Intermediate shaft assembly and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model provides an intermediate shaft assembly and a vehicle. The middle shaft assembly comprises a middle shaft, a middle joint fork, a steering column joint fork, a steering gear joint fork, a rotating piece and a supporting piece. The middle shaft and the steering column yoke are in universal rotation connection with the middle yoke, and the steering gear yoke is in universal rotation connection with the middle shaft. The rotating member is fixed to the intermediate shaft. The rotating piece and the supporting piece are rotationally installed, and the supporting piece is used for connecting a vehicle body of a vehicle. Three universal joint structures are formed among the middle shaft, the middle joint fork, the steering column joint fork and the steering gear joint fork, the degree of freedom of the middle shaft assembly is improved, and the installation space occupied by the middle shaft assembly can be reduced by changing the arrangement mode of parts. Meanwhile, the intermediate shaft is fixed to the vehicle body through the supporting piece, the rotating piece and the supporting piece are rotationally installed, and the intermediate shaft assembly can adjust part arrangement according to expectation while the intermediate shaft is prevented from swinging irregularly so as to meet the requirement for adjustment of the steering column.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of transmission structures, and particularly to an intermediate shaft assembly and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] The intermediate shaft assembly is an important component in a vehicle, which is connected between a steering gear and a steering column at the bottom of a steering wheel to transmit power. Currently, in some vehicles, in order to increase the space at the rear of the vehicle, it is necessary to arrange the parts at the front of the vehicle more compactly, resulting in the compression of the installation space for the intermediate shaft assembly. Taking commercial vehicles as an example, in order to ensure the volume of the cargo compartment, parts such as the driver's seat and the steering wheel need to be moved forward. Due to the low degree of freedom of the traditional intermediate shaft assembly, its layout form on the vehicle is relatively single, and it is difficult to make adaptive changes to the reduction of the installation space by changing the layout form. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides an intermediate shaft assembly and a vehicle to solve related technical problems.

[0004] This application provides an intermediate shaft assembly, including: an intermediate shaft, an intermediate joint fork, a steering column joint fork, a steering gear joint fork, a rotating member, and a supporting member;

[0005] The intermediate shaft and the steering column joint fork are connected to the intermediate joint fork for universal rotation, and the steering gear joint fork is connected to the intermediate shaft for universal rotation;

[0006] The rotating member is connected to the intermediate shaft; the rotating member is rotatably installed with the supporting member, and the supporting member is used to connect the vehicle body.

[0007] Further, the rotating member includes a housing and a bearing fixed in the housing; the housing is rotatably installed on the supporting member; the intermediate shaft is installed in cooperation with the bearing.

[0008] Further, the supporting member includes a rotating installation portion; the rotating installation portion is provided with a first through hole, a second through hole, and an installation space connecting the first through hole and the second through hole;

[0009] The rotating installation portion includes an arc surface facing the installation space; the rotating member is spherical and is slidably abutted and installed on the arc surface.

[0010] Further, the supporting member further includes a fixing plate for connecting the vehicle body; the rotating installation portion includes a first arc plate and a second arc plate;

[0011] The first arc plate extends from the fixing plate towards one side, and the second arc plate extends from the fixing plate towards the other side; the first arc plate and the second arc plate form the installation space.

[0012] Furthermore, the fixed plate includes a first fixed plate and a second fixed plate which are stacked and fixed;

[0013] The first arc-shaped plate is disposed on the first fixed plate and integrally formed with the first fixed plate; and / or, the second arc-shaped plate is disposed on the second fixed plate and integrally formed with the second fixed plate.

[0014] Furthermore, a seal is further included, and the seal is disposed on the support member for sealing connection between the support member and the vehicle body.

[0015] Furthermore, the intermediate joint fork includes a pipe body, a pair of first connecting plates, and a pair of second connecting plates;

[0016] The pair of first connecting plates protrude from one end of the pipe body to form a joint fork structure for universal rotational connection with the intermediate shaft; the pair of second connecting plates protrude from the other end of the pipe body to form a joint fork structure for universal rotational connection with the steering column joint fork.

[0017] Furthermore, the support member includes a fixed plate and lugs disposed on the side of the fixed plate; the lugs are provided with mounting holes for screwing the support member to the vehicle body.

[0018] Furthermore, the fixed plate is oval in shape.

[0019] The present application provides a vehicle, including a vehicle body and the above-mentioned intermediate shaft assembly, and the support member is fixed to the vehicle body.

