Steering column and steering system

Abstract

The application discloses a steering column and a steering system. The steering column comprises an outer column, an inner column and a sliding fitting mechanism. The inner column is arranged to be movable relative to the outer column along the axial direction of the steering column, and at least part of the outer circumferential surface of the inner column is fitted to the inner circumferential surface of the outer column. The sliding fitting mechanism comprises a guide rail and a sliding piece extending along the axial direction, one of the guide rail and the sliding piece is connected to the outer column, and the other is connected to the inner column; at least part of the sliding piece is inserted into the guide rail and is arranged to be movable relative to the guide rail along the axial direction. The inside of the guide rail is defined with a receiving cavity, the sliding piece comprises a sliding part and a connecting part, the sliding part is received in the receiving cavity, the outer surface of the sliding part is fitted to the inner surface of the guide rail, and the connecting part is connected between the sliding part and the inner column or between the sliding part and the outer column. The application can reduce the risk of deformation or fracture of the steering column and is beneficial to realize large-scale expansion and contraction of the steering column.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of vehicle steering, and in particular to a steering column and a steering system. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the field of intelligent driving, a steer-by-wire system will inevitably become a future technology trend. Compared with a traditional automobile steering system, the steer-by-wire system cancels the mechanical connection between a steering wheel and a steering wheel, controls steering by electric energy, and breaks away from various limitations of the traditional automobile steering system, thereby bringing more space for the design of automobile steering characteristics. The steer-by-wire system not only completely decouples the upper and lower bodies, but also sets the steering wheel to a silent state in the unmanned state. In the silent state, the steering wheel needs to have a storage function to release the cabin space. Therefore, the demand for the steering column structure with a large front and rear stroke is very urgent.

[0003] The existing manual and electrically adjusted steering columns have the function of front and rear adjustment, but the stroke is generally small, generally within ±30 mm. Such a short stroke is only used to adjust the man-machine position for people of different body types, and is insufficient to store the steering wheel, and is even insufficient to release the cabin space. SUMMARY

[0004] The present application provides a steering column and a steering system, which are beneficial to maintaining high rigidity and high modal of the steering column on the premise of realizing large extension and retraction of the steering column.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides a steering column, which includes an outer column, an inner column, and a sliding fitting mechanism. The inner column is inserted into the outer column and is configured to be movably arranged relative to the outer column along an axial direction of the steering column, and at least a part of an outer circumferential surface of the inner column is fitted to an inner circumferential surface of the outer column. The sliding fitting mechanism includes a guide rail and a sliding piece, both of which extend along the axial direction, one of the guide rail and the sliding piece is connected to the outer column, and the other is connected to the inner column; at least a part of the sliding piece is inserted into the guide rail and is configured to be movably arranged relative to the guide rail along the axial direction. The guide rail has an accommodation cavity defined inside, and the sliding piece includes a sliding part and a connecting part, the sliding part is accommodated in the accommodation cavity, an outer surface of the sliding part is fitted to an inner surface of the guide rail, and the connecting part is connected between the sliding part and the inner column or the connecting part is connected between the sliding part and the outer column.

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

[0007] In some embodiments, the sliding part is C-shaped or arc-shaped in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0008] In some embodiments, the sliding part is circular arc-shaped in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction; the sliding part is provided with a first opening on a side away from the connecting part, and the first opening corresponds to a central angle of 20-45 degrees.

[0009] In some embodiments, the guide rail is provided with a second opening, the accommodating cavity is open to the outside of the guide rail through the second opening, the guide rail comprises a first side surface and a second side surface defining the second opening, and the first side surface and the second side surface are oppositely arranged; at least part of the connecting part is accommodated in the second opening, and the connecting part is fitted to the first side surface and the second side surface.

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

[0011] In some embodiments, the outer tube column and the guide rail are connected along the circumferential direction of the steering tube column, the guide rail outwardly exceeds the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube column, and the accommodating cavity is open to the inside of the outer tube column. The sliding member is connected to the inner tube column and protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube column.

[0012] In some embodiments, the guide rail comprises a first protruding part which inwardly exceeds the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube column; the inner tube column is provided with a first recess on the outside facing the sliding member, at least part of the first protruding part is accommodated in the first recess, and part of the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube column is fitted to the outer surface of the first protruding part.

