Clock spring, steering wheel assembly and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of steering wheel accessories, and particularly relates to a clock spring, a steering wheel assembly and a vehicle. The clock spring comprises a stator, a rotor assembly, a first ball assembly and a second ball assembly, the first ball assembly comprises a plurality of first balls arranged at intervals in the rotating direction of the rotor assembly, and the second ball assembly comprises a plurality of second balls arranged at intervals in the rotating direction of the rotor assembly; the stator is provided with a first annular face and a second annular face which are oppositely arranged in the axial direction of the stator, the rotor assembly comprises a driving ring and a rotor which are fixedly connected, the first balls are arranged between the first annular face and the rotor in a rolling mode, and the second balls are arranged between the second annular face and the driving ring in a rolling mode. The stator supports the rotor assembly through the first balls and the second balls, so that the rotor assembly bears rolling friction force when rotating relative to the stator, abrasion to the rotor assembly and the stator can be reduced, and then rotation abnormal sound of the clock spring when the steering wheel rotates after long-time use is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model belongs to the technical field of steering wheel accessories, in particular to a clock spring, a steering wheel assembly and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] The clock spring, also called the airbag spring, is used to connect the airbag on the steering wheel and the airbag wiring harness. The clock spring is usually installed under the steering wheel, above the combination switch base or the steering column tray.

[0003] Existing clock springs are generally composed of a stator assembly and a rotor assembly. The stator assembly usually hard supports the rotor assembly through ribs or convex points, and the steering wheel drive is transmitted to the rotor assembly to achieve a motion (rotation) effect.

[0004] However, the existing clock spring, rotor assembly and stator assembly are injection molded, and after long-term friction, the contact surface or contact point is prone to wear, resulting in the stator assembly being unable to support the rotor assembly well, which in turn causes the clock spring to rotate abnormally when the steering wheel is turned. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the utility model is: to provide a clock spring, a steering wheel assembly and a vehicle in view of the problem that the existing hour hand spring is prone to wear of the contact surface or contact point, which causes abnormal rotation noise of the clock spring when the steering wheel is turned.

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problems, on the one hand, the embodiment of the utility model provides a clock spring, including a stator, a rotor assembly, a first ball assembly and a second ball assembly, wherein the first ball assembly includes a plurality of first balls arranged at intervals along the rotation direction of the rotor assembly, and the second ball assembly includes a plurality of second balls arranged at intervals along the rotation direction of the rotor assembly;

[0007] The stator has a first annular surface and a second annular surface arranged opposite to each other along its axial direction. The rotor assembly includes a driving ring and a rotor fixedly connected. The first ball rolling is arranged between the first annular surface and the rotor, and the second ball rolling is arranged between the second annular surface and the driving ring.

[0008] Optionally, a plurality of first ball grooves are arranged on the first annular surface and are spaced apart along the rotation direction of the rotor assembly, and a plurality of second ball grooves are arranged on a side of the rotor close to the first annular surface, and the second ball grooves correspond to the first ball grooves one by one to enclose and form a first accommodating space for the first balls to be loaded therein;

[0009] and / or,

[0010] The second annular surface is provided with a plurality of third ball grooves spaced apart along the rotation direction of the rotor assembly, and the side of the drive ring close to the second annular surface is provided with a plurality of fourth ball grooves, and the fourth ball grooves correspond one-to-one with the third ball grooves to enclose and form a second accommodating space for the second balls to be loaded therein.

[0011] Optionally, the first ball assembly further comprises a first retaining frame, the first retaining frame is provided with a plurality of first retaining holes corresponding to the plurality of first balls one by one, the first balls are installed in the first retaining holes and protrude from the axial end openings of the first retaining holes;

[0012] The second ball assembly also includes a second retaining frame, on which a plurality of second retaining holes corresponding one-to-one to the plurality of second balls are provided, and the second balls are installed in the second retaining holes and protrude from the axial end openings of the second retaining holes.

[0013] Optionally, the plurality of first retaining holes include a plurality of first hole groups evenly distributed along the rotation direction of the rotor assembly, and each of the first hole groups includes a plurality of the first retaining holes;

[0014] The plurality of second retaining holes include a plurality of second hole groups distributed along a rotation direction of the rotor assembly, and each of the second hole groups includes a plurality of second retaining holes.

