Steering column crumple energy absorption structure and steering system

Abstract

The invention relates to a steering column crumple energy absorption structure and a steering system.The steering column crumple energy absorption structure comprises an upper column and a lower column, one end of the lower column is slidably arranged at one end of the upper column in a sleeving mode, and the side wall of the upper column is fixedly connected with a guide strip extending in the axial direction of the upper column; the side wall of the lower pipe column is provided with a connecting opening allowing the guide strip to stretch out, the lower pipe column is fixedly connected with a crumple positioning plate located at the connecting opening, the crumple positioning plate is provided with a crumple guide groove allowing the guide strip to stretch in, and the groove wall of the crumple guide groove is in interference fit with the guide strip. The technical problems that according to an existing steering column crumpling scheme, crumpling force is unstable, and after crumpling occurs, a driver may be secondarily hurt can be solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of automobile steering, and in particular to a steering column collapse energy absorption structure and a steering system. Background Art

[0002] The crumple energy absorption structure of the steering column is a key component for absorbing collision energy of the vehicle. When the vehicle collides, the impact force of the driver hits the steering wheel, which is installed on the column. At this time, the crumple energy absorption structure of the column works to absorb energy through collapse to ensure the safety of the driver.

[0003] The traditional crushing energy absorption method mainly utilizes the fracture of the injection pin under shear force to achieve energy absorption. After the injection pin is sheared, other devices need to be added to prevent the column from falling off to avoid secondary damage to the driver, and the structure is complicated. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention aims to solve the technical problem that the collapse force of the existing steering column collapse solution is unstable and may cause secondary damage to the driver after collapse, and provides a steering column collapse energy absorption structure and a steering system.

[0005] The technical solution of the present invention to solve the above technical problems is as follows:

[0006] The present invention provides a steering column collapse energy absorption structure, comprising an upper column and a lower column with one end sliding and sleeved on one end of the upper column, the side wall of the upper column is fixedly connected with a guide strip extending along its axial direction, the side wall of the lower column is provided with a connecting port for the guide strip to extend out, the lower column is fixedly connected with a collapse positioning plate located at the connecting port, the collapse positioning plate is provided with a collapse guide groove for the guide strip to extend into, and the groove wall of the collapse guide groove and the guide strip are interference fit.

[0007] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: during the collapse energy absorption process, as the upper column collapses, the guide strip slides relative to the collapse positioning plate, and due to the interference fit between the guide strip and the groove wall of the collapse guide groove, an interference pressing force is formed, so that during the synchronous sliding process of the upper column and the guide strip, the interference pressing force continues to produce an energy absorption effect, so as to improve the technical problem that the existing steering column absorbs energy by shearing through the injection pin, the collapse force of this collapse scheme is unstable, and secondary injury to the driver may be caused after the collapse occurs; during the sliding process of the upper column, the guide strip always has an interference fit with the groove wall of the collapse guide groove, so that the energy absorption process is smooth and continuous.

[0008] Based on the above technical solution, the present invention can also be improved as follows.

[0009] Furthermore, the guide bar is fixedly connected with at least one boss, the boss sleeve is provided with a collapse bushing, and the collapse bushing is pressed against the groove wall of the collapse guide groove.

[0010] The beneficial effect of adopting the above further scheme is that during the crush energy absorption process, energy absorption is continuously generated by the interference fit between the guide strip and the wall of the crush guide groove, while the crush bushing is squeezed and deformed to absorb energy, thereby improving the energy absorption effect. These two energy absorption methods meet the requirements of vehicle collision energy absorption for absorption capacity and energy absorption stroke.

[0011] Furthermore, the collapse guide groove includes a guide groove and a collapse groove connected to each other, the groove width of the guide groove is greater than the groove width of the collapse groove, and the guide groove is closer to the other end of the lower pipe column relative to the collapse groove, and the groove wall of the guide groove is provided with at least one mounting hole, each collapse bushing is adapted to and inserted into the corresponding mounting hole, and the size of the boss is not greater than the groove width of the guide groove.

[0012] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further scheme is: during the crush energy absorption process, when the guide bar slides relative to the crush positioning plate, the boss and the crush bushing slide at the same time, and the crush bushing slides out of the mounting hole and enters the guide groove. During this process, the crush bushing deforms and absorbs energy. At this time, the interference pressing force between the guide bar and the wall of the crush guide groove generates energy absorption. When the crush bushing slips out of the mounting hole, the interference pressing force between the guide bar and the wall of the crush guide groove continues to generate energy absorption.

