An inner field car direction column folding system with self-locking linkage on-off

Abstract

The application relates to a folding system of a steering column of an in-field vehicle with self-locking linkage power-off, and relates to the field of in-field vehicle steering structure design. The folding system comprises a steering wheel, a steering column assembly and an accelerator control unit. The steering column assembly comprises an upper steering column and a lower steering column. The steering wheel is arranged at the upper end of the upper steering column. The lower end of the upper steering column is hingedly connected with the lower steering column. The steering wheel can rotate around the hinge of the two steering columns and fold down. The accelerator control unit comprises a contact switch arranged on one side of the lower steering column and connected in series with the accelerator circuit. A pressing structure is arranged on one side of the upper steering column. When the steering wheel is folded down, the pressing structure can press the contact switch to disconnect the accelerator circuit. When the steering wheel is reset to stand, the pressing structure can be separated from the contact switch to conduct the accelerator circuit. The application realizes folding, automatic locking and linkage power-off through an integrated structure, and considers steering comfort, convenience of getting on and off the vehicle and parking safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of steering structure design for special vehicles in the field, and specifically to a folding steering column system for in-field vehicles with self-locking linkage on / off. Background Technology

[0002] Golf carts, sightseeing vehicles, and park patrol vehicles (referred to as on-course vehicles) that do not enter public roads generally adopt a low and compact cabin design to lower the center of gravity and improve driving stability. To accommodate low-sitting steering operations, the steering wheel of these vehicles needs to be protruding from the front of the cabin (e.g., Figure 5 As shown in the image, for drivers who are overweight, especially those with a large belly, their torso can easily interfere with the steering wheel when getting in and out of the vehicle. Existing technologies have provided some solutions to address space utilization issues by folding the steering column, but most of these solutions rely on complex linkages, gears, and other rotation control and locking structures, making them unsuitable for upgrading existing interior vehicle structures.

[0003] Meanwhile, interior vehicles are mostly used for short-distance, high-frequency start-stop operations. To simplify operation, the industry generally integrates turn signals, horns, etc., into a combination switch cover on the steering column below the steering wheel, and integrates the accelerator on / off button into the steering wheel surface. The accelerator signal wire is run from inside the steering column to the steering wheel button. If a conventional steering wheel axial telescopic structure is used to improve the space for getting in and out of the vehicle, repeated telescopic operations will not only affect the lifespan of the signal wire, but the extra telescopic operations will also distract the driver's attention, further increasing the probability of forgetting to turn off the accelerator switch after parking, which can easily cause the vehicle to roll away unexpectedly. Existing technology cannot simultaneously take into account steering operation comfort, ease of getting in and out of the vehicle, and parking safety. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an interior vehicle steering column folding system with self-locking linkage on / off function. It can overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies that cannot simultaneously satisfy the requirements of steering operation comfort, vehicle entry and exit convenience, and parking safety through an integrated structure.

[0005] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows: A folding steering column system for an interior vehicle with self-locking linkage on / off function, comprising a steering wheel, a steering column assembly, and an accelerator control unit.

[0006] Specifically, the steering column assembly includes an upper steering column and a lower steering column. The steering wheel is located at the upper end of the upper steering column, and the lower end of the upper steering column is hinged to the lower steering column. The steering wheel can rotate around the hinge point of the two steering columns and fold down. The accelerator control unit includes a contact switch that is fixedly set according to the folding path of the steering wheel and connected in series with the accelerator circuit. A pressing structure is provided on one side of the upper steering column. The pressing structure is configured to press the contact switch to disconnect the accelerator circuit when the steering wheel is folded down, and to disconnect the contact switch to connect the accelerator circuit when the steering wheel is reset and upright.

[0007] The aforementioned folding steering column system for an interior vehicle with self-locking linkage switching also includes a combination switch assembly and a fixed steering column tube mounted on the interior vehicle frame. The lower part of the lower steering column is rotatably mounted inside the fixed steering column tube. The combination switch assembly includes a dustproof cover mounted on the outside of the fixed steering column tube. A contact switch is electrically connected to a contact switch control module. Both the contact switch control module and the contact switch are mounted inside the dustproof cover, and the trigger end of the contact switch protrudes outward from the dustproof cover corresponding to the pressing structure.