[0015] Optionally, the first retaining frame and the second retaining frame are annular structures extending along the rotation direction of the rotor assembly, and radial positions of the first retaining frame and the second retaining frame are restricted.

[0016] Optionally, a first limiting groove extending along the rotation direction of the rotor is provided on one side of the rotor close to the first annular surface, and the first retaining frame is installed in the first limiting groove;

[0017] A second limiting groove extending along the rotation direction of the driving ring is arranged on one side of the driving ring close to the second annular surface, and the second retaining frame is installed in the second limiting groove.

[0018] Optionally, the inner hole wall of the stator cooperates with the drive ring along the radial direction of the stator, and the inner hole wall of the stator cooperates with the rotor along the radial direction of the stator.

[0019] Optionally, the rotor is fixedly connected to the driving ring via a plurality of clamping structures, and the plurality of clamping structures are distributed at intervals along the rotation direction of the rotor assembly;

[0020] The clamping structure comprises a clamping slot and a clamping hook capable of being clamped in the clamping slot. The clamping hook is arranged on one of the rotor and the driving ring, and the clamping slot is arranged on the other one.

[0021] In the clock spring of the utility model, the stator supports the rotor assembly by means of the first ball and the second ball, so that the rotor assembly is subjected to rolling friction when rotating relative to the stator. Compared with the sliding friction when the stator of the existing clock spring supports the rotor assembly by means of ribs or convex points, the rolling friction is relatively small, which can reduce the wear on the rotor assembly and the stator, thereby reducing the abnormal rotation noise of the clock spring when the steering wheel is turned after long-term use.

[0022] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present invention provides a steering wheel assembly, including a steering wheel and the above-mentioned clock spring.

[0023] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present invention provides a vehicle, comprising the above-mentioned clock spring. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a clock spring provided by an embodiment of the utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Longitudinal section of

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Exploded diagram of

[0027] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the stator;

[0028] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the drive ring in FIG.

[0029] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the rotor in FIG.

[0030] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of the first ball assembly in FIG.

[0031] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 An alternative to the first ball assembly.

[0032] The reference numerals in the specification are as follows:

[0033] 1. stator; 11. first ball groove; 12. third ball groove; 13. first annular surface; 14. second annular surface; 2. drive ring; 21. slot; 22. second limit slot; 23. fourth ball groove; 3. rotor; 31. hook; 32. first limit slot; 33. second ball groove; 4. first retaining frame; 5. first ball; 6. second retaining frame; 7. second ball. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] In order to make the technical problems, technical solutions and beneficial effects solved by the utility model more clear, the utility model is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described here are only used to explain the utility model and are not used to limit the utility model.

[0035] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, an embodiment of the utility model provides a clock spring, comprising a stator 1, a rotor assembly, a first ball assembly and a second ball assembly, wherein the rotor assembly is rotatably disposed on the stator 1. The first ball assembly comprises a plurality of first balls 5 arranged at intervals along the rotation direction of the rotor assembly, and the second ball assembly comprises a plurality of second balls 7 arranged at intervals along the rotation direction of the rotor assembly.

[0036] like Figure 4 As shown, the stator 1 has a first annular surface 13 and a second annular surface 14 arranged opposite to each other along its axial direction, the rotor assembly includes a drive ring 2 and a rotor 3 fixedly connected, the first ball 5 is rollingly arranged between the first annular surface 13 and the rotor 3, and the second ball 7 is rollingly arranged between the second annular surface 14 and the drive ring 2.

[0037] When the steering wheel rotates, the steering shaft of the steering wheel drives the driving ring 2 to rotate, and the rotor 3 rotates together with the driving ring 2. The first ball 5 rollingly arranged between the rotor 3 and the stator 1 enables the rotor 3 to rotate relative to the stator 1, and the second ball 7 rollingly arranged between the driving ring 2 and the stator 1 enables the driving ring 2 to rotate relative to the stator 1.

[0038] In the clock spring of the utility model, the stator 1 supports the rotor 3 through the first ball 5, and supports the driving ring 2 through the second ball 7, so that the rotor assembly is subjected to rolling friction when rotating relative to the stator 1. Compared with the sliding friction when the stator 1 of the existing clock spring supports the rotor assembly through ribs or convex points, the rolling friction is relatively small, which can reduce the wear on the rotor assembly and the stator 1, and thus reduce the abnormal rotation noise of the clock spring when the steering wheel is turned after long-term use.

