Steering column mounting device and vehicle

Abstract

The invention discloses a steering column mounting device which comprises an upper cross beam and a fixing mechanism, the fixing mechanism is arranged to be used for mounting a steering column, the upper cross beam is provided with a first mounting position and a second mounting position which are used for mounting the fixing mechanism, and the first mounting position and the second mounting position are sequentially arranged in the length direction of the upper cross beam. According to the steering column mounting device, the number of parts can be reduced, and the cost and the process difficulty are reduced. The invention further discloses a vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of automotive technology. Specifically, this invention relates to a steering column mounting device and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In traditional automobile development, the unreasonable arrangement of left-hand and right-hand drive vehicles necessitates the use of different steering gears and steering columns to meet steering requirements. Consequently, the brake pedal and accelerator pedal need to be placed in different positions. This results in a large number of incompatible parts when developing left-hand and right-hand drive models, such as steering columns, column mounting brackets, cab floor panels, and front body panels that fix the pedals. Many parts are not interchangeable, and different tooling fixtures need to be developed to accommodate production differences. Therefore, improving the commonality between left-hand and right-hand drive models, reducing the number of parts in the development of left-hand and right-hand drive models, reducing mold investment, and reducing difficulties in warehousing and production management have become urgent problems to be solved.

[0003] Chinese Patent Application No. 201621055485.5 discloses a steering column mounting device. This utility model provides an adjustable steering column mounting device, including an upper mounting arm and a lower mounting arm for connection to the steering column. The upper mounting arm has a lower mounting block, which is hinged to the upper mounting arm. The lower mounting arm has an elongated mounting hole, and the lower mounting block is fixedly connected to any position of the elongated mounting hole. The lower mounting arm also has a lower fixing block directly connected to the steering column, and the upper mounting arm also has an upper fixing block directly connected to the steering column, which is hinged to the upper mounting arm.

[0004] The aim is to provide an improved steering column mounting device, particularly regarding how to reduce costs and achieve fewer parts. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention provides a steering column mounting device with the aim of reducing costs.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: a steering column mounting device, including an upper crossbeam and a fixing mechanism, wherein the fixing mechanism is configured to install the steering column, and a first mounting position and a second mounting position for installing the fixing mechanism are provided on the upper crossbeam, wherein the first mounting position and the second mounting position are arranged sequentially along the length direction of the upper crossbeam.

[0007] The fixing mechanism includes a fixed bracket, an upper bracket connected to the fixed bracket, and a lower bracket connected to the upper bracket via a connecting mechanism. The fixed bracket and the lower bracket are configured to install the steering column.

[0008] The connecting mechanism includes a first bolt, a first nut, and a second nut. The upper bracket and the lower bracket are provided with through holes for the first bolt to pass through. The first nut and the second nut are threadedly connected to the first bolt. The second nut is located between the first nut and the upper bracket.

[0009] The connecting mechanism further includes an anti-loosening element disposed between the external threads of the second nut and the first bolt. The second nut is provided with a positioning groove to accommodate the anti-loosening element, and the anti-loosening element is clamped between the first nut and the second nut.

[0010] The anti-loosening element is a rubber ring with a circular structure.

[0011] A first deformation groove and a second deformation groove are respectively provided on the first surface and the second surface of the second nut. The distance between the first deformation groove and the axis of the second nut is greater than the distance between the second deformation groove and the axis of the second nut. The first surface and the second surface are opposite sides of the second nut. The first surface is in contact with the first nut.

[0012] The second nut has a third surface and a fourth surface, which are opposite sides of the second nut. The third surface is located between the first surface and the anti-loosening element. In the initial state, there is a gap between the third surface and the first nut.

[0013] The second nut is provided with weakening grooves. Multiple weakening grooves are provided and all weakening grooves are distributed circumferentially. The weakening grooves extend radially along the second nut.

[0014] The upper support includes a first side plate and a second side plate, the lower support is located between the first side plate and the second side plate, the second nut is located between the first nut and the second side plate, the hexagonal head of the first bolt is located on the outside of the first side plate, two reinforcing plates are provided on the first side plate, and the hexagonal head of the first bolt is located between the two reinforcing plates.

