Steering column adjustment mechanism, steering system and vehicle

Abstract

The present invention discloses a steering column adjusting mechanism, a steering system and a vehicle. The steering column adjusting mechanism includes a steering shaft, a tube housing and an elastic mechanism. The tube housing is sleeved on the outer peripheral side of the steering shaft, and the elastic mechanism is located between the steering shaft and the tube housing. The elastic mechanism is used to limit the steering shaft. According to the steering column adjusting mechanism of the embodiment of the present invention, by providing an elastic mechanism between the steering shaft and the tube housing, when the steering shaft rotates relative to the tube housing, at least part of the elastic mechanism can generate elastic deformation, and the elastic mechanism can apply a force to the steering shaft to prevent the steering shaft from continuing to rotate, so that the rotation angle of the steering shaft can be limited, the structure of the steering column adjusting mechanism is simple, and it is also beneficial to reduce the manufacturing cost of the steering column adjusting mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] During the turning process of a vehicle, the steering column adjusting mechanism needs to have a limiting function to prevent the steering wheel from oversteering and reduce the driving risk caused by steering out of control. Related technologies generally use hydraulic transmission and electric control to achieve the automatic limiting function of the steering column adjusting mechanism. Among them, the structure of traditional hydraulic transmission is relatively complex, and the cost of electric control is relatively high. Therefore, on the basis of realizing the automatic limiting function of the steering column adjusting mechanism, how to make the transmission structure simple and the cost low has become an urgent technical problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. For this purpose, an object of the present invention is to provide a steering column adjusting mechanism. By providing an elastic mechanism between the steering shaft and the tube housing, the elastic mechanism can achieve the limiting function of the steering shaft, making the structure of the steering column adjusting mechanism simple and also conducive to reducing the manufacturing cost of the steering column adjusting mechanism.

[0004] The present invention provides a steering system including the above-mentioned steering column adjusting mechanism.

[0005] The present invention further provides a vehicle including the above-mentioned steering system.

[0006] The steering column adjusting mechanism according to the first aspect embodiment of the present invention includes: a steering shaft; a tube housing sleeved on the outer peripheral side of the steering shaft; and an elastic mechanism located between the steering shaft and the tube housing, the elastic mechanism being used to limit the steering shaft.

[0007] According to the steering column adjusting mechanism of the embodiment of the present invention, by providing an elastic mechanism between the steering shaft and the tube housing, when the steering shaft rotates relative to the tube housing, at least part of the elastic mechanism can generate elastic deformation, and the elastic mechanism can apply a force to the steering shaft to prevent the steering shaft from continuing to rotate, so as to limit the rotation angle of the steering shaft, making the structure of the steering column adjusting mechanism simple and also conducive to reducing the manufacturing cost of the steering column adjusting mechanism.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, an accommodation cavity is defined by the inner peripheral wall of the tube housing and the outer peripheral wall of the steering shaft, and at least part of the elastic mechanism is disposed in the accommodation cavity.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least part of the elastic mechanism is sleeved on the 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. Among them, the helix direction of some of the coil springs is the first helix direction, and the helix direction of the other part of the coil springs is the second helix direction, and the second helix direction is opposite to the first helix 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 further includes a pressing mechanism for pressing and fixing 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 adapted to accommodate 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. The reinforcing rib plate is provided on the outer peripheral side of the steering shaft body and extends along the circumferential direction of the steering shaft body. The reinforcing rib plate and the steering shaft body jointly define the mounting groove.

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

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, an avoidance notch for avoiding the coil spring is formed on the reinforcing rib plate, and the avoidance notch penetrates through the mounting groove and the receiving cavity.

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

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

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, one end of the steering shaft is used to connect to the steering wheel, and the elastic mechanism is located at the other end of the steering shaft 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 through a spline structure, and the upper steering shaft and the lower steering shaft are coaxially arranged. One end of the upper steering shaft away from the lower steering shaft is used to connect to the steering wheel, and the elastic mechanism is installed on the lower steering shaft.