[0013] Furthermore, the depths of the guide groove and the mounting hole are greater than the depth of the collapse groove.

[0014] The beneficial effect of adopting the above further solution is that the groove wall connected to the collapse groove at the bottom of the guide groove can form a limiting effect on the boss, and when collapse energy absorption occurs, the boss can only move in the direction of the guide groove.

[0015] Furthermore, the side wall of the lower pipe column is fixedly connected with two guide seats, and the two guide seats are respectively connected to the two inner walls at the opening of the connection port, and the two guide seats are provided with a card slot on the opposite sides. The collapse positioning plate has two positioning slots, and the two positioning slots are respectively used for one of the guide seats to extend into and slide. The collapse positioning plate is also fixed with two card plates, and the two card plates are respectively adapted and slidably connected to one of the card slots.

[0016] The beneficial effect of adopting the above further scheme is that during the collapse process, the collapse positioning plate and the guide seat of the lower pipe column are prevented from separating from each other by means of the clamping plate and the clamping groove, so as to ensure that the interference compression force between the guide strip and the wall of the collapse guide groove continues to absorb energy.

[0017] Furthermore, the two guide seats are each provided with an installation opening at the other end close to the upper pipe column, the two installation openings are respectively connected to the corresponding card slots, and the opening size of the two installation openings is not less than the length of the corresponding card plate.

[0018] The beneficial effect of adopting the above further scheme is: during installation, first insert the upper tube column into the lower tube column, and then apply force to the collapse positioning plate so that the clamping plate is inserted into the installation opening on the corresponding side until the clamping plate and the corresponding clamping groove are located on the same straight line, the guide strip extends into the collapse guide groove and is interference fit with each other, and then apply force to the upper tube column so that the upper tube column and the collapse positioning plate slide at the same time until the upper tube column is installed in place.

[0019] Furthermore, the lower pipe column is equipped with a linear driving member whose driving end extends along its axial direction, and the driving end of the linear driving member is detachably connected to the collapse positioning plate.

[0020] The beneficial effect of adopting the above further solution is that when the upper pipe column is installed in place, the collapse positioning plate slides into place, and then the collapse positioning plate is connected to the driving end of the linear drive member to achieve fixing of the position of the collapse positioning plate.

[0021] Furthermore, the collapse positioning plate is fixedly connected to an extension plate, the extension plate is detachably connected to a clamping plate, the extension plate and the clamping plate are simultaneously clamped at the driving end of the linear drive member, and are limited at the driving end of the linear drive member along the driving direction of the linear drive member.

[0022] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further scheme is: the linear drive member and the collapse positioning plate are stably connected through the connection between the extension plate and the clamping plate. Specifically, after the clamping plate is inserted from the installation port on the corresponding side, the guide bar extends into the collapse guide groove and is interference fit with each other, the extension plate and the clamping plate can be connected to the driving end of the linear drive member, and the collapse positioning plate is slid into place through the extension and contraction of the linear drive member, and under the limit of the linear drive member, the collapse positioning plate always remains in a stationary state with the lower pipe column.

[0023] Furthermore, the collapse positioning plate is detachably connected to a plurality of fasteners which are pressed against the guide seat.

[0024] The beneficial effect of adopting the above further solution is that after the collapse positioning plate is slidably installed in place, the collapse positioning plate is fixed to the guide seat by installing fasteners, and will not slide naturally relative to the lower pipe column.

[0025] The present invention also provides a steering system, comprising the above-mentioned steering column collapse energy absorption structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1A structural diagram of the steering column collapse energy absorption structure of the present invention from a first perspective;

[0027] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of part A in the middle;

[0028] Figure 3 A second perspective structural diagram of the steering column collapse energy absorption structure of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of middle part B;

[0030] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the present invention, in which the collapse positioning plate is shown flipped 180°;

[0031] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Enlarged view of the middle C part;

[0032] Figure 7 A bottom view of the collapse positioning plate of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 8 A structural diagram of the related technology.

