance adjustment device also includes a first adjusting mechanism. A first mounting groove is provided on the side of the middle adjusting plate facing the sidewall of the first groove, and the first adjusting mechanism is located within the first mounting groove. One end of the first adjusting mechanism is movably abutted against the sidewall of the first groove along a first direction, and the other end of the first adjusting mechanism is movably abutted against the groove wall of the first mounting groove along a second direction, so that the middle adjusting plate is pressed against the outer adjusting plate in the second direction, where the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. The clearance adjustment device provided in this application can adjust the clearance between the middle adjusting plate and the outer adjusting plate, improving the stability of the steering column and the driving stability of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle stability system technology, and in particular to a steering column clearance adjustment device and vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] During vehicle operation, various vibrations from the road surface are transmitted through the steering gear to the steering column, and further from the steering column to the steering wheel, affecting the driver's driving experience. By incorporating a clearance adjustment device to allow the steering column to connect with the vehicle body, the radial and axial displacement of the steering column is reduced, thereby improving the rigidity and stability of the steering column.

[0003] The clearance adjustment device in the related technology may include an inner adjustment plate, a middle adjustment plate and an outer adjustment plate. The inner adjustment plate and the middle adjustment plate can both move relative to the outer adjustment plate in the axial direction of the steering column. The outer adjustment plate is connected to the vehicle body and the inner adjustment plate is connected to the steering column. The clearance adjustment device can limit the amount of displacement of the steering column in the radial and axial directions to improve the rigidity of the steering column.

[0004] However, in the aforementioned related technologies, there is a gap between the middle adjustment plate and the outer adjustment plate of the gap adjustment device, which affects the stability of the steering column and reduces the driving stability of the vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a steering column clearance adjustment device and a vehicle to solve the technical problem in the above-mentioned related technologies where there is a gap between the middle adjustment plate and the outer adjustment plate, which affects the stability of the steering column and reduces the driving stability of the vehicle.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of this application provide the following technical solutions:

[0007] A first aspect of this application provides a steering column clearance adjustment device, including an inner adjusting plate, a middle adjusting plate, and an outer adjusting plate;

[0008] The outer adjusting plate has a first groove, and at least a portion of the middle adjusting plate is located within the first groove;

[0009] The inner adjusting plate is pressed together with the middle adjusting plate, and the inner adjusting plate is used to connect with the steering column;

[0010] The gap adjustment device further includes a first adjustment mechanism, and a first mounting groove is provided on the side of the middle adjustment plate facing the side wall of the first groove, and the first adjustment mechanism is located in the first mounting groove;

[0011] One end of the first adjustment mechanism is movably abutted against the side wall of the first groove along a first direction, and the other end of the first adjustment mechanism is movably abutted against the groove wall of the first mounting groove along a second direction, so that the middle adjustment plate is pressed against the outer adjustment plate in the second direction; the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0012] Based on the above technical solution, the following improvements can be made to this application.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the first adjustment mechanism includes a first adjustment component and a first wedge-shaped pressure plate;

[0014] The first wedge-shaped pressure plate has a first wedge-shaped surface and a first abutting surface opposite to the first wedge-shaped surface, and the first adjusting component has a second wedge-shaped surface that cooperates with the first wedge-shaped surface;

[0015] The first abutting surface of the first wedge-shaped pressure plate is movable along the first direction and abuts against the side wall of the first groove under the drive of the first adjusting component;

[0016] The first adjustment component moves along the second direction and presses the middle adjustment plate and the outer adjustment plate together through the first wedge-shaped pressure plate.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the first adjusting component includes a first adjusting nut and a second wedge-shaped pressure plate, the second wedge-shaped pressure plate having a second wedge-shaped surface;

[0018] The second wedge-shaped pressure plate is located on the side of the first wedge-shaped pressure plate away from the outer adjusting plate, and the second wedge-shaped surface abuts against the first wedge-shaped surface;

[0019] The first adjusting nut is threadedly connected to the middle adjusting plate, and the end of the first adjusting nut facing the first mounting groove abuts against the second wedge-shaped pressure plate. The first adjusting nut drives the second wedge-shaped pressure plate to move along the second direction.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the first adjusting component further includes a first spring plate disposed between the first adjusting nut and the second wedge-shaped pressure plate, wherein the first adjusting nut is connected to the second wedge-shaped pressure plate via the first spring plate.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the middle adjustment plate has a first mounting port and a second mounting port; the second mounting port is opened on the surface of the middle adjustment plate in a second direction, and the first mounting port is disposed on the side wall of the middle adjustment plate facing the first groove, and the first mounting port and the second mounting port are connected through the first mounting groove;

[0022] The first adjusting nut and the second wedge-shaped pressure plate are located at the second mounting port, and the end of the first adjusting nut facing away from the second mounting port abuts against the second wedge-shaped pressure plate;

[0023] The first wedge-shaped pressure plate is located inside the first mounting port.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the gap adjustment device further includes a first abutment plate, the first adjustment mechanism has multiple first mounting slots, and each first mounting slot is provided with one first adjustment mechanism.

