Steering column

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of steering columns, and discloses a steering column which comprises an inner tubular column and an outer tubular column which can move relative to each other in the axial direction, and a gap eliminating component is arranged between the inner tubular column and the outer tubular column. The gap eliminating component comprises a supporting piece and an elastic piece. The supporting piece abuts against the inner wall of the outer tubular column. The elastic piece is arranged between the inner pipe column and the supporting piece. A gap between the inner tubular column and the outer tubular column can be eliminated, and good driving feeling is brought to a user.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] There is a structural difference between the electrically adjustable steering column and the manually adjustable steering column. After the steering wheel position is adjusted to the appropriate position, the manually adjustable steering column will lock the adjustment handle, and the upper and outer column bodies will then hold each other tightly, and the driver will not feel any lateral or vertical gap at the steering wheel end; the electrically adjustable steering column is adjusted through a drive mechanism, the steering wheel is assembled on the steering shaft, the outer column body and the mounting bracket are fixed to the vehicle CCB bracket with screws, and the mounting bracket is fixed to the vehicle CCB bracket. After the steering wheel position adjustment is completed, the upper outer column will not hold tightly, so the driver will feel a lateral or vertical gap at the steering wheel end, affecting the driving experience. Utility Model Content

[0003] In order to solve the above technical problems, the utility model discloses a steering column, which can eliminate the gap between the inner column and the outer column, and bring a good driving experience to the user.

[0004] The specific technical solution of the utility model is as follows:

[0005] A steering column comprises an inner column and an outer column which can move axially relative to each other, wherein a gap eliminating member is arranged between the inner column and the outer column;

[0006] Wherein, the gap elimination component comprises:

[0007] a support member that abuts against the inner wall of the outer pipe string; and

[0008] An elastic member is arranged between the inner pipe column and the support member.

[0009] The support member is pressed against the inner column and the outer column by the elastic force given by the elastic member, so that the force of the elastic member acts on the outer column, so that the inner column and the outer column are tightly attached to each other to eliminate the gap between the inner column and the outer column. In other words, a gap is formed between the inner column and the outer column on the basis of enabling relative movement between the two, and the gap will bring a poor driving experience to the user. Therefore, on the basis of satisfying the relative movement ability between the inner column and the outer column, the elastic force of the elastic member is used to press the support member against the outer column, so that the elastic force of the elastic member can be used as the internal force of the steering column to achieve contact between the inner column and the outer column, thereby eliminating the gap.

[0010] Preferably, the support member has a curved surface that matches the inner wall of the outer pipe column.

[0011] The inner column and the outer column are both cylindrical structures. Therefore, when the contact surface between the support and the outer column is configured as a curved surface, the contact area between the two can be increased and the surface contact between the two can be achieved. This structure can avoid repeatedly adjusting the steering wheel position between the outer column and the inner column on the basis of point contact or line contact to form a preset reciprocating path, thereby avoiding the driver from feeling a bumpy feeling during the rotation of the steering wheel.

[0012] Preferably, the inner pipe column has a mounting surface, and the support member is arranged on the mounting surface.

[0013] The mounting table is a non-curved surface, which can well realize the assembly of the support member and the elastic member, so that the support member and the elastic member have a relatively stable installation position, avoiding falling off caused by relative sliding between the inner pipe column and the outer pipe column, and also avoiding the relative skewing of the support member caused by the curved surface so that the support member cannot well contact the outer pipe column.

[0014] Preferably, the mounting table is provided with an assembly hole, and the support member has a protruding block that matches the assembly hole;

[0015] The elastic piece is sleeved on the protruding block.

[0016] The assembly hole can provide an installation limit for the support member, has a simple structure, is easy to implement, and can greatly improve the assembly efficiency; since the elastic member is sleeved on the protruding block, the elastic member can also be quickly assembled.

[0017] Preferably, the end of the protruding block has a hook protruding outwardly for axially limiting the elastic member on the protruding block.

[0018] The hook can improve the limiting ability of the support member on the elastic member, thereby preventing the elastic member from falling off.

[0019] Preferably, the support member is provided with a mounting groove, and the elastic member is placed in the mounting groove.

[0020] The mounting groove can provide a placement position for the support member, and on the basis of stable accommodation, provide radial limitation for the support member, thereby better providing limitation for the elastic member, thereby better utilizing the elastic member to achieve the interference between the inner pipe column and the outer pipe column.

