Steering column assembly and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model provides a steering column assembly and a vehicle. The steering column assembly comprises an outer column tube, an inner column tube, a retaining piece, an adjusting piece and an elastic piece. The inner column pipe is sleeved with the outer column pipe. The holder abuts the inner column tube in a radial direction of the inner column tube. The outer column tube is provided with a mounting hole, and the mounting hole is arranged along the abutting direction of the inner column tube and the retainer. The adjusting piece is connected with the mounting hole, and the two sides of the elastic piece abut against the retaining piece and the adjusting piece respectively. The adjusting piece can move in the axial direction of the mounting hole so as to change the deformation degree of the elastic piece. The outer column pipe is provided with a first positioning part, and the retaining piece is provided with a second positioning part assembled with the first positioning part in a matched mode. Due to the fact that the adjusting part can move in the axial direction to change the deformation of the elastic part, the holding force of the steering column assembly can be changed through the adjusting part, the steering column assembly does not need to be developed again for vehicles with different holding force requirements, and the manufacturing cost is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of vehicle steering, in particular to a steering column assembly and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] The steering column assembly is an important component in the vehicle steering system. One end of it is connected to the steering wheel, and the other end is connected to the intermediate shaft assembly. Through power transmission, the rotation of the steering wheel is transmitted to the wheels to steer the vehicle. When a vehicle collision occurs, the steering column assembly will undergo a certain amount of collapse to absorb energy. A retaining structure is usually provided in the steering column assembly to prevent the steering column assembly from completely collapsing and ensure the safety of the vehicle.

[0003] However, the current steering column assembly cannot adjust the retaining force. For vehicles with different retaining force requirements, different steering column assemblies need to be developed, resulting in a relatively high overall manufacturing cost. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] The present application provides a steering column assembly to solve the related technical problems.

[0005] The present application provides a steering column assembly, including: an outer column tube, an inner column tube, a retaining member, an adjusting member, and an elastic member; the inner column tube is sleeved and installed inside the outer column tube; the retaining member abuts against the inner column tube in the radial direction of the inner column tube; the outer column tube is provided with a mounting hole, and the mounting hole is arranged along the abutting direction of the inner column tube and the retaining member; the adjusting member is connected to the mounting hole, and two sides of the elastic member respectively abut against the retaining member and the adjusting member; the adjusting member can move axially along the mounting hole to change the deformation degree of the elastic member; the outer column tube is provided with a first positioning portion, and the retaining member is provided with a second positioning portion that is assembled in cooperation with the first positioning portion.

[0006] Further, the first positioning portion is recessed from the inner wall of the mounting hole; the retaining member includes a top surface abutting against the elastic member and a side surface extending from the top surface in a direction away from the elastic member, and the second positioning portion protrudes from the side surface.

[0007] Further, the outer column tube includes a pair of side plates arranged oppositely, an arc-shaped plate and a mounting plate connecting the pair of side plates; the inner column tube is received in the space formed by the pair of side plates, the arc-shaped plate and the mounting plate; the mounting hole is arranged on the mounting plate.

[0008] Further, the mounting plate includes a plate body and a boss extending from the plate body in a direction away from the inner column tube; the mounting hole is arranged on the boss and passes through the boss and the plate body.

[0009] Further, the first positioning portion is formed by being recessed from the inner wall of the mounting hole and penetrates through the boss and the plate body.

[0010] Further, the holding member includes a pair of clamping jaws and a connecting structure connecting the pair of clamping jaws, and the pair of clamping jaws are symmetrically distributed at both ends of the connecting structure.

[0011] Further, the connecting structure is in a circular ring shape.

[0012] Further, the number of the connecting structures is set to be multiple, and the multiple connecting structures respectively connect the pair of clamping jaws.

[0013] Further, the elastic member is in a circular ring shape; the holding member includes a top surface abutting against the elastic member and a guiding column protruding from the top surface, and the inner ring of the elastic member abuts against the guiding column.

[0014] The present application also provides a vehicle, including the above-mentioned steering column assembly.

[0015] Since the adjusting member can move along the axial direction of the mounting hole to change the deformation magnitude of the elastic member, the holding force magnitude of the steering column assembly can be changed by the adjusting member. Therefore, for vehicles with different holding force requirements, there is no need to re-develop the steering column assembly, reducing the manufacturing cost.

