Steering column center marking tool and marking method

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a steering column center marking tool and method, belonging to the technical field of marking tools. The steering column center marking tool includes a positioning disc, a pointing element, and a level. The positioning disc is adapted to be mounted on the steering column and has multiple marking structures. These marking structures are uniformly arranged at equal intervals around the rotation axis of the steering column. The pointing element is rotatably connected to the positioning disc or the steering column, and its rotation axis coincides with that of the steering column. The pointing element can point radially towards any of the marking structures. The level is connected to the pointing element and is used to measure whether the pointing element is horizontal. This disclosure can avoid the influence of connection errors between the steering column and other components on the center marking position of the steering column.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of scribing tools, and in particular to a scribing tool for the center of a steering column. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, most steering column centering marking tools are based on confirming the centering position of the steering column assembly as a single unit. For example, the steering column assembly is mounted horizontally on a fixture, and the centering position of the top of the steering column is determined before marking.

[0003] However, these center-line marking tools do not account for potential errors during marking: the fixing error between the steering column and the body-in-white, the connection error between the steering column and the intermediate shaft, the connection error between the intermediate shaft and the steering gear, the connection error between the steering gear and the steering knuckle, and the installation error between the steering gear and the subframe. Due to the accumulation of these errors, the center of the steering column deviates from its original theoretical position during installation. If the steering wheel is still assembled according to the originally marked centerline, it will result in a deviation in steering wheel alignment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, this disclosure provides a tool and method for scribing the center line of the steering column to avoid the influence of connection errors between the steering column and other components on the scribing position of the center line of the steering column. The technical solution is as follows:

[0005] In a first aspect, a steering column centering marking tool is provided, the steering column centering marking tool including a positioning plate, a pointing component and a level;

[0006] The positioning disk is adapted to be mounted on the steering column, and the positioning disk has multiple marking structures that are evenly arranged at equal intervals around the rotation axis of the steering column.

[0007] The pointing element is rotatably connected to the positioning disk or the steering column, the rotation axis of the pointing element coincides with the rotation axis of the steering column, and the pointing element can point to any of the marking structures along its own rotational radial direction.

[0008] The level is connected to the pointing device and is used to measure whether the pointing device is horizontal.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the pointer has a wall extending along the direction of the pointer, the plane of which passes through the axis of rotation of the pointer and can pass through the center of any of the marking structures as the pointer rotates.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the pointing element includes a connected pointing portion and a connecting portion, the pointing portion extending along the pointing direction of the pointing element, the connecting portion being rotatably connected to the positioning plate or the steering column and located on the side of the pointing portion near the steering column, and the wall surface including a first portion located on the connecting portion and / or a second portion located on the pointing portion near the steering column.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the marking structure includes slots, a plurality of slots being evenly arranged on the positioning plate at equal intervals about the rotation axis of the steering column, the slots being for inserting a first end of the marking rod, and the pointing member having a limiting groove;

[0012] When the first end of the indicator rod is inserted into the slot, the limiting groove can cooperate with the second end of the indicator rod to achieve circumferential limiting of the pointing member through the cooperation between the limiting groove and the indicator rod. When the second end of the indicator rod cooperates with the limiting groove, the center line of the corresponding slot is located on the plane where the wall surface is located.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the indicator rods include at least two, and the first end of each indicator rod can be inserted into any of the slots.

[0014] In one possible implementation, each of the slots is provided with a corresponding first indicator, and each of the first indicators is provided on the positioning disk.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the marking structure includes marking lines, which are evenly arranged on the positioning disk at equal intervals around the rotation axis of the steering column, and each marking line is arranged radially along the rotation of the steering column.

[0016] In one possible implementation, each of the indicated lines is provided with a corresponding second indication value, and each of the second indication values ​​is provided on the positioning disk.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the projection of the positioning disk onto a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the steering column is circular, and the center of the circle is located on the rotation axis of the steering column.

[0018] In a second aspect, a scribing method is provided for a steering column center scribing tool as described in any one of the first aspects, the scribing method comprising:

[0019] Install the positioning plate on the steering column;

[0020] Rotate the positioning disk clockwise to drive the steering column to rotate clockwise until it can no longer rotate. Rotate the pointing component to the first position. At the first position, the level shows that the pointing component is pointing in the horizontal direction, and records the position of the marking structure that the pointing component is pointing to at this time.

