Middle column casing, steering column and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model discloses a middle column casing, a steering column and a vehicle. The middle column casing is suitable for a steering column of a vehicle. The middle column casing comprises a casing body. And the barrel body is of a structure formed by injection molding of one of a thermoplastic organic polymer material and a thermoplastic composite material. According to the utility model, the cylinder body of the middle cylinder is made of one of the thermoplastic organic polymer material and the thermoplastic composite material through injection molding, so that the weight of the middle cylinder can be reduced, and the light weight of the middle cylinder can be realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of vehicles, and particularly relates to an intermediate cylinder, a steering column and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] The steering column in the related art includes an intermediate cylinder and a sliding cylinder. The sliding cylinder is sleeved outside the intermediate cylinder. The intermediate cylinder can be adjusted to move relative to the sliding cylinder. In order to improve the strength of the intermediate cylinder in the related art, the intermediate cylinder is made of metal, resulting in a large overall weight of the steering column, which is not conducive to the lightweight of the whole vehicle. Summary of the Utility Model

[0003] A series of simplified concepts are introduced in the summary of the utility model, which will be further described in detail in the specific implementation part. The summary part of the utility model does not mean to attempt to define the key features and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor does it mean to attempt to determine the protection scope of the claimed technical solution.

[0004] To at least partially solve the above problems, a first aspect of the present utility model provides an intermediate cylinder applicable to the steering column of a vehicle. The intermediate cylinder includes a cylinder body, and the cylinder body is configured as a structure injection molded from one of a thermoplastic organic polymer material and a thermoplastic composite material.

[0005] According to the intermediate cylinder of the first aspect of the present utility model, by setting the cylinder body of the intermediate cylinder to be injection molded from one of a thermoplastic organic polymer material and a thermoplastic composite material, the weight of the intermediate cylinder can be reduced, which is beneficial to realizing the lightweight of the intermediate cylinder.

[0006] Optionally, the thermoplastic organic polymer material is one of polybutylene terephthalate, polypropylene, epoxy resin, nylon, polyoxymethylene, polyamide, and polyamide 66.

[0007] Optionally, the thermoplastic composite material is composed of a thermoplastic organic polymer material and glass fiber, and the thermoplastic organic polymer material is one of polybutylene terephthalate, polypropylene, epoxy resin, nylon, polyoxymethylene, polyamide, and polyamide 66.

[0008] Optionally, the intermediate cylinder is completely configured as the cylinder body.

[0009] Optionally, the intermediate cylinder further includes an embedded part, and the embedded part is configured as a metal structure embedded in the interior of the cylinder body by injection molding.

[0010] Optionally, the intermediate cylinder further includes a reinforcing layer, and the reinforcing layer is configured as a metal layer formed on the inner wall of the cylinder body by thermoforming.

[0011] Optionally, a first reinforcing rib is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate cylinder.

[0012] In a second aspect of the present utility model, a steering column is provided, which includes:

[0013] A sliding cylinder adapted to be connected to a wheel assembly; and

[0014] The above-mentioned intermediate cylinder is movably disposed inside the sliding cylinder and is adapted to be connected to a steering wheel assembly.

[0015] According to the steering column of the second aspect of the present utility model, by applying the above-mentioned intermediate cylinder connected to the sliding cylinder, the weight of the steering column can be effectively reduced.

[0016] Optionally, the sliding cylinder is configured to be made of one of 20 steel, 35 steel, 45 steel, and 40Cr steel.

[0017] Optionally, the sliding cylinder is configured to be a member made by injection molding of one of a thermoplastic organic polymer material and a thermoplastic composite material.

[0018] Optionally, a second reinforcing rib is formed on the outer surface of the sliding cylinder; and / or

[0019] A third reinforcing rib is formed on the inner surface of the sliding cylinder.

[0020] Optionally, the steering column further includes a fixing bracket for connecting to a vehicle body frame;

[0021] The sliding cylinder has pivot portions and adjustment portions spaced along its own length direction, and the sliding cylinder is rotatably connected to the fixing bracket around a first rotation axis through the pivot portions;

[0022] One end of the intermediate cylinder extends to the outside of the adjustment portion to be connected to the steering wheel assembly.

