Steering column

Abstract

The utility model provides a steering column, which belongs to the technical field of vehicle steering systems and comprises a lower protective tube, an upper protective tube, a bushing and a gap adjusting structure, the upper protective tube is sleeved at one end of the lower protective tube, the upper protective tube is provided with a T-shaped opening, the bushing is mounted between the upper protective tube and the lower protective tube, one end of the gap adjusting structure is connected to the inner surface of the bushing, and the other end of the gap adjusting structure is provided with a T-shaped opening. And the other end is in clearance fit with the lower protective tube and is used for adjusting the clearance between the bushing and the lower protective tube. According to the utility model, the gap between the bushing and the lower protective tube can be controlled, and the lower protective tube and the bushing can be clamped through the deformation of the upper protective tube, so that the reliability of the steering column is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of vehicle steering systems, in particular to a steering column. Background Art

[0002] At present, it is difficult to achieve a balance between low adjustment force and high strength and reliability of the upper and lower protective tube assemblies in steering columns with protective tube axial adjustment function. A non-metallic transition bushing is usually provided between the upper and lower protective tubes. The inner and outer cylindrical surfaces of the bushing are both smooth cylindrical surfaces, which are matched and contacted with the outer protective tube and the lower protective tube respectively. The bushing is fixed on the outer protective tube.

[0003] Under this structure, if the adjustment force design is reduced, the gap between the bushing and the lower guard tube needs to be appropriately increased. It is usually designed to be >0.2mm. This may cause the gap between the upper and lower guard tubes of the steering column to increase after a durable road test or long-term use, and then produce abnormal impact noise. That is, the reliability is low. On the contrary, if the gap between the bushing and the lower guard tube is reduced, the friction resistance is large due to the large contact area between the inner surface of the bushing and the lower guard tube, which increases the axial adjustment force of the column and does not meet the user's use requirements. Therefore, it is difficult to achieve balance. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to achieve the purpose of the utility model, the utility model adopts the following technical solutions:

[0005] According to one aspect of the utility model, a steering column is provided. The steering column comprises:

[0006] Lower protective pipe;

[0007] An upper protective tube, sleeved on one end of the lower protective tube, the upper protective tube having a T-shaped opening;

[0008] A bushing is installed between the upper protective tube and the lower protective tube,

[0009] The gap adjustment structure has one end connected to the inner surface of the bushing and the other end matched with the lower protective tube gap, and is used to adjust the gap between the bushing and the lower protective tube.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the utility model, the gap adjustment structure includes a plurality of ribs, the inner side surfaces of the ribs are in an arc shape convex outward, the plurality of ribs are evenly distributed along the inner surface of the bushing, and each of the ribs extends along the axial direction of the bushing.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present utility model, the length of the rib is equal to the height of the bushing, the width of the rib is less than 5 mm, and the thickness of the rib is less than 1 mm.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the utility model, the outer peripheral surface of the bushing is a smooth curved surface, and the bushing is provided with a first opening along the axial direction.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the utility model, the T-shaped opening is located below the upper protective tube, and the T-shaped opening includes a first opening section arranged along the circumference of the upper protective tube and a second opening section arranged along the axial direction of the upper protective tube, and the second opening section extends upward from the bottom of the upper protective tube and connects to the first opening section.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the width of the second opening section is less than 5 mm.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the utility model, the steering column further comprises:

[0016] A mounting bracket connected to the upper protective tube near the T-shaped opening;

[0017] A clamping assembly, connected to the mounting bracket, for clamping the upper protective tube;

[0018] An adjusting handle is connected to the clamping assembly, and the clamping degree of the clamping assembly on the mounting bracket is controlled by the adjusting handle.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present utility model, the mounting bracket includes:

[0020] A mounting seat, located on a side of the upper protective tube away from the T-shaped opening;

[0021] Two mounting plates are respectively connected to two sides of the mounting seat, the two mounting plates and the mounting seat are surrounded to form a U-shaped groove, and the U-shaped groove is sleeved outside the upper protective tube;