[0015] The present invention also provides a vehicle including the aforementioned steering column mounting device.

[0016] The steering column mounting device of the present invention can reduce the number of parts, thereby reducing costs and manufacturing difficulties. Attached Figure Description

[0017] This manual includes the following figures, which illustrate the following:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the steering column mounting device of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the steering column installation;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting mechanism;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a partial structural diagram of the connecting mechanism in its initial state;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a partial structural diagram of the connecting mechanism in use;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the upper support structure;

[0024] The diagram is marked as follows:

[0025] 1. Steering gear; 2. Steering column; 3. Left-hand drive steering column mounting bracket; 4. Steering wheel; 5. Front bulkhead panel; 6. Brake pedal; 7. Accelerator pedal; 8. Cab floor; 9. Bottom panel column perforation; 10. Right-hand drive steering column mounting bracket; 11. Upper crossbeam; 12. Upper bracket; 13. Lower bracket; 14. First bolt; 15. First nut; 16. Second nut; 17. Hexagonal head; 18. Anti-loosening element; 19. First deformation groove; 20. Second deformation groove; 21. First surface; 22. Second surface; 23. Third surface; 24. Fourth surface; 25. Reinforcing plate; 26. First side plate; 27. Mounting bracket. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in order to help those skilled in the art to have a more complete, accurate and in-depth understanding of the concept and technical solutions of the present invention, and to facilitate its implementation.

[0027] It should be noted that in the following embodiments, the terms "first", "second", "third" and "fourth" do not represent an absolute distinction in structure and / or function, nor do they represent the order of execution, but are merely for the convenience of description.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides a steering column mounting device, including an upper crossbeam 11 and a fixing mechanism. The fixing mechanism is configured to install the steering column. The upper crossbeam 11 is provided with a first mounting position and a second mounting position for installing the fixing mechanism. The first mounting position and the second mounting position are arranged sequentially along the length direction of the upper crossbeam 11.

[0029] Specifically, such as Figure 1As shown, the first and second mounting positions are used for mounting the steering column in left-hand drive and right-hand drive vehicles, respectively. The length direction of the upper crossbeam 11 is parallel to the width direction of the vehicle. In this invention, by rationally arranging the positions of the left-hand drive and right-hand drive steering columns, the steering gear output shaft is placed in the middle of the steering column, achieving universality for the steering column and steering gear. At the same time, the brake pedal and accelerator pedal are arranged on the right side of the right-hand drive steering column, achieving universality for the steering gear, steering column, brake pedal and master cylinder, body floor, and front body panel components in both left-hand drive and right-hand drive vehicles. The accelerator pedal and brake pedal positions are shared, and the instrument crossbeam's components are universal except for the left and right differences in the welding position of the steering column fixing bracket.

[0030] This invention reduces the variety of parts in the development of left- or right-hand drive microcars, achieves fewer parts, simplifies warehousing and production management, reduces process difficulty, and saves development and management costs.

[0031] In this invention, left-hand and right-hand drive models use one type of steering gear, one type of steering column, one type of body floor, one type of brake pedal, one type of front bulkhead, and two types of instrument panel crossbeams with minor differences, to achieve universal development of low-speed vehicle left-hand and right-hand drive models.

[0032] When the steering column 2 and steering wheel are arranged on the left side of the column through hole 9 in the vehicle floor, the steering column 2, steering gear 1, left-hand drive steering column fixing bracket 3, front body panel 5, brake pedal 6, accelerator pedal 7, cab floor 8, and upper crossbeam 11 form the steering system layout scheme for left-hand drive vehicles. When the steering column 2 and steering wheel 4 are arranged on the right side of the column through hole 9 in the vehicle floor, the steering column 2, steering gear 1, right-hand drive steering column fixing bracket 10, front body panel 5, brake pedal 6, accelerator pedal 7, cab floor 8, and upper crossbeam 11 form the steering system layout scheme for right-hand drive vehicles.

