Steering column adjusting mechanism, steering system and vehicle

Abstract

The invention discloses a steering column adjusting mechanism, a steering system and a vehicle, the steering column adjusting mechanism comprises a steering shaft, a tube shell and an elastic mechanism, the peripheral side of the steering shaft is sleeved with the tube shell, the elastic mechanism is located between the steering shaft and the tube shell, and the elastic mechanism is used for limiting the steering shaft. According to the steering column adjusting mechanism, the elastic mechanism is arranged between the steering shaft and the tube shell, when the steering shaft rotates relative to the tube shell, at least part of the elastic mechanism can generate elastic deformation, and the elastic mechanism can apply acting force to the steering shaft to prevent the steering shaft from continuously rotating; in this way, the rotating angle of the steering shaft can be limited, the steering column adjusting mechanism is simple in structure, and the manufacturing cost of the steering column adjusting mechanism can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of vehicles, and in particular to a steering column adjustment mechanism, a steering system and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] When the car is turning, the steering column adjustment mechanism needs to have a limit function to avoid over-steering of the steering wheel and reduce the driving risk caused by steering loss of control. The relevant technology generally uses hydraulic transmission and electric control to realize the automatic limit function of the steering column adjustment mechanism. Among them, the structure of the traditional hydraulic transmission is relatively complex, and the cost of electric control is relatively high. Therefore, on the basis of realizing the automatic limit function of the steering column adjustment mechanism, how to make the transmission structure simple and low-cost has become a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, one purpose of the present invention is to provide a steering column adjustment mechanism, wherein an elastic mechanism is provided between the steering shaft and the housing, and the elastic mechanism can realize the function of limiting the steering shaft, so that the structure of the steering column adjustment mechanism is simple, and it is also conducive to reducing the manufacturing cost of the steering column adjustment mechanism.

[0004] The present invention provides a steering system comprising the steering column adjustment mechanism.

[0005] The present invention also provides a vehicle comprising the steering system.

[0006] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the steering column adjustment mechanism comprises: a steering shaft; a tube shell, which is sleeved on the outer peripheral side of the steering shaft; and an elastic mechanism, which is located between the steering shaft and the tube shell and is used to limit the steering shaft.

[0007] The steering column adjustment mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention is provided with an elastic mechanism between the steering shaft and the tube shell. When the steering shaft rotates relative to the tube shell, at least a portion of the elastic mechanism can be elastically deformed, and the elastic mechanism can apply a force to the steering shaft to prevent the steering shaft from continuing to rotate. This can limit the rotation angle of the steering shaft, thereby simplifying the structure of the steering column adjustment mechanism and helping to reduce the manufacturing cost of the steering column adjustment mechanism.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the inner peripheral wall of the tube shell and the outer peripheral wall of the steering shaft define a receiving cavity, and at least a portion of the elastic mechanism is disposed in the receiving cavity.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least a portion of the elastic mechanism is sleeved on an outer peripheral side of the steering shaft.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the elastic mechanism is configured as a coil spring, and the coil spring is elastically connected between the steering shaft and the tube housing.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, there are multiple coil springs, and the multiple coil springs are arranged along the axial direction of the steering shaft, wherein the rotation direction of some of the coil springs is a first rotation direction, and the rotation direction of another part of the coil springs is a second rotation direction, and the second rotation direction is opposite to the first rotation direction.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the coil spring includes a first free end connected to the steering shaft, and the steering column adjustment mechanism also includes a clamping mechanism, and the clamping mechanism is used to clamp and fix the first free end on the steering shaft.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the coil spring includes a first free end connected to the steering shaft, and the steering shaft is provided with a mounting groove, and the mounting groove is suitable for accommodating the first free end.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the steering shaft includes a steering shaft body and a reinforcing rib plate, wherein the reinforcing rib plate is arranged on the outer peripheral side of the steering shaft body and extends along the circumference of the steering shaft body, and the reinforcing rib plate and the steering shaft body jointly define the mounting groove.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, an accommodation cavity is defined between the reinforcing rib plate and the inner peripheral wall of the tube shell, and the accommodation cavity is used to accommodate at least a portion of the elastic mechanism.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, an escape notch for evading the coil spring is formed on the reinforcing rib plate, and the escape notch passes through the installation groove and the accommodating cavity.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the clamping mechanism is configured as a clamping ring.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a mounting notch is provided on the tube shell, the second free end of the coil spring is passed through the mounting notch, and the second free end of the coil spring is fixed to the tube shell by a fastener.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, one end of the steering shaft is used to be connected to a steering wheel, and the elastic mechanism is located at the other end of the steering shaft facing away from the steering wheel.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the steering shaft includes an upper steering shaft and a lower steering shaft, the upper steering shaft is connected to the lower steering shaft via a spline structure, and the upper steering shaft is coaxially arranged with the lower steering shaft, an end of the upper steering shaft away from the lower steering shaft is used to be connected to a steering wheel, and the elastic mechanism is installed on the lower steering shaft.