[0008] Furthermore, the two steering columns are hinged together by a hinge structure. An outer cylinder is fitted on the outer side of the upper steering column, and the upper end of the outer cylinder is connected to the steering wheel. A return spring and a locking sleeve are fitted on the upper steering column on the inner side. A groove is opened along the axial direction on the cylinder wall of the outer cylinder. A push rod with its outer end extending out of the groove is provided on the locking sleeve. The push rod is designed to be able to drive the locking sleeve to compress the return spring under the action of external force, and expose the hinge structure. The steering wheel is designed to be able to fold down when the hinge structure is exposed, and the return spring can elastically push the locking sleeve to cover the hinge structure when the steering wheel is reset.

[0009] Furthermore, an avoidance notch is provided on the side of the outer cylinder corresponding to the contact switch, and the pressing structure is located at the lower edge of the avoidance notch.

[0010] Furthermore, the return spring is in a pre-compressed state under normal conditions, and the locking sleeve covers both the lower end of the upper steering column and the upper end of the lower steering column by 1-5cm.

[0011] As a specific implementation, the articulated structure includes a single lug seat located at the lower end of the upper steering column and a double lug seat located at the upper end of the lower steering column. The double lug seat and the single lug seat are rotatably connected by a hinge pin.

[0012] Furthermore, the inner end of the push rod is threadedly connected to the locking sleeve, the middle outer ring slides axially with the groove, and the outer end is provided with an outwardly protruding hand handle.

[0013] Preferably, the outer cylinder body and the steering wheel are integrally formed.

[0014] In another preferred embodiment, the outer cylinder is detachably connected to the steering wheel by bolts.

[0015] Preferably, the contact switch is a normally closed micro switch. Under normal conditions, the contacts are closed to conduct the accelerator circuit, and when pressed by an external force, the contacts are open to cut off the accelerator circuit.

[0016] More preferably, the normally closed micro switch is a 6376 or 6400 type parking brake switch.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are that by designing the steering column as a folding structure with hinges on the upper and lower parts, the steering wheel can be folded down, clearing the passageway in front of the cabin and eliminating physical interference when getting in and out of the vehicle. At the same time, by folding down with the steering wheel, the downward pressing structure and the contact switch are linked to achieve a passive safety logic of power off when folding and power on when resetting. No additional operation is required from the driver, which can prevent the vehicle from rolling away due to forgetting to turn off the accelerator. Through an integrated structure, it overcomes the shortcomings of existing technologies that cannot simultaneously meet the requirements of steering operation comfort, convenience of getting in and out of the vehicle and parking safety. Attached Figure Description

[0018] In the attached diagram: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an interior vehicle steering column folding system with self-locking linkage on / off function, as an example. Figure 2 for Figure 1 A frontal schematic diagram (the steering column assembly is shown in cross-section); Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the AA section (the state of the upper and lower steering columns when the steering wheel is reset); Figure 4 for Figure 2 A diagram showing the state of the upper and lower steering columns when the steering wheel is folded down. Figure 5 This is existing technology; Figure 6 for Figure 1 An exterior schematic diagram; The components represented by the various reference numerals in the diagram are: 1. Steering wheel; 2. Steering column assembly; 21. Upper steering column; 22. Lower steering column; 23. Hinge structure; 231. Single ear seat; 232. Double ear seat; 233. Hinge pin; 24. Outer cylinder; 241. Slot; 242. Clearance notch; 25. Locking sleeve; 26. Return spring; 27. Push rod; 3. Combination switch assembly; 31. Dust cover; 4. Downward pressing structure; 5. Contact switch. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Example 1 Combination Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6This embodiment provides a folding steering column system for in-field vehicles with self-locking linkage, mainly applied to golf carts, scenic sightseeing vehicles, park patrol vehicles, and other in-field vehicles that do not enter public roads. It aims to systematically solve the problem that existing in-field vehicles cannot simultaneously achieve steering operation comfort, ease of getting on and off, and parking safety. The specific solution is as follows: The system includes a steering wheel 1, a steering column assembly 2, a combination switch assembly 3, and an accelerator control unit. The steering column assembly 2, as the core steering transmission component, includes an upper steering column 21 and a lower steering column 22. A fixed steering column tube is provided on the frame of the inner field vehicle. 6002 type deep groove ball bearings are press-fitted into the inner walls of both ends of the fixed steering column tube. The lower part of the lower steering column 22 passes through the inner holes of the two bearings and can rotate freely relative to the fixed steering column tube. This fixed steering column tube part is a conventional structure of the inner field vehicle, and is not specifically shown in the attached drawings of this embodiment.