[0034] In the accompanying drawings, the components represented by the reference numerals are listed as follows:

[0035] 1. Upper pipe column; 11. Guide strip; 111. Collapse opening; 12. Boss; 13. Collapse bushing;

[0036] 2. Lower pipe column; 21. Connection port; 22. Guide seat; 23. Slot; 24. Mounting port; 25. Limit seat;

[0037] 3. Collapse positioning plate; 31. Collapse guide groove; 311. Guide groove; 312. Collapse groove; 313. Mounting hole; 32. Positioning groove; 33. Card plate; 34. Extension plate; 35. Clamp plate;

[0038] 4. Linear drive component; 41. Stroke adjustment motor; 42. Screw rod; 43. Nut;

[0039] 5. Fasteners;

[0040] 6. Install the bracket;

[0041] 7. Pull off the block;

[0042] 8. Injection pins. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The principles and features of the present invention are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The examples given are only used to explain the present invention and are not used to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0044] like Figure 8 In the prior art, the conventional collapse structure includes a mounting bracket 6, a pull-off block 7 and an injection pin 8. Corresponding injection holes are provided on the mounting bracket 6 and the pull-off block 7. Injection materials are injected into the injection holes to form the injection pin 8. The pull-off block 7 is fixedly mounted on the automobile pipe beam. During a collision, the mounting bracket 6 and the pull-off block 7 are relatively displaced to cause the injection pin 8 to shear and break. The shear force is the suction capacity.

[0045] The method of shearing the injection pin 8 to absorb energy has the following disadvantages:

[0046] 1. The suction capacity requires that the diameter of the injection pin should not be too large. The injection pin is easy to break during vehicle use and cannot maintain a stable and long-lasting installation state;

[0047] 2. After the injection pin is sheared, other devices need to be added to prevent the pipe column from falling off to avoid secondary damage to the driver, and the structure is complicated;

[0048] 3. The water absorption characteristics of the injection molding material will cause bubbles in the injection molding process, resulting in unstable absorption capacity and difficult processing technology.

[0049] In view of the above shortcomings, the present invention provides a steering column collapse energy absorption structure and a steering system to improve the above problems.

[0050] Example 1

[0051] like Figures 1 to 7 The present invention provides a steering column collapse energy absorption structure, comprising an upper column 1 and a lower column 2 whose one end is slidably mounted on one end of the upper column 1, the side wall of the upper column 1 is fixedly connected with a guide strip 11 extending along its axial direction, the side wall of the lower column 2 is provided with a connection port 21 for the guide strip 11 to extend out, the lower column 2 is fixedly connected with a collapse positioning plate 3 located at the connection port 21, the collapse positioning plate 3 is provided with a collapse guide groove 31 for the guide strip 11 to extend into, and the groove wall of the collapse guide groove 31 and the guide strip 11 are interference fit.

[0052] The beneficial effects of this embodiment are as follows: during the collapse energy absorption process, as the upper column 1 collapses, the guide strip 11 slides relative to the collapse positioning plate 3, and due to the interference fit between the guide strip 11 and the groove wall of the collapse guide groove 31, an interference pressing force is formed, so that during the synchronous sliding process of the upper column 1 and the guide strip 11, the interference pressing force continues to produce an energy absorption effect, so as to improve the technical problem that the existing steering column absorbs energy by shearing through the injection pin, which may cause secondary injury to the driver after collapse; during the sliding process of the upper column 1, the guide strip 11 always has an interference fit with the groove wall of the collapse guide groove 31, so that the energy absorption process is smooth and continuous.

[0053] By adopting the above scheme, during collapse, the guide strip 11 always has an interference fit with the groove wall of the collapse guide groove 31, and the interference amount between the guide strip 11 and the groove wall of the collapse guide groove 31 is consistent, ensuring that the collapse force during collision is controllable and a stable, long-lasting and effective collapse state can be maintained.

[0054] During a collision, the collapse positioning plate 3 is fixedly connected to the lower column 2 and will not fall off, thereby avoiding secondary injury to the driver.

[0055] On the basis of the above-mentioned embodiment, the guide strip 11 and the collapse positioning plate 3 are both made of metal, with stable processing dimensions, stable material properties, and controllable interference.

[0056] Example 2

[0057] like Figure 2 , Figures 5 to 7 On the basis of embodiment 1, the guide strip 11 is fixedly connected with at least one boss 12 , the boss 12 is sleeved with a collapse bushing 13 , and the collapse bushing 13 is pressed against the groove wall of the collapse guide groove 31 .

[0058] The beneficial effect of adopting the preferred scheme in the above embodiment is that, during the crush energy absorption process, energy absorption is continuously generated by the interference fit between the guide strip 11 and the wall of the crush guide groove 31, while the crush bushing 13 is squeezed and deformed to absorb energy, so as to improve the energy absorption effect. These two energy absorption methods meet the requirements of vehicle collision energy absorption for absorption capacity and energy absorption stroke.