[0021] Rotate the positioning disk counterclockwise to drive the steering column to rotate counterclockwise until it can no longer rotate. Rotate the pointing element to the second position. In the second position, the level shows that the pointing element is pointing in the horizontal direction, and record the position of the other marking structure that the pointing element is pointing to at this time.

[0022] Find the marker structure located in the middle between the two recorded marker structures;

[0023] Rotate the pointer to a third position, in which the pointer points to the marker structure located in the middle between the two recorded marker structures;

[0024] A centerline is engraved on the steering column in the direction indicated by the pointer in the third position.

[0025] The solution disclosed herein allows for the installation of the steering column and other related components before the steering wheel is installed. A center line is then etched on the steering column based on the vehicle's overall position, thus avoiding the influence of connection errors between the steering column and other components on the etched center line position. This improves the accuracy of the etched center line on the steering column. Installing the steering wheel according to this line enhances the steering wheel's centering. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a steering column center marking tool provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a split diagram of a steering column center marking tool provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a top view schematic diagram of a steering column center marking tool provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a positioning disk provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another positioning disk provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a pointing device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a pointing device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a marker rod provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0035] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of a steering column center marking tool and a steering column according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0036] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0037] 1. Positioning plate; 11. Slot; 12. Marking line; 13. Mounting hole; 131. First circumferential limiting structure; 14. Annular guide structure; 2. Pointing component; 201. Connecting part; 202. Pointing part; 21. Wall surface; 22. Limiting groove; 23. Level mounting base; 3. Steering column; 4. Marking rod. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this disclosure clearer, the embodiments of this disclosure will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] This embodiment specifically relates to a steering column center marking tool, which is suitable for marking the center of the steering column 3 based on the vehicle position after the installation of the steering column 3 and other related components is completed before the steering wheel is installed. The structural features of the steering column center marking tool will be described below.

[0040] like Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the steering column center marking tool. Figure 2 The diagram shown is a split view of the steering column centerline scribing tool. Figure 3 The image shown is a top view of the steering column center marking tool. Figure 4 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a positioning disk, as follows: Figure 5 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of another type of positioning disk, as follows: Figure 6 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the pointing component. Figure 7 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of another type of pointing device, such as... Figure 8 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the marker rod. Figure 9 The diagram shows the assembly of the steering column center marking tool with the steering column.

[0041] refer to Figure 2 As shown, the steering column center marking tool includes a positioning disc 1, a pointing component 2, and a level, wherein the positioning disc 1 is adapted to be mounted on the steering column 3.

[0042] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the positioning disk 1 has multiple marking structures, which are evenly arranged at equal intervals around the rotation axis of the steering column 3. Each marking structure can be arranged as follows: Figure 4 and Figure 5 It is set on the upper surface of positioning disk 1 as shown.

[0043] refer to Figure 1 As shown, the pointing component 2 is rotatably connected to the positioning plate 1 or the steering column 3. The rotation axis of the pointing component 2 coincides with the rotation axis of the steering column 3. The pointing component 2 can point to any marking structure along its own rotation radial direction. The level is connected to the pointing component 2 and is used to measure whether the pointing component 2 is horizontal.

[0044] In this embodiment, before installing the steering column 3 and other related components, after rotating the steering column 3 clockwise and counterclockwise by a certain angle, it will reach a limit position where it can no longer be rotated. These two positions are symmetrical with respect to the center position of the steering column 3 at the zero position. Rotating the positioning disc 1 to move the steering column 3 will also bring it to these two positions. When the steering column 3 is in these two positions, the steering pointer 2 points to two different horizontal directions. Since the steering pointer 2 can point to any marking structure along its own rotational radial direction, and multiple marking structures are evenly arranged around the rotation axis of the steering column 3 at equal intervals, the centers of the two marking structures pointed to by the steering pointer 2 in these two horizontal directions are also symmetrical with respect to the center position of the steering column 3 at the zero position. Therefore, when the steering pointer 2 points to the center of the marking structure located at the center position of these two marking structures, the steering pointer 2's radial direction of rotation will pass through the center position of the steering column 3, thus allowing the centerline to be engraved on the steering column 3 along the direction pointed to by the steering pointer 2 at this time. In this way, the connection error between the steering column 3 and other components can be avoided from affecting the position of the center line in the center of the steering column 3, thereby improving the position accuracy of the center line in the center of the steering column 3. Installing the steering wheel according to this center line can improve the centering of the steering wheel.

