Steering column and steering system

Abstract

The invention discloses a steering column and a steering system. The steering column comprises an outer column, an inner column and a sliding fit mechanism. The inner tubular column is configured to be movably arranged relative to the outer tubular column in the axis direction of the steering tubular column, and at least part of the outer circumferential face of the inner tubular column is attached to the inner circumferential face of the outer tubular column. The sliding fit mechanism comprises a guide rail and a sliding piece which extend in the axis direction, one of the guide rail and the sliding piece is connected to the outer tubular column, and the other one is connected to the inner tubular column. At least part of the sliding piece is inserted into the guide rail and is configured to be movably arranged relative to the guide rail in the axis direction. A containing cavity is defined in the guide rail, the sliding piece comprises a sliding part and a connecting part, the sliding part is contained in the containing cavity, the outer surface of the sliding part is attached to the inner surface of the guide rail, and the connecting part is connected between the sliding part and the inner tubular column or connected between the sliding part and the outer tubular column. The risk of deformation or fracture of the steering column can be reduced, and large-amplitude stretching and retracting of the steering column can be achieved easily.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In the field of intelligent driving, the steer-by-wire system is bound to become the future technical trend. Compared with the traditional automotive steering system, the steer-by-wire system cancels the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the steering wheel, and realizes steering by electric control, getting rid of the various limitations of the traditional automotive steering system, and bringing more space for the design of automotive steering characteristics. Steer-by-wire can not only completely decouple the upper and lower vehicle bodies, but also set the steering wheel to a silent state in the driverless state. In the silent state, the steering wheel needs to have a storage function to release the cabin space. Therefore, the need for a steering column structure with large front and rear stroke telescoping becomes very urgent.

[0003] The existing manual and electric adjustable steering columns, although they have the function of front and rear adjustment, generally have a small stroke, generally within ±30 mm; such a short stroke is only used to meet the adjustment of the man-machine position by people of different body types, and is not enough to store the steering wheel, let alone release the cabin space. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application provides a steering column and a steering system, which are beneficial to maintaining the high rigidity and high mode of the steering column on the premise of realizing large-scale telescoping of the steering column.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides a steering column, which includes an outer tube, an inner tube, and a sliding fit mechanism. The inner tube is inserted into the outer tube and is configured to be movably disposed relative to the outer tube along the axis of the steering column, and at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube is attached to the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube. The sliding fit mechanism includes a guide rail and a sliding member, both the guide rail and the sliding member extend along the axial direction, one of the guide rail and the sliding member is connected to the outer tube, and the other is connected to the inner tube; at least a part of the sliding member is inserted into the guide rail and is configured to be movably disposed relative to the guide rail along the axial direction. A receiving cavity is defined inside the guide rail, the sliding member includes a sliding portion and a connecting portion, the sliding portion is received in the receiving cavity, the outer surface of the sliding portion is attached to the inner surface of the guide rail, and the connecting portion is connected between the sliding portion and the inner tube or the connecting portion is connected between the sliding portion and the outer tube.

[0006] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the guide rail along a direction perpendicular to the axis is C-shaped or arc-shaped.

[0007] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the sliding portion along a direction perpendicular to the axis is C-shaped or arc-shaped.

[0008] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the sliding portion along a direction perpendicular to the axis is arc-shaped; a first opening is provided on a side of the sliding portion away from the connecting portion, and the central angle corresponding to the first opening is 20°-45°.

[0009] In some embodiments, the guide rail has a second opening, and the accommodating cavity opens to the outside of the guide rail through the second opening. The guide rail includes a first side surface and a second side surface that define the second opening, and the first side surface and the second side surface are oppositely arranged; at least a part of the connecting portion is accommodated in the second opening, and the connecting portion fits against the first side surface and the second side surface.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first side surface and the second side surface are parallel planes.

[0011] In some embodiments, the outer pipe column and the guide rail are connected circumferentially along the steering pipe column, the guide rail extends outward beyond the outer peripheral surface of the outer pipe column, and the accommodating cavity opens toward the inner side of the outer pipe column. The sliding member is connected to the inner pipe column and protrudes beyond the outer peripheral surface of the inner pipe column.

[0012] In some embodiments, the guide rail includes a first convex portion that extends inward beyond the inner peripheral surface of the outer pipe column; a first concave portion is provided on the outer side of the inner pipe column facing the sliding member, at least a part of the first convex portion is accommodated in the first concave portion, and a part of the outer peripheral surface of the inner pipe column fits against the outer surface of the first convex portion.

[0013] In some embodiments, the inner pipe column includes a first body portion and a second body portion that are connected to each other circumferentially along the steering pipe column. The outer peripheral surface of the first body portion fits against the outer peripheral surface of the outer pipe column. The second body portion is correspondingly arranged with the first concave portion. The sliding member is connected to the second body portion, and the first convex portion is clamped between the sliding member and the second body portion.

[0014] In some embodiments, a first arc surface is formed at the connection position between the first convex portion and the outer pipe column, a second arc surface is formed at the connection position between the first body portion and the second body portion on the outer side facing the outer pipe column, the first arc surface and the second arc surface are oppositely arranged, and a first gap is formed between the first arc surface and the second arc surface.

[0015] In some embodiments, a third arc surface is formed at the connection position between the sliding member and the second body portion, a fourth arc surface is provided on a side of the first convex portion away from the outer pipe column, the third arc surface and the fourth arc surface are oppositely arranged, and a second gap is formed between the third arc surface and the fourth arc surface.

[0016] In some embodiments, there are two first convex portions, and the two first convex portions are symmetrically arranged; the guide rail has a second opening on the inner side facing the inner pipe column, the accommodating cavity opens to the inner side of the outer pipe column through the second opening, and the second opening is formed between the two first convex portions.

