Steering column with energy absorption structure

Abstract

The utility model discloses a steering column with an energy absorption structure, which relates to the technical field of automobile accessories, and comprises an outer frame and a column arranged in the outer frame, and the upper surface and the lower surface of the outer frame are respectively provided with a strip-shaped sliding hole. When a vehicle is collided, the tubular column can be impacted to generate downward force in the axial direction of the tubular column, when the force borne by collision is too large, the energy absorption connecting piece can be broken from the energy absorption tearing opening, the tubular column can move, the energy absorption effect is achieved, in the moving process of the tubular column, the tubular column can touch the first rubber pad, and therefore the tubular column is prevented from being damaged. The first rubber pad can absorb part of impact force and push the shock absorber to contract through the connecting rod, meanwhile, the connecting rod can push the sliding block to move through the supporting rod, the sliding block can extrude the first spring along the sliding rod under the cooperation of the first sliding block and the first sliding groove, and the shock absorber and the first spring can absorb the absorbed impact force again; therefore, the energy absorption effect of the tubular column is better.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of automobile accessories, in particular to a steering column with an energy-absorbing structure. Background Art

[0002] With the development of the automobile industry, people are paying more and more attention to automobile safety. Good automobile safety technology is recognized by people and is also the development trend of future automobiles. The energy absorption structure is part of the automobile mechanical steering column. The mechanical steering column is an important component of the automobile steering system. The function of the mechanical steering column is mainly to transmit steering torque and steering wheel position adjustment during driving, as well as the column energy absorption function when a collision occurs outside the vehicle.

[0003] A Chinese invention patent (publication number: CN106541984B) discloses an energy-absorbing assembly for a steering column and a vehicle having the same. The energy-absorbing assembly includes: an energy-absorbing structure, which includes an energy-absorbing portion and a fixing portion, and the energy-absorbing portion includes a main body portion and a tearing portion arranged on the main body portion and can be torn away relative to the main body portion; a bracket, which includes a column connecting portion and an energy-absorbing connecting portion, and the column connecting portion is used to be fixed to the steering column; a first fastening component, which fixes the fixing portion and the energy-absorbing connecting portion to the instrument tube beam of the vehicle; and a second fastening component, which fixes the tearing portion to the energy-absorbing connecting portion. The steering column and the energy-absorbing connecting portion are suitable for at least partially tearing the tearing portion away from the main body portion through the second fastening component when the vehicle collides.

[0004] In the process of realizing the present invention, the inventors found that there are at least the following problems in this technology: during the energy absorption process, energy is absorbed only through the tearing portion, and the energy absorption effect is relatively general. Therefore, a steering column with an energy absorption structure is now proposed. Utility Model Content

[0005] In order to improve the problem that during the energy absorption process, energy is absorbed only through the tearing portion, resulting in a relatively general energy absorption effect, the utility model provides a steering column with an energy absorption structure.

[0006] The utility model provides a steering column with an energy-absorbing structure, which adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] A steering column with an energy-absorbing structure comprises an outer frame and a column disposed inside the outer frame, wherein the upper and lower surfaces of the outer frame are both provided with elongated sliding holes, a fixing block is fixedly mounted on the outer surface of the column, the fixing block is disposed inside the elongated sliding hole, an energy-absorbing connector is fixedly mounted on the upper surfaces of the outer frame and the fixing block, the energy-absorbing connector and the outer frame, as well as the energy-absorbing connector and the fixing block, are connected by fixing bolts, and an energy-absorbing tearing hole is provided inside the energy-absorbing connector;

[0008] An equipment box is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the outer frame, and an equipment box is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the equipment box. A sliding rod is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the equipment box, and a sliding block is slidably connected to the outer surface of the sliding rod. A first spring is fixedly installed on one side of the sliding block, and one end of the first spring is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the equipment box. A sliding assembly is provided on one side of the sliding block, and a support rod is hinged on the other side of the sliding block. A shock absorber is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the equipment box, and a connecting rod is fixedly installed on one end of the shock absorber. The connecting rod extends to the outside of the equipment box and is fixedly connected to a first rubber pad, and the end of the support rod away from the sliding block is hinged to the connecting rod.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, when the vehicle collides, the pipe column will be impacted and generate a downward force along the pipe column axis. When the collision force is too large, the energy-absorbing connector can break from the energy-absorbing tearing hole, so that the pipe column can move to achieve the energy absorption effect. During the movement of the pipe column, the pipe column can touch the first rubber pad, and the first rubber pad can absorb part of the impact force and push the shock absorber to contract through the connecting rod. At the same time, the connecting rod can push the sliding block to move through the support rod. The sliding block can squeeze the first spring along the sliding rod with the cooperation of the first slider and the first slide groove. The shock absorber and the first spring can absorb the absorbed impact force again, thereby making the energy absorption effect of the pipe column better.