[0023] Optionally, the steering column further includes:

[0024] An active connector rotatably connected to the fixing bracket around a second rotation axis and rotatably connected to the adjustment portion around a third rotation axis; and

[0025] A telescopic member rotatably connected to the active connector around a fourth rotation axis, the second rotation axis, the third rotation axis, and the fourth rotation axis are parallel to each other and non-coplanar, and the telescopic member is movably connected to the fixing bracket along a direction intersecting the fourth rotation axis and the second rotation axis.

[0026] Optionally, the third rotation axis is located on a side of the plane where the second rotation axis and the fourth rotation axis are located, away from the first rotation axis.

[0027] Optionally, the movable connecting member is configured as a triangular frame, and the second rotation axis, the third rotation axis, and the fourth rotation axis are respectively disposed at three corners of the triangular frame.

[0028] An oblong hole is formed at a corner portion of the triangular frame corresponding to the third rotation axis.

[0029] Optionally, the fixed bracket is provided with a through hole, and the sliding cylinder is inserted through the through hole.

[0030] A third aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle, which includes:

[0031] A wheel assembly;

[0032] A steering wheel assembly; and

[0033] The above-mentioned steering column, the sliding cylinder is connected to the wheel assembly, and the intermediate cylinder is connected to the steering wheel assembly.

[0034] For the vehicle according to the third aspect of the present invention, by applying the above-mentioned steering column, the weight of the whole vehicle can be reduced, thereby contributing to reducing energy consumption. Description of the Drawings

[0035] The following drawings of the embodiments of the present invention are hereby incorporated as a part of the present invention for understanding the present invention. The embodiments and descriptions thereof shown in the drawings are used to explain the principles of the present invention. In the drawings,

[0036] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a steering column according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 For Figure 1 another perspective view of the steering column shown;

[0038] Figure 3 For Figure 1 yet another perspective view of the steering column shown;

[0039] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of an intermediate cylinder and a sliding cylinder according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[0040] Figure 5Exploded three-dimensional view of the middle cylinder and the sliding cylinder of a preferred embodiment of the present utility model.

[0041] Description of reference numerals:

[0042] 100: Steering column 101: Fixed bracket

[0043] 101a: Through hole 101b: Connecting ear

[0044] 102: Sliding cylinder 102a: Pivoting part

[0045] 102b: Adjusting part 102c: Pivot shaft hole

[0046] 102d: Second reinforcing rib 102e: Third reinforcing rib

[0047] 103: Middle cylinder 103a: Cylinder body

[0048] 103b: First reinforcing rib 104: Movable connecting piece

[0049] 104a: Long oval hole 105: First base

[0050] 106: First worm 107: First motor

[0051] 108: Fixed seat 109: Second base

[0052] 110: Second worm 111: Second motor

[0053] AX1: First rotation axis AX2: Second rotation axis

[0054] AX3: Third rotation axis AX4: Fourth rotation axis

[0055] AX5: Fifth rotation axis Detailed implementation mode

[0056] In the following description, a large number of specific details are given to provide a more thorough understanding of the present utility model. However, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the embodiments of the present utility model can be implemented without one or more of these details. In other examples, in order to avoid confusion with the embodiments of the present utility model, some well-known technical features in the art are not described.

[0057] In order to thoroughly understand the embodiments of the present utility model, detailed structures will be presented in the following description. Obviously, the implementation of the embodiments of the present utility model is not limited to the special details familiar to those skilled in the art.

[0058] It should be understood that the purpose of the terms used herein is only to describe specific embodiments and is not a limitation of the present invention. The singular forms of "a", "an" and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. When the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they specify the presence of the stated features, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0059] The ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" cited in the present invention are merely identifiers and have no other meanings, such as a specific order, etc. Moreover, for example, the term "first component" does not imply the existence of a "second component" by itself, and the term "second component" does not imply the existence of a "first component" by itself. It should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "inner", "outer" and similar expressions used in the present invention are only for the purpose of illustration and are not limitations.

[0060] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show representative embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the present invention.

[0061] The inventor found that the steering column structure of the related technology is complex, with many components and heavy materials. Especially, the middle cylinder is usually made of metal. This will result in a large weight of the overall electric steering column. In the vehicle assembly, the large weight of the steering column will affect the vehicle weight and the spatial layout of the connection structure between the steering column and other components. Therefore, lightweight design of the electric steering column is required.

[0062] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a middle cylinder, a steering column having the middle cylinder, and a vehicle having the steering column. Hereinafter, reference will be made to Figures 1 to 5 A detailed description will be given of the steering column 100 and the vehicle according to the present invention.

