Steering column assembly for vehicle and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model discloses a steering column assembly for a vehicle and the vehicle, and the steering column assembly comprises a support connected with a vehicle body of the vehicle; the adjusting mechanism is arranged on the support, and the adjusting mechanism is provided with a movable driving end; the steering column is movably arranged on the support and connected with the driving end, and the steering column is driven by the adjusting mechanism to stretch out and draw back or adjust the angle relative to the support; the buffering device is arranged on the adjusting mechanism and used for buffering impact generated when the driving end is started. According to the steering column assembly, the buffering device is arranged on the adjusting mechanism to buffer instantaneous impact on the steering column when the driving end is started, so that noise generated when the angle of the support is adjusted through the steering column is reduced, and quietness and riding comfort of a vehicle are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of vehicles, in particular to a steering column assembly for a vehicle and the vehicle. Background Art

[0002] In the related technology, the angle and telescopic adjustment of the vehicle steering wheel are currently achieved through the adjustment mechanism on the steering column. After receiving the adjustment signal instruction, the adjustment mechanism controller adjusts the steering column. Since the adjustment mechanism outputs a large torque toward the steering column at the moment of startup, the steering column assembly will generate a large noise when starting the adjustment, thereby affecting the vehicle's ride comfort. Utility Model Content

[0003] The present invention aims to address at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, one objective of the present invention is to provide a steering column assembly for a vehicle. The steering column assembly of the present invention incorporates a buffer device on the adjustment mechanism to cushion the instantaneous impact of the driving end on the steering column when the driving end is activated. This reduces the noise generated when the steering column adjusts the angle of the bracket, thereby improving vehicle quietness and ride comfort.

[0004] The utility model also provides a vehicle with the steering column assembly.

[0005] According to the utility model, a steering column assembly for a vehicle includes: a bracket, which is connected to the body of the vehicle; an adjusting mechanism, which is arranged on the bracket and has a movable driving end; a steering column, which is movably arranged on the bracket and connected to the driving end, and the steering column is telescoped or adjusted in angle relative to the bracket under the drive of the adjusting mechanism; and a buffer device, which is arranged on the adjusting mechanism to buffer the impact when the driving end is started.

[0006] According to the steering column assembly of the present invention, the steering column is driven to move by the driving end of the adjustment mechanism to realize telescopic adjustment or angle adjustment of the steering column relative to the bracket. The buffer device is arranged on the adjustment mechanism to buffer the instantaneous impact of the driving end on the steering column when the driving end is started, thereby reducing the noise generated when the steering column adjusts the angle of the bracket, and improving the quietness and ride comfort of the vehicle.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the adjustment mechanism includes: a drive motor, which is arranged in the adjustment mechanism and the output end of the drive motor is linked to the steering column; a drive circuit, which connects a power supply to the drive motor, and the buffer device is arranged in the drive circuit and is used to disperse current to the drive motor.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the buffer device includes: a buffer element connected between the drive motor and the power supply; and a voltage divider resistor connected in parallel with the buffer element and connected between the drive motor and the power supply.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the buffer element is configured as a field effect transistor.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the driving circuit includes: a first resistor, which is connected to a power supply, the driving motor and the gate of the field effect transistor; a capacitor and a second resistor, which are connected in parallel and connected between the gate and the source or drain of the field effect transistor.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the buffer device is constructed as a deformable flexible buffer and is arranged between the driving end and the steering column.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the steering column assembly further includes: a reduction mechanism, wherein an input end of the reduction mechanism is communicated with an output end of the drive motor, and an output end of the reduction mechanism is connected to the steering column.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the reduction mechanism includes: a nut pair, which is connected to the steering column; a threaded screw, which is connected to the output end of the drive motor and cooperates with the nut pair to drive the steering column to move under the drive of the drive motor.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, an extension direction of the drive motor is orthogonal to an extension direction of the steering column.

[0015] The vehicle according to the present invention is briefly described below.

[0016] The vehicle according to the present invention is provided with the steering column assembly described in any one of the above embodiments. Since the vehicle according to the present invention is provided with the steering column assembly described in any one of the above embodiments, the steering wheel adjustment angle of the vehicle according to the present invention is more precise, and the noise generated during steering wheel adjustment is smaller, thereby improving the vehicle's ride comfort and operation accuracy.

