Damping support special for automobile steering wheel

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of automobile vibration reduction, in particular to a vibration reduction support special for an automobile steering wheel, which comprises a main support frame, a first damping assembly, an elastic connecting plate, a hydraulic buffer unit, an adjusting arm and a dynamic balance module. The main supporting frame is connected with a steering column through bolts, and a flexible sleeve is arranged on the inner side to absorb vibration. A ball bearing is embedded in the elastic connecting plate to reduce friction; the hydraulic buffer unit adjusts the damping force by utilizing the flow characteristic of silicone oil; the position of the adjusting arm is adjusted through a gear rack mechanism; the dynamic balance module disperses high-frequency vibration through cooperation of a spring piece and a rubber cushion layer. Omnibearing vibration under complex road conditions can be effectively restrained, the installation process is simplified, adaptability and durability are improved, and the requirements of modern automobiles for high comfort and intelligent monitoring are met.

Description

A special vibration damping bracket for car steering wheels Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of automotive parts and vibration reduction technology, specifically a vibration reduction bracket for automotive steering wheels. Background Technology

[0002] When there is a need to improve driving comfort and safety, the importance of steering wheel damping technology is becoming increasingly apparent, thus requiring the use of appropriate steering wheel damping structures. Through the design of steering wheel damping structures, vibration transmission from the steering wheel during vehicle operation can be effectively reduced, thereby improving the driving experience. However, some existing steering wheel damping structures, in practical applications, mainly rely on the properties of spring components or elastic metal materials to achieve damping functions, but their ability to suppress vibrations in all directions under complex road conditions is relatively limited.

[0003] A search revealed a vibration damping structure for an automotive steering wheel with publication number CN111619652B. This structure achieves vibration damping by using multiple sets of connecting components (including connecting brackets, horn springs, and support springs). While this design can reduce abnormal noises caused by contact points or horn rebound in the steering wheel system to some extent, its effect on suppressing steering wheel vibration under complex road conditions remains insufficient. Furthermore, the installation method of this design is relatively cumbersome, increasing manufacturing costs and assembly difficulty.

[0004] Meanwhile, a bidirectional vibration damping limiter for an automotive steering column, disclosed in CN111605605B, uses a limiter body made of elastic metal and achieves bidirectional vibration damping through a limit tongue engaging with an annular groove on the steering spindle. This design can reduce steering wheel vibration and noise when the vehicle travels over uneven road surfaces, but its vibration damping effect may be limited by the elastic limit of the material under high-frequency vibrations or extreme conditions.

[0005] The above issues indicate that the current steering wheel damping structures on the market have limitations in meeting the all-round vibration suppression needs under complex road conditions, and also need to be improved in terms of ease of installation, cost control, and adaptability. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This utility model provides a dedicated vibration damping bracket for automotive steering wheels, aiming to overcome the problems of insufficient all-around vibration suppression capability, cumbersome installation, and limited adaptability of existing steering wheel vibration damping structures under complex road conditions. To solve the above problems, this utility model achieves the following:

[0007] A vibration damping bracket for automotive steering wheels includes: a main support frame fixedly installed on the outside of the steering column, the main support frame being connected to the steering column via bolt assemblies, and a first damping assembly for absorbing steering wheel vibrations on its inner side; an elastic connecting plate fixedly installed on the top of the main support frame, the elastic connecting plate being connected to the steering wheel frame via multiple arc-shaped grooves, and ball bearings being embedded in the arc-shaped grooves to reduce friction; a second damping assembly located at the bottom of the main support frame, the second damping assembly cooperating with a limiting ring at the bottom of the steering column via a hydraulic buffer unit to form a multi-directional vibration absorption path; adjusting arms rotatably installed on both sides of the main support frame, the adjusting arms cooperating with positioning holes on the steering wheel frame via a gear and rack mechanism to adjust the overall position of the vibration damping bracket; and a dynamic balancing module located inside the main support frame, the dynamic balancing module being composed of multiple spring plates and rubber pads alternately stacked and fixed to the central area of ​​the main support frame by screws to disperse high-frequency vibrations transmitted by the steering wheel.

[0008] To enhance the vibration reduction effect of the device, the first damping component includes a flexible sleeve made of polymer material. The flexible sleeve is fixed to the inner wall of the main support frame by a snap-fit ​​structure. Its outer surface is provided with multiple raised vibration damping nodes, which can convert vibration energy into heat energy when in contact with the steering wheel frame. A metal mesh layer is also embedded in the inner side of the flexible sleeve. The metal mesh layer is bonded to the flexible sleeve by a welding process to enhance the fatigue resistance of the flexible sleeve.

[0009] To further optimize the ease of installation, quick-locking devices are provided at both ends of the elastic connecting plate. Each quick-locking device includes a locking handle with a ratchet mechanism. The locking handle rotates to move an internal wedge block, thereby quickly fixing the elastic connecting plate to the steering wheel frame. The inner wall of the arc-shaped groove is coated with a low-friction coefficient material, specifically polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), to reduce wear on the ball bearings during operation.