[0017] In some embodiments, a second recess is provided on the inner side of the outer pipe column. The steering pipe column includes a second protrusion that protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the inner pipe column. Both the second recess and the second protrusion extend in the axial direction. The second protrusion is received in the second recess, and at least a part of the outer surface of the second protrusion is attached to the surface of the outer pipe column that forms the second recess.

[0018] In some embodiments, the steering pipe column further includes a third protrusion that protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the outer pipe column and is disposed corresponding to the second recess.

[0019] In some embodiments, there are two guide rails, and the two guide rails are disposed opposite to each other; there are two sliding members, and the two sliding members are respectively disposed corresponding to the two guide rails one by one; the outer pipe column forms a part of a hollow cylinder, and the second recess is disposed at an equal angular interval from the two guide rails.

[0020] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a steering system, which includes: a steering pipe column provided according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect, a steering wheel, and a steering gear. The steering pipe column includes a rotating shaft inserted into the inner pipe column. The steering wheel is connected to one end of the rotating shaft. The steering gear is connected to the other end of the rotating shaft away from the steering wheel.

[0021] In the steering pipe column provided by the embodiment of the present application, the outer pipe column, the inner pipe column, the guide rails, and the sliding members all extend in the axial direction, which is beneficial to achieving a large-scale telescoping of the inner pipe column relative to the outer pipe column. Moreover, it is also beneficial to profile the inner pipe column and the outer pipe column. The extrusion production of the required material profiles can be carried out first, and then the billets can be pulled out according to a certain length. The steering pipe columns of different vehicle models can be intercepted and used according to the required length, which can be adapted to different vehicle models.

[0022] Moreover, at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the inner pipe column is attached to the inner peripheral surface of the outer pipe column, and the inner pipe column can be in interference fit with the outer pipe column. The sliding member can be in interference fit with the guide rail. A guide rail sliding mechanism can be respectively formed between the inner pipe column and the outer pipe column, and between the guide rail and the sliding member, which is beneficial to increasing the fitting area between the inner and outer pipes of the steering pipe column, reducing the risk of deformation or fracture of the steering pipe column, and is beneficial to maintaining the high rigidity and high mode of the steering pipe column on the premise of achieving a large-scale telescoping of the steering pipe column, so as to release a large amount of space with better performance and enable the steering pipe column to adapt to the various functional requirements of different vehicle models. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The features, advantages, and technical effects of the exemplary embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 It is a schematic three-dimensional structure diagram of a steering pipe column provided for some embodiments of the present application.

[0025] Figure 2 is Figure 1 the front view of the shown steering pipe column.

[0026] Figure 3 is Figure 2 The enlarged structural schematic diagram of area A in

[0027] Figure 4 is Figure 3 The enlarged structural schematic diagram of area B in

[0028] Figure 5 is Figure 3 The enlarged structural schematic diagram of area C in

[0029] Figure 6 is Figure 1 The structural schematic diagram of the outer tube and the guide rail of the steering column shown in

[0030] Figure 7 is Figure 6 The enlarged structural schematic diagram of area D in

[0031] Figure 8 is Figure 1 The structural schematic diagram of the inner tube and the slider of the steering column shown in

[0032] Figure 9 is Figure 8 The enlarged structural schematic diagram of area E in

[0033] Figure 10 The structural schematic diagram of the steering system provided by some embodiments of the present application.

[0034] The reference numerals in the specific embodiments are as follows:

[0035] Steering column 1, outer tube 10, section 111, second recess 112, outer peripheral surface 11a, inner peripheral surface 11b, guide rail 12, accommodation cavity 121, second opening 122, first side surface 1221, second side surface 1222, first protrusion 123, fourth arc surface 1231, first arc surface 13, third protrusion 14, inner tube 20, first recess 211, first body portion 212, second body portion 213, second arc surface 214, third arc surface 215, slider 22, sliding portion 221, connecting portion 222, first opening 223, second protrusion 23, first gap 31, second gap 32, rotating shaft 40, central axis a, axial direction X;

[0036] Steering system 2, steering wheel 3, steering gear 4. Specific embodiments

[0037] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the following will clearly describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of this application, rather than all of the embodiments.

[0038] In the description of this application, terms such as "first", "second", "third", etc. in the specification and claims of this application or in the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order or primary-secondary relationship. In the embodiments of this application, the same reference numerals represent the same components, and for the sake of brevity, in different embodiments, the detailed description of the same components is omitted.

[0039] Referring to "embodiment" in this application means that the specific features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The phrase appears in various positions in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments.

[0040] In the description of this application, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, terms such as "installation" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0041] In the embodiments of this application, "parallel" not only includes the case of absolute parallelism, but also includes the case of approximately parallelism commonly recognized in engineering; at the same time, "perpendicular" not only includes the case of absolute perpendicularity, but also includes the case of approximately perpendicularity commonly recognized in engineering. Exemplarily, if the included angle between two directions is 85° - 95°, the two directions can be considered perpendicular; if the included angle between two directions is 0° - 10°, the two directions can be considered parallel.

[0042] The embodiments of this application first provide a steering column, and the steering column provided by the embodiments of this application is applicable to the steering system of a vehicle.