[0013] In some embodiments, the inner tube column comprises a first body part and a second body part which are connected to each other along the circumferential direction of the steering tube column, the outer peripheral surface of the first body part is fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube column, the second body part is arranged corresponding to the first recess, the sliding member is connected to the second body part, and the first protruding part is clamped between the sliding member and the second body part.

[0014] In some embodiments, the connection position between the first protruding part and the outer tube column forms a first arc surface, the connection position between the first body part and the second body part facing the outside of the outer tube column forms a second arc surface, 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, the connection position between the sliding member and the second body part forms a third arc surface, the side of the first protruding part away from the outer tube column has a fourth arc surface, 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, the first protruding part is two, and the two first protruding parts are symmetrically arranged; the guide rail has a second opening facing the inside of the inner tube column, the accommodating cavity is open to the inside of the outer tube column through the second opening, and the second opening is formed between the two first protruding parts.

[0017] In some embodiments, the inner side of the outer column is provided with a second recess, the turning column comprises a second protrusion protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the inner column, the second recess and the second protrusion both extend along the axial direction, the second protrusion is accommodated in the second recess, and at least part of the outer surface of the second protrusion is fitted to the surface of the outer column surrounding the second recess.

[0018] In some embodiments, the turning column further comprises a third protrusion protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the outer column and arranged correspondingly to the second recess.

[0019] In some embodiments, the guide rails are two and oppositely arranged, the sliding members are two and correspondingly arranged with the two guide rails respectively, the outer column forms part of a hollow cylinder, and the second recesses are arranged at equal angles and intervals with the two guide rails.

[0020] In the second aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide a turning system, which comprises the turning column according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect, a steering wheel and a steering gear. The turning column comprises a rotating shaft inserted into the inner 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 turning column provided by the embodiments of the present application, the outer column, the inner column, the guide rails and the sliding members all extend along the axial direction, which is conducive to achieving large-scale extension and contraction of the inner column relative to the outer column. Moreover, the inner column and the outer column can be profiled, i.e., the profiled extrusion production of the required material is performed first, and then the blank is drawn out according to a certain length, and the turning column of different vehicle models is cut according to the required length, so that the turning column can be adapted to different vehicle models.

[0022] Moreover, at least part of the outer circumferential surface of the inner column is fitted to the inner circumferential surface of the outer column, the inner column can be in interference fit with the outer column, the sliding members can be in interference fit with the guide rails, and a guide rail sliding mechanism can be formed between the inner column and the outer column and between the guide rails and the sliding members respectively, which is conducive to increasing the fitting area between the inner and outer columns of the turning column, reducing the risk of deformation or fracture of the turning column, and maintaining high rigidity and high modal of the turning column on the premise of achieving large-scale extension and contraction of the turning column, so as to release a large amount of space with better performance, and make the turning column adapt to multiple functional requirements of different vehicle models. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

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

[0024] Figure 1 The turning column provided by some embodiments of the present application is shown in a perspective view.

[0025] Figure 2 The turning column shown in the front view is shown in a perspective view. Figure 1 The turning column shown in the front view is shown in a perspective view.

[0026] Figure 3 For Figure 2 Enlarged structural diagram of region A.

[0027] Figure 4 For Figure 3 Enlarged structural diagram of region B.

[0028] Figure 5 For Figure 3 Enlarged structural diagram of region C.

[0029] Figure 6 For Figure 1 Structural diagram of outer column and guide rail of the steering column shown in the figure.

[0030] Figure 7 For Figure 6 Enlarged structural diagram of region D.

[0031] Figure 8 For Figure 1 Structural diagram of inner column and sliding member of the steering column shown in the figure.

[0032] Figure 9 For Figure 8 Enlarged structural diagram of region E.

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

[0034] The specific implementation is as follows:

[0035] Steering column 1, outer column 10, section 111, second recess 112, outer peripheral surface 11a, inner peripheral surface 11b, guide rail 12, accommodating 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 column 20, first recess 211, first body portion 212, second body portion 213, second arc surface 214, third arc surface 215, sliding member 22, sliding portion 221, connecting portion 222, first opening 223, second protrusion 23, first gap 31, second gap 32, rotation shaft 40, central axis a, axis direction X.

[0036] Steering system 2, steering wheel 3, steering device 4. Specific implementation

[0037] In order to make the objects, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described clearly below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are some but not all of the embodiments of the present application.

