Commercial vehicle steering wheel steering column assembling and positioning system

Abstract

The invention discloses an assembly positioning system for a steering column of a steering wheel of a commercial vehicle, which relates to the field of steering assembly of commercial vehicles and comprises a steering column, and a first universal joint and a second universal joint are respectively arranged at the upper end and the lower end of the steering column; the steering wheel body is located on the first universal joint; the steering engine body is located on the second universal joint; the first positioning direction assembly comprises a first male end and a first female end, the first male end and the first female end are matched with each other and assembled on the first universal joint, the first female end is assembled on the steering wheel body, and the first positioning direction assembly is configured in the mode that when the first male end and the first female end are connected in an inserted mode, the steering wheel body faces the six o'clock direction; the second positioning direction assembly comprises a second male end and a second female end, the second male end and the second female end are matched with each other and assembled on the second universal joint, the second female end is assembled on the steering machine body, and the second positioning direction assembly is configured in the mode that when the second male end and the second female end are connected in an inserted mode, the steering machine body faces the twelve o'clock direction. The technical problem that the assembly precision is difficult to meet is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of commercial vehicle steering assembly, and more specifically to a commercial vehicle steering wheel and steering column assembly positioning system. Background Technology

[0002] In the commercial vehicle manufacturing sector, ensuring the consistency of the steering wheel and tire direction during steering system assembly has long relied on manual experience and segmented adjustment processes. Traditional assembly methods typically employ a step-by-step positioning approach. Initial fixation is achieved by bolting the steering column bracket to the front of the vehicle body. Workers then adjust the steering wheel locking position visually or using simple tooling, and mechanical locking is achieved by pre-tightening and then breaking the anti-theft bolts. During this process, the fit between the steering column and steering wheel needs repeated verification. For example, after marking the installation reference with a scribe line tool, manual tapping is required to create scribe lines to align the steering wheel and steering shaft.

[0003] However, the arbitrariness of manual operation can easily lead to the deviation of the markings on the upper and lower ends of the steering column. Especially when the assembly tolerance of the universal joint accumulates, the deviation of the steering wheel return angle increases significantly, requiring operators to make multiple fine adjustments, which prolongs the assembly cycle and makes it difficult to meet the stringent requirements of commercial vehicles for driving safety and control precision. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a commercial vehicle steering wheel and steering column assembly and positioning system, which can solve the technical problems in the prior art where operators need to make multiple fine adjustments to the direction of the steering wheel, steering column and steering gear, which prolongs the assembly cycle and makes it difficult to meet the assembly accuracy.

[0005] This application provides a commercial vehicle steering wheel and steering column assembly positioning system, which includes: The steering column is provided with a first universal joint and a second universal joint at its upper and lower ends, respectively; The steering wheel body is located on the first universal joint; The steering gear body is located on the second universal joint; The first positioning direction component includes a first male end that is mutually adapted and assembled on the first universal joint and a first female end assembled on the steering wheel body. The first positioning direction component is configured such that when the first male end and the first female end are plugged in, the steering wheel body faces the six o'clock direction. And a second positioning direction component, which includes a second male end that is mutually adapted and assembled on the second universal joint and a second female end assembled on the steering gear body, wherein the second positioning direction component is configured such that when the second male end and the second female end are plugged in, the steering gear body faces the twelve o'clock direction.

[0006] In one embodiment, the first positioning orientation component includes: The steering wheel body has a mounting groove, and the inner wall of the mounting groove has a ring of mounting teeth. A positioning groove is formed between two adjacent mounting teeth. The positioning groove is oriented towards the six o'clock position, and the positioning groove constitutes the first female end. The first universal joint has a ring of external mounting teeth that mesh with the internal mounting teeth. A positioning element is formed between two adjacent external mounting teeth, and the positioning element constitutes the first male end. In one embodiment, the positioning element includes a mounting protrusion that engages with the mounting groove.