[0021] The steering system according to the second aspect embodiment of the present invention includes: the steering column adjustment mechanism according to the first aspect embodiment of the present invention above.

[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, and it is also beneficial to reduce the cost of the steering system.

[0023] The vehicle according to the third aspect embodiment of the present invention includes: the steering system according to the second aspect embodiment of the present invention above.

[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, and it is also beneficial to reduce the cost of the vehicle.

[0025] The additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be partially given in the following description, partially become obvious from the following description, or be understood through the 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 obvious and easy to understand from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein:

[0027] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a steering column adjustment mechanism according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a schematic diagram of the steering column adjustment mechanism in

[0029] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a sectional view taken along line A-A in

[0030] Figure 4 is Figure 3 an enlarged view at B in

[0031] Figure 5 is Figure 2 a sectional view taken along line C-C in

[0032] Figure 6 is Figure 2 a sectional view taken along line D-D in

[0033] Reference numerals:

[0034] 100, Steering column adjustment mechanism;

[0035] 1, Steering shaft; 11, Upper steering shaft; 12, Lower steering shaft; 13, Steering shaft body; 14, Reinforcement rib plate; 141, Avoidance notch; 15, Installation groove;

[0036] 2, Pipe shell; 21, Accommodation cavity; 22, Installation notch;

[0037] 3, Elastic mechanism; 31, Volute spring; 311, First free end; 312, Second free end;

[0038] 4, Compression mechanism;

[0039] 5, Fastener. Specific embodiments

[0040] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below. The examples of the embodiments are shown in the drawings, where the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below by referring to the drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention and should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention.

[0041] Below, refer to Figures 1-6 Describe the steering column adjustment mechanism 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Refer to Figures 1-3 , The steering column adjustment mechanism 100 according to the first aspect embodiment of the present invention includes a steering shaft 1, a pipe shell 2 and an elastic mechanism 3. The pipe shell 2 is sleeved on the outer peripheral side of the steering shaft 1, and the elastic mechanism 3 is located between the steering shaft 1 and the pipe shell 2. The elastic mechanism 3 is used to limit the steering shaft 1.

[0043] Since the elastic mechanism 3 is located between the steering shaft 1 and the pipe shell 2, at least part of the elastic mechanism 3 will undergo elastic deformation as the steering shaft 1 rotates. For example, at least part of the elastic mechanism 3 is compressed as the steering shaft 1 rotates. The steering shaft 1 can rotate relative to the pipe shell 2 by a certain angle, and the elastic force of the elastic mechanism 3 itself will exert a force on the steering shaft 1 to prevent the steering shaft 1 from continuing to rotate, which can effectively prevent the angle of rotation of the steering shaft 1 relative to the pipe shell 2 from being too large. In this way, it can play a role in limiting the angle of rotation of the steering shaft 1 relative to the pipe shell 2; and, under the action of the elastic restoring force of the elastic mechanism 3 itself, it can drive the steering shaft 1 to automatically return to its original position. In this way, the structure of the steering column adjustment mechanism 100 is simple. Compared with additionally adding an electric control device, the elastic mechanism 3 realizes the limiting and automatic return functions of the steering column adjustment mechanism 100, which is beneficial to reducing the manufacturing cost of the steering column adjustment mechanism 100.

[0044] For example, the steering shaft 1 is used to connect 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 pipe shell 2. At this time, the steering shaft 1 will drive at least part of the elastic mechanism 3 to rotate clockwise, causing at least part of the elastic mechanism 3 to undergo elastic deformation. As the steering shaft 1 rotates, at least part of the elastic mechanism 3 is wound 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, and this part of the force can limit the continued clockwise rotation of the steering shaft 1, so as to limit the rotation angle of the steering shaft 1 relative to the pipe shell 2, thereby limiting the rotation angle of the steering wheel.