[0039] In one embodiment, if Figure 4 As shown, the first annular surface 13 is provided with a plurality of first ball grooves 11 spaced apart along the rotation direction of the rotor assembly, and a plurality of second ball grooves 33 are provided on the side of the rotor 3 close to the first annular surface 13. The second ball grooves 33 correspond to the first ball grooves 11 one by one to enclose and form a first accommodating space for the first ball 5 to be installed, thereby limiting the position of the first ball 5 by the first ball grooves 11 and the second ball grooves 33, thereby improving the stability of the stator 1 when supporting the rotor 3 through the first ball 5.

[0040] The second annular surface 14 is provided with a plurality of third ball grooves 12 spaced apart along the rotation direction of the rotor assembly, and the driving ring 2 is provided with a plurality of fourth ball grooves 23 on the side close to the second annular surface 14. The fourth ball grooves 23 correspond one-to-one to the third ball grooves 12 to enclose and form a second accommodating space for the second ball 7 to be installed, thereby limiting the position of the second ball 7 by the third ball grooves 12 and the fourth ball grooves 23, thereby improving the stability of the stator 1 when supporting the driving ring 2 through the second ball 7.

[0041] Moreover, the second ball groove 33 and the fourth ball groove 23 can store lubricating grease, which plays a long-term lubricating role, so that the rotor 3 and the drive ring 2 can work for a long time without abnormal noise.

[0042] In one embodiment, if Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown, the first ball assembly further includes a first retaining frame 4, on which a plurality of first retaining holes corresponding to the plurality of first balls 5 are arranged, and the first balls 5 are installed in the first retaining holes and protrude from the axial openings at both ends of the first retaining holes to respectively abut against the stator 1 and the rotor 3. The first retaining frame 4 can form the plurality of first balls 5 into an integral module for easy installation and replacement.

[0043] The second ball assembly also includes a second retaining frame 6, which is provided with a plurality of second retaining holes corresponding to the plurality of second balls 7. The second balls 7 are installed in the second retaining holes and protrude from the axial openings at both ends of the second retaining holes to respectively abut against the stator 1 and the drive ring 2. The second retaining frame 6 can form the plurality of second balls 7 into an integral module for easy installation and replacement.

[0044] The first retaining frame 4 and the second retaining frame 6 have the same structure.

[0045] In one embodiment, if Figure 7 As shown, the multiple first retaining holes include multiple first hole groups evenly distributed along the rotation direction of the rotor assembly, each first hole group includes multiple first retaining holes, and the first balls 5 are installed in the first retaining holes of the multiple evenly distributed first hole groups, that is, multiple groups of evenly distributed first balls 5 are used to jointly support the rotor 3, and there is no need to set a full circle of first balls 5, so as to reduce the number of first balls 5 and reduce costs.

[0046] The multiple second retaining holes include multiple second hole groups distributed along the rotation direction of the rotor assembly, each second hole group includes multiple second retaining holes, and the second balls 7 are installed in the second retaining holes of the multiple second hole groups that are evenly distributed, that is, multiple groups of evenly distributed second balls are used to jointly support the drive ring 2, and there is no need to set a full circle of second balls 7, so as to reduce the number of second balls 7 and reduce costs.

[0047] In one embodiment, there are four first hole groups, each of which includes four first retaining holes. There are four second hole groups, each of which includes four second retaining holes.

[0048] In one embodiment, the first retaining frame 4 and the second retaining frame 6 are annular structures extending along the rotation direction of the rotor assembly, and the radial positions of the first retaining frame 4 and the second retaining frame 6 are restricted.

[0049] In one embodiment, if Figure 5 As shown, a first limiting groove 32 extending along the rotation direction of the rotor 3 is provided on one side of the rotor 3 close to the first annular surface 13 , and the first retaining frame 4 is installed in the first limiting groove 32 .

[0050] like Figure 6 As shown, a second limiting groove 22 extending along the rotation direction of the driving ring 2 is provided on one side close to the second annular surface 14 , and the second retaining frame 6 is installed in the second limiting groove 22 .

