A kind of automobile steering system upper column pipe inside lubricating equipment and its method

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of automobile parts processing, in particular to a kind of automobile steering system upper column pipe inner side fat coating equipment and method thereof, fat coating equipment includes rack, and fixed seat is installed on rack, the center of fixed seat is provided with through opening, upper column pipe is inverted in through opening, the clamping block corresponding to the upper column pipe bayonet is arranged on the both sides of through opening, clamping block is slidably installed on the both sides of through opening, and clamping block is arc-shaped;Rack is further provided with fat coating device, and fat coating device includes lifting plate and straight cylinder rotationally installed on lifting plate, the rotation axis of straight cylinder is on same straight line with the axis of through opening, and the periphery of straight cylinder is provided with filter hole, and the bottom of straight cylinder is connected with flexible pipe, and flexible pipe is connected with grease conveyor, the upper column pipe bayonet and limiting hole are plugged by clamping block and clamping block in the present technical solution, and fat coating device is injected into upper column pipe inside with upper column pipe inner wall to contact and complete the greasing of upper column pipe.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive parts processing technology, specifically to a grease-applying device and method for the inner side of the upper column tube of an automotive steering system. Background Technology

[0002] The steering column is a subsystem of the automotive steering system. Its main functions include transmitting steering wheel torque and angle, adjusting steering wheel position, anti-theft, collapsible energy absorption, connecting wiring harnesses, connecting the vehicle crossbeam, connecting the guard, and connecting combination switches. The collapsible function requires the steering column to provide stable collapsible force.

[0003] Currently, most mainstream collapsible steering columns require the upper and lower tubes to slide relative to each other during collapsing to provide collapsing force. Due to manufacturing tolerances, appropriate treatments are often required between the upper and lower tubes to provide the stable tube force needed for the steering column to collapse. These treatments include: applying Teflon coating to the outer surface of the lower tube; creating bosses on the outer surface of the lower tube or the inner surface of the upper tube to control the contact area; adding lubricating grease between the upper and lower tubes; and adding a sleeve between the upper and lower tubes. For example, Chinese patent CN208897152U discloses a steering column sleeve with external arc-shaped bosses at both ends. The upper tube has a locking slot and a limiting hole at one end. When applying grease to the upper tube, oil leakage is likely at the locking slot and limiting hole, wasting raw materials. Furthermore, applying grease through the locking slot and limiting hole can lead to uneven application and low grease application efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, it is necessary to provide a grease-applying device and method for the inner side of the upper column tube of an automotive steering system, addressing existing technical issues.

[0005] To solve the problems of the prior art, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0006] A lubricating device for the inner side of the upper column tube of an automotive steering system includes a frame and a fixed base mounted on the frame. The fixed base has a central opening, with the upper column tube inverted and placed at the opening. Clamping blocks corresponding to the upper column tube's locking mechanism are located on both sides of the opening. Clamping blocks, arc-shaped, are slidably mounted on both sides of the opening, sealing the limiting holes on the upper column tube against its outer wall. The frame also includes a lubricator, comprising a lifting plate and a straight cylinder rotatably mounted on the lifting plate. The rotation axis of the straight cylinder is aligned with the axis of the opening. Filter holes are located on the periphery of the straight cylinder. A telescopic tube connects to the bottom of the straight cylinder, and the telescopic tube connects to a grease conveyor filled with a measured amount of lubricating grease. The straight cylinder is inserted into the opening, and a sealing edge on the bottom periphery of the straight cylinder seals the opening below the opening. A sealing plate is located at the top of the frame, sealing the top of the upper column tube. The lubricating grease inside the grease conveyor is injected into the upper column tube and contacts its inner wall.

[0007] Preferably, the straight cylinder is provided with a plurality of flaps on its periphery, the flaps being inserted into the sealing edge via a shaft, the axis of the shaft being parallel to the axis of the straight cylinder; the grease applicator also includes a rotary drive unit, which drives the flaps to rotate around the axis of the shaft and the straight cylinder to rotate around its own axis; a coating sheet is provided on the outer side of the end of the flaps away from the axis of the shaft, the coating sheet applying the grease to the inner wall of the upper column tube.

