Steering column four-direction adjustable and collapsing device

Abstract

The invention discloses a steering column four-direction adjustable and collapsing device which comprises a steering column, and the steering column comprises a box body, an outer pipe, an inner pipe, a steering shaft and an output shaft. The box body is rotationally connected with a mounting pipe; adjusting plates with adjusting grooves are symmetrically arranged on the outer side of the steering column, and a mounting plate used for being mounted to a vehicle body is arranged between the front sides of the adjusting plates. The angle adjusting mechanism comprises an adjusting shaft arranged in the adjusting groove in a penetrating mode and a locking assembly arranged on the adjusting shaft; and the axial adjusting and collapsing mechanism comprises a height locking plate connected with the inner pipe and a helical tooth locking piece arranged on the angle adjusting mechanism. The angle and the axial height of the steering column are accurately adjusted, stable locking after adjustment and use stability in the driving process are guaranteed, the crumple stroke is prolonged, and the injury risk of a driver is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a four-way adjustable and collapsible steering column, belonging to the field of automotive parts technology. Background Technology

[0002] As a core component of the automotive driving system, the steering column is not only the transmission carrier connecting the steering wheel and the steering mechanism, but also a crucial element ensuring driving control and passenger safety. On one hand, due to significant individual differences in height, body type, and driving habits among drivers, their spatial requirements for the steering wheel are diverse. This necessitates that the steering column possess flexible angle and axial height adjustment capabilities to accommodate the comfortable driving postures of different drivers. On the other hand, in the event of a collision, the driver's inertia will cause them to be thrown towards the steering wheel. If the impact force transmitted by the steering wheel directly acts on the human body, it can easily cause serious injury. Therefore, the steering column must possess reliable collapsible energy absorption capabilities. During a collision, through the orderly deformation of its structure, it effectively absorbs the energy generated by the collision, buffering and weakening the impact force transmitted to the human body, thereby reducing the risk of injury to the driver and improving the vehicle's passive safety performance. Although most steering columns on the market now have basic position adjustment and collision crumple functions, there are still shortcomings: some devices have insufficient locking force after adjustment, which can easily lead to loosening or displacement during driving; some crumple mechanisms have a short crumple stroke, which is not enough to fully buffer high-intensity collision impacts. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a four-way adjustable and collapsible steering column. This invention enables precise adjustment of the steering column angle and axial height, ensuring stable locking after adjustment and operational stability during driving, while also extending the collapsible travel and reducing the risk of driver injury.

[0004] The technical solution of the present invention: A four-way adjustable and collapsible steering column device, comprising a steering column, the steering column including a housing, an outer tube disposed above the housing, an inner tube slidably connected to the upper end of the outer tube, a steering shaft rotatably connected to the inner tube, and an output shaft rotatably connected to the outer tube and connected to the steering shaft; a mounting tube is rotatably connected to the housing; symmetrically arranged adjustment plates with adjustment grooves are arranged on the outer side of the steering column, and a mounting plate for mounting to the vehicle body is provided between the front sides of the adjustment plates; further comprising: An angle adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment shaft passing through the adjustment groove and a locking assembly disposed on the adjustment shaft. The angle adjustment mechanism drives the locking assembly to selectively engage or disengage from the adjustment plate by operating the adjustment shaft, so as to realize the angle adjustment and angle locking of the steering column. An axial adjustment and collapse mechanism includes a height locking plate connected to the inner tube and a helical tooth locking member disposed on the angle adjustment mechanism. The axial adjustment and collapse mechanism achieves axial height locking of the steering column through selective engagement between the helical tooth locking member and the height locking plate, and connects the height locking plate and the inner tube through a shearable element to trigger axial collapse in the event of a vehicle collision.