[0033] The left-hand steering column mounting bracket 3 is welded to the left side of the upper crossbeam 11 (as in the first installation position) to form the left-hand steering instrument panel crossbeam; the right-hand steering column mounting bracket 10 is welded to the right side of the upper crossbeam 11 (as in the second installation position) to form the right-hand steering instrument panel crossbeam.

[0034] This invention has the advantages of high component commonality, low investment in mold clamps and inspection tools, less likelihood of incorrect component assembly, less likelihood of errors or omissions in warehouse management, and easy identification during production.

[0035] like Figures 2 to 6As shown, the fixing mechanism includes a fixed bracket, an upper bracket 12 connected to the fixed bracket, and a lower bracket 13 connected to the upper bracket 12 via a connecting mechanism. The fixed bracket and the lower bracket 13 are configured for mounting the steering column. For left-hand drive vehicles, the fixed bracket is a left-hand drive steering column fixing bracket 3; for right-hand drive vehicles, the fixed bracket is a right-hand drive steering column fixing bracket 10. The lower bracket 13 is fixedly connected to the steering column, and the fixed bracket can be connected to the steering column by bolts. The connection point between the lower bracket 13 and the steering column is located below the connection point between the fixed bracket and the steering column.

[0036] like Figures 2 to 6 As shown, the connecting mechanism includes a first bolt 14, a first nut 15, and a second nut 16. The upper bracket 12 and lower bracket 13 have through holes through which the first bolt 14 passes. The first nut 15 and the second nut 16 are threadedly connected to the first bolt 14. The second nut 16 is located between the first nut 15 and the upper bracket 12. The first nut 15 is a standard nut, and the second nut 16 is fixedly connected to the first nut 15. The second nut 16 is made of an elastic material, and both the second nut 16 and the first nut 15 are made of metal. The second nut 16 can undergo elastic deformation, and the central holes of the second nut 16 and the first nut 15 are threaded holes.

[0037] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the connecting mechanism also includes an anti-loosening element 18 disposed between the external threads of the second nut 16 and the first bolt 14. The second nut 16 is provided with a positioning groove to accommodate the anti-loosening element 18, and the anti-loosening element 18 is sandwiched between the first nut 15 and the second nut 16. The anti-loosening element 18 is a rubber ring with a circular structure. The anti-loosening element 18 is sleeved on the first bolt 14, and the anti-loosening element 18, the first bolt 14, the second nut 16, and the first nut 15 are coaxially arranged.

[0038] During the tightening of the first nut 15, the second nut 16 deforms, generating an elastic force on the first bolt 14 in both axial and radial inward (towards the axis) directions. The second nut 16 fits tightly against the first bolt 14, with its internal thread engaging closely with the external thread of the first bolt 14, achieving an anti-loosening effect and axially limiting the first nut 15, making it less prone to loosening and improving the reliability of the steering column installation. Furthermore, during the tightening of the first nut 15, the anti-loosening element 18 deforms under the pressure of the first nut 15 and the second nut 16. The anti-loosening element 18 deforms radially along the first bolt 14, embedding itself in the groove between two adjacent threads on the first bolt 14. The anti-loosening element 18 presses against the first bolt 14, increasing additional friction. The cooperation between the anti-loosening element 18 and the second nut 16 further enhances the anti-loosening effect.

[0039] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, a first deformation groove 19 and a second deformation groove 20 are respectively provided on the first surface 21 and the second surface 22 of the second nut 16. The distance between the first deformation groove 19 and the axis of the second nut 16 is greater than the distance between the second deformation groove 20 and the axis of the second nut 16. The first surface 21 and the second surface 22 are opposite side surfaces of the second nut 16. The first surface 21 is in contact with one end face of the first nut 15 in the axial direction. The first surface 21 and the second surface 22 are planes perpendicular to the axis of the second nut 16. The first deformation groove 19 is a groove extending along the entire circumference on the first surface 21, and the second deformation groove 20 is a groove extending along the entire circumference on the second surface 22. The first deformation groove 19 and the second deformation groove 20 are arc-shaped grooves. The provision of the first deformation groove 19 and the second deformation groove 20 increases the deformation space of the second nut 16 when subjected to pressure.

