Aluminum column tube structure at lower end of steering column

Abstract

A steering column lower end aluminum column tube structure belongs to the technical field of automobile steering columns. The steering wheel assembly lock comprises a square frame structure on the upper portion, a steering wheel assembly lock in the middle and a lower bolt fixing structure on the lower portion, an upper bolt fixing hole is formed in the upper portion of the square frame structure in the direction perpendicular to the axis, the inner side of the upper portion of the square frame structure is of a circumferential sectional type clamping structure, and a boss structure is arranged at a lateral opening. A long-opening-shaped hole is formed in the opposite side of an opening of the upper portion of the square frame in the axial direction, the inner side of the lower portion of the square frame is an avoiding space, a side opening of the square frame is square, and a lower bolt fixing hole is formed in the lower bolt fixing structure in the direction perpendicular to the axis. A lower bearing fixing structure used for fixing the bearing in a matched mode is arranged in the lower bolt fixing structure. According to the utility model, multiple functions can be integrated, the number of parts is reduced, the requirement of light weight is met, the performance of inherent frequency is improved, and the overall rigidity is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of automotive steering column technology, specifically relating to an aluminum column tube structure at the lower end of a steering column. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous upgrading of automobiles, the steering column has evolved beyond simply fixing the steering wheel; it now needs to accommodate a wider range of functions. This necessitates the integration of more structures and components into the main steering column structure. The steering column is a highly integrated component, and external welded bracket structures not only increase the number of parts but also increase welding time. Furthermore, an increasing number of automakers are demanding higher natural frequencies for the steering column, which the original welded structure and upper aluminum column tube structure cannot meet. Moreover, more and more automakers are demanding lightweight steering columns, but the original steel structure cannot meet these requirements. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention addresses the aforementioned problems and overcomes the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing an aluminum column tube structure at the lower end of the steering column. This invention integrates multiple functions, reduces the number of parts, achieves lightweight requirements, improves natural frequency performance, and enhances overall rigidity.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution.

[0005] This utility model provides a steering column lower end aluminum column tube structure, characterized in that it includes an upper square frame structure, a middle steering wheel mounting lock, and a lower bolt fixing structure. The upper part of the square frame structure is provided with an upper bolt fixing hole perpendicular to the axis direction. The inner side of the upper part of the square frame structure is a circumferential segmented clamping structure and a boss structure is provided at the side opening. The upper part of the square frame is provided with an elongated opening along the axial direction opposite the opening. The inner side of the lower part of the square frame is a clearance space and the side opening is square. The lower bolt fixing structure is provided with a lower bolt fixing hole perpendicular to the axis direction. The lower bolt fixing structure is provided with a lower bearing fixing structure for cooperating with and fixing a bearing.

[0006] Furthermore, a grease storage groove is axially provided on the upper side of the square frame structure near the upper bolt fixing hole.

[0007] Furthermore, the circumferential segmented clamping structure is divided into at least three segments, and each pair of adjacent segments is provided with an axially adjustable grease groove.

[0008] Furthermore, the square frame structure, the steering wheel mounting lock, and the lower bolt fixing structure are integrally formed by die casting, and all are made of aluminum alloy.

[0009] The beneficial effects of this utility model.

[0010] This invention optimizes the structure of the traditional cylindrical tube and integrates multiple functions, reduces the number of parts, achieves the requirement of lightweighting, improves the performance of natural frequency, and enhances the overall stiffness. Attached Figure Description

[0011] To make the technical problems solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall three-dimensional structure of this utility model.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall three-dimensional structure of this utility model from another angle.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a side cross-sectional structural diagram of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a top view cross-sectional structural diagram of the present invention.

[0016] The markings in the diagram are as follows: 1 is the square frame structure, 2 is the steering wheel mounting lock, 3 is the lower bolt fixing structure, 4 is the upper bolt fixing hole, 5 is the circumferential segmented clamping structure, 6 is the boss structure, 7 is the elongated opening, 8 is the clearance space, 9 is the lower bolt fixing hole, 10 is the lower bearing fixing structure, 11 is the grease storage groove, and 12 is the telescopic adjustment grease groove. Detailed Implementation

[0017] As shown in the accompanying drawings, this embodiment provides a steering column lower end aluminum column tube structure, including an upper square frame structure 1, a middle steering wheel mounting lock 2, and a lower bolt fixing structure 3.

[0018] The upper part of the square frame structure 1 is provided with an upper bolt fixing hole 4 perpendicular to the axis direction. A long bolt is installed through the upper bolt fixing hole 4 and fixed by applying torque to clamp the mounting surfaces at both ends.

[0019] The upper inner side of the square frame structure 1 is a circumferential segmented clamping structure 5, and a boss structure 6 is set at the side opening. The circumferential segmented clamping structure 5 is divided into at least three sections. Of course, a three-section structure is more economical. Each pair of adjacent sections is axially provided with a telescopic adjustment grease groove 12, which can be adjusted more smoothly and with less adjustment force, thus making the telescopic adjustment feel better and improving the driver's experience and comfort.