[0005] The aforementioned four-way adjustable and collapsible steering column includes an angle adjustment mechanism comprising first bushings symmetrically arranged on the outer tube, with an adjustment shaft positioned between the first bushings. The end of the adjustment shaft passes through an adjustment groove on one side of an adjustment plate and is threadedly connected to a locking nut. The locking assembly includes a locking mechanism sleeved on the outer side of the end of the adjustment shaft away from the locking nut. An angle locking plate is provided on the side of the locking mechanism facing the adjustment plate, and multiple locking teeth are symmetrically arranged on the upper and lower sides of the angle locking plate. Toothed plates are symmetrically arranged on the adjustment plate near the angle locking plate, and the toothed plates engage with the locking teeth. A first spring is provided between the angle locking plate and the first bushing on the same side. An adjustment handle is fixedly connected to the end of the adjustment shaft away from the locking nut.

[0006] The aforementioned four-way adjustable and collapsible steering column locking mechanism includes a first limiting block and a second limiting block sleeved on the outside of the adjusting shaft and located between the adjusting handle and the angle locking plate; the first limiting block has a plurality of first protrusions on the side facing the second limiting block; the second limiting block has a plurality of second protrusions on the side facing the first limiting block, and a release groove is formed between the second protrusions; the first protrusions abut against the second protrusions or the release groove.

[0007] The aforementioned four-way adjustable and collapsible steering column has multiple third protrusions on the side of the second limiting block facing the angle locking plate; the angle locking plate has multiple mating grooves, and the third protrusions are inserted into the mating grooves; the counterclockwise end of the second protrusion has multiple third limiting blocks.

[0008] The aforementioned four-way adjustable and collapsible steering column has a fourth protrusion symmetrically arranged on the second limiting block. The fourth protrusion passes through the angle locking plate and is connected to the second bushing. The second bushing is slidably connected to the adjustment groove. A thrust bearing, an angle slider, and a nylon buffer pad are arranged sequentially between the locking nut and the adjustment plate on the same side. The angle slider is engaged with the nylon buffer pad. The nylon buffer pad is located in the adjustment groove.

[0009] The aforementioned four-way adjustable and collapsible steering column device includes an axial adjustment and collapsible mechanism that further comprises a height adjustment bracket fixedly connected to the inner tube, with a height locking plate disposed on the outer side of the height adjustment bracket; the helical tooth locking element includes a limiting pin disposed on the side of the second limiting block, the outer end of the limiting pin passing through the adjustment groove and connected to the fourth limiting block, and the side of the fourth limiting block being provided with multiple first helical teeth; multiple second helical teeth are linearly distributed on the height locking plate, with the first and second helical teeth engaging with each other; the shearable element includes multiple rivets disposed on the height locking plate and located above and below the second helical teeth, with the inner ends of the rivets fixedly connected to the height adjustment bracket; a second spring is surrounded on the outer side of the limiting pin and located between the second and fourth limiting blocks.

[0010] The aforementioned four-way adjustable and collapsible steering column has a limiting groove on the side of the outer tube; a first screw is provided on the lower outer side of the height locking plate, and a height adjustment buffer pad is provided between the nut of the first screw and the height locking plate, and the height adjustment buffer pad is slidably connected to the limiting groove.

[0011] The aforementioned four-way adjustable and collapsible steering column has a second screw at the lower end of the height locking plate, and the inner end of the second screw passes through the height locking plate and is threadedly connected to the inner tube.

[0012] The aforementioned four-way adjustable and collapsible steering column has multiple protruding teeth on the upper side of the input shaft; multiple tooth grooves on the lower inner wall of the steering shaft; and the upper end of the input shaft penetrates into the interior of the steering shaft with the protruding teeth and tooth grooves engaging.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. This invention integrates an angle adjustment mechanism and an axial adjustment and collapse mechanism into the steering column, enabling the steering column to be adjustable in four directions: angle and axial height. This allows for precise adjustment of the steering wheel position according to the height, build, and driving habits of different drivers, significantly improving driving comfort and handling adaptability. Simultaneously, both the angle adjustment mechanism and the axial adjustment and collapse mechanism have reliable locking functions, effectively preventing the steering column from loosening or shifting during vehicle operation after adjustment, ensuring the stability and safety of the steering system. Furthermore, in the event of a collision, the axial adjustment and collapse mechanism guides the steering column to undergo controllable axial collapse to absorb collision energy, extending the collapse stroke and reducing the peak impact force transmitted to the driver, thereby effectively mitigating injury to the driver and significantly improving the vehicle's passive safety performance.

