Storable electric tubular column

Abstract

The storable electric tubular column according to the present invention comprises: a first tubular column part which is coaxially arranged inside the first tubular column part in a slidable manner and which is movable in the longitudinal direction through one end of the first tubular column part, a second tubular column part which is coaxially arranged inside the first tubular column part in a slidable manner and which is movable in the longitudinal direction through the other end of the first tubular column part, and a third tubular column part which is movable in the longitudinal direction through the other end of the second tubular column part; the third tubular column part is coaxially arranged inside the second tubular column part in a fastened manner and can move in the length direction through one end of the second tubular column part, and the telescopic driving unit moves the second tubular column part and the third tubular column part in the length direction, so that the length of the tubular column is changed to the maximum extent. Therefore, the maximum interior space of the vehicle can be ensured during automatic driving of the vehicle, and convenience and mobility are provided for a driver.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a retractable electric column. More specifically, it is configured to change the length of the column to the maximum extent, ensuring the vehicle interior space to the maximum, so as to ensure the largest interior space when the vehicle is driving automatically, providing convenience and mobility for the driver. Background Art

[0002] Generally, the steering device of an automobile is a device that changes the direction of the front wheels of the automobile to the left or right to change the driving direction of the vehicle to the left or right.

[0003] In the steering device, there is a structure for the driver to grasp with the hand, that is, a steering wheel. The driver rotates the steering wheel to the left or right, so the steering shaft coupled to the upper end rotates. The rotational force of the steering shaft is transmitted to the steering gear. Through the left and right movement of the rack of the steering gear, the left tie rod and the right tie rod move to the left or right, and further change the direction of the front wheels of the vehicle to the left or right.

[0004] On the other hand, the steering device includes telescopic and tilt functions. Through these functions, the protruding degree and tilt angle of the steering wheel can be adjusted according to the driver's own elongation or body type, so that the steering operation can be smoothly performed.

[0005] In addition, the telescopic and tilt functions were initially in a manual operation mode where the driver directly operated the adjustment lever to move the steering wheel in the axial direction or rotate the steering wheel around a hinge axis arranged orthogonally to the axial direction, but an automatic operation mode using a motor has been developed.

[0006] Recently, with the rapid development of the development of driverless vehicles, ensuring the driver's space in the driverless mode has become a hot topic.

[0007] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2368822 (March 3, 2022) (hereinafter referred to as "the prior art") discloses a technology for increasing the telescopic amount of an electric column, that is, a "rail telescopic electric column".

[0008] The prior art includes: a rail base fixed to the vehicle body; a column assembly coupled to one side of the rail base to control the telescopic amount of the steering wheel generated by sliding drive; rolling bearing rails formed at both ends of the rail base; drive bearings arranged on both sides of the column assembly and supported by the rolling bearing rails, controlling the telescopic amount of the column while being driven; a drive tool providing a driving force for driving the column assembly along the rail base to control the retraction / extension of the column according to the driver's operation.

[0009] However, in the prior art, since the structure is to move the pipe column assembly relative to the track base instead of changing the length of the pipe column assembly itself to adjust the telescopic amount of the pipe column assembly, there are problems that it is not easy to ensure the space in the vehicle interior due to the arrangement of the track base, the rolling bearing track and the driving bearing, and there is also a problem that a large amount of operating force is required to adjust the telescopic amount of the pipe column assembly due to the load of the pipe column assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0010] (Problems to be Solved)

[0011] The technical problem of the present invention is to provide a retractable electric pipe column configured to change the length of the pipe column to the maximum extent to ensure the maximum interior space of the vehicle during automatic driving of the vehicle, so as to provide convenience and mobility for the driver.

[0012] Another technical problem of the present invention is to provide a retractable electric pipe column that can reduce the operating force during the operation of changing the length of the pipe column.

[0013] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other problems not mentioned from the following description.

[0014] (Means for Solving the Problems)

[0015] To achieve the above problems, the retractable electric pipe column according to the present invention is composed of a first pipe column part, a second pipe column part, a third pipe column part and a telescopic drive unit. The second pipe column part is slidably and coaxially arranged inside the first pipe column part. The second pipe column part can move in the length direction through one end of the first pipe column part. The third pipe column part is tightly and coaxially arranged inside the second pipe column part. The third pipe column part can move in the length direction through one end of the second pipe column part. The telescopic drive unit moves the second pipe column part and the third pipe column part in the length direction.

[0016] The telescopic drive unit may be composed of a first telescopic screw rod and a second telescopic screw rod. The first telescopic screw rod can move in the length direction through a rotating action and can move the second pipe column part and the third pipe column part in the length direction at the same time. The second telescopic screw rod is arranged in the first pipe column part. The thread formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second telescopic screw rod meshes with the thread formed on the inner peripheral surface of the first telescopic screw rod, and the second telescopic screw rod can be inserted into or withdrawn from the inside of the first telescopic screw rod through the rotating action of the first telescopic screw rod to move in the length direction.

[0017] The telescopic drive unit may further include a telescopic bracket, a telescopic nut, a telescopic gearbox, and a telescopic motor. The telescopic bracket can be movably arranged in the second pipe column part in the length direction. The telescopic bracket can be coupled to the third pipe column part. The telescopic nut can be arranged on the telescopic bracket. The telescopic nut can be penetrated by the first telescopic screw rod. The telescopic nut can move along the length of the first telescopic screw rod together with the telescopic bracket through the rotational movement of the first telescopic screw rod. The telescopic gearbox can be arranged in the second pipe column part. A plurality of gears can be arranged inside the telescopic gearbox. The plurality of gears can rotate the first telescopic screw rod through rotational movement. The telescopic motor can rotate the plurality of gears.

