Steering column assembly and vehicle

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of steering column assemblies and vehicles, the present application relates to steering column technical field, steering column assembly, comprising: steering column body is connected between steering wheel and steering mechanism, multiple steering pipes are sequentially arranged along the axial direction of steering column body, two adjacent steering pipes are sleeved and matched, the number of steering pipe is M, M is positive integer, satisfy relationship formula: 3≤M, multiple crush energy-absorbing structures, multiple crush energy-absorbing structures are arranged along the axial direction of steering column body, crush energy-absorbing structure is arranged between two adjacent steering pipes, so that two adjacent steering pipes are fixedly assembled, crush energy-absorbing structure is configured to enable two adjacent steering pipes to move relatively along the axial direction of steering column body when reaching the preset crush load force, from the lower end to the upper end direction of steering column body, the crush load force of multiple crush energy-absorbing structures gradually decreases.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of steering column technology, and in particular to a steering column assembly and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Among related technologies, the most common energy-absorbing structures are single-stage crushable energy-absorbing structures or mesh crushable energy-absorbing structures. When the collision load exceeds a set threshold, the energy-absorbing structure crushes in one go to complete the energy absorption. When the collision energy is small, it may cause excessive crushing (unnecessary structural damage). When the collision energy is large, the energy absorption capacity is insufficient, the steering wheel moves too far back, and the risk of injury to the driver is increased. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, one object of the present invention is to provide a steering column assembly capable of graded crushing, thereby making the energy absorption process of the steering column assembly smoother and reducing acceleration injuries to the driver's chest and head.

[0004] The present invention further proposes a vehicle having the above-described body components.

[0005] A steering column assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: The steering column body is used to connect the steering wheel and the steering mechanism. The steering column body includes multiple steering tubes, which are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the steering column body. Adjacent steering tubes are fitted together. The number of steering tubes is M, where M is a positive integer, and satisfies the relationship: 3≤M. Multiple crushing energy-absorbing structures are arranged along the axial direction of the steering column body. A crushing energy-absorbing structure is provided between two adjacent steering tubes to fix the two adjacent steering tubes together. The crushing energy-absorbing structure is configured such that when the force reaches the preset crushing load, the two adjacent steering tubes can move relative to each other along the axial direction of the steering column body. From the lower end to the upper end of the steering column body, the crushing load of the multiple crushing energy-absorbing structures gradually decreases.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a steering column assembly is provided with multiple steering tubes and multiple crushing energy-absorbing structures. The multiple crushing energy-absorbing structures are arranged axially along the steering column body, with a crushing energy-absorbing structure between adjacent steering tubes to ensure their fixed assembly. The crushing energy-absorbing structures are configured such that when the force reaches a preset crushing load, the adjacent steering tubes can move relative to each other along the axial direction of the steering column body. Furthermore, the crushing load of the multiple crushing energy-absorbing structures gradually decreases from the lower end to the upper end of the steering column body. This enables graded crushing, making the energy absorption process of the steering column assembly smoother and avoiding the impact peak caused by the sudden crushing of a single-stage crushing energy-absorbing structure, thereby reducing acceleration injuries to the driver's chest and head. The design of decreasing crushing load ensures that the crushing energy-absorbing structures are triggered sequentially, preventing simultaneous crushing or subsequent stages from crushing first, ensuring the controllability and predictability of energy absorption. Moreover, it eliminates the need for sensors, controllers, etc., which helps reduce costs.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, any two adjacent steering tubes include an inner steering tube and an outer steering tube, the outer steering tube being sleeved on the inner steering tube, and the crushing energy absorption structure being annular and sleeved on the inner steering tube.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least one crushing energy-absorbing structure is integrally formed with the inner steering tube; and / or At least one crushing energy-absorbing structure is integrally formed with the outer steering tube.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least one crushing energy-absorbing structure and the inner steering tube are separate structures; and / or At least one crushing energy-absorbing structure and the outer steering tube are separate structures.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the outer sidewall of the inner steering tube facing the outer steering tube and the inner sidewall of the outer steering tube facing the inner steering tube is formed with a limiting groove that opens toward the crushing energy absorption structure, the crushing energy absorption structure extending into the limiting groove.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the crushing energy-absorbing structure is formed with a crushing groove that extends along the extension direction of the crushing energy-absorbing structure.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the spacing between any two adjacent crushing energy-absorbing structures in the plurality of crushing energy-absorbing structures is equal along the axial direction of the steering column body.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the crushing energy-absorbing structure is a metal component; or The crushing energy-absorbing structure is made of plastic.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, among the multiple crushing energy absorption structures, the crushing load force of the crushing energy absorption structure adjacent to the upper end of the steering column body is F, which satisfies the relationship: 5kN≤F≤6kN.

