Long-stroke electric adjusting steering column

Abstract

A long-stroke electric adjusting steering column comprises an upper column body and a lower column body, the upper column body is arranged in the lower column body in a sleeved mode and is in sliding fit with the lower column body, a sliding table is fixedly connected to the outer wall of one side of the lower column body, a sliding base is arranged on the sliding table in a sliding mode, and the sliding direction of the sliding base and the sliding table is consistent with the axial direction of the lower column body; a driving assembly is fixedly arranged on the lower tubular column, a first transmission part of the driving assembly is connected with the lower end of the sliding seat, and a second transmission part of the driving assembly penetrates through a strip-shaped through groove formed in the side wall of the lower tubular column and then is connected with the upper tubular column; the lower pipe column is in sliding fit with the sliding seat through the sliding table, the lower pipe column is in sliding fit with the upper pipe column after being arranged in a sleeving mode, through combination of the two sliding fit relations and the transmission effect of the two transmission branches of the driving assembly, it is avoided that notch structures are formed in the lower pipe column and the upper pipe column, and therefore the structural strength of the upper pipe column and the structural strength of the lower pipe column are guaranteed; and the synchronism of two paths of transmission is easily ensured, so that the stability of the steering column is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a steering column for vehicles, specifically a long-stroke electrically adjustable steering column. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional electric adjustment systems have a narrow travel range (40-80 mm), which cannot meet customers' needs for future autonomous driving or flexible space. With the emergence of the concept of self-driving cars, steering wheels are no longer a necessity. When customers do not need them, they want the steering wheel to be completely folded away to create more cabin space. To achieve the steering wheel folding and hiding function, welcome function, and free up more operating space for other interior components, a long-travel electric adjustment column is a basic prerequisite.

[0003] In the steering column disclosed in CN116379144A, which is used to realize long-stroke axial telescopic adjustment, both the middle and lower protective tubes are provided with open structures, and the protective tubes need to slide together, which makes the stability of the steering column poor. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the problems in the prior art, this utility model provides a long-stroke electrically adjustable steering column, the purpose of which is to improve the stability of the steering column.

[0005] A long-stroke electrically adjustable steering column includes an upper column and a lower column. The upper column is sleeved inside the lower column and slidably engaged with it. A slide is fixedly connected to one outer wall of the lower column, and a slide seat is slidably disposed on the slide. The sliding direction of the slide seat and the slide is consistent with the axial direction of the lower column. A drive assembly is fixedly disposed on the lower column. The first transmission member of the drive assembly is connected to the lower end of the slide seat, and the second transmission member of the drive assembly passes through a strip groove provided on the side wall of the lower column and is connected to the upper column. The second transmission member is used to drive the upper column and the lower column to slide after being driven by the drive assembly, and the first transmission member is used to drive the lower column to slide between the slide and the slide seat after being driven by the drive assembly.

[0006] Further, an angular adjustment mechanism is installed on the slide block. The angular adjustment mechanism includes a fixed plate and a connecting plate. The upper end of the connecting plate is hinged to the upper end of the slide block, and the lower end of the connecting plate is hinged to the upper end of the fixed plate. The lower end of the fixed plate is close to the lower end of the slide block. The lower end of the slide block is hinged to the fixed plate through a fixing pin. A strip-shaped groove is provided on the fixed plate at the position of the fixing pin. The fixing pin is located in the strip-shaped groove and slides with it. A second drive assembly is fixedly installed on the slide block. The third transmission component of the second drive assembly is connected to the connecting plate. When the third transmission component is driven by the second drive motor of the second drive assembly, it causes the upper end of the slide block to move away from or closer to the upper end of the fixed plate.

[0007] Furthermore, a linear bearing or lubricating plate is provided between the slide table and the slide block to reduce the friction between them.

[0008] Furthermore, the inner diameter of the lower tubing is larger than the outer diameter of the upper tubing. A pre-tightening mechanism is fixedly installed on the side wall of the lower tubing. The inner end of the pre-tightening mechanism abuts against the outer wall of the upper tubing and is used to adjust the friction between the upper and lower tubing.

[0009] Furthermore, the slide table and the slide block have a dovetail sliding structure.

[0010] Further, an input shaft is fitted inside the upper column, and the input shaft is rotatably mounted inside the upper column. An output shaft is fitted inside the input shaft. The upper end of the output shaft and the lower end of the input shaft are slidably engaged through a spline structure. The upper end of the output shaft passes through the upper column and is used to connect with the steering wheel. The lower end of the output shaft is linked to a force-sensing motor fixedly connected to the lower end of the lower column, or rotatably engaged with a fixed seat fixedly connected to the lower end of the slide.