[0063] According to the present utility model, the steering column 100 may include a fixed bracket 101, a sliding cylinder 102, and an intermediate cylinder 103. The fixed bracket 101 is used to connect to the vehicle body frame. For example, it is connected to the front panel of the vehicle body frame. The sliding cylinder 102 has a pivot portion 102a and an adjustment portion 102b spaced along its own length direction. The sliding cylinder 102 is rotatably arranged relative to the fixed bracket 101 about a first rotation axis AX1. The first rotation axis AX1 is located at the pivot portion 102a, and the sliding cylinder 102 is adapted to be connected to the wheel assembly. The intermediate cylinder 103 is movably inserted into the interior of the sliding cylinder 102 along its length direction. One end of the intermediate cylinder 103 extends to the outside of the adjustment portion 102b along the length direction to be adapted to be connected to the steering wheel assembly. The intermediate cylinder 103 may include a cylinder body 103a. The cylinder body 103a may be configured as a structure integrally injection-molded from a thermoplastic organic polymer material. Alternatively, the intermediate cylinder 103 is configured as a structure injection-molded from a thermoplastic composite material made of a thermoplastic organic polymer material and a reinforcing material. The thermoplastic organic polymer material here may be selected from one of polybutylene terephthalate, polypropylene, epoxy resin, nylon, polyoxymethylene, polyamide, polyamide 66, and rubber. The reinforcing material here may be, for example, glass fiber.

[0064] According to the intermediate cylinder of the present utility model, by setting the cylinder body of the intermediate cylinder to be injection-molded from one of a thermoplastic organic polymer material and a thermoplastic composite material, the weight of the intermediate cylinder can be reduced, which is beneficial to achieving the lightweight of the intermediate cylinder.

[0065] According to the steering column 100 of the present utility model, the installation of the steering column 100 to the vehicle body frame can be achieved through the fixed bracket 101 and the pivot portion 102a of the sliding cylinder 102. And in the installed state, by rotating the sliding cylinder 102 about the first rotation axis AX1, the pitch angle or orientation of the intermediate cylinder 103 can be changed, and by moving the intermediate cylinder 103 along the length direction relative to the sliding cylinder 102, the length of the steering column 100 can be changed. Further, since the intermediate cylinder 103 is a component injection-molded from a thermoplastic organic polymer material or a composite material of a thermoplastic organic polymer material and a reinforcing material, the weight of the steering column 100 can be effectively reduced on the premise of the required strength of the intermediate cylinder 103. The component injection-molded from a thermoplastic organic polymer material or a composite material of a thermoplastic organic polymer material and a reinforcing material has a certain small deformation amount, which can better adapt to the assembly operation.

[0066] As Figures 1 to 5, in an optional example, the middle cylinder 103 can be entirely constructed as the cylinder body 103a. In other words, the middle cylinder 103 is constructed to be entirely made by injection molding with one of thermoplastic organic polymer materials and thermoplastic composite materials. This can greatly reduce the weight of the middle cylinder 103.

[0067] In another optional example, the middle cylinder may further include an embedded part (not shown). The embedded part is constructed as a metal structure embedded inside the cylinder body by injection molding. The manufacturing process used here can be the insert injection molding process. The embedded part is a metal structure. During the injection molding process, the embedded part is pre-positioned at the corresponding position in the injection mold, and then the thermoplastic material is injected to obtain the middle cylinder. For the middle cylinder here, due to the embedded part with a metal structure inside, the stiffness and strength of the middle cylinder 103 can be greatly enhanced. In specific implementation, the embedded part can be arranged at the positions where the middle cylinder needs to increase strength and stiffness according to requirements. The embedded part can be, for example, a sheet metal part.

[0068] In yet another optional example, the middle cylinder may further include a reinforcing layer (not shown). The reinforcing layer is constructed as a metal layer formed on the inner wall of the cylinder body by thermoforming. The reinforcing layer here can be a structural layer formed by attaching particulate or powdery materials of metals such as aluminum alloy to the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder body 103a under the thermoforming process. By adding the reinforcing layer, the stiffness, strength, and wear resistance of the inner surface of the middle cylinder 103 can be increased.

[0069] Furthermore, the above-mentioned another optional example and the above-mentioned yet another optional example can be implemented in combination or separately.