[0025] The first wedge-shaped pressure plate is connected to the side wall of the first groove via the first abutting plate. The side of the first abutting plate facing the side wall of the first groove forms the first abutting surface. The first wedge-shaped pressure plate abuts against the side wall of the first groove via the first abutting plate.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the second wedge-shaped pressure plate has a first protrusion at one end facing the first adjusting nut, and the first protrusion extends in a direction away from the second wedge-shaped surface;

[0027] The inner sidewall of the first mounting groove is provided with a first boss that mates with the first protrusion. When the first protrusion and the first boss abut against the platform of the first adjusting nut, there is a gap between the second wedge-shaped pressure plate and the bottom wall of the first mounting groove.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the sidewall of the first groove is inclined toward the inside of the first groove to form a first inclined surface, and the first abutting surface is an inclined surface with the same inclination angle as the first inclined surface.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the gap adjustment device further includes a second adjustment mechanism;

[0030] The middle adjusting plate has a second groove, and at least a portion of the inner adjusting plate is located within the second groove;

[0031] The inner adjusting plate has a second mounting groove on one side facing the side wall of the second groove, and the second adjusting mechanism is located in the second mounting groove;

[0032] One end of the second adjustment mechanism is movably abutted against the side wall of the second groove in the first direction, and the other end of the second adjustment mechanism is movably abutted against the groove wall of the second mounting groove in the second direction, so that the inner adjustment plate is pressed against the middle adjustment plate in the second direction.

[0033] A second aspect of this application provides a vehicle, including a vehicle body, a steering column, a steering wheel, a steering device, and a clearance adjustment device as described above.

[0034] The steering column is connected to the inner adjusting plate of the clearance adjusting device, and the outer adjusting plate of the clearance adjusting device is connected to the vehicle body;

[0035] One end of the steering column is connected to the steering wheel, and the other end of the steering column is connected to the steering device.

[0036] This application provides a steering column clearance adjustment device and a vehicle. The clearance adjustment device includes an inner adjustment plate, a middle adjustment plate and an outer adjustment plate. The outer adjustment plate has a first groove. At least a portion of the middle adjustment plate is located in the first groove. The inner adjustment plate is pressed against the middle adjustment plate and is used to connect with the steering column. The gap adjustment device also includes a first adjustment mechanism. A first mounting groove is provided on the side of the middle adjustment plate facing the first groove. The first adjustment mechanism is set in the first mounting groove. One end of the first adjustment mechanism is movably abutted against the side wall of the first groove in a first direction, and the other end of the first adjustment mechanism is movably abutted against the groove wall of the first mounting groove in a second direction. This allows the middle adjustment plate to press against the outer adjustment plate in the second direction. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, which allows the middle adjustment plate to adjust the gap with the outer adjustment plate in both the first and second directions. By reducing the gap, the sliding friction resistance between the middle adjustment plate and the outer adjustment plate can be increased, thereby reducing the probability of relative displacement between the middle adjustment plate and the outer adjustment plate in the axial and radial directions. This improves the stability of the gap adjustment device, and consequently improves the axial and radial stability of the steering column, as well as the stability of the vehicle and the driving experience. Attached Figure Description

[0037] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the gap adjustment device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0039] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the gap adjustment device provided in an embodiment of this application from another angle;

[0040] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the gap adjustment device at point M;

[0041] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the first mounting groove without the first adjustment mechanism;

[0042] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of the first adjustment mechanism in the middle;

[0043] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a structure in which multiple first adjustment mechanisms are connected by a first abutment plate;

[0044] Figure 7 for Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the gap adjustment device at point N;

[0045] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the second mounting groove without the second adjustment mechanism;

[0046] Figure 9 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the disassembly structure of the second adjustment mechanism in the middle;

[0047] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a structure in which multiple second adjustment mechanisms are connected by a second abutment plate.

[0048] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0049] 100-Inner Adjustment Plate;

[0050] 110 - Second mounting slot; 120 - Second boss;

[0051] 200-Middle Adjustment Plate;

[0052] 210 - First mounting slot; 220 - First mounting port; 230 - Second mounting port;

[0053] 240 - First boss; 250 - Second groove;

[0054] 300-External Adjustment Plate;

[0055] 310 - First groove; 320 - Mounting hole; 311 - First bevel;

[0056] 400 - First regulating mechanism;

[0057] 410 - First adjusting component; 420 - First wedge-shaped pressure plate; 430 - First abutment plate;

[0058] 411 - Second wedge-shaped surface; 412 - First adjusting nut; 413 - Second wedge-shaped pressure plate;

[0059] 414 - First spring sheet; 415 - First protrusion; 421 - First wedge-shaped surface;

[0060] 422 - First contact surface;

[0061] 500 - Second regulating mechanism;

[0062] 510 - Second adjusting component; 520 - Third wedge-shaped pressure plate; 530 - Second abutment plate;

[0063] 511 - Fourth wedge-shaped surface; 512 - Second adjusting nut; 513 - Fourth wedge-shaped pressure plate;

[0064] 514 - Second spring sheet; 515 - Second protrusion; 521 - Third wedge-shaped surface;