[0011] Furthermore, a collapsible assembly is provided between the upper and lower tubing columns. The collapsible assembly includes a collapsible groove and a collapsible block slidably disposed within the collapsible groove. The longitudinal direction of the collapsible groove is arranged along the axial direction of the upper tubing column. The collapsible block is interference-fitted with the collapsible groove and is located at the lower end of the collapsible groove. The second transmission component is connected to the collapsible block.

[0012] Furthermore, a relief opening is provided on the lower tubing at the position corresponding to the collapse groove. A C-shaped groove is fixedly connected between the two sides of the relief opening. The C-shaped groove covers the relief opening. The collapse assembly is located in the relief opening and the C-shaped groove. The strip-shaped through groove is located on the side wall of the C-shaped groove.

[0013] Furthermore, the first transmission component includes a first screw, the lower end of which is fixedly connected to the lower end of the slide; the second transmission component includes a second screw, the upper end of which is fixedly connected to the upper end of the upper tube column, and both the upper end of the first screw and the lower end of the second screw are linked to the drive motor of the drive assembly.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: A strip-shaped through groove is provided on the lower tube column, and the drive assembly is fixedly mounted on the lower tube column. The drive assembly causes the slide block and the upper tube column to move relative to the lower tube column through two transmission components. The lower tube column slides with the slide block through the slide table, and slides with the upper tube column after being sleeved. Through the combination of the two sliding fit relationships and the transmission action of the two transmission branches of the drive assembly, it is avoided to open the notch structure on both the lower tube column and the upper tube column, thus ensuring the structural strength of the upper and lower tube columns and easily ensuring the synchronization of the two transmission paths, thereby improving the stability of the steering column. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a first-view structural diagram of the first embodiment of the present utility model;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a second-view structural schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the collapse component in this utility model;

[0018] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the angular adjustment mechanism and the slide in the third embodiment of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of the third embodiment of the present utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. The directional terms such as left, center, right, top, and bottom in the embodiments of the present invention are only relative concepts or referenced to the normal use state of the product, and should not be considered restrictive.

[0022] First embodiment:

[0023] A long-stroke electrically adjustable steering column, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the system includes an upper tube column 1 and a lower tube column 2. The upper tube column 1 is fitted inside the lower tube column 2 and slides within it. The cross-sections of the upper tube column 1 and the lower tube column 2 are circular, square, C-shaped, petal-shaped, etc. A slide table 21 is fixedly connected to one outer wall of the lower tube column 2, extending from the upper end to the lower end. A slide block 3 is slidably mounted on the slide table 21. The slide block 3 has a plate-like structure and its length is greater than the length of the lower tube column 2. The sliding direction of the slide block 3 and the slide table 21 is consistent with the axial direction of the lower tube column 2. The platform 21 and the slide 3 preferably have a dovetail sliding structure; a drive assembly is fixedly installed on the lower tube column 2, the first transmission member 51 of the drive assembly is connected to the lower end of the slide 3, and the second transmission member 52 of the drive assembly passes through the strip groove 24 provided on the side wall of the lower tube column 2 and is connected to the upper tube column 1; the second transmission member 52 is used to drive the upper tube column 1 and the lower tube column 2 to slide after being driven by the drive assembly, and the first transmission member 51 is used to drive the lower tube column 2 to slide with the slide 3 through the platform 21 after being driven by the drive assembly.

[0024] A linear bearing 22 or a lubricating plate is provided between the slide table 21 and the slide seat 3 to reduce the friction between them. The lubricating plate can be made of nylon or plastic. The inner diameter of the lower tube column 2 is larger than the outer diameter of the upper tube column 1. A pre-tightening mechanism 25 is fixedly provided on the side wall of the lower tube column 2. The pre-tightening mechanism 25 can be a top block. The pre-tightening mechanism 25 is threadedly engaged with the side wall of the lower tube column 2. The inner end of the pre-tightening mechanism 25 abuts against the outer wall of the upper tube column 1 and is used to adjust the friction between the upper and lower tube columns. Two pre-tightening mechanisms 25 are provided along the axial direction of the lower tube column 2. By adjusting the lubricating plate 22 and the pre-tightening mechanism 25, the friction between the slide table 21 and the slide seat 3 and the friction between the upper tube column 1 and the lower tube column 2 are adjusted respectively. The friction between the slide table 21 and the slide seat 3 is preferably equal to the friction between the upper tube column 1 and the lower tube column 2, so that the first transmission component 51 and the second transmission component 52 have the same transmission effect, and further improve the stability of the steering column during telescopic adjustment.