[0038] The terms "first", "second", "third", etc. in the specification and claims of the present application or in the above drawings are used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order or primary and secondary relationship. In the embodiments of the present application, the same reference signs represent the same components, and for the sake of brevity, detailed descriptions of the same components are omitted in different embodiments.

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

[0040] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "mounting", "connection" and the like should be understood broadly, for example, it can be fixed connection, or detachable connection, or integral connection; it can be direct connection, or indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or internal communication of two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0041] In the embodiments of the present application, "parallel" not only includes the case of absolute parallel, but also includes the case of approximate parallel which is generally recognized in engineering; at the same time, "perpendicular" not only includes the case of absolute perpendicular, but also includes the case of approximate perpendicular which is generally recognized in engineering. Illustratively, the included angle between two directions is 85°-95°, which can be considered as perpendicular; the included angle between two directions is 0°-10°, which can be considered as parallel.

[0042] The embodiments of the present application first provide a steering column. The steering column provided by the embodiments of the present application is suitable for a steering system of a vehicle.

[0043] The steering column of the embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0044] Figure 1 A perspective structural schematic view of the steering column provided by some embodiments of the present application is shown in Figure 2 A front view of the steering column shown in Figure 1 Figure 3 A perspective structural schematic view of the steering column provided by some embodiments of the present application is shown in Figure 2 An enlarged structural schematic view of a middle region A of the steering column shown in Figure 4 An enlarged structural schematic view of a middle region A of the steering column shown in Figure 3 ​An enlarged structural schematic view of the middle region B, Figure 5 As Figure 3 An enlarged structural schematic view of the middle region C, Figure 6 As Figure 1 An enlarged structural schematic view of the outer column of the steering column shown, Figure 7 As Figure 6 An enlarged structural schematic view of the middle region D, Figure 8 As Figure 1 An enlarged structural schematic view of the inner column of the steering column shown, Figure 9 As Figure 8 An enlarged structural schematic view of the middle region E.

[0045] With reference to Figures 1 to 9 The steering column 1 provided by the embodiments of the present application comprises an outer column 10, an inner column 20 and a sliding fitting mechanism 30. The inner column 20 is inserted into the outer column 10 and is configured to be movably arranged relative to the outer column 10 along an axial direction X of the steering column 1. At least a part of an outer circumferential surface of the inner column 20 is fitted to an inner circumferential surface of the outer column 10. The sliding fitting mechanism 30 comprises a guide rail 12 and a sliding piece 22, both of which extend along the axial direction X, one of the guide rail 12 and the sliding piece 22 is connected to the outer column 10, and the other is connected to the inner column 20. At least a part of the sliding piece 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. The guide rail 12 has an accommodation cavity 121 defined inside. The sliding piece 22 comprises a sliding portion 221 and a connecting portion 222, the sliding portion 221 is accommodated in the accommodation cavity 121, an outer surface of the sliding portion 221 is fitted to an inner surface of the guide rail 12, and the connecting portion 222 is connected between the sliding portion 221 and the inner column 20 or the connecting portion 222 is connected between the sliding portion 221 and the outer column 10.

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

[0047] The inner column 20 can be inserted into the outer column 10 along the axial direction X or extracted out of the outer column 10 along the axial direction X. Inserting the inner column 20 into the outer column 10 along the axial direction X can shorten the length of the inner column 20 exposed to the outside, thereby realizing the contraction of the steering column 1 along the axial direction X. Extracting the inner column 20 out of the outer column 10 along the axial direction X can lengthen the length of the inner column 20 exposed to the outside, thereby realizing the elongation of the steering column 1 along 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 move axially relative to the guide rail 12 under the driving of the inner pipe column 20 to be synchronously telescoped 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 move axially relative to the sliding member 22 under the driving of the inner pipe column 20 to be synchronously telescoped with the inner pipe column 20.

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

[0051] At least an outer surface of the sliding member 22 is fitted to an inner surface of the guide rail 12. The guide rail 12 can be defined with a receiving cavity 121, and the sliding member 22 can be received in the receiving cavity 121 as a whole, or only a part of the sliding member 22 can be received in the receiving cavity 121, and another part of the sliding member 22 can be located outside the receiving cavity 121.

[0052] The inner surface of the guide rail 12 at least includes a surface of the guide rail 12 used to define the receiving cavity 121. An outer surface of the guide rail 12 is arranged opposite to the inner surface of the guide rail 12 along a thickness direction of the guide rail 12.