[0043] The following describes the steering column of the embodiments of this application with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] Figure 1 It is a schematic three-dimensional structure diagram of the steering column provided for some embodiments of this application, Figure 2 is Figure 1 the front view of the shown steering column, Figure 3 is Figure 2 the enlarged structure diagram of area A in Figure 4 is Figure 3Schematic diagram of the enlarged structure of the middle region B Figure 5 is Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the enlarged structure of the middle region C Figure 6 is Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the outer tube of the steering column shown Figure 7 is Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the enlarged structure of the middle region D Figure 8 is Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the inner tube of the steering column shown Figure 9 is Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the enlarged structure of the middle region E

[0045] Referring to Figures 1 to 9 , the steering column 1 provided in the embodiment of the present application includes an outer tube 10, an inner tube 20 and a sliding fit mechanism 30. The inner tube 20 is inserted into the outer tube 10 and is configured to be movably arranged relative to the outer tube 10 along the axial direction X of the steering column 1. At least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube 20 is attached to the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube 10. The sliding fit mechanism 30 includes a guide rail 12 and a sliding member 22. Both the guide rail 12 and the sliding member 22 extend along the axial direction X. One of the guide rail 12 and the sliding member 22 is connected to the outer tube 10, and the other is connected to the inner tube 20. At least a part of the sliding member 22 is inserted into the guide rail 12 and is configured to be movably arranged relative to the guide rail 12 along the axial direction X. An accommodation cavity 121 is defined inside the guide rail 12. The sliding member 22 includes a sliding part 221 and a connecting part 222. The sliding part 221 is accommodated in the accommodation cavity 121, the outer surface of the sliding part 221 is attached to the inner surface of the guide rail 12, and the connecting part 222 is connected between the sliding part 221 and the inner tube 20 or the connecting part 222 is connected between the sliding part 221 and the outer tube 10.

[0046] Both the inside of the outer tube 10 and the inside of the inner tube 20 define a lumen. The inner side of the outer tube 10 refers to the side of the outer tube 10 facing its internal lumen, and the outer side of the outer tube 10 refers to the side of the outer tube 10 facing away from its internal lumen. The inner side of the inner tube 20 refers to the side of the inner tube 20 facing its internal lumen, and the outer side of the inner tube 20 refers to the side of the inner tube 20 facing away from its internal lumen.

[0047] The inner tube 20 can be inserted into the outer tube 10 inward along the axial direction X, or can be pulled out of the outer tube 10 outward along the axial direction X. The inner tube 20 being inserted into the outer tube 10 inward along the axial direction X can shorten the length of the inner tube 20 exposed outside, realizing the contraction of the steering column 1 in the axial direction X; the inner tube 20 being pulled out of the outer tube 10 outward along the axial direction X can extend the length of the inner tube 20 exposed outside, realizing the elongation of the steering column 1 in the axial direction X.

[0048] In some examples, the guide rail 12 can be connected to the outer pipe column 10, and the sliding member 22 can be connected to the inner pipe column 20. The sliding member 22 can axially move relative to the guide rail 12 under the drive of the inner pipe column 20 to telescopically expand and contract synchronously with the inner pipe column 20.

[0049] In other examples, the guide rail 12 can be connected to the inner pipe column 20, and the sliding member 22 can be connected to the outer pipe column 10. The guide rail 12 can axially move relative to the sliding member 22 under the drive of the inner pipe column 20 to telescopically expand and contract synchronously with the inner pipe column 20.

[0050] The sliding member 22 can be integrally inserted into the guide rail 12, or only a part of the sliding member 22 can be inserted into the guide rail 12.

[0051] At least the outer surface of the sliding member 22 is attached to the inner surface of the guide rail 12. An accommodation cavity 121 can be defined inside the guide rail 12. The sliding member 22 can be integrally accommodated in the accommodation cavity 121, or only a part of the sliding member 22 can be accommodated in the accommodation cavity 121, and the other part of the sliding member 22 can be located outside the accommodation cavity 121.

[0052] The inner surface of the guide rail 12 at least includes the surface of the guide rail 12 used to define and form the accommodation cavity 121. The outer surface of the guide rail 12 is disposed opposite to the inner surface of the guide rail 12 along the thickness direction of the guide rail 12.

[0053] The outer surface of the sliding member 22 includes the surface of the sliding member 22 facing the guide rail 12.

[0054] The sliding member 22 can be a solid structure or a hollow structure.

[0055] Grease can be filled between the outer peripheral surface of the inner pipe column 21 and the inner peripheral surface 11b of the outer pipe column 11, and grease can also be filled between the outer surface of the sliding member 22 and the inner surface of the guide rail 12 to improve the smoothness of the telescopic process of the inner pipe column 20 and reduce the risk of jamming.

[0056] The shape of the sliding portion 221 can match the shape of the accommodation cavity 121.

[0057] In some examples, the sliding portion 221 can be a hollow structure. For example, the cross-section of the sliding portion 221 along the direction perpendicular to the axis X can be an annular shape, an arc shape, etc.

[0058] In other examples, the sliding portion 221 can also be a solid structure. For example, the sliding portion 221 can be a cylinder.

[0059] Optionally, the connecting portion 222 may be a flat strip structure. In the steering column 1 provided by the embodiment of the present application, the outer column 11, the inner column 21, the guide rail 12, and the sliding member 22 all extend along the axial direction X, which is beneficial to realizing a large-scale telescopic movement of the inner column 20 relative to the outer column 10. Moreover, it is also beneficial to profile the inner column 20 and the outer column 10. The profiles of the required materials can be extruded first, and then the billets can be pulled out according to a certain length. The steering columns 1 of different vehicle models can be cut according to the required length for use, which can be adapted to different vehicle models.