[0008] Preferably, the rotary drive unit includes a rotating ring rotatably mounted below the straight cylinder, the rotating ring being rotatably mounted on the lifting plate, and the axis of the rotating ring being on the same straight line as the axis of the straight cylinder; the rotating ring is provided with toothed grooves on its circumference, and the rotating ring is meshed with a drive gear through the toothed grooves, the drive gear being connected to the working end of the rotary driver, and the rotary driver being fixedly mounted on the lifting plate; the bottom of the shaft of the flap is provided with a paddle extending radially along the shaft, the paddle being located inside the rotating ring, and the rotating ring is provided with a protrusion, the rotation of the rotating ring causing the protrusion to push the paddle to rotate, the paddle driving the flap to rotate until it fits against the inner wall of the upper column tube, and then the rotating ring and the straight cylinder rotate synchronously.

[0009] Preferably, the lifting plate is fixedly connected to the working end of the linear driver, the linear driver is fixedly mounted on the frame, and the working end of the linear driver is set to move in the vertical direction.

[0010] Preferably, the clamping block has at least two horizontally extending guide rods on its outward-facing side. The guide rods are inserted into the mounting plate on the fixed base, and the other end of the guide rod is connected to the drive block. A second spring sleeved on the guide rod elastically connects the drive block and the mounting plate. The second spring applies an elastic force to the clamping block away from the opening. The lifting plate of the grease applicator has top blocks on both sides. The upper side of the top block and the lower side of the drive block are both provided with inclined surfaces. When the top block moves upward and contacts the drive block, it pushes the drive block to compress the second spring, causing the clamping block to fit against the outer wall of the upper column tube.

[0011] Preferably, the grease conveyor includes a storage tank for storing lubricating grease, a telescopic tube connecting the bottom of the storage tank, a piston plate slidably installed inside the storage tank, an extension rod extending vertically upwards from the top of the piston plate, the extension rod being inserted into the top of the frame, and the piston plate moving vertically downwards inside the storage tank to squeeze the lubricating grease in the storage tank into the straight cylinder of the grease applicator.

[0012] Preferably, the top end of the telescopic tube is provided with an installation ring, and the telescopic tube is rotatably installed at the bottom of the straight cylinder through the installation ring, with the opening of the installation ring facing upward and the inner diameter gradually increasing.

[0013] Preferably, the top of the sealing plate is provided with a vertically upward extending guide rod, and the sealing plate is inserted into the top of the frame through the guide rod; a connector is provided on the extension rod, the sealing plate is inserted into one end of the connector, a first spring is sleeved on the guide rod, the first spring elastically connects the sealing plate and the first spring, the piston plate moves down to drive the connector to compress the first spring, and the first spring applies an elastic force to make the sealing plate tightly adhere to the opening above the upper column tube.

[0014] A method for applying grease to the inside of the upper column tube of an automotive steering system, applied to a grease application device for the inside of the upper column tube of an automotive steering system, includes the following steps:

[0015] Step 1: Place the upper column tube upside down on the fixed base, align the clamping slot of the upper column tube with the clamping block, and clamp the upper column tube on both sides of the outer wall to seal the limiting holes on both sides of the upper column tube.

[0016] Step 2: The grease applicator moves upward and passes through the opening of the fixed seat into the interior of the upper column tube. The sealing edge at the bottom of the straight cylinder seals the bottom of the opening, and the sealing plate seals the top of the upper column tube.

[0017] Step 3: The grease conveyor delivers lubricating grease into the straight cylinder through the telescopic tube. The lubricating grease passes through the filter holes and enters the upper column tube, making full contact with the inner wall of the upper column tube to complete the grease coating.

[0018] Step 4: The lubricating grease flows back into the grease conveyor for collection, and the upper column tube that has been greased is removed from the fixed seat.

[0019] The advantages of this invention compared to the prior art are:

[0020] Firstly, in this invention, the upper column tube is inverted and mounted on a fixed base on the frame. The bayonet at the opening of the upper column tube can be engaged with the corresponding clamping block. The two clamping blocks on the upper side of the fixed base can clamp the outer side of the upper column tube and simultaneously block the limiting hole on the upper column tube. The sealing plate set on the top of the frame can block the opening at the top of the upper column tube. Therefore, the lubricating grease stored in the grease conveyor can be injected into the straight cylinder located inside the upper column tube through the telescopic tube. The lubricating grease in the straight cylinder can flow into the inner wall of the upper column tube through the filter holes on the periphery of the straight cylinder and fully contact the upper column tube to complete the grease application operation. After the grease application is completed, the grease conveyor can recover the lubricating grease. The lubricating grease returns to the grease conveyor through the straight cylinder and the telescopic tube, saving lubricating grease.