[0065] 522 - Second contact surface. Detailed Implementation

[0066] As described in the background section, the existing clearance adjustment device in the prior art has a technical problem where a gap exists between the middle and outer adjusting plates, affecting the stability of the steering column and reducing vehicle driving stability. This problem arises because the outer adjusting plate in the clearance adjustment device is fixed to the vehicle body and cannot move. The middle and outer adjusting plates can slide relative to each other axially in the steering column, and the inner and middle adjusting plates can also slide relative to each other axially to accommodate axial adjustment of the steering column. Since the middle and outer adjusting plates are slidably connected, a certain radial gap exists between them to facilitate sliding and reduce sliding friction resistance. However, this gap reduces the stability of the clearance adjustment device, causing the steering column to have at least a radial displacement equal to the gap distance. Furthermore, the gap between the middle and outer adjusting plates results in lower axial sliding friction resistance, reducing the clearance adjustment device's ability to control axial movement of the steering column, thus affecting the stability of the steering column, vehicle stability, and driving experience.

[0067] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a steering column clearance adjustment device and a vehicle. The clearance adjustment device includes an inner adjusting plate, a middle adjusting plate, and an outer adjusting plate. The outer adjusting plate has a first groove, at least a portion of the middle adjusting plate is located within the first groove, and the inner adjusting plate is pressed against the middle adjusting plate. The inner adjusting plate is used to connect with the steering column. The gap adjustment device also includes a first adjustment mechanism. A first mounting groove is provided on the side of the middle adjustment plate facing the first groove. The first adjustment mechanism is set in the first mounting groove. One end of the first adjustment mechanism is movably abutted against the side wall of the first groove in a first direction, and the other end of the first adjustment mechanism is movably abutted against the groove wall of the first mounting groove in a second direction. This allows the middle adjustment plate to press against the outer adjustment plate in the second direction. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, which allows the middle adjustment plate to adjust the gap with the outer adjustment plate in both the first and second directions. By reducing the gap, the sliding friction resistance between the middle adjustment plate and the outer adjustment plate can be increased, thereby reducing the probability of relative displacement between the middle adjustment plate and the outer adjustment plate in the axial and radial directions. This improves the stability of the gap adjustment device, and consequently improves the axial and radial stability of the steering column, as well as the stability of the vehicle and the driving experience.

[0068] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of the embodiments of this application more apparent and understandable, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0069] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 This application provides a steering column clearance adjustment device, which may include an inner adjusting plate 100, a middle adjusting plate 200 and an outer adjusting plate 300. The outer adjusting plate 300 has a first groove 310. At least a portion of the middle adjusting plate 200 is located in the first groove 310. The inner adjusting plate 100 is pressed against the middle adjusting plate 200. The inner adjusting plate 100 is used to connect to the steering column.

[0070] refer to Figure 1 In some embodiments, the gap adjustment device may also include a connecting assembly (not shown in the figure), the outer adjusting plate 300 is fixedly connected to the vehicle body by the connecting assembly, the connecting assembly may be a bolt or a screw, the outer adjusting plate 300 has a mounting hole 320, the bolt or screw passes through the mounting hole 320 and is connected to the vehicle body.

[0071] The middle adjusting plate 200 and the outer adjusting plate 300 are connected by a sliding connection. The middle adjusting plate 200 is partially disposed within the first groove 310, and the middle adjusting plate 200 can slide along the extending direction of the first groove 310, which is the direction of axial movement of the steering column (e.g., ...). Figure 1 (As shown in direction b). The middle adjusting plate 200 and the outer adjusting plate 300 are connected by a sliding connection, which facilitates the movement of the steering column in the axial direction b and reduces the radial displacement (e.g., when the steering column is displaced in the axial direction b). Figure 1 The displacement in the a direction is increased to improve the stability of the steering column. In some embodiments, the inner adjusting plate 100 is fixedly connected to the steering column, and the inner adjusting plate 100 and the middle adjusting plate 200 can also be connected by a sliding connection, thereby further increasing the axial displacement of the steering column.

[0072] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 The gap adjustment device may further include a first adjustment mechanism 400. A first mounting groove 210 is provided on one side of the middle adjustment plate 200 facing the sidewall of the first groove 310. The first adjustment mechanism 400 is located within the first mounting groove 210, with one end of the first adjustment mechanism 400 facing the sidewall of the first groove 310 and along a first direction (e.g., Figure 3 The middle adjusting plate 200 (as shown in the direction X in the middle) movably abuts against the side wall of the first groove 310, so that the middle adjusting plate 200 abuts against the side wall of the first groove 310 via the first adjusting mechanism 400, and further so that the middle adjusting plate 200 abuts against the outer adjusting plate 300 in the first direction via the first adjusting mechanism 400. The other end of the first adjusting mechanism 400 faces the groove wall of the first mounting groove 210, which can be the bottom wall of the first mounting groove 210. The bottom wall of the first mounting groove 210 is perpendicular to the outer adjusting plate 300 in the second direction (as shown in the direction X in the middle). Figure 3 (As shown in the Y direction) perpendicular to the first adjustment mechanism 400, the other end of the first adjustment mechanism 400 is movably abutted against the bottom wall of the first mounting groove 210 along the second direction. This allows the first adjustment mechanism 400 to move the middle adjustment plate 200 towards the outer adjustment plate 300, and to press the middle adjustment plate 200 against the outer adjustment plate 300 in the second direction, thereby increasing the sliding friction resistance between the outer adjustment plate 300 and the middle adjustment plate 200, and reducing the probability of axial movement of the steering column. Figure 3 It can be seen that the first direction and the second direction are two mutually perpendicular directions.