[0045] It should be noted that when the steering column 3 is in the zero position, the vehicle can only travel straight.

[0046] In one example, the positioning disk 1 has a through mounting hole 13 through which the steering column 3 passes from bottom to top, such that the top end of the steering column 3 protrudes from above the positioning disk 1 to facilitate the marking of a centerline on the top end of the steering column 3. The mounting hole 13 has a first circumferential limiting structure 131 adapted to mate with the steering column 3, thereby restricting the relative rotation between the positioning disk 1 and the steering column 3. Consequently, when the positioning disk 1 is rotated, the steering column 3 is driven to rotate about its axis of rotation.

[0047] In one example, the first circumferential limiting structure 131 can be a spline that mates with the external spline on the steering column 3, or a single limiting key or multiple limiting keys, so that the limiting between the positioning plate 1 and the steering column 3 is stable and the positioning plate 1 is easy to install and remove from the steering column 3.

[0048] In one example, the marking structure can be located on the side of the positioning disk 1, or it can be as follows: Figure 4 and Figure 5 The image shows the upper surface of positioning disk 1.

[0049] In one example, refer to Figure 6 As shown, the pointing member 2 has a wall surface 21. The wall surface 21 extends along the pointing direction of the pointing member 2, and the plane containing the wall surface 21 passes through the rotation axis of the pointing member 2 and can pass through the center of any marking structure as the pointing member 2 rotates. (Reference) Figure 3 As shown, when the pointer 2 points radially along its own rotation through the center of the steering column 3, the plane containing the wall surface 21 also passes through the center of the steering column 3. Therefore, by marking along the wall surface 21 on the pointer 2 at the center of the steering column 3, the problem of skewing of the markings can be avoided, and the accuracy of the markings can be improved.

[0050] In one example, the pointing component 2 includes a pointing portion 202 and a connecting portion 201 connected together. The pointing portion 202 and the connecting portion 201 can be integrally formed, or they can be two independent structural components fixed together by snap-fit ​​or screws. The pointing portion 202 extends along the pointing direction of the pointing component 2, and the connecting portion 201 is rotatably connected to the positioning plate 1 or the steering column 3 and is located on the side of the pointing portion 202 closer to the steering column 3.

[0051] In one example, to achieve the rotation of the pointer 2 on the positioning disk 1, refer to Figure 4 As shown, the positioning disk 1 has an annular guide structure 14, the centerline of which coincides with the rotation axis of the steering column 3. The connecting part 201 is used to slide along the annular guide structure 14.

[0052] For example, the annular guide structure 14 can be an annular guide groove, and the connecting part 201 can be an annular piece adapted to the shape of the annular guide groove, or something similar. Figure 6 The arc-shaped piece shown; the annular guide structure 14 can be a raised annular guide rail, and the connecting part 201 can be provided with an annular groove or an arc-shaped groove that matches the shape of the annular guide rail.

[0053] The annular guide structure 14 is exemplified by an annular guide groove, and the connecting part 201 is as follows: Figure 6 The example shown is an arc-shaped piece. The first end of the connecting part 201 is inserted into the annular guide structure 14 to connect the pointing member 2 to the positioning disk 1, and the second end of the connecting part 201 is connected to the pointing part 202. Pushing the connecting part 201 or the pointing part 202 will cause the pointing member 2 to rotate on the positioning disk 1.

[0054] In another example, to achieve rotation of the pointer 2 on the steering column 3, refer to Figure 7 As shown, the connecting part 201 includes a collar, and the pointing part 202 is connected to the collar. The inner diameter of the collar is adapted to the diameter of the steering column 3. For example, the inner diameter of the collar is slightly larger than the diameter of the steering column 3 so that the collar can fit snugly onto the steering column 3. The axis of the collar coincides with the axis of rotation of the steering column 3 to achieve the connection of the pointing element 2 on the steering column 3. Pushing the collar or the pointing part 202 will allow the pointing element 2 to rotate on the steering column 3.