[0060] At least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 20 is attached to the inner peripheral surface of the outer column 110, and the inner column 21 can be in interference fit with the outer column 11. A guide rail sliding mechanism can be respectively formed between the inner column 21 and the outer column 11, and between the guide rail 12 and the sliding member 22, which is beneficial to enhancing the stability and the mating strength, increasing the mating area between the inner and outer tubes of the steering column 1, reducing the risk of deformation or fracture of the steering column 1, and being beneficial to maintaining the high rigidity and high mode of the steering column 1 on the premise of realizing a large-scale telescopic movement of the steering column 1, so as to release a large amount of space with better performance, enabling the steering column 1 to adapt to the multiple functional requirements of different vehicle models.

[0061] The sliding portion 221 is connected to the inner column 20 or the outer column 10 through the connecting portion 222. The stress received by the sliding portion 221 can be buffered through the connecting portion 222, reducing the risk of breakage of the sliding portion 221. Moreover, the sliding portion 221 can extend out of the inner column 20 by a certain distance or extend out of the outer column 10 by a certain distance, which is beneficial to increasing the size of the sliding portion 221, thereby increasing the mating area between the sliding portion 221 and the guide rail 12 and improving the stiffness of the steering column 1.

[0062] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the guide rail 12 perpendicular to the axial direction X is C-shaped or arc-shaped.

[0063] Optionally, the cross-section of the guide rail 12 perpendicular to the axial direction X can be C-shaped. Thus, the guide rail 12 has a relatively small opening, which is beneficial to increasing the fitting area between the guide rail 12 and the sliding member 22 and improving the rigidity and mode of the steering column 1.

[0064] Optionally, the cross-section of the guide rail 12 perpendicular to the axial direction X can also be arc-shaped, and the central angle corresponding to the arc can be 315° - 345°, so as to reduce the opening size of the guide rail 12, which is beneficial to increasing the fitting area between the guide rail 12 and the sliding member 22 and improving the rigidity and mode of the steering column 1.

[0065] The guide rail 12 with a C-shaped or arc-shaped cross-section has a relatively gentle and smooth inner surface, which is beneficial to reducing the possibility of jamming caused by the interference fit between the guide rail 12 and the sliding member 22, and reducing the noise during the telescopic adjustment of the steering column 1. Moreover, the guide rail 12 with a C-shaped or arc-shaped cross-section can limit the sliding member 22 in multiple directions, which is beneficial to reducing the risk of relative circumferential rotation between the inner tube 20 and the outer tube 10 and improving the stability.

[0066] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the sliding portion 221 perpendicular to the axis direction X is C-shaped or arc-shaped.

[0067] Optionally, the cross-section of the sliding portion 221 perpendicular to the axis direction X can be C-shaped. Thus, the sliding portion 221 has a relatively small opening, which is beneficial to increasing the fitting area between the guide rail 12 and the sliding member 22 and improving the rigidity and mode of the steering column 1.

[0068] Optionally, the cross-section of the sliding portion 221 perpendicular to the axis direction X can also be arc-shaped.

[0069] In the embodiments of the present application, the cross-section of the sliding portion 221 is set to be C-shaped or arc-shaped, and a first opening 223 can be formed on one side of the sliding portion 221. When the sliding portion 221 is subjected to the stress from the guide rail 12, the first opening 223 allows the sliding portion 221 to generate a certain deformation, thereby providing a stress relief space for the sliding portion 221, which is beneficial to reducing the possibility of jamming caused by the interference fit between the guide rail 12 and the sliding member 22 and reducing the noise during the telescopic adjustment of the steering column 1.

[0070] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the sliding portion 221 perpendicular to the axis direction X is arc-shaped. A first opening 223 is provided on the side of the sliding portion 221 away from the connecting portion 222, and the central angle corresponding to the first opening 223 is 20°-45°.

[0071] Correspondingly, the central angle corresponding to the sliding portion 221 can be 315°-340°.

[0072] Optionally, the central angle corresponding to the first opening 223 can be 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45° or any value between any two of them.

[0073] In the embodiments of the present application, setting the central angle corresponding to the first opening 223 to be greater than or equal to 20° is beneficial to increasing the stress relief space that the first opening 223 can provide, reducing the risk of jamming between the guide rail 12 and the sliding member 22, and reducing the adjustment noise. In the embodiments of the present application, setting the central angle corresponding to the first opening 223 to be less than or equal to 45° ensures that the first opening 223 is not too large to affect the fitting area between the sliding portion 221 and the guide rail 12, which is beneficial to improving the rigidity of the steering column 1.

[0074] In the embodiment of the present application, the central angle corresponding to the first opening 223 is set to be 20°-45°, which is beneficial to achieving a balance between reducing the risk of jamming between the guide rail 12 and the sliding member 22 and improving the rigidity of the steering column 1.

[0075] In some embodiments, the guide rail 12 has a second opening 122, and the accommodating cavity 121 opens to the outside of the guide rail through the second opening 122. The guide rail 12 includes a first side surface 1221 and a second side surface 1222 that define the second opening 122, and the first side surface 1221 and the second side surface 1222 are arranged opposite to each other. At least a part of the connecting portion 222 is accommodated in the second opening 122, and the connecting portion 222 is attached to the first side surface 1221 and the second side surface 1222.

[0076] The second opening 122 communicates the accommodating cavity 121 and the space outside the guide rail 12. The second opening 122 may be a long strip-shaped opening extending along the axial direction X, for the connecting portion 222 to move along the axial direction X in the second opening 122.

[0077] At least one end of the second opening 122 along the axial direction X is open, so as to facilitate the accommodation of the connecting portion 222.

[0078] The first side surface 1221 and the second side surface 1222 may be respectively located on both sides of the connecting portion 222 along its own thickness direction, and the two surfaces of the connecting portion 222 along its own thickness direction are respectively attached to the first side surface 1221 and the second side surface 1222.