[0070] Refer to Figure 5 , for example, the outer peripheral surface of the middle cylinder 103 is formed with a first reinforcing rib 103b. By providing the first reinforcing rib 103b on the outer peripheral surface of the middle cylinder 103, the strength of the outer periphery of the middle cylinder 103 can be increased.

[0071] Furthermore, the first reinforcing rib 103b, for example, can extend along the axial direction of the middle cylinder 103 to form a guiding fit with the third reinforcing rib 102e (as Figure 5 shown) of the sliding cylinder 102 in the axial direction.

[0072] Optionally, the specific form of the first reinforcing rib 103b can be unlimited. For example, the first reinforcing rib 103b can be a convex platform or a concave groove on a curved surface.

[0073] In an example, the sliding cylinder 102 can be constructed to be made of one kind of steel such as 20# steel, 35# steel, 45# steel, 40Cr steel, etc.

[0074] In another example, the sliding cylinder 102 can be configured as a component made by injection molding using one of a thermoplastic organic polymer material and a thermoplastic composite material. The thermoplastic organic polymer material here can be selected from one of polybutylene terephthalate, polypropylene, epoxy resin, nylon, polyoxymethylene, polyamide, polyamide 66, and rubber. The thermoplastic composite material is made of a thermoplastic organic polymer material and a reinforcing material. The reinforcing material here can be, for example, glass fiber.

[0075] Refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , for example, a second reinforcing rib 102d is formed on the outer surface of the sliding cylinder 102. The position of the second reinforcing rib 102d is not limited. For example, the second reinforcing rib can be provided at any convex structure on the outer surface of the sliding cylinder 102 to strengthen the strength of the connection structure between the convex structure and the tubular body of the sliding cylinder 102.

[0076] Refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , for example, a third reinforcing rib 102e is formed on the inner surface of the sliding cylinder 102. The third reinforcing rib 102e extends along the axial direction of the sliding cylinder 102. On the one hand, the third reinforcing rib 102e can enhance the structural strength of the inner circumference of the sliding cylinder 102. On the other hand, in some examples, it can also be axially slidably engaged with the first reinforcing rib 103b on the outer circumferential surface of the intermediate cylinder 103.

[0077] Optionally, the specific form of the third reinforcing rib 102e is not limited. For example, the third reinforcing rib 102e can be a curved groove or a curved boss. The third reinforcing rib 102e can also be a rib or a long groove with a trapezoidal or square cross-sectional shape.

[0078] Refer to Figures 1 to 5 , in addition, the steering column 100 can further include a movable connection member 104 and a telescopic member. The movable connection member 104 is rotatably connected to the fixed bracket 101 around the second rotation axis AX2. The movable connection member 104 is rotatably connected to the adjusting portion 102b around the third rotation axis AX3. The telescopic member is rotatably connected to the movable connection member 104 around the fourth rotation axis AX4. The second rotation axis AX2, the third rotation axis AX3, and the fourth rotation axis AX4 are parallel to each other and non-coplanar. It can be understood that in a plane perpendicular to the second rotation axis AX2, the connecting lines of the projections of the second rotation axis AX2, the third rotation axis AX3, and the fourth rotation axis AX4 form a triangle. The telescopic member is movably arranged relative to the fixed bracket 101 along a direction intersecting the plane where the fourth rotation axis AX4 and the second rotation axis AX2 are located together to drive the movable connection member 104 to rotate around the second rotation axis AX2.

[0079] For example, the movable connecting member 104 is pivotally mounted on the telescopic member, the fixed bracket 101, and the sliding sleeve through connecting members such as bolts and rivets. Correspondingly, the above-mentioned second rotation axis AX2, third rotation axis AX3, and fourth rotation axis AX4 can be understood as the axes of the connecting members such as bolts and rivets.

[0080] To prevent the movable connecting member 104 from jamming during movement, at least one of the following two examples can be selected.

[0081] In one example, the second rotation axis AX2 is movable relative to one of the movable connecting member 104 and the fixed bracket 101. This can prevent the movable connecting member 104 from jamming during the rotation relative to the fixed bracket 101 about the second rotation axis AX2.

[0082] In another example, the third rotation axis AX3 is movable relative to one of the movable connecting member 104 and the sliding cylinder 102. This can prevent the movable connecting member 104 from jamming during the rotation relative to the sliding cylinder 102 about the third rotation axis AX3.