[0021] Secondly, the outer periphery of the straight cylinder in this invention is provided with several flaps. When the straight cylinder and the flaps are completely inside the upper column tube, the rotary drive unit can drive the flaps to rotate, so that the coating at the free end of the flaps adheres to the inner wall of the upper column tube. Then the rotary drive unit drives the straight cylinder to rotate, so that the coating can evenly apply the lubricating grease to the inner wall of the upper column tube, thereby improving the efficiency of grease application.

[0022] Thirdly, the linear actuator in this invention drives the lifting plate to move the straight cylinder in the vertical direction, so that when installing the upper column tube, the straight cylinder can move down and disengage from the through-hole, which facilitates the installation of the upper column tube. When the lifting plate moves up, the top material blocks on both sides of the lifting plate contact the inclined surfaces of the driving blocks of the clamping blocks, thereby pushing the two clamping blocks to move synchronously in the center to fix and clamp the upper column tube, ensuring that the axis of the upper column tube and the axis of the through-hole are on the same straight line, and ensuring that the contact force between the coating and the inner wall of the upper column tube is uniform when the blade is rotated for grease application. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a 3D view of a grease-applying device for the inner side of the upper column tube of an automotive steering system in a non-operating state.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a front view of a grease application device for the inner side of the upper column tube of an automotive steering system in a non-working state.

[0025] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Sectional view of section AA;

[0026] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of section B;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a grease applicator for a grease application device for the inner side of the upper column tube of an automotive steering system.

[0028] Figure 6 This is an exploded three-dimensional structural diagram of a grease applicator for applying grease to the inside of the upper column tube of an automotive steering system.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a side view of a grease-applying device for the inner side of the upper column tube of an automotive steering system in operation.

[0030] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Sectional view at CC;

[0031] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A magnified view of a portion at point D;

[0032] Figure 10 yes Figure 7 Sectional view of the EE section;

[0033] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A magnified view of a portion at point F;

[0034] Figure 12 yes Figure 7 Sectional view of the GG section;

[0035] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A magnified view of a portion of point H.

[0036] The following are the labels in the diagram: 1. Frame; 11. Sealing plate; 111. Guide rod; 112. First spring; 2. Fixed base; 21. Through port; 22. Clamping block; 23. Holding block; 231. Guide rod; 232. Drive block; 233. Second spring; 24. Mounting plate; 3. Grease applicator; 31. Lifting plate; 311. Linear actuator; 312. Top material block; 32. Straight cylinder; 321. Filter hole; 322. Edge sealing; 33. Telescopic tube; 331. Mounting ring; 34. Flipper; 341. Shaft; 342. Coating piece; 343. Paddle; 35. Rotary drive unit; 351. Rotary ring; 352. Gear groove; 353. Drive gear; 354. Rotary actuator; 355. Protrusion; 4. Grease conveyor; 41. Storage box; 42. Piston plate; 43. Extension rod; 431. Connector. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To further understand the features, technical means, and specific objectives and functions achieved by the present invention, the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0038] Reference Figures 1 to 13 :

[0039] A lubricating device for the inner side of the upper column tube of an automotive steering system includes a frame 1 and a fixed base 2 mounted on the frame 1. The fixed base 2 has a central opening 21, with the upper column tube inverted and positioned at the opening 21. Two locking blocks 22, corresponding to the upper column tube's locking mechanism, are located on either side of the opening 21. Clamping blocks 23, arc-shaped, are slidably mounted on both sides of the opening 21, sealing the limiting holes on the upper column tube. The frame 1 also includes a lubricator 3, comprising a lifting plate 31 and a straight cylinder 32 rotatably mounted on the lifting plate 31. The rotation axis of the cylinder 32 is on the same straight line as the axis of the port 21. The circumference of the cylinder 32 is provided with filter holes 321. The bottom of the cylinder 32 is connected to the telescopic tube 33, which is connected to the grease conveyor 4. The grease conveyor 4 is filled with a certain amount of lubricating grease. The cylinder 32 is inserted into the port 21. The sealing edge 322 on the bottom circumference of the cylinder 32 blocks the opening below the port 21. The top of the frame 1 is provided with a sealing plate 11, which seals the top of the upper column tube. The lubricating grease inside the grease conveyor 4 is injected into the upper column tube and contacts the inner wall of the upper column tube.