[0079] The first side surface 1221 and the second side surface 1222 may be planes or curved surfaces. The two surfaces of the connecting portion 222 along its own thickness direction are respectively adapted to the shapes of the first side surface 1221 and the second side surface 1222.

[0080] The connecting portion 222 is attached to the first side surface 1221 and the second side surface 1222, and the connecting portion 222 can be in interference fit with the guide rail 12 at the second opening 122. On the one hand, it is beneficial to increase the fitting area between the sliding member 22 and the guide rail 12 and further improve the stiffness of the steering column 1. On the other hand, the connecting portion 222 can also be limited by the first side surface 1221 and the second side surface 1222 to restrict the relative circumferential rotation between the inner pipe column 20 and the outer pipe column 10.

[0081] In some embodiments, the first side surface 1221 and the second side surface 1222 are parallel planes.

[0082] The acting forces generated by the first side surface 1221 and the second side surface 1222 on the connecting portion 222 are in opposite directions, which is beneficial to reducing the fitting difficulty between the connecting portion 222 and the guide rail 12 and better limiting the connecting portion 222.

[0083] In some embodiments, the outer pipe column 10 and the guide rail 12 are circumferentially connected along the steering column 1. The guide rail 12 extends outward beyond the outer peripheral surface 11a of the outer pipe column 10, and the accommodation cavity 121 opens toward the inner side of the outer pipe column 10. The sliding member 22 is connected to the inner pipe column 20 and protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the inner pipe column 20.

[0084] The circumferential connection of the outer pipe column 10 and the guide rail 12 along the steering column 1 means that the outer pipe column 10 and the guide rail 12 are circumferentially distributed along the steering column 1 and are connected to each other.

[0085] Optionally, the outer pipe column 10 and the guide rail 12 may be an integrally formed structure.

[0086] In some examples, the number of guide rails 12 may be one, and the two sides of the outer pipe column 10 along the circumference of the steering column 1 are connected by the guide rail 12. In some other examples, the number of guide rails 12 is more than two, and the outer pipe column 10 may include a plurality of sections 111, and two adjacent sections 111 are connected by one guide rail 12.

[0087] The guide rail 12 extending outward beyond the outer peripheral surface 11a of the outer pipe column 10 means that at least part of the guide rail 12 is more outward than the outer pipe column 10. Optionally, the outer pipe column 10 may form a part of a cylinder, and the diameter of the ring where the outer peripheral surface 11a of the outer pipe column 10 is located is smaller than the diameter of the ring where the outermost end of the guide rail 12 is located.

[0088] The accommodation cavity 121 inside the guide rail 12 opening toward the inner side of the outer pipe column 10 means that the accommodation cavity 121 is disposed opposite to and communicated with the space inside the outer pipe column 10.

[0089] The sliding member 22 may be connected to the inner pipe column 20 and is located outside the inner pipe column 20. The inner pipe column 20 is an overall circumferentially closed tubular structure.

[0090] Optionally, the inner pipe column 20 and the sliding member 22 may be an integrally formed structure.

[0091] The guide rail 12 extending beyond the outer peripheral surface of the outer pipe column 10 can increase the fitting width between the outer pipe column 10 and the inner pipe column 20, increase the fitting area between the outer pipe column 10 and the inner pipe column 20, and reduce the risk of deformation or fracture of the steering column 1.

[0092] In some embodiments, the guide rail 12 includes a first convex portion 123, and the first convex portion 123 extends inward beyond the inner peripheral surface 11b of the outer pipe column 10. A first concave portion 211 is provided on the outer side of the inner pipe column 20 facing the sliding member 22, and at least part of the first convex portion 123 is received in the first concave portion 211, and a part of the outer peripheral surface of the inner pipe column 20 is attached to the outer surface of the first convex portion 123.

[0093] The first convex portion 123 may be closer to the central axis a of the steering column 1 than the outer pipe column 10.

[0094] The first recess 211 can be recessed in a direction approaching the central axis a of the steering column 1.

[0095] The first protrusion 123 can be entirely received in the first recess 211, or only a part of the first protrusion 123 can be received in the first recess 211. The portion of the first protrusion 123 close to the outer tube 10 can be located outside the first recess 211.

[0096] At least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube 20 that defines the first recess 211 is attached to the outer surface of the first protrusion 123. The outer surface of the first protrusion 123 refers to the surface of the first protrusion 123 facing away from the receiving cavity 121.

[0097] The first protrusion 123 also has an inner surface facing the receiving cavity 121. The inner surface and the outer surface of the first protrusion 123 are oppositely arranged along the thickness direction of the first protrusion 123. The inner surface of the first protrusion 123 forms a part of the inner surface of the guide rail 12, and the inner surface of the first protrusion 123 can be attached to the outer surface of the sliding part 221.

[0098] In the embodiment of the present application, by providing the first protrusion 123 on the guide rail 12, and a part of the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube 20 is attached to the outer surface of the first protrusion 123, the inner tube 20 not only forms an interference fit with the outer tube 10, but also can form an interference fit with the guide rail 12, which is beneficial to further increasing the fitting area between the inner tube 20 and the outer tube 10, further improving the stiffness of the steering column 1, and reducing the risk of deformation or breakage of the steering column 1.

[0099] In some embodiments, the inner tube 20 includes a first body portion 212 and a second body portion 213 that are connected to each other along the circumferential direction of the steering column 1. The outer peripheral surface of the first body portion 212 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube 10. The second body portion 213 is disposed corresponding to the first recess 211. The sliding member 22 is connected to the second body portion 213, and the first protrusion 123 is clamped between the sliding member 22 and the second body portion 213.