[0020] The upper end of the upper steering column 21 is connected to the steering wheel 1, and the lower end is hinged to the upper end of the lower steering column 22 through the hinge structure 23, so that the steering wheel 1 can be folded down around the hinge structure 23, clearing the passage for entry and exit in the front of the cabin, so as to eliminate the physical interference between the driver's torso and the steering wheel 1 when getting in and out of the vehicle.

[0021] The hinge structure 23 adopts a combination of a single ear seat 231 and a double ear seat 232, including a single ear seat 231 located at the lower end of the upper steering column 21 and a double ear seat 232 located at the upper end of the lower steering column 22. The double ear seat 232 and the single ear seat 231 are rotatably connected by a hinge pin 233.

[0022] To ensure the rigidity and safety of the steering column during driving, an outer cylinder 24 is fitted around the outer periphery of the upper steering column 21. The upper end of the outer cylinder 24 is connected to the steering wheel 1 and can rotate and fold synchronously with the steering wheel 1. A return spring 26 and a locking sleeve 25 are fitted on the upper steering column 21 inside the outer cylinder 24. A groove 241 is provided axially on the cylinder wall of the outer cylinder 24. A push rod 27 with its outer end extending out of the groove 241 is provided on the locking sleeve 25. The push rod 27 is configured to drive the locking sleeve 25 to compress the return spring 26 under the action of external force, and expose the hinge structure 23. The steering wheel 1 is configured to fold down when the hinge structure 23 is exposed, and the return spring 26 can elastically push the locking sleeve 25 to cover the hinge structure 23 when the steering wheel 1 is reset.

[0023] Specifically, the inner end of the push rod 27 is threadedly connected to the locking sleeve 25, and the rod body and the slot 241 slide along the axis, which can ensure that the locking sleeve 25 moves up and down smoothly without jamming, and restrict its circumferential rotation. In addition, the outer end of the push rod 27 is also provided with an outward protruding hand handle, making the lifting and unlocking action more effortless and convenient.

[0024] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 3 The return spring 26 is in a pre-compressed state under normal conditions, which can continuously generate downward elastic force to push the locking sleeve 25 to simultaneously cover the lower end of the upper steering column 21 (1-5cm) and the upper end of the lower steering column 22 (1-5cm), so that the upper and lower steering columns form a rigid whole, thereby enabling steering operation by controlling the steering wheel 1.

[0025] When the steering wheel 1 needs to be folded, pull the push rod 27 upward to move the locking sleeve 25 to compress the return spring 26 upward, so that the hinge structure 23 is fully exposed. At this time, the steering wheel 1 can be folded down. When the steering wheel 1 returns to the driving position, release the push rod 27 and lift the steering wheel 1 upward. The return spring 26 will elastically push the locking sleeve 25 downward to re-cover the hinge structure 23 and complete the locking. The whole process does not require additional manual locking operation and is very convenient to use.