[0051] In one embodiment, the second ball rolling groove 33 is disposed on the bottom wall of the first limiting groove 32 , and the fourth ball rolling groove 23 is disposed on the bottom wall of the second limiting groove 22 .

[0052] In one embodiment, the inner hole wall of the stator 1 cooperates with the drive ring 2 along the radial stop of the stator 1, and the inner hole wall of the stator 1 cooperates with the rotor 3 along the radial stop of the stator 1, so as to reasonably utilize the inner hole wall of the stator 1 to radially limit the rotor 3 and the drive ring 2 without providing a separate radial limiting structure, so as to simplify the structure.

[0053] In one embodiment, the rotor 3 is fixedly connected to the driving ring 2 via a plurality of clamping structures, and the plurality of clamping structures are distributed at intervals along the rotation direction of the rotor assembly.

[0054] The clamping structure includes a clamping slot 21 and a clamping hook 31 that can be clamped in the clamping slot 21 . The clamping hook 31 is provided on one of the rotor 3 and the driving ring 2 , and the clamping slot 21 is provided on the other.

[0055] In one embodiment, the rotor 3 includes a plate body portion and a cylinder body portion, the plate body portion is connected to the bottom of the cylinder body portion, and the first ball 5 is rollingly arranged between the plate body portion and the first annular surface 13 .

[0056] The drive ring 2 includes a ring body and a plurality of connecting arms extending axially along the ring body. The second ball 7 is rollingly arranged between the ring body and the second annular surface 14. The plurality of connecting arms are distributed at intervals along the circumference of the ring body and extend into the inner hole of the cylinder.

[0057] In one embodiment, the hook 31 of the clamping structure is disposed on the inner hole wall of the cylinder and protrudes toward the radial inner side of the cylinder, and the clamping groove 21 is disposed on the connecting arm.

[0058] Of course, in other embodiments, the slot 21 may be provided on the inner hole wall of the cylinder portion, and the hook 31 may be provided on the connecting arm.

[0059] In one embodiment, a step groove connected to the inner hole of the stator 1 is provided on one side of the stator 1 facing the plate body, and a limiting protrusion protruding toward the stator 1 is provided at the bottom of the plate body. The limiting protrusion cooperates with the side wall of the step groove along the radial stop of the stator 1, and the inner hole wall of the stator 1 cooperates with the outer wall of the connecting arm along the radial stop of the stator 1.

[0060] In other embodiments, the first ball groove 11, the second ball groove 33, the third ball groove 12 and the fourth ball groove 23 may be eliminated. Taking the first ball groove 11 and the second ball groove 33 as an example, after the elimination, a first annular groove extending along the rotation direction of the rotor assembly may be provided on the first annular surface 13, and a plurality of first balls 5 may be placed in the first annular groove and support the rotor 3. Alternatively, a plurality of hemispherical grooves may be provided on the first annular surface 13, and the first balls 5 may be placed in the hemispherical grooves. Alternatively, the first balls 5 may be limited by the first retaining frame 4 mentioned above.

[0061] In other embodiments, the first retaining frame 4 and the second retaining frame 6 may be omitted. Taking the first retaining frame 4 as an example, Figure 8 As shown, after the first retaining frame 4 is removed, a plurality of first balls 5 can be combined into a full circle of ball groups. At this time, ball grooves for the first balls 5 to be installed can be provided on the stator 1 or the rotor 3.

[0062] In other embodiments, the first retaining frame 4 and the second retaining frame 6 may be square, oval or other irregular shapes.

[0063] In other embodiments, the first limiting groove 32 may be provided on the first annular surface 13, and the second limiting groove 22 may be provided on the second annular surface 14. Of course, the first limiting groove 32 or the second limiting groove 22 may be omitted. Taking the first annular surface 13 as an example, a surrounding plate adapted to the shape of the first retainer 4 may be provided on the first annular surface 13, and the first retainer 4 is placed on the first annular surface 13. The inner wall of the surrounding plate can limit the radial position of the first retainer 4.

[0064] In other embodiments, the driving ring 2 and the rotor 3 may be connected by screws.