[0017] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be given in part in the following description and will become apparent from the following description or learned through practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a steering column assembly according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 1 is a schematic diagram of a driving circuit according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0021] Reference numerals:

[0022] 100. Steering column assembly;

[0023] 11. Drive motor; 12. Steering column;

[0024] 21. Threaded screw; 22. Nut pair;

[0025] 31. Voltage divider resistor; 32. Field effect transistor; 33. First resistor; 34. Capacitor; 35. Second resistor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following describes embodiments of the present invention in detail. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended only to explain the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0027] In the related technology, the angle and telescopic adjustment of the vehicle steering wheel are currently achieved through the adjustment mechanism on the steering column. After receiving the adjustment signal instruction, the adjustment mechanism controller adjusts the steering column. Since the adjustment mechanism outputs a large torque toward the steering column at the moment of startup, the steering column assembly will generate a large noise when starting the adjustment, thereby affecting the vehicle's ride comfort.

[0028] Reference below Figure 1-Figure 2 A steering column assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0029] According to the utility model, a steering column assembly 12 for a vehicle includes: a bracket, an adjustment mechanism, a steering column 12 and a buffer device, the bracket is connected to the vehicle body; the adjustment mechanism is arranged on the bracket, and the adjustment mechanism is provided with a movable driving end; the steering column 12 is movably arranged on the bracket and connected to the driving end, and the steering column 12 is extended or retracted or the angle is adjusted relative to the bracket under the drive of the adjustment mechanism; the buffer device is arranged on the adjustment mechanism to buffer the impact when the driving end is started.

[0030] In some specific embodiments, the steering column assembly 12 consists of a bracket, an adjustment mechanism, a steering column 12 and a buffer device. The bracket is connected to the vehicle body, the adjustment mechanism and the steering column 12 are respectively arranged on the bracket, the steering column 12 can move relative to the bracket, the steering column 12 is connected to the steering wheel, and a movable driving end is formed on the adjustment mechanism, the driving end is connected to the steering column 12, and the movement of the driving end drives the steering column 12 to extend or deflect a certain angle relative to the bracket, thereby realizing the angle adjustment and telescopic adjustment of the steering wheel. A buffer device is also provided on the driving end of the adjustment structure, which can disperse or absorb the large impact force instantly output by the driving end to the steering column 12 when the adjustment mechanism is started, thereby reducing the noise caused by vibration during the operation of the steering column assembly 12, improving the quietness in the cab, and enhancing the driver's riding experience.

[0031] According to the utility model, the steering column assembly 12 drives the steering column 12 to move through the adjusting mechanism driving end, thereby realizing the telescopic adjustment or angle adjustment of the steering column 12 relative to the bracket. The buffer device is arranged on the adjusting mechanism to buffer the instantaneous impact of the driving end on the steering column 12 when the driving end is started, thereby reducing the noise generated when the steering column 12 adjusts the bracket angle, and improving the quietness and ride comfort of the vehicle.

[0032] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the adjustment mechanism includes: a drive motor 11 and a drive circuit, the drive motor 11 is arranged in the adjustment mechanism and the output end of the drive motor 11 is linked to the steering column 12; the drive circuit connects the power supply to the drive motor 11, and the buffer device is arranged in the drive circuit and is used to disperse the current of the drive motor 11.

[0033] In some specific embodiments, the adjustment mechanism is composed of a drive motor 11 and a drive circuit. The drive motor 11 is arranged on the adjustment mechanism. The output end of the drive motor 11 (that is, the drive end of the adjustment mechanism) is connected to the steering column 12. The output end of the drive motor 11 rotates to drive the steering column 12 to move, thereby realizing the angle adjustment or telescopic adjustment of the steering column 12. The drive circuit connects the power supply to the drive motor 11. A buffer device is provided in the drive circuit. The buffer device can disperse the current flowing from the drive circuit to the drive motor 11, so that the current flowing to the drive motor 11 gradually increases, thereby realizing a low speed when the drive motor 11 starts, reducing the noise when the drive motor 11 starts, and the speed of the drive motor 11 gradually increases with time and reaches the rated speed.

