Steering column device and steering wheel adjusting system

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of automobile parts, and provides a steering column device and a steering wheel adjusting system. The steering column device comprises a first pipe fitting assembly connected with the mounting support, a second pipe fitting assembly capable of stretching out and drawing back relative to the first pipe fitting assembly, and a stretching-retracting adjusting mechanism connected with the first pipe fitting assembly and the second pipe fitting assembly, and the stretching-retracting adjusting mechanism is configured to be that a moving part capable of moving in the axial direction is connected with the second pipe fitting assembly; the crumple assembly comprises a crumple wire rod, an energy absorption support and a shearing part, the crumple wire rod is connected with the second pipe fitting assembly and is in contact fit with the energy absorption support, and the energy absorption support is connected with the moving part and is connected with the second pipe fitting assembly through the shearing part. According to the steering column device, through the external and modularized crumple assembly, elements needing to be replaced and participating in crumple are reduced, the maintenance process of the crumple assembly is simplified, the cost is reduced, and the repairability of the steering column device is improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of automobile parts, in particular to a steering column device and a steering wheel adjusting system. BACKGROUND

[0002] The collapse energy-absorbing structure of the steering column is a core component of the passive safety of the vehicle, which functions to absorb energy through controllable deformation to slow down the impact on the driver's chest during a frontal collision.

[0003] Referring to Figure 1 As shown, the existing collapse energy-absorbing structure 100 is integrated in the column assembly including an inner tube 110 and an outer tube 120. After the collapse energy-absorbing structure 100 is triggered, in order to replace the damaged energy-absorbing element, the column assembly needs to be disassembled, resulting in complex maintenance operation, low maintenance efficiency, high cost, and affecting the repairability of the steering column.

[0004] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the above background section is only used to strengthen the understanding of the background of the present application, and therefore can include information that does not constitute prior art known to those of ordinary skill in the art. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application provides a collapse assembly, a steering column device and a steering wheel adjusting system which are easy to maintain and can significantly reduce maintenance costs.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present application, a steering column device is provided, comprising a first tube assembly connected with a mounting bracket, a second tube assembly which is telescopic relative to the first tube assembly, and a telescopic adjusting mechanism connected with the first tube assembly and the second tube assembly, wherein the telescopic adjusting mechanism is configured as a moving part which can move in the axial direction and is connected with the second tube assembly, wherein: the steering column device further comprises a collapse assembly, the collapse assembly comprising a collapse wire rod, an energy-absorbing bracket and a shearable part; the collapse wire rod is connected with the second tube assembly and is in contact with the energy-absorbing bracket, the energy-absorbing bracket is connected with the moving part and is connected with the second tube assembly through the shearable part.

[0007] The steering column device of this application utilizes an energy-absorbing bracket as an integrated platform. One end of the bracket is connected to the second pipe assembly via a shearable component to achieve a rigid connection under normal operating conditions. The other end is connected to the moving component of the telescopic adjustment mechanism to fix the collapsible assembly to the outside of the column assembly (including the first and second pipe assemblies). The shearable component serves as a collapsible trigger mechanism, ensuring the integrity of the structure under normal operating conditions, while it can be sheared to unlock the collapsible energy absorption process when the impact force exceeds a threshold. A collapsible bar is used as an energy-absorbing element. Through a fixed connection with the second pipe assembly and contact engagement with the energy-absorbing bracket, the collapsible bar moves with the retraction movement of the second pipe assembly under collapsible trigger conditions and absorbs energy through plastic deformation (drawing). For subsequent maintenance, only the collapsible assembly (and the telescopic adjustment mechanism for convenience) needs to be disassembled, and the shearable component and collapsible bar replaced, without disassembling the entire column assembly.

[0008] Therefore, the steering column device of this application, through an external, modular collapsible assembly, reduces the number of components that need to be replaced in the collapsible assembly, simplifies the maintenance process of the collapsible assembly, reduces costs, and improves the repairability of the steering column device.

[0009] In some embodiments, the energy-absorbing support includes a support base and an energy-absorbing block disposed in the support base, with the collapsible bar passing through the energy-absorbing block.

[0010] The bracket provides structural support and a mounting base for the collapsible assembly. The energy-absorbing block is set in the bracket to provide a precise guide channel for the collapsible bar and participates in frictional energy absorption through close contact with the collapsible bar, ensuring that the collapsible bar does not deviate during wire drawing and making the energy absorption effect more stable.