[0040] In use, the lubricating device of this application allows the operator to invert the upper column tube onto the fixed base 2 mounted on the frame 1. The bayonet at the opening of the upper column tube can engage with the corresponding clamping block 22. The two clamping blocks 23 on the upper side of the fixed base 2 can clamp the outer side of the upper column tube and simultaneously block the limiting hole on the upper column tube. The clamping by the clamping blocks 23 ensures that the upper column tube and the through-hole 21 on the fixed base 2 are on the same axis. At this time, the lubricator 3 can be located inside the upper column tube through the through-hole 21. The lubricator 3 is used to apply lubricating grease to the inner wall of the upper column tube. The grease conveyor 4 contains a certain amount of lubricating grease, which can be conveyed to the upper column tube via the telescopic tube 33. The lubricating grease is injected into the straight cylinder 32 inside the tube. The lubricating grease in the straight cylinder 32 can flow into the inner wall of the upper column tube through the filter holes 321 on the periphery of the straight cylinder 32 and make full contact with the upper column tube. The sealing plate 11 set at the top of the frame 1 can seal the opening at the top of the upper column tube. The clamping block 22, together with the clamping block 23, seals the clamping mouth and limiting hole of the upper column tube. The sealing edge 322 at the bottom of the straight cylinder 32 seals the opening 21 of the fixed seat 2, so that the lubricating grease can make full contact with the inner wall of the upper column tube to complete the grease application operation. After the grease application is completed, the grease conveyor 4 can recover the lubricating grease. The lubricating grease returns to the grease conveyor 4 through the straight cylinder 32 and the telescopic tube 33, saving lubricating grease.

[0041] To address the issue of ensuring even coating of lubricating grease on the inner wall of the upper column tube, the following features were specifically designed:

[0042] The straight cylinder 32 is provided with a plurality of flaps 34 around its periphery. The flaps 34 are inserted into the sealing edge 322 via shafts 341, the axis of which is parallel to the axis of the straight cylinder 32. The grease applicator 3 also includes a rotary drive unit 35, which drives the flaps 34 to rotate around the axis of the shaft 341 and the straight cylinder 32 to rotate around its own axis. A coating sheet 342 is provided on the outer side of the end of the flaps 34 away from the axis of the shaft 341, and the coating sheet 342 coats the inner wall of the upper column tube.

[0043] In this embodiment, a plurality of flaps 34 are provided on the outer periphery of the straight cylinder 32. The flaps 34 are inserted into the sealing edge 322 via shafts 341. The rotary drive unit 35 can drive the flaps 34 to rotate. Therefore, the flaps 34 can keep their inner walls in contact with the outer walls of the straight cylinder 32 when not being processed, making it easy to pass through the through-hole 21. When the straight cylinder 32 and the flaps 34 are completely inside the upper column tube, the rotary drive unit 35 can drive the flaps 34 to rotate, so that the coating 342 at the free end of the flaps 34 is in contact with the inner wall of the upper column tube. Then the rotary drive unit 35 drives the straight cylinder 32 to rotate, so that the coating 342 can evenly apply the lubricating grease to the inner wall of the upper column tube, improving the efficiency of grease application.

[0044] To address the issue of how the rotary drive unit 35 drives the rotation of the flap 34 and the straight cylinder 32, the following features are specifically designed:

[0045] The rotary drive unit 35 includes a rotating ring 351 rotatably mounted below the straight cylinder 32. The rotating ring 351 is rotatably mounted on the lifting plate 31, and the axis of the rotating ring 351 is on the same straight line as the axis of the straight cylinder 32. The rotating ring 351 is provided with a toothed groove 352 on its circumference. The rotating ring 351 is meshed with a drive gear 353 through the toothed groove 352. The drive gear 353 is connected to the working end of the rotary driver 354, and the rotary driver 354 is fixedly mounted on the lifting plate 31. The bottom of the shaft 341 of the flap 34 is provided with a paddle 343 extending radially along the shaft 341. The paddle 343 is located inside the rotating ring 351. The rotating ring 351 is provided with a protrusion 355. The rotation of the rotating ring 351 causes the protrusion 355 to push the paddle 343 to rotate. After the paddle 343 drives the flap 34 to rotate and fit against the inner wall of the upper column tube, the rotating ring 351 and the straight cylinder 32 rotate synchronously.