[0018] A telescopic guide hole can be formed in the second pipe column part to be extendable in the length direction. The telescopic bracket can move along the telescopic guide hole in the length direction of the second pipe column part.

[0019] The plurality of gears can be composed of a worm gear and a worm wheel gear. The worm gear can be rotatably arranged inside the telescopic gearbox. The worm wheel gear can be rotatably arranged inside the telescopic gearbox. The worm wheel gear can be meshed with the worm gear. The end part of the first telescopic screw rod is arranged inside the telescopic gearbox and can be coupled to the worm wheel gear. The end part of the second telescopic screw rod penetrates the telescopic gearbox and the worm wheel gear and can be inserted into the end part of the first telescopic screw rod.

[0020] The retractable electric pipe column according to the present invention may further include a support roller and a support guide rod. The support roller can be rotatably arranged on the second pipe column part. An installation groove can be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the support roller. The support guide rod is arranged in the first pipe column part to extend in the length direction. The support guide rod is placed in the installation groove and can support the support roller while guiding the rotation and the movement in the length direction of the support roller when moving in the length direction of the second pipe column part.

[0021] The installation groove can be formed in a V shape.

[0022] A plurality of support rollers can be arranged as the support rollers. The plurality of support rollers can be composed of at least one first support roller and at least one second support roller. The support guide rod can be inserted into one side of the installation groove of the at least one first support roller. The support guide rod can be inserted into the other side of the installation groove of the at least one second support roller.

[0023] In the present invention, a roller setting frame can also be formed on the retractable electric pipe column. The roller setting frame is coupled to the second pipe column portion so as to move in the longitudinal direction together with the second pipe column portion when the second pipe column portion moves in the longitudinal direction. A support roller is rotatably provided on the roller setting frame.

[0024] An actuating force adjusting bolt can also be formed on the retractable electric pipe column according to the present invention. The actuating force adjusting bolt can be provided on the roller setting frame. The actuating force adjusting bolt contacts the support guide rod to adjust the actuating force in the longitudinal direction of the second pipe column portion.

[0025] Details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and the drawings.

[0026] (Effects of the Invention)

[0027] The retractable electric pipe column according to the present invention includes a first pipe column portion, a second pipe column portion, a third pipe column portion, and a telescopic driving unit. The second pipe column portion is slidably and coaxially disposed inside the first pipe column portion and can move in the longitudinal direction through one end of the first pipe column portion. The third pipe column portion is tightly and coaxially disposed inside the second pipe column portion and can move in the longitudinal direction through one end of the second pipe column portion. The telescopic driving unit moves the second pipe column portion and the third pipe column portion in the longitudinal direction, and is configured to change the length of the pipe column to the maximum extent, having the effect of ensuring the largest interior space of the vehicle during automatic driving of the vehicle, thereby providing convenience and mobility for the driver.

[0028] In addition, the retractable electric pipe column according to the present invention includes a first telescopic screw rod and a second telescopic screw rod. The first telescopic screw rod moves in the longitudinal direction by a rotating action while moving the second pipe column portion and the third pipe column portion in the longitudinal direction. The second telescopic screw rod is provided on the first pipe column portion and the thread formed on the outer peripheral surface meshes with the thread formed on the inner peripheral surface of the first telescopic screw rod. When the first telescopic screw rod moves in the longitudinal direction by a rotating action, the first telescopic screw rod is inserted into or withdrawn from the inside of the first telescopic screw rod. Therefore, it is configured to change the length of the pipe column to the maximum extent, and also has the effect of ensuring the largest interior space of the vehicle during automatic driving of the vehicle, thereby providing convenience and mobility for the driver.

[0029] In addition, the retractable electric pipe column according to the present invention, when performing the action of changing the length of the pipe column, can stably support the second pipe column portion through the support roller and the support guide rod while being able to smoothly move the second pipe column portion in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, it also has the effect of reducing the actuating force when performing the action of changing the length of the pipe column.

[0030] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above. Those skilled in the art can clearly understand other effects not mentioned from the description of the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 As a perspective view showing a retractable electric column according to an embodiment of the present invention included in a vehicle steering device, it is a view showing a maximum extended state in which the length of the retractable electric column according to an embodiment of the present invention becomes the maximum;

[0032] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a bottom perspective view;

[0033] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a bottom view;

[0034] Figure 4 is a view showing Figure 3 a maximum retracted state in which the length of the retractable electric column in the vehicle steering device becomes the shortest;

[0035] Figure 5 is Figure 2 an exploded perspective view of the telescopic drive unit in;

[0036] Figure 6 is a view and a partial enlarged view showing the driving state of the telescopic drive unit in the maximum extended state of the retractable electric column according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 7 is a view showing the driving state of the telescopic drive unit in the maximum retracted state of the retractable electric column according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 8 is Figure 1 an exploded perspective view of the telescopic support guide in.