[0055] In one example, the connecting part 201 further includes a sleeve, which is mounted inside the collar and is able to rotate freely about its own axis within the collar, the axis of the collar and the axis of the sleeve coinciding. The sleeve has a second circumferential limiting structure adapted to mate with the steering column 3, so as to mount the sleeve on the steering column 3 and limit the relative rotation between the sleeve and the steering column 3, so that the collar rotates outside the sleeve when the collar is rotated. Compared to the previous example, this example avoids wear caused by the relative rotation between the collar and the steering column 3, while improving the stability of the relative rotation between the collar and the steering column 3.

[0056] It should be noted that when the sleeve and collar are installed on the steering column 3, they will not affect the markings on the steering column 3. For example, when the sleeve and collar are installed on the steering column 3, the top end face of the steering column 3 is flush with or slightly higher than the highest plane of the sleeve and collar.

[0057] In one example, the second circumferential limiting structure can be a spline that mates with an external spline on the steering column 3, or a single limiting key or multiple limiting keys.

[0058] It should be noted that in the above example, the connection between the pointing component 2 and the positioning disk 1 or the steering column 3 is detachable, but the connection between the pointing component 2 and the positioning disk 1 can also be non-detachable. This embodiment does not limit the specific connection method between the pointing component 2 and the positioning disk 1 or the steering column 3, as long as it can enable the pointing component 2 to rotate around the rotation axis of the steering column 3.

[0059] The wall 21 may include a first part located on the connecting part 201 and a second part located on the pointing part 202 near the steering column 3, or it may only include the first part located on the connecting part 201, or it may only include the second part located on the pointing part 202 near the steering column 3.

[0060] For example Figure 6 As shown, the connecting part 201 can be an arc-shaped piece whose centerline coincides with the rotation axis of the rotating column 3. The pointing part 202 can be a pointer, with one end connected to the connecting part 201 and the other end extending along the direction of the pointing member 2. The connecting part 201 and the pointing part 202 form an L-shape. The first part, as wall 21, can be formed by only the plane containing one side wall of the arc-shaped piece extending along the direction of the pointing member 2 and passing through the rotation axis of the pointing member 2; or the second part, as wall 21, can be formed by only the plane containing one side wall of the pointer extending along the direction of the pointing member 2 and passing through the rotation axis of the pointing member 2; or both the plane containing one side wall of the arc-shaped piece and the plane containing one side wall of the pointer extending along the direction of the pointing member 2 and passing through the rotation axis of the pointing member 2, forming the first and second parts together constituting wall 21. Since wall 21 includes a portion located close to the steering column 3, the distance between wall 21 and steering column 3 is relatively short, which improves the accuracy of the center mark on the steering column 3.

[0061] In one example, refer to Figure 4 As shown, the marking structure includes slots 11. Multiple slots 11 are evenly spaced at equal intervals on the upper surface of the positioning disk 1 about the rotation axis of the steering column 3. The slots 11 are used to insert the first end of the marking rod 4. The pointing member 2 has a limiting groove 22. When the first end of the marking rod 4 is inserted into a slot 11, the limiting groove 22 engages with the second end of the marking rod 4, thereby achieving circumferential limiting of the pointing member 2 through the engagement between the limiting groove 22 and the marking rod 4. Furthermore, when the second end of the marking rod 4 engages with the limiting groove 22, the axis of the corresponding slot 11 lies on the plane containing the wall surface 21.

[0062] As described above, when the pointer 2 points radially through the center of the steering column 3, it also points to the center of the corresponding slot 11. At this time, the pointer 4 can be placed in the slot 11 to circumferentially limit the pointer 2, so that a center line can be marked on the steering column 3 along the wall 21 of the pointer 2.

[0063] Furthermore, since the pointing element 2 may not point to the center of any slot 11 when it points to two horizontal directions along its own rotational radial direction, the error can be minimized by selecting the two slots 11 with the smallest center distance corresponding to the pointing interval angle.