[0083] In Figures 1 to 3 In the example shown, the movable connecting member 104 is configured as a triangular frame. The second rotation axis AX2, third rotation axis AX3, and fourth rotation axis AX4 are respectively provided at the three corners of the triangular frame. By setting the movable connecting member 104 as a triangular frame, it is beneficial to simplify the structure, reduce weight, and lower costs. Among them, an oblong hole 104a is provided at the corner portion of the triangular frame corresponding to the third rotation axis AX3. During the rotation of the triangular frame relative to the fixed bracket 101 about the second rotation axis AX2, the third rotation axis AX3 moves adaptively along the length direction of the oblong hole 104a relative to the triangular frame. Here, the oblong hole 104a is provided at the portion of the triangular frame corresponding to the third rotation axis AX3. In this way, during the movement of the triangular frame, the wear of the connecting member between the triangular frame and the fixed bracket 101 on the fixed bracket 101 and the triangular frame can be reduced, and the wear of the connecting member between the triangular frame and the sliding cylinder 102 on the sliding cylinder 102 can be reduced, thereby protecting the fixed bracket 101 and the sliding cylinder 102.

[0084] In other examples not shown, an oblong hole 104a can also be provided on the sliding cylinder 102.

[0085] Optionally, the third rotation axis AX3 is located on the side of the plane where the second rotation axis AX2 and the fourth rotation axis AX4 are located, away from the first rotation axis AX1. When the telescopic member moves away from the first rotation axis AX1, the movable connecting member 104 applies a thrust to the adjustment portion of the sliding cylinder 102. When the telescopic member moves closer to the first rotation axis AX1, the movable connecting member 104 applies a pulling force to the adjustment portion of the sliding cylinder 102.

[0086] Refer to Figures 1 to 3 , for example, the steering column 100 may include a first base 105, a first worm gear (not shown), a first worm 106, and a first motor 107. The first base 105 is rotatably connected to the sliding cylinder 102 about a fifth rotation axis AX5. The fifth rotation axis AX5 is parallel to the first rotation axis AX1. The first worm gear is rotatably connected to the first base 105 about its own axis. The axis of the first worm gear is parallel to the first rotation axis AX1. The first worm 106 is engaged with the first worm gear. The first worm 106 is movably connected to the first base 105 along its own axis. And the first worm 106 is connected to the telescopic member or configured as a part of the telescopic member. The first motor 107 is fixed to the first base 105. The output shaft of the first motor 107 is connected to the first worm gear to drive the first worm gear to rotate. In the operating state of starting the first motor 107, the first motor 107 drives the first worm gear to rotate, thereby causing the first worm 106 to move along the tangent of the first worm gear, and further causing the movable connecting member 104 to rotate about the second rotation axis AX2, and finally applying a force to the sliding cylinder 102 through the movable connecting member 104 to drive the sliding cylinder 102 and the intermediate cylinder 103 to rotate together about the first rotation axis AX1, thereby realizing the adjustment of the pitching angle of the intermediate cylinder 103.

[0087] Further, both the second rotation axis AX2 and the first rotation axis AX1 are located on the same side of the axis of the intermediate cylinder 103. The axis of the first motor 107 is located on the other side of the axis of the intermediate cylinder 103. This reduces the unilateral space occupation of the movable connecting member 104 on the outer periphery of the intermediate cylinder 103, making the positional distribution of the movable connecting member 104 and the first motor 107 relative to the sliding cylinder 102 and the intermediate cylinder 103 more reasonable. At the same time, it can also prevent uneven force due to the arrangement of more structures on one side of the axis of the intermediate cylinder 103.

[0088] Further, the first rotation axis AX1, the second rotation axis AX2, and the third rotation axis AX3 are all located on the same side of the axis of the intermediate cylinder 103.

[0089] In some other embodiments, the fourth rotation axis AX4 may be located on the same side of the axis of the intermediate cylinder 103 as the axis of the first motor 107.

[0090] Continue to refer to Figures 1 to 3 , optionally, the steering column 100 may further include a fixed seat 108. The fixed seat 108 is fixed to the outside of the sliding cylinder 102 or integrally formed with the sliding cylinder 102. The first base 105 is rotatably mounted on the fixed seat 108 about the fifth rotation axis AX5.