[0039] (Description of Reference Numerals)

[0040] 200: Retractable electric column 210: First column part

[0041] 220: Second column part 225: Telescopic guide hole

[0042] 230: Third column part 240: Telescopic drive unit

[0043] 241: First telescopic screw rod 242: Second telescopic screw rod

[0044] 243: Telescopic bracket 244: Telescopic nut

[0045] 245: Telescopic gearbox 246: Telescopic motor

[0046] 247: Worm gear 248: Worm wheel gear

[0047] 271: First support roller 271A: Placement groove

[0048] 272: Second support roller 273: Support guide rod

[0049] 275: Roller setting frame 276: Actuating force adjusting bolt Detailed implementation mode

[0050] Hereinafter, a retractable electric column according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] Figure 1 As a perspective view showing a retractable electric column according to an embodiment of the present invention included in a vehicle steering device, it is a view showing a maximum extension state in which the length of the retractable electric column according to an embodiment of the present invention becomes maximum; Figure 2 is Figure 1 a bottom perspective view; Figure 3 is Figure 1 a bottom view; Figure 4 is a view showing Figure 3 a maximum retraction state in which the length of the retractable electric column in the vehicle steering device becomes the shortest.

[0052] Here, extension may mean that the total length in the axial direction of the retractable electric column 200 is extended, and retraction may mean that the total length in the axial direction of the retractable electric column 200 is shortened. In the following description, the meaning of telescoping is the movement of the retractable electric column 200 in the axial direction.

[0053] Referring to Figures 1 to 4 , a vehicle steering device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a steering shaft 100 and a retractable electric column 200. The axial lengths of the steering shaft 100 and the retractable electric column 200 may change.

[0054] At one end of the steering shaft 100, a structure for being grasped by hand, that is, a steering wheel (not shown), may be provided to steer the driving direction of the vehicle by the driver. That is, in order to steer the driving direction of the vehicle to the left, the driver may grasp the steering wheel and rotate it to the left, and in order to steer the driving direction of the vehicle to the right, the driver may grasp the steering wheel and rotate it to the right.

[0055] The steering shaft 100 can penetrate the retractable electric column 200 in the axial direction. Both ends of the steering shaft 100 can be protrudingly arranged through both ends of the retractable electric column 200. That is, one end of the steering shaft 100 is protrudingly arranged through one end of the retractable electric column 200, and the other end of the steering shaft 100 is protrudingly arranged through the other end of the retractable electric column 200.

[0056] The steering shaft 100 can be locked in the retractable electric column 200 to prevent axial movement. The steering shaft 100 is rotatably coupled to the retractable electric column 200 in the circumferential direction through a rolling bearing. In the event of a vehicle accident, due to the external force applied to the steering shaft 100, the steering shaft 100 is unlocked in the retractable electric column 200 and moves in the axial direction, thereby reducing the injury to the driver.

[0057] The steering shaft 100 may include a first shaft 110 and a second shaft 120. One end portion of the first shaft 110 can be inserted into the inner portion of one end of the second shaft 120 through one end of the second shaft 120. Since one end portion of the first shaft 110 is inserted into or withdrawn from the inner portion of one end of the second shaft 120, the axial length of the steering shaft 100 can be changed. Serrations that are mutually engaged are formed on the outer peripheral surface of one end portion of the first shaft 110 and the inner peripheral surface of one end portion of the second shaft 120. Thus, the first shaft 110 and the second shaft 120 move in the axial direction without rotating in the circumferential direction, and thereby the axial length can be changed.

[0058] The first shaft 110 is rotatably coupled to the inner peripheral surface of a second column portion 220 described later in the circumferential direction through a first rolling bearing; the second shaft 120 is rotatably coupled to the inner peripheral surface of a third column portion 230 described later in the circumferential direction through a second rolling bearing.

[0059] When the axial length of the retractable electric column 200 changes, the steering shaft 100 moves in the axial direction together with the retractable electric column 200, and thus the axial length can change. That is, when the first column portion 210 is withdrawn from or inserted into the second column portion 220, the first shaft 110 can move in the axial direction together with the second column portion 220. In addition, when the second column portion 220 is withdrawn from or inserted into the third column portion 230, the second shaft 120 can move in the axial direction together with the third column portion 230.

[0060] The retractable electric column 200 can be penetrated by the steering shaft 100. At least a part of the retractable electric column 200 can form a cylindrical shape for the steering shaft 100 to penetrate. The retractable electric column 200 itself can include a structure that can perform the functions of retracting and extending. Specifically, the retractable electric column 200 can include: a first column portion 210, a second column portion 220, a third column portion 230, and a telescopic drive unit 240.

[0061] The first pipe column part 210 can be formed in a shape through which the steering shaft 100 penetrates. The first pipe column part 210 is formed in a shape surrounding the outer periphery of the steering shaft 100, and one side can be formed in a plate shape that is bent multiple times and open. The second pipe column part 220 and the third pipe column part 230 can be formed in a cylindrical shape through which the steering shaft 100 penetrates. However, regarding the shapes of the first pipe column part 210, the second pipe column part 220, and the third pipe column part 230, as long as the steering shaft 100 can be rotatably supported, they can be changed into various shapes for implementation.

[0062] The first pipe column part 210 can be formed to accommodate one end part of the electric pipe column 200, the second pipe column part 220 can be formed to accommodate the central part of the electric pipe column 200, and the third pipe column part 230 can be formed to accommodate the other end part of the electric pipe column 200.