[0100] The first body portion 212 and the second body portion 213 are distributed along the circumferential direction of the steering column 1 and are connected to each other. Optionally, the first body portion 212 and the second body portion 213 are integrally formed.

[0101] The cross-section of the first body portion 212 along the direction perpendicular to the axis X can be arc-shaped, and the cross-section of the second body portion along the direction perpendicular to the axis X can be arc-shaped or approximately arc-shaped.

[0102] The second body portion 213 can be recessed relative to the first body portion 212 in a direction approaching the central axis a, so as to form the first recess 211 on the outside of the second body portion 213.

[0103] The outer surface of the first convex portion 123 can be attached to the outer surface of the second body portion 213, and the outer surface of the second body portion 213 forms a part of the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube column 20.

[0104] Optionally, the sliding member 22 includes a sliding portion 221 and a connecting portion 222. The connecting portion 222 is connected to the second body portion 213, and at least a part of the connecting portion 222 is received in the first recess 211. A part of the first convex portion 123 can be clamped between the sliding portion 221 and the second body portion 213, and another part of the first convex portion 123 can be clamped between the connecting portion 222 and the second body portion 213.

[0105] The first convex portion 123 is clamped between the sliding member 22 and the second body portion 213. An interference fit can be formed between the first convex portion 123 and the sliding member 22, and an interference fit can be formed between the first convex portion 123 and the second body portion 213. Another guide rail sliding mechanism can be formed among the first convex portion 123, the sliding member 22 and the second body portion 213, which is beneficial to further increase the fitting area between the outer tube column 10 and the inner tube column 20, improve the stiffness of the steering column 1, and reduce the risk of deformation or breakage of the steering column 1.

[0106] In some embodiments, a first arc surface 13 is formed at the connection position between the first convex portion 123 and the outer tube column 10. A second arc surface 214 is formed at the connection position between the first body portion 212 and the second body portion 213 on the outer side facing the outer tube column 10. The first arc surface 13 and the second arc surface 214 are arranged opposite to each other, and a first gap 31 is formed between the first arc surface 13 and the second arc surface 214.

[0107] Since the first convex portion 123 protrudes inwards from the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube column 10, the connection position between the first convex portion 123 and the outer tube column 10 is on the inner side of the outer tube column 10, and the first arc surface 13 can face the inner side of the outer tube column 10.

[0108] The first body portion 212 and the second body portion 213 are connected along the circumferential direction of the steering column 1. The first body portion 212 and the second body portion 213 have a connection position on the outer side facing the outer tube column 10 and a connection position on the inner side facing the inner tube column 20. The second arc surface 214 is located on the outer side of the inner tube column 20 facing the outer tube column 10.

[0109] The first arc surface 13 and the second arc surface 214 face the inner side and the outer side of the outer tube column 10 respectively and are arranged opposite to each other.

[0110] Both the first arc surface 13 and the second arc surface 214 can be arc surfaces. The first arc surface 13 and the second arc surface 214 can have the same bending trend, that is, the centers of the circles corresponding to the first arc surface 13 and the second arc surface 214 can both be located on the inner side of the outer tube column 10.

[0111] The bending degree of the first arc surface 13 can be greater than that of the second arc surface 214, so as to facilitate the formation of a first gap 31 between the first arc surface 13 and the second arc surface 214.

[0112] The first gap 31 can be a strip-shaped gap extending along the axial direction X.

[0113] In the embodiment of the present application, by providing the first arc surface 13 and the second arc surface 214, a fillet can be formed at the connection position between the first convex portion 123 and the outer pipe column 10, and a fillet can be formed at the connection position between the first body portion 212 and the second body portion 213, reducing the risk of jamming between the inner pipe column 20 and the outer pipe column 10. Moreover, a first gap 31 is formed between the first arc surface 13 and the second arc surface 214, and the inner pipe column 20 and the outer pipe column 10 do not contact each other at the part corresponding to the first gap 31. Additionally, the first gap 31 can also store a certain amount of grease, which is beneficial to further reducing the risk of jamming and improving the smoothness of the telescopic adjustment of the steering column 1.

[0114] In some embodiments, a third arc surface 215 is formed at the connection position between the sliding member 22 and the second body portion 213. A fourth arc surface 1231 is provided on the side of the first convex portion 123 away from the outer pipe column 10. The third arc surface 215 and the fourth arc surface 1231 are arranged opposite to each other, and a second gap 32 is formed between the third arc surface 215 and the fourth arc surface 1231.

[0115] Since the sliding member 22 protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the inner pipe column 20, the connection position between the sliding member 22 and the second body portion 213 is located outside the inner pipe column 20, and the third arc surface 215 can face the outside of the inner pipe column 20.

[0116] The first convex portion 123 protrudes inward from the inner peripheral surface of the outer pipe column 10. The fourth arc surface 1231 is located on the side of the first convex portion 123 away from the outer pipe column 10, and the fourth arc surface can face the inside of the outer pipe column 10.

[0117] Both the third arc surface 215 and the fourth arc surface 1231 can be arc surfaces. The third arc surface 215 and the fourth arc surface 1231 can have the same bending trend, that is, the centers of the circles corresponding to the third arc surface 215 and the fourth arc surface 1231 can both be located outside the inner pipe column 20.

[0118] The bending degree of the fourth arc surface 1231 can be greater than that of the third arc surface 215, so as to facilitate the formation of a second gap 32 between the third arc surface 215 and the fourth arc surface 1231.

[0119] The second gap 32 can be a strip-shaped gap extending along the axial direction X.