[0007] In one embodiment, the second positioning orientation component includes: The steering gear body is provided with a steering gear mounting part, the steering gear mounting part is provided with a first positioning slot, and the steering gear body is provided with a second positioning slot. The first positioning slot and the second positioning slot are located on the same horizontal line in the length direction and face the twelve o'clock direction. The first positioning slot and the second positioning slot together constitute the second female end. The second universal joint has a third positioning slot, and a connector is inserted into the third positioning slot and extends out of the third positioning connector slot. The length direction of the connector is towards the twelve o'clock direction, and the connector constitutes the second male end.

[0008] In one embodiment, the connector includes an L-shaped insert, one end of which extends out of the third positioning slot and is inserted into the first positioning slot, and the other end of which engages with the second positioning slot.

[0009] In one embodiment, the second universal joint has a connecting groove for accommodating the steering gear mounting part.

[0010] In one embodiment, the second positioning connection component further includes: The first fastening bolt passes through both the second universal joint and the L-shaped insert. And a first locking nut, which is threaded onto the protruding section of the first fastening bolt.

[0011] In one embodiment, the steering column further includes: A connecting bushing is provided, with the first universal joint and the second universal joint respectively disposed at both ends of the connecting bushing along its length. The first universal joint and the second universal joint are both connected to the connecting bushing via connectors, and the connection structures of the first universal joint and the second universal joint with the connecting bushing are the same.

[0012] In one embodiment, a commercial vehicle steering wheel and steering column assembly positioning system further includes: The first universal joint has a receiving groove at one end facing the connecting bushing, the connecting bushing extends into the receiving groove, and the surface of the extending end of the connecting bushing has a slot. The first universal joint has a mounting hole on its side wall near the connecting bushing. The connector includes a connecting piece that passes through the slot and connects to the mounting hole.

[0013] In one embodiment, the connector further includes: The second fastening bolt passes through both the first universal joint and the connecting piece. And a second locking nut, which is threaded onto the protruding section of the second fastening bolt.

[0014] The beneficial effects of the technical solutions provided in this application include: By using a first positioning and directional assembly, the steering wheel body can be quickly installed onto the end of the steering column where the first universal joint is located, ensuring that the steering wheel body faces the six o'clock position after installation, without requiring secondary adjustments to its installation position. Then, using a second positioning and directional assembly, the steering gear body can be quickly installed onto the end of the steering column where the second universal joint is located, ensuring that the steering gear body faces the twelve o'clock position after installation. This ensures that the centerlines of the steering wheel body, steering gear body, and steering column are aligned horizontally, maintaining consistency in the orientation of the steering wheel, steering gear, and steering column. This achieves rapid installation without repeated adjustments, solving the problem of operators needing to make multiple fine adjustments to the steering wheel, steering column, and steering gear orientations, extending the assembly cycle, and making it difficult to meet assembly precision requirements. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a commercial vehicle steering wheel and steering column assembly and positioning system according to this application. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first universal joint at the connection between the first universal joint and the steering wheel body in this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the steering wheel mounting portion at the connection between the first universal joint and the steering wheel body in this application; Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the structure of the second universal joint at the connection between the second universal joint and the steering gear mounting part in this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the steering gear mounting part at the connection between the second universal joint and the steering gear mounting part in this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the first universal joint and the connecting bushing in this application; In the diagram: 1. Steering column; 11. Connecting bushing; 12. First universal joint; 121. Mounting external gear; 122. Mounting protrusion; 124. Mounting hole; 125. Connecting piece; 126. Second fastening bolt; 127. Second locking nut; 13. Second universal joint; 131. Third positioning slot; 2. Steering wheel body; 21. Steering wheel mounting part; 22. Mounting groove; 221. Mounting internal gear; 222. Positioning groove; 3. Steering gear body; 31. Steering gear mounting part; 311. First positioning slot; 32. Second positioning slot; 4. L-shaped insert; 5. First fastening bolt; 51. First locking nut. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0018] This application provides a commercial vehicle steering wheel and steering column assembly and positioning system, which can solve the problem that operators need to make multiple fine adjustments to the direction of the steering wheel, steering column and steering gear, which prolongs the assembly cycle and makes it difficult to meet the assembly accuracy.