[0073] It should be noted that although the first adjustment mechanism 400 reduces the gap between the outer adjustment plate 300 and the middle adjustment plate 200 and increases the sliding friction resistance between them in the axial direction of the steering column, the middle adjustment plate 200 can still slide relative to the outer adjustment plate 300 in the axial direction through damped sliding. Furthermore, the magnitude of the sliding friction resistance can be set according to the adjustment requirements of the steering column. For example, if it is necessary to increase the stability of the steering column's axial movement, the tightness between the outer adjustment plate 300 and the middle adjustment plate 200 can be increased to improve the sliding friction resistance.

[0074] This application provides a steering column clearance adjustment device and a vehicle. The clearance adjustment device includes an inner adjusting plate 100, a middle adjusting plate 200, and an outer adjusting plate 300. The outer adjusting plate 300 has a first groove 310. At least a portion of the middle adjusting plate 200 is located in the first groove 310. The inner adjusting plate 100 is pressed against the middle adjusting plate 200. The inner adjusting plate 100 is used to connect with the steering column. The gap adjustment device also includes a first adjustment mechanism 400. A first mounting groove 210 is provided on the side of the middle adjustment plate 200 facing the side wall of the first groove 310. The first adjustment mechanism 400 is disposed within the first mounting groove 210. One end of the first adjustment mechanism 400 is movably abutted against the side wall of the first groove 310 along a first direction, and the other end of the first adjustment mechanism 400 is movably abutted against the groove wall of the first mounting groove 210 along a second direction. This allows the middle adjustment plate 200 to press against the outer adjustment plate 300 in the second direction. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, enabling the middle adjustment plate 200 to adjust the gap with the outer adjustment plate 300 in both the first and second directions. By reducing the gap, the sliding friction resistance between the middle adjustment plate 200 and the outer adjustment plate 300 is increased, thereby reducing the probability of relative displacement between the middle adjustment plate 200 and the outer adjustment plate 300 in the axial and radial directions. This improves the stability of the gap adjustment device, and consequently improves the axial and radial stability of the steering column, as well as the vehicle's stability and driving experience.

[0075] refer to Figure 3 The first adjusting mechanism 400 may include a first adjusting component 410 and a first wedge-shaped pressure plate 420. The first wedge-shaped pressure plate 420 has a first wedge-shaped surface 421 and a first abutting surface 422 opposite to the first wedge-shaped surface 421. The first abutting surface 422 on the first wedge-shaped pressure plate 420 is disposed facing the sidewall of the first groove 310, and the first abutting surface 422 is used to abut against the sidewall of the first groove 310. (Reference) Figure 5 The first wedge-shaped surface 421 on the first wedge-shaped pressure plate 420 is disposed away from the side wall of the first groove 310 and facing the first adjusting assembly 410. The angle between the first wedge-shaped surface 421 extending upward along the inclined surface and the first direction (e.g., Figure 5The included angle β is less than 90 degrees, for example, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 60 degrees, or 80 degrees. The first adjusting component 410 has a second wedge surface 411 that mates with the first wedge surface 421. The second wedge surface 411 is positioned towards the first wedge surface 421 so that the first wedge surface 421 contacts the second wedge surface 411. The included angle between the second wedge surface 411 and the first direction (as shown by β) is less than 90 degrees, for example, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 60 degrees, or 80 degrees. Figure 5 The included angle α is also less than 90 degrees, for example, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 60 degrees or 80 degrees.

[0076] In one possible implementation, the first wedge surface 421 and the second wedge surface 411 may have the same inclination angle, thereby increasing the contact area between the first wedge surface 421 and the second wedge surface 411. In some embodiments, the angle between the first wedge surface 421 and the first direction may be 45 degrees, and the angle between the second wedge surface 411 and the first direction may also be 45 degrees.

[0077] In a specific implementation, the second wedge surface 411 and the first wedge surface 421 are in contact with each other. When the first adjusting component 410 moves along the second direction, the second wedge surface 411 applies a force to the first wedge surface 421 to move along the first direction, thereby causing the first wedge pressure plate 420 to move along the first direction toward the side wall of the first groove 310, and causing the first abutting surface 422 of the first wedge pressure plate 420 to movably abut against the side wall of the first groove 310. At the same time, when the first adjusting component 410 moves along the second direction, the second wedge surface 411 also applies a force to the first wedge surface 421 to move along the second direction, thereby causing the first wedge pressure plate 420 to move along the first direction while also pressing the groove wall of the first mounting groove 210 along the second direction, and further causing the middle adjusting plate 200 to press the groove wall of the first groove 310 in the second direction, thereby causing the middle adjusting plate 200 to press the outer adjusting plate 300 in the second direction.