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

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

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

[0056] The sliding portion 221 can be shaped to match the shape of the receiving cavity 121.

[0057] In some examples, the sliding portion 221 can be of a hollow structure, for example, the sliding portion 221 can be of a circular ring shape, a circular arc shape, or the like in a cross section perpendicular to the axis direction X.

[0058] In other examples, the sliding portion 221 can also be of a solid structure, for example, the sliding portion 221 can be of a cylindrical body.

[0059] Optionally, the connecting portion 222 can be a flat strip structure. In the steering column 1 provided by the embodiments 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 conducive to achieving a large degree of extension and contraction of the inner column 20 relative to the outer column 10. Moreover, it is also conducive to profiling the inner column 20 and the outer column 10, that is, the extrusion production of the profile of the required material can be performed first, and then the blank can be drawn out according to a certain length, and the steering column 1 of different vehicle models can be cut according to the required length, so as to be adapted to different vehicle models.

[0060] At least part of the outer circumferential surface of the inner column 20 is attached to the inner circumferential 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 formed between the inner column 21 and the outer column 11, and between the guide rail 12 and the sliding member 22, respectively, which is conducive to enhancing the stability and the fitting strength, increasing the fitting area between the inner and outer columns of the steering column 1, reducing the risk of deformation or fracture of the steering column 1, and being conducive to maintaining the high rigidity and high modal of the steering column 1 on the premise of achieving a large degree of extension and contraction of the steering column 1, so as to release a large amount of space with better performance, so that the steering column 1 can meet the 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, and the stress received by the sliding portion 221 can be buffered through the connecting portion 222, so as to reduce the risk of breakage of the sliding portion 221. Moreover, the sliding portion 221 can be extended outward from the inner column 20 by a certain distance or extended inward from the outer column 10 by a certain distance, which is conducive to increasing the size of the sliding portion 221, so as to increase the fitting area of the sliding portion 221 and the guide rail 12, and improve the rigidity of the steering column 1.

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

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

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

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

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

[0067] Optionally, the sliding part 221 can be C-shaped in the cross section perpendicular to the axis direction X, so that the sliding part 221 has a relatively small opening, which is beneficial to increase the fitting area of the guide rail 12 and the sliding member 22, and improve the rigidity and modal of the steering column 1.

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

[0069] The embodiments of the present application set the cross section of the sliding part 221 as C-shaped or arc-shaped, which can form a first opening 223 on one side of the sliding part 221. When the sliding part 221 is subjected to stress from the guide rail 12, the first opening 223 can allow the sliding part 221 to deform to a certain extent, thereby providing a stress release space for the sliding part 221, which is beneficial to reduce the possibility of jamming caused by the interference fit between the guide rail 12 and the sliding member 22, and reduce the noise during the telescopic adjustment of the steering column 1.

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

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

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

[0073] The embodiments of the present application set the corresponding central angle of the first opening 223 to be greater than or equal to 20°, which is beneficial to increase the stress release space that the first opening 223 can provide, reduce the risk of jamming of the guide rail 12 and the sliding member 22, and reduce the adjustment noise. The embodiments of the present application set the corresponding central angle of the first opening 223 to be less than or equal to 45°, so that the first opening 223 is not too large to affect the fitting area of the sliding part 221 and the guide rail 12, which is beneficial to improve the rigidity of the steering column 1.

[0074] The first opening 223 corresponds to a central angle of 20°-45° in the embodiments of the present application, which is beneficial to balance the risk of jamming between the guide rail 12 and the sliding member 22 and the rigidity of the steering column 1.

[0075] In some embodiments, the guide rail 12 has a second opening 122, and the accommodation cavity 121 is open 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 defining the second opening 122, and the first side surface 1221 and the second side surface 1222 are oppositely arranged. At least 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 accommodation cavity 121 and the space outside the guide rail 12. The second opening 122 can be an elongated opening extending along the axial direction X, so that the connecting portion 222 moves along the axial direction X in the second opening 122.

[0077] The second opening 122 is open at least at one end along the axial direction X, so as to accommodate the connecting portion 222.

