Steering column structure and adjustable steering column assembly structure

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of steering columns, and discloses a steering column structure which comprises a steering column and a base body part, and a crumple energy absorption assembly is arranged between the steering column and the base body part; the crumple energy absorption assembly comprises a tearing piece and a crumple block. A notch is formed in the tearing sheet; the crumple block is opposite to the notch; one of the tearing piece and the crumple block is connected with the steering column in an associated mode, and the other one of the tearing piece and the crumple block is connected with the base body part in an associated mode. When collision occurs, energy can be effectively absorbed through the crumple blocks and the tearing pieces, and therefore a driver can be effectively protected after the vehicle is collided. The invention further discloses an adjustable steering column assembly structure with the steering column structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of steering columns, and in particular relates to a steering column structure and an adjustable steering column assembly structure. Background Art

[0002] The steering column is a structure used to connect the steering wheel. When a vehicle collides, the fixation between the steering column and the vehicle body may fail or even fall off. At this time, if the driver comes into contact with the steering wheel, it may cause more serious secondary injuries as the fixation of the steering column fails or falls off. Therefore, an energy-absorbing structure is usually added to the steering column structure to buffer and absorb the impact force after a vehicle collision, thereby effectively protecting the driver as much as possible. Summary of the invention

[0003] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention discloses a steering column structure, which can effectively absorb energy by using a collapse block and a tear sheet when a collision occurs, thereby effectively protecting the driver after a vehicle collision. The present invention also discloses an adjustable steering column assembly structure having the above steering column structure.

[0004] The specific technical solutions of the present invention are as follows:

[0005] A steering column structure comprises a steering column and a base portion, wherein a crush energy absorption component is arranged between the steering column and the base portion;

[0006] The collapse energy absorption component comprises:

[0007] a tear sheet having a cutout thereon; and

[0008] A collapse block, the collapse block facing the incision;

[0009] Among the tearing piece and the collapse block, one is associated with the steering column, and the other is associated with the base.

[0010] In the prior art, impact energy absorption is generally achieved by pulling and tearing. In such a technical solution, the tearing caused by the impact force is unevenly stressed, and a force at an angle to the impact force will be generated on at least one side of the tearing position of the tear piece, causing the tear piece to tilt or skew relative to its original position during the impact. At this time, under the continuous action of the impact force, the actual tearing effect of the tear piece will be affected. In other words, under the corresponding impact force, the tearing cannot reach the originally designed tearing degree. In other words, the expected energy absorption effect cannot be achieved. Therefore, for the protection of the driver, there is still a risk of secondary injury. Therefore, in this embodiment, when a collision occurs, the collapse block is used to cut on the incision, and the tear piece is broken through the incision. In this way, under the action of the impact force, the tear piece is continuously torn along the impact force in a manner similar to expansion. On the basis of maintaining the stable position of the tear piece, the energy absorption of the impact force is better achieved, and the buffering effect is achieved, thereby more effectively ensuring the safety of the driver.

[0011] Preferably, a matching hole is provided on the tearing piece, and the collapse block is embedded in the matching hole.

[0012] The matching hole can provide a suitable assembly position for the crush block, and there is no need to configure additional parts to separately fix the position of the tear piece and the position of the crush block, thereby effectively simplifying the structure. In a normal state without impact, the tear piece and the crush block are directly connected as a whole, which is easy to assemble and compact. The tear piece and the crush block maintain the overall rigidity as a whole, ensuring that the steering column is in a stable state without looseness and shaking in a normal state without impact. When subjected to external impact, relative movement occurs between the crush block and the tear piece, and the crush block tears the tear piece to perform crush energy absorption and reduce the conduction of impact.

[0013] Preferably, the collapse energy absorption component further comprises:

[0014] A fixed block, the fixed block is fixed on the steering column or the base, one of the fixed block and the crushing block is provided with at least one pair of limiting parts, and the other is provided with a stopper part matched with the limiting parts, so that the fixed block and the crushing block are connected in the upper limit position in the axial direction of the steering column;

[0015] Wherein, the tearing piece is provided with a stopper for cooperating with the fixing block so that the fixing block drives the tearing piece to move.

[0016] The limiting part and the stopping part cooperate with each other to achieve energy absorption when the impact force is small, thereby preventing the collapse block from directly tearing the tearing piece, thereby effectively reducing the frequency of parts replacement; when the impact force is large, the stopping part and the limiting part are disengaged, so that the collapse block acts on the incision of the tearing piece, thereby achieving energy absorption.