[0045] 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 and automatically return to the initial position, thus realizing the function of the steering shaft 1 driving the steering wheel to automatically return to the position.

[0046] According to the steering column adjustment mechanism 100 of the embodiment of the present invention, by providing an elastic mechanism 3 between the steering shaft 1 and the pipe shell 2, when the steering shaft 1 rotates relative to the pipe shell 2, at least part of the elastic mechanism 3 can generate elastic deformation, and the elastic force of the elastic mechanism 3 can exert a force on the steering shaft 1 to prevent the steering shaft 1 from continuing to rotate, so as to limit the rotation angle of the steering shaft 1, making the structure of the steering column adjustment mechanism 100 simple and also conducive to reducing the manufacturing cost of the steering column adjustment mechanism 100. <000>

[0047] Refer to Figures 3-6 , according to some embodiments of the present invention, the inner peripheral wall of the pipe shell 2 and the outer peripheral wall of the steering shaft 1 define an accommodation cavity 21, and at least part of the elastic mechanism 3 is arranged in the accommodation cavity 21. Among them, at least part of the elastic mechanism 3 being arranged in the accommodation cavity 21 can include the following situations: for example, part of the elastic mechanism 3 can be arranged in the accommodation cavity 21; for another example, all of the elastic mechanism 3 can also be arranged in the accommodation cavity 21.

[0048] By arranging at least part of the elastic mechanism 3 in the accommodation cavity 21 jointly defined by the inner peripheral wall of the pipe shell 2 and the outer peripheral wall of the steering shaft 1, the space inside the pipe shell 2 can be fully utilized, making the overall structure of the elastic mechanism 3, the steering shaft 1 and the pipe shell 2 compact.

[0049] Refer to Figures 1-3, according to some embodiments of the present invention, at least a 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 can be sleeved on the outer peripheral side of the steering shaft 1, which can make the force transmission between the steering shaft 1 and the elastic mechanism 3 more direct and reduce the loss during the force transmission process. For example, the elastic force of the elastic mechanism 3 itself can be applied to the steering shaft 1 more directly to limit and automatically return the steering shaft 1.

[0050] Refer to Figures 3-6 , 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 shell 2. By elastically connecting the coil spring 31 between the steering shaft 1 and the shell 2, at least a part of the coil spring 31 will undergo elastic deformation 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 relative to the shell 2 by a certain angle, and the coil spring 31 can apply a force to the steering shaft 1. This part of the force can prevent the steering shaft 1 from continuing to rotate, effectively avoiding the steering shaft 1 from rotating relative to the shell 2 by too large an angle, thus playing a role in limiting the rotation angle of the steering shaft 1 relative to the shell 2; and, under the action of the elastic force of the coil spring 31 itself, it can drive the steering shaft 1 to automatically return, thereby realizing the functions of limiting and returning the steering shaft 1 by the elastic mechanism 3.

[0051] Refer to Figures 3-6 , 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. Among them, the winding direction of some coil springs 31 is the first winding direction, and the winding direction of the other part of the coil springs 31 is the second winding direction, and the second winding direction is opposite to the first winding direction.

[0052] In the description of the present invention, the meaning of "multiple" is two or more.

[0053] A plurality of coil springs 31 are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the steering shaft 1, capable of providing elastic forces at different positions of the steering shaft 1, making the force on the steering shaft 1 in the axial direction relatively uniform. Among them, the helix directions of some of the coil springs 31 are the first helix direction, and the helix directions of the other part of the coil springs 31 are the second helix direction, and the second helix direction is opposite to the first helix direction. When the steering shaft 1 rotates relative to the tube shell 2, the main body part of the coil spring 31 will undergo elastic deformation as the steering shaft 1 rotates. The main body part of the coil spring 31 with the first helix direction undergoes elastic deformation towards the direction close to the outer peripheral wall of the steering shaft 1, and the main body part of the coil spring 31 with the second helix direction undergoes elastic deformation towards the direction away from the steering shaft 1. The steering shaft 1 can rotate relative to the tube shell 2 by a certain angle, and the elastic force of the coil spring 31 with the first helix 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, which can effectively prevent the angle of rotation of the steering shaft 1 relative to the tube shell 2 from being too large. In this way, it can play a role in limiting the angle of rotation of the steering shaft 1 relative to the tube shell 2, and thus play a role in limiting the rotation angle of the steering wheel.