[0021] A steering system according to an embodiment of a second aspect of the present invention comprises: a steering column adjustment mechanism according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0022] According to the steering system of the embodiment of the present invention, by providing the above-mentioned steering column adjustment mechanism, the structure of the steering system can be simplified, which is also beneficial to reducing the cost of the steering system.

[0023] A vehicle according to an embodiment of a third aspect of the present invention comprises: a steering system according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention.

[0024] According to the vehicle of the embodiment of the present invention, by providing the above-mentioned steering system, the structure of the vehicle can be simplified, which is also beneficial to reducing the cost of the vehicle.

[0025] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be given in part in the following description and in part will be obvious from the following description, or will be learned through practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and easily understood from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a steering column adjustment mechanism according to some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a steering column adjustment mechanism in FIG. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Sectional view along line AA; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The enlarged view of point B in the middle; Figure 5 yes Figure 2 Sectional view along line CC; Figure 6 yes Figure 2 Cross-sectional view along line DD.

[0027] Reference numerals: 100. Steering column adjustment mechanism; 1. Steering shaft; 11. Steering upper shaft; 12. Steering lower shaft; 13. Steering shaft body; 14. Reinforcement rib plate; 141. Avoidance notch; 15. Mounting groove; 2. Tube shell; 21. Accommodating cavity; 22. Installation notch; 3. elastic mechanism; 31. coil spring; 311. first free end; 312. second free end; 4. Clamping mechanism; 5. Fasteners. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and cannot be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0029] Reference below Figure 1-Figure 6 A steering column adjustment mechanism 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0030] Reference Figure 1-Figure 3 The steering column adjustment mechanism 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises a steering shaft 1, a tube shell 2 and an elastic mechanism 3. The tube shell 2 is sleeved on the outer peripheral side of the steering shaft 1. The elastic mechanism 3 is located between the steering shaft 1 and the tube shell 2. The elastic mechanism 3 is used to limit the steering shaft 1.

[0031] By locating the elastic mechanism 3 between the steering shaft 1 and the tube housing 2, at least a portion of the elastic mechanism 3 will undergo elastic deformation as the steering shaft 1 rotates. For example, at least a portion of the elastic mechanism 3 will be compressed as the steering shaft 1 rotates. The steering shaft 1 can rotate a certain angle relative to the tube housing 2, and the elastic force of the elastic mechanism 3 itself will exert an action force on the steering shaft 1 to prevent the steering shaft 1 from continuing to rotate, which can effectively prevent the steering shaft 1 from rotating too much relative to the tube housing 2. In this way, the steering shaft 1 can be limited to the rotation angle of the steering shaft 1 relative to the tube housing 2. Moreover, the steering shaft 1 can be driven to automatically return to its original position under the action of the elastic restoring force of the elastic mechanism 3 itself, which makes the structure of the steering column adjustment mechanism 100 simple. Compared with adding an additional electric control device, the limiting and automatic return functions of the steering column adjustment mechanism 100 are realized by the elastic mechanism 3, which is conducive to reducing the manufacturing cost of the steering column adjustment mechanism 100.

[0032] For example, the steering shaft 1 is used to be connected to the steering wheel. When the driver operates the steering wheel to rotate clockwise, the rotation of the steering wheel can drive the rotating shaft to rotate clockwise relative to the tube housing 2. At this time, the steering shaft 1 will drive at least a portion of the elastic mechanism 3 to rotate clockwise, so that at least a portion of the elastic mechanism 3 undergoes elastic deformation. As the steering shaft 1 rotates, at least a portion of the elastic mechanism 3 is rolled up onto the steering shaft 1. At this time, when the steering shaft 1 continues to rotate clockwise, the elastic force of the elastic mechanism 3 will exert a force on the steering shaft 1. This part of the force can limit the steering shaft 1 from continuing to rotate clockwise, so that the rotation angle of the steering shaft 1 relative to the tube housing 2 can be limited, thereby limiting the rotation angle of the steering wheel.