[0078] The first side surface 1221 and the second side surface 1222 can be respectively located on both sides of the connecting portion 222 along the thickness direction of the connecting portion 222, and the two surfaces of the connecting portion 222 along the thickness direction thereof 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 can be planar or curved. The two surfaces of the connecting portion 222 along the thickness direction thereof are respectively matched with 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 rigidity of the steering column 1. On the other hand, the first side surface 1221 and the second side surface 1222 can also limit the connecting portion 222, so as to limit the relative rotation of the inner column 20 and the outer column 10 in the circumferential direction.

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

[0082] The first side surface 1221 and the second side surface 1222 generate forces on the connecting portion 222 in opposite directions, which is beneficial to reduce the fitting difficulty of the connecting portion 222 and the guide rail 12, and better limit the connecting portion 222.

[0083] In some embodiments, the outer tube column 10 and the guide rail 12 are connected along the circumference of the steering tube column 1, the guide rail 12 extends outward beyond the outer circumferential surface 11a of the outer tube column 10, and the accommodating cavity 121 inside the guide rail 12 is open towards the inner side of the outer tube column 10. The sliding member 22 is connected to the inner tube column 20 and protrudes outward from the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube column 20.

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

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

[0086] In some examples, the number of guide rails 12 can be one, and the outer tube column 10 is connected on both sides along the circumference of the steering tube column 1 by the guide rail 12. In other examples, the number of guide rails 12 is more than two, and the outer tube column 10 can include multiple segments 111, and two adjacent segments 111 are connected by one guide rail 12.

[0087] The guide rail 12 extending outward beyond the outer circumferential surface 11a of the outer tube column 10 means that at least part of the guide rail 12 is closer to the outside than the outer tube column 10. Optionally, the outer tube column 10 can form part of a cylinder, and the diameter of the circular ring where the outer circumferential surface 11a of the outer tube column 10 is located is smaller than the diameter of the circular ring where the outermost end of the guide rail 12 is located.

[0088] The accommodating cavity 121 inside the guide rail 12 being open towards the inner side of the outer tube column 10 means that the accommodating cavity 121 is arranged opposite to and in communication with the space inside the outer tube column 10.

[0089] The sliding member 22 can be connected to the inner tube column 20 and located on the outer side of the inner tube column 20. The inner tube column 20 is a tubular structure as a whole and is circumferentially closed.

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

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

[0092] In some embodiments, the guide rail 12 includes a first protruding portion 123 that extends inward beyond the inner circumferential surface 11b of the outer tube column 10. The inner tube column 20 is provided with a first recessed portion 211 on the outer side facing the sliding member 22, at least part of the first protruding portion 123 is accommodated in the first recessed portion 211, and part of the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube column 20 is fitted to the outer surface of the first protruding portion 123.

[0093] The first protruding portion 123 can be closer to the central axis a of the steering tube column 1 than the outer tube column 10.

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

[0095] The first protrusion 123 can be wholly accommodated in the first recess 211, or only a part of the first protrusion 123 can be accommodated in the first recess 211, and the part of the first protrusion 123 close to the outer column 10 can be located outside the first recess 211.

[0096] At least part of the outer circumferential surface of the inner column 20 for defining the first recess 211 is fitted 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 accommodation cavity 121.

[0097] The first protrusion 123 also has an inner surface facing the accommodation cavity 121, and 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 part of the inner surface of the guide rail 12, and the inner surface of the first protrusion 123 can be fitted to the outer surface of the sliding part 221.

[0098] The embodiments of the present application set the first protrusion 123 on the guide rail 12, and part of the outer circumferential surface of the inner column 20 is fitted to the outer surface of the first protrusion 123. The inner column 20 not only forms an interference fit with the outer column 10, but also forms an interference fit with the guide rail 12, which is conducive to further increasing the fitting area between the inner column 20 and the outer column 10, further improving the rigidity of the steering column 1, and reducing the risk of deformation or breakage of the steering column 1.

[0099] In some embodiments, the inner column 20 includes a first body part 212 and a second body part 213 connected to each other along the circumference of the steering column 1, the outer circumferential surface of the first body part 212 is fitted to the outer circumferential surface of the outer column 10, the second body part 213 is provided corresponding to the first recess 211, the sliding part 22 is connected to the second body part 213, and the first protrusion 123 is clamped between the sliding part 22 and the second body part 213.

[0100] The first body part 212 and the second body part 213 are distributed along the circumference of the steering column 1 and connected to each other. Alternatively, the first body part 212 and the second body part 213 are integrally formed.