[0014] 2. In this invention, by setting an adjustment groove on the adjustment plate and constructing an angle adjustment mechanism consisting of an adjustment shaft, a first bushing, a locking mechanism, and an angle locking plate between the outer tube and the adjustment plate, the angle adjustment process of the steering column becomes more intuitive, smooth, and reliable. When the height adjustment bracket handle is opened, the adjustment shaft drives the first limit block to rotate, causing the first protrusion on the first limit block to engage with the release groove on the second limit block. Under the action of the first spring, the second limit block and the angle locking plate are pushed to the left as a whole, thereby causing the locking teeth on the angle locking plate to quickly separate from the toothed plate on the adjustment plate, releasing the angle locking state, and allowing the inner and outer tubes to move along the adjustment path. The groove slides and the angle is adjusted with the mounting tube as the center. During the angle adjustment process, the nylon buffer pad set in the adjustment groove cooperates with the angle slider to buffer and dampen the impact at the end of the adjustment stroke, effectively preventing abnormal noise and structural wear caused by hard metal collisions, and improving the comfort and durability of the mechanism. After the angle adjustment is completed and the lock is reset, the locking structure of the locking teeth on the angle locking plate and the tooth plate can significantly increase the holding force and vibration resistance after the angle is locked, avoiding angle deviation caused by vibration or force during vehicle operation, thereby ensuring that the steering column has good stability and safety under different working conditions.

[0015] 3. In this invention, when the adjustment handle is opened, the second limiting block moves to the left under the action of the first spring, and drives the fourth limiting block to move synchronously through the limiting pin, so that the first helical tooth on the fourth limiting block disengages from the second helical tooth on the height locking plate, thereby releasing the axial lock and allowing the steering shaft and inner tube to be smoothly adjusted in the axial direction; at the same time, the height adjustment buffer pad slides in the outer tube limiting groove and is constrained by the limiting, which not only limits the axial adjustment stroke, but also plays a buffering and shock absorption role in the adjustment process, avoiding adjustment impact and abnormal noise. When a vehicle collides and the steering wheel airbag deploys, the impact force is transmitted sequentially through the steering wheel, steering shaft, and inner tube to the height adjustment bracket. Since the adjustment handle is closed at this time, the fourth limit block reliably engages with the height locking plate, preventing the height locking plate from moving. The rivet simultaneously bears shear forces from both the height locking plate and the height adjustment bracket. When the collision energy reaches a set threshold, the rivet fails to shear, triggering axial collapse of the steering column. After the rivet shears, the lower end of the height locking plate is connected to the inner tube via a second screw, generating controlled tensile deformation during the collapse process. This allows the steering column to continuously and stably absorb collision energy over a longer stroke, preventing instantaneous concentration of impact force. Simultaneously, because the adjustment handle remains closed, the adjustment plate constantly exerts a clamping force on the inner and outer tubes, generating stable dynamic friction during relative sliding, further contributing to energy absorption. This forms a multi-stage, synergistic energy absorption mechanism, effectively reducing the peak collision impact, significantly improving the passive safety performance of the steering column, and mitigating the risk of injury to the driver. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the side structure of the present invention; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A; Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the regulating plate; Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the adjusting shaft; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the present invention; Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Enlarged view of point B.