[0025] Combination Figure 3As shown, a collapsible assembly is provided between the upper tube column 1 and the lower tube column 2. The collapsible assembly includes a collapsible groove 43 and a collapsible block 42 slidably disposed within the collapsible groove 43. The longitudinal direction of the collapsible groove 43 is arranged along the axial direction of the upper tube column 1. The collapsible block 42 is interference-fitted with the collapsible groove 43 and is located at the lower end of the collapsible groove 43. The second transmission component 52 is connected to the collapsible block 42. A clearance opening is provided on the lower tube column 2 at a position corresponding to the collapsible groove 43. A C-shaped groove 23 is fixedly connected between the two sides of the clearance opening. The C-shaped groove 23 covers the clearance opening. The collapsible assembly is located within the clearance opening and the C-shaped groove 23. A strip-shaped through groove 24 is located on the side wall of the C-shaped groove 23. The C-shaped groove 23 and the lower tube column 2 form an integrated structure, ensuring the overall structural strength of the lower tube column 2 and expanding the collapsible function of the steering tube column. When the top of the upper tubing 1 collides, the collapsing block 42 overcomes the friction between the collapsing block 42 and the collapsing groove 43 and slides upward from the lower end of the collapsing groove 43, causing the upper tubing 1 to move downward relative to the lower tubing 2.

[0026] The first transmission component 51 includes a first screw, the lower end of which is fixedly connected to the lower end of the slide block 3; the second transmission component 52 includes a second screw, the upper end of which is fixedly connected to the upper end of the upper tube column 1. The upper end of the first screw and the lower end of the second screw are both linked to the drive motor 5 of the drive assembly through a gear set in the gearbox 53. When a collapsible assembly is installed between the upper tube column 1 and the lower tube column 2, the upper end of the second screw is fixedly connected to the collapsible block 42 in the collapsible assembly through a second connecting plate 41, and the second connecting plate 41 is disposed through the strip groove 24. Both the first and second screws pass through the gearbox 53. The drive motor 5 is fixedly connected to the gearbox 53, and the gearbox 53 is fixedly connected to the lower tube column 2. The gear set includes a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel. The first screw passes through the first drive wheel and is threadedly engaged with it. The second screw passes through the second drive wheel and is threadedly engaged with it. Both the first and second drive wheels mesh with the output wheel fixedly sleeved on the output shaft of the drive motor, thereby improving the stability of the linkage structure between the screw and the drive motor. The connection structure between the gear set and the first and second screws is a conventional technology and is not shown in the figure.

[0027] During operation, the slide block 3 is fixed on the frame. The drive motor 5 in the drive assembly drives the first screw and the second screw to rotate via the gearbox 53, thereby causing the upper tube column 1 and the lower tube column 2 to move downward or upward relative to the slide block 3, thus allowing the top of the upper tube column 1 to have a longer adjustment distance. During the movement of the upper tube column 1 and the lower tube column 2, since the upper tube column 1 and the lower tube column 2 are in a tube-to-tube fit relationship, the lower tube column 2 and the slide block 3 are fitted by a dovetail sliding structure. At the same time, by adjusting the friction between the slide table 21 and the slide block 3 and the friction between the upper tube column 1 and the lower tube column 2, it is ensured that the upper tube column 1 and the lower tube column 2 can move stably under the drive of the drive assembly.

[0028] Second embodiment:

[0029] Other technical features are the same as in the first embodiment, combined with Figure 4 As shown, an input shaft 61 is fitted inside the upper column 1, and the input shaft 61 is rotatably mounted inside the upper column 1. An output shaft 62 is fitted inside the input shaft 61. The upper end of the output shaft 62 is slidably engaged with the lower end of the input shaft 61 through a spline structure. The upper end of the output shaft 62 extends out of the upper column 1 and is used to connect with the steering wheel. The lower end of the output shaft 62 is linked to a force-sensing motor fixedly connected to the lower end of the lower column 2, or rotatably engaged with a fixed seat 31 fixedly connected to the lower end of the slide block 3. When a force-sensing motor is fixedly mounted at the lower end of the lower column 2, the output shaft 62 can achieve steer-by-wire after being linked with the force-sensing motor. When the lower end of the output shaft 62 is rotatably mounted on the fixed seat 31, both conventional steering and steer-by-wire can be achieved.