[0078] The first adjustment mechanism 400 includes a first adjustment component 410 and a first wedge-shaped pressure plate 420, wherein the first wedge-shaped pressure plate 420 has a first wedge-shaped surface 421 and the first adjustment component 410 has a second wedge-shaped surface 411 that cooperates with the first wedge-shaped surface 421. This allows the middle adjustment plate 200 to press the outer adjustment plate 300 in the first direction and the outer adjustment plate 300 in the second direction through the first adjustment mechanism 400, thereby improving the flexibility of the first adjustment mechanism 400 and increasing the degree of pressing between the middle adjustment plate 200 and the outer adjustment plate 300, reducing the gap between the middle adjustment plate 200 and the outer adjustment plate 300, and thus increasing the sliding friction resistance between the middle adjustment plate 200 and the outer adjustment plate 300.

[0079] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4In some embodiments, the first adjusting assembly 410 may include a first adjusting nut 412 and a second wedge-shaped pressure plate 413. The second wedge-shaped pressure plate 413 has a second wedge-shaped surface 411, and the surface of the second wedge-shaped pressure plate 413 facing the first wedge-shaped pressure plate 420 is the second wedge-shaped surface 411. The second wedge-shaped pressure plate 413 is located on the side of the first wedge-shaped pressure plate 420 away from the outer adjusting plate 300, and the second wedge-shaped surface 411 abuts against the first wedge-shaped surface 421. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the second wedge-shaped pressure plate 413 is located to the left of the first wedge-shaped pressure plate 420, and the first adjusting nut 412 is located above the second wedge-shaped pressure plate 413. The outer circumference of the first adjusting nut 412 has external threads, and the first adjusting nut 412 and the middle adjusting plate 200 can be connected by a threaded connection. The end of the first adjusting nut 412 facing the first mounting groove 210 abuts against the second wedge-shaped pressure plate 413. When the first adjusting nut 412 moves toward the second wedge-shaped pressure plate 413 in the second direction under the action of external force, the first adjusting nut 412 can drive the second wedge-shaped pressure plate 413 to move in the second direction. Through the contact between the second wedge-shaped surface 411 on the second wedge-shaped pressure plate 413 and the first wedge-shaped surface 421 of the first wedge-shaped pressure plate 420, the first wedge-shaped pressure plate 420 moves simultaneously in the first and second directions, and the middle adjusting plate 200 presses the outer adjusting plate 300 through the adjusting structure.

[0080] In a specific implementation, the first wedge-shaped pressure plate 420 and the second wedge-shaped pressure plate 413 can be made of stamped steel plate. The stamped steel plate has high rigidity, which can reduce the torque attenuation of the first adjusting nut 412 at different axial positions caused by the processing errors of the first wedge-shaped pressure plate 420 and the second wedge-shaped pressure plate 413, thereby improving the stability of the first adjusting mechanism 400.

[0081] refer to Figure 3 In one possible implementation, the sidewall of the first groove 310 is inclined toward the inside of the first groove 310 to form a first inclined surface 311, and the first abutting surface 422 is an inclined surface with the same inclination angle as the first inclined surface 311.

[0082] refer to Figure 3In one possible implementation, the first adjusting component 410 may further include a first spring plate 414, which is disposed between the first adjusting nut 412 and the second wedge-shaped pressure plate 413. The first adjusting nut 412 is connected to the second wedge-shaped pressure plate 413 via the first spring plate 414. By providing the first spring plate 414, the first adjusting nut 412 can abut against the second wedge-shaped pressure plate 413 through the first spring plate 414, thereby reducing frictional loss between the first adjusting nut 412 and the second wedge-shaped pressure plate 413 and preventing loosening of the contact between the first adjusting nut 412 and the second wedge-shaped pressure plate 413, which would reduce the clamping effect between the middle adjusting plate 200 and the outer adjusting plate 300, thus improving the operational stability of the first adjusting mechanism 400. In some embodiments, the first spring plate 414 may be a wave spring plate, and different stiffnesses of the first spring plate 414 can be selected according to the clamping force of the first adjusting nut 412.

[0083] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 In a specific implementation, the middle adjusting plate 200 has a first mounting port 220 and a second mounting port 230. The second mounting port 230 is located on the surface of the middle adjusting plate 200 in the second direction, extends in the second direction, and communicates with the first mounting groove 210. The first mounting port 220 is located on the side wall of the middle adjusting plate 200 facing the first groove 310, extends in the first direction, and communicates with the first mounting groove 210. The first mounting port 220 and the second mounting port 230 are connected through the first mounting groove 210. The first adjusting nut 412 and the second wedge-shaped pressure plate 413 are disposed in the first mounting groove 210 through the second mounting port 230. The end of the first adjusting nut 412 facing away from the second mounting port 230 abuts against the second wedge-shaped pressure plate 413. The first wedge-shaped pressure plate 420 is located in the first mounting port 220 and is installed in the first mounting groove 210 through the first mounting port 220. The first mounting port 220 and the second mounting port 230 are connected through the first mounting groove 210. The first wedge-shaped pressure plate 420 is set in the first mounting port 220, and the first adjusting nut 412 and the second wedge-shaped pressure plate 413 are set in the second mounting port 230. This can improve the compactness of the layout of the first adjusting mechanism 400 and improve the space utilization of the middle adjusting plate 200.