[0017] The labels in the attached diagram are as follows: 1-Steering column, 2-Angle adjustment mechanism, 3-Axial adjustment and collapsible mechanism, 4-Adjusting plate, 5-Mounting plate, 6-Adjusting groove, 10-Box, 11-Outer tube, 12-Inner tube, 13-Steering shaft, 14-Input shaft, 15-Mounting tube, 17-Protruding tooth, 18-Groove, 200-First bushing, 201-Adjusting shaft, 202-Locking nut, 203-Locking mechanism, 204-Angle locking plate, 205-Clamping tooth, 206-Groove plate, 207-First spring, 208-Adjusting handle, 209-First limit block, 210-Second limit block, 211- 212-Second protrusion, 213-Release groove, 214-Third protrusion, 215-Matching groove, 216-Third limiting block, 217-Fourth protrusion, 218-Second bushing, 219-Thrust bearing, 220-Angle slider, 221-Nylon buffer pad, 300-Limiting pin, 301-Height adjustment bracket, 302-Fourth limiting block, 303-First helical tooth, 304-Height locking plate, 305-Second helical tooth, 306-Rivet, 307-Second spring, 308-Limiting groove, 309-First screw, 310-Height adjustment buffer pad, 311-Second screw. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, but this should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0019] Example: A four-way adjustable and collapsible steering column device, configured as follows Figures 1-7 As shown, it includes steering column 1, such as Figure 2 and Figure 6As shown, the steering column 1 includes a housing 10, which is preferably made of stamped steel or high-strength aluminum alloy casting, used to house and support internal transmission and connecting components. An outer tube 11 is fixedly mounted on top of the housing 10, with its upper end slidably connected to an inner tube 12. The inner tube 12 can move relative to the outer tube 11 along its axial direction. Both are preferably made of surface-hardened steel pipes to ensure good wear resistance and guiding accuracy. A steering shaft 13 is rotatably connected to the upper end of the inner tube 12. The steering shaft 13 is used to connect to the steering wheel and transmit steering torque. Its material is preferably medium carbon alloy steel, treated with tempering or surface quenching to meet strength and fatigue life requirements. An input shaft 14 is rotatably connected to the housing 10. The input shaft 14 is connected to the steering shaft 13. The upper side of the input shaft 14 is provided with multiple protruding teeth 17, and the lower inner wall of the steering shaft 13 is provided with a toothed groove 18 that mates with it. The upper end of the input shaft 14 is inserted into the steering shaft 13. Reliable torque transmission is achieved through the meshing of the protruding teeth 17 and the toothed groove 18, while allowing relative slippage during axial collapse, thus balancing normal steering function and collision safety requirements. Adjusting plates 4 are symmetrically arranged on the outer side of the steering column 1. A mounting plate 5 is fixedly connected between the front sides of the two adjusting plates 4. The mounting plate 5 is used to install the entire device on the vehicle body or dashboard crossbeam. It is preferably made of high-strength steel plate or aluminum alloy plate to ensure installation strength and structural rigidity. A mounting tube 15 is rotatably connected to the lower end of the housing 10. The mounting tube 15 is used to connect to the downstream mechanism of the vehicle steering system, and allows the steering column 1 to be angled around the mounting tube 15 as the center. The adjusting plate 4 is located on the upper side of the outer tube 11. An adjusting groove 6 extending along the length direction is provided on the adjusting plate 4. The adjusting groove 6 provides guidance and limitation for angle and axial adjustment. Its edges can be chamfered or covered with wear-resistant bushings to reduce friction and wear. The device also includes: Angle adjustment mechanism 2 includes an adjustment shaft 201 passing through the adjustment groove 6 and a locking assembly disposed on the adjustment shaft 201. The angle adjustment mechanism 2 drives the locking assembly to selectively engage or disengage from the adjustment plate 4 by operating the adjustment shaft 201, thereby realizing angle adjustment and angle locking of the steering column 1. Figure 2 and Figure 5As shown, the angle adjustment mechanism 2 includes first bushings 200 symmetrically arranged on the outer tube 11. The first bushings 200 are preferably made of engineering plastic or self-lubricating composite material to reduce frictional resistance when the adjustment shaft 201 rotates. The adjustment shaft 201 is positioned between the first bushings (200). One end of the adjustment shaft 201 passes through the adjustment groove 6 of one side of the adjustment plate 4 and is threadedly connected to a locking nut 202. Between the locking nut 202 and the adjustment plate 4, a thrust bearing 219, an angle slider 220, and a nylon buffer pad 221 are sequentially arranged. The thrust bearing 219 reduces axial friction during rotational locking and improves locking efficiency. The angle slider 220 engages with the nylon buffer pad 221, which is located within the adjustment groove 6 and serves to reduce vibration, noise, and protect the edge of the adjustment groove 6. The locking assembly includes a locking mechanism 203 sleeved on the outer side of the end of the adjustment shaft 201 away from the locking nut 202. The locking mechanism 203 has an angle locking piece 204 on the side facing the adjustment plate 4. The locking mechanism 203 includes a first limiting block 209 and a second limiting block 210, both of which are sleeved on the outside of the adjusting shaft 201 and located between the adjusting handle 208 and the angle locking piece 204. Figure 3 As shown, the first limiting block 209 has multiple first protrusions 211 on the side facing the second limiting block 210, and the second limiting block 210 has multiple second protrusions 212 on the side facing the first limiting block 209. A release groove 213 is formed between the second protrusions 212. The first protrusions 211 can selectively abut against the second protrusions 212 or the release groove 213, thereby limiting or releasing the second limiting block 210 under different working conditions. Figure 4As shown, the second limiting block 210 has multiple third protrusions 214 on the side facing the angle locking plate 204, and the angle locking plate 204 has corresponding mating grooves 215. The third protrusions 214 are inserted into the mating grooves 215 to ensure synchronous movement. The counterclockwise end of the second protrusion 212 also has multiple third limiting blocks 216 to limit the rotation stroke and rotation direction of the locking mechanism 203. Multiple locking teeth 205 are symmetrically arranged on the upper and lower sides of the angle locking plate 204 facing the adjusting plate 4. Toothed plates 206 are symmetrically arranged on the adjusting plate 4 near the angle locking plate 204. When the locking teeth 205 and the toothed plates 206 mesh with each other, angle locking is achieved. A first spring 207 is provided between the angle locking plate 204 and the first bushing 200 on the same side. The first spring 207 is preferably a compression spring, which is used to provide elastic restoring force during adjustment or reset, so that the angle locking plate 204 can automatically fit with the toothed plates 206. An adjusting handle 208 is fixedly connected to the end of the adjusting shaft 201 away from the locking nut 202. The adjusting handle 208 is preferably made of rubber-coated metal or engineering plastic molded structure, which is convenient for the driver to operate with one hand. A fourth protrusion 217 is also symmetrically arranged on the second limiting block 210. The fourth protrusion 217 passes through the angle locking plate 204 and is connected to the second bushing 218. The second bushing 218 is slidably connected to the adjusting groove 6, thereby guiding and supporting the angle locking plate 204 and the locking mechanism 203 during the angle adjustment process, ensuring smooth movement. When the adjusting handle 208 is opened, the adjusting shaft 201 drives the first limiting block 209 to rotate, so that the first protrusion 211 on the first limiting block 209 cooperates with the release groove 213 on the second limiting block 210. Under the action of the first spring 207, the second limiting block 210 and the angle locking plate 204 are pushed to the left as a whole, so that the locking teeth 205 on the angle locking plate 204 are quickly separated from the toothed plate 206 on the adjusting plate 4, releasing the angle locking state. The inner tube 12 and the outer tube 11 can then slide along the adjusting groove 6 and adjust the angle with the mounting tube 15 as the center.