[0034] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the buffer device includes: a buffer element and a voltage-dividing resistor 31, the buffer element is connected between the drive motor 11 and the power supply; the voltage-dividing resistor 31 is connected in parallel with the buffer element and connected between the drive motor 11 and the power supply. When the drive motor 11 starts, the buffer element is in a closed state, and the current flows to the drive motor 11 through the voltage-dividing resistor 31. The voltage-dividing resistor 31 will divide a part of the voltage, thereby reducing the current flowing to the drive motor 11, thereby reducing the speed of the output end of the drive motor 11, reducing the noise when the drive motor 11 starts, and improving the quietness in the cabin. As time goes by, the buffer element gradually turns on, and the current flowing through the buffer element shows a gradually increasing trend, so that the current no longer flows through the voltage-dividing resistor 31, but only flows from the buffer element to the drive motor 11, so that the speed of the output end of the drive motor 11 gradually increases to the rated speed, thereby reducing the startup noise of the drive motor 11 while not affecting the subsequent speed of the drive motor 11.

[0035] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the buffer element is constructed as a field effect transistor 32, which is a voltage-controlled device. Its basic types include MOSFET (metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor) and JFET (junction field effect transistor). When the drive motor 11 is started, the voltage at the gate of the field effect transistor 32 is low, and the field effect transistor 32 is in the cut-off state (off state). The current passes through the series-connected voltage divider resistor 31, and the voltage divider resistor 31 will divide part of the voltage, reducing the current flowing through the drive motor 11, thereby reducing the instantaneous speed of the drive motor 11 at startup and reducing the noise when the drive motor 11 is turned on.

[0036] As time goes by, when the voltage at the gate of the field effect tube 32 gradually increases, the source or drain of the field effect tube 32 is turned on, the field effect tube 32 is in the on state, and the current flows to the drive motor 11 through the field effect tube 32. The current passing through the field effect tube 32 gradually increases, thereby causing the current flowing to the drive motor 11 to gradually increase, and the speed of the output end of the drive motor 11 gradually increases, so that the drive motor 11 runs at the rated voltage and current to achieve a normal adjustment speed.

[0037] The present application controls the current of the drive motor 11 when it starts through the field effect transistor 32, thereby reducing the impact force of the drive motor 11 when it starts, avoiding mechanical shock and noise caused by excessive instantaneous current, and extending the service life of the steering column assembly 12.

[0038] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the driving circuit includes: a first resistor 33, a capacitor 34 and a second resistor 35, the first resistor 33 is connected to the power supply, the drive motor 11 and the gate of the field effect transistor 32; the capacitor 34 and the second resistor 35 are connected in parallel and connected between the gate and the source or drain of the field effect transistor 32.

[0039] When the power is turned on, the current charges the gate of the field effect tube 32 through the first resistor 33. Due to the presence of the capacitor 34 and the second resistor 35, the gate voltage will not immediately rise to the power supply voltage but will rise gradually. In the initial stage, the gate voltage is lower than the turn-on voltage (threshold voltage) of the field effect tube 32, and the source and drain are in a closed state, that is, the field effect tube 32 is in a cut-off state. At this time, the current flows to the drive motor 11 through the voltage divider resistor 31. The starting current of the drive motor 11 is limited, so that the output speed of the drive motor 11 is low when it is just started. As the capacitor 34 is charged, the gate voltage gradually increases. When the gate voltage reaches the turn-on voltage of the source or drain, the field effect tube 32 starts to turn on. After the field effect tube 32 is turned on, the current passes directly through the field effect tube 32 and bypasses the voltage divider resistor 31, the current of the drive motor 11 increases and the speed increases. When the capacitor 34 is fully charged and the gate voltage is stabilized at a level higher than the turn-on voltage of the source or drain, the field effect tube 32 is fully turned on and remains in the on state. At this time, the motor runs at the rated voltage and current to achieve normal adjustment speed. The present application reduces the speed of the drive motor 11 at startup through the cooperation of the field effect tube 32 and the drive circuit, and briefly delays the speed of the output end of the drive motor 11 before running the drive motor 11 at the rated voltage and current, thereby reducing the noise problem of the steering wheel during adjustment and startup, while not affecting the adjustment speed of the steering wheel after startup. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the buffer device is constructed as a deformable flexible buffer and is arranged between the driving end and the steering column 12. The flexible buffer will deform when it is impacted by the output of the driving end. The flexible buffer can absorb and disperse the impact force of the instantaneous output of the driving end through its own elastic deformation, and convert the high-energy impact of the instantaneous output of the driving end into a long-term low-energy deformation, thereby reducing the instantaneous impact force of the driving end on the steering column 12, reducing the mechanical wear between the driving end and the steering column 12, and improving the service life of the steering column assembly 12. In addition, the flexible buffer will consume part of the energy during the deformation process, further reducing the energy transmitted to the steering column 12 by the driving end. The flexible buffer can also absorb the vibration transmitted to the steering column 12 by the driving end, reducing the noise caused by vibration during the operation of the steering column assembly 12, improving the quietness in the cab, and enhancing the driver's riding experience.