[0084] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5The second wedge-shaped pressure plate 413 has a first protrusion 415 at the end facing the first adjusting nut 412. The first protrusion 415 extends away from the second wedge-shaped surface 411. The inner wall of the first mounting groove 210 is provided with a first boss 240 that mates with the first protrusion 415. The platform of the first boss 240 faces the first adjusting nut 412. When the first protrusion 415 abuts against the platform of the first boss 240, there is a gap between the second wedge-shaped pressure plate 413 and the bottom wall of the first mounting groove 210. Through the mating connection between the first protrusion 415 and the first boss 240, the displacement of the second wedge-shaped pressure plate 413 in the second direction can be limited, and the second wedge-shaped pressure plate 413 can be prevented from abutting against the bottom wall of the first mounting groove 210 in the second direction. This prevents the first adjusting nut 412 from being over-tightened and reduces the probability of damage to the groove wall of the first mounting groove 210 due to over-tightening, thereby improving the service life of the first adjusting mechanism 400.

[0085] refer to Figure 6 In one possible implementation, the gap adjustment device may further include a first abutment plate 430, multiple first adjustment mechanisms 400, and multiple first mounting slots 210. Each first mounting slot 210 contains one first adjustment mechanism 400. The multiple first mounting slots 210 are arranged along the extending direction of the first groove 310, and the multiple first grooves 310 are located on one side of the middle adjustment plate 200. By providing multiple first mounting slots 210 and placing each first adjustment mechanism 400 in one first mounting slot 210, the contact area between the first abutment surface 422 and the sidewall of the first groove 310 can be increased, thereby improving the adjustment stability of the gap between the middle adjustment plate 200 and the outer adjustment plate 300 adjusted by the first adjustment mechanism 400.

[0086] In practical implementation, the number of first adjusting mechanisms 400 in the gap adjusting device can be two, three, four, five, or even more. In one example, the gap adjusting device can have four first adjusting mechanisms 400 and four first mounting slots 210, with one first adjusting mechanism 400 disposed in each mounting slot. In use, when the steering column moves radially, at least three of the four first adjusting mechanisms 400 can abut against the sidewall of the first groove 310.

[0087] refer to Figure 6Multiple first wedge-shaped pressure plates 420 are connected on the side facing the sidewall of the first groove 310 via a first abutting plate 430. A first abutting surface 422 is formed on the side of the first abutting plate 430 facing the sidewall of the first groove 310. The first wedge-shaped pressure plates 420 abut against the sidewall of the first groove 310 via the first abutting plate 430. By providing the first abutting plate 430, the contact area between the first adjusting mechanism 400 and the sidewall of the first groove 310 is increased, thereby further improving the sliding friction resistance and enhancing the contact stability between the abutting surface and the sidewall of the first groove 310, preventing the first wedge-shaped pressure plates 420 from jumping during movement relative to the sidewall of the first groove 310.

[0088] refer to Figure 7 In one possible implementation, the gap adjustment device may further include a second adjustment mechanism 500. The middle adjustment plate 200 has a second groove 250, at least a portion of the inner adjustment plate 100 is located within the second groove 250, and the inner adjustment plate 100 has a second mounting groove 110 on one side facing the sidewall of the second groove 250. The second adjustment mechanism 500 is located within the second mounting groove 110, and one end of the second adjustment mechanism 500 is along a first direction (e.g., ...). Figure 7 The second adjustment mechanism 500 is movably abutted against the side wall of the second groove 250 (as shown in the X direction), and the other end of the second adjustment mechanism 500 is along the second direction (as shown in the X direction). Figure 7 The inner adjusting plate 100 (as shown in the Y direction) is movably abutted against the wall of the second mounting groove 110, so that the inner adjusting plate 100 presses against the middle adjusting plate 200 in the second direction Y. By providing the second adjusting mechanism 500, the gap between the inner adjusting plate 100 and the middle adjusting plate 200 can be adjusted in both the first direction X and the second direction Y. By reducing the gap, the sliding friction resistance between the inner adjusting plate 100 and the middle adjusting plate 200 can be increased, thereby reducing the probability of displacement of the middle adjusting plate 200 and the inner adjusting plate 100 in the axial and radial directions. This further improves the stability of the gap adjustment device, and further improves the axial and radial stability of the steering column, as well as the stability of the vehicle and the driving experience.