[0011] In some embodiments, the collapsible bar has a first end and a second end opposite to each other, wherein the first end of the collapsible bar passes through the energy-absorbing block, and the outer diameter of the second end of the collapsible bar is larger than the inner diameter of the energy-absorbing block.

[0012] By utilizing the larger outer diameter of the second end of the collapsible bar, the energy absorption effect is increased, and it can also limit the shrinkage stroke of the second pipe assembly.

[0013] In some embodiments, the second pipe assembly includes a second pipe and a pipe support disposed on the outer wall of the second pipe, the energy-absorbing support being connected to the pipe support via the shearable component; the pipe support is provided with a connecting portion, and the collapsible bar is connected to the connecting portion.

[0014] The tube support, as a separate component mounted on the outer wall of the second tube fitting, serves as the connection base for the collapse assembly. This avoids the need for drilling or machining on the body of the second tube fitting, thus maintaining its structural integrity and facilitating the machining of the tube support and its assembly with the collapse assembly. The connection section provides a secure connection point for the collapse bar.

[0015] In some embodiments, the connecting portion is formed as a threaded hole, and the first end of the collapsible bar is screwed into the threaded hole.

[0016] Threaded connections offer high connection strength, reliable force transmission, and are easy to assemble and disassemble.

[0017] In some embodiments, an elastic element is provided between the connecting portion and the energy-absorbing bracket, and the elastic element is sleeved on the collapsible bar.

[0018] The elastic element can compensate for the gaps caused by machining tolerances and wear, ensuring that the entire crumple zone assembly is free from loosening and abnormal noise during normal driving and column adjustment.

[0019] In some embodiments, a connecting plate is provided at the first end of the energy-absorbing bracket, and the shearable component passes through the connecting plate to connect to the tube bracket; the connecting plate has a pair of sidewalls extending out of the body of the energy-absorbing bracket, and the tube bracket is provided with a pair of lugs, the pair of sidewalls and the pair of lugs being slidably contacted and engaged.

[0020] The connecting plate's pair of sidewalls and the pipe support's pair of lugs form a sliding pair with a sliding guiding function, enabling the pipe support to drive the collapse bar smoothly and linearly along a preset path during collapse, preventing jamming or deflection, thereby ensuring smooth energy absorption during collapse. Furthermore, the connecting plate provides reliable installation for shearable components.

[0021] In some embodiments, the second end of the energy-absorbing bracket is connected to an end cap, and the movable component is sandwiched between the energy-absorbing bracket and the end cap.

[0022] The moving parts are securely clamped by the energy-absorbing bracket and end cap, enabling reliable power transmission from the telescopic adjustment mechanism to the collapse assembly. The structure is simple and easy to assemble.

[0023] In some embodiments, a slider is embedded in the pipe support, and the slider is slidably contacted and engaged with the first pipe assembly.

[0024] The slider guides the movement of the second pipe assembly relative to the first pipe assembly during the expansion and contraction adjustment process and the energy absorption process during the collapse.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first pipe assembly includes a first pipe and a pipe groove disposed on the outer wall of the first pipe, wherein a slide is provided in the pipe groove, and the slider has a protrusion that passes through and slidably contacts and engages with the slide groove.

[0026] The linearity of the movement of the first pipe assembly is ensured by the cooperation of the groove and the protrusion.

[0027] In some embodiments, the tube support, the slider, and the tube groove all have a U-shaped profile; the outer wall of the slider fits against the inner wall of the tube support; the protrusion extends upward from the inner bottom wall of the slider and forms a flange at its top, and the end face of the groove is sandwiched between the flange of the protrusion and the inner bottom wall of the slider.

[0028] The U-shaped tube support, slider, and tube groove are nested together to form a connection with high load-bearing capacity and high stability. The slider uses its protrusions and flanges to cooperate with the end face of the groove to form a clamping structure, achieving gapless sliding guidance and preventing dislodgement.

[0029] In some embodiments, the bottom of the tube support is provided with a protruding rib, which is configured to limit the slider.

[0030] The raised ribs provide axial positioning for the slider, preventing it from moving within the tube support and ensuring a stable assembly relationship between the slider and the tube support.

[0031] In some embodiments, the telescopic adjustment mechanism includes a first motor, a first lead screw shaft, and a first nut configured as the moving component; the housing of the first motor is connected to the first pipe assembly.