[0059] The number of bosses 12 can be one, two, three, four, etc. When there are multiple bosses 12, the multiple bosses 12 are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the guide strip 11. In the figure, two bosses 12 are shown, and two crush bushings 13 are correspondingly shown. The crush bushing 13 can be made of materials such as rubber and silicone.

[0060] As one of the parallel solutions of the above embodiment, the boss 12 may be a truncated cone, and the collapse bushing 13 may be a matching annular structure.

[0061] As one of the parallel solutions of the above embodiment, the boss 12 may be a polygonal boss structure, and the collapse bushing 13 may be a matching polygonal ring structure.

[0062] Example 3

[0063] like Figures 5 to 7On the basis of embodiments 1 and 2, the collapse guide groove 31 includes a guide groove 311 and a collapse groove 312 connected to each other, the groove width of the guide groove 311 is greater than the groove width of the collapse groove 312, and the guide groove 311 is closer to the other end of the lower pipe column 2 relative to the collapse groove 312, and the groove wall of the guide groove 311 is provided with at least one mounting hole 313, each collapse bushing 13 is adapted and inserted into the corresponding mounting hole 313, and the size of the boss 12 is not greater than the groove width of the guide groove 311.

[0064] The beneficial effect of adopting the preferred scheme in the above embodiment is that during the crush energy absorption process, when the guide strip 11 slides relative to the crush positioning plate 3, the boss 12 and the crush bushing 13 slide at the same time, and the crush bushing 13 slides out of the mounting hole 313 and enters the guide groove 311. During this process, the crush bushing 13 deforms to absorb energy. At this time, the interference pressing force between the guide strip 11 and the wall of the crush guide groove 31 generates energy absorption. When the crush bushing 13 slips out of the mounting hole 313, the interference pressing force between the guide strip 11 and the wall of the crush guide groove 31 continues to generate energy absorption.

[0065] The mounting hole 313 is a round hole.

[0066] On the basis of the above embodiment, the two side walls of the guide bar 11 are provided with collapse openings 111, and the collapse groove 312 groove section of the collapse guide groove 31 extends into the collapse openings 111 on the corresponding side, so as to quickly realize the installation of the guide bar 11 and the collapse positioning plate 3. When collapse occurs, the collapse groove 312 groove section of the collapse guide groove 31 slides out of the collapse opening 111, and the guide bar 11 begins to collapse under the extrusion of the collapse groove 312 groove section of the collapse guide groove 31, and absorbs energy.

[0067] The side wall of the collapse opening 111 is formed with an inclined surface so as to form a guide function for the collapse groove 312 section of the collapse guide groove 31 .

[0068] The depth of the collapse opening 111 is 0.05-0.1 mm, that is, the interference is 0.05-0.1 mm.

[0069] As a specific solution of this embodiment, the collapse bushing 13 is connected to the hole wall of the mounting hole 313 by transition fit.

[0070] As a parallel solution of this embodiment, all or part of the collapse bushing 13 is pressed against the groove wall of the guide groove 311.

[0071] Example 4

[0072] like Figures 5 to 7 Based on embodiments 1-3, the depth of the guide groove 311 and the mounting hole 313 is greater than the depth of the collapse groove 312.

[0073] The beneficial effect of adopting the preferred solution in the above embodiment is that the groove wall connected to the collapse groove 312 at the bottom of the guide groove 311 can form a limiting effect on the boss 12. When collapse energy absorption occurs, the boss 12 can only move in the direction of the guide groove 311.

[0074] Example 5

[0075] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 On the basis of Examples 1-4, the side wall of the lower pipe column 2 is fixedly connected with two guide seats 22, and the two guide seats 22 are respectively connected to the two inner walls at the opening of the connecting port 21, and the two guide seats 22 are provided with a card slot 23 on the opposite sides. The collapse positioning plate 3 has two positioning slots 32, and the two positioning slots 32 are respectively used for one of the guide seats 22 to extend into and slide. The collapse positioning plate 3 is also fixed with two card plates 33, and the two card plates 33 are respectively adapted and slidably connected to one of the card slots 23.

[0076] The beneficial effect of adopting the preferred scheme in the above embodiment is that, during the collapse process, the collapse positioning plate 3 and the guide seat 22 of the lower pipe column 2 are prevented from being separated from each other by the clamping plate 33 being clamped in the clamping groove 23, so as to ensure that the interference pressing force between the guide strip 11 and the wall of the collapse guide groove 31 continues to absorb energy.