[0019] Reference Figure 1This application discloses a commercial vehicle steering column assembly and positioning system, including a steering column 1, a steering wheel body 2, a steering gear body 3, a first positioning direction component, and a second positioning direction component. The upper and lower ends of the steering column 1 along its length are respectively provided with a first universal joint 12 and a second universal joint 13. The steering wheel body 2 is located on the first universal joint 12, and the steering gear body 3 is located on the second universal joint 13, so that after the steering wheel body 2 and the steering gear body 3 are installed, the steering wheel body 2 can rotate relative to the steering column 1 through the first universal joint 12, and the steering gear body 3 can rotate relative to the steering column 1 through the second universal joint 13.

[0020] The first positioning direction assembly includes a first male end that is mutually adapted and assembled on the first universal joint 12, and a first female end assembled on the steering wheel body 2. The first positioning direction assembly is configured such that when the first male end and the first female end are plugged in, the steering wheel body 2 faces the six o'clock position, so as to realize the quick installation of the steering wheel body 2. The second positioning direction assembly includes a second male end that is mutually adapted and assembled on the second universal joint 13, and a second female end assembled on the steering gear body 3. The second positioning direction assembly is configured such that when the second male end and the second female end are plugged in, the steering gear body 3 faces the twelve o'clock position, thereby realizing the quick installation of the steering gear body 3. Furthermore, after installation, the steering wheel body 2 and the steering gear body 3 are positioned so that the steering wheel body 2 faces the six o'clock position and the steering gear body 3 faces the twelve o'clock position. This ensures that the orientation of the steering wheel body 2 and the steering gear body 3 is on the same horizontal line after installation, thereby enabling rapid installation and positioning of the steering wheel body 2, the steering gear body 3, and the steering column 1. This maintains the consistency of the orientation of the steering wheel, steering gear, and steering column 1, achieving rapid installation without repeated adjustments. It solves the problem that operators need to make multiple fine adjustments to the orientation of the steering wheel, steering column 1, and steering gear, which prolongs the assembly cycle and makes it difficult to meet assembly accuracy.

[0021] In one embodiment of this application, reference is made to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The first positioning direction component is specifically configured as follows: a mounting groove 22 is provided on the steering wheel body 2, and a ring of internal mounting teeth 221 is provided on the inner wall of the mounting groove 22. A positioning groove 222 is formed between two adjacent internal mounting teeth 221, and the positioning groove 222 is oriented towards the six o'clock position, that is, the positioning groove 222 is located at the six o'clock position on the steering wheel body 2, so that the positioning groove 222 constitutes the first female end in the first positioning direction component. A ring of external mounting teeth 121 is provided on the first universal joint 12, and the external mounting teeth 121 mesh with the internal mounting teeth 221. A positioning element is formed between two adjacent external mounting teeth 121, and the positioning element is also located at the six o'clock position in the ring of external mounting teeth 121, so that the positioning element constitutes the first male end.

[0022] When installing and connecting the steering wheel body 2 to the first universal joint 12, the external mounting teeth 121 and the internal mounting teeth 221 are engaged with each other, and the positioning element is inserted into the positioning groove 222, thus achieving rapid installation of the steering wheel body 2. Simultaneously, since the opening direction of the positioning groove 222 and the setting direction of the positioning element are both at the six o'clock position, inserting the positioning element into the positioning groove 222 allows for rapid position adjustment of the steering wheel body 2, ensuring that the installed steering wheel body 2 faces the six o'clock position without requiring secondary adjustments. More specifically, in one embodiment of this application, the positioning element includes a mounting protrusion 122, which is configured to cooperate with the mounting groove 22. When the internal mounting teeth 221 and the external mounting teeth 121 are engaged, the positioning of the steering wheel body 2 towards the six o'clock position is quickly achieved by using the positioning marks of the mounting protrusion 122 and the mounting groove 22.