[0017] Preferably, there is a preset gap between the fixing block and the stop portion along the axial direction of the steering column in an initial state.

[0018] Since there is a preset gap between the fixed block and the stop part, when the stop part and the limit part are disengaged, the impact force will eliminate the preset gap between the fixed block and the stop part, thereby causing the collapse block to act on the incision, thereby further driving the impact force to achieve the disengagement between the collapse block and the tearing piece, thereby achieving secondary energy absorption in the process, thereby achieving better energy absorption effect.

[0019] Preferably, a guide member is provided between the tearing piece and the fixing block, and the guide member comprises:

[0020] A guide hole provided on the stopper; and

[0021] A protrusion is arranged on the fixing block, and the protrusion extends into the guide hole.

[0022] The arrangement of the guide hole and the protrusion can guide the impact force, thereby better achieving directional tearing of the tear sheet, thereby better avoiding poor energy absorption effect caused by the change or dispersion of the impact force angle.

[0023] Preferably, the stop portion is configured as a bent structure formed on the tear sheet, and the guide hole extends along the axial direction of the steering column.

[0024] The structure is simple and easy to manufacture, and can conveniently realize the interference between the stopper and the fixing block, so as to well meet the energy absorption requirements on the basis of realizing the guided movement.

[0025] Preferably, the end of the collapse block facing the incision is in a cone-angle structure.

[0026] The cone angle structure can make a better incision, thereby better realizing the tearing of the tear sheet.

[0027] Preferably, at least one side of the tear sheet is provided with a guide mark connected with the incision, and the guide mark extends along the axial direction of the steering column.

[0028] The guide marks can guide the tearing path caused by the impact force, thereby achieving further movement guidance, thereby better ensuring the energy absorption effect.

[0029] An adjustable steering column assembly structure, comprising the steering column structure as described above, and an adjustment assembly;

[0030] It also includes an outer sleeve, which is arranged outside the steering column and can move along the axial direction of the steering column, and the adjustment assembly is arranged between the steering column and the outer sleeve;

[0031] Wherein, a guide component is provided between the base part and the outer sleeve.

[0032] The adjustment component can drive the axial movement of the steering column relative to the outer sleeve, and can realize the position adjustment of the steering wheel based on the steering wheel installed on the steering column, so that the steering wheel is located in a position suitable for the driver; and the guide component can avoid displacement errors in the adjustment process, ensure the stability of the position adjustment, realize collision crumple energy absorption while realizing adjustability, and improve safety while realizing adjustability.

[0033] Preferably, the guide assembly comprises:

[0034] An adjusting groove and an adjusting block that are slidably matched, wherein one of the adjusting groove and the adjusting block is arranged on the base portion and the other is arranged on the outer sleeve;

[0035] Wherein, the adjusting groove and the adjusting block are interference fit.

[0036] The adjustment groove and the adjustment block have a sliding connection relationship. On the basis of the interference fit between the two, it is further ensured that there is no offset between the adjustment groove and the adjustment block during the adjustment process, thereby ensuring that the axial adjustment process always moves along a preset straight line path, and on the basis of improving the adjustment efficiency and ensuring the adjustment stability, the requirements of adjustment accuracy are met.

[0037] Preferably, the adjustment assembly comprises a screw transmission member;

[0038] Wherein, the center line of the steering column, the center line of the guide assembly, and the center line of the lead screw are located in the same plane.

[0039] In the prior art, the setting of the lead screw is relatively offset, and its adjustment process may produce adjustment switching deflection. Since a combination switch is arranged around the steering column, the adjustment switching deflection may cause abnormal rotation of the combination switch, resulting in abnormal adjustment results, thereby bringing a poor user experience to the driver.