[0015] The vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the steering column assembly of the above embodiment.

[0016] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the steering column assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the steering column assembly after the crushing energy-absorbing structure of this embodiment of the invention has been crushed.

[0018] Figure label: Steering column assembly 100; Steering column body 10; steering pipe 11; inner steering pipe 111; outer steering pipe 112; Crushing energy-absorbing structure 20. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0020] The following is for reference. Figure 1 and Figure 2 A steering column assembly 100 and a vehicle are described according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a steering column assembly 100 includes: Steering column body 10 is used to connect between the steering wheel and the steering mechanism. Steering column body 10 includes multiple steering tubes 11. The multiple steering tubes 11 are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of steering column body 10, and adjacent two steering tubes 11 are fitted together. The number of steering tubes 11 is M, where M is a positive integer, and satisfies the relationship: 3≤M. Multiple crushing energy-absorbing structures 20 are arranged along the axial direction of the steering column body 10. A crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 is provided between two adjacent steering tubes 11 so that the two adjacent steering tubes 11 are fixedly assembled. The crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 is configured to allow the two adjacent steering tubes 11 to move relative to each other along the axial direction of the steering column body 10 when the force reaches the preset crushing load force. The crushing load force of the multiple crushing energy-absorbing structures 20 gradually decreases from the lower end to the upper end of the steering column body 10.

[0022] in, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The direction indicated by the middle arrow is the crushing direction, and the arrow points to the lower end of the steering column body 10. The steering column body 10 is used to connect the steering wheel and the steering mechanism to transmit torque and achieve wheel steering. The steering column body 10 includes multiple steering tubes 11. In some embodiments of the present invention, the steering column body 10 may include two, three, four, or other numbers of steering tubes 11, but the present invention is not limited to this. The steering column body 10 may also include other numbers of steering tubes 11, as long as the steering column body 10 includes multiple steering tubes 11.

[0023] The steering column assembly 100 includes a plurality of crushable energy-absorbing structures 20. In some embodiments of the present invention, the steering column assembly 100 may include two, three, four or other numbers of crushable energy-absorbing structures 20. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The steering column assembly 100 may also include other numbers of crushable energy-absorbing structures 20, as long as the steering column assembly 100 includes a plurality of crushable energy-absorbing structures 20.

[0024] Multiple steering tubes 11 are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the steering column body 10, with adjacent steering tubes 11 fitted together. The number of steering tubes 11 is M, where M is a positive integer satisfying the relationship: 3≤M. In some embodiments of the present invention, M can be 3, 4, 5, etc., but the present invention is not limited to these values. M can also be any other positive integer greater than 3, as long as M is a positive integer and the relationship: 3≤M is satisfied. The fact that the number of steering tubes 11 is greater than or equal to 3 ensures that there are at least two crushing energy-absorbing structures 20 along the axial direction of the steering column body 10, thus ensuring the graded pressure feedback of the steering column assembly 100.