[0022] A U-shaped plate, located inside the U-shaped groove, the open end of the U-shaped plate is fixed to the two sides of the T-shaped opening, the two sides of the U-shaped plate are respectively abutted against the groove wall of the U-shaped groove, and the middle part of the U-shaped plate has a second opening arranged along the axial direction;

[0023] Wherein, the clamping assembly connects the U-shaped groove and the U-shaped plate.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present utility model, the clamping assembly comprises:

[0025] A screw rod, wherein the U-shaped groove and the U-shaped plate are respectively provided with through holes corresponding to the screw rod, and the screw rod is connected with a nut after passing through the through holes, so that the screw rod is installed in the U-shaped groove and the U-shaped plate;

[0026] A first cam is sleeved on a side of the screw rod away from the nut and connected to the adjustment handle;

[0027] A second cam is sleeved on the screw rod and connected to the first cam and the mounting plate;

[0028] The adjusting handle realizes the clamping and loosening of the U-shaped groove and the U-shaped plate through the relative movement of the first cam and the second cam.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the utility model, the mounting seat is further connected to an elastic member.

[0030] An embodiment of the present invention has the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0031] The utility model arranges the gap adjustment structure on the bushing so that the gap between the bushing and the lower protective tube is controllable, solves the problem caused by too large or too small gap in the prior art, and improves the strength of the steering column assembly.

[0032] By arranging the T-shaped opening on the upper protective tube, the upper protective tube is deformed and then clamps the lower protective tube and the bushing, thereby improving the reliability of the steering column. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail example embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings.

[0034] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a steering column shown according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0035] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a bushing according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0036] Figure 3 is a top view of a bushing shown according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0037] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an upper protective tube according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0038] The reference numerals are described as follows:

[0039] 1. upper protective tube; 11. T-shaped opening; 111. first opening section; 112. second opening section;

[0040] 2. Bushing; 21. First opening;

[0041] 3. Gap adjustment structure; 31. Ribs;

[0042] 4. Mounting bracket; 41. Mounting seat; 42. Mounting plate; 43. U-shaped plate; 431. Second opening;

[0043] 5. Clamping assembly; 50. Nut; 51. Screw; 52. First cam; 53. Second cam;

[0044] 6. Adjust the handle;

[0045] 7. Elastic parts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, example embodiments can be implemented in a variety of forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present invention will be comprehensive and complete and fully convey the concepts of the example embodiments to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals in the figures represent the same or similar structures, and thus their detailed description will be omitted.

[0047] The terms "a", "an", "the", "" are used to indicate the presence of one or more elements / components / etc.; the terms "including" and "having" are used to express an open-ended inclusive meaning and mean that additional elements / components / etc. may be present in addition to the listed elements / components / etc.