[0021] Preferably, a plurality of the gap eliminating members are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the inner pipe column.

[0022] Multiple gap eliminating components can effectively achieve more stable interference between the inner column and the outer column in the axial direction of the steering column, avoiding large gaps in certain areas due to the small interference area between the inner column and the outer column, thereby affecting the user's driving experience.

[0023] Preferably, the outer pipe column is provided with a plurality of grooves on its inner side along its axial direction for injecting lubricating medium.

[0024] The groove forms an accommodation space between the outer tube column and the inner tube column. After the lubricating medium is injected, the space can provide sliding performance between the outer tube column and the inner tube column, thereby avoiding jamming when the inner tube column needs to move axially relative to the outer tube column. The accommodation space will not affect the conflict between the outer tube column and the inner tube column, and thus it can also effectively avoid the user's poor driving experience.

[0025] Preferably, the elastic member is a disc spring.

[0026] The disc spring has a smaller dimension in the direction of load application and can withstand a large load with a small deformation, so it is suitable for use in relatively compact spaces.

[0027] Preferably, a through groove with a curved path is opened on the wall surface of the middle area of ​​the outer tube column, and the area surrounded by the through groove forms a local deformation part integrally formed on the main body of the outer tube column. A fastening mechanism is connected to the local deformation part to enable the local deformation part to deform and hold the inner tube column.

[0028] After the area enclosed by the through groove forms a local deformation portion, it can be well wrapped on the inner tube column on the basis of cooperating with the fastening mechanism, which effectively avoids the occurrence of a gap between the outer tube column and the inner tube column, so that there can be at least partial contact between the two. In other words, after the position adjustment of the steering wheel is completed, the inner tube column is subjected to the tightening force of the outer tube column in the circumferential direction to ensure the position stability between the inner tube column and the outer tube column, and the user will not feel the gap during use, thereby effectively improving the user's experience of use; in addition, the structure is simple, has good integrity, and is easy to use; while cooperating with the support member and the spring member, it also better meets the requirement of eliminating the gap between the outer tube column and the inner tube column, thereby avoiding affecting the sliding performance between the inner tube column and the outer tube column due to excessive force applied by the fastening mechanism.

[0029] Compared with the prior art, the utility model can eliminate the gap between the inner tube column and the outer tube column without affecting the axial movement of the inner tube column relative to the outer tube column, thereby providing the user with a better user experience after the user adjusts the position of the steering wheel; the utility model has a simple and stable structure, is easy to use, and has a long service life; in addition, the utility model can also cooperate with the support and the elastic parts by means of the local deformation part cooperating with the fastening mechanism to better meet the tightening requirements between the outer tube column and the inner tube column, and while setting the groove to inject the lubricating medium, it also avoids the displacement jamming caused by the tightening between the outer tube column and the inner tube column. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the utility model;

[0031] Figure 2 for Figure 1 AA section view;

[0032] Figure 3 for Figure 2 The enlarged view of point B;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a support member in an embodiment of the utility model;

[0034] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the installation of the table in the embodiment of the utility model.

[0035] In the figure: 100-steering column; 1-inner column; 2-outer column; 3-support member; 4-elastic member; 5-mounting table; 6-assembly hole; 7-protruding block; 8-hook; 9-groove; 10-through groove; 11-local deformation portion; 12-locking block; 13-bolt. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with specific implementation methods.

[0037] like Figure 1 to Figure 5 As shown, a steering column 100 includes an inner column 1 and an outer column 2 which can move axially relative to each other, and a gap elimination component is arranged between the inner column 1 and the outer column 2; the gap elimination component includes a support member 3 and an elastic member 4; the support member 3 rests on the inner wall of the outer column 2; the elastic member 4 is arranged between the inner column 1 and the support member 3.

