Four-direction-adjustable steering column with detachable steering wheel

Abstract

According to the technical scheme, four-direction adjustment of the height and the angle of an upper column tube assembly is achieved by matching a first long hole and a second long hole in the two sides of an adjusting seat with a round hole and an arc-shaped hole of a lower square tube and combining a taper step locking mechanism of an adjusting handle assembly, and therefore the height and the angle of the upper column tube assembly can be adjusted in the four directions; the operation is convenient, and the ergonomics requirement is met; (2) linkage displacement of the transmission shaft assembly and the lower universal joint assembly is achieved through a crumple universal joint and a second universal joint, interference with the EPS during adjustment is avoided, and an installation space is reserved for the EPS; and (3) a clutch is arranged between the upper column tube assembly and the lower universal joint assembly, so that the transmission connection between the steering wheel and the steering mechanism can be quickly disconnected in an automatic driving scene. The steering column solves the problems that a traditional steering column is inconvenient to adjust, interferes with EPS and is insufficient in steering wheel separation function, and meets the requirements for adjusting flexibility, safety and intelligence.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive steering system technology, specifically to a four-way adjustable steering column with a detachable steering wheel. Background Technology

[0002] The steering column is a crucial component of the steering system. Steering columns can be categorized based on their adjustment methods: non-adjustable (fixed), two-way adjustable (height adjustable), and four-way adjustable (height and angle adjustable). The various adjustment options for the steering column primarily cater to the driver's comfort and safety requirements. Generally, four-way adjustment is superior to two-way adjustment due to differences in human body shape.

[0003] In existing technologies, adjustment mechanisms are mostly located below the steering column, requiring bending over for adjustment, which does not meet ergonomic requirements. More seriously, traditional adjustment mechanisms cause displacement of the lower universal joint during angle adjustment, leading to interference with the electric power steering (EPS) system and limiting the space available for EPS installation. Furthermore, for small vehicles such as golf carts, conventional clutch structures are bulky, resulting in the ineffective resolution of the need for active steering wheel disengagement in autonomous driving scenarios.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop an integrated four-way adjustment mechanism that can enable quick steering wheel disengagement while ensuring ease of operation, and optimize the steering column structure of the universal joint linkage to meet the intelligent and human-centered needs of modern vehicles. Utility Model Content

[0005] In order to overcome the above-mentioned defects of existing golf cart steering columns, this invention provides a four-way adjustable steering column with a detachable steering wheel.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: A four-way adjustable steering column with a detachable steering wheel, comprising an upper column assembly, a drive shaft assembly, a lower universal joint assembly, a lower tube, and an adjustment handle assembly; the upper column assembly includes an upper column tube, a first shaft mounted inside the upper column tube via bearings, and an adjustment seat fixed outside the upper column tube, the adjustment seat being movably mounted on the lower tube, and the height and angle of the adjustment seat in the vertical plane being adjustable; the drive shaft assembly includes a bearing seat and a second shaft mounted in the bearing seat via bearings; the upper end of the first shaft is mounted with a steering wheel, the lower end of the lower universal joint assembly is connected to a steering mechanism, the upper end of the second shaft is collapsibly universally connected to the lower end of the first shaft, and the lower end of the second shaft is universally universally connected to the upper end of the lower universal joint assembly; the adjustment handle assembly has a first position where the adjustment seat is locked relative to the lower tube, and a second position where it is movable.

[0007] Preferably, the left and right side plates of the adjusting seat are provided with a first elongated hole and a second elongated hole parallel to the first axis, and the left and right side plates of the lower tube are provided with a round hole and an arc-shaped hole, the center of the arc-shaped hole and the center of the round hole coincide; the second elongated hole and the arc-shaped hole are engaged by a second bolt to form a movable mounting structure of the adjusting seat on the lower tube.