[0040] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the steering column assembly 12 further includes a reduction mechanism, the input end of the reduction mechanism is connected to the output end of the drive motor 11 , and the output end of the reduction mechanism is connected to the steering column 12 .

[0041] In some specific embodiments, a reduction mechanism is further provided in the steering column assembly 12. The reduction mechanism is provided with an input end and an output end. The input end is connected to the output end of the drive motor 11, and the output end is connected to the steering column 12. The reduction mechanism can reduce the speed of the output end of the drive motor 11 and transmit the reduced speed to the steering column 12, effectively preventing the output end of the drive motor 11 from rotating too high, resulting in excessive deviation during the adjustment of the steering column 12, ensuring that the steering column 12 moves more precisely and stably during the adjustment process, and the final position of the steering column 12 is more accurate, thereby achieving precise fine-tuning of the vehicle steering wheel angle. At the same time, the reduction mechanism can also effectively reduce the direct impact between the drive motor 11 and the steering column 12, so as to reduce the noise during the startup and operation of the drive motor 11, improve the quietness in the cab, and improve driving comfort.

[0042] In addition, while reducing the speed of the output end of the drive motor 11, the reduction mechanism can also increase the torque output by the output end of the drive motor 11. Since various resistances may be encountered during the adjustment of the steering column 12, such as mechanical friction, load changes, etc., increasing the torque can more effectively overcome these resistances, ensuring that the steering column 12 is smoother during the adjustment process, reducing the sense of frustration, and improving the driver's operating experience. The structural form of the reduction mechanism can be adjusted according to different vehicle models and usage scenarios to adapt to different adjustment needs.

[0043] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the reduction mechanism includes: a nut pair 22 and a threaded screw, the nut pair 22 is connected to the steering column 12; the threaded screw 21 is connected to the output end of the drive motor 11 and cooperates with the nut pair 22 to drive the steering column 12 to move under the drive of the drive motor 11.

[0044] In some specific embodiments, the reduction mechanism consists of a nut pair 22 and a threaded screw. The threaded screw is connected to the output end of the drive motor 11, and the nut pair 22 is connected to the steering column 12 and cooperates with the threaded screw. After the drive motor 11 is started, its output end rotates and drives the threaded screw 21 to rotate together. The threaded screw 21 and the threads inside the nut pair 22 are engaged with each other. When the threaded screw 21 rotates, the nut pair 22 will move along the axial direction of the threaded screw 21. The movement of the nut pair 22 drives the steering column 12 connected to it to move, thereby realizing the extension or angle adjustment of the bracket.

[0045] Since the threaded screw and the nut pair 22 cooperate to achieve the deceleration and torque increase of the output end of the drive motor, the steering column 12 is ensured to be less noisy and smoother during the adjustment process, thereby improving the driver's operating experience.

[0046] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the extension direction of the drive motor 11 is orthogonal to the extension direction of the steering column 12 .

[0047] In some specific embodiments, the vertical arrangement of the drive motor 11 and the steering column 12 can better utilize the limited space, thereby making the steering column assembly 12 more compact, reducing the space occupied by the steering column assembly 12 inside the vehicle cockpit, and leaving more space for the installation of other components. The vertical arrangement of the motor and the steering column 12 can better balance the center of gravity of the steering column assembly 12, reduce vibration and noise caused by imbalance, and the vertical arrangement can also reduce the resonance between the drive motor 11 and the steering column 12, further reduce the noise of the steering column assembly 12 during operation, and improve the quietness of the cabin.

[0048] The vehicle according to the present invention is briefly described below.

[0049] The vehicle according to the present invention is provided with the steering column assembly 12 described in any one of the above embodiments. Since the vehicle according to the present invention is provided with the steering column assembly 12 described in any one of the above embodiments, the steering wheel adjustment angle of the vehicle according to the present invention is more precise, and the noise generated during steering wheel adjustment is smaller, thereby improving the vehicle's ride comfort and operation accuracy.