[0023] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 In one embodiment of this application, the second positioning direction component is specifically configured as follows: a steering gear mounting part 31 is provided on the steering gear body 3, the steering gear mounting part 31 is coaxially arranged with the steering gear body 3, a first positioning slot 311 is provided on the steering gear mounting part 31, and a second positioning slot 32 is provided on the steering gear body 3. The first positioning slot 311 and the second positioning slot 32 are located on the same horizontal line in the length direction and face the twelve o'clock direction, so that the first positioning slot 311 and the second positioning slot 32 together constitute the second female end. A third positioning slot 131 is provided on the second universal joint 13, and a connector is inserted into the third positioning slot 131, and the connector extends out from the third positioning slot 131, with the length direction of the connector facing the twelve o'clock direction, so that the connector constitutes the second male end.

[0024] When installing and connecting the steering gear body 3 and the second universal joint 13, the protruding end of the connector is simultaneously inserted into the first positioning slot 311 and the second positioning slot 32. This allows the steering gear body 3 to face the twelve o'clock direction after installation, eliminating the need for secondary adjustments to the steering gear body 3 and enabling rapid positioning and installation.

[0025] More specifically, in one embodiment of this application, the connector is specifically configured as an L-shaped insert 4. One end of the L-shaped insert 4 extends out of the third positioning slot 131 and inserts into the first positioning slot 311. The other end of the L-shaped insert 4 engages with the second positioning slot 32, thereby allowing the L-shaped insert 4 to be inserted into the first positioning slot 311, the second positioning slot 32, and the third positioning slot 131 simultaneously, so that the L-shaped insert 4 can simultaneously connect the second universal joint 13 and the steering gear body 3. The structure is simple and facilitates the operator to quickly position and install the steering gear body 3.

[0026] Furthermore, to ensure a more stable installation between the steering gear body 3 and the second universal joint 13, a connecting groove is provided at the end of the second universal joint 13 facing the steering gear body 3, allowing the steering gear mounting part 31 to be inserted into the connecting groove. The third positioning slot 131 is specifically provided on the side wall of the second universal joint 13, allowing one end of the L-shaped insert 4 to pass through the third positioning slot 131 and engage with the first positioning slot 311 on the steering gear mounting part 31. The other end of the L-shaped insert 4 engages with the second positioning slot 32 on the steering gear body 3, completing the installation connection between the second universal joint 13 and the steering gear body 3.

[0027] Furthermore, the second positioning connection assembly also includes a first fastening bolt 5 and a first locking nut 51. The first fastening bolt 5 passes through both the second universal joint 13 and the L-shaped insert 4, and protrudes from the side wall of the second universal joint 13. The first locking nut 51 is threaded onto the protruding section of the first fastening bolt 5 to complete the locking connection between the L-shaped insert 4 and the second universal joint 13.

[0028] More specifically, refer to Figure 1 The steering column 1 also includes a connecting bushing 11. A first universal joint 12 and a second universal joint 13 are respectively disposed at both ends of the connecting bushing 11 along its length. The first universal joint 12 and the second universal joint 13 are connected to the connecting bushing 11 through a connector, and the connection structure between the first universal joint 12 and the second universal joint 13 and the connecting bushing 11 is the same.

[0029] Taking the connection structure between the first universal joint 12 and the connecting sleeve 11 as an example, refer to Figure 5 The first universal joint 12 has a receiving groove at one end facing the connecting sleeve 11, and the connecting sleeve 11 extends into the receiving groove. A slot is formed on the surface of the extending end of the connecting sleeve 11. A mounting hole 124 is formed on the side wall of the first universal joint 12 near the connecting sleeve 11. The connecting component specifically includes a connecting piece 125, which is inserted into the slot and connected to the mounting hole 124 to achieve the insertion between the first universal joint 12 and the connecting sleeve 11.

[0030] To make the connection between the first universal joint 12 and the connecting sleeve 11 tighter, the connecting parts also include a second fastening bolt 126 and a second locking nut 127. The second fastening bolt 126 passes through both the first universal joint 12 and the connecting piece 125. The second locking nut 127 is threaded onto the protruding section of the second fastening bolt 126. Tightening the second locking nut 127 can achieve a locking connection between the first universal joint 12 and the connecting piece 125.

[0031] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are 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. Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0032] It should be noted that in this application, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0033] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features claimed herein.