[0033] When the driver does not operate the steering wheel, the steering shaft 1 will be driven by the elastic force of the elastic mechanism 3 to automatically return to the initial position, thereby realizing the function of the steering shaft 1 driving the steering wheel to automatically return to its original position.

[0034] According to the steering column adjustment mechanism 100 of the embodiment of the present invention, an elastic mechanism 3 is provided between the steering shaft 1 and the tube shell 2. When the steering shaft 1 rotates relative to the tube shell 2, at least a portion of the elastic mechanism 3 can be elastically deformed, and the elastic force of the elastic mechanism 3 can apply a force to the steering shaft 1 to prevent the steering shaft 1 from continuing to rotate. In this way, the rotation angle of the steering shaft 1 can be limited, so that the structure of the steering column adjustment mechanism 100 is simple, which is also conducive to reducing the manufacturing cost of the steering column adjustment mechanism 100.

[0035] Reference Figure 3-Figure 6 According to some embodiments of the present invention, the inner circumferential wall of the tube housing 2 and the outer circumferential wall of the steering shaft 1 define an accommodating cavity 21, and at least a portion of the elastic mechanism 3 is disposed in the accommodating cavity 21. The at least a portion of the elastic mechanism 3 being disposed in the accommodating cavity 21 may include the following situations: for example, a portion of the elastic mechanism 3 may be disposed in the accommodating cavity 21; for another example, the entire elastic mechanism 3 may be disposed in the accommodating cavity 21.

[0036] By at least partially arranging the elastic mechanism 3 in the accommodating cavity 21 defined by the inner circumferential wall of the tube shell 2 and the outer circumferential wall of the steering shaft 1, the space inside the tube shell 2 can be fully utilized, making the overall structure of the elastic mechanism 3, the steering shaft 1 and the tube shell 2 compact.

[0037] Reference Figure 1-Figure 3According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least part of the elastic mechanism 3 is sleeved on the outer peripheral side of the steering shaft 1. For example, a part of the elastic mechanism 3 may be sleeved on the outer peripheral side of the steering shaft 1, so that the force transmission between the steering shaft 1 and the elastic mechanism 3 can be more direct, reducing the loss in the force transmission process, for example, the elastic force of the elastic mechanism 3 itself can be more directly applied to the steering shaft 1, so as to limit and automatically return the steering shaft 1.

[0038] Reference Figure 3-Figure 6 According to some embodiments of the present invention, the elastic mechanism 3 is configured as a coil spring 31, and the coil spring 31 is elastically connected between the steering shaft 1 and the tube housing 2. The coil spring 31 is elastically connected between the steering shaft 1 and the tube housing 2, and at least part of the coil spring 31 will be elastically deformed as the steering shaft 1 rotates. Since the coil spring 31 itself has a certain elastic limit, within this elastic limit, the steering shaft 1 can rotate a certain angle relative to the tube housing 2, and the coil spring 31 can apply a force to the steering shaft 1, and this part of the force can prevent the steering shaft 1 from continuing to rotate, and can effectively prevent the steering shaft 1 from rotating too much relative to the tube housing 2. In this way, the angle of rotation of the steering shaft 1 relative to the tube housing 2 can be limited; and, under the action of the elastic force of the coil spring 31 itself, the steering shaft 1 can be driven to automatically return to its original position, thereby realizing the limiting and returning effects of the elastic mechanism 3 on the steering shaft 1.

[0039] Reference Figure 3-Figure 6 According to some embodiments of the present invention, there are multiple coil springs 31, and the multiple coil springs 31 are arranged along the axial direction of the steering shaft 1, wherein the rotation direction of some coil springs 31 is a first rotation direction, and the rotation direction of another part of the coil springs 31 is a second rotation direction, which is opposite to the first rotation direction.

[0040] In the description of the present invention, "plurality" means two or more.