[0050] In summary, the present application realizes the soft start function (the time is generally recommended to be controlled at about 100-200ms) by adding the RC delay circuit composed of the second resistor 35 and the capacitor 34 to the drive motor. The drive motor 11 is connected to the drive circuit and the buffer device respectively. The buffer device is arranged in the drive circuit. The buffer device includes: a voltage divider resistor 31 and a field effect transistor 32. The drive circuit includes: a first resistor 33, a capacitor 34 and a second resistor 35. When the drive motor 11 is started, the field effect transistor 32 is in an off state. The current passes through the series voltage divider resistor 31, and a part of the voltage is divided, which reduces the current flowing through the drive motor, thereby reducing the speed of the drive motor, thereby reducing the impact force of the instantaneous start of the drive motor. When the second resistor 35 and the capacitor 3 After the voltage of the RC circuit formed by 4 reaches the turn-on voltage of the field-effect transistor 32, the field-effect transistor 32 is in the on state. At this time, the current directly passes through the field-effect transistor 32, the current increases, and the speed of the drive motor 11 increases to meet the steering column adjustment speed requirement. The conduction time of the field-effect transistor 21 is adjusted by the parameters of the second resistor 35 and the capacitor 34. The RC delay formula is: T = -R*C*ln((EV) / E), preferably R: 5KΩ, C: 150uF, V: 2V, and E: 12V. The calculated delay time is 136.7ms (the components can be selected according to actual effects). R: the second resistor 35 in the RC circuit, C: the capacitor 34 in the RC circuit, V: the turn-on voltage of the field-effect transistor 32, and E: the power supply voltage.

[0051] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation to the present invention.

[0052] In the description of the present invention, "first feature" or "second feature" may include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, "plurality" means two or more.

[0053] In the description of the present invention, a first feature being “above” or “below” a second feature may include that the first and second features are in direct contact, or may include that the first and second features are not in direct contact but are in contact via another feature therebetween.

[0054] In the description of the present invention, a first feature “above”, “above” and “above” a second feature includes the first feature being directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is horizontally higher than the second feature.

[0055] In the description of this specification, reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "illustrative embodiment", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in combination with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention.

[0056] In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any appropriate manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0057] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and purpose of the present invention, and that the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A steering column assembly for a vehicle, characterized in that: include: a bracket connected to a body of the vehicle; An adjusting mechanism, the adjusting mechanism being arranged on the bracket and having a movable driving end; A steering column (12), the steering column (12) being movably disposed on the bracket and connected to the driving end, the steering column (12) being driven by the adjusting mechanism to telescope or adjust its angle relative to the bracket; A buffer device is provided on the adjusting mechanism to buffer the impact when the driving end is started.

2. The steering column assembly for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The regulating mechanism comprises: A drive motor (11), wherein the drive motor (11) is arranged on the adjustment mechanism and an output end of the drive motor (11) is linked to the steering column (12); A drive circuit connects a power source to the drive motor (11); the buffer device is provided in the drive circuit and is used to disperse current to the drive motor (11).

3. The steering column assembly for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The buffer device includes: a buffer element connected between the drive motor (11) and a power source; A voltage dividing resistor (31) is connected in parallel with the buffer element and between the drive motor (11) and the power supply.

4. The steering column assembly for a vehicle according to claim 3, wherein: The buffer element is configured as a field effect transistor (32).

5. The steering column assembly for a vehicle according to claim 4, wherein: The driving circuit includes: a first resistor (33), the first resistor (33) being connected to a power source, the drive motor (11) and the gate of the field effect transistor (32); A capacitor (34) and a second resistor (35) are connected in parallel and between the gate and the source or drain of the field effect transistor (32).

6. The steering column assembly for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The buffer device is constructed as a deformable flexible buffer and is arranged between the driving end and the steering column (12).

7. The steering column assembly for a vehicle according to claim 6, wherein: Also includes: A speed reduction mechanism, wherein the input end of the speed reduction mechanism is communicated with the output end of the drive motor (11), and the output end of the speed reduction mechanism is connected to the steering column (12).

8. The steering column assembly for a vehicle according to claim 7, wherein: The deceleration mechanism comprises: a nut pair (22), the nut pair (22) being connected to the steering column (12); A threaded screw (21) is connected to the output end of the drive motor (11) and cooperates with the nut pair (22) to drive the steering column (12) to move under the drive of the drive motor (11).

9. The steering column assembly for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The extension direction of the drive motor (11) is orthogonal to the extension direction of the steering column (12).

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

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