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

[0102] The second body part 213 can be recessed toward the direction close to the central axis a relative to the first body part 212, so as to form the first recess 211 on the outer side of the second body part 213.

[0103] The outer surface of the first protrusion 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 part of the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube column 20.

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

[0105] The first protrusion 123 is clamped between the sliding member 22 and the second body portion 213, and the first protrusion 123 can be in interference fit with the sliding member 22, and the first protrusion 123 can be in interference fit with the second body portion 213. Another guide rail sliding mechanism can be formed between the first protrusion 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 rigidity of the steering column 1, and reduce the risk of deformation or breakage of the steering column 1.

[0106] In some embodiments, the connection position between the first protrusion 123 and the outer tube column 10 forms a first arc surface 13, the connection position between the first body portion 212 and the second body portion 213 facing the outer side of the outer tube column 10 forms a second arc surface 214, the first arc surface 13 and the second arc surface 214 are oppositely arranged, and a first gap 31 is formed between the first arc surface 13 and the second arc surface 214.

[0107] Since the first protrusion 123 protrudes inwardly from the inner circumferential surface of the outer tube column 10, the connection position between the first protrusion 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 circumference of the steering column 1, and the first body portion 212 and the second body portion 213 have a connection position facing the outer side of the outer tube column 10 and a connection position facing the inner side of 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 respectively face the inner side of the outer tube column 10 and the outer side of the outer tube column 10, and are oppositely arranged.

[0110] The first arc surface 13 and the second arc surface 214 can both be circular arc surfaces. The first arc surface 13 and the second arc surface 214 can have the same bending trend, that is, the center of the circle corresponding to the first arc surface 13 and the center of the circle corresponding to 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 curved surface 13 can be greater than the bending degree of the second curved surface 214, so as to form the first gap 31 between the first curved surface 13 and the second curved surface 214.

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

[0113] According to the embodiments of the present application, the first curved surface 13 and the second curved surface 214 are arranged, so that the chamfer is formed at the connecting position between the first convex part 123 and the outer tube column 10, and the chamfer is formed at the connecting position between the first body part 212 and the second body part 213, thereby reducing the risk of jamming of the inner tube column 20 and the outer tube column 10. In addition, the first gap 31 is formed between the first curved surface 13 and the second curved surface 214, the inner tube column 20 and the outer tube column 10 do not contact each other at the part corresponding to the first gap 31, and the first gap 31 can also store a certain amount of grease, which is beneficial to further reduce the risk of jamming and improve the smoothness of the telescopic adjustment of the steering column 1.

[0114] In some embodiments, the connecting position between the sliding part 22 and the second body part 213 forms a third curved surface 215, the side of the first convex part 123 away from the outer tube column 10 has a fourth curved surface 1231, the third curved surface 215 and the fourth curved surface 1231 are oppositely arranged, and the second gap 32 is formed between the third curved surface 215 and the fourth curved surface 1231.

[0115] Since the sliding part 22 protrudes outwardly from the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube column 20, the connecting position between the sliding part 22 and the second body part 213 is located on the outer side of the inner tube column 20, and the third curved surface 215 can face the outer side of the inner tube column 20.

[0116] The first convex part 123 protrudes inwardly from the inner circumferential surface of the outer tube column 10, and the fourth curved surface 1231 is located on the side of the first convex part 123 away from the outer tube column 10, and the fourth curved surface can face the inner side of the outer tube column 10.

[0117] The third curved surface 215 and the fourth curved surface 1231 can both be circular arc surfaces. The third curved surface 215 and the fourth curved surface 1231 can have the same bending trend, that is, the center of the circle corresponding to the third curved surface 215 and the center of the circle corresponding to the fourth curved surface 1231 can both be located on the outer side of the inner tube column 20.

[0118] The bending degree of the fourth curved surface 1231 can be greater than the bending degree of the third curved surface 215, so as to form the second gap 32 between the third curved surface 215 and the fourth curved surface 1231.

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

[0120] The third arc surface 215 and the fourth arc surface 1231 are arranged in the embodiment of the application, so that the connection position between the sliding piece 22 and the second body part 213 is chamfered, and the side of the first convex part 123 away from the outer tube column 10 is chamfered, so as to reduce the risk of jamming of the inner tube column 20 and the outer tube column 10. In addition, the second gap 32 is formed between the third arc surface 215 and the fourth arc surface 1231, the inner tube column 20 and the outer tube column 10 do not contact each other at the part corresponding to the second gap 32, and the second gap 32 can also store a certain amount of grease, which is beneficial to further reduce the risk of jamming and improve the smoothness of the telescopic adjustment of the steering column 1.