[0065] In addition, an embodiment of the present invention provides a steering wheel assembly, including a steering wheel and a clock spring. The structure of the clock spring is the same as the structure of the clock spring in any of the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0066] In addition, an embodiment of the utility model further provides a vehicle, comprising the clock spring of the above embodiment, the structure of the clock spring is the same as the structure of the clock spring in any of the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0067] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A clock spring, characterized in that: The invention comprises a stator (1), a rotor assembly, a first ball assembly and a second ball assembly, wherein the first ball assembly comprises a plurality of first balls (5) arranged at intervals along the rotation direction of the rotor assembly, and the second ball assembly comprises a plurality of second balls (7) arranged at intervals along the rotation direction of the rotor assembly; The stator (1) has a first annular surface (13) and a second annular surface (14) which are arranged opposite to each other along the axial direction thereof; the rotor assembly comprises a drive ring (2) and a rotor (3) which are fixedly connected; the first ball (5) is rollingly arranged between the first annular surface (13) and the rotor (3); and the second ball (7) is rollingly arranged between the second annular surface (14) and the drive ring (2).

2. The clock spring according to claim 1, characterized in that The first annular surface (13) is provided with a plurality of first ball grooves (11) spaced apart and distributed along the rotation direction of the rotor assembly, and a plurality of second ball grooves (33) are provided on a side of the rotor (3) close to the first annular surface (13), wherein the second ball grooves (33) correspond to the first ball grooves (11) one by one to enclose and form a first accommodating space for the first ball (5) to be loaded therein; and / or, The second annular surface (14) is provided with a plurality of third ball grooves (12) spaced apart along the rotation direction of the rotor assembly, and the drive ring (2) is provided with a plurality of fourth ball grooves (23) on a side close to the second annular surface (14), wherein the fourth ball grooves (23) correspond one-to-one to the third ball grooves (12) to enclose and form a second accommodating space for the second ball (7) to be loaded therein.

3. The clock spring according to claim 1, characterized in that The first ball assembly further comprises a first retaining frame (4), the first retaining frame (4) being provided with a plurality of first retaining holes corresponding one-to-one to the plurality of first balls (5), the first balls (5) being installed in the first retaining holes and protruding from the axial end openings of the first retaining holes; The second ball assembly further comprises a second retaining frame (6), on which a plurality of second retaining holes corresponding one-to-one to the plurality of second balls (7) are arranged, and the second balls (7) are installed in the second retaining holes and protrude from the axial end openings of the second retaining holes.

4. The clock spring according to claim 3, characterized in that The plurality of first retaining holes include a plurality of first hole groups evenly distributed along the rotation direction of the rotor assembly, and each of the first hole groups includes a plurality of the first retaining holes; The plurality of second retaining holes include a plurality of second hole groups distributed along a rotation direction of the rotor assembly, and each of the second hole groups includes a plurality of second retaining holes.

5. The clock spring according to claim 3, characterized in that The first retaining frame (4) and the second retaining frame (6) are annular structures extending along the rotation direction of the rotor assembly, and the radial positions of the first retaining frame (4) and the second retaining frame (6) are restricted.

6. The clock spring according to claim 5, characterized in that A first limiting groove (32) extending along the rotation direction of the rotor (3) is provided on one side of the rotor (3) close to the first annular surface (13), and the first retaining frame (4) is installed in the first limiting groove (32); A second limiting groove (22) extending along the rotation direction of the driving ring (2) is provided on one side of the driving ring (2) close to the second annular surface (14), and the second retaining frame (6) is installed in the second limiting groove (22).

7. The clock spring according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The inner hole wall of the stator (1) and the driving ring (2) are matched along the radial direction of the stator (1), and the inner hole wall of the stator (1) and the rotor (3) are matched along the radial direction of the stator (1).

8. The clock spring according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The rotor (3) and the drive ring (2) are fixedly connected via a plurality of clamping structures, and the plurality of clamping structures are distributed at intervals along the rotation direction of the rotor assembly; The clamping structure comprises a clamping slot (21) and a clamping hook (31) capable of being clamped in the clamping slot (21); the clamping hook (31) is provided on one of the rotor (3) and the drive ring (2), and the clamping slot (21) is provided on the other.

9. A steering wheel assembly, characterized in that: The invention comprises a steering wheel and the clock spring according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that: A clock spring comprising the clock spring as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8.

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