[0041] A plurality of coil springs 31 are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the steering shaft 1, and can provide elastic force at different positions of the steering shaft 1, so that the force on the steering shaft 1 along the axial direction is relatively uniform, and the rotation direction of some of the coil springs 31 is the first rotation direction, and the rotation direction of another part of the coil springs 31 is the second rotation direction, which is opposite to the first rotation direction. When the steering shaft 1 rotates relative to the tube housing 2, the main part of the coil spring 31 will undergo elastic deformation with the rotation of the steering shaft 1, the main part of the coil spring 31 of the first rotation direction will undergo elastic deformation in the direction close to the outer peripheral wall of the steering shaft 1, and the main part of the coil spring 31 of the second rotation direction will undergo elastic deformation in the direction away from the steering shaft 1, the steering shaft 1 can rotate a certain angle relative to the tube housing 2, and the elastic force of the coil spring 31 of the first rotation direction itself can apply a force to the steering shaft 1, this part of the force can prevent the steering shaft 1 from continuing to rotate, and can effectively prevent the steering shaft 1 from rotating too much relative to the tube housing 2, so that the rotation angle of the steering shaft 1 relative to the tube housing 2 can be limited, thereby limiting the rotation angle of the steering wheel.

[0042] Furthermore, the steering shaft 1 can be driven to automatically return to its original position due to the elastic restoring force of the coil spring 31 of the first rotation direction, thereby realizing the automatic return function of the steering column adjustment mechanism 100 .

[0043] Correspondingly, when the steering shaft 1 rotates in the opposite direction, the main part of the coil spring 31 of the second rotation direction is elastically deformed in the direction close to the outer peripheral wall of the steering shaft 1, and the main part of the coil spring 31 of the first rotation direction is elastically deformed in the direction away from the steering shaft 1. The elastic force of the coil spring 31 of the second rotation direction itself can exert a force on the steering shaft 1, and this part of the force can prevent the steering shaft 1 from continuing to rotate, thereby limiting the rotation angle of the steering shaft 1 relative to the tube housing 2, thereby limiting the rotation angle of the steering wheel; and, under the action of the elastic restoring force of the coil spring 31 of the second rotation direction itself, the steering shaft 1 can be driven to return automatically.

[0044] For example, when one end of the steering shaft 1 is connected to the steering wheel, when the driver manipulates the steering wheel to rotate clockwise, the steering wheel drives the steering shaft 1 to rotate clockwise. At this time, the steering shaft 1 drives the first end of the coil spring 31 of the first rotation direction and the main part of the coil spring 31 to rotate clockwise, and the main part of the coil spring 31 of the second rotation direction rotates clockwise. The main part of the coil spring 31 of the first rotation direction undergoes elastic deformation. As the steering shaft 1 rotates, the main part of the coil spring 31 of the first rotation direction is rolled up onto the steering shaft 1. At this time, when the steering shaft 1 continues to rotate clockwise, the elastic force of the coil spring 31 of the first rotation direction can exert a force on the steering shaft 1, thereby limiting the steering shaft 1 from continuing to rotate clockwise, so that the steering shaft 1 can no longer continue to rotate clockwise. In this way, the steering shaft 1 can play a role in limiting the rotation angle of the steering shaft 1 relative to the tube housing 2, thereby playing a role in limiting the rotation angle of the steering wheel; and in this process, the main part of the coil spring 31 of the second rotation direction will expand in the direction away from the steering shaft 1.

[0045] When the driver does not operate the steering wheel, the steering shaft 1 is driven by the elastic restoring force of the coil spring 31 of the first rotation direction to automatically return to the initial position, thereby realizing the function of the steering shaft 1 driving the steering wheel to realize automatic return.

[0046] For another example, when the driver operates the steering wheel to rotate counterclockwise, the steering wheel drives the steering shaft 1 to rotate counterclockwise. At this time, the steering shaft 1 drives the main part of the coil spring 31 of the second rotation direction to rotate counterclockwise, the main part of the coil spring 31 of the first rotation direction rotates counterclockwise, and the main part of the coil spring 31 of the second rotation direction undergoes elastic deformation. As the steering shaft 1 rotates, the main part of the coil spring 31 of the second rotation direction is rolled up onto the steering shaft 1. At this time, when the steering shaft 1 continues to rotate counterclockwise, the elastic force of the coil spring 31 of the second rotation direction itself can exert a force on the steering shaft 1, thereby limiting the steering shaft 1 from continuing to rotate counterclockwise, so that the steering shaft 1 can no longer continue to rotate counterclockwise, which can limit the rotation angle of the steering shaft 1 relative to the tube housing 2, thereby limiting the rotation angle of the steering wheel; and in this process, the main part of the coil spring 31 of the first rotation direction will expand in the direction away from the steering shaft 1.