[0040] In this embodiment of the invention, the second nut 16 is further provided with weakening grooves. Multiple weakening grooves are provided, and all weakening grooves are evenly distributed circumferentially with the axis of the second nut 16 as the center line. The weakening grooves extend radially along the second nut 16, starting from the first deformation groove 19 and extending to the center of the second nut 16. The weakening grooves are also provided through the second nut 16 axially, dividing the second nut 16 into multiple segments. Simultaneously, the first deformation groove 19 and the second deformation groove 20 are staggered, facilitating deformation of the second nut 16. The weakening grooves not only further increase the deformation space but also reduce the overall rigidity by dividing the second nut 16 into multiple segments. This design makes it easier for the second nut 16 to undergo the expected deformation under stress and ensures that the nut is not damaged during deformation. The staggered arrangement of the first deformation groove 19 and the second deformation groove 20 avoids mutual interference between them during deformation, ensuring the uniformity and controllability of the deformation.

[0041] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the second nut 16 has a third surface 23 and a fourth surface 24, which are opposite side surfaces of the second nut 16. The third surface 23 is located between the first surface 21 and the anti-loosening element 18, which is located between the axis of the third surface 23 and the axis of the second nut 16. The fourth surface 24 is located between the axis of the second surface 22 and the axis of the second nut 16. The third surface 23 and the fourth surface 24 are planes perpendicular to the axis of the second nut 16. The first surface 21 and the third surface 23 are located at one end of the second nut 16, and the second surface 22 and the fourth surface 24 are located at the other end of the second nut 16. In the initial state, as shown... Figure 4As shown, the first nut 15 is not tightened, there is a gap between the third surface 23 and the end face of the first nut 15, and the distance between the second surface 22 and the first nut 15 is less than the distance between the fourth surface 24 and the first nut 15. That is, the first surface 21 and the third surface 23 are not in the same plane perpendicular to the axis of the second nut 16, and the second surface 22 and the fourth surface 24 are also not in the same plane perpendicular to the axis of the second nut 16. The fourth surface 24 will contact the surface of the upper bracket 12 before the second surface 22.

[0042] like Figure 5 As shown, after the first nut 15 is tightened, the second nut 16 deforms. The first nut 15 and the third nut are in contact with the same end face of the first nut 15. The first surface 21 and the third surface 23 are in the same plane perpendicular to the axis of the second nut 16. The second surface 22 and the fourth surface 24 are also in the same plane perpendicular to the axis of the second nut 16. The second surface 22 and the fourth surface 24 are in contact with the same surface of the lower bracket 13.

[0043] The second nut 16 in the above structure has its two end surfaces arranged in a staggered manner. In this way, during the tightening process of the first nut 15, the greater the axial pressure applied by the first nut 15 to the second nut 16, the greater the deformation of the second nut 16. The metal at the positions of the third surface 23 and the fourth surface 24 is more likely to deform, making it easier to reduce the gap of the weakening groove. The threads of the second nut 16 are more likely to engage with the threads of the first bolt 14, further improving the anti-loosening effect.

[0044] like Figure 6 As shown, the upper bracket 12 mainly includes a first side plate 26 and a second side plate fixedly connected to the fixed bracket. The first side plate 26 and the second side plate are parallel. The lower bracket 13 is located between the first side plate 26 and the second side plate. The lower bracket 13 is provided with a through hole for the first bolt 14 to pass through. The first side plate 26 and the second side plate are also provided with through holes for the first bolt 14 to pass through. The hexagonal head 17 of the first bolt 14 is located on the outside of the first side plate 26. The second nut 16 is located between the first nut 15 and the second side plate. After the first nut 15 is tightened, the second nut 16 is sandwiched between the second side plate and the first nut 15. Two reinforcing plates 25 are provided on the first side plate 26. The reinforcing plates 25 are fixedly connected to the first side plate 26 and the fixed bracket. The hexagonal head 17 of the first bolt 14 is located between the two reinforcing plates 25.