[0046] In this embodiment, the straight cylinder 32 and the rotating ring 351 of the rotary drive unit 35 are coaxially arranged and rotatably connected. The straight cylinder 32 and the rotating ring 351 can be connected by a limiting groove and a limiting strip. The rotating ring 351 is also connected to the lifting plate 31 to ensure that the rotating ring 351 can rotate around the axis of the straight cylinder 32 on the lifting plate 31. The rotating ring 351 is connected to the drive gear 353 through the toothed groove 352 on the outer wall. The drive gear 353 is driven to rotate by the rotary driver 354 fixedly installed on the lifting plate 31. The rotation of the drive gear 353 drives the rotating ring 351 to rotate. When the rotating ring 351 rotates, the protrusion 355 at the bottom of the rotating ring 351 moves first and contacts the bottom of the shaft 341 of the flap 34. The movement of the paddle 343 and the protrusion 355 first pushes the paddle 343 to make the flap 34 rotate around the axis of the shaft 341. The flap 34 unfolds until the coating 342 adheres to the inner wall of the upper column tube. Then, the protrusion 355 can no longer push the paddle 343 to continue moving. The subsequent rotation of the rotating ring 351 will drive the straight cylinder 32 to rotate synchronously, so that the coating 342 coats the inner wall of the upper column tube. After the coating is completed, the lubricating grease flows back to the grease conveyor 4 through the filter hole 321 of the straight cylinder 32. Then, the rotary driver 354 can drive the rotating ring 351 to rotate in the direction of the rotating ring, so that the protrusion 355 can push the paddle 343 on the other side until the flap 34 adheres to the straight cylinder 32, and the flap 34 seals the filter hole 321 of the straight cylinder 32.

[0047] To facilitate the installation of the upper column tube on the fixed base 2, the following features are specifically designed:

[0048] The lifting plate 31 is fixedly connected to the working end of the linear driver 311, which is fixedly installed on the frame 1. The working end of the linear driver 311 is set to move in the vertical direction.

[0049] In this embodiment, the lifting plate 31 is fixedly installed on the working end of the linear actuator 311. The linear actuator 311 can be a slide table or a cylinder, etc. The linear actuator 311 drives the lifting plate 31 to move the straight cylinder 32 in the vertical direction, so that when the upper column tube is installed, the straight cylinder 32 can move down and get away from the port 21, which facilitates the installation of the upper column tube. After the installation is completed, the lifting plate 31 moves up and drives the straight cylinder 32 into the interior of the upper column tube for grease application.

[0050] To address the issue of how to achieve automatic clamping of the upper column tube by the clamping block 23 using a mechanical structure, the following features are specifically designed:

[0051] At least two horizontally extending guide rods 231 are provided on the outward side of the clamping block 23. The guide rods 231 are inserted into the mounting plate 24 provided on the fixed base 2. The other end of the guide rods 231 is connected to the drive block 232. The second spring 233 sleeved on the guide rods 231 elastically connects the drive block 232 and the mounting plate 24. The second spring 233 applies an elastic force to the clamping block 23 away from the opening 21. The lifting plate 31 of the grease applicator 3 is provided with top material blocks 312 on both sides. The upper side of the top material block 312 and the lower side of the drive block 232 are both provided with inclined surfaces. When the top material block 312 moves up and contacts the drive block 232, it pushes the drive block 232 to compress the second spring 233 so that the clamping block 23 fits against the outer wall of the upper column tube.

[0052] In this embodiment, the lifting plate 31 can be raised and lowered. When the clamping block 23 is not in operation, it is subjected to the elastic force of the second spring 233 on the driving block 232. The openings 21 on both sides of the opening 21 are far apart, which makes it convenient for the staff to place and pick up the upper column tube. When the upper column tube is placed in the opening 21, the linear actuator 311 drives the lifting plate 31 to move upward. The top material blocks 312 on both sides of the lifting plate 31 contact the inclined surface of the driving block 232 of the clamping block 23. The inclined surface setting allows the top material blocks 312 to move up against the inclined surface of the driving block 232, which can push the driving block 232 to move towards the axis of the opening 21. The two clamping blocks 23 move synchronously to center and clamp the upper column tube, ensuring that the axis of the upper column tube and the axis of the opening 21 are on the same straight line, and ensuring that when the leaf blade 34 rotates to apply grease, the contact force between the coating sheet 342 and the inner wall of the upper column tube is uniform.