[0054] Moreover, under the action of the elastic restoring force of the coil spring 31 with the first helix direction itself, the steering shaft 1 can be driven to automatically return to its original position, thus realizing the automatic return function of the steering column adjustment mechanism 100.

[0055] Correspondingly, when the steering shaft 1 rotates in the opposite direction, the main body part of the coil spring 31 with the second helix direction undergoes elastic deformation towards the direction close to the outer peripheral wall of the steering shaft 1, and the main body part of the coil spring 31 with the first helix direction undergoes elastic deformation towards the direction away from the steering shaft 1. The elastic force of the coil spring 31 with the second helix 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. In this way, it can play a role in limiting the angle of rotation of the steering shaft 1 relative to the tube shell 2, and thus play a role in limiting the rotation angle of the steering wheel; moreover, under the action of the elastic restoring force of the coil spring 31 with the second helix direction itself, the steering shaft 1 can be driven to automatically return to its original position.

[0056] For example, when one end of the steering shaft 1 is connected to the steering wheel, when the driver operates the steering wheel to rotate clockwise, the steering wheel drives the steering shaft 1 to rotate clockwise. At this time, the steering shaft 1 will drive the first end of the coil spring 31 with the first helix direction and the main body part of the coil spring 31 to rotate clockwise, and the main body part of the coil spring 31 with the second helix direction rotates clockwise. The main body part of the coil spring 31 with the first helix direction undergoes elastic deformation. As the steering shaft 1 rotates, the main body part of the coil spring 31 with the first helix direction is wound onto the steering shaft 1. At this time, when the steering shaft 1 continues to rotate clockwise, due to the elastic force of the coil spring 31 with the first helix direction itself, a force can be exerted on the steering shaft 1, thereby restricting the steering shaft 1 from continuing to rotate clockwise, making the steering shaft 1 unable to continue rotating clockwise. This can limit the rotation angle of the steering shaft 1 relative to the housing 2, and thus limit the rotation angle of the steering wheel; and, during this process, the main body part of the coil spring 31 with the second helix direction will expand in a direction away from the steering shaft 1.

[0057] When the driver does not operate the steering wheel, the steering shaft 1 will be driven by the elastic restoring force of the coil spring 31 with the first helix direction and automatically return to the initial position, thereby realizing the function of the steering shaft 1 driving the steering wheel to automatically return to the position.

[0058] 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 will drive the main body part of the coil spring 31 with the second helix direction to rotate counterclockwise, and the main body part of the coil spring 31 with the first helix direction rotates counterclockwise. The main body part of the coil spring 31 with the second helix direction undergoes elastic deformation. As the steering shaft 1 rotates, the main body part of the coil spring 31 with the second helix direction is wound 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 with the second helix direction itself can exert a force on the steering shaft 1, thereby restricting the steering shaft 1 from continuing to rotate counterclockwise, making the steering shaft 1 unable to continue rotating counterclockwise. This can limit the rotation angle of the steering shaft 1 relative to the housing 2, and thus limit the rotation angle of the steering wheel; and, during this process, the main body part of the coil spring 31 with the first helix direction will expand in a direction away from the steering shaft 1.

[0059] When the driver does not operate the steering wheel, the steering shaft 1 will be driven by the elastic restoring force of the coil spring 31 with the second helix direction and automatically return to the initial position, thereby realizing the function of the steering shaft 1 driving the steering wheel to automatically return to the position.