[0063] The second pipe column part 220 is movably coupled to the first pipe column part 210 in the axial direction (length direction) without rotating in the circumferential direction; the third pipe column part 230 is movably coupled to the second pipe column part 220 in the axial direction (length direction) without rotating in the circumferential direction. The retractable electric pipe column 200 can be inserted into or withdrawn from the inside of the first pipe column part 210 due to the axial movement of the second pipe column part 220, and the third pipe column part 230 can be inserted into or withdrawn from the inside of the second pipe column part 220 due to the axial movement. Therefore, the axial length of the retractable electric pipe column 200 itself can be changed, and accordingly, the length can be adjusted according to the driver's physical condition. In addition, the retractable electric pipe column 200 can prevent the driver from being injured in a vehicle accident because, due to the external force applied to the retractable electric pipe column 200, the second pipe column part 220 is inserted into the inside of the first pipe column part 210, and the third pipe column part 230 is inserted into the inside of the second pipe column part 220.

[0064] The first pipe column part 210 can be set on the vehicle body without moving in the length direction. The second pipe column part 220 is slidably and coaxially arranged inside the first pipe column part 210. A part of the second pipe column part 220 is arranged inside the first pipe column part 210. The second pipe column part 220 can move in the length direction through one end of the first pipe column part 210. The third pipe column part 230 is tightly and coaxially arranged inside the second pipe column part 220. A part of the third pipe column part 230 is arranged inside the second pipe column part 220. The third pipe column part 230 can move in the length direction through one end of the second pipe column part 220.

[0065] The telescopic drive unit 240 can move the second pipe column part 220 and the third pipe column part 230 in the length direction by using the power of the vehicle body. Accordingly, when the driver drives the telescopic drive unit 240 to change the length of the retractable electric pipe column 200, the telescopic amount of the retractable electric pipe column 200 can be adjusted according to the driver's own physical condition.

[0066] The retractable electric column 200 can, by the driving force of the telescopic driving unit 240, as Figures 1 to 3 shown, have the longest axial length, and as Figure 4 shown, have the shortest axial length.

[0067] For the telescopic driving unit 240, specific description will be given later. First, the tilting driving unit 250 will be described.

[0068] The retractable electric column 200 may further include a tilting driving unit 250. The tilting driving unit 250 can adjust the tilt (tilt amount) of the retractable electric column 200.

[0069] The tilting driving unit 250 may include: a tilting gearbox 251, a tilting motor 252, a tilting screw rod 253, a tilting bracket 254, and a tilting nut 255.

[0070] The tilting gearbox 251 may be fixedly disposed on the second column portion 220. The tilting motor 252 may be fixedly disposed on the tilting gearbox 251. The tilting screw rod 253 is rotatably disposed in the tilting gearbox 251 in the circumferential direction. The tilting bracket 254 may be fixedly disposed on the first column portion 210. The tilting nut 255 may be disposed on the tilting bracket 254. The tilting nut 255 may be penetrated by the tilting screw rod 253.

[0071] The rotation axis of the tilting motor 252 may be orthogonally arranged with the tilting screw rod 253. Threads may be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the tilting nut 255, and the threads formed on the inner peripheral surface of the tilting nut 255 may be engaged with the threads formed on the outer peripheral surface of the tilting screw rod 253.

[0072] A worm gear and a worm wheel gear may be rotatably disposed inside the tilting gearbox 251. Here, the worm gear may be coupled to the rotation axis of the tilting motor 252, and the worm wheel gear may be engaged with the worm gear. In addition, the tilting screw rod 253 may be coupled to the center of the worm wheel gear.

[0073] Therefore, when the tilting motor 252 is driven, the tilting screw rod 253 can rotate in the circumferential direction. Accordingly, by the tilting nut 255 moving in the axial direction of the length direction of the tilting screw rod 253, the retractable electric column 200 can perform the tilting function. In order to be able to achieve the tilting function, the retractable electric column 200 is rotatably coupled to the vehicle body through a mounting bracket.

[0074] Figure 5 is Figure 2 an exploded perspective view of the telescopic driving unit; Figure 6 is a view showing the driving state of the telescopic driving unit and a partially enlarged view when the retractable electric column according to an embodiment of the present invention is in the maximum extended state;Figure 7 FIG. is a diagram showing the driving state of the telescopic driving unit when the retractable electric pipe column according to an embodiment of the present invention is in the maximum retracted state;

[0075] Refer to Figure 2 And Figures 5 to 7 , the second pipe column part 220 is inserted into the inside of the first pipe column part 210 in the longitudinal direction or can be led out from the inside of the first pipe column part 210 in the longitudinal direction. The third pipe column part 230 is inserted into the inside of the second pipe column part 220 in the longitudinal direction or can be led out from the inside of the second pipe column part 220 in the longitudinal direction.

[0076] The outer diameter of the third pipe column part 230 is smaller than the outer diameter of the second pipe column part 220, and one end part of the third pipe column part 230 can be arranged inside the second pipe column part 220.

[0077] The outer peripheral surface of the third pipe column part 230 can be supported on the inner peripheral surface of the second pipe column part 220. Accordingly, the axial length of the retractable electric pipe column 200 can be stably changed, and noise can be avoided when adjusting the telescopic amount of the retractable electric pipe column 200.

[0078] A ball plunger (not shown) can be protrudingly arranged inside the second pipe column part 220, and a clamping groove (not shown) for clamping the ball plunger can be formed at the position where the third pipe column part 230 is led out to the maximum and the position where it is inserted to the maximum from the second pipe column part 220.

[0079] The telescopic driving unit 240 can include: a first telescopic screw rod 241, a second telescopic screw rod 242, a telescopic bracket 243, a telescopic nut 244, a telescopic gear box 245 and a telescopic motor 246.

[0080] The first telescopic screw rod 241 and the second telescopic screw rod 242 can be formed as straight rods having a circular cross section and straight in the axial direction.