[0038] It should be noted that in order to improve the stability of the interference between the inner column 1 and the outer column 2 at multiple positions, a number of gap elimination components are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the inner column 1. In this embodiment, the support member 3 is positioned and assembled on the inner column 1, and an elastic member 4 is arranged between the support member 3 and the inner column 1, so that the elastic member 4 gives a force to the support member 3, so that the contact surface of the support member 3 maintains a fit and interference with the outer column 2, thereby eliminating the gap between the inner column 1 and the outer column 2, thereby improving the user's driving experience. Furthermore, the support member 3 has a curved surface that matches the inner wall of the outer column 2. For the inner column 1 and the outer column 2, both are cylindrical structures, so the inner wall of the outer column 2 is a curved surface, so when the contact surface of the support member 3 is configured as a curved surface, it can well meet the requirements of the interference and fit between the inner column 1 and the outer column 2. It should be noted that the gap elimination component can be regarded as a part of the inner tube column 1, and the force applied by the elastic member 4 is the internal force of the inner tube column 1, which makes the support member 3 have a tendency to move away from the inner tube column 1. Therefore, after the inner tube column 1 and the outer tube column 2 are assembled, the support member 3 and the outer tube column 2 are in contact, causing the elastic member 4 to be compressed, thereby generating a reaction force to push the support member 3, thereby achieving the resistance and fit between the inner tube column 1 and the outer tube column 2.

[0039] like Figure 2 to Figure 5As shown, in this embodiment, in order to better install the support member 3, the inner column 1 has a mounting surface 5, and the support member 3 is arranged on the mounting surface 5. The inner column 1 itself is a cylindrical structure, so compared with a curved surface, a plane is more suitable for stably assembling the support member 3. The mounting surface 5 is located on the inner side of the outer wall of the inner column 1. Therefore, after assembling the support member 3 and the elastic member 4, after the inner column 1 and the outer column 2 are in contact and fit, no motion interference will be formed beyond the range of the mounting surface 5. In other words, the contact position between the inner column 1 and the outer column 2 is within the range of the mounting surface 5. Further, the mounting surface 5 is provided with an assembly hole 6, and the support member 3 has a protruding block 7 that cooperates with the assembly hole 6; the elastic member 4 is sleeved on the protruding block 7. In this embodiment, the protruding block 7 extends out of the assembly hole 6, and the support member 3 is installed and positioned through the assembly hole 6; at the same time, the elastic member 4 is sleeved on the protruding block 7. Therefore, on the basis that the elastic member 4 is arranged between the inner column 1 and the support member 3, the elastic member 4 is located between the support member 3 and the end face of the assembly hole 6, so that after the support member 3 is assembled, the elastic member 4 is stably assembled at the same time, so that after the inner column 1 and the outer column 2 are abutted against each other, the gap elimination requirement is met. Further, the end of the protruding block 7 has a hook 8 protruding outward, which is used to limit the elastic member 4 axially on the protruding block 7. The hook 8 can prevent the elastic member 4 from sliding off the support member 3, which can not only provide convenience during assembly, but also prevent the elastic member 4 from deforming and falling off the support member 3 under special circumstances during use. In order to better meet the stable installation of the elastic member 4, the support member 3 is provided with a mounting groove, and the elastic member 4 is placed in the mounting groove. Thus, the support member 3 is radially limited by the mounting groove and axially limited by the hook 8, thereby meeting the requirement for stable installation of the support member 3. As a preferred technical solution, the elastic member 4 is a disc spring, so that the elastic member 4 can drive the support member 3 to contact and fit the inner wall of the outer pipe column 2 in a narrow space.

[0040] like Figure 2As shown, in this embodiment, the outer column 2 is provided with a plurality of grooves 9 along its axial direction on its inner side for injecting lubricating medium. In this embodiment, the inner side of the outer column 2 has a plurality of convex blocks arranged along the axial direction, and a groove 9 is formed between any two convex blocks. It is known that the position where the inner column 1 contacts the outer column 2 through the support member 3 is the convex block, so the opening of the groove 9 does not affect the elimination of the gap between the inner column 1 and the outer column 2. On this basis, after the lubricating medium is injected into the groove 9, the friction between the inner column 1 and the outer column 2 can be reduced. That is to say, when it is necessary to drive the inner column 1 to move axially relative to the outer column 2 to adjust the steering wheel position, the adjustment can be achieved more smoothly, avoiding the low adjustment accuracy caused by the stagnation, and also avoiding the large wear of the power mechanism parts caused by the power mechanism driving the inner column 1 to provide a large power, thereby greatly improving the service life of the steering column 100.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, a through groove 10 with a curved path is provided on the wall surface of the middle area of ​​the outer pipe column 2, and the area surrounded by the through groove 10 forms a local deformation portion 11 integrally formed on the main body of the outer pipe column 2, and a fastening mechanism is connected to the local deformation portion 11 to deform the local deformation portion 11 to hold the inner pipe column 1. In this embodiment, the middle area of ​​the outer pipe column 2 refers to the area between the two end faces of the outer pipe column 2, and does not only refer to the radial center line of the outer pipe column 2 and the area near the radial center line. It can be known that a plurality of local deformation portions 11 can be arranged at intervals in the axial direction of the outer pipe column 2 to meet the requirement that the outer pipe column 2 holds the inner pipe column 1 according to actual needs. Generally speaking, the position of the through groove 10 is the position where the support member 3 is arranged.