[0060] In addition, when the steering wheel is at the middle angular position, the elastic forces of the coil springs 31 with the first helix direction and the coil springs 31 with the second helix direction are in a balanced state, keeping the steering wheel in the middle position. When the steering wheel is rotated clockwise by a certain angle, both the coil springs 31 with the first helix direction and the coil springs 31 with the second helix direction undergo elastic deformation to generate elastic forces. The elastic forces of the coil springs 31 with the first helix direction and the coil springs 31 with the second helix direction are opposite. In this way, when the driver does not operate the steering wheel, the steering wheel will be driven by the elastic forces of the coil springs 31 with the first helix direction and the coil springs 31 with the second helix direction and automatically return to the center position.

[0061] Correspondingly, when the steering wheel is rotated counterclockwise by a certain angle, under the action of the elastic forces of the coil springs 31 with the first helix direction and the coil springs 31 with the second helix direction, when the driver does not operate the steering wheel, the steering wheel will be driven by the elastic forces of the coil springs 31 with the first helix direction and the coil springs 31 with the second helix direction and automatically return to the center position.

[0062] Refer to Figures 3-6 , 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 further includes a pressing mechanism 4. The pressing mechanism 4 is used to press and fix the first free end 311 to the steering shaft 1. The pressing mechanism 4 can provide a pressing force to the first free end 311 of the coil spring 31 along the radial direction of the steering shaft 1, so as to press and fix the first free end 311 of the coil spring 31 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, enabling the coil spring 31 to accurately transmit the elastic force to the steering shaft 1, and enabling the functions of limiting and automatic return of the coil spring 31 to the steering shaft 1 to be realized more smoothly, which is beneficial to improving the reliability of the steering column adjustment mechanism 100.

[0063] Refer to Figures 3-6 , 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 an installation groove 15. The installation groove 15 is adapted to accommodate the first free end 311. By accommodating the first free end 311 of the coil spring 31 in the installation groove 15, the space inside the steering shaft 1 can be fully utilized, making the overall structure of the first free end 311 of the coil spring 31 and the steering shaft 1 compact; moreover, the installation groove 15 can play a role in guiding and positioning the installation of the coil spring 31 on the steering shaft 1. By accommodating the first free end 311 of the coil spring 31 in the installation groove 15, the assembly position of the coil spring 31 on the steering shaft 1 can be accurate.

[0064] Refer to Figures 3-6, according 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 provided on the outer peripheral side of the steering shaft body 13 and extends along the circumferential direction 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, making the structure of the first free end 311 of the coil spring 31 and the whole steering shaft 1 compact.

[0065] Refer to Figures 3-6 , according to some embodiments of the present invention, a receiving cavity 21 is defined between the inner peripheral wall of the reinforcing rib plate 14 and the shell 2. The receiving cavity 21 is used to receive at least part of the elastic mechanism 3. For example, it can be that the receiving cavity 21 receives at least part of the elastic mechanism 3; or for another example, it can also be that the receiving cavity 21 is used to receive all of the elastic mechanism 3. By arranging at least part of the elastic mechanism 3 in the receiving cavity 21 jointly defined by the inner peripheral wall of the shell 2 and the reinforcing rib plate 14, the space inside the shell 2 can be fully utilized, making the structure of the elastic mechanism 3, the steering shaft 1 and the shell 2 as a whole compact.

[0066] Refer to Figures 3-6 , according to some embodiments of the present invention, a relief notch 141 for avoiding the coil spring 31 is formed on the reinforcing rib plate 14. The relief notch 141 penetrates through the mounting groove 15 and the receiving cavity 21. By the relief notch 141 penetrating through the mounting groove 15 and the receiving cavity 21, it is convenient for the first free end 311 of the coil spring 31 to pass through the relief notch 141, making the assembly of the coil spring 31 on the steering shaft 1 smoother.

[0067] For example, during the process of 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 through the relief notch 141, and the main body part of the coil spring 31 can be smoothly placed into the receiving cavity 21.