[0081] As Figures 1 to 3 shown, when the retractable electric pipe column 200 is in the state of being extended to the maximum, the first telescopic screw rod 241, the second telescopic screw rod 242 and the telescopic nut 244 can be located at the position as shown in Figure 6 . This position can be achieved by the first telescopic screw rod 241 rotating in one direction by the driving force of the telescopic motor 246.

[0082] In addition, as Figure 4 shown, when the retractable electric pipe column 200 is in the maximum retracted state, the first telescopic screw rod 241, the second telescopic screw rod 242 and the telescopic nut 244 can be located at the position as shown in Figure 7 . This position is achieved by the first telescopic screw rod 241 rotating in the other direction of the first telescopic screw rod 241 by the driving force of the telescopic motor 246.

[0083] Specifically, while the first telescopic screw rod 241 moves in the longitudinal direction by a rotational action, the second pipe column portion 220 and the third pipe column portion 230 can move in the longitudinal direction.

[0084] The first telescopic screw rod 241 can be formed as a hollow cylindrical shape, and the second telescopic screw rod 242 can be inserted into or withdrawn from the inside of the first telescopic screw rod 241.

[0085] In the first telescopic screw rod 241, threads can be formed on the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface, and threads can be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second telescopic screw rod 242. The threads formed on the inner peripheral surface of the first telescopic screw rod 241 can mesh with the threads formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second telescopic screw rod 242. Therefore, when the first telescopic screw rod 241 rotates by the driving force of the telescopic motor 246, the first telescopic screw rod 241 moves along the length of the second telescopic screw rod 242, and thus the second telescopic screw rod 242 can be inserted into or withdrawn from the inside of the first telescopic screw rod 241.

[0086] That is, since the threads formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second telescopic screw rod 242 mesh with the threads formed on the inner peripheral surface of the first telescopic screw rod 241, the second telescopic screw rod 242 can be inserted into or withdrawn from the inside of the first telescopic screw rod 241 by the first telescopic screw rod 241 moving in the longitudinal direction by a rotational action.

[0087] The first telescopic screw rod 241 and the second telescopic screw rod 242 can be arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction capable of accommodating the electric pipe column 200. The second telescopic screw rod 242 can be provided in the first pipe column portion 210 so as not to move in the longitudinal direction, and the first telescopic screw rod 241 can move along the length of the second telescopic screw rod 242 during a rotational action.

[0088] The first telescopic screw rod 241 and the second telescopic screw rod 242 can be arranged orthogonally to the rotation axis of the telescopic motor 246. The rotation axis of the telescopic motor 246 can be arranged parallel to the rotation axis of the tilt motor 252.

[0089] The telescopic bracket 243 is movably provided in the second pipe column portion 220 in the longitudinal direction. That is, in the second pipe column portion 220, a telescopic guide hole 225 (refer to Figure 3 ) is formed to extend in the longitudinal direction, and the telescopic bracket 243 can be coupled to the third pipe column portion 230 through the telescopic guide hole 225. The telescopic bracket 243 can move in the longitudinal direction of the second pipe column portion 220 along the telescopic guide hole 225.

[0090] The telescopic nut 244 can be arranged on the telescopic bracket 243. The telescopic nut 244 can be penetrated by the first telescopic screw rod 241.

[0091] Threads can be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the telescopic nut 244. The threads formed on the inner circumferential surface of the telescopic nut 244 can be meshed with the threads formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first telescopic screw rod 241. Therefore, the telescopic nut 244 moves along the length of the first telescopic screw rod 241 together with the telescopic bracket 243 through the rotational movement of the first telescopic screw rod 241, and thus can move the third pipe column part 230 in the length direction.

[0092] The telescopic gearbox 245 can be arranged on the second pipe column part 220. The telescopic gearbox 245 can be fastened to the second pipe column part 220 by a plurality of bolts. The telescopic gearbox 245 can be formed in a quadrilateral column shape.

[0093] A plurality of gears 247, 248 can be arranged inside the telescopic gearbox 245. Here, the plurality of gears 247, 248 can rotate the first telescopic screw rod 241 by the driving force of the telescopic motor 246.

[0094] The telescopic motor 246 can rotate the plurality of gears 247, 248. The telescopic motor 246 can be fastened to the telescopic gearbox 245 by a plurality of bolts.

[0095] The plurality of gears 247, 248 can include a worm gear 247 and a worm wheel gear 248.

[0096] The worm gear 247 can be rotatably arranged inside the telescopic gearbox 245; the worm wheel gear 248 can be rotatably arranged inside the telescopic gearbox 245 and can be meshed with the worm gear 247.

[0097] The rotating shaft of the telescopic motor 246 is coupled to the center of the worm gear 247. The worm gear 247 can rotate by the driving force of the telescopic motor 246, and the worm wheel gear 248 can rotate by the rotation of the worm gear 247 as it is meshed with the worm gear 247.

[0098] The end part of the first telescopic screw rod 241 is arranged inside the telescopic gearbox 245, and thus can be coupled to the center of the worm wheel gear 248. The first telescopic screw rod 241 can penetrate through one side of the telescopic gearbox 245. A hole for the first telescopic screw rod 241 to penetrate through can be formed on one side of the telescopic gearbox 245.

[0099] The end part of the second telescopic screw rod 242 can penetrate through the other side of the telescopic gearbox 245. A hole for the second telescopic screw rod 242 to penetrate through can be formed on the other side of the telescopic gearbox 245. The end part of the second telescopic screw rod 242 penetrates through the hole formed in the center of the worm wheel gear 248 and can be inserted into the inside of the end part of the first telescopic screw rod 241.