[0025] Multiple crushable energy-absorbing structures 20 are arranged axially along the steering column body 10. A crushable energy-absorbing structure 20 is provided between two adjacent steering tubes 11 to fix the two adjacent steering tubes 11 together. Specifically, the crushable energy-absorbing structure 20 is sleeved on the outer peripheral wall of one of the two adjacent steering tubes 11, or the crushable energy-absorbing structure 20 has claws or clamps and is snapped onto the outer peripheral wall of one of the two adjacent steering tubes 11, or the outer peripheral wall of one of the two adjacent steering tubes 11 has a knurled structure and the crushable energy-absorbing structure 20 is an annular structure. The crushable energy-absorbing structure 20 is pressed into the other of the two adjacent steering tubes 11 and is fixed to the knurled structure of the outer peripheral wall of one of the two adjacent steering tubes 11 by static friction.

[0026] Furthermore, the crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 is interference-fitted with one of the two adjacent steering pipes 11, or the crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 is riveted to one of the two adjacent steering pipes 11. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As long as the crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 is provided between the two adjacent steering pipes 11, the two adjacent steering pipes 11 can be fixedly assembled.

[0027] like Figure 2 As shown, the crushing energy absorption structure 20 is configured such that when the force reaches the preset crushing load force, two adjacent steering tubes 11 can move relative to each other along the axial direction of the steering column body 10. From the lower end to the upper end of the steering column body 10 (referring to the direction from the steering mechanism to the steering wheel), the crushing load force of multiple crushing energy absorption structures 20 gradually decreases, which can achieve graded crushing. This makes the energy absorption process of the steering column assembly 100 smoother and avoids the impact peak caused by the sudden crushing of a single-stage crushing energy absorption structure 20, thereby reducing acceleration injuries to the driver's chest and head.

[0028] Specifically, when a vehicle collision occurs, specifically a frontal collision, the driver's inertia causes them to move forward, impacting the steering wheel. The steering wheel transmits the axial impact force to the steering column assembly 100. When the axial force of the steering column 11 reaches the crushing load of the crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 closest to the steering wheel, the crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 closest to the steering wheel deforms and crushes, absorbing some energy. If the collision energy is large, the axial force continues to increase and reaches the crushing load of the crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 adjacent to the one closest to the steering wheel. The crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 crushes, further absorbing energy. This process continues, with multiple crushing energy-absorbing structures 20 crushing sequentially to achieve graded energy absorption. Small collisions trigger only the first stage, while large collisions trigger two or even all stages. The preset crushing load of the multiple crushing energy-absorbing structures 20 automatically matches the collision energy, enabling graded crushing. This makes the energy absorption process of the steering column assembly 100 smoother, avoiding the impact peak caused by the sudden crushing of a single-stage crushing energy-absorbing structure 20, thereby reducing acceleration injuries to the driver's chest and head. Furthermore, the design of decreasing crushing loads ensures that the crushing energy-absorbing structures 20 are triggered sequentially, preventing simultaneous crushing or subsequent stages from crushing first. This ensures the controllability and predictability of energy absorption and eliminates the need for sensors and controllers, thus reducing costs.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the steering column assembly 100 includes multiple steering tubes 11 and multiple crushing energy-absorbing structures 20. The multiple crushing energy-absorbing structures 20 are arranged axially along the steering column body 10, with a crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 positioned between adjacent steering tubes 11 to ensure their fixed assembly. The crushing energy-absorbing structures 20 are configured to allow relative movement between adjacent steering tubes 11 along the axial direction of the steering column body 10 when subjected to a preset crushing load. Furthermore, the crushing load of the multiple crushing energy-absorbing structures 20 gradually decreases from the lower end to the upper end of the steering column body 10. This allows for graded crushing, making the energy absorption process of the steering column assembly 100 smoother and avoiding the impact peak caused by the sudden crushing of a single-stage crushing energy-absorbing structure 20, thereby reducing acceleration injuries to the driver's chest and head. Furthermore, the design of decreasing crush load ensures that the crushing energy absorption structure 20 is triggered sequentially, preventing simultaneous crushing or subsequent crushing before the next stage, thus ensuring the controllability and predictability of energy absorption. It also eliminates the need for sensors, controllers, etc., which helps reduce costs.