[0120] In the embodiments of the present application, by providing the third arc surface 215 and the fourth arc surface 1231, a chamfer can be formed at the connection position between the sliding member 22 and the second main body portion 213, and a chamfer can be formed on the side of the first convex portion 123 away from the outer pipe column 10, reducing the risk of jamming between the inner pipe column 20 and the outer pipe column 10. Moreover, a second gap 32 is formed between the third arc surface 215 and the fourth arc surface 1231. The inner pipe column 20 and the outer pipe column 10 do not contact each other at the portion corresponding to the second gap 32. Additionally, the second gap 32 can store a certain amount of grease, which is beneficial to further reducing the risk of jamming and improving the smoothness of the telescopic adjustment of the steering column 1.

[0121] In some embodiments, there are two first convex portions 123, and the two first convex portions 123 are symmetrically arranged. The inner side of the guide rail 12 facing the inner pipe column 20 has a second opening 122, and the accommodating cavity 121 is open to the inner side of the outer pipe column 10 through the second opening 122, and the second opening 122 is formed between the two first convex portions 123.

[0122] A part of the sliding member 22 can be clamped between the two first convex portions 123. Optionally, the sliding member 22 includes a connecting portion 222, and at least part of the connecting portion 222 is clamped between the two first convex portions 123.

[0123] The first side surface 1221 and the second side surface 1222 of the sliding member 22 can be respectively the surfaces of the two first convex portions 123 facing the second opening 122.

[0124] Optionally, the sliding member 22 can be in interference fit with the two first convex portions 123, and the sliding member 22 itself is a symmetric structure.

[0125] Optionally, the second main body portion 213 is a symmetric structure, the sliding member 22 can be connected to the middle of the second main body portion 213, and the two first convex portions 123 are respectively located on both sides of the sliding member 22.

[0126] In the embodiments of the present application, the first convex portion 123 is provided as two, and the two first convex portions 123, the sliding member 22 and the second main body portion 213 can form two guide rail sliding mechanisms, which is beneficial to further increase the fitting area between the outer pipe column 10 and the inner pipe column 20, improve the stiffness of the steering column 1, and reduce the risk of deformation or breakage of the steering column 1. Moreover, the two first convex portions 123 are symmetrically arranged, which is beneficial to balance the force on the sliding member 22 and reduce the risk of deformation or breakage of the sliding member 22.

[0127] In some embodiments, a second recess 112 is provided on the inner side of the outer tube column 10. The steering tube column 1 includes a second protrusion 23 that protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube column 20. Both the second recess 112 and the second protrusion 23 extend along the axial direction X. The second protrusion 23 is received in the second recess 112, and at least a part of the outer surface of the second protrusion 23 is in contact with the surface of the outer tube column 10 that defines the second recess 112.

[0128] The second recess 112 is a strip-shaped recess extending along the axial direction X, and the second protrusion 23 is a strip-shaped protrusion extending along the axial direction X.

[0129] In a direction perpendicular to the axial direction X, the cross-sectional shape of the second recess 112 may match the cross-sectional shape of the second protrusion 23.

[0130] The part of the outer tube column 10 corresponding to the second recess 112 may be in interference fit with the second protrusion 23.

[0131] In the embodiments of the present application, by providing the second protrusion 23 and the second recess 112, on the one hand, the cooperation between the second protrusion 23 and the second recess 112 can form another guide rail sliding mechanism to further improve the stiffness of the steering tube column 1 and reduce the risk of deformation or breakage of the steering tube column 1. On the other hand, the cooperation between the second protrusion 23 and the second recess 112 can also limit the torsion of the inner tube column 20 relative to the outer tube column 10 in the circumferential direction of the steering tube column 1, reduce the stress on the connecting portion 222, and reduce the risk of deformation or fracture of the connecting portion 222.

[0132] In some embodiments, the steering tube column 1 further includes a third protrusion 14 that protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube column 10 and is disposed corresponding to the second recess 112.

[0133] The third protrusion 14 is located on the outside of the outer tube column 10, and the second recess 112 may be recessed in a direction close to the third protrusion 14.

[0134] Optionally, the outer tube column 10 may form a part of a hollow cylinder, and the third protrusion 14 and the second recess 112 are disposed opposite to each other in the radial direction of the outer tube column 10.

[0135] The third protrusion 14 can, to a certain extent, make up for the defects of the outer tube column 10 caused by the provision of the second recess 112, such as reduced thickness and weakened strength. The third protrusion 14 can also act as a reinforcing rib, which is beneficial to enhancing the structural strength of the outer tube column 10.

[0136] In some embodiments, there are two guide rails 12, and the two guide rails 12 are disposed opposite to each other. There are two sliding members 22, and the two sliding members 22 are respectively disposed corresponding to the two guide rails 12 one by one. The outer tube column 10 forms a part of a hollow cylinder, and the second recess 112 and the two guide rails 12 are arranged at equal angular intervals.

[0137] Two guide rails 12 can be arranged oppositely along the radial direction of the outer pipe column 10.

[0138] The connection line between the centers of the two guide rails 12 can pass through the central axis of the outer pipe column 10.

[0139] The second recess 112 being arranged at an equal angular interval with respect to the two guide rails 12 means that the included angle formed by the connection line between the center of the second recess 112 and the central axis of the outer pipe column 10 and the connection line between the centers of the two guide rails 12 and the central axis of the outer pipe column 10 is the same.

[0140] Due to the opposite arrangement of the two guide rails 12, the included angle formed by the connection line between the center of the second recess 112 and the central axis of the outer pipe column 10 and the connection line between the center of the guide rail 12 and the central axis of the outer pipe column 10 is 90°.

[0141] In the embodiment of the present application, the second recess 112 is arranged at an equal angular interval with respect to the two guide rails 12. The anti-torsion force exerted on the two sliding members 22 by the cooperation between the second recess 112 and the second protrusion 23 is substantially balanced, which is beneficial to reducing the risk of deformation or breakage of any one of the sliding members 22.