[0010] Optionally, a second rubber pad is fixedly mounted on the inner wall of the outer frame, and the second rubber pad is in contact with the pipe column.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, when the energy-absorbing connector breaks, the friction force between the outer frame and the pipe column can offset part of the impact force through the friction force of the second rubber pad.

[0012] Optionally, a second spring is fixedly installed inside the fixing block, a limiting block is fixedly installed on one end of the second spring, and an annular limiting groove adapted to the limiting block is provided on the outer surface of the fixing bolt.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, when the energy-absorbing connector and the fixed block are connected by the fixing bolt, the second spring can squeeze the limit block so that the limit block is fixed to the annular limit groove on the fixing bolt, thereby limiting the fixing bolt and reducing the loosening of the fixing bolt during long-term use, making the connection between the energy-absorbing connector and the fixed block more stable.

[0014] Optionally, the sliding assembly includes a first sliding block and a first sliding groove, one side of the first sliding block is fixedly connected to the sliding block, and the interior of the device box is provided with a first sliding groove adapted to the first sliding block.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the first sliding block and the first sliding groove can limit the moving range of the sliding block and at the same time make the sliding block move more smoothly.

[0016] Optionally, reinforcement pieces are symmetrically installed on the outer surface of the equipment box, and one side of the reinforcement piece is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the outer frame.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the reinforcement piece can increase the contact range between the equipment box and the external frame, making the equipment box more stable when in use.

[0018] Optionally, a second sliding block is fixedly mounted on one side of the limiting block, and a second sliding groove adapted to the second sliding block is provided inside the fixed block.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the second sliding block and the second sliding groove can limit the moving range of the limit block and make the limit block move more smoothly.

[0020] Optionally, a third rubber pad is fixedly installed on a side of the equipment box close to the pipe string, and the third rubber pad can be in contact with the pipe string.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, when the energy-absorbing connector breaks, the friction force between the outer frame and the pipe column can further offset part of the impact force through the friction force of the third rubber pad.

[0022] Optionally, an end of the limiting block away from the second spring is provided with an inclined surface inclined toward the fixing bolt.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, when installing the fixing bolt, the fixing bolt can push the limiting block through the inclined surface to squeeze the second spring, so that the fixing bolt can be installed normally.

[0024] In summary, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0025] 1. In the present invention, when a vehicle collides, the pipe column will be impacted and a force will be generated downward along the pipe column axis. When the collision force is too great, the energy-absorbing connector can break from the energy-absorbing tearing hole, allowing the pipe column to move, thereby achieving the energy absorption effect. During the movement of the pipe column, the pipe column can touch the first rubber pad, which can absorb part of the impact force and push the shock absorber to contract through the connecting rod. At the same time, the connecting rod can push the sliding block to move through the support rod. The sliding block can squeeze the first spring along the sliding rod in cooperation with the first slider and the first slide groove. The shock absorber and the first spring can absorb the absorbed impact force again, thereby achieving a better energy absorption effect of the pipe column.

[0026] 2. In the utility model, when the energy-absorbing connector is connected to the fixed block through the fixing bolt, the second spring can squeeze the limit block so that the limit block is fixed to the annular limit groove on the fixing bolt, thereby limiting the fixing bolt and reducing the loosening of the fixing bolt during long-term use, making the connection between the energy-absorbing connector and the fixed block more stable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 It is a front view cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the utility model.

[0028] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the energy-absorbing tearing opening structure of the utility model.

[0029] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the fixing block and the energy-absorbing connecting piece of the utility model.

[0030] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the equipment box of the utility model.

[0031] Description of reference numerals:

[0032] 1. External frame; 2. Pipe column; 3. Fixed block; 4. Energy-absorbing connector; 5. Fixed bolt; 6. Energy-absorbing tearing hole; 7. Equipment box; 8. Equipment box; 9. Sliding rod; 10. Sliding block; 11. First spring; 12. Sliding assembly; 121. First slider; 122. First slide groove; 13. Support rod; 14. Shock absorber; 15. Connecting rod; 16. First rubber pad; 17. Second rubber pad; 18. Second spring; 19. Limit block; 20. Reinforcement; 21. Second slider; 22. Third rubber pad; 23. Inclined surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following is in conjunction with the appended drawings in the embodiment of the present utility model. Figure 1-4 The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention are clearly and completely described. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. All other embodiments derived by persons of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 A steering column with an energy-absorbing structure includes an outer frame 1 and a column 2 arranged inside the outer frame 1. Long sliding holes are opened on the upper and lower surfaces of the outer frame 1. A fixing block 3 is fixedly installed on the outer surface of the column 2. The fixing block 3 is arranged inside the long sliding hole. An energy-absorbing connector 4 is fixedly installed on the upper surface of the outer frame 1 and the fixing block 3. The energy-absorbing connector 4 and the outer frame 1 as well as the energy-absorbing connector 4 and the fixing block 3 are connected by fixing bolts 5. An energy-absorbing tearing hole 6 is opened inside the energy-absorbing connector 4. The number of the energy-absorbing tearing holes 6 is two and they are symmetrically arranged.