[0100] Therefore, when the telescopic motor 246 is driven, the first telescopic screw rod 241 rotates through the worm gear 247 and the worm wheel gear 248 while moving the telescopic nut 244 in the length direction, and further can move the third pipe column part 230 connected to the telescopic nut 244 through the telescopic bracket 243 in the length direction. At the same time, the first telescopic screw rod 241 moves along the length of the second telescopic screw rod 242 together with the telescopic gearbox 245 and the telescopic motor 246, and further can move the second pipe column part 220 in the length direction.

[0101] On the other hand, a telescopic support guide 270 (refer to Figure 1 ) can also be provided in the retractable electric pipe column 200. When the second pipe column part 220 moves in the length direction, the telescopic support guide 270 supports the second pipe column part 220 and guides the movement of the second pipe column part 220 in the length direction.

[0102] The telescopic support guide 270 stably supports the second pipe column part 220 and smoothly moves the second pipe column part 220 in the length direction. Therefore, the operating force can be reduced when the length of the pipe column 200 is changed.

[0103] Hereinafter, a specific description of the telescopic support guide 270 will be given with reference to Figure 8 .

[0104] Figure 8 is Figure 1 an exploded perspective view of the telescopic support guide in

[0105] Referring to Figure 8 , the telescopic support guide 270 may include: support rollers 271, 272, a support guide rod 273, and a roller setting frame 275. However, the shape of the roller setting frame 275 can be integrated with the second pipe column part 220 for application. In this case, the roller setting frame 275 may not be included in the telescopic support guide 270.

[0106] The support rollers 271, 272 are rotatably provided on the roller setting frame 275. However, in the absence of the roller setting frame 275, the support rollers 271, 272 are rotatably provided on the second pipe column part 220.

[0107] The support guide rod 273 can be formed as a circular rod that is straight in the axial direction (length direction). The support guide rod 273 can be provided to extend in the length direction on the first pipe column part 210. The first pipe column part 210 has a part where the support guide rod 273 is provided open, and spaces for the support rollers 271, 272 to pass through can be formed on both sides of the support guide rod 273.

[0108] An installation groove 271A may be formed on the outer circumferential surfaces of the support rollers 271 and 272. The support guide rod 273 is placed in the installation groove 271A. When the second pipe column part 220 moves in the longitudinal direction, while supporting the support rollers 271 and 272, it can guide the rotation and longitudinal movement of the support rollers 271 and 272.

[0109] The installation groove 271A may be formed as a V-shaped groove. That is, when the support rollers 271 and 272 are cut in the direction of their rotation axes, the installation groove 271A may be formed as a V shape. The two surfaces of the support rollers 271 and 272 that form the installation groove 271A can contact the support guide rod 273. Therefore, when the second pipe column part 220 moves in the longitudinal direction, the support rollers 271 and 272 can rotate while smoothly moving along the length of the support guide rod 273.

[0110] A plurality of support rollers 271 and 272 may be configured. The plurality of support rollers 271 and 272 may be composed of at least one first support roller 271 and at least one second support roller 272. The support guide rod 273 may be inserted into one side of the installation groove 271A of at least one first support roller 271. The support guide rod 273 may be inserted into the other side of the installation groove 271A of at least one second support roller 272. In this embodiment, at least one first support roller 271 may be configured as a pair of first support rollers 271 spaced apart from each other in the axial direction, and at least one second support roller 272 may be configured as a single second support roller 272.

[0111] The support rollers 271 and 272 are rotatably provided on the roller setting frame 275 through the coupling bolts 274.

[0112] The roller setting frame 275 is coupled to the second pipe column part 220 and can move in the longitudinal direction together with the second pipe column part 220 when the second pipe column part 220 moves in the longitudinal direction. The roller setting frame 275 can also be coupled to the second pipe column part 220 through a fastening member such as a bolt, or can be coupled to the second pipe column part 220 by welding.

[0113] The roller setting frame 275 may be in a shape that surrounds a part of the second pipe column part 220. That is, the roller setting frame 275 is formed in a plate shape with an open bottom side and can surround the upper part, left side part, and right side part of the outside of the second pipe column part 220.

[0114] An operating force adjusting bolt 276 may be provided on the roller setting frame 275. The operating force adjusting bolt 276 contacts the support guide rod 273, and through friction with the support guide rod 273, the operating force in the longitudinal direction of the second pipe column part 220 can be adjusted.

[0115] On the upper surface of the roller setting bracket 275, a bolt setting projection for setting the operation force adjusting bolt 276 may be formed. The operation force adjusting bolt 276 passes through the hole formed in the bolt setting projection, and its end surface may contact the support guide rod 273.

[0116] The bolt setting projections for setting one operation force adjusting bolt 276 may be formed as a pair of bolt setting projections spaced apart from each other in the length direction of one operation force adjusting bolt 276.

[0117] The operation force adjusting bolts 276 may be configured as a pair of operation force adjusting bolts 276 spaced apart in the axial direction. The operation force adjusting bolts 276 may be configured as multiple operation force adjusting bolts 276, but may also be constituted by at least one operation force adjusting bolt 276.

[0118] The operation of the retractable electric pipe column 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described as follows.

[0119] First, for adjusting from the state where the retractable electric pipe column 200 extends to the maximum as shown in Figures 1 to 3 to the state where it retracts to the maximum as shown in Figure 4 as shown, the following description will be given.