[0020] Three universal joint structures are formed among the intermediate shaft, the intermediate joint fork, the steering column joint fork, and the steering gear joint fork, which improves the degree of freedom of the intermediate shaft assembly, enables it to reduce the volume it occupies by changing the arrangement of parts to meet the requirements of the installation space. At the same time, the intermediate shaft is fixed to the vehicle body by using the support member, and the rotating member is rotatably mounted on the support member, which can prevent the intermediate shaft from swinging irregularly and enable the intermediate shaft assembly to be adjusted as expected to meet the needs of the steering column adjustment angle.

[0021] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and explanatory, and cannot limit this specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The accompanying drawings herein are incorporated into the specification and form a part of the specification, showing embodiments consistent with this specification, and are used together with the specification to explain the principles of this specification.

[0023] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of an intermediate shaft assembly in an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Figure 2 is Figure 1 One of the partial structure diagrams of the intermediate shaft assembly;

[0025] Figure 3 is Figure 1 Another partial structure diagram of the intermediate shaft assembly;

[0026] Figure 4 is Figure 1 The structure diagram of the support member from the side view;

[0027] Figure 5 is Figure 4 The structure diagram of the support member from the front view;

[0028] Figure 6 is Figure 5 The structure diagram of the support member from the back view;

[0029] Figure 7 It is a schematic structural diagram of a vehicle in an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0030] Explanation of the reference numerals in the drawings: intermediate shaft, 10; inner shaft, 11; outer shaft, 12; dust cover, 13; first joint fork, 14; second joint fork, 15; intermediate joint fork, 20; tube body, 21; first connecting plate, 22; second connecting plate, 23; steering column joint fork, 30; steering gear joint fork, 40; rotating member, 50; housing, 51; support member, 60; rotating mounting portion, 61; first through hole, 611; second through hole, 612; mounting space, 613; arc surface, 614; first arc plate, 615; second arc plate, 616; fixing plate, 62; first fixing plate, 621; second fixing plate, 622; lug, 63; mounting hole, 631; seal, 70; vehicle, 80; front engine compartment, 801; passenger compartment, 802; trunk, 803; vehicle body, 81. Detailed implementation manners

[0031] Here, the technical solutions in the embodiments (or "implementation manners") of the present application will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements.

[0032] If there are terms related to directional indications or positional relationships in the embodiments of the present application (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, inside, outside, top, bottom, center, vertical, horizontal, longitudinal, transverse, length, width, counterclockwise, clockwise, axial direction, radial direction, circumferential direction, etc.), such terms are only used to explain the relative positional relationships, motion conditions, etc. between components in a specific posture (as shown in the attached drawings); if the specific posture changes, the directional indication or positional relationship will also change accordingly. In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. involved in the embodiments of the present application are only for the purpose of convenient description and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0033] The intermediate shaft assembly is an important component in the vehicle steering system. One end of it is connected to the steering column, and the other end is connected to the steering gear to transmit power. The traditional intermediate shaft assembly has a low degree of freedom, and its layout form on the vehicle is relatively single, making it difficult to make adaptive changes to the reduction of the installation space by changing the layout form. The present application provides an intermediate shaft assembly and a vehicle to solve the related technical problems.

[0034] As Figure 1 shown, the present application provides an intermediate shaft assembly, including an intermediate shaft 10, an intermediate joint fork 20, a steering column joint fork 30, a steering gear joint fork 40, a rotating member 50 and a support member 60. The intermediate shaft 10 and the steering column joint fork 30 are universally rotatably connected to the intermediate joint fork 20. The steering gear joint fork 40 is universally rotatably connected to the intermediate shaft 10. The rotating member 50 is connected to the intermediate shaft 10. The rotating member 50 is rotatably installed with the support member 60. The support member 60 is used to connect the vehicle body.

[0035] Three universal joint structures are formed among the intermediate shaft 10, the intermediate joint fork 20, the steering column joint fork 30, and the steering gear joint fork 40, improving the degree of freedom of the intermediate shaft assembly. The intermediate shaft assembly can reduce its occupied volume and optimize the steering torque fluctuation by changing the layout of the parts. The specific layout method of the intermediate shaft assembly is not limited, as long as it can meet the requirements of the installation space and control the steering torque fluctuation within a reasonable range.

[0036] On the other hand, the intermediate shaft 10 is fixed to the vehicle body by using the support member 60 to restrict the disorderly movement of the intermediate shaft assembly, prevent the intermediate shaft 10 from swinging irregularly, and ensure the normal operation of the intermediate shaft assembly. Moreover, there is no need to provide a fixed point through the vehicle's steering column, simplifying the structure.