[0053] To address the issue of how the lubricating grease in the grease conveyor 4 enters the straight cylinder 32, the following features are specifically designed:

[0054] The grease conveyor 4 includes a storage tank 41 for storing lubricating grease, a telescopic tube 33 connected to the bottom of the storage tank 41, a piston plate 42 slidably installed inside the storage tank 41, an extension rod 43 extending vertically upwards is provided on the top of the piston plate 42, the extension rod 43 is inserted into the top of the frame 1, and the piston plate 42 moves vertically downwards inside the storage tank 41 to squeeze the lubricating grease in the storage tank 41 into the straight cylinder 32 of the grease applicator 3.

[0055] In this embodiment, the lubricating grease is stored in the storage tank 41 of the grease conveyor 4. The piston plate 42 enters the storage tank 41 through the top opening of the storage tank 41. The periphery of the piston plate 42 is in contact with the inner wall of the storage tank 41. When the straight cylinder 32 enters the upper column tube, the piston plate 42 moves down to inject the lubricating grease in the storage tank 41 into the upper column tube. After the grease application is completed, the piston plate 42 moves up to draw the straight cylinder 32 in the upper column tube back into the storage tank 41, thereby realizing the reuse of the lubricating grease and saving materials.

[0056] To address the issue of preventing the rotation of the flap 34 from affecting the telescopic tube 33, the following features are specifically designed:

[0057] The top end of the telescopic tube 33 is provided with an installation ring 331. The telescopic tube 33 is rotatably installed at the bottom of the straight cylinder 32 through the installation ring 331. The opening of the installation ring 331 faces upward and the inner diameter gradually increases.

[0058] In this embodiment, the telescopic tube 33 is rotatably mounted on the bottom of the straight cylinder 32 via the mounting ring 331. When the straight cylinder 32 rotates, the mounting ring 331 remains unchanged. The opening of the mounting ring 331 faces upward and the inner diameter gradually increases. Therefore, when the lubricating grease flows back into the grease conveyor 4, it is more thorough and less likely to remain in the straight cylinder 32.

[0059] To address the issue of how to maintain a seal between the sealing plate 11 and the top of the upper column tube when lubricating grease is injected into it, the following features are specifically designed:

[0060] The sealing plate 11 is provided with a vertically upward extending guide rod 111 at its top, and the sealing plate 11 is inserted into the top of the frame 1 through the guide rod 111; the extension rod 43 is provided with a connector 431, the sealing plate 11 is inserted into one end of the connector 431, and a first spring 112 is sleeved on the guide rod 111. The first spring 112 elastically connects the sealing plate 11 and the first spring 112. The piston plate 42 moves down and drives the connector 431 to compress the first spring 112. The first spring 112 applies an elastic force to make the sealing plate 11 fit tightly against the opening above the upper column tube.

[0061] In this embodiment, the extension rod 43 at the top of the piston plate 42 extends vertically. The operator can hold the extension rod 43 to drive the piston plate 42 downward, or connect the extension rod 43 to an electric push rod or cylinder or other electrical components to move the piston plate 42 up and down. The connector 431 on the extension rod 43 is connected to the guide rod 111 of the sealing plate 11. The first spring 112 between the sealing plate 11 and the connector 431 is compressed when the connector 431 moves downward with the extension rod 43. The elastic force of the first spring 112 on the sealing plate 11 allows the sealing plate 11 to be tightly attached to the top of the upper column tube, thereby maintaining the sealing effect on the upper column tube. After the extension rod 43 moves upward, the elastic force of the first spring 112 decreases, making it easier for the operator to lift the sealing plate 11 and remove the upper column tube from the fixing seat 2.