[0047] When the driver does not operate the steering wheel, the steering shaft 1 is driven by the elastic restoring force of the coil spring 31 of the second rotation direction to automatically return to the initial position, thereby realizing the function of the steering shaft 1 driving the steering wheel to realize automatic return.

[0048] In addition, when the steering wheel is in a middle angular position, the elastic forces of the coil spring 31 in the first rotation direction and the coil spring 31 in the second rotation direction are in a balanced state, so that the steering wheel remains in the middle position. When the steering wheel is rotated clockwise by a certain angle, the coil spring 31 in the first rotation direction and the coil spring 31 in the second rotation direction both undergo elastic deformation to generate elastic force. The elastic force of the coil spring 31 in the first rotation direction and the elastic force of the coil spring 31 in the second rotation direction are opposite. In this way, when the driver does not operate the steering wheel, the steering wheel will be driven by the elastic force of the coil spring 31 in the first rotation direction and the elastic force of the coil spring 31 in the second rotation direction to automatically return to the center position.

[0049] Correspondingly, after the steering wheel is rotated counterclockwise by a certain angle, under the action of the elastic force of the coil spring 31 in the first rotation direction and the elastic force of the coil spring 31 in the second rotation direction, when the driver does not operate the steering wheel, the steering wheel will be driven by the elastic force of the coil spring 31 in the first rotation direction and the elastic force of the coil spring 31 in the second rotation direction to automatically return to the center position.

[0050] Reference Figure 3-Figure 6 According to some embodiments of the present invention, the coil spring 31 includes a first free end 311 connected to the steering shaft 1, and the steering column adjustment mechanism 100 also includes a clamping mechanism 4, which is used to clamp and fix the first free end 311 on the steering shaft 1. The clamping mechanism 4 can provide a clamping force to the first free end 311 of the coil spring 31 along the radial direction of the steering shaft 1, so that the first free end 311 of the coil spring 31 is clamped and fixed to the steering shaft 1, reducing or avoiding the possibility of relative movement between the first free end 311 of the coil spring 31 and the steering shaft 1 during the rotation of the steering shaft 1, so that the coil spring 31 can accurately transmit the elastic force to the steering shaft 1, and the coil spring 31 can more smoothly realize the function of limiting and automatically returning the steering shaft 1, which is conducive to improving the reliability of the steering column adjustment mechanism 100.

[0051] Reference Figure 3-Figure 6 According to some embodiments of the present invention, the coil spring 31 includes a first free end 311 connected to the steering shaft 1, and the steering shaft 1 is provided with a mounting groove 15, and the mounting groove 15 is suitable for accommodating the first free end 311. By accommodating the first free end 311 of the coil spring 31 in the mounting groove 15, the space inside the steering shaft 1 can be fully utilized, so that the first free end 311 of the coil spring 31 and the overall structure of the steering shaft 1 are compact; and the mounting groove 15 can guide and position the installation of the coil spring 31 on the steering shaft 1, and by accommodating the first free end 311 of the coil spring 31 in the mounting groove 15, the assembly position of the coil spring 31 on the steering shaft 1 can be accurate.

[0052] Reference Figure 3-Figure 6According to some embodiments of the present invention, the steering shaft 1 includes a steering shaft body 13 and a reinforcing rib plate 14. The reinforcing rib plate 14 is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the steering shaft body 13 and extends along the circumference of the steering shaft body 13. The reinforcing rib plate 14 and the steering shaft body 13 jointly define a mounting groove 15. The reinforcing rib plate 14 can enhance the structural strength of the steering shaft 1 to a certain extent. By accommodating the first free end 311 of the coil spring 31 in the mounting groove 15 jointly defined by the reinforcing rib plate 14 and the steering shaft body 13, the space inside the steering shaft 1 can be fully utilized, so that the first free end 311 of the coil spring 31 and the overall structure of the steering shaft 1 are compact.