[0020] The axial adjustment and collapse mechanism 3 includes a height locking plate 304 connected to the inner tube 12 and a helical tooth locking member disposed on the angle adjustment mechanism 2. The axial adjustment and collapse mechanism 3 achieves axial height locking of the steering column 1 through selective engagement between the helical tooth locking member and the height locking plate 304, and connects the height locking plate 304 and the inner tube 12 through a shearable element to trigger axial collapse in the event of a vehicle collision. Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the axial adjustment and collapse mechanism 3 also includes a height adjustment bracket 301 fixedly connected to the inner tube 12. The height adjustment bracket 301 is preferably made of high-strength steel plate by stamping or welding, and is used to connect the axial position adjustment and locking structure of the inner tube 12. The height locking plate 304 is disposed on the outer side of the height adjustment bracket 301. The helical tooth locking component includes a limiting pin 300 disposed on the side of the second limiting block 210. The outer end of the limiting pin 300 passes through the adjustment groove 6 and is connected to a fourth limiting block 302. The side of the fourth limiting block 302 is provided with multiple first helical teeth 303. A height locking plate 304 is disposed on the outer side of the height adjustment bracket 301. Multiple second helical teeth 305 are linearly distributed along the axial direction on the height locking plate 304. When the first helical teeth 303 and the second helical teeth 305 mesh with each other, the axial height of the inner tube 12 is locked. The shearable element includes multiple rivets 306 disposed on the height locking plate 304 and located above and below the second helical tooth 305. The inner ends of the rivets 306 are fixedly connected to the height adjustment bracket 301. The rivets 306 provide a reliable connection during normal use and act as a shearable element to absorb energy during collision and crumpling conditions. A second spring 307 is disposed around the outer side of the limiting pin 300 between the second limiting block 210 and the fourth limiting block 302. The second spring 307 is preferably a compression spring, which provides axial restoring force when the adjusting handle 208 is operated, so that the fourth limiting block 302 can stably switch between the locked and released states. The outer tube 11 has a limiting groove 308 on its side. A first screw 309 is provided on the lower outer side of the height locking plate 304. A height adjustment buffer pad 310 is provided between the nut of the first screw 309 and the height locking plate 304. The height adjustment buffer pad 310 is slidably connected to the limiting groove 308, which is used to limit the adjustment stroke and absorb impact loads during axial adjustment, reducing direct collisions between metal parts. A second screw 311 is also provided at the lower end of the height locking plate 304. The inner end of the second screw 311 passes through the height locking plate 304 and is threaded to the inner tube 12. During the collapse process, this connection structure can generate controlled tension and deformation, thereby extending the energy absorption stroke and smoothing out changes in impact load.When the adjusting handle 208 is opened, the adjusting shaft 201 drives the first limiting block 209 to rotate, causing the first protrusion 211 on the first limiting block 209 to engage with the release groove 213 on the second limiting block 210. Under the action of the first spring 207, the second limiting block 210 and the angle locking plate 204 are pushed to the left as a whole, thereby causing the locking teeth 205 on the angle locking plate 204 to quickly separate from the toothed plate 206 on the adjusting plate 4, releasing the angle locking state. The inner tube 12 and the outer tube 11 can then slide along the adjusting groove 6 and adjust the angle with the mounting tube 15 as the center. During angle adjustment, the nylon buffer pad 221 set in the adjustment groove 6 cooperates with the angle slider 220 to buffer and dampen the impact at the end of the adjustment stroke, effectively preventing abnormal noise and structural wear caused by hard metal collisions, and improving user comfort and mechanism durability. After the angle adjustment is completed and the locking is reset, the locking structure of the locking teeth 205 on the angle locking plate 204 and the toothed plate 206 can significantly increase the holding force and vibration resistance after the angle is locked, and prevent the angle from shifting due to vibration or force during vehicle operation.