[0040] Compared with the prior art, the present invention can achieve vehicle collision collapse and ensure energy absorption capacity by tearing tear sheets. In this energy absorption process, secondary or even multiple energy absorption is used to improve the energy absorption effect and effectively reduce the frequency of component replacement. At the same time, the collapse energy absorption component of the present invention can achieve guided energy absorption, thereby better improving the energy absorption effect. In addition, the present invention can achieve steering column adjustment to meet the driver's usage requirements and avoid abnormal rotation of the combination switch caused by adjustment switching deflection during the adjustment process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 2 It is a partial schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Remove the exploded view of the adjustment component;

[0044] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified image of point A;

[0045] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A magnified view of point B;

[0046] Figure 6 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of point C;

[0047] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a tear sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 8 It is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] In the figure: 100-crush energy absorption component; 200-adjustment component; 1-steering column; 2-base; 3-tear piece; 4-crush block; 5-cut; 6-matching hole; 7-fixing block; 8-limiting part; 9-stop part; 10-stop part; 11-guide hole; 12-bump; 13-guide mark; 14-outer sleeve; 15-adjustment groove; 16-adjustment block; 17-screw; 18-screw sleeve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with specific implementation methods.

[0051] like Figure 1 to Figure 7 As shown, a steering column structure includes a steering column 1 and a base portion 2, wherein a crush energy absorbing assembly 100 is arranged between the steering column 1 and the base portion 2; the crush energy absorbing assembly 100 includes a tear sheet 3 and a crush block 4; a cutout 5 is arranged on the tear sheet 3; the crush block 4 is opposite to the cutout 5; and among the tear sheet 3 and the crush block 4, one of them is associated and connected with the steering column 1, and the other is associated and connected with the base portion 2.

[0052] In this embodiment, the crush energy absorption component 100 is a component for absorbing energy and preventing the driver from suffering secondary injuries after the vehicle is hit. When the vehicle is hit, the impact force generated causes the crush block 4 to act on the tear piece 3, specifically on the incision 5, so that the tear piece 3 is torn through the incision 5, thereby forming a tearing resistance to achieve energy absorption. In the above structure, the crush block 4 itself can extend the duration of the collision and achieve energy absorption. Therefore, when the tear piece 3 is torn by the crush block 4, the energy absorption effect can be improved. In this embodiment, the associated structure refers to direct connection, indirect connection, fixed connection, movable connection, etc., and its purpose is to achieve that when the steering column 1 is hit, it can drive its associated parts to move. In other words, the associated connection of the tear piece 3 and the associated connection of the crush block 4 can drive the associated parts to move when the steering column 1 is hit.

[0053] like Figure 3 to Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the end of the collapse block 4 facing the cutout 5 is in a cone-shaped structure. The cone-shaped structure can better cut the cutout 5, thereby better tearing the tearing piece 3.