[0037] At the same time, since the rotating member 50 is rotatably installed with the support member 60, the degree of freedom of the intermediate shaft 10 is increased, enabling it to move within a certain range. Therefore, while avoiding the irregular swing of the intermediate shaft 10, the intermediate shaft assembly can also adjust the angles of the parts as expected to meet the needs of the steering column adjustment angle.

[0038] As Figure 1 shown, the intermediate shaft 10 includes an inner shaft 11, an outer shaft 12, a dust cover 13, a first joint fork 14, and a second joint fork 15. The inner shaft 11 is sleeved inside the outer shaft 12, and the two can be connected by splines and can slide relative to each other axially to adjust the size and absorb the impact during the steering process. The dust cover 13 is press-fitted onto the outer shaft 12 to block the installation gap between the inner shaft 11 and the outer shaft 12 and prevent dust from entering.

[0039] The first joint fork 14 and the second joint fork 15 are located at both ends of the intermediate shaft 10. The first joint fork 14 can be press-fitted onto the inner shaft 11 with interference and fixed by welding. The second joint fork 15 can also be press-fitted onto the outer shaft 12 with interference and fixed by welding. By adjusting the phase angle between the first joint fork 14 and the second joint fork 15, the fluctuation of the rotational torque of the intermediate shaft assembly can be improved.

[0040] As Figure 2 shown, the line connecting the two connection points of the first joint fork 14 forms a first axis. The line connecting the two connection points of the second joint fork forms a second axis. The phase angle between the first joint fork 14 and the second joint fork 15 is the angle by which the second axis rotates relative to the first axis. In one embodiment, the phase angle between the first joint fork 14 and the second joint fork 15 can be -62°, that is, when observed from the direction from the second joint fork 15 to the first joint fork 14, the second axis rotates 62° clockwise relative to the first axis. The specific magnitude of the phase angle between the first joint fork 14 and the second joint fork 15 is not limited.

[0041] As Figure 1 shown, the intermediate joint fork 20 can be tubular and includes a tube body 21, a pair of first connecting plates 22, and a pair of second connecting plates 23. A pair of first connecting plates 22 protrude from one end of the tube body 21 to form a joint fork structure for universal rotational connection with the intermediate shaft 10. A pair of second connecting plates 23 protrude from the other end of the tube body 21 to form a joint fork structure for universal rotational connection with the steering column joint fork 30.

[0042] The intermediate joint fork 20 is provided with a hollow interior and integrally formed, which reduces the manufacturing difficulty of the intermediate joint fork 20 and improves the production efficiency of the intermediate shaft assembly. At the same time, the strength of the intermediate joint fork 20 is increased and the stability of the intermediate shaft assembly is improved.

[0043] By adjusting the phase angle of the joint fork structures at both ends of the intermediate joint fork 20, the fluctuation of the rotational torque of the intermediate shaft assembly can be improved. As Figure 3 shown, the line connecting the connection points of a pair of first connecting plates 22 forms a third axis, and the line connecting the connection points of a pair of second connecting plates 23 forms a fourth axis. In one embodiment, the magnitude of the phase angle of the joint fork structures at both ends of the intermediate joint fork 20 can be 28°. That is, when observed from the direction from the first connecting plate 22 to the second connecting plate 23, the third axis rotates 28° counterclockwise relative to the fourth axis.

[0044] Between the first connecting plate 22 and the first joint fork 14, between the second connecting plate 23 and the steering column joint fork 30, and between the second joint fork 15 and the steering gear joint fork 40, press riveting assembly can be carried out through a cross shaft and a needle roller bearing to achieve their respective universal rotational connections. The ways to achieve universal rotational connections between the intermediate shaft 10 and the intermediate joint fork 20, between the intermediate shaft 10 and the steering gear joint fork 40, and between the intermediate joint fork 20 and the steering column joint fork 30 are not limited, and can also be spherical joint connections, etc.

[0045] As Figure 1 As shown, the rotating member 50 may include a housing 51 and a bearing (not shown in the figure) fixed inside the housing 51. The housing 51 is rotatably mounted to the support member 60. The intermediate shaft 10 is fitted and installed with the bearing. By arranging a bearing inside the housing 51, relative rotation can be carried out between the intermediate shaft 10 and the support member 60, and between the intermediate shaft 10 and the rotating member 50. While restricting the irregular swing of the intermediate shaft 10, the degree of freedom of the intermediate shaft assembly is further improved. The applicable range of the intermediate shaft assembly is increased, and it can adapt to the size requirements of more installation spaces and the angle adjustment requirements of the steering column. The bearing can be a needle roller bearing, and the specific type of bearing is not limited.