[0021] Working principle: Under normal use, the steering column 1 is fixedly installed on the vehicle through the housing 10. The input shaft 14 and the steering shaft 13 are reliably transmitted through the meshing of the tooth 17 and the tooth groove 18. When the driver turns the steering wheel, the steering shaft 13 drives the input shaft 14 to rotate synchronously, smoothly transmitting the steering operation to the downstream steering mechanism and ensuring the normal steering function of the vehicle.

[0022] When angle or height adjustment is required, the driver operates the adjustment handle 208, causing the adjustment shaft 201 to rotate around its own axis. The rotation of the adjustment shaft 201 drives the first limiting block 209 to rotate synchronously, causing the first protrusion 211 on the first limiting block 209 to align with the release groove 213 on the second limiting block 210, thereby releasing the circumferential restriction on the second limiting block 210. Under the elastic force of the first spring 207, the second limiting block 210, along with the angle locking piece 204, moves away from the adjustment plate 4, causing the locking teeth 205 on the angle locking piece 204 to disengage from the toothed plate 206 on the adjustment plate 4, thus releasing the angle lock. After the angle lock is released, the outer tube 11 can swing relative to the adjustment plate 4 around the rotation center formed by the mounting tube 15, allowing the steering column 1 as a whole to be angled in the forward / backward or up / down directions. Simultaneously, when the adjusting handle 208 is opened, the second limiting block 210 undergoes axial displacement under the thrust of the first spring 207, and drives the fourth limiting block 302 to move synchronously through the limiting pin 300. This causes the first helical tooth 303 on the fourth limiting block 302 to disengage from the second helical tooth 305 on the height locking plate 304, thereby releasing the axial lock between the inner tube 12 and the outer tube 11. At this time, the inner tube 12 can slide freely in the axial direction within the outer tube 11, realizing the height adjustment of the steering column 1.