[0048] A steering column according to an embodiment of the utility model, such as Figure 1-4 The steering column shown includes a lower protective tube, an upper protective tube 1, a bushing 2 and a gap adjustment structure 3. The upper protective tube 1 is sleeved on one end of the lower protective tube, and the bushing 2 is installed between the upper protective tube 1 and the lower protective tube. One end of the gap adjustment structure 3 is connected to the inner surface of the bushing 2, and the other end is matched with the gap of the lower protective tube, which is used to adjust the gap between the bushing 2 and the lower protective tube. The upper protective tube 1 has a T-shaped opening 11. The inner side of the bushing 2 is matched with the lower protective tube, and the outer side of the bushing 2 is matched with the upper protective tube 1, which plays a role in transitioning the two parts to avoid the collision between the two parts and generating abnormal noise, and also plays a supporting role. The inner side of the bushing 2 of the present application can be designed as a cylindrical surface. By setting the gap adjustment structure 3 on the inner side of the bushing 2, the gap adjustment structure 3 is located between the bushing 2 and the lower protective tube. In this way, the gap between the bushing 2 and the lower protective tube can be controlled within a preset range through the gap adjustment structure 3, and the gap can also be reduced to a sufficiently small size to improve the strength of the steering column, while solving the contradiction of large adjustment force caused by small gap. This design can improve the strength of the steering column. After the endurance test or long-term use, the clearance of the steering column remains at a small value, effectively avoiding the impact noise caused by it. In addition, the upper protective tube 1 is designed with an opening structure, which can make the upper protective tube 1 slightly deformed and then clamp the lower protective tube and the bushing 2, thereby improving the reliability of the steering column.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2-3 As shown, the gap adjustment structure 3 includes a plurality of ribs 31, and the plurality of ribs 31 are evenly distributed on the inner surface of the bushing 2, and each rib 31 extends along the axial direction of the bushing 2. The plurality of ribs 31 extend along the axial direction of the bushing 2 and are arranged at equal intervals, and the inner side surface of the ribs 31 is in an arc shape convex outward, so that the inner side surface of the ribs 31 matches the outer surface of the lower protective tube, wherein the assembly gap between the ribs 31 and the lower protective tube is 0-0.05mm. The plurality of ribs 31 of the present application and the bushing 2 are integrally formed by injection molding, which can not only improve the mechanical strength of the bushing 2, but also better adjust the friction force when the bushing 2 and the lower protective tube move relative to each other, so as to meet the requirements of the collapse force. It is recommended that the number of ribs 31 is less than 8, and they are evenly distributed circumferentially. Of course, the number of ribs 31 can be appropriately increased or decreased according to the adjustment force.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2-3 As shown, the length of the rib 31 is equal to the height of the bushing 2, the width of the rib 31 is less than 5 mm, and the thickness of the rib 31 is less than 1 mm. The thickness is to adjust the height of the rib 31 protruding toward the inner side of the bushing 2, which is used to change the friction force when the bushing 2 and the lower protective tube move relative to each other. The greater the thickness of the rib 31, the greater the friction force between the bushing 2 and the lower protective tube. The length of the rib 31 of the present application is equal to the height of the bushing 2, the width of the rib 31 determines the contact area between the bushing 2 and the lower protective tube, and the rib 31 passes through the bushing 2 axially, which can ensure a smaller adjustment resistance.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2-3 As shown, the outer peripheral surface of the bushing 2 is a smooth curved surface, and the bushing 2 is provided with a first opening 21 along the axial direction. The outer peripheral surface of the bushing 2 is a smooth curved surface, which can reduce the friction with the upper protective tube 1 and facilitate the assembly of the upper protective tube 1; the first opening 21 allows the bushing 2 to have sufficient deformation space for the rubber during assembly, has a good shock absorption effect, and can also eliminate the impact on the system through a certain degree of deformation absorption, thereby improving the comfort of the entire vehicle.