[0068] Refer to Figures 3-6 , according to some embodiments of the present invention, the pressing mechanism 4 is configured as a pressing ring. The first free end 311 of the coil spring 31 is clamped between the outer peripheral side of the pressing ring and the reinforcing rib plate 14. The annular structure of the pressing ring can better fit the inner contour of the first free end 311 of the coil spring 31, so that a relatively uniform pressing force can be provided to the first free end 311 of the coil spring 31 along the circumferential direction of the steering shaft 1, making the first free end 311 of the coil spring 31 more stably clamped between the outer peripheral side of the pressing ring and the reinforcing rib plate 14.

[0069] Refer to Figures 3-6, according to some embodiments of the present invention, at least part of the coil spring 31 shares a pressing mechanism 4. By using a pressing mechanism 4 to press and fix the first free end 311 of at least part of the coil spring 31 onto the steering shaft 1, the number of components can be reduced, the overall structure of the steering shaft 1 can be simplified, and it is beneficial to reduce the manufacturing cost of the steering shaft 1.

[0070] Refer to Figures 3-6 , according to some embodiments of the present invention, the pressing mechanism 4 is accommodated in the installation groove 15, and the first free end 311 of the coil spring 31 is clamped between the pressing mechanism 4 and the reinforcing rib plate 14. The pressing mechanism 4 is arranged in the installation groove 15, which can make full use of the space inside the steering shaft 1, making the overall structure of the steering shaft 1, the pressing mechanism 4 and the first free end 311 of the coil spring 31 compact. Moreover, the pressing mechanism 4 can provide a pressing force on the coil spring 31 along the radial direction of the steering shaft 1 to press and fix the first free end 311 of the coil spring 31 onto 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 and can effectively prevent the possibility of the first free end 311 of the coil spring 31 moving relative to the steering shaft 1.

[0071] For example, the pressing mechanism 4 has certain adjustability. First, make the pressing mechanism 4 undergo elastic deformation so that the pressing mechanism 4 contracts along the radial direction of the steering shaft 1, so that the pressing mechanism 4 can be more smoothly placed into the accommodation groove. And when the pressing 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 pressing mechanism 4 can expand along the radial direction of the steering shaft 1 under its own elastic force. At this time, a pressing force can be provided on the coil spring 31 along the radial direction of the steering shaft 1 to press and fix the first free end 311 of the coil spring 31 onto the reinforcing rib plate 14.

[0072] Refer to Figures 3-6 , according to some embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of avoidance gaps 141 are provided on the reinforcing rib plate 14. The plurality of avoidance gaps 141 are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the steering shaft 1. The number of avoidance gaps 141 is the same as the number of coil springs 31 and the avoidance gaps 141 and the coil springs 31 correspond to each other one by one. Each avoidance gap 141 is used to avoid the first free end 311 of the corresponding coil spring 31. The number of avoidance gaps 141 is the same as the number of coil springs 31 and the avoidance gaps 141 and the coil springs 31 correspond to each other one by one, so that the first free end 311 of each coil spring 31 can smoothly enter the installation groove 15 through the corresponding avoidance gap 141, and interference between different coil springs 31 can be avoided.

[0073] Refer to Figures 3-6, According to some embodiments of the present invention, an installation notch 22 is provided on the housing 2. The second free end 312 of the coil spring 31 passes through the installation notch 22, and the second free end 312 of the coil spring 31 is fixed to the housing 2 by a fastener 5. The installation notch 22 can facilitate the second free end 312 of the coil spring 31 to pass through the accommodation cavity 21 to the outer peripheral side of the housing 2, making the assembly of the coil spring 31 on the steering shaft 1 smoother; moreover, by fixing the second free end 312 of the coil spring 31 to the housing 2 through the fastener 5, the connection between the second free end 312 of the coil spring 31 and the housing 2 can be simple and have strong stability.