[0035] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3A second spring 18 is fixedly mounted inside the fixing block 3, with a limit block 19 fixedly mounted at one end of the second spring 18. An annular limit groove is formed on the outer surface of the fixing bolt 5, which is adapted to the limit block 19. When the energy-absorbing connector 4 is connected to the fixing block 3 via the fixing bolt 5, the second spring 18 compresses the limit block 19, causing it to engage with the annular limit groove on the fixing bolt 5, thereby limiting the position of the fixing bolt 5 and reducing the possibility of the fixing bolt 5 loosening during long-term use, thereby making the connection between the energy-absorbing connector 4 and the fixing block 3 more stable.

[0036] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 A second slider 21 is fixedly mounted on one side of the limit block 19. A second chute mates with the second slider 21 within the fixing block 3. The second slider 21 and the second chute limit the range of movement of the limit block 19, while ensuring smoother movement of the limit block 19. The end of the limit block 19, away from the second spring 18, has an inclined surface 23 that slopes toward the fixing bolt 5. When installing the fixing bolt 5, the fixing bolt 5 can push the limit block 19 against the second spring 18 via the inclined surface 23, thereby allowing the fixing bolt 5 to be properly installed.

[0037] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4 The inner wall of the outer frame 1 is fixedly mounted with an equipment box 7, and the outer surface of the equipment box 7 is symmetrically mounted with a reinforcement 20. One side of the reinforcement 20 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the outer frame 1. The reinforcement 20 can increase the contact range between the equipment box 7 and the outer frame 1, making the equipment box 7 more stable when in use.

[0038] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4 , a device box 8 is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the device box 7, a sliding rod 9 is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the device box 8, and a sliding block 10 is slidably connected to the outer surface of the sliding rod 9. A first spring 11 is fixedly installed on one side of the sliding block 10, and one end of the first spring 11 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the device box 8. A sliding assembly 12 is provided on one side of the sliding block 10, and the sliding assembly 12 includes a first slider 121 and a first slide groove 122. One side of the first slider 121 is fixedly connected to the sliding block 10, and a first slide groove 122 adapted to the first slider 121 is opened inside the device box 8. The first slider 121 and the first slide groove 122 can limit the moving range of the sliding block 10, and at the same time make the sliding block 10 move more smoothly.

[0039] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4A support rod 13 is hinged on the other side of the sliding block 10, and a shock absorber 14 is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the equipment box 7. A connecting rod 15 is fixedly installed on one end of the shock absorber 14. The connecting rod 15 passes through the outside of the equipment box 7 and is fixedly connected to a first rubber pad 16. The end of the support rod 13 away from the sliding block 10 is hinged to the connecting rod 15.

[0040] Please refer to Figure 1 A second rubber pad 17 is fixedly mounted on the inner wall of the outer frame 1. The second rubber pad 17 contacts the pipe string 2. When the energy-absorbing connector 4 breaks, the friction between the outer frame 1 and the pipe string 2 can partially offset the impact force. A third rubber pad 22 is fixedly mounted on the side of the equipment box 7 near the pipe string 2. The third rubber pad 22 contacts the pipe string 2. When the energy-absorbing connector 4 breaks, the friction between the outer frame 1 and the pipe string 2 can further offset the impact force.