[0120] As Figures 1 to 3 shown, when the retractable electric pipe column 200 is in the maximum extended state and the rotary shaft of the telescopic motor 246 rotates in one direction, the worm gear 247 disposed inside the telescopic gearbox 245 rotates in the same direction as the rotary shaft of the telescopic motor 246, and then the worm wheel gear 248 disposed inside the telescopic gearbox 245 rotates in one direction.

[0121] As described above, when the worm wheel gear 248 disposed inside the telescopic gearbox 245 rotates in one direction, the first telescopic screw rod 241 rotates in the same direction as the worm wheel gear 248 and moves the telescopic nut 244 closer to the telescopic gearbox 245. At the same time, the first telescopic screw rod 241 moves along the length of the second telescopic screw rod 242 so that the second telescopic screw rod 242 is inserted therein.

[0122] As described above, when the telescopic nut 244 moves in the direction closer to the telescopic gearbox 245, since the telescopic bracket 243 is already combined with the telescopic nut 244, the telescopic bracket 243 moves in the moving direction of the telescopic nut 244 together with the telescopic nut 244. Accordingly, since the third pipe column part 230 is already combined with the telescopic bracket 243, the third pipe column part 230 moves in the moving direction of the telescopic nut 244 together with the telescopic bracket 243, and then is inserted into the inside of the second pipe column part 220. At the same time, since the first telescopic screw rod 241 moves along the length of the second telescopic screw rod 242 to insert the second telescopic screw rod 242 into the inside of the first telescopic screw rod 241, the telescopic gearbox 245 provided with the second telescopic screw rod 242 moves in the moving direction of the second telescopic screw rod 242. Accordingly, the second pipe column part 220 combined with the telescopic gearbox 245 moves in the moving direction of the second telescopic screw rod 242, and then is inserted into the inside of the first pipe column part 210. As described above, the third pipe column part 230 is inserted into the second pipe column part 220 to the maximum extent, and the second pipe column part 220 is inserted into the first pipe column part 210 to the maximum extent. Then, as Figure 4 shown, the retractable electric pipe column 200 can be in the maximum retracted state.

[0123] Second, for adjusting from the maximum retracted state of the retractable electric pipe column 200 as shown in Figure 4 to the maximum extended state as shown in Figures 1 to 3 is described as follows.

[0124] From the maximum retracted state of the retractable electric pipe column 200 as shown in Figure 4 to the maximum extended state as shown in Figures 1 to 3 is that, compared with adjusting from the maximum extended state of the retractable electric pipe column 200 as shown in Figures 1 to 3 to the maximum retracted state as shown in Figure 4 is performed by rotating the rotating shaft of the telescopic motor 246 in the reverse direction.

[0125] That is, if the rotating shaft of the telescopic motor 246 rotates in the other direction in the maximum extended state of the retractable electric pipe column 200 as shown in Figure 4 , the worm gear 247 arranged inside the telescopic gearbox 245 rotates in the other direction together with the rotating shaft of the telescopic motor 246, and then the worm wheel gear 248 arranged inside the telescopic gearbox 245 rotates in the other direction.

[0126] As described above, if the worm gear 248 disposed inside the telescopic gearbox 245 rotates in the other direction, the first telescopic screw rod 241 rotates in the other direction together with the worm gear 248 while moving the telescopic nut 244 in a direction away from the telescopic gearbox 245. At the same time, the first telescopic screw rod 241 moves along the length of the second telescopic screw rod 242 to extract the second telescopic screw rod 242 from the inside.

[0127] As described above, when the telescopic nut 244 moves in a direction away from the telescopic gearbox 245, the telescopic bracket 243 moves in the moving direction of the telescopic nut 244 together with the telescopic nut 244. Accordingly, the third pipe column portion 230 moves in the moving direction of the telescopic nut 244 together with the telescopic bracket 243, and thus the third pipe column portion 230 is extracted from the inside of the second pipe column portion 220. At the same time, since the first telescopic screw rod 241 moves along the length of the second telescopic screw rod 242 to extract the second telescopic screw rod 242 from the inside of the first telescopic screw rod 241, the telescopic gearbox 245 moves in the moving direction of the second telescopic screw rod 242. Accordingly, the second pipe column portion 220 moves in the moving direction of the second telescopic screw rod 242, and thus the second pipe column portion 220 is extracted from the inside of the first pipe column portion 210. As described above, the third pipe column portion 230 is maximally extracted from the inside of the second pipe column portion 220, and the second pipe column portion 220 is maximally extracted from the inside of the first pipe column portion 210. Therefore, as Figures 1 to 3 shown, the retractable electric pipe column 200 can be in the maximum extended state.

[0128] On the other hand, when the retractable electric pipe column 200 performs extension and retraction operations, the support rollers 271 and 272 rotate while being in close contact with the support guide rod 273 and move in the longitudinal direction together with the second pipe column portion 220. Accordingly, the second pipe column portion 220 can smoothly move in the longitudinal direction.

[0129] As described above, the retractable electric pipe column 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first pipe column portion 210, a second pipe column portion 220, a third pipe column portion 230, and a telescopic drive unit 240. The second pipe column portion 220 is slidably disposed coaxially inside the first pipe column portion 210 and can move in the longitudinal direction through one end of the first pipe column portion 210. The third pipe column portion 230 is coaxially disposed inside the second pipe column portion 220 in a fastened manner and can move in the longitudinal direction through one end of the second pipe column portion 220. The telescopic drive unit 240 moves the second pipe column portion 220 and the third pipe column portion 230 in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, it is configured to change the length of the pipe column 200 to the maximum extent, and thus, when the vehicle is automatically driving, the maximum interior space of the vehicle can be ensured, providing convenience and mobility for the driver.