Claims

1. A steering column assembly and positioning system for commercial vehicles, characterized in that, It includes: Steering column (1), with a first universal joint (12) and a second universal joint (13) respectively provided at the upper and lower ends of the steering column (1); Steering wheel body (2), which is located on the first universal joint (12); The steering gear body (3) is located on the second universal joint (13); The first positioning direction component includes a first male end that is mutually adapted and assembled on the first universal joint (12) and a first female end assembled on the steering wheel body (2). The first positioning direction component is configured such that when the first male end and the first female end are plugged in, the steering wheel body (2) faces the six o'clock direction. And a second positioning direction component, which includes a second male end that is mutually adapted and assembled on the second universal joint (13) and a second female end assembled on the steering gear body (3), the second positioning direction component is configured such that when the second male end and the second female end are plugged in, the steering gear body (3) faces the twelve o'clock direction.

2. The commercial vehicle steering wheel and steering column assembly positioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first positioning orientation component includes: The steering wheel body (2) is provided with a mounting groove (22), and a ring of mounting internal teeth (221) is provided on the inner wall of the mounting groove (22). A positioning groove (222) is formed between two adjacent mounting internal teeth (221). The positioning groove (222) is opened in the direction of six o'clock. The positioning groove (222) constitutes the first female end. The first universal joint (12) is provided with a ring of mounting external teeth (121), which mesh with the mounting internal teeth (221). A positioning element is formed between two adjacent mounting external teeth (121), and the positioning element constitutes the first male end.

3. The commercial vehicle steering wheel and steering column assembly positioning system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The positioning element includes a mounting protrusion (122), which is configured to cooperate with the mounting groove (22).

4. The commercial vehicle steering wheel and steering column assembly positioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second positioning orientation component includes: The steering gear body (3) is provided with a steering gear mounting part (31), the steering gear mounting part (31) is provided with a first positioning slot (311), and the steering gear body (3) is provided with a second positioning slot (32). The first positioning slot (311) and the second positioning slot (32) are located on the same horizontal line in the length direction and face the twelve o'clock direction. The first positioning slot (311) and the second positioning slot (32) together constitute the second female end. The second universal joint (13) has a third positioning slot (131), a connector is inserted into the third positioning slot and the connector extends out from the third positioning connector slot, the length direction of the connector is towards the twelve o'clock direction, and the connector constitutes the second male end.

5. The commercial vehicle steering wheel and steering column assembly positioning system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The connector includes an L-shaped insert (4), one end of which extends out of the third positioning slot (131) and is inserted into the first positioning slot (311), and the other end of which engages with the second positioning slot (32).

6. The commercial vehicle steering wheel and steering column assembly positioning system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The second universal joint (13) has a connecting groove for accommodating the steering gear mounting part (31).

7. A commercial vehicle steering wheel and steering column assembly positioning system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second positioning connection component further includes: The first fastening bolt (5) passes through both the second universal joint (13) and the L-shaped insert (4). And a first locking nut (51), which is threaded onto the protruding section of the first fastening bolt (5).

8. A commercial vehicle steering wheel and steering column assembly positioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steering column (1) also includes: A connecting bushing (11) is provided. The first universal joint (12) and the second universal joint (13) are respectively disposed at both ends of the connecting bushing (11) along its length. The first universal joint (12) and the second universal joint (13) are connected to the connecting bushing through a connector. The first universal joint (12) and the second universal joint (13) have the same connection structure as the connecting bushing (11).

9. A commercial vehicle steering wheel and steering column assembly positioning system according to claim 8, characterized in that, Also includes: The first universal joint (12) has a receiving groove at one end facing the connecting bushing (11), the connecting bushing (11) extends into the receiving groove, and the surface of the extending end of the connecting bushing (11) has a slot. The first universal joint (12) has a mounting hole (124) on the side wall near the connecting bushing (11). The connector includes a connecting piece (125) that passes through the slot and connects to the mounting hole (124).

10. A commercial vehicle steering wheel and steering column assembly positioning system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The connector also includes: The second fastening bolt (126) passes through both the first universal joint (12) and the connecting piece (125). And a second locking nut (127), which is threaded onto the protruding section of the second fastening bolt (126).

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