[0016] Meanwhile, by providing the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion, the installation efficiency of the holding member is improved, and the assembly speed of the steering column assembly is accelerated.

[0017] 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

[0018] The drawings here are incorporated into the specification and constitute a part of this specification, showing embodiments consistent with this specification, and are used together with the specification to explain the principles of this specification.

[0019] Figure 1 is a structural diagram of a steering column assembly in an open embodiment of the present application;

[0020] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a partial structural diagram of the steering column assembly in the above in a top view perspective;

[0021] Figure 3 is an assembly diagram of some parts of a steering column assembly in an open embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 4 is Figure 3 a structural decomposition diagram of some parts of the steering column assembly in the above;

[0023] Figure 5 is Figure 3 The structural diagram of some parts of the intermediate steering column assembly from the bottom view perspective;

[0024] Figure 6 is Figure 3 The structural diagram of some parts of the intermediate steering column assembly from the top view perspective.

[0025] Explanation of the reference numerals in the drawings: outer column tube, 10; mounting hole, 101; first positioning portion, 102; side plate, 11; arc-shaped plate, 12; mounting plate, 13; plate body, 131; boss, 132; inner column tube, 20; retaining member, 30; second positioning portion, 300; top surface, 301; side surface, 302; contact surface, 303; guide post, 304; clamping jaw, 31; connecting structure, 32; adjusting member, 40; mounting groove, 41; plum blossom hole, 42; elastic member, 50; first washer, 60; second washer, 70. Specific embodiments

[0026] Here, the technical solutions in the embodiments (or "embodiment modes") of the present application will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. When the following description involves the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements.

[0027] If there are terms related to directional indication or positional relationship 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, radial, circumferential, etc.), then such terms are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement conditions between components in a specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings); if this specific posture changes, then 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 understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0028] Currently, the intermediate steering column assembly will be provided with a corresponding retaining structure to provide a retaining force to prevent the intermediate steering column assembly from completely collapsing when being impacted. For example: for the intermediate steering column assembly with four-point planar mounting, it usually has a handle locking mechanism or a special pull-off structure to provide a retaining force. However, the traditional intermediate steering column assembly cannot freely adjust the magnitude of the retaining force, and it is necessary to develop different intermediate steering column assemblies for different vehicles, increasing the manufacturing cost. The present application provides an intermediate steering column assembly and a vehicle to solve the related technical problems.

[0029] Such as Figures 1 to 4As shown, the present application provides a steering column assembly, including an outer column tube 10, an inner column tube 20, a retaining member 30, an adjusting member 40, an elastic member 50, a first washer 60, and a second washer 70. The inner column tube 20 is sleeved and installed inside the outer column tube 10. The retaining member 30 abuts against the inner column tube 20 in the radial direction.

[0030] The outer column tube 10 is provided with a mounting hole 101. The mounting hole 101 is arranged along the abutting direction of the inner column tube 20 and the retaining member 30. The adjusting member 40 is connected to the mounting hole 101, and both sides of the elastic member 50 abut against the retaining member 30 and the adjusting member 40 respectively. The adjusting member 40 can move along the axial direction of the mounting hole 101 to change the deformation degree of the elastic member 50.

[0031] The present application also provides a vehicle, including the above-mentioned steering column assembly. Since the adjusting member 40 can move along the axial direction of the mounting hole 101 to change the deformation degree of the elastic member 50, the holding force of the steering column assembly can be changed by the adjusting member 40. Therefore, for vehicles with different holding force requirements, there is no need to re-develop the steering column assembly, reducing the manufacturing cost.

[0032] Specifically, the adjusting member 40 can be threadedly connected to the mounting hole 101. The threaded connection structure is relatively simple and easy to process, further reducing the production cost. When adjusting the holding force, rotate the adjusting member 40, and the adjusting member 40 moves along the axial direction of the mounting hole 101. The elastic member 50 deforms as the adjusting member 40 moves and transmits the elastic force to the retaining member 30. The retaining member 30 presses the inner column tube 20 to provide the holding force. After the adjustment is completed, in order to prevent the holding force from declining during use, anti-loosening glue can be applied between the adjusting member 40 and the mounting hole 101.