[0064] In one example, the limiting groove 22 can be a recess located on the side of the pointing portion 202 near the positioning disk 1, or it can be as shown in the reference. Figure 6 The groove shown is located on one side wall of the pointing part 202.

[0065] In one example, the first end of the indicator rod 4 is adapted to the slot 11, and the second end is adapted to the limiting groove 22. The shape and size of the first end and the second end can be the same or different. For example, the shape of the indicator rod 4 can be cylindrical, and the first end and the second end of the indicator rod 4 can have the same shape and size; the shape of the indicator rod 4 can also be as follows: Figure 8 The stepped circular shaft shown has the same shape at the first end and the second end of the marker rod 4, but different sizes; the shape of the marker rod 4 can also be an irregular shaft with a circular shaft at the first end and a square shaft at the second end, in which the first end and the second end of the marker rod 4 have the same shape but different sizes.

[0066] In one example, at least two marker rods 4 are included, and the first end of each marker rod 4 can be inserted into either slot 11. This allows for initial marking by inserting both marker rods 4 into the two slots 11 indicated by the pointer 2 pointing in two horizontal directions. Then, after locating the other slot 11 in the middle position based on these two slots 11, one marker rod 4 is removed and inserted into the middle slot 11 for subsequent scribing operations. This avoids delays caused by forgetting the location of the required slot 11, which could affect the scribing progress.

[0067] In one example, each slot 11 is provided with a corresponding first indicator, and each first indicator is located on the positioning plate 1. After finding the two slots 11 pointed to by the pointer 2 in two horizontal directions, the slot 11 located in the middle of the two slots 11 can be quickly found by using the first indicator, thus improving work efficiency.

[0068] In one example, the first indication can be on the upper surface of the positioning disk 1 or on the side of the positioning disk 1.

[0069] In one example, the marking structure includes marking lines 12. Multiple marking lines 12 are evenly spaced on the positioning disc 1 at equal intervals around the rotation axis of the steering column 3, with each marking line 12 arranged radially along the rotation of the steering column 3. By using marking lines 12 as the marking structure, a larger number can be set, thereby increasing the accuracy of the center marking line 12 found when the pointer 2 points to two marking lines 12 in two different horizontal directions, thus improving the accuracy of the marking on the center of the steering column 3.

[0070] In one example, the marking line 12 can be in the form of a groove or a scribing line. This embodiment does not limit the form of the marking line 12, as long as it can achieve the marking function.

[0071] In one example, each marker line 12 is accompanied by a corresponding second indicator, which is located on the positioning disk 1. After finding the two marker lines 12 indicated by the pointer 2 in two horizontal directions, the marker line 12 located in the middle of the two marker lines 12 can be quickly found through the second indicator, thus improving work efficiency.

[0072] In one example, the multiple first values ​​can be natural numbers that are sequentially connected starting from 0 and whose number is the same as the number of slots 11.

[0073] In one example, multiple second values ​​can be natural numbers that are sequentially connected starting from 0 and whose number is the same as the number of indicator lines 12.

[0074] In one example, refer to Figure 9 As shown, the projection of the positioning disc 1 onto a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the steering column 3 is circular, and the center of this circle lies on the rotation axis of the steering column 3. For example, the positioning disc 1 can be circular, or it can be... Figure 9 The top surface is open and the shape is a hollow frustum, wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. The mounting hole 13 can be set in the center of the positioning plate 1, which can reduce the space required for the positioning plate 1 to rotate and facilitate manual operation.

[0075] In one example, refer to Figure 6 As shown, in order to connect the level and the pointing member 2, the pointing member 2 has a level mounting base 23 for mounting the level. The level mounting base 23 can be located on the connecting part 201, or it can be as shown in the diagram. Figure 6 The indicator is located on the pointing part 202. The level is mounted on the level mounting base 23, and the connection can be either non-removable, such as by welding or gluing, or detachable, such as by magnetic attraction or snap-fit.