[0030] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, any two adjacent steering pipes 11 include: an inner steering pipe 111 and an outer steering pipe 112. The outer steering pipe 112 is sleeved on the inner steering pipe 111, and the crushing energy absorption structure 20 is annular and sleeved on the inner steering pipe 111.

[0031] The outer diameter of the crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 can be larger than the inner diameter of the outer steering pipe 112. The crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 can be an annular sleeve structure. The crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 is sleeved on the inner steering pipe 111, and the crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 and the outer steering pipe 112 are interference-fitted, so that there is no relative movement between the crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 and the inner steering pipe 111 and the outer steering pipe 112. Figure 2 As shown, when a vehicle collides, the inner steering tube 111 is subjected to axial force, and the crushing energy absorption structure 20 is subjected to crushing deformation when the force reaches the preset crushing load force. This causes the inner steering tube 111 to move relative to the outer steering tube 112, allowing the steering wheel to move down to reduce the risk of the driver's chest and head being squeezed and impacted by the steering wheel.

[0032] According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least one crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 is integrally formed with the inner steering tube 111; and / or At least one crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 is integrally formed with the outer steering tube 112.

[0033] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 is integrally formed with the inner steering tube 111.

[0034] Alternatively, as an embodiment of the present invention, at least one crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 is integrally formed with the outer steering tube 112.

[0035] Alternatively, as an embodiment of the present invention, at least one crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 is integrally formed with the inner steering tube 111, and at least one crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 is integrally formed with the outer steering tube 112.

[0036] At least one crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 is integrally formed with the inner steering tube 111. In some embodiments of the present invention, one, two, three, or other equal numbers of crushing energy-absorbing structures 20 may be integrally formed with the inner steering tube 111. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other numbers of crushing energy-absorbing structures 20 may also be integrally formed with the inner steering tube 111, as long as at least one crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 is integrally formed with the inner steering tube 111. Integrating the crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 with the inner steering tube 111 helps to reduce the volume of the crushing energy-absorbing structure 20, thereby saving assembly space, and also helps to reduce the outer diameter of the outer steering tube 112.

[0037] At least one crushable energy-absorbing structure 20 is integrally formed with the outer steering tube 112. In some embodiments of the present invention, one, two, three, or other numbers of crushable energy-absorbing structures 20 and the outer steering tube 112 may be integrally formed, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other numbers of crushable energy-absorbing structures 20 and the outer steering tube 112 may also be integrally formed, as long as at least one crushable energy-absorbing structure 20 and the outer steering tube 112 are integrally formed. The integral formation of the crushable energy-absorbing structure 20 and the outer steering tube 112 can eliminate the connection gap or relative movement between the crushable energy-absorbing structure 20 and the outer steering tube 112. When transmitting steering torque normally, there will be no abnormal noise or steering play due to looseness between the two, and the assembly steps are also simplified.

[0038] At least one crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 is integrally formed with the inner steering tube 111, and at least one crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 is integrally formed with the outer steering tube 112. This simplifies the assembly steps of the crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 and the steering column assembly 100, improves the connection reliability of the crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 and the steering column assembly 100, and also enables precise control of the crushing force of the crushing energy-absorbing structure 20.

[0039] According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least one crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 and the inner steering tube 111 are separate structures; and / or At least one crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 and the outer steering pipe 112 are separate structures.

[0040] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 and the inner steering tube 111 are separate structures.

[0041] Alternatively, as an embodiment of the present invention, at least one crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 and the outer steering pipe 112 are separate structures.

[0042] Alternatively, as an embodiment of the present invention, at least one crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 and the inner steering pipe 111 are separate structures, and at least one crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 and the outer steering pipe 112 are separate structures.