[0089] refer to Figures 7 to 9In some embodiments, the second adjusting mechanism 500 and the first adjusting mechanism 400 may adopt the same structural arrangement, and the number of second adjusting mechanisms 500 in the gap adjusting device may also be the same as that of the first adjusting mechanism 400. For example, the second adjusting mechanism 500 may include a second adjusting component 510 and a third wedge-shaped pressure plate 520, the third wedge-shaped pressure plate 520 having a third wedge-shaped surface 521 and a second abutting surface 522 opposite to the third wedge-shaped surface 521. The second abutting surface 522 on the third wedge-shaped pressure plate 520 is disposed facing the side wall of the second groove 250, and the second abutting surface 522 is used to abut against the side wall of the second groove 250. The third wedge-shaped surface 521 on the third wedge-shaped pressure plate 520 is disposed away from the side wall of the second groove 250 and facing the second adjusting assembly 510. The second adjusting assembly 510 has a fourth wedge-shaped surface 511 that cooperates with the third wedge-shaped surface 521. The fourth wedge-shaped surface 511 is disposed facing the third wedge-shaped surface 521 so that the third wedge-shaped surface 521 contacts the fourth wedge-shaped surface 511.

[0090] Continue to refer to Figure 7 The second adjusting assembly 510 includes a second adjusting nut 512 and a fourth wedge-shaped pressure plate 513, the fourth wedge-shaped pressure plate 513 having a fourth wedge-shaped surface 511. The fourth wedge-shaped pressure plate 513 is located on the side of the third wedge-shaped pressure plate 520 away from the middle adjusting plate 200, and the fourth wedge-shaped surface 511 abuts against the third wedge-shaped surface 521. The second adjusting nut 512 is threadedly connected to the inner adjusting plate 100, and one end of the second adjusting nut 512 facing the second mounting groove 110 abuts against the fourth wedge-shaped pressure plate 513, the second adjusting nut 512 driving the fourth wedge-shaped pressure plate 513 to move along the second direction Y.

[0091] refer to Figure 7 In some examples, the second adjusting assembly 510 further includes a second spring plate 514, which is disposed between the second adjusting nut 512 and the fourth wedge-shaped pressure plate 513. The second adjusting nut 512 is connected to the fourth wedge-shaped pressure plate 513 via the second spring plate 514. In specific implementations, the second spring plate 514 can also be a wave spring plate.

[0092] refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The fourth wedge-shaped pressure plate 513 has a second protrusion 515 at one end facing the second adjusting nut 512, and the second protrusion 515 extends away from the fourth wedge-shaped surface 511. The inner sidewall of the second mounting groove 110 is provided with a second boss 120 that mates with the second protrusion 515. The platform of the second boss 120 faces the second adjusting nut 512. When the second protrusion 515 abuts against the platform of the second boss 120, there is a gap between the fourth wedge-shaped pressure plate 513 and the bottom wall of the second mounting groove 110.

[0093] refer to Figure 10In one possible implementation, the gap adjustment device may further include a second abutment plate 530, multiple second adjustment mechanisms 500, and multiple second mounting grooves 110, with one second adjustment mechanism 500 disposed in each second mounting groove 110. Multiple third wedge-shaped pressure plates 520 are connected to each other on the sidewall of the second groove 250 via the second abutment plates 530. A second abutment surface 522 is formed on the side of the second abutment plate 530 facing the sidewall of the second groove 250, and the third wedge-shaped pressure plates 520 abut against the sidewall of the second groove 250 via the second abutment plates 530.

[0094] This application also provides a vehicle, which may include a vehicle body, a steering column, a steering wheel, a steering mechanism, and a clearance adjustment device as described above. The steering column is connected to the inner adjustment plate of the clearance adjustment device, and the outer adjustment plate of the clearance adjustment device is connected to the vehicle body. One end of the steering column is connected to the steering wheel, and the other end of the steering column is connected to the steering mechanism. By connecting the clearance adjustment device of this application to the steering column, the radial displacement of the steering column can be reduced, and the axial movement of the steering column can be reduced, thereby improving the adjustment stability of the steering column, and thus improving the driving stability and driving experience of the vehicle.

[0095] The various embodiments or implementation methods described in this specification are presented in a progressive manner. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments, and the same or similar parts between the embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0096] It should be noted that phrases such as "in specific implementations," "in some embodiments," "in this embodiment," and "exemplarily" in the specification indicate that the described embodiments may include specific features, structures, or characteristics, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that specific feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, implementing such a feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether explicitly described or not, is within the knowledge scope of those skilled in the art.

[0097] Generally speaking, terms should be understood at least in part by their use in context. For example, at least in part by context, the term "one or more" as used in the text can be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic of the singular meaning, or a combination of features, structures, or characteristics of the plural meaning. Similarly, at least in part by context, terms such as "a" or "the" can also be understood to convey either singular or plural usage.

[0098] It should be readily understood that the terms “on,” “above,” and “on top of” in this disclosure should be interpreted in the broadest possible sense, such that “on” means not only “directly on something” but also “on something” with an intermediate feature or layer therebetween, and that “above” or “on top of” means not only “on top of something” but also “on top of something” without an intermediate feature or layer therebetween (i.e., directly on something).