[0053] Reference Figure 3-Figure 6 According to some embodiments of the present invention, a receiving cavity 21 is defined between the reinforcing rib plate 14 and the inner peripheral wall of the tube shell 2, and the receiving cavity 21 is used to receive at least part of the elastic mechanism 3. For example, the receiving cavity 21 may receive at least part of the elastic mechanism 3; for another example, the receiving cavity 21 may be used to receive all of the elastic mechanism 3. By arranging at least part of the elastic mechanism 3 in the receiving cavity 21 defined by the inner peripheral wall of the tube shell 2 and the reinforcing rib plate 14, the space inside the tube shell 2 can be fully utilized, so that the overall structure of the elastic mechanism 3, the steering shaft 1 and the tube shell 2 is compact.

[0054] Reference Figure 3-Figure 6 According to some embodiments of the present invention, a relief notch 141 for evading the coil spring 31 is formed on the reinforcing rib plate 14, and the relief notch 141 penetrates the mounting groove 15 and the accommodating cavity 21. Since the relief notch 141 penetrates the mounting groove 15 and the accommodating cavity 21, the first free end 311 of the coil spring 31 can be easily passed through the relief notch 141, so that the assembly of the coil spring 31 on the steering shaft 1 is smoother.

[0055] For example, when assembling the coil spring 31 to the steering shaft 1 , the first free end 311 of the coil spring 31 can be smoothly placed into the mounting groove 15 by avoiding the notch 141 , and the main body of the coil spring 31 can be smoothly placed into the accommodating cavity 21 .

[0056] Reference Figure 3-Figure 6 According to some embodiments of the present invention, the clamping mechanism 4 is configured as a clamping ring. The first free end 311 of the coil spring 31 is sandwiched between the outer peripheral side of the clamping ring and the reinforcing rib plate 14. The annular structure of the clamping ring can better fit the inner contour of the first free end 311 of the coil spring 31, so that a relatively uniform clamping force can be provided to the first free end 311 of the coil spring 31 along the circumference of the steering shaft 1, so that the first free end 311 of the coil spring 31 is more stably sandwiched between the outer peripheral side of the clamping ring and the reinforcing rib plate 14.

[0057] Reference Figure 3-Figure 6According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least part of the coil springs 31 share a clamping mechanism 4. By clamping and fixing the first free ends 311 of at least part of the coil springs 31 on the steering shaft 1 through a clamping mechanism 4, the number of parts can be reduced, the overall structure of the steering shaft 1 can be simplified, and the manufacturing cost of the steering shaft 1 can be reduced.

[0058] Reference Figure 3-Figure 6 According to some embodiments of the present invention, the clamping mechanism 4 is accommodated in the mounting groove 15, and the first free end 311 of the coil spring 31 is clamped between the clamping mechanism 4 and the reinforcing rib plate 14. The clamping mechanism 4 is arranged in the mounting groove 15, which can make full use of the space inside the steering shaft 1, so that the overall structure of the steering shaft 1, the clamping mechanism 4, and the first free end 311 of the coil spring 31 is compact, and the clamping mechanism 4 can provide a clamping force to the coil spring 31 along the radial direction of the steering shaft 1, so as to clamp and fix the first free end 311 of the coil spring 31 to the reinforcing rib plate 14, so that the connection between the first free end 311 of the coil spring 31 and the steering shaft 1 has strong stability, which can effectively prevent the possibility of the first free end 311 of the coil spring 31 moving relative to the steering shaft 1.

[0059] For example, the clamping mechanism 4 has a certain degree of adjustability. The clamping mechanism 4 is first elastically deformed to shrink the clamping mechanism 4 along the radial direction of the steering shaft 1, so that the clamping mechanism 4 can be placed in the accommodating groove more smoothly. When the clamping mechanism 4 is located on the side of the first free end 311 of the coil spring 31 close to the steering shaft body 13, the clamping mechanism 4 can expand along the radial direction of the steering shaft 1 due to its own elastic force. At this time, a clamping force can be provided to the coil spring 31 along the radial direction of the steering shaft 1 to clamp and fix the first free end 311 of the coil spring 31 to the reinforcing rib plate 14.

[0060] Reference Figure 3-Figure 6 According to some embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of avoidance notches 141 are provided on the reinforcing rib plate 14, and the plurality of avoidance notches 141 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the steering shaft 1, and the number of the avoidance notches 141 is the same as the number of the coil springs 31, and the avoidance notches 141 correspond to the coil springs 31 one by one, and each avoidance notch 141 is used to avoid the first free end 311 of the corresponding coil spring 31. The number of the avoidance notches 141 is the same as the number of the coil springs 31, and the avoidance notches 141 correspond to the coil springs 31 one by one, so that the first free end 311 of each coil spring 31 can smoothly enter the mounting groove 15 through the corresponding avoidance notch 141, and interference between different coil springs 31 can be avoided.