[0077] Example 6

[0078] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 On the basis of embodiments 1-5, the two guide seats 22 are provided with mounting openings 24 at the other end close to the upper pipe column 1, and the two mounting openings 24 are respectively connected to the corresponding card slots 23, and the opening size of the two mounting openings 24 is not less than the length of the corresponding card plate 33.

[0079] The beneficial effect of adopting the preferred scheme in the above embodiment is that, during installation, the upper pipe column 1 is first inserted into the lower pipe column 2, and then force is applied to the collapse positioning plate 3 so that the clamping plate 33 is inserted into the installation opening 24 on the corresponding side until the clamping plate 33 and the corresponding clamping groove 23 are located on the same straight line, the guide strip 11 extends into the collapse guide groove 31 and is interference fit with each other, and then force is applied to the upper pipe column 1 so that the upper pipe column 1 and the collapse positioning plate 3 slide simultaneously until the upper pipe column 1 is installed in place.

[0080] On the basis of the above embodiment, a limit seat 25 is simultaneously provided on the two guide seats 22. The limit seat 25 is "U"-shaped and opens downward, and both ends thereof are inserted into the installation opening 24 and respectively abut against the opposite sides of the two guide seats 22. Bolts are threadedly connected at both ends of the limit seat 25, and the bolts abut against the corresponding guide seats 22. After the collapse positioning plate 3 is installed in place, the limit seat 25 is installed, and the limit seat 25 forms a limit on the collapse positioning plate 3 to prevent the collapse positioning plate 3 from coming out of the installation opening 24.

[0081] Example 7

[0082] like Figures 1 to 4 On the basis of embodiments 1-6, the lower pipe column 2 is equipped with a linear driving member 4 whose driving end extends along its axial direction, and the driving end of the linear driving member 4 is detachably connected to the collapse positioning plate 3.

[0083] The beneficial effect of adopting the preferred scheme in the above embodiment is that when the upper pipe column 1 is installed in place, the collapse positioning plate 3 slides into place, and then the collapse positioning plate 3 and the driving end of the linear drive member 4 are connected to fix the position of the collapse positioning plate 3.

[0084] As one of the parallel schemes of the above-mentioned embodiment, the linear drive member 4 includes a stroke adjustment motor 41 fixedly installed on the lower pipe column 2, a screw rod 42 with one end coaxially fixedly connected to the output end of the stroke adjustment motor 41, and a nut 43 threadedly connected to the screw rod 42, and the nut 43 is detachably connected to the collapse positioning plate 3.

[0085] When in use, the stroke adjustment motor 41 is driven to rotate the screw rod 42, and under the limit of the guide seat 22, the nut 43 and the collapse positioning plate 3 are moved at the same time to achieve position adjustment.

[0086] As a second parallel solution of the above embodiment, the linear drive member 4 can also be an electric cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, etc.

[0087] Example 8

[0088] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 On the basis of Examples 1-7, the collapse positioning plate 3 is fixedly connected to an extension plate 34, and the extension plate 34 is detachably connected to a clamping plate 35. The extension plate 34 and the clamping plate 35 are clamped at the driving end of the linear drive member 4 at the same time, and are limited at the driving end of the linear drive member 4 along the driving direction of the linear drive member 4.

[0089] The beneficial effect of adopting the preferred scheme in the above embodiment is that the linear drive member 4 and the collapse positioning plate 3 are stably connected through the connection between the extension plate 34 and the clamping plate 35. Specifically, after the clamping plate 33 is inserted from the installation opening 24 on the corresponding side and the guide bar 11 extends into the collapse guide groove 31 and is interference fit with each other, the extension plate 34 and the clamping plate 35 can be connected to the driving end of the linear drive member 4, and the collapse positioning plate 3 is slid into place through the extension and contraction of the linear drive member 4, and under the limitation of the linear drive member 4, the collapse positioning plate 3 always remains in a stationary state with the lower pipe column 2.

[0090] In the non-collapse energy absorption state, when the linear drive member 4 is adjusted, the connection between the extension plate 34 and the clamping plate 35 can achieve stable force transmission to convert the force output by the linear drive member 4 into the extension and contraction of the upper column 1; in this way, the steering column of the present invention can be applied to the electric adjustment column (PAC) and the steering wheel actuator (HWA) of the steer-by-wire (SBW) to improve the use comfort and safety of related steering products.