[0074] For example, during the process of 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 housing 2 through the installation notch 22, and the main body part of the coil spring 31 can be smoothly placed into the accommodation cavity 21.

[0075] Refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , According to some embodiments of the present invention, one end of the steering shaft 1 is used to connect 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, it can avoid interference between the elastic mechanism 3 and the steering wheel. Moreover, when 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 steering wheel, it 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.

[0076] Refer to Figures 3-6 , 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. One end of the upper steering shaft 11 away from the lower steering shaft 12 is used to connect to 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 through a spline structure, it can facilitate adjusting the size of the steering shaft 1 in the axial direction according to actual needs, thereby realizing the adjustment of the position of the steering wheel. For example, when the driver needs to adjust the position of the steering wheel, the distance between the upper steering shaft 11 and the lower steering shaft 12 can be adjusted through the spline structure, thereby realizing the change in the size of the steering shaft 1 in the axial direction to meet the driver's usage requirements in a timely manner and enhancing the user's usage experience.

[0077] 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 to 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 making the center of gravity of the steering shaft 1 more balanced, reducing or avoiding the possibility of damage to the steering shaft 1 due to uneven force.

[0078] Reference Figure 1 The steering system according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes the steering column adjustment mechanism 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] 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.

[0080] Reference Figure 1 , a vehicle according to an embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention includes a steering system according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention.

[0081] 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 conducive to reducing the cost of the vehicle.

[0082] 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 to 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, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0083] In the description of the present invention, "first feature" or "second feature" may include one or more of the features.

[0084] In the description of the present invention, a first feature being “on” or “under” a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact with each other, or the first and second features not being in direct contact with each other but being in contact with each other via another feature therebetween.

[0085] In the description of the present invention, “on”, “above” and “above” a first feature of a second feature include 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.

[0086] In the description of this specification, the description referring to terms such as "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "schematic embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples", etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0087] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those of ordinary skill in the art can understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and purposes of the present invention, and 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), the tube shell (2) being 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 housing (2), the elastic mechanism (3) being used to limit the steering shaft (1), the elastic mechanism (3) being configured as a coil spring (31), the coil spring (31) being elastically connected between the steering shaft (1) and the tube housing (2), the coil spring (31) being multiple, the multiple coil springs (31) being 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 part of the coil springs (31) is a second rotation direction, the second rotation direction being opposite to the first rotation direction, the coil spring (31) including a first free end connected to the steering shaft (1), the steering column adjustment mechanism (100) further including a pressing mechanism (4), the pressing mechanism (4) being used to press and fix the first free end on the steering shaft (1); The clamping mechanism (4) is configured as a clamping ring, and the clamping mechanism (4) has elastic deformation capability so that the clamping mechanism (4) can shrink or expand along the radial direction of the steering shaft (1), and a plurality of coil springs (31) share one clamping mechanism (4).

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 an accommodating cavity (21), and at least a portion of the elastic mechanism (3) is disposed in the accommodating 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 coil spring (31) comprises a first free end connected to the steering shaft (1); the steering shaft (1) is provided with a mounting groove (15); and the mounting groove (15) is suitable for accommodating the first free end.

5. The steering column adjustment mechanism (100) according to claim 4, 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).

6. The steering column adjustment mechanism (100) according to claim 5, 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).

7. The steering column adjustment mechanism (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that: An escape notch (141) for escaping the coil spring (31) is formed on the reinforcing rib plate (14), and the escape notch (141) passes through the installation groove (15) and the accommodating cavity (21).

8. The steering column adjustment mechanism (100) according to claim 1, 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 passed through 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).

9. The steering column adjustment mechanism (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the steering shaft (1) is used for connecting 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.

10. The steering column adjustment mechanism (100) according to claim 9, 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 connection with a steering wheel; and the elastic mechanism (3) is mounted on the lower steering shaft (12).

11. A steering system, characterized in that: include: A steering column adjustment mechanism (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A vehicle, characterized in that: include: The steering system of claim 11.

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