[0061] Reference Figure 3-Figure 6According to some embodiments of the present invention, the tube housing 2 is provided with a mounting notch 22, the second free end 312 of the coil spring 31 is passed through the mounting notch 22, and the second free end 312 of the coil spring 31 is fixed to the tube housing 2 by a fastener 5. The mounting notch 22 can facilitate the second free end 312 of the coil spring 31 to pass from the accommodating cavity 21 to the outer peripheral side of the tube housing 2, so that the assembly of the coil spring 31 on the steering shaft 1 is smoother; and the second free end 312 of the coil spring 31 is fixed to the tube housing 2 by the fastener 5, so that the connection between the second free end 312 of the coil spring 31 and the tube housing 2 is simple and has strong stability.

[0062] For example, when assembling the coil spring 31 to the steering shaft 1 , the second free end 312 of the coil spring 31 can be smoothly placed on the outer peripheral side of the tube shell 2 through the installation notch 22 , and the main body of the coil spring 31 can be smoothly placed into the accommodating cavity 21 .

[0063] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 According to some embodiments of the present invention, one end of the steering shaft 1 is used to be connected to the steering wheel, and the elastic mechanism 3 is located at the other end of the steering shaft 1 away from the steering wheel, which can make the force transmission between the steering shaft 1 and the elastic mechanism 3 more direct, reducing the loss during the force transmission process. By arranging the elastic mechanism 3 at the other end of the steering shaft 1 away from the steering wheel, interference between the elastic mechanism 3 and the steering wheel can be avoided. The steering wheel is arranged at one end of the steering shaft 1 and the elastic mechanism 3 is sleeved on the other end of the steering shaft 1 away from the direction, which can also make the center of gravity distribution of the steering shaft 1 more balanced, reducing or avoiding the possibility of damage to the steering shaft 1 due to uneven force.

[0064] Reference Figure 3-Figure 6 According to some embodiments of the present invention, the steering shaft 1 includes an upper steering shaft 11 and a lower steering shaft 12, the upper steering shaft 11 and the lower steering shaft 12 are connected by a spline structure, and the upper steering shaft 11 and the lower steering shaft 12 are coaxially arranged, and the end of the upper steering shaft 11 away from the lower steering shaft 12 is used to connect with the steering wheel, and the elastic mechanism 3 is installed on the lower steering shaft 12. By connecting the upper steering shaft 11 and the lower steering shaft 12 by a spline structure, it is convenient to adjust the size of the steering shaft 1 in the axial direction according to actual needs, so as to achieve the adjustment of the steering wheel position. For example, when the driver needs to adjust the position of the steering wheel, the spacing between the upper steering shaft 11 and the lower steering shaft 12 can be adjusted by the spline structure, so as to achieve the change of the size of the steering shaft 1 in the axial direction, so as to meet the driver's use needs in a timely manner and improve the user's use experience.

[0065] The upper steering shaft 11 and the lower steering shaft 12 are coaxially arranged, which can make the rotation of the upper steering shaft 11 and the lower steering shaft 12 smoother. By connecting one end of the upper steering shaft 11 with the steering wheel and sleeved on the lower steering shaft 12, the elastic mechanism 3 can be arranged at the other end of the steering shaft 1 away from the steering wheel, avoiding interference between the elastic mechanism 3 and the steering wheel, and also making the center of gravity distribution of the steering shaft 1 more balanced, reducing or avoiding the possibility of damage to the steering shaft 1 due to uneven force.

[0066] Reference Figure 1 The steering system according to the second embodiment of the present invention comprises a steering column adjustment mechanism 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] According to the steering system of the embodiment of the present invention, by providing the above-mentioned steering column adjustment mechanism 100, the structure of the steering system can be simplified, which is also beneficial to reducing the cost of the steering system.

[0068] Reference Figure 1 , a vehicle according to an embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention comprises a steering system according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention.

[0069] According to the vehicle of the embodiment of the present invention, by providing the above-mentioned steering system, the structure of the vehicle can be simplified, which is also beneficial to reducing the cost of the vehicle.

[0070] 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.