[0091] Example 9

[0092] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 On the basis of embodiments 1-8, the collapse positioning plate 3 is detachably connected with a plurality of fasteners 5 which are pressed against the guide seat 22 .

[0093] The beneficial effect of adopting the preferred solution in the above embodiment is that after the collapse positioning plate 3 is slidably installed in place, the collapse positioning plate 3 is fixed to the guide seat 22 by installing the fastener 5, and will not slide naturally relative to the lower pipe column 2.

[0094] The fastener 5 may be a bolt, and is threadedly connected to the collapse positioning plate 3 .

[0095] Example 10

[0096] The present invention also provides a steering system, comprising a steering column crush energy absorption structure as described in any one of Examples 1-9.

[0097] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the referred device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0098] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In the description of the present invention, the meaning of "plurality" is at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0099] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", "fixed" and the like should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements, unless otherwise clearly defined. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0100] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, a first feature being "above", "above" or "above" a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below", "below" or "below" a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0101] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art may combine and combine the different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of the different embodiments or examples, without contradiction.

[0102] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is to be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and are not to be construed as limitations of the present invention. A person skilled in the art may change, modify, replace and vary the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A steering column collapse energy absorption structure, comprising an upper column (1) and a lower column (2) one end of which slides and is sleeved on one end of the upper column (1), characterized in that: The side wall of the upper tube column (1) is fixedly connected with a guide strip (11) extending along its axial direction, the side wall of the lower tube column (2) is provided with a connection port (21) for the guide strip (11) to extend out, the lower tube column (2) is fixedly connected with a collapse positioning plate (3) located at the connection port (21), the collapse positioning plate (3) is provided with a collapse guide groove (31) for the guide strip (11) to extend into, and the groove wall of the collapse guide groove (31) and the guide strip (11) are interference fit.

2. A steering column collapse energy absorption structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide strip (11) is fixedly connected to at least one boss (12), the boss (12) is sleeved with a collapse bushing (13), and the collapse bushing (13) is tightly pressed against the groove wall of the collapse guide groove (31).

3. A steering column collapse energy absorption structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The collapse guide groove (31) comprises a guide groove (311) and a collapse groove (312) connected to each other, the groove width of the guide groove (311) is greater than the groove width of the collapse groove (312), and the guide groove (311) is closer to the other end of the lower pipe column (2) relative to the collapse groove (312), and the groove wall of the guide groove (311) is provided with at least one mounting hole (313), each collapse bushing (13) is adapted to and inserted into the corresponding mounting hole (313), and the size of the boss (12) is not greater than the groove width of the guide groove (311).

4. A steering column collapse energy absorption structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The depths of the guide groove (311) and the mounting hole (313) are greater than the depth of the collapse groove (312).

5. The steering column collapse energy absorption structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The side wall of the lower pipe column (2) is fixedly connected with two guide seats (22), and the two guide seats (22) are respectively connected to the two inner walls at the opening of the connection port (21), and the two guide seats (22) are provided with a clamping groove (23) on the opposite sides. The collapse positioning plate (3) is provided with two positioning grooves (32), and the two positioning grooves (32) are respectively used for one of the guide seats (22) to extend into and slide. The collapse positioning plate (3) is also fixed with two clamping plates (33), and the two clamping plates (33) are respectively adapted to and slidably connected to one of the clamping grooves (23).

6. A steering column collapse energy absorption structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The two guide seats (22) are each provided with a mounting opening (24) at the other end close to the upper pipe column (1), the two mounting openings (24) are respectively connected to the corresponding clamping slots (23), and the opening size of the two mounting openings (24) is not less than the length of the corresponding clamping plate (33).

7. A steering column collapse energy absorption structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The lower pipe column (2) is equipped with a linear drive member (4) whose drive end extends along its axial direction, and the drive end of the linear drive member (4) is detachably connected to the collapse positioning plate (3).

8. A steering column collapse energy absorption structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: The collapse positioning plate (3) is fixedly connected to an extension plate (34), and the extension plate (34) is detachably connected to a clamping plate (35). The extension plate (34) and the clamping plate (35) are simultaneously clamped on the driving end of the linear drive member (4) and are limited to the driving end of the linear drive member (4) along the driving direction of the linear drive member (4).

9. The steering column collapse energy absorption structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: The collapse positioning plate (3) is detachably connected to a plurality of fasteners (5) which are tightly pressed against the guide seat (22).

10. A steering system, characterized in that: It comprises a steering column crush energy absorption structure as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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