[0043] At least one crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 and the inner steering pipe 111 are separate structures. In some embodiments of the present invention, there may be one, two, three, or other numbers of crushing energy-absorbing structures 20 and inner steering pipes 111 that are separate structures. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other numbers of crushing energy-absorbing structures 20 and inner steering pipes 111 may also be separate structures, as long as at least one crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 and inner steering pipe 111 are separate structures. Separate structures of the crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 and inner steering pipe 111 facilitate the use of composite materials, and separate manufacturing is simple and flexible, which helps reduce manufacturing costs and facilitates later maintenance.

[0044] At least one crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 and the outer steering pipe 112 are separate structures. In some embodiments of the present invention, there may be one, two, three, or other equal numbers of crushing energy-absorbing structures 20 and the inner steering pipe 112 as separate structures. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other numbers of crushing energy-absorbing structures 20 and the outer steering pipe 112 may also be separate structures, as long as at least one crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 and the outer steering pipe 112 are separate structures. Separate structures of the crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 and the outer steering pipe 112 facilitate the use of composite materials, and separate manufacturing is simple and flexible, which helps reduce manufacturing costs and facilitates later maintenance.

[0045] At least one crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 and the inner steering pipe 111 are separate structures, and at least one crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 and the outer steering pipe 112 are separate structures. This facilitates the use of composite materials, and the separate manufacturing is simple and flexible, which helps to reduce manufacturing costs and facilitates later maintenance.

[0046] According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the outer sidewall of the inner steering tube 111 facing the outer steering tube 112 and the inner sidewall of the outer steering tube 112 facing the inner steering tube 111 is formed with a limiting groove that opens toward the crushing energy absorption structure 20, the crushing energy absorption structure 20 extending into the limiting groove.

[0047] In this invention, at least one of the outer wall of the inner steering tube 111 facing the outer steering tube 112 and the inner wall of the outer steering tube 112 facing the inner steering tube 111 forms a limiting groove that opens toward the crushing energy-absorbing structure 20. In some embodiments of the invention, the outer wall of the inner steering tube 111 facing the outer steering tube 112 forms a limiting groove that opens toward the crushing energy-absorbing structure 20; or the outer wall of the outer steering tube 112 facing the inner steering tube 111 forms a limiting groove that opens toward the crushing energy-absorbing structure 20; or both the outer wall of the inner steering tube 111 facing the outer steering tube 112 and the inner wall of the outer steering tube 112 facing the inner steering tube 111 form limiting grooves that open toward the crushing energy-absorbing structure 20. The appropriate selection and configuration can be made according to the actual situation.

[0048] By setting a limiting groove, the crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 extends into the limiting groove, which can reduce the pressing accuracy, facilitate assembly, and help reduce the manufacturing accuracy of the inner steering tube 111 or the outer steering tube 112, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. Furthermore, during the collapse process, the limiting groove can be combined with the destruction of the crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 to form clear force level control.

[0049] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the crushing energy absorption structure 20 is formed with a crushing groove that extends along the extending direction of the crushing energy absorption structure 20.

[0050] The outer peripheral wall of the crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 can be formed with a crushing groove. The crushing groove extends along the extension direction of the crushing energy-absorbing structure 20. The presence of the crushing groove locally weakens the radial stiffness of the crushing energy-absorbing structure 20. When the axial force is transmitted to the crushing energy-absorbing structure 20, the crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 will first undergo pre-deformation or local collapse along the position of the crushing groove, so that the contact pressure between the crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 and the inner wall of the outer steering tube 112 is established more smoothly, thereby reducing the initial peak force, reducing the impact, making the crushing force curve smoother and more predictable, and reducing the damage to the inner steering tube 111 and the outer steering tube 112.

[0051] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, along the axial direction of the steering column body 10, the spacing between any two adjacent crushing energy absorption structures 20 is equal.