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 , 4As shown, the T-shaped opening 11 is located below the upper protective tube 1. The T-shaped opening 11 includes a first opening section 111 arranged along the circumference of the upper protective tube 1 and a second opening section 112 arranged along the axial direction of the upper protective tube 1. The second opening section 112 extends upward from the bottom of the upper protective tube 1 and connects to the first opening section 111. That is, the first opening section 111 is located above the second opening section 112, one end of the second opening section 112 is connected to the first opening section 111, and the other end extends downward to the bottom of the upper protective tube 1. The T-shaped opening 11 can appropriately reduce the rigidity of the protective tube while meeting the strength. When the adjustment handle 6 is locked, the locking force is transmitted to the protective tubes on both sides of the opening through the mounting bracket 4, clamping the protective tubes on both sides, and then clamping the bushing 2 and the lower protective tube, effectively improving the strength of the steering column. The two ends of the first opening section 111 are respectively arc-shaped, which is convenient for reducing stress during deformation.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 , 4 As shown, the width of the second opening section 112 is less than 5 mm. The width of the first opening section 111 in the axial direction is less than 5 mm. By controlling the shape and size of the T-shaped opening 11, the strength of the steering column can be improved, and the performance will not be deteriorated when it withstands a large impact, and no abnormal noise will be generated. The axial adjustment force of the column will not increase, which is convenient for users to use.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 The steering column shown also includes a mounting bracket 4, a clamping assembly 5 and an adjusting handle 6. The mounting bracket 4 is connected to the upper protective tube 1 near the T-shaped opening 11. The clamping assembly 5 is connected to the mounting bracket 4 for clamping the upper protective tube 1. The adjusting handle 6 is connected to the clamping assembly 5. The clamping degree of the clamping assembly 5 on the mounting bracket 4 is controlled by the adjusting handle 6. The above scheme can improve the strength of the steering column. After the endurance test or long-term use, the clearance of the steering column is still kept at a small value, effectively avoiding the impact noise caused by it.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1The mounting bracket 4 shown includes a mounting seat 41, two mounting plates 42, and a U-shaped plate 43. The mounting seat 41 is located on the side of the upper protective tube 1 away from the T-shaped opening 11. The two mounting plates 42 are respectively connected to the two sides of the mounting seat 41. The two mounting plates 42 and the mounting seat 41 are surrounded to form a U-shaped groove, and the U-shaped groove is sleeved outside the upper protective tube 1. The open ends of the U-shaped plate 43 are fixed to the two sides of the T-shaped opening 11. The U-shaped plate 43 is located on the inner side of the U-shaped groove. The two sides of the U-shaped plate 43 are respectively abutted against the groove wall of the U-shaped groove. The middle part of the U-shaped plate 43 has a second opening 431 arranged along the axial direction. The clamping assembly 5 connects the U-shaped groove and the U-shaped plate 43. The mounting bracket 4 is connected to the upper protective tube 1 through the mounting plate 42 and the U-shaped plate 43. The second opening 431 arranged along the axial direction in the middle part of the U-shaped plate 43 undergoes a certain deformation with the upper protective tube 1 under the action of the clamping assembly 5, so that the upper protective tube can undergo a certain deformation, thereby improving the reliability of the steering column.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 The clamping assembly 5 shown includes a nut 50, a screw 51, a first cam 52, and a second cam 53. The U-shaped groove and the U-shaped plate 43 are respectively provided with through holes corresponding to the screw 51. The screw 51 passes through the through holes and is connected to the nut 50, so that the screw 51 is installed in the U-shaped groove and the U-shaped plate 43. The first cam 52 is sleeved on the side of the screw 51 away from the nut 50 and is connected to the adjustment handle 6; the second cam 53 is sleeved on the screw 51, and the second cam 53 is connected to the first cam 52 and the mounting plate 42; wherein the adjustment handle 6 realizes the clamping and loosening of the U-shaped groove and the U-shaped plate 43 through the relative movement of the first cam 52 and the second cam 53. Under the action of the adjustment handle 6, the clamping assembly 5 can clamp the mounting bracket 4 and the T-shaped opening 11 and cause a certain deformation of the upper protective tube 1, so that the upper protective tube 1 is slightly deformed and then clamps the lower protective tube and the bushing 2, thereby improving the reliability of the steering column. In addition, the clamping assembly 5 may also be provided with other locking members, or may be other structures, as long as it can clamp the upper protective tube 1 and cause a certain deformation, and the present application does not make any limitation thereto.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 The mounting seat 41 is also connected to an elastic member 7. The elastic member 7 is in a "J" shape, with its left and right ends respectively bent backwards and connected to the left and right sides of the mounting seat 41, and the middle part is located between the screw rod 51 and the U-shaped plate 43. The elastic member 7 can abut against the screw rod 51 to prevent the steering column from sliding down due to gravity during the adjustment process.