[0032] The rotational motion of the first motor is converted into precise linear motion through the cooperation of the first lead screw shaft and the first nut. This results in high transmission efficiency and good self-locking, enabling precise adjustment of the length of the tubular assembly.

[0033] In some embodiments, the steering column assembly further includes an angle adjustment mechanism comprising: a second motor, the housing of which is connected to the mounting bracket; a second lead screw shaft and a second nut, the second lead screw shaft being connected to the output shaft of the second motor and inclined relative to the axial direction; and the second nut being connected to the first pipe assembly.

[0034] When the second motor drives the second lead screw shaft to rotate, the second nut moves along the inclined second lead screw shaft, causing the tubing assembly to pitch relative to the axis, thereby achieving angle adjustment of the tubing assembly.

[0035] In some embodiments, the second pipe assembly includes an inner pipe, to which the collapsible bar is connected. Depending on the extension / retraction requirements of the steering column assembly, or to adapt to different designs and models of the steering column assembly, the second pipe assembly may include one or more pipes. For example, in some embodiments, the second pipe assembly may further include a middle pipe and an inner pipe, with the collapsible bar connected to the inner pipe.

[0036] According to another aspect of this application, a steering wheel adjustment system is provided, the steering wheel adjustment system being configured with a feel simulation unit and a steering column device as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0037] The steering wheel adjustment system utilizes an external, modular crumple zone assembly, ensuring excellent after-sales maintainability. In the event of a collision and crumple zone, repair personnel can quickly replace the independently designed crumple zone assembly without disassembling the column assembly, significantly reducing repair time and after-sales costs.

[0038] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0039] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of this application. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this application, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0040] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an existing collapsible energy-absorbing structure is shown;

[0041] Figure 2 This invention provides a schematic diagram of the steering column device in an embodiment of this application.

[0042] Figure 3 This diagram shows a disassembled schematic of the collapsible assembly of the steering column device in an embodiment of this application.

[0043] Figure 4 This diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the collapse assembly in an embodiment of this application.

[0044] Figure 5 This diagram shows the exploded structure of the tubular assembly and the collapse assembly in an embodiment of this application.

[0045] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This diagram illustrates the mating structure of the tubular assembly and the collapse assembly in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to those described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make this application more comprehensive and complete, and to fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art.

[0047] The accompanying drawings are merely illustrative of this application and are not necessarily drawn to scale. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts, and therefore, repeated descriptions of them will be omitted.

[0048] The use of terms such as "first," "second," and similar words in the specific description does not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but is merely used to distinguish different components. The terms "upper," "lower," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the term "connection" should be interpreted broadly, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be a connection within two components.

[0049] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments of this application and the features in different embodiments can be combined with each other. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0050] Figure 2 The structure of the steering column assembly is illustrated. Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the structure of the collapsible assembly of the steering column after disassembly. Figure 4 The cross-sectional structure of the collapse assembly is shown in the diagram, combined with... Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the steering column device provided in this application embodiment includes:

[0051] A first pipe assembly 300 connected to a mounting bracket 200, a second pipe assembly 400 retractable relative to the first pipe assembly 300, and a telescopic adjustment mechanism 500 connected to the first pipe assembly 300 and the second pipe assembly 400, wherein the telescopic adjustment mechanism 500 is configured such that a movable part 510 capable of axial movement is connected to the second pipe assembly 400.

[0052] The collapse assembly 600 includes a collapse bar 610, an energy-absorbing bracket 620, and a shearable component 630. The collapse bar 610 is connected to the second pipe assembly 400 and engages with the energy-absorbing bracket 620. The energy-absorbing bracket 620 is connected to the moving component 510 and is connected to the second pipe assembly 400 via the shearable component 630.

[0053] The steering column device of this application utilizes an energy-absorbing bracket 620 as an integrated platform. One end of the bracket is connected to the second pipe assembly 400 via a shearable component 630 to achieve a rigid connection under normal operating conditions. The other end is connected to the moving component 510 of the telescopic adjustment mechanism 500 to fix the collapsible assembly 600 to the outside of the column assembly (including the first pipe assembly 300 and the second pipe assembly 400). The shearable component 630 serves as a collapsible trigger mechanism, which ensures the integrity of the structure under normal operating conditions, but can be sheared to unlock the collapsible energy absorption process when the impact force exceeds a threshold. A collapsible rod 610 is used as an energy-absorbing element. Through a fixed connection with the second pipe assembly 400 and contact engagement with the energy-absorbing bracket 620, the collapsible rod 610 moves with the retraction movement of the second pipe assembly 400 under collapsible trigger conditions and absorbs energy through plastic deformation (drawing). For subsequent maintenance, only the collapse assembly 600 needs to be disassembled (and the telescopic adjustment mechanism 500 can also be disassembled for convenience), and the shearable component 630 and the collapse bar 610 need to be replaced, without disassembling the pipe assembly (including the first pipe assembly 300 and the second pipe assembly 400).