[0091] Refer to again Figures 1 to 3 , for example, the fixing bracket 101 is provided with a through hole 101a. The sliding cylinder 102 is inserted through the through hole 101a. In the cross-section of the through hole 101a, the radial inner dimension of the through hole 101a in the direction perpendicular to the first rotation axis AX1 is greater than the radial inner dimension in the direction parallel to the first rotation axis AX1. This allows the sliding cylinder 102 to rotate relative to the fixing bracket 101 about the first rotation axis AX1 in the direction perpendicular to the first rotation axis AX1.

[0092] Refer to again Figures 1 to 3 , further, the opposite sides of the fixing bracket 101 may include connecting ears 101b. The connecting ears 101b are provided with connecting holes. The connecting ears 101b can be mounted on the vehicle body frame by fasteners such as bolts and rivets.

[0093] Refer to again Figures 1 to 3 , optionally, the pivot portion 102a of the sliding cylinder 102 is provided with a pivot shaft hole 102c. The center line of the pivot shaft hole 102c may coincide with the first rotation axis AX1. The pivot shaft hole 102c can be mounted to the vehicle body frame by connecting members such as a pin shaft and a bolt. The connecting ears 101b and the pivot shaft hole 102c are located on the same side of the axis of the intermediate cylinder 103. And the fixing bracket 101 is spaced from the pivot shaft hole 102c in the direction perpendicular to the length of the sliding cylinder 102. Compared with the related art in which the pivot shaft hole 102c of the sliding cylinder 102 is mounted on the fixing bracket 101 by a connecting member, this is beneficial to simplify the structure of the fixing bracket 101 and reduce the overall weight of the steering column 100.

[0094] Refer to again Figures 1 to 3, optionally, the steering column 100 may include a second base 109, a second worm gear (not shown), a second worm 110, and a second motor 111. The second base 109 is fixed to the sliding cylinder 102 or the second base 109 is integrally formed with the sliding cylinder 102. The second worm gear is rotatably mounted on the second base 109 about its own axis. The axis of the second worm gear is parallel to the first rotation axis AX1. The second worm 110 is engaged with the second worm gear. The second worm 110 is movably connected to the sliding cylinder 102 along its own axis. And the second worm 110 is connected to the intermediate cylinder 103. The axis of the second worm 110 is parallel to the length direction of the sliding cylinder 102. The second motor 111 is fixed to the intermediate cylinder 103. The output shaft of the second motor 111 is connected to the second worm gear to drive the second worm gear to rotate. When the second motor 111 is started, the output shaft of the second motor 111 drives the second worm gear to rotate, thereby driving the second worm 110 to move along the length direction of the sliding cylinder 102, and further driving the intermediate cylinder 103 to move relative to the sliding cylinder 102 to change the overall length of the steering column 100. In the installation state where the steering column 100 is installed on the vehicle, by controlling the rotation of the second motor 111, the height of the steering wheel assembly can be adjusted.

[0095] The steering column 100 provided by the present application aims to solve the problems of the existing steering column 100, such as complex structure, large overall weight, and large space occupation ratio. For this purpose, the intermediate cylinder 103 of the steering column 100 is made of a single injection-molded structure of a thermoplastic organic polymer material such as nylon, or the intermediate cylinder 103 is made of a composite material of a thermoplastic organic polymer material such as nylon and a reinforcing material such as glass fiber by injection molding. Compared with the intermediate cylinder made of a metal material such as aluminum alloy, the intermediate cylinder of the present application can achieve the purpose of lighter weight under the condition of meeting the required strength. This is also beneficial to the lightweight of the whole vehicle. By adopting the technical solution of the present application, not only can the height adjustment, angle adjustment, and collapse satisfaction functions of the steering column 100 in the related technology be realized, but also it helps to simplify the structure of the steering column 100. Correspondingly, it is also beneficial to simplify the manufacturing process and reduce the production cost. According to the steering column 100 of the present application, the intermediate cylinder 103 adopts an injection molding process. On the basis of well improving the overall precision of the steering column 100, the structure is simpler and there is no special process.

[0096] The present utility model also provides a vehicle. The vehicle may include a wheel assembly, a steering wheel assembly, and the above-mentioned steering column 100. The sliding cylinder 102 is connected to the wheel assembly. The intermediate cylinder 103 is connected to the steering wheel assembly.

[0097] According to the vehicle of the present utility model, by applying the above-mentioned steering column 100, the weight of the whole vehicle can be reduced, which helps to reduce energy consumption.

[0098] The vehicle to which the steering column 100 of the above embodiments of the present application is applied may include various vehicles provided with the steering column 100. For example, the steering column 100 may also be applied to vehicles such as forklifts and trains, and may also be applied to equipment such as excavators and cranes.