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

[0122] A part of the sliding piece 22 can be clamped between the two first convex parts 123. Optionally, the sliding piece 22 comprises a connecting part 222, and at least a part of the connecting part 222 is clamped between the two first convex parts 123.

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

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

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

[0126] The first convex part 123 is arranged as two in the embodiment of the application, and the two first convex parts 123, the sliding piece 22 and the second body part 213 can form two guide rail sliding mechanisms, which is beneficial to further increase the matching area between the outer tube column 10 and the inner tube column 20, improve the rigidity of the steering column 1, and reduce the risk of deformation or breakage of the steering column 1. In addition, the two first convex parts 123 are symmetrically arranged, which is beneficial to balance the stress of the sliding piece 22 and reduce the risk of deformation or breakage of the sliding piece 22.

[0127] In some embodiments, the inner side of the outer tube column 10 is provided with a second recess 112, the turning tube column 1 comprises a second protrusion 23 protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube column 20, the second recess 112 and the second protrusion 23 both extend along the axial direction X, the second protrusion 23 is accommodated in the second recess 112, and at least part of the outer surface of the second protrusion 23 is fitted to the surface of the outer tube column 10 surrounding 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 can 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 can be in interference fit with the second protrusion 23.

[0131] By providing the second protrusion 23 and the second recess 112, on the one hand, the cooperation of the second protrusion 23 and the second recess 112 can form another guide rail sliding mechanism, so as to further improve the rigidity of the turning tube column 1 and reduce the risk of deformation or breakage of the turning tube column 1; on the other hand, the cooperation of 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 turning tube column 1, thereby reducing the stress on the connecting part 222 and reducing the risk of deformation or breakage of the connecting part 222.

[0132] In some embodiments, the turning tube column 1 further comprises a third protrusion 14 protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the outer tube column 10 and arranged corresponding to the second recess 112.

[0133] The third protrusion 14 is located on the outer side of the outer tube column 10, and the second recess 112 can be recessed towards the direction close to the third protrusion 14.

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

[0135] The third protrusion 14 can compensate for the thickness reduction and strength weakening of the outer tube column 10 caused by the provision of the second recess 112 to some extent, and the third protrusion 14 can also play the role of a reinforcing rib, which is conducive to enhancing the structural strength of the outer tube column 10.

[0136] In some embodiments, the guide rails 12 are two, and the two guide rails 12 are oppositely arranged. The sliding members 22 are two, and the two sliding members 22 are arranged one by one corresponding to the two guide rails 12. The outer tube column 10 forms part of a hollow cylinder, and the second recess 112 is arranged at equal angles with the two guide rails 12.

[0137] The two guide rails 12 can be arranged opposite to each other in the radial direction of the outer tube column 10.

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

[0139] The equal angle interval arrangement of the second recess 112 and the two guide rails 12 means that the angle between the line between the center of the second recess 112 and the central axis of the outer tube column 10 and the line between the center of the guide rail 12 and the central axis of the outer tube column 10 is the same.

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

[0141] The equal angle interval arrangement of the second recess 112 and the two guide rails 12 in the embodiments of the present application can balance the anti-twisting force of the cooperation between the second recess 112 and the second convex part 23 on the two sliding members 22, which is conducive to reducing the risk of deformation or breakage of any sliding member 22.

[0142] Figure 10 The structural schematic diagram of the steering system provided by some embodiments of the present application is shown. According to the second aspect of the present application, referring to Figure 10 The embodiments of the present application also provide a steering system 2, which comprises the steering column 1 provided by any of the embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, the steering wheel 3 and the steering gear 4. The steering column 1 comprises the rotating shaft 40 inserted into the inner tube 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 embodiments of the present application can realize the large-scale extension of the steering column 1, and on this basis, maintain the high rigidity and high modal of the steering column 1, thereby releasing a large amount of space with better performance, so that the steering system 2 adapts to the functional requirements of different vehicle models.