[0026] Based on the above structural design, the combination switch assembly 3 is located on the fixed steering column tube and below the hinge structure 23. The accelerator control unit includes a contact switch 5 that is fixedly set according to the folding path of the steering wheel 1 and connected in series to the accelerator circuit. The contact switch 5 is installed on the combination switch assembly 3. The outer side of the outer cylinder 24 is provided with a pressing structure 4 corresponding to the contact switch 5. In order to avoid structural interference between the outer cylinder 24 and the combination switch assembly 3 during the rotation and folding of the steering wheel 1, an avoidance notch 242 is opened at the lower part of the outer cylinder 24 corresponding to the contact switch 5. The pressing structure 4 is located at the lower edge of the middle part of the avoidance notch 242, which can press the trigger end of the contact switch 5 when the steering wheel 1 is folded down. The pressing structure 4 does not require an additional locking mechanism and continuously presses the contact switch 5 in the folded state of the steering wheel 1 and keeps it in the open state.

[0027] The pressing structure 4 is a bent plate-shaped structure that can be detachably connected to the outer cylinder 24. The middle part has a flat surface that fits against the upper end of the contact switch 5, and the surface of the flat surface is also vulcanized with a layer of wear-resistant rubber to reduce wear on the trigger end of the contact switch 5. The contact switch 5 is a normally closed micro switch. Under normal conditions, the contacts are closed to conduct the accelerator circuit. When pressed by external force, the contacts are open to cut off the accelerator circuit, avoiding accidental acceleration and further improving safety.

[0028] In this embodiment, the normally closed micro switch specifically adopts the 6376 or 6400 type parking brake switch. These two types are mature standard parts widely used in the indoor vehicle industry, and have good waterproof, dustproof and vibration resistance performance, which can adapt to the use environment of indoor vehicles.

[0029] Specifically, the combination switch assembly 3 is a standard component of the interior vehicle, including a dust cover 31 fixedly connected to the fixed steering column tube, and a turn signal control module and a horn control module integrated inside the dust cover 31. A lever is provided on the side of the dust cover 31 opposite to the steering column, controlling the turn signals and the horn by pressing the handle head of the lever. This combination switch assembly 3 is a conventional structure for interior vehicles, and its internal structure is not specifically shown in the attached drawings of this embodiment. The accelerator control unit also includes a contact switch control module electrically connected to the contact switch 5. The contact switch control module is located inside the dust cover 31, effectively preventing dust, moisture, and debris from intruding and improving the reliability of the electrical system. The contact switch 5 is also installed inside the dust cover 31, with its trigger end protruding upwards from the top surface of the dust cover 31 for easy triggering by the downward pressing structure 4.

[0030] It should be noted that, in order to prevent the entire weight of the steering wheel 1 from acting on the trigger end of the contact switch 5 for a long time when the steering wheel 1 is folded, this system is equipped with a load-bearing separation structure. This load-bearing separation structure is located on the outer cylinder 24, the pressing structure 4, or the steering wheel 1. When the steering wheel 1 is fully folded to the collapsing limit position, the load-bearing separation structure just abuts against the upper surface of the dust cover 31. The dust cover 31 bears most of the weight of the folded parts such as the steering wheel 1 and the outer cylinder 24. The contact switch 5 only bears the pressing force applied by the pressing structure 4 to keep its contacts open, so as to improve the durability and long-term reliability of the linkage switching structure.

[0031] For example, the load-bearing separation structure is set on both sides of the clearance notch 242 of the outer cylinder 24. When the pressing structure 4 on the outer cylinder 24 presses on the trigger end of the contact switch 5, the load-bearing separation structure just abuts against the upper surface of the dustproof cover 31 on both sides of the trigger end of the contact switch 5, thereby realizing the separation of trigger pressure and load.

[0032] This design utilizes the dust cover 31 of the original vehicle's standard combination switch assembly 3 as the mounting base for the contact switch 5. It eliminates the need for additional independent mounting brackets, reducing the number of parts, simplifying the assembly process, and lowering manufacturing costs. Simultaneously, all signal and electrical connection wires for the contact switch 5, turn signals, and horn are routed from the outer wall of the fixed steering column tube into the dust cover 31, or a wiring channel is provided inside the fixed steering column tube for these wires to pass through. This places the wires within the fixed combination switch area, preventing them from rotating with the steering column. This not only solves the fatigue fracture problem caused by repeated bending of signal wires in traditional telescopic steering columns but also improves operational convenience. It achieves a passive safety logic of power off when folded and power on when reset, requiring no additional driver intervention and preventing rollover accidents caused by forgetting to turn off the accelerator.