[0008] Preferably, the adjusting handle assembly includes a fixed locking block, a rotating locking block, an adjusting handle, and a clamping washer. The second bolt is slidably fixed to the fixed locking block in the second elongated hole. The clamping washer is arranged between the side plate of the adjusting seat and the side plate of the lower tube. The adjusting handle drives the rotating locking block to rotate relative to the fixed locking block. The surfaces of the fixed locking block and the rotating locking block that are in contact with each other are provided with tapered steps. When the tapered steps of the fixed locking block and the rotating locking block are aligned, the adjusting handle assembly is in the first position. When the tapered steps of the fixed locking block and the rotating locking block are misaligned, the adjusting handle assembly is in the second position.

[0009] Preferably, a third bolt is provided between the left and right side plates of the lower tube, and a fourth bolt is provided between the left and right side plates of the adjusting seat, and a reset spring is provided between the third bolt and the fourth bolt.

[0010] Preferably, the upper column assembly further includes a first universal joint and a third shaft, the first universal joint being disposed between the first shaft and the third shaft, and the third shaft and the first universal joint forming a sliding collapse structure through a spline.

[0011] Preferably, the lower end of the third shaft is connected to the upper end of the second shaft via a clutch.

[0012] Preferably, the drive shaft assembly further includes a second universal joint connected to the lower end of the second shaft.

[0013] Preferably, the lower universal joint assembly includes a fourth shaft and a third universal joint connected together, the upper end of the fourth shaft being drivenly connected to the second universal joint, and the lower end of the third universal joint being connected to a steering mechanism.

[0014] This utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0015] 1. Four-way adjustment and ergonomic optimization: By matching the double elongated holes of the adjustment seat with the round / arc holes of the lower tube, combined with the double bolt assembly structure, four-way adjustment of the steering wheel height and angle can be achieved, which conforms to ergonomic design;

[0016] 2. EPS compatibility: The sliding collapsible universal joint connection structure between the upper column tube assembly and the drive shaft assembly, combined with the universal linkage design between the drive shaft assembly and the lower universal joint assembly, avoids interference of the four-way adjustment of the upper column tube assembly on the EPS, and reserves axial installation redundancy space, making it suitable for application scenarios of small vehicles such as golf carts.

[0017] 3. Steering wheel disengagement function: The clutch allows the steering wheel to be disengaged, thus meeting the needs of autonomous driving / assisted driving.

[0018] 4. Quick release function: The adjustment handle assembly enables quick adjustment of the steering column through a tapered step-type offset locking / releasing mechanism;

[0019] 5. Safety Redundancy: The collapsible universal joint and clutch provide dual protection. Under impact loads, the third shaft can slide axially to absorb impact energy, meeting collision safety requirements. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0021] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the lower tube in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the adjustment handle assembly in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the upper column tube assembly in the state of maximum elevation angle and minimum height according to an embodiment of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the upper column tube assembly in the state of maximum elevation angle and highest height according to an embodiment of this utility model.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the upper column tube assembly in the state of minimum elevation angle and minimum height according to an embodiment of this utility model.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the upper column tube assembly in the state of minimum elevation angle and maximum height according to an embodiment of this utility model.

[0028] Upper column tube assembly 1, upper column tube 1.1, first shaft 1.2, adjusting seat 1.3, first elongated hole 1.4, second elongated hole 1.5, fourth bolt 1.6, first universal joint 1.7, third shaft 1.8;

[0029] Drive shaft assembly 2, bearing housing 2.1, second shaft 2.2, second universal joint 2.3;

[0030] Lower universal joint assembly 3, fourth shaft 3.1, third universal joint 3.2;

[0031] The lower tube 4 has a round hole 4.1 and an arc-shaped hole 4.2, through which the first bolt 4.3 and the third bolt 4.4 pass;

[0032] Adjusting handle assembly 5, second bolt 5.1, fixing lock block 5.2, rotating lock block 5.3, adjusting handle 5.4, clamping washer 5.5, rotating bearing 5.6;

[0033] Reset spring 6;