[0076] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, after the installation of the steering column and other related components is completed before the steering wheel is installed, a center line is engraved on the center of the steering column 3 based on the vehicle position. This avoids the connection error between the steering column 3 and other components affecting the position of the engraved line on the center of the steering column 3, thereby improving the position accuracy of the center line engraved on the center of the steering column 3. Installing the steering wheel according to this line can improve the centering of the steering wheel.

[0077] In a second aspect, a scribing method is provided for a steering column center scribing tool applicable to any embodiment of the first aspect, the scribing method comprising:

[0078] The first step is to install the positioning plate 1 on the steering column 3.

[0079] For example, the mounting hole 13 of the positioning plate 1 is fitted onto the steering column 3, and the internal spline in the mounting hole 13 is engaged with the external spline on the steering column 3.

[0080] The second step is to connect the pointing component 2 and the positioning disk 1.

[0081] For example, the connecting part 201 of the pointing member 2 is inserted into the annular guide structure 14 of the positioning disk 1.

[0082] It should be noted that the second step can also be performed before the first step. For example, the steering component 2 and the positioning plate 1 can be connected first, and then the positioning plate 1 can be installed on the steering column 3.

[0083] The third step is to connect the level and the pointer 2.

[0084] For example, the level can be magnetically attached to the pointing component 2.

[0085] It should be noted that the third step can also be performed before the second step. For example, first attach the level to the pointing component 2 using magnetic attraction, and then connect the pointing component 2 to the positioning disk 1.

[0086] The fourth step is to rotate the positioning disk 1 clockwise to drive the steering column 3 to rotate clockwise until it can no longer rotate. Then, rotate the pointing component 2 to the first position. In the first position, the level indicator shows that the pointing component 2 is pointing in the horizontal direction, and the position of the marking structure pointed to by the pointing component 2 at this time is recorded.

[0087] For example, the pointing component 2 can be rotated to the first position while the positioning disk 1 is being rotated, or the pointing component 2 can be rotated to the first position after the positioning disk 1 has been rotated until it can no longer be rotated, or the positioning disk 1 can be rotated to the first position after the pointing component 2 has been rotated until it can no longer be rotated, and then the position of the marking structure pointed to by the pointing component 2 at this time can be recorded.

[0088] The fifth step is to rotate the positioning disk 1 counterclockwise to drive the steering column 3 to rotate counterclockwise until it can no longer rotate. Then, rotate the pointing component 2 to the second position. In the second position, the level indicator shows that the pointing component 2 is pointing in the horizontal direction, and record the position of the other marking structure that the pointing component 2 is pointing to at this time.

[0089] For example, the pointing component 2 can be rotated to the second position while the positioning disk 1 is being rotated, or the pointing component 2 can be rotated to the second position after the positioning disk 1 is rotated until it can no longer be rotated, or the positioning disk 1 can be rotated to the second position after the pointing component 2 is rotated until it can no longer be rotated, and then the position of the other marking structure pointed to by the pointing component 2 at this time can be recorded.

[0090] The sixth step is to find the marker structure located in the middle between the two recorded marker structures.

[0091] For example, multiple marker structures consist of 360 marker lines 12, each with a second value next to it. The second value is a natural number from 0 to 359. When the second values ​​next to two recorded marker lines 12 are 0 and 60, the marker line 12 with a second value of 30 can be found.

[0092] It should be noted that there is no order requirement between steps five and six, and step six can be performed before step five.

[0093] The seventh step is to rotate the pointer 2 to the third position. In the third position, the pointer 2 points to the center of the marker structure located between the two marker structures being recorded.

[0094] For example, rotate the pointer 2 to the third position so that the plane on which the wall 21 is located passes through the adjacent second indicator line 12 with a value of 30.

[0095] The eighth step is to carve a centerline on the steering column 3 in the direction indicated by the pointer 2 in the third position.

[0096] For example, use a carving knife or other tools to carve lines on the top surface of the steering column 3 along the wall 21.

[0097] In this embodiment, by using the above-described marking method to mark the center line of the steering column 3, the center line can be marked on the center of the steering column 3 based on the vehicle's overall position after the steering column and other related components have been installed before the steering wheel is installed. This avoids the connection errors between the steering column 3 and other components affecting the position of the center line on the steering column 3, thereby improving the accuracy of the center line marked on the center of the steering column 3. Installing the steering wheel according to this center line improves the steering wheel's centering accuracy.