[0054] Therefore, the steering column device of this application, through the external and modular collapsible assembly 600, reduces the number of components that need to be replaced in the collapsible assembly, simplifies the maintenance process of the collapsible assembly 600, reduces costs, and improves the repairability of the steering column device.

[0055] In the steering column assembly, the first tube assembly 300 and the second tube assembly 400 can be connected to the vehicle body via the mounting bracket 200. Under normal operating conditions where the collapsible assembly 600 is not triggered, when the telescopic adjustment mechanism 500 is activated: the moving part 510 moves axially (i.e., the axial direction of the first tube assembly 300 and the second tube assembly 400), and thanks to the connection between the energy-absorbing bracket 620 and the moving part 510 of the telescopic adjustment mechanism 500, and the connection between the moving part 510 and the second tube assembly 400 via the shearable part 630, the moving part 510 drives the second tube assembly 400 to extend and retract relative to the first tube assembly 300, thereby realizing the telescopic adjustment of the steering column assembly.

[0056] Under the collapsibility triggering condition, the impact force is transmitted through the second pipe assembly 400 → collapsibility assembly 600 → telescopic adjustment mechanism 500 → first pipe assembly 300 to the mounting bracket 200. Since the mounting bracket 200 is connected to the vehicle body, the first pipe assembly 300, the telescopic adjustment mechanism 500, and the energy-absorbing bracket 620 remain stationary, while the shearable component 630 is sheared. This causes the second pipe assembly 400 to retract towards the first pipe assembly 300 and move the collapsibility bar 610. During this movement, the collapsibility bar 610 slides and abuts against the energy-absorbing bracket 620, resulting in wire pulling and achieving collapsibility energy absorption. In the impact force transmission path, the shear strength of the shearable component 630 is designed to be lower than the structural and connection strength of other components; therefore, the shearable component 630 is sheared to trigger collapsibility. Furthermore, when collapse is triggered, the energy-absorbing component that works in conjunction with the collapse bar 610 maintains its shape due to its higher structural strength, forcing the collapse bar 610 to undergo plastic deformation (drawing) to absorb the impact energy.

[0057] The first pipe assembly 300 can be an outer pipe assembly, and the second pipe assembly 400 can be an inner pipe assembly, but is not limited thereto. It should be noted that the pipe assembly referred to in this application includes cylindrical pipes and attachments such as supports and connectors that are connected to the pipes (e.g., by screwing, riveting, welding, etc.). For example, see reference... Figure 3 As shown, the first pipe assembly 300 may include an outer pipe 300a, a support member 300b welded to the tail end of the outer pipe 300a, and a connecting bracket 330 connected to the support member 300b. The support member 300b allows the first pipe assembly 300 to connect to the mounting bracket 200, and the connecting bracket 330 allows the housing of the first motor 520 of the telescopic adjustment mechanism 500 to connect to the first pipe assembly 300. Furthermore, the pipes in the pipe assembly described in this application may include one or more, and the number of pipes can be determined according to the telescopic needs of the steering column device or to adapt to different designs and models of the steering column device. For example, in some embodiments, the second pipe assembly 400 includes an inner pipe, to which the collapsible rod 610 is connected. For example, in some embodiments, the second pipe assembly 400 includes an inner pipe and a middle pipe, the middle pipe being disposed between the inner pipe and the outer pipe and being telescopic between adjacent pipes, and the collapsible bar 610 being connected to the inner pipe.

[0058] Figure 5 The diagram illustrates the explosive structure of the tubing assembly and the collapse assembly 600, combined with... Figures 2 to 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the energy-absorbing bracket 620 includes a bracket base 622 and an energy-absorbing block 623 disposed in the bracket base 622, with the collapsible wire 610 passing through the energy-absorbing block 623.