[0062] Working principle: During use, the operator can invert the upper column tube onto the fixed base 2 installed on the frame 1. The bayonet at the opening of the upper column tube engages with the corresponding clamping block 22. The two clamping blocks 23 on the upper side of the fixed base 2 can clamp the outer side of the upper column tube and simultaneously block the limiting hole on the upper column tube. The clamping by the clamping blocks 23 makes the upper column tube and the through-hole 21 on the fixed base 2 coaxial. At this time, the grease applicator 3 is located inside the upper column tube. The grease conveyor 4 contains a certain amount of lubricating grease. The grease conveyor 4 can inject the lubricating grease into the straight cylinder 32 located inside the upper column tube through the telescopic tube 33. The lubricating grease in the straight cylinder 32 can flow into the inner wall of the upper column tube through the filter holes 321 on the periphery of the straight cylinder 32 and make full contact with the upper column tube. Rotation drive Unit 35 can drive the flaps 34 on the periphery of the straight cylinder 32 to rotate, so that the coating 342 at the free end of the flaps 34 adheres to the inner wall of the upper column tube. Then, the rotation drive unit 35 drives the straight cylinder 32 to rotate, so that the coating 342 can evenly apply the lubricating grease to the inner wall of the upper column tube. The sealing plate 11 set at the top of the frame 1 can seal the opening at the top of the upper column tube. The clamping block 22 cooperates with the clamping block 23 to seal the clamping mouth and limiting hole of the upper column tube. The sealing edge 322 at the bottom of the straight cylinder 32 seals the opening 21 of the fixed seat 2, so that the lubricating grease can fully contact the inner wall of the upper column tube to complete the grease application operation. After the grease application is completed, the grease conveyor 4 can recover the lubricating grease. The lubricating grease returns to the grease conveyor 4 through the straight cylinder 32 and the telescopic tube 33.

[0063] A method for applying grease to the inside of the upper column tube of an automotive steering system, applied to a grease application device for the inside of the upper column tube of an automotive steering system, includes the following steps:

[0064] Step 1: Place the upper column tube upside down on the fixing base 2, align the slot of the upper column tube with the clamping block 22, and clamp the two sides of the outer wall of the upper column tube with the clamping block 23 to seal the limiting holes on both sides of the upper column tube.

[0065] Step 2: The grease applicator 3 moves upward and passes through the opening 21 of the fixed seat 2 into the interior of the upper column tube. The sealing edge 322 at the bottom of the straight cylinder 32 seals the bottom of the opening 21, and the sealing plate 11 seals the top of the upper column tube.

[0066] Step 3: The grease conveyor 4 delivers lubricating grease into the straight cylinder 32 through the telescopic tube 33. The lubricating grease passes through the filter hole 321 and enters the upper column tube, making full contact with the inner wall of the upper column tube to complete the grease application.

[0067] Step 4: The lubricating grease flows back into the grease conveyor 4 for collection, and the upper column tube that has been greased is removed from the fixed seat 2.

[0068] The above embodiments only illustrate one or more implementations of the present invention, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A grease-applying device for the inner side of the upper column tube of an automotive steering system, comprising a frame (1) and a mounting base (2) mounted on the frame (1), characterized in that, The center of the fixed base (2) is provided with a through-hole (21), the upper column tube is upside down in the through-hole (21), and the two sides of the through-hole (21) are provided with corresponding clamping blocks (22) for the upper column tube clamping holes. Clamping blocks (23) are slidably installed on both sides of the through-hole (21). The clamping blocks (23) are arc-shaped and fit against the outer wall of the upper column tube to seal the limiting hole on the upper column tube. The frame (1) is also equipped with a grease applicator (3), which includes a lifting plate (31) and a straight cylinder (32) rotatably mounted on the lifting plate (31). The rotation axis of the straight cylinder (32) is on the same straight line as the axis of the port (21). The straight cylinder (32) is provided with filter holes (321) on its periphery. The bottom of the straight cylinder (32) is connected to a telescopic tube (33), which is connected to a grease conveyor (4). The grease conveyor (4) is filled with a certain amount of lubricating grease. The straight cylinder (32) is inserted into the through-hole (21). The sealing edge (322) on the bottom periphery of the straight cylinder (32) blocks the opening below the through-hole (21). A sealing plate (11) is provided on the top of the frame (1). The sealing plate (11) seals the top of the upper column tube. The lubricating grease inside the grease conveyor (4) is injected into the upper column tube and contacts the inner wall of the upper column tube. The straight cylinder (32) is provided with a number of flaps (34) on its periphery. The flaps (34) are inserted into the sealing edge (322) through the shaft (341). The axis of the shaft (341) is parallel to the axis of the straight cylinder (32). The grease applicator (3) also includes a rotary drive unit (35), which drives the flap (34) to rotate around the axis of the shaft (341) and the straight cylinder (32) to rotate around its own axis; A coating (342) is provided on the outer side of the end of the blade (344) away from the axis of the shaft (341), and the coating (342) coats the inner wall of the upper column tube; The rotary drive unit (35) includes a rotating ring (351) rotatably mounted below the straight cylinder (32). The rotating ring (351) is rotatably mounted on the lifting plate (31), and the axis of the rotating ring (351) is on the same straight line as the axis of the straight cylinder (32). The circumference of the rotating ring (351) is provided with toothed grooves (352), and the rotating ring (351) is meshed with the drive gear (353) through the toothed grooves (352). The drive gear (353) is connected to the working end of the rotary driver (354), and the rotary driver (354) is fixedly installed on the lifting plate (31). The bottom of the shaft (341) of the flap (34) is provided with a paddle (343) extending radially along the shaft (341). The paddle (343) is located inside the rotating ring (351). The rotating ring (351) is provided with a protrusion (355). The rotating ring (351) rotates, causing the protrusion (355) to push the paddle (343) to rotate. The paddle (343) drives the flap (34) to rotate until it fits against the inner wall of the upper column tube. Then the rotating ring (351) and the straight cylinder (32) rotate synchronously.