[0033] The outer column tube 10 is provided with a first positioning portion 102, and the retaining member 30 is provided with a second positioning portion 300 that cooperates with the first positioning portion 102 for assembly. By providing the first positioning portion 102 and the second positioning portion 300, the assembly speed of the steering column assembly is improved, thereby improving the production efficiency of the vehicle.

[0034] As Figure 1 shown, the outer column tube 10 may include side plates 11, arc plates 12, and a mounting plate 13. The number of arc plates 12 is set to a pair. A pair of side plates 11 are arranged opposite to each other. The arc plates 12 and the mounting plate 13 are respectively connected to a pair of side plates 11. The inner column tube 20 is received in the space formed by a pair of side plates 11, arc plates 12, and the mounting plate 13. The mounting hole 101 is provided on the mounting plate 13.

[0035] The outer column tube 10 is U-shaped, which can improve the fit between the outer column tube 10 and the inner column tube 20 and increase the fixing strength of the inner column tube 20. By providing the mounting plate 13, a relatively flat mounting area is provided, the assembly difficulty of the adjustment member 40 is reduced, the assembly efficiency of the adjustment member 40 and the mounting hole 101 is increased, and the assembly speed of the steering column assembly is improved.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment, the mounting plate 13 may include a plate body 131 and a boss 132. The boss 132 is formed to extend from the plate body 131 toward a side away from the inner column tube 20. The mounting hole 101 is disposed on the boss 132 and passes through the boss 132 and the plate body 131.

[0037] Since the mounting hole 101 passes through the boss 132 and the plate body 131, the axial distance of the mounting hole 101 is extended. Therefore, the movable range of the adjusting member 40 in the axial direction is expanded, and the range of the retaining force that can be adjusted by the steering column assembly is increased.

[0038] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the retaining member 30 includes a top surface 301, a side surface 302 and a contact surface 303. The top surface 301 abuts against the elastic member 50. The side surface 302 extends from the top surface 301 in a direction away from the elastic member 50. The contact surface 303 is provided with a mesh indentation structure, which can increase the friction between the retaining member 30 and the inner column tube 20 and improve the maximum force that the retaining member 30 can apply to the inner column tube 20.

[0039] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the first positioning portion 102 can be formed by being recessed from the inner wall of the mounting hole 101. The second positioning portion 300 can be formed by being raised from the side surface 302. The first positioning portion 102 forms a groove structure, and the second positioning portion 300 forms a raised structure. Positioning is performed by the raised and groove structures, which has a simple structure and is easy to manufacture, further reducing the production cost of the steering column assembly.

[0040] During installation, after aligning the first positioning portion 102 with the second positioning portion 300, the retaining member 30 can pass through the mounting hole 101 in the axial direction and abut against the inner column tube 20. In other embodiments, the specific structural forms of the first positioning portion 102 and the second positioning portion 300 are not limited.

[0041] In the embodiment where the mounting plate 13 includes a plate body 131 and a boss 132, the first positioning portion 102 can be formed by being recessed from the inner wall of the mounting hole 101 and passing through the boss 132 and the plate body 131. Since the axial distance of the mounting hole 101 is relatively long, the first positioning portion 102 also has a relatively long extension distance in the axial direction of the mounting hole 101. During the installation process of the retaining member 30, the first positioning portion 102 can also play a guiding role, further improving the assembly efficiency of the steering column assembly.

[0042] As shown Figure 3 and Figure 5 In one embodiment, the holder 30 may include jaws 31 and a connecting structure 32. The number of jaws 31 is set to a pair. The connecting structure 32 connects a pair of jaws 31. A pair of jaws are symmetrically distributed at both ends of the connecting structure 32. By providing a pair of jaws 31, the maximum force that the holder 30 can exert on the inner column tube 20 is increased, and the adjustment range of the holding force of the steering column assembly is increased.

[0043] In one embodiment, the connecting structure 32 may be annular. This setting can reduce the stress concentration of the holder 30, make the force on the holder 30 more uniform, and prevent the holder 30 from being damaged due to stress concentration. In this embodiment, the number of connecting structures 32 may be set to multiple, and multiple connecting structures 32 are respectively connected to a pair of jaws 31, further improving the force uniformity of the holder 30. In other embodiments, the specific structure of the holder 30 is not limited.