[0099] Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as those commonly understood by those skilled in the technical field of the present utility model. The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Terms such as "provided with" as used herein may mean that one component is directly attached to another component, or may also mean that one component is attached to another component through an intermediate member. The features described in one embodiment herein may be applied alone or in combination with other features to another embodiment, unless the feature is not applicable or otherwise stated in that other embodiment.

[0100] The present utility model has been described through the above embodiments, but it should be understood that the above embodiments are only for the purpose of illustration and example, and are not intended to limit the present utility model within the scope of the described embodiments. Those skilled in the art can understand that more variations and modifications can be made according to the teachings of the present utility model, and these variations and modifications all fall within the scope of protection required by the present utility model.

Claims

1. An intermediate column, suitable for a steering column of a vehicle, characterized in that: The intermediate column includes a barrel, and the barrel is constructed of a structure made of one of a thermoplastic organic polymer material and a thermoplastic composite material by injection molding; The thermoplastic organic polymer material is one of polybutylene terephthalate, polypropylene, epoxy resin, nylon, polyoxymethylene, polyamide, and polyamide 66; The thermoplastic composite material is formed by compounding thermoplastic organic polymer material and glass fiber.

2. The intermediate column according to claim 1, characterized in that The intermediate cylinder is completely configured as the cylinder body.

3. The intermediate column according to claim 1, characterized in that The intermediate column further comprises an embedded portion, which is a metal structure embedded in the interior of the cylinder through injection molding.

4. The intermediate column according to claim 1, characterized in that The intermediate column further comprises a reinforcement layer, which is constructed as a metal layer formed on the inner wall of the cylinder through blister molding.

5. The intermediate column according to claim 1, characterized in that A first reinforcing rib is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the intermediate column.

6. A steering column, characterized in that: The steering column comprises: a sliding cylinder adapted to be coupled to a wheel assembly; and The intermediate column according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the intermediate column is movably arranged inside the sliding column, and the intermediate column is suitable for being connected to a steering wheel assembly.

7. The steering column according to claim 6, characterized in that: The sliding column is constructed of one of No. 20 steel, No. 35 steel, No. 45 steel, and 40Cr steel.

8. The steering column according to claim 6, wherein: The sliding cylinder is constructed as a component made of one of a thermoplastic organic polymer material and a thermoplastic composite material through injection molding.

9. The steering column according to claim 8, characterized in that The outer surface of the sliding cylinder is formed with a second reinforcing rib; and / or A third reinforcing rib is formed on the inner surface of the sliding cylinder.

10. The steering column according to claim 6, wherein: The steering column further includes a fixing bracket, the fixing bracket being used to be connected to the vehicle body frame; The sliding cylinder has a pivot portion and an adjustment portion spaced apart along its length, and the sliding cylinder is connected to the fixed bracket by rotating around a first rotation axis via the pivot portion; One end of the intermediate column extends to the outside of the adjustment portion to be connected to the steering wheel assembly.

11. The steering column according to claim 10, wherein: The steering column further comprises: a movable connecting member, the movable connecting member being rotatably connected to the fixed bracket about a second rotation axis, the movable connecting member being rotatably connected to the adjusting portion about a third rotation axis; and A telescopic member, the telescopic member is connected to the movable connecting member by rotating around a fourth rotation axis, the second rotation axis, the third rotation axis and the fourth rotation axis are parallel to each other and not coplanar, and the telescopic member is movably connected to the fixed bracket along a direction intersecting the fourth rotation axis and the second rotation axis.

12. The steering column according to claim 11, wherein: The third rotation axis is located on a side of a plane where the second rotation axis and the fourth rotation axis are located, away from the first rotation axis.

13. The steering column according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that: The movable connecting member is constructed as a triangular frame, and the second rotation axis, the third rotation axis, and the fourth rotation axis are respectively arranged at the three corners of the triangular frame. An oblong hole is formed in a corner of the triangular frame corresponding to the third rotation axis.

14. The steering column according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that The fixing bracket is provided with a through hole, and the sliding column is passed through the through hole.

15. A vehicle, characterized in that: The vehicle comprises: wheel assembly; steering wheel assembly; and The steering column according to any one of claims 6 to 14, wherein the sliding column is connected to the wheel assembly, and the intermediate column is connected to the steering wheel assembly.

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