[0145] Although the present application has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, various modifications can be made to it without departing from the scope of the present application, and equivalent components can be substituted therefor, especially, 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 herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A steering column, characterized by Comprise: an outer tube column; an inner tube column inserted into the outer tube column and configured to be movably arranged relative to the outer tube column along an axial direction of the steering column, at least a part of an outer peripheral surface of the inner tube column being fitted to an inner peripheral surface of the outer tube column; and a sliding fitting mechanism comprising a guide rail and a sliding member, both of which extend along the axial direction, one of the guide rail and the sliding member being connected to the outer tube column and the other being connected to the inner tube column, at least a part of the sliding member being inserted into the guide rail and configured to be movably arranged relative to the guide rail along the axial direction; an inner portion of the guide rail defining a receiving cavity, the sliding member comprising a sliding portion and a connecting portion, the sliding portion being received in the receiving cavity, an outer surface of the sliding portion being fitted to an inner surface of the guide rail, the connecting portion being connected between the sliding portion and the inner tube column or the connecting portion being connected between the sliding portion and the outer tube column; the sliding portion being C-shaped or arc-shaped in cross section perpendicular to the axial direction, a first opening being provided on a side of the sliding portion away from the connecting portion, the guide rail having a second opening through which the receiving cavity is open to an outer side of the guide rail, at least a part of the connecting portion being received in the second opening.

2. The steering column according to claim 1, wherein the guide rail is C-shaped or arc-shaped in cross section perpendicular to the axial direction.

3. The steering column according to claim 1, wherein the sliding portion is circular arc-shaped in cross section perpendicular to the axial direction, and a central angle of the first opening is 20°-45°.

4. The steering column according to claim 1, wherein the guide rail comprises a first side surface and a second side surface defining the second opening, the first side surface and the second side surface being oppositely arranged, and the connecting portion is fitted to the first side surface and the second side surface.

5. The steering column according to claim 1, wherein the outer tube column and the guide rail are connected along a circumferential direction of the steering column, the guide rail outwardly protrudes beyond an outer peripheral surface of the outer tube column, and the receiving cavity is open toward an inner side of the outer tube column; the sliding member is connected to the inner tube column and protrudes beyond an outer peripheral surface of the inner tube column.

6. The steering column according to claim 5, wherein the guide rail comprises a first protruding portion that inwardly protrudes beyond an inner peripheral surface of the outer tube column; the inner tube column is provided with a first recessed portion on an outer side of the sliding member, at least a part of the first protruding portion is received in the first recessed portion, and a part of an outer peripheral surface of the inner tube column is fitted to an outer surface of the first protruding portion.

7. The steering column according to claim 6, wherein the inner tube column comprises a first body portion and a second body portion connected to each other along a circumferential direction of the steering column, an outer peripheral surface of the first body portion is fitted to an outer peripheral surface of the outer tube column, the second body portion is provided corresponding to the first recessed portion, the sliding member is connected to the second body portion, and the first protruding portion is sandwiched between the sliding member and the second body portion.

8. The steering column according to claim 7, wherein a connecting position between the first protrusion and the outer column forms a first camber, a connecting position between the first body portion and the second body portion facing an outer side of the outer column forms a second camber, the first camber and the second camber are oppositely arranged, and a first gap is formed between the first camber and the second camber.

9. The steering column according to claim 7, wherein a connecting position between the slider and the second body portion forms a third camber, a side of the first protrusion away from the outer column has a fourth camber, the third camber and the fourth camber are oppositely arranged, and a second gap is formed between the third camber and the fourth camber.

10. The steering column according to claim 1, wherein an inner side of the outer column is provided with a second recess, the steering column comprises a second protrusion protruding from an outer peripheral surface of the inner column, the second recess and the second protrusion both extend along the axis direction, the second protrusion is accommodated in the second recess, and at least a part of an outer surface of the second protrusion is fitted to a surface of the outer column surrounding the second recess.

11. The steering column according to claim 10, wherein the steering column further comprises a third protrusion protruding from an outer peripheral surface of the outer column and arranged corresponding to the second recess.

12. The steering column according to claim 10, wherein the guide rails are two, the two guide rails are oppositely arranged; the sliders are two, the two sliders are arranged corresponding to the two guide rails respectively; the outer column forms a part of a hollow cylinder, and the second recess is arranged at an equal angle interval with the two guide rails.

13. A steering system characterized by, including: the steering column according to any one of claims 1-12, the steering column comprising a shaft inserted into the inner column; a steering wheel connected to one end of the shaft; and a steering gear connected to the other end of the shaft away from the steering wheel.

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