[0142] Figure 10 It is a schematic structural diagram of a steering system provided by some embodiments of the present application. According to the second aspect of the present application, with reference to Figure 10 , the embodiment of the present application further provides a steering system 2. The steering system 2 includes a steering column 1, a steering wheel 3, and a steering gear 4 provided in any one of the embodiments of the first aspect of the present application. The steering column 1 includes a rotating shaft 40 inserted into an inner pipe column 20. The steering wheel 3 is connected to one end of the rotating shaft 40. The steering gear 4 is connected to the other end of the rotating shaft 40 away from the steering wheel 3. The steering gear 4 is used to adjust the rotation direction of the wheels.

[0143] Optionally, the steering system 2 can be a steer-by-wire system.

[0144] The steering system 2 provided by the embodiment of the present application can achieve a large-scale telescoping of the steering column 1, and on this basis, maintain the high rigidity and high mode of the steering column 1, so as to release a large amount of space with better performance, enabling the steering system 2 to adapt to various functional requirements of different vehicle models.

[0145] Although the present application has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, various improvements can be made to it and components therein can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of the present application. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the technical features mentioned in each embodiment can be combined in any way. The present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in the text, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A steering column, characterized in that: include: outer string; an inner column, inserted into the outer column and configured to be movably disposed relative to the outer column along the axial direction of the steering column, wherein at least a portion of the outer circumference of the inner column is in contact with the inner circumference of the outer column; and A sliding fitting mechanism, comprising a guide rail and a sliding member, wherein both the guide rail and the sliding member extend along the axial direction, one of the guide rail and the sliding member is connected to the outer pipe column, and the other is connected to the inner pipe column; at least a portion of the sliding member is inserted into the guide rail, and is configured to be movably arranged relative to the guide rail along the axial direction; The interior of the guide rail defines a accommodating cavity, and the sliding member includes a sliding portion and a connecting portion. The sliding portion is accommodated in the accommodating cavity, the outer surface of the sliding portion is attached to the inner surface of the guide rail, and the connecting portion is connected between the sliding portion and the inner column or between the sliding portion and the outer column.

2. The steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cross section of the guide rail along the direction perpendicular to the axis is C-shaped or arc-shaped; and / or, The cross section of the sliding portion along a direction perpendicular to the axis is C-shaped or arc-shaped.

3. The steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cross section of the sliding portion along the direction perpendicular to the axis is in an arc shape; a first opening is provided on a side of the sliding portion away from the connecting portion, and a central angle corresponding to the first opening is 20°-45°.

4. The steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide rail has a second opening, the accommodating cavity is opened to the outside of the guide rail through the second opening, the guide rail includes a first side surface and a second side surface defining the second opening, and the first side surface and the second side surface are arranged opposite to each other; At least a portion of the connecting portion is accommodated in the second opening, and the connecting portion is attached to the first side surface and the second side surface.

5. The steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer column and the guide rail are connected along the circumferential direction of the steering column, the guide rail extends outward beyond the outer circumferential surface of the outer column, and the accommodating cavity is open toward the inner side of the outer column; The sliding member is connected to the inner pipe column and protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the inner pipe column.

6. The steering column according to claim 5, characterized in that: The guide rail includes a first protrusion, and the first protrusion inwardly exceeds the inner circumference of the outer column; The inner column is provided with a first recessed portion facing the outer side of the sliding member, at least a portion of the first protrusion is accommodated in the first recessed portion, and a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the inner column is in contact with the outer surface of the first protrusion.

7. The steering column according to claim 6, characterized in that: The inner column includes a first main body portion and a second main body portion connected to each other along the circumferential direction of the steering column, the outer circumferential surface of the first main body portion is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the outer column, the second main body portion is arranged corresponding to the first recessed portion, the sliding member is connected to the second main body portion, and the first protrusion is sandwiched between the sliding member and the second main body portion.

8. The steering column according to claim 7, characterized in that: A first arc surface is formed at the connection position between the first protrusion and the outer tube column, and a second arc surface is formed at the connection position between the first main body portion and the second main body portion facing the outside of the outer tube column. The first arc surface and the second arc surface are arranged opposite to each other, and a first gap is formed between the first arc surface and the second arc surface.

9. The steering column according to claim 7, characterized in that: A third arc surface is formed at the connection position between the sliding member and the second main body portion, and a fourth arc surface is formed on the side of the first protrusion away from the outer tube column. The third arc surface and the fourth arc surface are arranged opposite to each other, and a second gap is formed between the third arc surface and the fourth arc surface.

10. The steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that: A second recess is provided on the inner side of the outer column, and the steering column includes a second protrusion, which protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the inner column. The second recess and the second protrusion both extend along the axial direction, and the second protrusion is accommodated in the second recess. At least part of the outer surface of the second protrusion is in contact with the surface of the outer column that surrounds the second recess.

11. The steering column according to claim 10, characterized in that: The steering column further includes a third protrusion, which protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the outer column and is arranged corresponding to the second recess.

12. The steering column according to claim 10, characterized in that: There are two guide rails, and the two guide rails are arranged opposite to each other; There are two sliding members, and the two sliding members are respectively arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the two guide rails; The outer pipe column forms a part of a hollow cylinder, and the second recess is arranged at equal angles to the two guide rails.

13. A steering system, characterized in that: include: The steering column according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the steering column comprises a rotating shaft inserted into the inner column; a steering wheel connected to one end of the rotating shaft; and A steering gear is connected to the other end of the rotating shaft away from the steering wheel.

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