[0045] The first bolt 14 includes a hexagonal head 17 and a threaded part that are fixedly connected. The threaded part is provided with an external thread. The first nut 15 and the second nut 16 are provided on the threaded part. The hexagonal head 17 is a regular hexagonal structure. The hexagonal head 17 is inserted between the two reinforcing plates 25. The two parallel outer surfaces of the hexagonal head 17 (the center line of the hexagonal head 17 is located in the middle of the two parallel outer surfaces, and the center line of the hexagonal head 17 is also the axis of the first bolt 14) are respectively attached to the two reinforcing plates 25. During the tightening of the first nut 15, the hexagonal head 17 is inserted between the two reinforcing plates 25. The reinforcing plates 25 prevent the first bolt 14 from rotating, allowing the first bolt 14 to remain stationary, facilitating assembly, simplifying the assembly process, and improving assembly efficiency. At the same time, the reinforcing plates 25 can improve the structural strength of the connection between the upper bracket 12 and the fixed bracket, increasing the load-bearing capacity of the bracket. Moreover, after the first nut 15 is tightened, the second nut 16 fits against the second side plate, and the hexagonal head 17 remains inserted between the two reinforcing plates 25. The reinforcing plates 25 can provide a certain anti-loosening effect on the bolt, reducing the risk of bolt loosening due to vibration and other reasons, and further improving the reliability of the installation device.

[0046] The present invention also provides a vehicle including a steering column mounting device with the above-described structure. This steering column mounting device can be referred to... Figures 1 to 6 Further details will not be elaborated here. Since the vehicle of the present invention includes the steering column mounting device of the above embodiments, it possesses all the advantages of the aforementioned steering column mounting device.

[0047] The present invention has been described above by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the specific implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above-described manner. Any non-substantial improvements made using the inventive concept and technical solution; or the direct application of the inventive concept and technical solution to other situations without modification, are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A steering column mounting device, characterized in that: It includes an upper crossbeam and a fixing mechanism. The fixing mechanism is configured to install a steering column. The upper crossbeam is provided with a first mounting position and a second mounting position for installing the fixing mechanism. The first mounting position and the second mounting position are arranged sequentially along the length of the upper crossbeam.

2. The steering column mounting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixing mechanism includes a fixed bracket, an upper bracket connected to the fixed bracket, and a lower bracket connected to the upper bracket via a connecting mechanism. The fixed bracket and the lower bracket are configured to install the steering column.

3. The steering column mounting device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The connecting mechanism includes a first bolt, a first nut, and a second nut. The upper bracket and the lower bracket are provided with through holes for the first bolt to pass through. The first nut and the second nut are threadedly connected to the first bolt. The second nut is located between the first nut and the upper bracket.

4. The steering column mounting device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The connecting mechanism further includes an anti-loosening element disposed between the external threads of the second nut and the first bolt. The second nut is provided with a positioning groove to accommodate the anti-loosening element, and the anti-loosening element is clamped between the first nut and the second nut.

5. The steering column mounting device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The anti-loosening element is a rubber ring with a circular structure.

6. The steering column mounting device according to claim 4, characterized in that: A first deformation groove and a second deformation groove are respectively provided on the first surface and the second surface of the second nut. The distance between the first deformation groove and the axis of the second nut is greater than the distance between the second deformation groove and the axis of the second nut. The first surface and the second surface are opposite sides of the second nut. The first surface is in contact with the first nut.

7. The steering column mounting device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The second nut has a third surface and a fourth surface, which are opposite sides of the second nut. The third surface is located between the first surface and the anti-loosening element. In the initial state, there is a gap between the third surface and the first nut.

8. The steering column mounting device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that: The second nut is provided with weakening grooves. Multiple weakening grooves are provided and all weakening grooves are distributed circumferentially. The weakening grooves extend radially along the second nut.

9. The steering column mounting device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that: The upper support includes a first side plate and a second side plate, the lower support is located between the first side plate and the second side plate, the second nut is located between the first nut and the second side plate, the hexagonal head of the first bolt is located on the outside of the first side plate, two reinforcing plates are provided on the first side plate, and the hexagonal head of the first bolt is located between the two reinforcing plates.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that: Includes the steering column mounting device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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