[0030] Third embodiment:

[0031] Other technical features are the same as in the first embodiment, combined with Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, an angular adjustment structure is installed on the slide block 3. The angular adjustment structure includes a fixed plate 6 and a connecting plate 7. The connecting plate 7 is located at the upper end of the lower tube column 2. The upper end of the connecting plate 7 is hinged to the upper end of the slide block 3, and the lower end of the connecting plate 7 is hinged to the upper end of the fixed plate 6. The lower end of the fixed plate 6 is close to the lower end of the slide block 3. The lower end of the slide block 3 is hinged to the fixed plate 6 by a fixing pin 32. A strip groove 61 is provided on the fixed plate 6 at the position of the fixing pin 32. The fixing pin 32 is located in the strip groove 61 and slides with it, thereby adjusting the swing of the slide block 3. Displacement compensation is achieved by fixing pin 32 perpendicular to the axis of the lower column 2 and the longitudinal direction of the strip groove 61 perpendicular to the axis of fixing pin 32. A second drive assembly is fixedly installed on the slide 3. The third transmission component 81 of the second drive assembly is connected to the connecting plate 7. When the third transmission component 81 is driven by the second drive motor 8 of the second drive assembly, it causes the upper end of the slide 3 to move away from or closer to the upper end of the fixing plate 6, thus fixing the fixing plate 6 to the vehicle body. After the second drive assembly, the fixing plate 6 and the connecting plate 7 cooperate, the slide 3, the lower column 2 and the upper column 1 can swing together.

[0032] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed utility model. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A long-stroke electrically adjustable steering column, characterized in that: The device includes an upper tube column and a lower tube column. The upper tube column is fitted inside the lower tube column and slides with it. A slide table is fixedly connected to one outer wall of the lower tube column, and a slide seat is slidably mounted on the slide table. The sliding direction of the slide seat and the slide table is consistent with the axial direction of the lower tube column. A drive assembly is fixedly mounted on the lower tube column. The first transmission component of the drive assembly is connected to the lower end of the slide seat, and the second transmission component of the drive assembly passes through a strip-shaped through groove provided on the side wall of the lower tube column and is connected to the upper tube column. The second transmission component is used to drive the upper and lower tube columns to slide after being driven by the drive assembly, and the first transmission component is used to drive the lower tube column to slide between the slide table and the slide seat after being driven by the drive assembly.

2. The long-stroke electrically adjustable steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that: An angular adjustment mechanism is installed on the slide. The angular adjustment mechanism includes a fixed plate and a connecting plate. The upper end of the connecting plate is hinged to the upper end of the slide, and the lower end of the connecting plate is hinged to the upper end of the fixed plate. The lower end of the fixed plate is close to the lower end of the slide. The lower end of the slide is hinged to the fixed plate by a fixing pin. A strip groove is provided on the fixed plate at the position of the fixing pin. The fixing pin is located in the strip groove and slides with it. A second drive assembly is fixedly installed on the slide. The third transmission component of the second drive assembly is connected to the connecting plate. When the third transmission component is driven by the second drive motor of the second drive assembly, it causes the upper end of the slide to move away from or closer to the upper end of the fixed plate.

3. The long-stroke electrically adjustable steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that: A linear bearing or lubricating plate is provided between the slide table and the slide block to reduce the friction between them.

4. The long-stroke electrically adjustable steering column according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that: The inner diameter of the lower tubing is larger than the outer diameter of the upper tubing. A pre-tightening mechanism is fixedly installed on the side wall of the lower tubing. The inner end of the pre-tightening mechanism abuts against the outer wall of the upper tubing and is used to adjust the friction between the upper and lower tubing.

5. The long-stroke electrically adjustable steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that: The slide table and the slide base have a dovetail sliding structure.

6. The long-stroke electrically adjustable steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that: An input shaft is fitted inside the upper column and is rotatably mounted inside the upper column. An output shaft is fitted inside the input shaft. The upper end of the output shaft and the lower end of the input shaft are slidably engaged through a spline structure. The upper end of the output shaft passes through the upper column and is used to connect with the steering wheel. The lower end of the output shaft is linked to a force-sensing motor fixedly connected to the lower end of the lower column, or is rotatably engaged with a fixed seat fixedly connected to the lower end of the slide.

7. The long-stroke electrically adjustable steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that: A collapsible assembly is provided between the upper and lower tubing. The collapsible assembly includes a collapsible groove and a collapsible block slidably disposed in the collapsible groove. The longitudinal direction of the collapsible groove is arranged along the axial direction of the upper tubing. The collapsible block is interference-fitted with the collapsible groove and is located at the lower end of the collapsible groove. The second transmission component is connected to the collapsible block.

8. The long-stroke electrically adjustable steering column according to claim 7, characterized in that: A relief opening is provided on the lower tubing at the position corresponding to the collapse groove. A C-shaped groove is fixedly connected between the two sides of the relief opening. The C-shaped groove covers the relief opening. The collapse assembly is located in the relief opening and the C-shaped groove. The strip groove is located on the side wall of the C-shaped groove.

9. The long-stroke electrically adjustable steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first transmission component includes a first screw, the lower end of which is fixedly connected to the lower end of the slide; the second transmission component includes a second screw, the upper end of which is fixedly connected to the upper end of the upper tube column, and the upper end of the first screw and the lower end of the second screw are both linked to the drive motor of the drive assembly.

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