2. The grease-applying device for the inner side of the upper column tube of an automotive steering system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting plate (31) is fixedly connected to the working end of the linear driver (311), which is fixedly installed on the frame (1). The working end of the linear driver (311) is set to move in the vertical direction.

3. A grease-applying device for the inner side of the upper column tube of an automotive steering system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The clamping block (23) has at least two horizontally extending guide rods (231) on its outward side. The guide rods (231) are inserted into the mounting plate (24) on the fixed base (2). The other end of the guide rods (231) is connected to the drive block (232). The second spring (233) sleeved on the guide rods (231) elastically connects the drive block (232) and the mounting plate (24). The second spring (233) applies a spring force to move the clamping block (23) away from the opening (21). The lifting plate (31) of the grease applicator (3) is provided with top material blocks (312) on both sides. The upper side of the top material block (312) and the lower side of the drive block (232) are both provided with inclined surfaces. When the top material block (312) moves up and contacts the drive block (232), it pushes the drive block (232) to compress the second spring (233) so that the clamping block (23) fits against the outer wall of the upper column tube.

4. A grease-applying device for the inner side of the upper column tube of an automotive steering system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The grease conveyor (4) includes a storage box (41) for storing lubricating grease, a telescopic tube (33) connected to the bottom of the storage box (41), a piston plate (42) slidably installed inside the storage box (41), an extension rod (43) extending vertically upward is provided on the top of the piston plate (42), the extension rod (43) is inserted into the top of the frame (1), and the piston plate (42) moves vertically downward inside the storage box (41) to squeeze the lubricating grease in the storage box (41) into the straight cylinder (32) of the grease applicator (3).

5. A grease-applying device for the inner side of the upper column tube of an automotive steering system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The top end of the telescopic tube (33) is provided with an installation ring (331). The telescopic tube (33) is rotatably installed at the bottom of the straight cylinder (32) through the installation ring (331). The opening of the installation ring (331) faces upward and the inner diameter gradually increases.

6. A grease-applying device for the inner side of the upper column tube of an automotive steering system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sealing plate (11) is provided with a guide rod (111) extending vertically upward at the top, and the sealing plate (11) is inserted into the top of the frame (1) through the guide rod (111); The extension rod (43) is provided with a connector (431), the sealing plate (11) is inserted into one end of the connector (431), the guide rod (111) is sleeved with a first spring (112), the first spring (112) elastically connects the sealing plate (11) and the first spring (112), the piston plate (42) moves down to drive the connector (431) to compress the first spring (112), and the first spring (112) applies the elastic force of the sealing plate (11) to press tightly against the opening above the upper column tube.

7. A method for applying grease to the inside of the upper column tube of an automotive steering system, applied to the grease application equipment for the inside of the upper column tube of an automotive steering system as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Place the upper column tube upside down on the fixed base (2), align the slot of the upper column tube with the clamping block (22), and clamp the two sides of the outer wall of the upper column tube with the clamping block (23) to block the limiting holes on both sides of the upper column tube. Step 2: The grease applicator (3) moves upward through the opening (21) of the fixed seat (2) and enters the interior of the upper column tube. The sealing edge (322) at the bottom of the straight cylinder (32) seals the bottom of the opening (21), and the sealing plate (11) seals the top of the upper column tube. Step 3: The grease conveyor (4) delivers lubricating grease into the straight cylinder (32) through the telescopic tube (33). The lubricating grease passes through the filter hole (321) and enters the upper column tube, making full contact with the inner wall of the upper column tube to complete the grease application. Step 4: The lubricating grease flows back into the grease conveyor (4) for collection, and the upper column tube that has been greased on the fixed seat (2) is removed.

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