[0071] In the description of the present invention, "first feature" or "second feature" may include one or more of the features.

[0072] In the description of the present invention, a first feature being “on” or “under” a second feature may include that the first and second features are directly in contact with each other, or may include that the first and second features are not in direct contact with each other but are in contact with each other via another feature therebetween.

[0073] In the description of the present invention, “on”, “over” and “above” a first feature from a second feature includes the first feature being directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is horizontally higher than the second feature.

[0074] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "illustrative embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples" 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 representation of the above terms does 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.

[0075] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and that the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A steering column adjustment mechanism (100), characterized in that: include: Steering shaft (1); A tube shell (2), wherein the tube shell (2) is sleeved on the outer peripheral side of the steering shaft (1); An elastic mechanism (3), the elastic mechanism (3) being located between the steering shaft (1) and the tube shell (2), and the elastic mechanism (3) being used to limit the steering shaft (1).

2. The steering column adjustment mechanism (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner peripheral wall of the tube shell (2) and the outer peripheral wall of the steering shaft (1) define a receiving cavity (21), and at least a portion of the elastic mechanism (3) is disposed in the receiving cavity (21).

3. The steering column adjustment mechanism (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least a portion of the elastic mechanism (3) is sleeved on the outer peripheral side of the steering shaft (1).

4. The steering column adjustment mechanism (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic mechanism (3) is configured as a coil spring (31), and the coil spring (31) is elastically connected between the steering shaft (1) and the tube housing (2).

5. The steering column adjustment mechanism (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that: There are a plurality of coil springs (31), and the plurality of coil springs (31) are arranged along the axial direction of the steering shaft (1), wherein the rotation direction of some of the coil springs (31) is a first rotation direction, and the rotation direction of another portion of the coil springs (31) is a second rotation direction, and the second rotation direction is opposite to the first rotation direction.

6. The steering column adjustment mechanism (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The coil spring (31) comprises a first free end connected to the steering shaft (1), and the steering column adjustment mechanism (100) further comprises a clamping mechanism (4), wherein the clamping mechanism (4) is used to clamp and fix the first free end on the steering shaft (1).

7. The steering column adjustment mechanism (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The coil spring (31) comprises a first free end connected to the steering shaft (1), and the steering shaft (2) is provided with a mounting groove (15), and the mounting groove (15) is suitable for accommodating the first free end.

8. The steering column adjustment mechanism (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The steering shaft (1) comprises a steering shaft body (13) and a reinforcing rib plate (14); the reinforcing rib plate (14) is arranged on the outer peripheral side of the steering shaft body (13) and extends along the circumference of the steering shaft body (13); the reinforcing rib plate (14) and the steering shaft body (13) jointly define the mounting groove (15).

9. The steering column adjustment mechanism (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that: An accommodating cavity (21) is defined between the reinforcing rib plate (14) and the inner peripheral wall of the tube shell (2), and the accommodating cavity (21) is used to accommodate at least a portion of the elastic mechanism (3).

10. The steering column adjustment mechanism (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that: The reinforcing rib plate (14) is formed with an escape notch (141) for escaping the coil spring (31), and the escape notch (141) passes through the installation groove (15) and the accommodating cavity (21).

11. The steering column adjustment mechanism (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that: The clamping mechanism (4) is configured as a clamping ring.

12. The steering column adjustment mechanism (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that: The tube shell (2) is provided with a mounting notch (22), the second free end (312) of the coil spring (31) is inserted into the mounting notch (22), and the second free end (312) of the coil spring (31) is fixed to the tube shell (2) via a fastener (5).

13. The steering column adjustment mechanism (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the steering shaft (1) is used to be connected to a steering wheel, and the elastic mechanism (3) is located at the other end of the steering shaft (1) facing away from the steering wheel.

14. The steering column adjustment mechanism (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that: The steering shaft (1) comprises an upper steering shaft (11) and a lower steering shaft (12); the upper steering shaft (11) and the lower steering shaft (12) are connected via a spline structure, and the upper steering shaft (11) and the lower steering shaft (12) are coaxially arranged; an end of the upper steering shaft (11) away from the lower steering shaft (12) is used for connecting to a steering wheel; and the elastic mechanism (3) is mounted on the lower steering shaft (12).

15. A steering system, characterized in that: include: A steering column adjustment mechanism (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A vehicle, characterized in that: include: The steering system of claim 15.

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