[0046] In other embodiments, the intermediate shaft 10 and the rotating member 50 can also be fixedly connected, and there is no relative movement between them. The intermediate shaft 10 realizes its own rotation through the relative movement of the rotating member 50 and the support member 60. In this embodiment, the rotating member 50 can be an independent component and is fixedly installed to the intermediate shaft 10. The intermediate shaft 10 can also be integrally formed with the rotating member 50.

[0047] As Figure 4 As shown, the support member 60 may include a rotating mounting portion 61 and a fixing plate 62. The rotating mounting portion 61 may be provided with a first through hole 611, a second through hole 612, and an installation space 613 connecting the first through hole 611 and the second through hole 612. The rotating mounting portion 61 includes an arc surface 614 facing the installation space 613. The rotating member 50 may be spherical and is slidably abutted and mounted on the arc surface 614. Grease is applied between the rotating member 50 and the arc surface 614 to improve the sliding effect.

[0048] Since the rotating member 50 is spherical, through relative sliding with the arc surface 614, it can rotate around its own spherical center to achieve the rotational installation of the rotating member 50 and the support member 60, and adjust the inclination angle of the intermediate shaft 10 to adapt to the angle adjustment requirements of the steering column. The spherical connection method can increase the range within which the intermediate shaft 10 can rotate, further improving the degree of freedom of the intermediate shaft assembly. While preventing the intermediate shaft 10 from swinging randomly, it increases the flexibility of the components arranged in the intermediate shaft assembly, and further expands the applicable range of the intermediate shaft assembly.

[0049] AsFigures 4 to 6 As shown, the rotating mounting portion 61 may include a first arc plate 615 and a second arc plate 616. The first arc plate 615 extends from the fixed plate 62 towards one side, and the second arc plate 616 extends from the fixed plate 62 towards the other side. The first arc plate 615 and the second arc plate 616 form a mounting space 613.

[0050] The fixed plate 62 extends towards both sides to form the first arc plate 615 and the second arc plate 616, so as to form the mounting space 613 and the arc surface 614, reducing the manufacturing difficulty of the support member 60. In other embodiments, the rotating mounting portion 61 may be in a block shape, and the mounting space 613 and the arc surface 614 are formed by internal processing. The specific structural form of the rotating mounting portion 61 is not limited.

[0051] In one embodiment, the first arc plate 615 and the second arc plate 616 may be in a hemispherical shape. A first through hole 611 is formed between the edge of the first arc plate 615 and the fixed plate 62. A second through hole 612 is formed between the edge of the second arc plate 616 and the fixed plate 62. The specific structural form of the first arc plate 615 and the second arc plate 616 is not limited.

[0052] In one embodiment, as Figure 4 shown, the fixed plate 62 includes a first fixed plate 621 and a second fixed plate 622 that are stacked and fixed. The first fixed plate 621 and the second fixed plate 622 can be formed by welding. As Figures 4 to 6 shown, the first arc plate 615 can be disposed on the first fixed plate 621 and integrally formed with the first fixed plate 621. The second arc plate 616 can be disposed on the second fixed plate 622 and integrally formed with the second fixed plate 622.

[0053] By separately disposing the first fixed plate 621 and the second fixed plate 622, and arranging the first arc plate 615 on the first fixed plate 621 and the second arc plate 616 on the second fixed plate 622, the rotating mounting portion 61 in the shape of a hollow sphere can be separated, so as to further reduce the manufacturing difficulty of the support member 60 and improve the production efficiency.

[0054] Specifically, the first fixed plate 621 can be integrally formed by stamping with the first arc plate 615. The second fixed plate 622 can be integrally formed by stamping with the second arc plate 616. In other embodiments, only the first fixed plate 621 and the first arc plate 615 may be integrally formed, or only the second fixed plate 622 and the second arc plate 616 may be integrally formed. The fixed plate 62 can be in an oval shape, which can improve the stress distribution of the support member 60, reduce the risk of stress concentration, and improve the installation stability of the intermediate shaft assembly. The specific structural form of the fixed plate 62 is not limited.