[0033] It should be noted that although the above focuses on the method of connecting contact switch 5 only to the accelerator circuit, this should not be interpreted as a limitation of this application. In alternative methods, contact switch 5 can also be connected in series to the turn signal circuit and / or the horn circuit at the same time. In this case, a multi-contact rotary branch selector switch is added to the output end of contact switch 5. The common terminal of the switch is connected in series with contact switch 5, and the output end is connected to the accelerator circuit, the turn signal circuit and the horn circuit respectively. The selection of different circuit interlocking combinations can be achieved by switching the contact combinations under different positions inside the switch. This scenario ideally features three positions: Middle position: Only the accelerator circuit is connected in series with contact switch 5; the turn signals and horn can still be used normally via the lever after the steering wheel 1 is folded. First rotation position: The accelerator circuit, turn signal circuit, and horn circuit are all connected in series with contact switch 5; when the steering wheel 1 is folded, contact switch 5 is disconnected, and all three circuits are simultaneously cut off. Second rotation position: The accelerator circuit and turn signal circuit are connected in series with contact switch 5; the horn circuit is independent of contact switch 5; when the steering wheel 1 is folded, the accelerator and turn signal circuits are cut off, but the horn can still be used. This provides convenience for different scenarios. The middle position is suitable for short-term parking for getting passengers on and off; the first rotation position is suitable for long-term parking or maintenance where the entire vehicle is silent; and the second rotation position is suitable for temporary parking at night where the horn is required for warning.

[0034] The outer cylinder 24 and the steering wheel 1 can be connected in one of the following two ways: one is an integral molding structure, which makes it easy to align the position of the pressing structure 4 and the contact switch 5 and reduces the assembly process; the other is a bolt detachable connection method, which is convenient for later disassembly and maintenance. In this embodiment, the first method is preferred.

[0035] The working process of this embodiment is divided into two stages: parking folding and driving reset. When the parking brake is folded down, after the vehicle has come to a complete stop, the driver pulls the handle on the push rod 27 upwards, causing the locking sleeve 25 to compress the return spring 26 and move upwards along the upper steering column 21 until it leaves the position of the hinge structure 23; then the driver flips the steering wheel 1 downwards to the folded position (see...). Figure 4 As the outer cylinder 24 folds synchronously with the steering wheel 1, it drives the downward pressing structure 4 to move downward. The downward pressing structure 4 presses the trigger end of the normally closed micro switch, causing the accelerator circuit to disconnect. At this time, the push rod 27 is released, and the return spring 26 pushes the locking sleeve 25 to return downward. Since the upper steering column 21 and the lower steering column 22 are in a non-axial state, the lower end face of the locking sleeve 25 abuts against the side wall of the lower steering column 22 to form a limit and cannot cover the hinge structure 23. The steering wheel 1 remains stably folded and tilted. In this state, the steering wheel 1 empties the front space of the cabin, and the driver can easily get in and out of the car. At the same time, the accelerator circuit has been cut off with the folding action, and no additional operation is required from the driver, thus avoiding the occurrence of accidental rolling accidents after parking.

[0036] When the vehicle is reset, the driver pulls the push rod 27 upward and flips the steering wheel 1 upward to the upright driving position. Then, the push rod 27 is released, and the reset spring 26 elastically resets and pushes the locking sleeve 25 to move axially to cover the hinge structure 23, so that the upper and lower steering columns form a rotating whole. At the same time, the pressing structure 4 moves upward with the outer cylinder 24 and disengages from the contact switch 5. The contact switch 5 rebounds under its own elastic force, so that the accelerator circuit is connected and the vehicle resumes normal driving function.

[0037] In summary, this embodiment achieves three major functions simultaneously—steering wheel folding and repositioning, automatic vehicle locking, and parking-linked power-off—through a single integrated structure, thus solving the technical shortcomings of existing interior vehicle steering systems that cannot simultaneously balance steering operation comfort, ease of getting in and out of the vehicle, and parking safety.