[0052] Among them, the spacing between any two adjacent crushing energy absorption structures 20 is equal, which allows the decay period and rise period of the crushing force value of the two adjacent crushing energy absorption structures 20 to overlap, thereby obtaining a more constant resistance in the entire crushing formation, achieving a smoother crushing force curve, more uniform load on the driver's chest, avoiding the uneven feeling of "impact-relaxation-re-impact", and improving the collision protection effect.

[0053] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 is a metal component; or The crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 is made of plastic.

[0054] The crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 is made of metal, such as brass, bronze, spring steel, low-carbon steel (surface treated), or aluminum alloy, and can be selected and configured appropriately according to actual conditions. The consistent and stable crushing force of the metal components helps improve the crushing stability of the crushing energy-absorbing structure 20. It also exhibits good high-temperature resistance and wear resistance, which helps extend the service life of the crushing energy-absorbing structure 20. Furthermore, it is recyclable, which is beneficial to environmental protection.

[0055] The crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 is made of plastic components, such as PA66 (Nylon 66), PA66+GF (30%~50% glass fiber reinforced), POM (polyoxymethylene), PPE (polyphenylene oxide), etc., which can be reasonably selected and set according to the actual situation. The lightweight of plastic components is conducive to the lightweight design of vehicles, with low material costs, high design freedom, and the ability to reduce manufacturing costs.

[0056] According to some embodiments of the present invention, among the plurality of crushing energy absorption structures 20, the crushing load force of the crushing energy absorption structure 20 adjacent to the upper end of the steering column body 10 is F, which satisfies the relationship: 5kN≤F≤6kN.

[0057] Among the multiple crushing energy-absorbing structures 20, the crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 adjacent to the upper end of the steering column body 10 is the crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 closest to the steering wheel. The crushing load force of the crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 adjacent to the upper end of the steering column body 10 is F, which satisfies the relationship: 5kN≤F≤6kN. For example, F can be 5kN, 5.1kN, 5.2kN, 5.5kN, 6kN, etc., but the present invention is not limited to this. F can also be other values ​​between 5kN and 6kN, as long as the crushing load force of the crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 adjacent to the upper end of the steering column body 10 is F, which satisfies the relationship: 5kN≤F≤6kN.

[0058] By setting the crushing load F of the crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 closest to the steering wheel at 5kN-6kN, a moderate force is achieved, ensuring that the steering column assembly 100 will not collapse upon impact. This provides sufficient resistance to counteract the driver's forward inertia without causing secondary injury due to excessive resistance. If the load is too low, the steering column assembly 100 will collapse instantly upon impact, failing to absorb kinetic energy and potentially causing the steering wheel to tilt to one side due to uncontrolled collapse, thus losing its supporting and protective function for the driver. This design ensures that the steering wheel has sufficient rigidity to support the driver and facilitate airbag deployment during a collision, while also steadily absorbing impact energy, minimizing the risk of chest injury to the driver in real-world accidents.

[0059] Furthermore, as a specific embodiment of the present invention, three crushing energy absorption structures 20 are provided along the extension direction of the steering column body 10. From the upper end to the lower end of the steering column body 10, the crushing load force of the first crushing energy absorption structure 20 (the crushing energy absorption structure 20 adjacent to the upper end of the steering column body 10) is F, which satisfies the relationship: 5kN≤F≤6kN.

[0060] The crushing load of the second crushing energy absorption structure 20 is F2, which satisfies the relationship: 8kN≤F2≤9kN.

[0061] The crushing load of the third crushing energy absorption structure 20 is F3, which satisfies the relationship: 12kN≤F3≤13kN.