[0130] In addition, the retractable electric column 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first telescopic screw rod 241 and a second telescopic screw rod 242. The first telescopic screw rod 241 moves in the longitudinal direction by a rotational action while moving the second column portion 220 and the third column portion 230 in the longitudinal direction. The second telescopic screw rod 242 is provided on the first column portion 210, and the thread formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof meshes with the thread formed on the inner peripheral surface of the first telescopic screw rod 241. By the rotational action of the first telescopic screw rod 241 to move in the longitudinal direction, it can be inserted into or withdrawn from the inside of the first telescopic screw rod 241. Therefore, the length of the column 200 is configured to be changed to the maximum extent, and thus the maximum interior space of the vehicle can be ensured during automatic driving of the vehicle, providing convenience and mobility for the driver.

[0131] In addition, the retractable electric column 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention, when performing the action of changing the length of the column 200, stably supports the second column portion 220 through the support rollers 271, 272 and the support guide rod 273 while smoothly moving the second column portion 220 in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the acting force can be reduced when changing the length of the column 200.

[0132] Those skilled in the art having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can understand that other specific forms can be implemented without changing the technical idea or essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are exemplary in all aspects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention should be interpreted as being represented by the claims, and all changes or variations derived from the meaning, scope, and equivalent concepts of the claims are included within the scope of the present invention.

[0133] Industrial Applicability

[0134] The present invention provides a retractable electric column configured to change the length of the column to the maximum extent, and thus the maximum interior space of the vehicle can be ensured during automatic driving of the vehicle, providing convenience and mobility for the driver.

Claims

1. A retractable electric pipe column, comprising: A first pipe column part; A second pipe column part, slidably and coaxially disposed inside the first pipe column part, and moving in the longitudinal direction through one end of the first pipe column part; A third pipe column part, tightly and coaxially disposed inside the second pipe column part, and capable of moving in the longitudinal direction through one end of the second pipe column part; And A telescopic driving unit for moving the second pipe column part and the third pipe column part in the longitudinal direction.

2. The retractable electric pipe column according to claim 1, wherein The telescopic driving unit includes: A first telescopic screw rod, moving in the longitudinal direction by a rotating action while moving the second pipe column part and the third pipe column part in the longitudinal direction; and A second telescopic screw rod, disposed in the first pipe column part, with the thread formed on the outer peripheral surface meshing with the thread formed on the inner peripheral surface of the first telescopic screw rod, and inserted into or withdrawn from the inside of the first telescopic screw rod by the first telescopic screw rod moving in the longitudinal direction by a rotating action.

3. The retractable electric pipe column according to claim 2, wherein The telescopic driving unit further includes: A telescopic bracket, movably disposed in the longitudinal direction on the second pipe column part and coupled to the third pipe column part; A telescopic nut, disposed on the telescopic bracket, penetrated by the first telescopic screw rod, and moving along the length of the first telescopic screw rod together with the telescopic bracket by the rotating action of the first telescopic screw rod; A telescopic gearbox, disposed in the second pipe column part, and having a plurality of gears configured inside, the plurality of gears rotating the first telescopic screw rod by a rotating action; and A telescopic motor for rotating the plurality of gears.

4. The retractable electric pipe column according to claim 3, wherein A telescopic guide hole is formed to extend in the longitudinal direction on the second pipe column part; The telescopic bracket moves along the telescopic guide hole in the longitudinal direction of the second pipe column part.

5. The retractable electric pipe column according to claim 3, wherein The plurality of gears include: A worm gear, rotatably disposed inside the telescopic gearbox; A worm wheel gear, rotatably disposed inside the telescopic gearbox and meshing with the worm gear; The end portion of the first telescopic screw rod is disposed inside the telescopic gearbox to be coupled to the worm wheel gear; The end portion of the second telescopic screw rod penetrates the telescopic gearbox and the worm wheel gear to be inserted into the end portion of the first telescopic screw rod.

6. The retractable electric pipe column according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes: Support rollers, rotatably disposed on the second pipe column part and having a placement groove formed on the outer peripheral surface; And Support guide rods, disposed to extend in the longitudinal direction on the first pipe column part and placed in the placement groove, supporting the support rollers while guiding the rotation and longitudinal movement of the support rollers when the second pipe column part moves in the longitudinal direction.

7. The retractable electric pipe column according to claim 6, wherein The placement groove is formed in a V shape.

8. The retractable electric pipe column according to claim 6, wherein The support rollers are configured as a plurality of support rollers; The plurality of support rollers includes: At least one first support roller, with one side of the support guide rod inserted into the placement groove; and At least one second support roller, with the other side of the support guide rod inserted into the placement groove.

9. The retractable electric pipe column according to claim 6, wherein, It further includes: A roller setting frame, which is coupled to the second pipe column part, moves in the longitudinal direction together with the second pipe column part when the second pipe column part moves in the longitudinal direction, and rotatably sets the support rollers.

10. The retractable electric pipe column according to claim 9, characterized in that, It further includes: An actuating force adjusting bolt, which is provided on the roller setting frame and contacts the support guide rod to adjust the actuating force in the longitudinal direction of the second pipe column part.

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