[0020] The upper part of the square frame has an elongated opening 7 on the opposite side of the opening along the axis. The upper sleeve of the outer component that cooperates with it has a protruding structure. The protruding structure of the upper sleeve can slide in the elongated opening 7. Its sliding function is the function of adjusting the extension and retraction of the steering wheel. At the same time, the protruding structure of the upper sleeve is embedded in the elongated opening 7, so that the upper sleeve cannot rotate around its axis. Its function of restricting the degree of freedom is the function of positioning the steering wheel combination switch.

[0021] The lower inner side of the square frame has a clearance space 8, and the side opening is square. Because the upper sleeve mating part is a cylindrical tube structure, the existing common lower sleeve structure is also a cylindrical tube structure. However, after optimizing the cylindrical tube structure into a square frame structure 1, this utility model improves the ability to deform laterally, which helps to achieve the ability to clamp and wrap the upper sleeve. At the same time, due to the advantages of the die-cast integral structure, the impact on lateral stiffness is reduced. This structure can effectively improve the adjustment force of the steering column handle.

[0022] When the protrusion of the upper sleeve slides to the lower limit of the long opening 7, the upper sleeve can no longer slide. When a collision occurs, the upper sleeve needs a longer clearance space 8. At this time, the collapse energy absorption function of this pipe column structure takes effect, and the upper sleeve can go further into the clearance space 8 to collapse.

[0023] The lower bolt fixing structure 3 is provided with a lower bolt fixing hole 9 perpendicular to the axis direction. Similarly, a long bolt is installed through the lower bolt fixing hole 9 and fixed by applying torque to clamp the mounting surfaces at both ends.

[0024] The long bolt structure connected to the upper bolt fixing hole 4 and the long bolt structure connected to the lower bolt fixing hole 9 work together to achieve the function of constraining and fixing the degree of freedom. When the long bolt structure connected to the upper bolt fixing hole 4 releases the constraint force, the entire aluminum column tube can rotate around the transverse axis of the lower bolt fixing structure 3. Its rotation function is the function of adjusting the steering wheel angle.

[0025] The square frame structure 1 has an axially arranged grease storage groove 11 near the upper bolt fixing hole 4 on the upper side. When the aluminum column tube rotates around the axis of the lower bolt fixing structure 3, the upper grease storage groove 11 can be adjusted more smoothly and with less adjustment force due to the lubrication of grease. That is, the angle adjustment feels better and improves the driver's experience and comfort.

[0026] The lower bolt fixing structure 3 is equipped with a lower bearing fixing structure 10 for cooperating with and fixing the bearing. This structure restricts the five degrees of freedom of the steering wheel by cooperating with the bearing, while retaining the ability of the aluminum column tube to rotate axially, that is, the function of steering wheel rotation.

[0027] The square frame structure 1, steering wheel mounting lock 2, and lower bolt fixing structure 3 are integrally formed by die casting, all made of aluminum alloy, which achieves the requirements of lightweighting, improves the performance of natural frequency, and enhances the overall rigidity.

[0028] It is understood that the above specific description of this utility model is only used to illustrate this utility model and is not limited to the technical solutions described in the embodiments of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can still be made to this utility model to achieve the same technical effect; as long as the use needs are met, they are all within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A steering column lower end aluminum column tube structure, characterized in that, The structure includes an upper square frame structure (1), a middle steering wheel mounting lock (2), and a lower bolt fixing structure (3). The upper part of the square frame structure (1) is provided with an upper bolt fixing hole (4) perpendicular to the axis direction. The upper inner side of the square frame structure (1) is a circumferential segmented clamping structure (5) and a boss structure (6) is set at the side opening. The upper part of the square frame is provided with an elongated opening (7) on the opposite side of the opening. The lower inner side of the square frame is a clearance space (8) and the side opening is square. The lower bolt fixing structure (3) is provided with a lower bolt fixing hole (9) perpendicular to the axis direction. The lower bolt fixing structure (3) is provided with a lower bearing fixing structure (10) for cooperating with and fixing the bearing.

2. The aluminum column tube structure at the lower end of the steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that, The square frame structure (1) has a grease storage groove (11) axially arranged on the upper side near the upper bolt fixing hole (4).

3. The aluminum column tube structure at the lower end of the steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circumferential segmented clamping structure (5) is divided into at least three segments, and each pair of adjacent segments is provided with an axially adjustable grease groove (12).

4. The aluminum column tube structure at the lower end of the steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that, The square frame structure (1), the steering wheel mounting lock (2), and the lower bolt fixing structure (3) are integrally formed by die casting, and are all made of aluminum alloy.

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