[0058] In addition, the solution of this application has been tested and verified in many aspects. For example, a comparison under harsh road conditions in a factory in India found that the old solution would produce abnormal noise caused by the impact of the column guard tube after only 500 cycles, while the solution of this application can pass 1200 cycles of road test, and the quality is still reliable without abnormal noise. The modified new solution also meets the adjustment force requirements and meets the use requirements after verification by SGMW and MGI. Therefore, this application can improve the strength of the steering column, and the clearance of the steering column assembly will remain at a small value after durability testing or long-term use, effectively avoiding the impact noise caused by it.

[0059] In the embodiments of the present invention, the term "multiple" refers to two or more than two, unless otherwise clearly defined. The terms "installation", "connection", "fixation" and the like should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integrated connection. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present invention can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0060] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it is necessary to understand that the terms "upper" and "lower" etc. indicate directions or positional relationships based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or unit referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it cannot be understood as a limitation on the embodiments of the present invention.

[0061] In the description of this specification, the description of the terms "one embodiment", "a preferred embodiment", etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiment of the utility model. In this specification, the schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. The above are only preferred embodiments of the embodiment of the utility model and are not intended to limit the embodiment of the utility model. For those skilled in the art, the embodiment of the utility model may have various changes and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the embodiment of the utility model should be included in the scope of protection of the embodiment of the utility model.

Claims

1. A steering column, characterized in that: include: Lower protective pipe; An upper protective tube (1) is sleeved on one end of the lower protective tube, and the upper protective tube (1) has a T-shaped opening (11); A bushing (2) is installed between the upper protective tube (1) and the lower protective tube. A gap adjustment structure (3) has one end connected to the inner surface of the bushing (2) and the other end matched with the lower protective tube gap, and is used to adjust the gap between the bushing (2) and the lower protective tube.

2. The steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gap adjustment structure (3) comprises a plurality of ribs (31), the inner side surface of the ribs (31) being in an arc shape protruding outwards, the plurality of ribs (31) being evenly distributed along the inner surface of the bushing (2), and each of the ribs (31) extending along the axial direction of the bushing (2).

3. A steering column according to claim 2, characterized in that: The length of the rib (31) is equal to the height of the bushing (2), the width of the rib (31) is less than 5 mm, and the thickness of the rib (31) is less than 1 mm.

4. The steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer peripheral surface of the bushing (2) is a smooth curved surface, and the bushing (2) is provided with a first opening (21) along the axial direction.

5. The steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that: The T-shaped opening (11) is located below the upper protective tube (1), and the T-shaped opening (11) comprises a first opening section (111) arranged along the circumference of the upper protective tube (1) and a second opening section (112) arranged along the axial direction of the upper protective tube (1), wherein the second opening section (112) extends upward from the bottom of the upper protective tube (1) and is connected to the first opening section (111).

6. The steering column according to claim 5, characterized in that: The width of the second opening section (112) is less than 5 mm.

7. The steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: A mounting bracket (4) connected to the upper protective tube (1) near the T-shaped opening (11); A clamping assembly (5), connected to the mounting bracket (4), and used for clamping the upper protective tube (1); An adjusting handle (6) is connected to the clamping assembly (5), and the clamping degree of the clamping assembly (5) on the mounting bracket (4) is controlled by the adjusting handle (6).

8. The steering column according to claim 7, characterized in that: The mounting bracket (4) comprises: A mounting seat (41) is located on a side of the upper protective tube (1) away from the T-shaped opening (11); Two mounting plates (42) are respectively connected to two sides of the mounting seat (41); the two mounting plates (42) and the mounting seat (41) are surrounded to form a U-shaped groove, and the U-shaped groove is sleeved outside the upper protective tube (1); A U-shaped plate (43) is located inside the U-shaped groove, the open end of the U-shaped plate (43) is fixedly connected to two sides of the T-shaped opening (11), the two sides of the U-shaped plate (43) are respectively abutted against the groove wall of the U-shaped groove, and the middle part of the U-shaped plate (43) has a second opening (431) arranged along the axial direction; Wherein, the clamping assembly (5) connects the U-shaped groove and the U-shaped plate (43).

9. The steering column according to claim 8, characterized in that: The clamping assembly (5) comprises: A screw rod (51), wherein the U-shaped groove and the U-shaped plate (43) are respectively provided with through holes corresponding to the screw rod (51), and the screw rod (51) is connected with a nut (50) after passing through the through holes, so that the screw rod (51) is installed in the U-shaped groove and the U-shaped plate (43); A first cam (52) is sleeved on a side of the screw rod (51) away from the nut (50) and connected to the adjustment handle (6); A second cam (53) is sleeved on the screw rod (51) and connected to the first cam (52) and the mounting plate (42); The adjusting handle (6) realizes the clamping and loosening of the U-shaped groove and the U-shaped plate (43) through the relative movement of the first cam (52) and the second cam (53).

10. The steering column according to claim 8, characterized in that: The mounting seat (41) is also connected to an elastic member (7).

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