[0059] The bracket 622 provides structural support and a mounting base for the collapsible assembly 600. The energy-absorbing block 623 is disposed in the bracket 622, providing a precise guide channel for the collapsible bar 610, and participating in frictional energy absorption through close cooperation with the collapsible bar 610, ensuring that the collapsible bar 610 does not deviate during wire drawing, thus making the energy absorption effect more stable.

[0060] In some embodiments, the collapsible bar 610 has a first end 610a and a second end 610b, wherein the first end 610a of the collapsible bar 610 is inserted into the energy-absorbing block 623, and the outer diameter of the second end 610b of the collapsible bar 610 is larger than the inner diameter of the energy-absorbing block 623.

[0061] The energy absorption effect is increased by utilizing the second end 610b of the collapsible bar 610, which has a larger outer diameter, and it can also limit the retraction stroke of the second pipe assembly 400. In other embodiments, the energy absorption effect can also be increased by interference fit between the collapsible bar 610 with a uniform outer diameter and the energy absorption block 623, or by setting protrusions on the outer wall of the collapsible bar 610.

[0062] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The diagram illustrates the mating structure between the tubular assembly and the collapse assembly 600, combined with... Figures 2 to 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the second pipe assembly 400 includes a second pipe 410 and a pipe support 420 disposed on the outer wall of the second pipe 410. The energy-absorbing support 620 is connected to the pipe support 420 through a shearable member 630. The pipe support 420 is provided with a connecting part 421, and the collapsible bar 610 is connected to the connecting part 421.

[0063] The pipe support 420, as an independent component mounted on the outer wall of the second pipe fitting 410, serves as a connecting base for the collapse assembly 600. This avoids the need for drilling or machining on the body of the second pipe fitting 410, thus maintaining the structural integrity of the second pipe fitting 410, and facilitates the machining of the pipe support 420 and its assembly with the collapse assembly 600. The connecting portion 421 provides a secure connection point for the collapse bar 610.

[0064] In some embodiments, the connecting portion 421 is formed as a threaded hole, and the first end 610a of the collapsible bar 610 is screwed into the threaded hole. Threaded connections offer high connection strength, reliable force transmission, and ease of assembly and disassembly. In other embodiments, a reliable and easy-to-assemble / disassemble connection can also be achieved between the collapsible bar 610 and the pipe support 420 through other means.

[0065] In some embodiments, an elastic element 640 is provided between the connecting portion 421 and the energy-absorbing bracket 620, and the elastic element 640 is sleeved on the collapsible bar 610.

[0066] The elastic element 640 compensates for gaps caused by machining tolerances and wear, ensuring that the crumple zone assembly 600 remains free of loosening and abnormal noise during normal operation and column adjustment. The elastic element 640 can be a suitable element with elastic deformation capability, such as a coil spring or wave spring.

[0067] In some embodiments, the first end of the energy-absorbing bracket 620 is provided with a connecting plate 624, and the shearable member 630 passes through the connecting plate 624 to connect the tube bracket 420; the connecting plate 624 has a pair of sidewalls 625 extending out of the body of the energy-absorbing bracket 620, and the tube bracket 420 is provided with a pair of lugs 425, and the pair of sidewalls 625 and the pair of lugs 425 are slidably contacted and engaged.

[0068] The pair of sidewalls 625 of the connecting plate 624 and the pair of lugs 425 of the pipe support 420 form a sliding pair with a sliding guiding function, so that the pipe support 420 can drive the collapse rod 610 to move smoothly and linearly along a preset path during the collapse process, preventing jamming or deflection, thereby ensuring the smooth collapse and energy absorption. In addition, the connecting plate 624 provides a reliable mounting for the shearable component 630.

[0069] Among them, the shearable component 630 can be a shear pin, whose shear strength can be precisely controlled by the material and diameter, thereby ensuring that the collapse assembly 600 is accurately triggered under the set impact force threshold.

[0070] In some embodiments, the second end of the energy-absorbing bracket 620 is connected to the end cap 628 via a fastener 629, and the moving part 510 is sandwiched between the energy-absorbing bracket 620 and the end cap 628. The fastener 629 may be... Figure 3 The rivets shown can also be reusable structures such as bolts and screws.

[0071] The moving part 510 is firmly clamped by the energy-absorbing bracket 620 and the end cap 628, so that the power can be reliably transmitted from the telescopic adjustment mechanism 500 to the collapse assembly 600. The structure is simple and easy to assemble.

[0072] In some embodiments, a slider 430 is embedded in the pipe support 420, and the slider 430 is slidably contacted and engaged with the first pipe assembly 300.