[0034] Clutch 7. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0036] In the embodiments, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, a four-way adjustable steering column with a detachable steering wheel is provided, comprising an upper column assembly 1, a driveshaft assembly 2, a lower universal joint assembly 3, a lower tube 4, and an adjustment handle assembly 5. The upper column assembly 1 includes an upper column tube 1.1, a first shaft 1.2 mounted within the upper column tube 1.1 via bearings, and an adjustment seat 1.3 fixed to the outside of the upper column tube 1.1. The adjustment seat 1.3 is movably mounted on the lower tube 4, and its height and angle in the vertical plane are adjustable. The driveshaft... Assembly 2 includes a bearing housing 2.1 and a second shaft 2.2 assembled in the bearing housing 2.1 via bearings; the steering wheel is mounted on the upper end of the first shaft 1.2, the steering mechanism is connected to the lower end of the lower universal joint assembly 3, the upper end of the second shaft 2.2 is collapsibly universally connected to the lower end of the first shaft 1.2, and the lower end of the second shaft 2.2 is universally universally connected to the upper end of the lower universal joint assembly 3; the adjustment handle assembly 5 has a first position where the adjustment seat 1.3 is locked relative to the lower tube 4, and a second position where it is movable. In this embodiment, the movable mounting structure of the adjustment seat 1.3 and the lower tube 4 enables four-way adjustment of the steering wheel in the vertical plane in terms of height and angle, meeting ergonomic requirements. The sliding collapsible universal joint connection structure between the upper column tube assembly 1 and the drive shaft assembly 2, combined with the universal joint linkage design between the drive shaft assembly 2 and the lower universal joint assembly 3, avoids interference of the four-way adjustment of the upper column tube assembly 1 on the EPS, and reserves axial installation redundancy space, making it suitable for applications in small vehicles such as golf carts.

[0037] In the embodiments, such as Figures 1-4As shown, the left and right side plates of the adjusting seat 1.3 are provided with a first elongated hole 1.4 and a second elongated hole 1.5 parallel to the first shaft 1.2. The left and right side plates of the lower tube 4 are provided with a round hole 4.1 and an arc-shaped hole 4.2, with the center of the arc-shaped hole 4.2 coinciding with the center of the round hole 4.1. The first elongated hole 1.4 and the round hole 4.1 are fitted by a first bolt 4.3, and the second elongated hole 1.5 and the arc-shaped hole 4.2 are fitted by a second bolt 5.1, forming a movable mounting structure for the adjusting seat 1.3 on the lower tube 4. The bolt fit between the first elongated hole 1.4 and the round hole 4.1, and the bolt fit between the second elongated hole 1.5 and the arc-shaped hole 4.2 together form the height adjustment track and the angle adjustment track. The dual-degree-of-freedom constraint mechanism ensures a smooth adjustment process and precise positioning. The concentric design of the arc-shaped hole 4.2 and the round hole 4.1 allows the second bolt 5.1 to rotate along a fixed radius during angle adjustment, ensuring adjustment stability. Specifically, as... Figures 5-8 These are the four extreme positions for adjusting the elevation angle and height, respectively. The upper column assembly 1 can be adjusted and stay at any position between these four extreme positions.

[0038] In the embodiments, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, the adjusting handle assembly 5 includes a fixed locking block 5.2, a rotating locking block 5.3, an adjusting handle 5.4, and a clamping washer 5.5. The second bolt 5.1 is slidably fixed to the fixed locking block 5.2 in the second elongated hole 1.5. The clamping washer 5.5 is arranged between the side plate of the adjusting seat 1.3 and the side plate of the lower tube 4. The adjusting handle 5.4 drives the rotating locking block 5.3 to rotate relative to the fixed locking block 5.2. Both the surfaces of the fixed locking block 5.2 and the rotating locking block 5.3 that come into contact with each other are provided with tapered steps. When the tapered steps of the fixed locking block 5.2 and the rotating locking block 5.3 are aligned, the adjusting handle assembly 5 is in the first position; when the tapered steps of the fixed locking block 5.2 and the rotating locking block 5.3 are misaligned, the adjusting handle assembly 5 is in the second position. When the tapered steps are aligned, a radial clamping force is generated, and the adjusting seat 1.3 is rigidly locked through the self-locking effect of the tapered surfaces of the fixed locking block 5.2 and the rotating locking block 5.3. Specifically, the head of the second bolt 5.1 clamps the outer walls of the two side plates of the lower tube 4 with the end face of the fixing block 5.2, achieving rotational locking; the clamping force of the second bolt 5.1 is transmitted to the outer walls of the two side plates of the adjusting seat 1.3 by the clamping washer 5.5, achieving sliding locking. When the tapered step is misaligned, the clamping force is released, allowing the adjusting seat 1.3 to slide or rotate freely along the lower tube 4. The locking / releasing state can be switched with a single handle, making operation convenient.