[0044] As shown Figure 4 and Figure 6 In one embodiment, the adjusting member 40 may be annular. The adjusting member 40 may be provided with connecting threads on the outer sidewall for mating with the mounting hole 101. One side of the adjusting member 40 is provided with a mounting groove 41, and the other side is provided with a plum blossom hole 42.

[0045] The mounting groove 41 is used for assembling the first washer 60. Both sides of the first washer 60 respectively abut against the adjusting member 40 and the elastic member 50 to ensure the force-bearing area and prevent the rotation of the adjusting member 40 from scratching the elastic member 50. The first washer 60 may be made of a material with a relatively high wear resistance. By providing the plum blossom hole 42, the assembly strength between the adjusting member 40 and the mounting tool can be increased, and the installation efficiency of the adjusting member 40 can be increased.

[0046] As shown Figure 4 In one embodiment, the elastic member 50 may be annular. In this embodiment, the holder 30 may further include a guide post 304 protruding from the top surface 301. The inner ring of the elastic member 50 abuts against the guide post 304. By providing the guide post 304, the installation efficiency of the elastic member 50 is improved, thereby accelerating the assembly speed of the steering column assembly.

[0047] Specifically, the elastic member 50 may be in the form of an annular elastic sheet. The middle part of the elastic member 50 may protrude towards the adjusting member 40, so that the elastic member 50 forms a structure with a high center and a low outer edge. When designing and selecting, the appropriate protrusion size can be set according to the range requirement of the holding force. In other embodiments, the specific structural form of the elastic member 50 is not limited. The material of the elastic member 50 is also not limited, and a suitable material can be selected according to the range requirement of the holding force.

[0048] As shownFigure 4 As shown, both sides of the second washer 70 are respectively abutted against the holding member 30 and the elastic member 50 to ensure the contact area during the force transmission process. In the embodiment where the elastic member 50 is annular, the inner diameter of the second washer 70 can be smaller than the inner diameter of the elastic member 50, and the outer diameter of the second washer 70 can be larger than the outer diameter of the elastic member 50. The second washer 70 covers the elastic member 50 to further improve the effect of force transmission.

[0049] 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 this 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 principles of this application shall be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A steering column assembly, characterized in that, Comprising: An outer column tube, an inner column tube, a holding member, an adjusting member and an elastic member; the inner column tube is sleeved and installed inside the outer column tube; The holding member abuts against the inner column tube in the radial direction of the inner column tube; the outer column tube is provided with a mounting hole, and the mounting hole is arranged along the abutting direction of the inner column tube and the holding member; The adjusting member is connected to the mounting hole, and two sides of the elastic member respectively abut against the holding member and the adjusting member; the adjusting member can move along the axial direction of the mounting hole to change the deformation degree of the elastic member; The outer column tube is provided with a first positioning portion, and the holding member is provided with a second positioning portion which is assembled in cooperation with the first positioning portion.

2. The steering column assembly according to claim 1, wherein The first positioning portion is recessed from the inner wall of the mounting hole; The holding member includes a top surface abutting against the elastic member and a side surface extending from the top surface in a direction away from the elastic member, and the second positioning portion protrudes from the side surface.

3. The steering column assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The outer column tube includes a pair of side plates arranged oppositely, an arc plate and a mounting plate connecting the pair of side plates; the inner column tube is received in the space formed by the pair of side plates, the arc plate and the mounting plate; the mounting hole is arranged on the mounting plate.

4. The steering column assembly according to claim 3, wherein The mounting plate includes a plate body and a convex platform extending from the plate body toward a side away from the inner column tube; the mounting hole is arranged on the convex platform and penetrates through the convex platform and the plate body.

5. The steering column assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first positioning portion is recessed from the inner wall of the mounting hole and penetrates through the convex platform and the plate body.

6. The steering column assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The holding member includes a pair of clamping jaws and a connecting structure connecting the pair of clamping jaws, and the pair of clamping jaws are symmetrically distributed at both ends of the connecting structure.

7. The steering column assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The connecting structure is in a circular ring shape.

8. The steering column assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The number of the connecting structures is set to be multiple, and the multiple connecting structures respectively connect the pair of clamping jaws.

9. The steering column assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The elastic member is in a circular ring shape; the holding member includes a top surface abutting against the elastic member and a guiding column protruding from the top surface, and the inner ring of the elastic member abuts against the guiding column.

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

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