[0041] The implementation principle of the utility model is as follows: through the design of the outer frame 1, the pipe column 2, the fixing block 3, the energy absorbing connector 4, the fixing bolt 5, the energy absorbing tearing hole 6, the equipment box 7, the equipment box 8, the sliding rod 9, the sliding block 10, the first spring 11, the sliding assembly 12, the first slider 121, the first slide groove 122, the support rod 13, the shock absorber 14, the connecting rod 15, the first rubber pad 16, the second rubber pad 17, the second spring 18, the limit block 19, the reinforcement 20, the second slider 21, the third rubber pad 22 and the inclined surface 23, when the vehicle collides, the pipe column 2 will be impacted to generate a force downward along the axis of the pipe column 2. When the force of the collision is too large, the energy absorbing connector 4 can break from the energy absorbing tearing hole 6, so that the pipe column 2 can The first rubber pad 16 can be touched by the pipe string 2 during its movement, and the first rubber pad 16 can absorb part of the impact force and push the shock absorber 14 to contract through the connecting rod 15. At the same time, the connecting rod 15 can push the sliding block 10 to move through the support rod 13. The sliding block 10 can squeeze the first spring 11 along the sliding rod 9 under the cooperation of the first slider 121 and the first slide groove 122. The shock absorber 14 and the first spring 11 can absorb the absorbed impact force again. At the same time, when the pipe string 2 is able to move, the friction force generated by the contact between the pipe string 2 and the outer surfaces of the second rubber pad 17 and the third rubber pad 22 can also offset part of the impact force, thereby making the energy absorption effect of the pipe string 2 better.

[0042] When the energy-absorbing connector 4 is connected to the fixed block 3 through the fixing bolt 5, the second spring 18 can squeeze the limit block 19, so that the limit block 19 is fixed to the annular limit groove on the fixing bolt 5, thereby limiting the fixing bolt 5 and reducing the loosening of the fixing bolt 5 during long-term use, thereby improving the stability of the fixing bolt 5 and making the connection between the energy-absorbing connector 4 and the fixed block 3 more stable.

[0043] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art will be able to modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments or replace some of the technical features therein with equivalents. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A steering column with an energy-absorbing structure, comprising an outer frame (1) and a column (2) arranged inside the outer frame (1), characterized in that: The upper and lower surfaces of the outer frame (1) are both provided with long sliding holes, the outer surface of the pipe column (2) is fixedly mounted with a fixing block (3), the fixing block (3) is arranged inside the long sliding hole, the outer frame (1) and the upper surface of the fixing block (3) are fixedly mounted with an energy absorbing connector (4), the energy absorbing connector (4) and the outer frame (1) as well as the energy absorbing connector (4) and the fixing block (3) are connected by fixing bolts (5), and the interior of the energy absorbing connector (4) is provided with an energy absorbing tearing hole (6); The inner wall of the outer frame (1) is fixedly mounted with an equipment box (7), the inner wall of the equipment box (7) is fixedly mounted with an equipment box (8), the inner wall of the equipment box (8) is fixedly mounted with a sliding rod (9), the outer surface of the sliding rod (9) is slidably connected with a sliding block (10), one side of the sliding block (10) is fixedly mounted with a first spring (11), one end of the first spring (11) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the equipment box (8), one side of the sliding block (10) is provided with a sliding assembly (12), the other side of the sliding block (10) is hinged with a support rod (13), the inner wall of the equipment box (7) is fixedly mounted with a shock absorber (14), one end of the shock absorber (14) is fixedly mounted with a connecting rod (15), the connecting rod (15) extends to the outside of the equipment box (7) and is fixedly connected with a first rubber pad (16), and the end of the support rod (13) away from the sliding block (10) is hinged with the connecting rod (15).

2. The steering column with an energy-absorbing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: A second rubber pad (17) is fixedly mounted on the inner wall of the outer frame (1), and the second rubber pad (17) is in contact with the pipe column (2).

3. The steering column with an energy-absorbing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: A second spring (18) is fixedly installed inside the fixing block (3), a limiting block (19) is fixedly installed at one end of the second spring (18), and an annular limiting groove adapted to the limiting block (19) is provided on the outer surface of the fixing bolt (5).

4. The steering column with an energy-absorbing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sliding assembly (12) comprises a first sliding block (121) and a first sliding groove (122), one side of the first sliding block (121) is fixedly connected to the sliding block (10), and the interior of the device box (8) is provided with a first sliding groove (122) adapted to the first sliding block (121).

5. The steering column with an energy-absorbing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: A reinforcement piece (20) is symmetrically mounted on the outer surface of the equipment box (7), and one side of the reinforcement piece (20) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the outer frame (1).

6. The steering column with an energy-absorbing structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: A second sliding block (21) is fixedly mounted on one side of the limiting block (19), and a second sliding groove adapted to the second sliding block (21) is provided inside the fixing block (3).

7. The steering column with an energy-absorbing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: A third rubber pad (22) is fixedly mounted on one side of the equipment box (7) close to the pipe column (2), and the third rubber pad (22) can be in contact with the pipe column (2).

8. The steering column with an energy-absorbing structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: An end of the limit block (19) away from the second spring (18) is provided with an inclined surface (23) inclined toward the fixing bolt (5).

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