[0073] The slider 430 guides the movement of the second pipe assembly 400 relative to the first pipe assembly 300 during the expansion and contraction adjustment process and the energy absorption process during collapse. The slider 430 can be made of a low-friction, wear-resistant material, such as engineering plastics or powder metallurgy.

[0074] In some embodiments, the first pipe assembly 300 includes a first pipe 310 and a pipe groove 320 disposed on the outer wall of the first pipe 310. The pipe groove 320 is provided with a groove 322, and the slider 430 has a protrusion 433 that passes through and slidably contacts and engages with the groove 322.

[0075] The linearity of the movement of the first pipe assembly 300 is ensured by the cooperation between the groove 322 and the protrusion 433.

[0076] In some embodiments, the tube support 420, the slider 430, and the tube groove 320 all have a U-shaped profile; the outer wall of the slider 430 fits against the inner wall of the tube support 420; the protrusion 433 extends upward from the inner bottom wall of the slider 430 and forms a flange 433' at its top end; the end face of the groove 322 is sandwiched between the flange 433' of the protrusion 433 and the inner bottom wall of the slider 430.

[0077] The U-shaped tube support 420, slider 430, and tube groove 320 are nested together to form a connection with strong load-bearing capacity and high stability. Among them, the slider 430 uses the protrusion 433 and flange 433' to cooperate with the end face of the groove 322 to form a clamping structure, which realizes gapless sliding guidance and prevents dislodgement.

[0078] In some embodiments, the bottom of the tube support 420 is provided with a protruding rib 426, which is configured as a limiting slider 430.

[0079] The rib 426 provides axial positioning for the slider 430, preventing the slider 430 from moving within the tube support 420 and ensuring a stable assembly relationship between the slider 430 and the tube support 420. Furthermore, the rib 426 also increases the strength of the tube support 420.

[0080] The pipe groove 320 and the first pipe fitting 310 can be connected by welding, riveting, or other suitable fasteners. The pipe support 420 and the second pipe fitting 410 can be connected by welding an arc-shaped support frame 440 that fits the outer wall of the pipe fitting, achieving a high-strength connection.

[0081] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the telescopic adjustment mechanism 500 includes a first motor 520, a first lead screw 530, and a first nut configured as a moving part 510; the housing of the first motor 520 is connected to the first tubular assembly 300.

[0082] The rotational motion of the first motor 520 is converted into precise linear motion through the cooperation of the first lead screw shaft 530 and the first nut, achieving high transmission efficiency and good self-locking, thus realizing precise adjustment of the length of the tubular assembly. The moving part 510 is disposed at one end of the first lead screw shaft 530, and the other end of the first lead screw shaft 530 is supported on the first tubular assembly 300 via a corresponding nut or bearing and a connecting bracket 330. The housing of the first motor 520 can be specifically... Figure 7 The through hole 323 on the tube groove 320 is shown and the first tube assembly 300 is connected by a suitable method such as riveting, welding, or interference fit.

[0083] In some embodiments, the steering column assembly further includes an angle adjustment mechanism 700, which includes: a second motor 710, the housing of the second motor 710 being connected to a mounting bracket 200; a second lead screw shaft 720 and a second nut 730, the second lead screw shaft 720 being connected to the output shaft of the second motor 710 and being inclined relative to the axial direction; and the second nut 730 being connected to a first pipe assembly 300.

[0084] When the second motor 710 drives the second lead screw shaft 720 to rotate, the second nut 730 moves along the inclined second lead screw shaft 720, causing the tubing assembly to pitch relative to the axis, thus achieving angle adjustment of the tubing assembly. The first tubing assembly 300 and the mounting bracket 200 can be connected via... Figure 2 The rotation center 220 shown (e.g., a pivot axis) enables a rotatable connection.

[0085] This application also provides a steering wheel adjustment system, which is equipped with a feel simulation unit and a steering column device as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0086] The steering wheel adjustment system utilizes an external, modular crumple zone assembly 600, ensuring excellent after-sales maintainability. In the event of a collision and crumple zone, repair personnel can quickly replace the independently designed crumple zone assembly 600 without disassembling the column assembly, significantly reducing repair time and after-sales costs.