[0062] This design enables graded crushing, resulting in a smoother energy absorption process for the steering column assembly 100. It avoids the impact peak caused by the sudden collapse of the single-stage crushing energy absorption structure 20, thereby reducing acceleration injuries to the driver's chest and head. Furthermore, the design of decreasing crush load ensures that the crushing energy absorption structures 20 are triggered sequentially, preventing simultaneous or subsequent stages from crushing first. This ensures the controllability and predictability of energy absorption and eliminates the need for sensors and controllers, thus reducing costs.

[0063] The vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the steering column assembly 100 of the above embodiment. It comprises multiple steering tubes 11 and multiple crushing energy-absorbing structures 20. The multiple crushing energy-absorbing structures 20 are arranged axially along the steering column body 10, with a crushing energy-absorbing structure 20 positioned between adjacent steering tubes 11 to ensure fixed assembly. The crushing energy-absorbing structures 20 are configured to allow relative movement between adjacent steering tubes 11 along the axial direction of the steering column body 10 when subjected to a preset crushing load. Furthermore, the crushing load of the multiple crushing energy-absorbing structures 20 gradually decreases from the lower end to the upper end of the steering column body 10. This enables graded crushing, making the energy absorption process of the steering column assembly 100 smoother and avoiding the impact peak caused by the sudden crushing of a single-stage crushing energy-absorbing structure 20, thereby reducing acceleration injuries to the driver's chest and head. Furthermore, the design of decreasing crush load ensures that the crushing energy absorption structure 20 is triggered sequentially, preventing simultaneous crushing or subsequent crushing before the next stage, thus ensuring the controllability and predictability of energy absorption. It also eliminates the need for sensors, controllers, etc., which helps reduce costs.

[0064] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0065] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A steering column assembly, characterized in that, include: The steering column body is used to connect the steering wheel and the steering mechanism. The steering column body includes multiple steering tubes, which are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the steering column body. Adjacent steering tubes are fitted together. The number of steering tubes is M, where M is a positive integer, and satisfies the relationship: 3≤M. Multiple crushing energy-absorbing structures are arranged axially along the steering column body. The crushing energy-absorbing structures are provided between two adjacent steering tubes to fix the two adjacent steering tubes together. The crushing energy-absorbing structures are configured such that when the force reaches the preset crushing load, the two adjacent steering tubes can move relative to each other along the axial direction of the steering column body. Moreover, the crushing load of the multiple crushing energy-absorbing structures gradually decreases from the lower end to the upper end of the steering column body.

2. The steering column assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, Any two adjacent steering tubes include an inner steering tube and an outer steering tube, the outer steering tube being sleeved on the inner steering tube, and the crushing energy absorption structure being annular and sleeved on the inner steering tube.

3. The steering column assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least one of the crushing energy-absorbing structures is integrally formed with the inner steering tube; and / or At least one of the aforementioned crushing energy-absorbing structures is integrally formed with the outer steering tube.

4. The steering column assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least one of the crushing energy-absorbing structures and the inner steering tube are separate structures; and / or At least one of the crushing energy-absorbing structures and the outer steering tube are separate structures.

5. The steering column assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least one of the outer sidewall of the inner steering tube facing the outer steering tube and the inner sidewall of the outer steering tube facing the inner steering tube is formed with a limiting groove that opens toward the crushing energy-absorbing structure, and the crushing energy-absorbing structure extends into the limiting groove.

6. The steering column assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The crushing energy-absorbing structure has a crushing groove that extends along the extension direction of the crushing energy-absorbing structure.

7. The steering column assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the axial direction of the steering column body, the spacing between any two adjacent crushing energy-absorbing structures among the plurality of crushing energy-absorbing structures is equal.

8. The steering column assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The crushing energy-absorbing structure is a metal component; or The crushing energy-absorbing structure is made of plastic.

9. The steering column assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, Among the multiple crushing energy-absorbing structures, the crushing load force of the crushing energy-absorbing structure adjacent to the upper end of the steering column body is F, which satisfies the relationship: 5kN≤F≤6kN.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the steering column assembly according to any one of claims 1-9.

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