[0023] After the angle and height are adjusted, rotate the adjustment handle 208 to reset it. The first protrusion 211 of the first limit block 209 and the second protrusion 212 of the second limit block 210 abut against each other, so that the second limit block 210, the fourth limit block 302 and the angle locking plate 204 automatically reset, so that the locking teeth 205 on the angle locking plate 204 re-engage with the tooth plate 206, and at the same time the first helical tooth 303 re-engages with the second helical tooth 305, thereby realizing the synchronous locking of the angle and height of the steering column 1.

[0024] When a vehicle experiences a frontal or oblique collision, the driver moves towards the steering wheel due to inertia. The impact force is transmitted sequentially through the steering wheel, steering shaft 13, and inner tube 12 to the height adjustment bracket 301. At this time, the adjustment handle 208 is in a closed and locked state, the fourth limit block 302 is reliably engaged with the height locking plate 304, and the height locking plate 304 is restricted from moving relative to the outer tube 11. The rivet 306 simultaneously bears the shear load from between the height locking plate 304 and the height adjustment bracket 301. When the collision energy reaches a preset threshold, the rivet 306 experiences controlled shear failure, triggering axial collapse of the inner tube 12 relative to the outer tube 11. During the collapse process, the lower end of the height locking plate 304 is connected to the inner tube 12 via the second screw 311. The second screw 311 and its connection part undergo controlled stretching and deformation, extending the collapse stroke and continuously absorbing collision energy. At the same time, the inner tube 12 and the outer tube 11 are subjected to the clamping force generated by the adjusting plate 4 and related locking structures during relative sliding, forming stable frictional damping, which further participates in energy absorption. Through the multi-level synergistic effect of shear energy absorption by the rivet 306, energy absorption by the stretching deformation of the screw, and energy absorption by frictional damping, the peak value of the collision force transmitted to the driver is effectively reduced, thereby improving the passive safety performance of the steering system and reducing the risk of injury to the driver.

Claims

1. A four-way adjustable and collapsible steering column device, comprising a steering column (1), the steering column (1) comprising a housing (10), an outer tube (11) disposed above the housing (10), an inner tube (12) slidably connected to the upper end of the outer tube (11), a steering shaft (13) rotatably connected to the inner tube (12), and an output shaft (14) rotatably connected to the outer tube (11) and connected to the steering shaft (13); a mounting tube (15) is rotatably connected to the housing (10); symmetrically arranged on the outer side of the steering column (1) are adjustment plates (4) with adjustment grooves (6), and mounting plates (5) for mounting to the vehicle body are provided between the front sides of the adjustment plates (4); characterized in that: Also includes: Angle adjustment mechanism (2) includes an adjustment shaft (201) passing through the adjustment groove (6) and a locking assembly provided on the adjustment shaft (201). The angle adjustment mechanism (2) drives the locking assembly to selectively engage or disengage from the adjustment plate (4) by operating the adjustment shaft (201) to achieve angle adjustment and angle locking of the steering column (1). The axial adjustment and collapse mechanism (3) includes a height locking plate (304) connected to the inner tube (12) and a helical tooth locking member provided on the angle adjustment mechanism (2). The axial adjustment and collapse mechanism (3) achieves axial height locking of the steering column (1) through selective engagement between the helical tooth locking member and the height locking plate (304), and connects the height locking plate (304) and the inner tube (12) through a shearable element to trigger axial collapse when the vehicle collides.