[0087] Finally, it should be noted that the above description, in conjunction with specific preferred embodiments, provides a further detailed explanation of this application and should not be construed as limiting the specific implementation of this application to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art, various simple deductions or substitutions can be made without departing from the concept of this application, and all such modifications or substitutions should be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A steering column assembly, comprising a first tube assembly connected to a mounting bracket, a second tube assembly retractable relative to the first tube assembly, and a telescopic adjustment mechanism connected to the first tube assembly and the second tube assembly, wherein the telescopic adjustment mechanism is configured such that a movable component capable of axial movement is connected to the second tube assembly, characterized in that: The steering column assembly also includes a collapsible assembly, which includes a collapsible bar, an energy-absorbing bracket, and a shearable component; The collapsible bar is connected to the second pipe assembly and engages with the energy-absorbing bracket. The energy-absorbing bracket is connected to the movable component and is connected to the second pipe assembly via the shearable component.

2. The steering column device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, During the collapse and energy absorption process, the shearable component is cut off, the first pipe assembly, the telescopic adjustment mechanism and the energy absorption bracket remain stationary, the second pipe assembly retracts towards the first pipe assembly and drives the collapse bar to move, and the collapse bar slides and abuts against the energy absorption bracket.

3. The steering column device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The energy-absorbing support includes a support base and an energy-absorbing block disposed in the support base, and the collapsible bar is inserted into the energy-absorbing block.

4. The steering column device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The collapsible bar has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the collapsible bar passes through the energy-absorbing block, and the outer diameter of the second end of the collapsible bar is larger than the inner diameter of the energy-absorbing block.

5. The steering column device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second pipe assembly includes a second pipe and a pipe support disposed on the outer wall of the second pipe, wherein the energy-absorbing support is connected to the pipe support through the shearable component; The tube support is provided with a connecting part, and the collapsible bar is connected to the connecting part.

6. The steering column assembly as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The connecting part is a threaded hole, and the first end of the collapsible bar is screwed into the threaded hole.

7. The steering column assembly as described in claim 5, characterized in that, An elastic element is provided between the connecting part and the energy-absorbing bracket, and the elastic element is sleeved on the collapsible bar.

8. The steering column assembly as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The first end of the energy-absorbing bracket is provided with a connecting plate, and the shearable component passes through the connecting plate to connect to the tube bracket. The connecting plate has a pair of sidewalls extending out of the body of the energy-absorbing bracket, and the tube bracket is provided with a pair of lugs, the pair of sidewalls and the pair of lugs being slidably contacted and engaged.

9. The steering column assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The shearable component is a shear pin.

10. The steering column assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The second end of the energy-absorbing bracket is connected to the end cap, and the moving part is sandwiched between the energy-absorbing bracket and the end cap.

11. The steering column assembly as described in claim 5, characterized in that, A slider is embedded in the pipe support, and the slider is slidably contacted and engaged with the first pipe assembly.

12. The steering column assembly as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The first pipe assembly includes a first pipe and a pipe groove disposed on the outer wall of the first pipe. The pipe groove has a sliding groove, and the slider has a protrusion that passes through and slidably contacts and engages with the sliding groove.

13. The steering column assembly as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The tube support, the slider, and the tube groove all have a U-shaped profile; The outer wall of the slider is in contact with the inner wall of the tube support; The protrusion extends upward from the inner bottom wall of the slider and forms a flange at its top. The end face of the groove is sandwiched between the flange of the protrusion and the inner bottom wall of the slider.

14. The steering column assembly as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The bottom of the tube support is provided with a protruding rib, which is configured to limit the slider.

15. The steering column assembly as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The pipe groove is connected to the first pipe fitting by fasteners, and / or the pipe support is welded to the second pipe fitting by an arc-shaped support frame.

16. The steering column assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The telescopic adjustment mechanism includes a first motor, a first lead screw shaft, and a first nut configured as the moving component; The housing of the first motor is connected to the first pipe assembly.

17. The steering column assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an angle adjustment mechanism, which comprises: A second motor, the housing of which is connected to the mounting bracket; The second lead screw shaft is connected to the output shaft of the second motor and is inclined relative to the axial direction. The second nut is connected to the first pipe assembly.

18. The steering column assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that, The second pipe assembly includes an inner pipe, and the collapsible bar is connected to the inner pipe.

19. The steering column assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that, The second pipe assembly includes a middle pipe and an inner pipe, and the collapsible bar is connected to the inner pipe.

20. A steering wheel adjustment system, characterized in that, The steering wheel adjustment system is equipped with a feel simulation unit and a steering column device as described in any one of claims 1 to 19.

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