[0042] In this embodiment, the fastening mechanism is connected between the local deformation part 11 and the main body to drive the local deformation part 11 to deform and hold the inner column 1. A locking block 12 is provided at the position where the fastening mechanism connects the local deformation part 11 and the main body, that is, the main body is provided with a locking block 12, and the local deformation part 11 is also provided with a locking block 12, so that the locking mechanism can be used to realize the deformation movement of the local deformation part 11 relative to the main body. Further, the through groove 10 includes gap one and gap two arranged along a direction perpendicular to the axis of the outer column 2, and gap three connecting gap one and gap two, and gap three is parallel to the axis of the outer column 2. The gap one, gap two and gap three realize the separation of the local deformation part 11 and the main body, so that the deformation movement of the local deformation part 11 occurs at the root of the local deformation part 11 that remains connected to the main body. In different embodiments, the gap one, gap two and gap three can cut the local deformation part 11 from the main body into various shapes. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the gap one is parallel to the gap two, so the gap one, gap two and gap three cut the local deformation part 11 from the main body into a square structure. At this time, when the local deformation part 11 hugs the inner pipe column 1, the contact area with the inner pipe column 1 is larger, which is more conducive to ensuring that the gap between the outer pipe column 2 and the inner pipe column 1 is eliminated.

[0043] In this embodiment, the fastening mechanism is a bolt 13. The fastening mechanism and the two locking blocks 12 can be threadedly connected, or one end thereof passes through one of the locking blocks 12, and the locking block 12 is pressed against the locking block 12 with a column head, and then is threadedly connected to the other locking block 12, or one end of the locking mechanism passes through the two locking blocks 12 at the same time, and then a nut is connected at the end, thereby clamping the two locking blocks 12 between the column head and the nut, so that the local deformation produces deformation and holds the inner pipe column 1 tightly.

[0044] Therefore, by cooperating with the support part 3 through the local deformation part 11, the gap between the inner column 1 and the outer column 2 can be eliminated well, so that after the user adjusts the steering wheel position and positions it, there is no gap between the inner column 1 and the outer column 2, so that the user has a better driving experience.

[0045] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that the above preferred embodiments should not be regarded as limiting the present invention. The protection scope of the present invention should be based on the scope defined by the claims. For ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be regarded as the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A steering column, characterized in that: It comprises an inner pipe column and an outer pipe column which can move axially relative to each other, and a gap eliminating component is arranged between the inner pipe column and the outer pipe column; Wherein, the gap elimination component comprises: a support member that abuts against the inner wall of the outer pipe string; and An elastic member is arranged between the inner pipe column and the support member.

2. A steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support member has a curved surface matched with the inner wall of the outer pipe column.

3. A steering column as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The inner pipe column has a mounting surface, and the support member is arranged on the mounting surface.

4. A steering column as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that: The mounting table is provided with an assembly hole, and the support member has a protruding block matched with the assembly hole; The elastic piece is sleeved on the protruding block.

5. A steering column as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that: The end of the protruding block has a hook protruding outwards and used for axially limiting the elastic member on the protruding block.

6. A steering column as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that: The support member is provided with a mounting groove, and the elastic member is placed in the mounting groove.

7. A steering column as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of the gap eliminating components are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the inner pipe column.

8. A steering column as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The outer pipe column is provided with a plurality of grooves along its axial direction on its inner side for injecting lubricating medium.

9. A steering column as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic member is a disc spring.

10. A steering column according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: A through groove with a curved path is opened on the wall surface of the middle area of ​​the outer tube column, and the area surrounded by the through groove forms a local deformation part integrally formed on the main body of the outer tube column. A fastening mechanism is connected to the local deformation part to enable the local deformation part to deform and hold the inner tube column tightly.

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