[0054] In this embodiment, the tearing piece 3 is provided with a matching hole 6, and the collapse block 4 is embedded in the matching hole 6. The shape of the matching hole 6 is consistent with that of the collapse block 4, so that the collapse block 4 can align with the incision 5 after the collision, and produce a tearing force on the tearing piece 3, thereby achieving the purpose of collision energy absorption. Further, the collapse energy absorption component 100 also includes a fixed block 7, which is fixed on the steering column 1 or the base 2. Among the fixed block 7 and the collapse block 4, one is provided with at least one pair of limiting parts 8, and the other is provided with a stopper 9 that cooperates with the limiting part 8, so that the fixed block 7 and the collapse block 4 are connected in the axial upper limit of the steering column 1; the tearing piece 3 is provided with a stopper 10 for cooperating with the fixed block 7 so that the fixed block 7 drives the tearing piece 3 to move. Further, there is a preset gap between the fixed block 7 and the stopper 10 along the axial direction of the steering column 1 in the initial state. The initial state here refers to the state when the vehicle is not hit. In this embodiment, after the collision occurs, the preset gap between the fixing seat and the tearing piece 3 is eliminated, so that the steering column 1 drives the tearing piece 3 to move through the fixing block 7, so that the collapse block 4 can exert the top tearing force on the incision 5, thereby realizing the tearing of the tearing piece 3. It can be known that in different technical schemes of this embodiment, the specific structure still has differences. In some technical schemes, there may be no preset spacing between the stopper 10 and the fixing block 7, that is, the stopper 10 and the fixing block 7 are in direct contact. At this time, when the impact force is applied, the disengagement of the limiter 8 and the stopper 9 and the tearing piece 3 are cracked, both of which occur simultaneously; while in other technical schemes, that is, when there is a preset spacing between the stopper 10 and the fixing block 7, when the impact force is applied, the limiter 8 and the stopper 9 are first disengaged, and then after the fixing block 7 moves the preset spacing, the fixing block 7 contacts the stopper 10 again, and finally the tearing piece 3 is cracked. In this embodiment, the tearing piece 3 and the collapse block 4 are non-interference fit, that is, transition fit or clearance fit, so as to simplify the assembly process on the basis of ensuring positioning and alignment. In this embodiment, the fixed block 7 is provided with a stopper 9, and the collapse block 4 is provided with a limiter 8; the stopper 9 is formed in the matching hole 6, and the fixed block 7 has at least one pair of stoppers 9, and any pair of stoppers 9 are arranged relatively, and are a convex block 12 structure extending close to each other, so the limiter provided by the collapse block 4 is a groove structure matched with the above-mentioned convex block 12 structure, and further, in the impact direction of the impact force, the side of the convex block 12 structure away from the incision 5 is more gentle than the side close to the incision 5, so when the impact force acts on the stopper 9, it can better meet the release requirement, and the release can be the crushing of the stopper 9, or the deformation of the stopper 9 relative to the fixed block 7. Specifically, the fixed block 7 in this embodiment has two pairs of stoppers 9, because the limiter 8 is also two pairs.In addition, in this embodiment, the stopper 10 is configured as a bending structure formed on the tear sheet 3, and the guide hole 11 extends along the axial direction of the steering column 1. The bending structure bends from the upper side of the fixing block 7 to the lower side thereof, so that when the impact force is generated, the stopper 10 can meet the interference requirement with the fixing block 7 without setting other parts, and also avoid forming other structures that may generate interference on the stopper 10 and / or the fixing block 7, thereby effectively simplifying the process and meeting the specific practical use requirements. Further, such as. Figure 3 As shown, a guide member is provided between the tearing piece 3 and the fixing block 7, and the guide member includes a guide hole 11 provided on the stopper 10, and a protrusion 12 provided on the fixing block 7, and the protrusion 12 extends into the guide hole 11. The guide hole 11 is opened along the axial direction of the steering column 1, so that the protrusion 12 and the guide hole 11 can realize relative movement in the axial direction of the steering column 1, thereby preventing the collapse block 4 from being blocked when it top-cuts the incision 5, thereby preventing the collapse block 4 from being unable to align with the incision 5 and tearing the tearing piece 3 after the impact force is generated. It should be noted that the position of the guide hole 11 formed by the bending structure and the end face of the protrusion 12 provided on the fixing block 7 produce a conflict after the impact force is generated, thereby realizing the conflict between the stopper 10 and the fixing block 7.

[0055] In this embodiment, in order to better form tear resistance and better meet the energy absorption requirements, at least one side of the tear sheet 3 is provided with a guide mark 13 connected with the cutout 5, and the guide mark 13 extends axially along the steering column 1. Figure 7 As shown, in the present embodiment, the guide mark 13 is a groove-shaped structure, so that the collapse block 4 generates a tearing force along the guide mark 13 during the process of tearing the tear piece 3. The guide mark 13 effectively reduces the strength of the tear piece 3, so it is easier to form a tear, and thus it is easier to absorb energy. In this regard, the size of the tearing resistance can be achieved by changing the thickness and strength of the tear piece 3 or changing the depth of the guide mark 13. In addition, the guide mark 13 can also be an indentation, a dotted through hole, etc. The guide mark 13 constitutes a guide area with weak structural strength on the tear piece 3, which is conducive to the tearing of the tear piece 3 along a preset direction.

[0056] On the basis of the above embodiments, this embodiment also discloses an adjustable steering column 1 assembly structure, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 8As shown, it includes the steering column structure as described above, and an adjustment component 200; it also includes an outer sleeve 14, the outer sleeve 14 can be arranged on the outside of the steering column 1 and can move along the axial direction of the steering column 1, and the adjustment component 200 is arranged between the steering column 1 and the outer sleeve 14; there is a guide component between the base 2 and the outer sleeve 14. In this embodiment, the base 2 can be regarded as a part of the adjustment component 200, or it can be a separate component. During the installation process, the fixed block 7 is welded to the steering column 1, and then the collapse block 4 is embedded in the fixed block 7, and the tear sheet 3 is installed on the collapse block 4, and then the guide component is connected, and finally the base 2 is connected to the collapse block 4, thereby, through the drive of the adjustment component 200, the outer sleeve 14 remains relatively still, and the active end of the adjustment component 200 can drive the steering column 1 to move, thereby realizing the position adjustment of the steering wheel. Furthermore, the guide assembly includes a slidingly matched adjustment groove 15 and an adjustment block 16, in which one of the adjustment groove 15 and the adjustment block 16 is arranged on the base part 2, and the other is arranged on the outer sleeve 14; the adjustment groove 15 and the adjustment block 16 are interference fit. The adjustment block 16 has a hole that matches the collapse block 4, and its shape matches the collapse block 4. During the specific assembly, the adjustment block 16 and the collapse block 4 are connected by fasteners to ensure the connection stability. It can be seen that the adjustment groove 15 is configured on the steering column 1. Since the adjustment groove 15 and the adjustment block 16 are interference fit, it can be ensured that the adjustment assembly 200 ensures the driving straightness in the process of driving the steering column 1 to move, so as to better realize the position adjustment of the steering wheel. The adjustment assembly 200 in this embodiment may include a screw transmission component, a gear component, a linear motor component, etc.