[0098] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure should be included within the protection scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A midline marking tool for a steering column, the tool comprising: The steering column middle position marking tool comprises a positioning disc (1), a pointing member (2) and a level; The positioning disc (1) is adapted to be mounted on a steering column (3), and the positioning disc (1) has a plurality of marking structures which are uniformly arranged at equal interval angles around the rotation axis of the steering column (3); The pointing member (2) is rotationally connected to the positioning disc (1) or the steering column (3), and the rotation axis of the pointing member (2) coincides with the rotation axis of the steering column (3), and the pointing member (2) can point to any marking structure along the radial direction of its rotation; The level is connected to the pointing member (2) and used for measuring whether the pointing of the pointing member (2) is horizontal; The pointing member (2) has a wall surface (21) which extends along the pointing direction of the pointing member (2), and the plane where the wall surface (21) is located passes through the rotation axis of the pointing member (2) and can pass through the center of any marking structure with the rotation of the pointing member (2); The marking structure comprises a plurality of insertion grooves (11) which are uniformly arranged at equal interval angles around the rotation axis of the steering column (3) on the positioning disc (1), and the insertion grooves (11) are used for inserting the first end of a marking rod (4), and the pointing member (2) has a limiting groove (22); When the first end of the marking rod (4) is inserted into an insertion groove (11), the limiting groove (22) can cooperate with the second end of the marking rod (4) to realize the circumferential limiting of the pointing member (2) through the cooperation between the limiting groove (22) and the marking rod (4), and when the second end of the marking rod (4) cooperates with the limiting groove (22), the axis center line of the corresponding insertion groove (11) is located on the plane where the wall surface (21) is located.

2. The midline tooling for a steering column as defined in claim 1, wherein, The pointing member (2) comprises a pointing part (202) and a connecting part (201) which are connected to each other, the pointing part (202) extends along the pointing direction of the pointing member (2), the connecting part (201) is rotationally connected to the positioning disc (1) or the steering column (3) and is located on the side of the pointing part (202) close to the steering column (3), and the wall surface (21) comprises a first part located on the connecting part (201) and / or a second part located on the pointing part (202) close to the steering column (3).

3. The midline tooling for a steering column as defined in claim 1, wherein, The marking rod (4) comprises at least two marking rods, and the first end of each marking rod (4) can be inserted into any insertion groove (11).

4. The midline tooling for a steering column of claim 1, wherein, Each insertion groove (11) is provided with a corresponding first indication value, and each first indication value is arranged on the positioning disc (1).

5. The midline tooling for a steering column of claim 1, wherein, The marking structure comprises a plurality of marking lines (12) which are uniformly arranged at equal interval angles around the rotation axis of the steering column (3) on the positioning disc (1), and each marking line (12) is arranged along the radial direction of the rotation of the steering column (3).

6. The midline tooling for a steering column of claim 5, wherein, Each marking line (12) is provided with a corresponding second indication value, and each second indication value is arranged on the positioning disc (1).

7. The midline tooling for a steering column of claim 1, wherein, The projection of the positioning disc (1) in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the steering column (3) is circular, and the center of the circle is located on the rotation axis of the steering column (3).

8. A method of marking a line in a column center marking tool according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The marking method comprises: installing a positioning disc (1) on a steering column (3); clockwise rotating the positioning disc (1) to drive the steering column (3) to rotate clockwise until it cannot continue to rotate, rotating a pointing member (2) to a first position, in which the pointing member (2) is horizontal according to a level, and recording the position of a marking structure pointed to by the pointing member (2) at this time; counterclockwise rotating the positioning disc (1) to drive the steering column (3) to rotate counterclockwise until it cannot continue to rotate, rotating the pointing member (2) to a second position, in which the pointing member (2) is horizontal according to the level, and recording the position of another marking structure pointed to by the pointing member (2) at this time; finding a marking structure located in the middle of the two recorded marking structures; rotating the pointing member (2) to a third position, in which the pointing member (2) points to the marking structure located in the middle of the two recorded marking structures; marking a center line on the steering column (3) along the direction pointed to by the pointing member (2) in the third position.

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