2. The four-way adjustable and collapsible steering column device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The angle adjustment mechanism (2) includes first bushings (200) symmetrically arranged on the outer tube (11), and an adjustment shaft (201) arranged between the first bushings (200); the end of the adjustment shaft (201) passes through the adjustment groove (6) of one side adjustment plate (4) and is threadedly connected to a locking nut (202); the locking assembly includes a locking mechanism (203) sleeved on the outside of the end of the adjustment shaft (201) away from the locking nut (202), and the locking mechanism (203) is arranged on the side facing the adjustment plate (4). An angle locking plate (204) is provided, and multiple locking teeth (205) are symmetrically arranged on the upper and lower sides of the angle locking plate (204); a toothed plate (206) is symmetrically arranged on the adjusting plate (4) near the angle locking plate (204), and the toothed plate (206) cooperates with the locking teeth (205); a first spring (207) is provided between the angle locking plate (204) and the first bushing (200) on the same side; an adjusting handle (208) is fixedly connected to the end of the adjusting shaft (201) away from the locking nut (202).

3. The four-way adjustable and collapsible steering column device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The locking mechanism (203) includes a first limiting block (209) and a second limiting block (210) sleeved on the outside of the adjusting shaft (201) and located between the adjusting handle (208) and the angle locking piece (204); the first limiting block (209) has a plurality of first protrusions (211) on the side facing the second limiting block (210); the second limiting block (210) has a plurality of second protrusions (212) on the side facing the first limiting block (209), and a release groove (213) is formed between the second protrusions (212); the first protrusions (211) abut against the second protrusions (212) or the release groove (213).

4. The four-way adjustable and collapsible steering column device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second limiting block (210) has a plurality of third protrusions (214) on the side facing the angle locking piece (204); the angle locking piece (204) has a plurality of mating grooves (215), and the third protrusions (214) are inserted into the mating grooves (215); the second protrusion (212) has a plurality of third limiting blocks (216) at the counterclockwise end.

5. The four-way adjustable and collapsible steering column device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second limiting block (210) is symmetrically provided with a fourth protrusion (217), the fourth protrusion (217) passes through the angle locking piece (204) and is connected to a second bushing (218), the second bushing (218) is slidably connected to the adjusting groove (6); between the locking nut (202) and the adjusting plate (4) on the same side, there is a thrust bearing (219), an angle slider (220) and a nylon buffer pad (221) in sequence, the angle slider (220) and the nylon buffer pad (221) are engaged and connected; the nylon buffer pad (221) is located in the adjusting groove (6).

6. The four-way adjustable and collapsible steering column device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The axial adjustment and collapse mechanism (3) further includes a height adjustment bracket (301) fixedly connected to the inner tube (12), and a height locking plate (304) is disposed on the outside of the height adjustment bracket (301); the helical tooth locking component includes a limiting pin (300) disposed on the side of the second limiting block (210), the outer end of the limiting pin (300) passes through the adjustment groove (6) and is connected to a fourth limiting block (302), and the side of the fourth limiting block (302) is provided with a plurality of first helical teeth (303); the height locking plate ( Multiple second helical teeth (305) are linearly distributed on the height locking plate (304), and the first helical teeth (303) and the second helical teeth (305) cooperate with each other; the shearable element includes multiple rivets (306) disposed on the height locking plate (304) and located on the upper and lower sides of the second helical teeth (305), and the inner end of the rivet (306) is fixedly connected to the height adjustment bracket (301); the outer side of the limiting pin (300) is surrounded by a second spring (307) located between the second limiting block (210) and the fourth limiting block (302).

7. The four-way adjustable and collapsible steering column device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The outer tube (11) is provided with a limiting groove (308) on its side; a first screw (309) is provided on the lower outer side of the height locking plate (304), and a height adjustment buffer pad (310) is provided between the nut of the first screw (309) and the height locking plate (304), and the height adjustment buffer pad (310) is slidably connected to the limiting groove (308).

8. The four-way adjustable and collapsible steering column device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The lower end of the height locking plate (304) is provided with a second screw (311), and the inner end of the second screw (311) passes through the height locking plate (304) and is threadedly connected to the inner tube (12).

9. The four-way adjustable and collapsible steering column device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper side of the input shaft (14) is provided with multiple protruding teeth (17); the lower inner wall of the steering shaft (13) is provided with multiple tooth grooves (18); the upper end of the input shaft (14) passes into the interior of the steering shaft (13) and the protruding teeth (17) and tooth grooves (18) cooperate with each other.

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