Claims

1. A folding system for the steering column of an interior vehicle with self-locking linkage on / off function, characterized in that, Includes a steering wheel (1), a steering column assembly (2), and an accelerator control unit; The steering column assembly (2) includes an upper steering column (21) and a lower steering column (22). The steering wheel (1) is located at the upper end of the upper steering column (21). The lower end of the upper steering column (21) is hinged to the lower steering column (22). The steering wheel (1) can rotate around the hinge point of the two steering columns and fold down. The accelerator control unit includes a contact switch (5) that is fixedly set according to the folding path of the steering wheel (1) and connected in series to the accelerator circuit. A pressing structure (4) is provided on one side of the upper steering column (21). The pressing structure (4) is configured to press the contact switch (5) to disconnect the accelerator circuit when the steering wheel (1) is folded down, and to disconnect the contact switch (5) to connect the accelerator circuit when the steering wheel (1) is reset upright.

2. The folding system for the steering column of an interior vehicle with self-locking linkage on / off as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a combination switch assembly (3) and a fixed directional column tube installed on the frame of the inner field vehicle; The lower part of the lower steering column (22) is rotatably located inside the fixed direction column tube. The combined switch assembly (3) includes a dustproof cover (31) located outside the fixed direction column tube. The contact switch (5) is electrically connected to a contact switch control module. Both the contact switch control module and the contact switch (5) are located inside the dustproof cover (31), and the trigger end of the contact switch (5) is set to protrude outward from the dustproof cover (31) corresponding to the pressing structure (4).

3. The folding system for the steering column of an interior vehicle with self-locking linkage on / off as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The two steering columns are hinged together by a hinge structure (23); The upper steering column (21) is fitted with an outer cylinder (24) on the outside. The upper end of the outer cylinder (24) is connected to the steering wheel (1). The upper steering column (21) on the inside is fitted with a return spring (26) and a locking sleeve (25). The outer cylinder (24) has an axial groove (241) on its wall. The locking sleeve (25) has a push rod (27) with its outer end extending out of the groove (241). The push rod (27) is configured to drive the locking sleeve (25) to compress the return spring (26) under the action of external force, and expose the hinge structure (23). The steering wheel (1) is configured to fold down when the hinge structure (23) is exposed, and the return spring (26) can elastically push the locking sleeve (25) to cover the hinge structure (23) when the steering wheel (1) is reset.

4. The folding system for the steering column of an interior vehicle with self-locking linkage on / off as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The outer cylinder (24) has an clearance notch (242) on the side where the contact switch (5) is located, and the pressing structure (4) is located at the lower edge of the clearance notch (242).

5. The folding system for the steering column of an interior vehicle with self-locking linkage on / off as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The return spring (26) is normally in a pre-compressed state, and the locking sleeve (25) simultaneously covers the lower end of the upper steering column (21) and the upper end of the lower steering column (22) by 1-5cm.

6. The interior vehicle steering column folding system with self-locking linkage on / off as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The hinge structure (23) includes a single ear seat (231) located at the lower end of the upper steering column (21) and a double ear seat (232) located at the upper end of the lower steering column (22). The double ear seat (232) and the single ear seat (231) are rotatably connected by a hinge pin (233).

7. The interior vehicle steering column folding system with self-locking linkage on / off as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The outer cylinder (24) is integrally formed with the steering wheel (1) or can be detachably connected by bolts.

8. The folding system for the steering column of an interior vehicle with self-locking linkage on / off as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The inner end of the push rod (27) is threadedly connected to the locking sleeve (25), the middle outer ring is axially slidingly fitted with the groove (241), and the outer end is provided with an outwardly protruding hand handle.

9. A folding system for the steering column of an interior vehicle with self-locking linkage on / off as described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The contact switch (5) is a normally closed micro switch. Under normal conditions, the contacts are closed to conduct the accelerator circuit, and when pressed by external force, the contacts are open to cut off the accelerator circuit.

10. A folding system for the steering column of an interior vehicle with self-locking linkage on / off as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The normally closed micro switch is a 6376 or 6400 type parking brake switch.

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