[0055] As Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, in one embodiment, the support member 60 may further include lugs 63. The lugs 63 are disposed on the side of the fixing plate 62. The lugs 63 are provided with mounting holes 631 for screwing the support member 60 to the vehicle body. By means of screw connection, the installation efficiency of the support member 60 is improved. While having a relatively high installation strength, it is convenient for later disassembly and maintenance. The number of the lugs 63 may be three, and they are arranged at intervals along the side of the fixing plate 62. The specific number and distribution of the lugs 63 are not limited.

[0056] As Figure 6 shown, the intermediate shaft assembly may further include a seal 70. The seal 70 is disposed on the support member 60 for sealing connection between the support member 60 and the vehicle body. Specifically, the seal 70 abuts between the fixing plate 62 and the vehicle body, which can prevent dust or moisture from entering the interior of the intermediate shaft assembly through the support member 60, and extends the working life of the intermediate shaft assembly.

[0057] As Figure 7 shown, the present application also provides a vehicle, including a vehicle body 81 and the above-mentioned intermediate shaft assembly, and the support member 60 is fixed to the vehicle body 81. On the one hand, since the intermediate shaft assembly of the present application can reduce the volume by changing the layout of components, the occupied volume of the front engine compartment 801 can be reduced, so that the volume of the passenger compartment 802 or the trunk 803 can be increased, improving the driving experience of the user. On the other hand, the intermediate shaft assembly of the present application can be adjusted in angle to meet the angle adjustment requirements of the steering column, so that the steering wheel has the function of angle adjustment, further improving the driving experience of the user.

[0058] Specifically, the vehicle body 81 may be a front bulkhead. Since the passenger compartment 802 has a larger space than the front engine compartment 801, the support member 60 can be installed on the side of the front bulkhead facing the passenger compartment 802, reducing the installation difficulty and improving the installation efficiency. The vehicle of the present application may be a passenger vehicle, a commercial vehicle, etc., and the specific type is not limited.

[0059] It should be noted that the technical solutions or technical features described in the above embodiments can be combined or supplemented with each other without conflict. The scope of protection of the present application is not limited to the precise structures described in the above embodiments and shown in the drawings; all modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present application shall be included within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. An intermediate shaft assembly, characterized in that: include: Intermediate shaft, intermediate yoke, steering column yoke, steering gear yoke, rotating parts and supporting parts; The intermediate shaft and the steering column yoke are universally rotatably connected to the intermediate yoke, and the steering gear yoke is universally rotatably connected to the intermediate shaft; The rotating member is connected to the intermediate shaft; the rotating member is rotatably mounted with the supporting member, and the supporting member is used to connect with the body of the vehicle.

2. The intermediate shaft assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating member comprises a housing and a bearing fixed in the housing; the housing is rotatably mounted to the supporting member; and the intermediate shaft is cooperatively mounted with the bearing.

3. The intermediate shaft assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support member includes a rotating mounting portion; the rotating mounting portion is provided with a first through hole, a second through hole and an installation space communicating with the first through hole and the second through hole; The rotating installation portion comprises an arc surface facing the installation space; the rotating member is spherical and is installed in sliding contact with the arc surface.

4. The intermediate shaft assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The support member further comprises a fixing plate for connecting to the vehicle body; the rotating mounting portion comprises a first arc-shaped plate and a second arc-shaped plate; The first arc plate is formed by extending from the fixing plate toward one side, and the second arc plate is formed by extending from the fixing plate toward the other side; the first arc plate and the second arc plate form the installation space.

5. The intermediate shaft assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The fixing plate comprises a first fixing plate and a second fixing plate which are stacked and fixed; The first arc-shaped plate is disposed on the first fixing plate and is formed integrally with the first fixing plate; and / or the second arc-shaped plate is disposed on the second fixing plate and is formed integrally with the second fixing plate.

6. The intermediate shaft assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a sealing member, which is arranged on the supporting member and is used for sealing connection between the supporting member and the vehicle body.

7. The intermediate shaft assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The intermediate yoke comprises a tube body, a pair of first connecting plates and a pair of second connecting plates; The pair of first connecting plates protrude from one end of the tube body to form a yoke structure universally connected to the intermediate shaft; the pair of second connecting plates protrude from the other end of the tube body to form a yoke structure universally connected to the steering column yoke.

8. The intermediate shaft assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support member comprises a fixing plate and a lug arranged on the side of the fixing plate; the lug is provided with a mounting hole for screwing the support member to the vehicle body.

9. The intermediate shaft assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that: The fixing plate is oval in shape.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that: include: A vehicle body and an intermediate shaft assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the support member is fixed to the vehicle body.

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