[0099] Furthermore, for ease of explanation, spatially relative terms such as "below," "below," "under," "above," and "above" may be used to describe the relationship of one element or feature relative to other elements or features as shown in the figures. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation other than those shown in the figures. The device may have other orientations (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptive terms used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

[0100] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A steering column clearance adjustment device, characterized in that, Includes an inner adjustment plate, a middle adjustment plate, and an outer adjustment plate; The outer adjusting plate has a first groove, and at least a portion of the middle adjusting plate is located within the first groove; The inner adjusting plate is pressed together with the middle adjusting plate, and the inner adjusting plate is used to connect with the steering column; The gap adjustment device further includes a first adjustment mechanism, and a first mounting groove is provided on the side of the middle adjustment plate facing the side wall of the first groove, and the first adjustment mechanism is located in the first mounting groove; One end of the first adjustment mechanism is movably abutted against the side wall of the first groove along a first direction, and the other end of the first adjustment mechanism is movably abutted against the groove wall of the first mounting groove along a second direction, so that the middle adjustment plate is pressed against the outer adjustment plate in the second direction; the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

2. The gap adjustment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first adjustment mechanism includes a first adjustment component and a first wedge-shaped pressure plate; The first wedge-shaped pressure plate has a first wedge-shaped surface and a first abutting surface opposite to the first wedge-shaped surface, and the first adjusting assembly has a second wedge-shaped surface that cooperates with the first wedge-shaped surface; The first abutting surface of the first wedge-shaped pressure plate is movable along the first direction and abuts against the side wall of the first groove under the drive of the first adjusting component; The first adjustment component moves along the second direction and presses the middle adjustment plate and the outer adjustment plate together through the first wedge-shaped pressure plate.

3. The gap adjustment device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first adjusting assembly includes a first adjusting nut and a second wedge-shaped pressure plate, the second wedge-shaped pressure plate having a second wedge-shaped surface; The second wedge-shaped pressure plate is located on the side of the first wedge-shaped pressure plate away from the outer adjusting plate, and the second wedge-shaped surface abuts against the first wedge-shaped surface; The first adjusting nut is threadedly connected to the middle adjusting plate, and the end of the first adjusting nut facing the first mounting groove abuts against the second wedge-shaped pressure plate. The first adjusting nut drives the second wedge-shaped pressure plate to move along the second direction.

4. The gap adjustment device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first adjusting assembly further includes a first spring plate, which is disposed between the first adjusting nut and the second wedge-shaped pressure plate. The first adjusting nut is connected to the second wedge-shaped pressure plate through the first spring plate.

5. The gap adjustment device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The middle adjustment plate has a first mounting port and a second mounting port; the second mounting port is opened on the surface of the middle adjustment plate in a second direction, and the first mounting port is disposed on the side wall of the middle adjustment plate facing the first groove; the first mounting port and the second mounting port are connected through the first mounting groove. The first adjusting nut and the second wedge-shaped pressure plate are located at the second mounting port, and the end of the first adjusting nut facing away from the second mounting port abuts against the second wedge-shaped pressure plate; The first wedge-shaped pressure plate is located inside the first mounting port.

6. The gap adjustment device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The gap adjustment device further includes a first abutting plate, and the first adjustment mechanism has multiple first mounting slots, with one first adjustment mechanism disposed in each first mounting slot. The first wedge-shaped pressure plate is connected to the side wall of the first groove via the first abutting plate. The side of the first abutting plate facing the side wall of the first groove forms the first abutting surface. The first wedge-shaped pressure plate abuts against the side wall of the first groove via the first abutting plate.

7. The gap adjustment device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second wedge-shaped pressure plate has a first protrusion at one end facing the first adjusting nut, and the first protrusion extends away from the second wedge-shaped surface; The inner sidewall of the first mounting groove is provided with a first boss that mates with the first protrusion. When the first protrusion and the first boss abut against the platform of the first adjusting nut, there is a gap between the second wedge-shaped pressure plate and the bottom wall of the first mounting groove.

8. The gap adjustment device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The sidewall of the first groove is inclined toward the inside of the first groove to form a first inclined surface, and the first abutting surface is an inclined surface with the same inclination angle as the first inclined surface.

9. The gap adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The gap adjustment device further includes a second adjustment mechanism; The middle adjusting plate has a second groove, and at least a portion of the inner adjusting plate is located within the second groove; The inner adjusting plate has a second mounting groove on the side facing the second groove, and the second adjusting mechanism is located in the second mounting groove. One end of the second adjustment mechanism is movably abutted against the side wall of the second groove in the first direction, and the other end of the second adjustment mechanism is movably abutted against the groove wall of the second mounting groove in the second direction, so that the inner adjustment plate is pressed against the middle adjustment plate in the second direction.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, It includes a vehicle body, a steering column, a steering wheel, a steering mechanism, and a clearance adjustment device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9; The steering column is connected to the inner adjusting plate of the clearance adjusting device, and the outer adjusting plate of the clearance adjusting device is connected to the vehicle body; One end of the steering column is connected to the steering wheel, and the other end of the steering column is connected to the steering device.

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