[0039] In the embodiments, such as Figures 1-4As shown, a third bolt 4.4 is provided between the left and right side plates of the lower tube 4, and a fourth bolt 1.6 is provided between the left and right side plates of the adjusting seat 1.3. A return spring 6 is provided between the third bolt 4.4 and the fourth bolt 1.6. The return spring 6 connects the third bolt 4.4 and the fourth bolt 1.6, providing a reverse pulling force during the adjustment process to balance the weight of the steering wheel and prevent the adjusting seat 1.3 from rotating to the minimum pitch angle due to its own weight; at the same time, the preload of the spring ensures that the adjusting seat 1.3 automatically returns to a stable state after the adjusting handle 5.4 is released, avoiding accidental displacement.

[0040] In the embodiments, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, the upper column tube assembly 1 also includes a first universal joint 1.7 and a third shaft 1.8. The first universal joint 1.7 is located between the first shaft 1.2 and the third shaft 1.8. The third shaft 1.8 and the first universal joint 1.7 form a sliding collapse structure through a spline. The sliding collapse structure of the first universal joint 1.7 and the spline allows the third shaft 1.8 to be adapted for four-way adjustment of the upper column tube assembly 1. During the collapse process, the first universal joint 1.7 maintains the continuity of transmission, ensuring that the steering function is effective within the safe collapse range.

[0041] In the embodiments, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, the lower end of the third shaft 1.8 and the upper end of the second shaft 2.2 are connected by a clutch 7. The clutch 7 is integrated between the third shaft 1.8 and the second shaft 2.2, and achieves rapid disconnection via electromagnetic means to meet the requirement of actively disengaging the steering wheel in autonomous driving mode; the compact design of the clutch 7 is integrated inside the lower tube 4, which is suitable for the space constraints of small vehicles such as golf carts.

[0042] In the embodiments, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, the drive shaft assembly 2 is also provided with a second universal joint 2.3 connected to the lower end of the second shaft 2.2. The second universal joint 2.3 allows the lower universal joint assembly 3 to be misaligned in three-dimensional space, compensating for the axial deviation caused by the adjustment of the upper column tube assembly 1, and avoiding motion interference between the lower universal joint assembly 3 and the EPS.

[0043] In the embodiments, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, the lower universal joint assembly 3 includes a fourth shaft 3.1 and a third universal joint 3.2 connected to each other. The upper end of the fourth shaft 3.1 is drive-connected to the second universal joint 2.3, and the lower end of the third universal joint 3.2 is connected to the steering mechanism. The third universal joint 3.2 and the fourth shaft 3.1 form a sunken transmission structure, which shifts the steering torque transmission path towards the vehicle chassis, while freeing up space under the instrument panel to facilitate the modular layout of EPS and other electronic components.