[0057] In this embodiment, Figure 8 As shown, the adjustment assembly 200 includes a screw transmission component; the center line of the steering column 1, the center line of the guide assembly, and the center line of the screw 17 are located in the same plane. The screw transmission component has a simple structure, good stability, high transmission efficiency, and a reasonable layout space. The screw 17 of the screw 17 transmission structure is connected to the adjustment block 16 through a screw sleeve 18. In the prior art, the center line of the steering column 1, the center line of the guide assembly, and the center line of the screw 17 are not in the same plane, so the power line of the adjustment assembly 200 and the guide line of the guide assembly do not overlap, which leads to adjustment deviation after long-term use, affecting the combination switches arranged around, causing abnormal rotation, which is not conducive to the driver's use experience. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the center line of the guide assembly refers to the center line of the guide groove and / or the guide block.

[0058] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that the above preferred embodiments should not be regarded as limiting the present invention, and the protection scope of the present invention should be based on the scope defined by the claims. For ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be regarded as the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A steering column structure, characterized in that: It comprises a steering column and a base part, wherein a crush energy absorption component is arranged between the steering column and the base part; The collapse energy absorption component comprises: a tear sheet having a cutout thereon; and A collapse block, the collapse block facing the incision; Among the tearing piece and the collapse block, one is associated with the steering column, and the other is associated with the base.

2. A steering column structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tearing piece is provided with a matching hole, and the collapse block is embedded in the matching hole.

3. A steering column structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The collapse energy absorption component also includes: A fixed block, the fixed block is fixed on the steering column or the base, one of the fixed block and the crushing block is provided with at least one pair of limiting parts, and the other is provided with a stopper part matched with the limiting parts, so that the fixed block and the crushing block are connected in the upper limit position in the axial direction of the steering column; Wherein, the tearing piece is provided with a stopper for cooperating with the fixing block so that the fixing block drives the tearing piece to move.

4. A steering column structure as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that: In an initial state, a preset gap is provided between the fixing block and the stopper along the axial direction of the steering column.

5. A steering column structure as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that: A guide member is provided between the tearing piece and the fixing block, and the guide member comprises: A guide hole provided on the stopper; and A protrusion is arranged on the fixing block, and the protrusion extends into the guide hole.

6. A steering column structure as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that: The stopper is configured as a bent structure formed on the tear sheet, and the guide hole extends along the axial direction of the steering column.

7. A steering column structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end of the collapse block facing the cutout is in a cone-angle structure.

8. A steering column structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one side of the tear sheet is provided with a guide mark connected with the cutout, and the guide mark extends along the axial direction of the steering column.

9. An adjustable steering column assembly structure, characterized in that: Comprising the steering column structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and an adjustment assembly; It also includes an outer sleeve, which is arranged outside the steering column and can move along the axial direction of the steering column, and the adjustment assembly is arranged between the steering column and the outer sleeve; Wherein, a guide component is provided between the base part and the outer sleeve.

10. An adjustable steering column assembly structure as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that: The guide assembly comprises: An adjusting groove and an adjusting block that are slidably matched, wherein one of the adjusting groove and the adjusting block is arranged on the base portion and the other is arranged on the outer sleeve; Wherein, the adjusting groove and the adjusting block are interference fit.

11. The adjustable steering column assembly structure according to claim 9, characterized in that: The adjustment assembly includes a screw transmission member; Wherein, the center line of the steering column, the center line of the guide assembly, and the center line of the lead screw are located in the same plane.

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