[0044] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Other obvious variations or modifications derived from the essential spirit of the present utility model still fall within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A four-way adjustable and steering wheel disconnectable steering column, characterized in that, The application relates to a steering handle assembly, which comprises an upper column pipe assembly (1), a transmission shaft assembly (2), a lower universal joint assembly (3), a lower pipe (4) and an adjusting handle assembly (5). The upper column pipe assembly (1) comprises an upper column pipe (1.1), a first shaft (1.2) assembled in the upper column pipe (1.1) through a bearing and an adjusting seat (1.3) fixed outside the upper column pipe (1.1), the adjusting seat (1.3) is movably mounted on the lower pipe (4), and the height and angle of the adjusting seat (1.3) on a vertical plane are adjustable. The transmission shaft assembly (2) comprises a bearing seat (2.1) and a second shaft (2.2) assembled in the bearing seat (2.1) through a bearing. The upper end of the first shaft (1.2) is provided with a steering wheel, the lower end of the lower universal joint assembly (3) is connected with a steering mechanism, the upper end of the second shaft (2.2) is connected with the lower end of the first shaft (1.2) in a telescopic and universal manner, and the lower end of the second shaft (2.2) is connected with the upper end of the lower universal joint assembly (3) in a universal manner. The adjusting handle assembly (5) has a first position for locking the adjusting seat (1.3) relative to the lower pipe (4) and a second position for movement.

2. The four-way adjustable and steering wheel disconnectable steering column of claim 1, wherein, Both sides of the adjusting seat (1.3) are provided with a first long hole (1.4) and a second long hole (1.5) parallel to the first shaft (1.2), both sides of the lower pipe (4) are provided with a circular hole (4.1) and an arc-shaped hole (4.2), and the center of the arc-shaped hole (4.2) is coincident with the center of the circular hole (4.1). The first long hole (1.4) and the circular hole (4.1) are connected through a first bolt (4.3), the second long hole (1.5) and the arc-shaped hole (4.2) are connected through a second bolt (5.1), and the movable mounting structure of the adjusting seat (1.3) on the lower pipe (4) is formed.

3. The four-way adjustable and steering wheel disconnectable steering column of claim 2, wherein, The adjusting handle assembly (5) comprises a fixed locking block (5.2), a rotating locking block (5.3), an adjusting handle (5.4) and a clamping gasket (5.5), the second bolt (5.1) and the fixed locking block (5.2) are slidably fixed in the second long hole (1.5), the clamping gasket (5.5) is arranged between the side plate of the adjusting seat (1.3) and the side plate of the lower pipe (4), the adjusting handle (5.4) drives the rotating locking block (5.3) to rotate relative to the fixed locking block (5.2), and the surfaces of the fixed locking block (5.2) and the rotating locking block (5.3) are provided with taper steps. When the taper steps of the fixed locking block (5.2) and the rotating locking block (5.3) are aligned, the adjusting handle assembly (5) is in the first position, and when the taper steps of the fixed locking block (5.2) and the rotating locking block (5.3) are staggered, the adjusting handle assembly (5) is in the second position.

4. The four-way adjustable and steering wheel disconnectable steering column of claim 2, wherein, The third bolt (4.4) is arranged between the left and right side plates of the lower pipe (4), the fourth bolt (1.6) is arranged between the left and right side plates of the adjusting seat (1.3), and the reset tension spring (6) is arranged between the third bolt (4.4) and the fourth bolt (1.6).

5. The four-way adjustable and steering wheel disconnectable steering column of claim 1, wherein, The upper column pipe assembly (1) further comprises a first universal joint (1.7) and a third shaft (1.8), the first universal joint (1.7) is arranged between the first shaft (1.2) and the third shaft (1.8), and the third shaft (1.8) and the first universal joint (1.7) are connected through a spline to form a sliding collapse structure.

6. The four-way adjustable and steering wheel disconnectable steering column of claim 5, wherein, The lower end of the third shaft (1.8) and the upper end of the second shaft (2.2) are connected through a clutch (7).

7. The four-way adjustable and steering wheel disconnectable steering column of claim 1, wherein, The transmission shaft assembly (2) is further provided with a second universal joint (2.3) connected with the lower end of the second shaft (2.2).

8. The four-way adjustable and steering wheel disconnectable steering column of claim 7, wherein, The lower universal joint assembly (3) comprises a fourth shaft (3.1) and a third universal joint (3.2) connected with each other, the upper end of the fourth shaft (3.1) is in transmission connection with the second universal joint (2.3), and the lower end of the third universal joint (3.2) is connected with a steering mechanism.

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