[0010] To cope with high-frequency vibrations under complex road conditions, the hydraulic damping unit includes a closed oil chamber filled with high-viscosity silicone oil. The flow rate of the silicone oil is controlled by an internal one-way valve, thereby adjusting the damping force. The hydraulic damping unit is externally wrapped with a high-temperature resistant rubber sleeve, which is bonded to the hydraulic damping unit through a vulcanization process to prevent the influence of the external environment on the oil chamber.

[0011] To achieve positional adjustability of the device, a ball joint is provided at the end of the adjusting arm. The ball joint is connected to a positioning hole on the steering wheel frame via a clamping nut. The spherical portion of the ball joint is coated with a wear-resistant alloy coating to improve its service life. The rack portion of the gear and rack mechanism is fixed to the middle of the adjusting arm, and the tooth surface of the rack is hardened to enhance its wear resistance.

[0012] To disperse high-frequency vibrations transmitted from the steering wheel, the spring plates of the dynamic balance module feature a wave-shaped design. These wave-shaped spring plates are formed using a stamping process and have a rust-proof coating on their surface. The thickness of the rubber pad layer is designed to match the stiffness of the spring plates to ensure that both work together under stress. A through-hole is located in the central area of ​​the dynamic balance module, and a pressure sensor is installed within this hole. This pressure sensor is connected to the vehicle's electronic control system via wires to monitor the steering wheel's vibration status in real time.

[0013] Compared to existing technologies, the automotive steering wheel vibration damping bracket provided in this solution effectively suppresses all-around steering wheel vibrations by incorporating key components such as a main support frame, elastic connecting plate, hydraulic buffer unit, adjusting arm, and dynamic balance module. Specifically, the first and second damping components absorb vibration energy from different directions, the elastic connecting plate reduces friction through ball bearings, the hydraulic buffer unit adjusts the damping force based on the flow characteristics of silicone oil, the adjusting arm achieves position adjustment through a gear and rack mechanism, and the dynamic balance module disperses high-frequency vibrations through the synergistic effect of spring plates and rubber pads. These designs not only improve the vibration damping effect of the device but also simplify the installation process, reduce manufacturing costs, and meet the high comfort and reliability requirements of modern automobiles.

[0014] Furthermore, this invention achieves excellent adaptability and durability through optimized material selection and structural design. For example, the metal mesh layer of the flexible sleeve enhances fatigue resistance, the high-temperature resistant rubber sleeve of the hydraulic buffer unit improves environmental adaptability, and the pressure sensor of the dynamic balance module enables intelligent monitoring. These improvements allow this invention to maintain stable vibration reduction performance even under complex road conditions and extreme operating conditions, while also aligning with the modern automotive trends of lightweighting and efficient assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0016] Figure 2 is a partial schematic diagram of the first damping component;

[0017] Figure 3 is a partial schematic diagram of the connection between the elastic connecting plate and the steering wheel frame;

[0018] Figure 4 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the hydraulic buffer unit.

[0019] The attached figures are labeled as follows: 1. Main support frame; 2. Elastic connecting plate; 3. Hydraulic buffer unit; 4. Adjusting arm; 5. First damping component; 6. Flexible sleeve; 7. Vibration damping node; 8. Metal mesh layer; 9. Arc groove; 10. Ball bearing; 11. Quick locking device; 12. Oil chamber; 13. One-way valve; 14. High-temperature resistant rubber sleeve; 15. Dynamic balance module; 16. Spring plate; 17. Rubber pad layer; 18. Pressure sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0020] This utility model provides a dedicated vibration damping bracket for automotive steering wheels, and its specific implementation is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model, showing the layout of the main support frame 1, the elastic connecting plate 2, the hydraulic buffer unit 3, and the adjusting arm 4. The main support frame 1, as the core load-bearing component of the entire device, is fixedly connected to the outside of the steering column by bolt assembly. A first damping component 5 is provided on the inner side of the main support frame 1, the elastic connecting plate 2 is installed on the top, the hydraulic buffer unit 3 is provided at the bottom, and the adjusting arms 4 are rotatably installed on both sides. The main support frame 1 also has a dynamic balancing module 15 inside, used to disperse the high-frequency vibration transmitted by the steering wheel. The specific structure and connection relationship of each component will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, the first damping component 5 includes a flexible sleeve 6, which is fixed to the inner wall of the main support frame 1 via a snap-fit ​​structure. Multiple raised damping nodes 7 are provided on the outer surface of the flexible sleeve 6, and these nodes are evenly distributed and contact the steering wheel frame. A metal mesh layer 8 is embedded in the inner side of the flexible sleeve 6, and the metal mesh layer 8 is bonded to the flexible sleeve 6 via a welding process. The flexible sleeve 6 is made of a polymer material, possessing a certain degree of flexibility and elasticity, capable of deforming under external force and returning to its original shape. When the steering wheel is subjected to vibration, the damping nodes 7 contact the steering wheel frame and convert vibration energy into heat energy through friction. The embedded metal mesh layer 8 enhances the fatigue resistance of the flexible sleeve 6, making it less prone to damage from repeated stress during long-term use. The first damping component 5 achieves quick installation through the snap-fit ​​connection between the flexible sleeve 6 and the main support frame 1, while ensuring close contact with the steering wheel frame.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3, the elastic connecting plate 2 is connected to the steering wheel frame via multiple arc-shaped grooves 9, each containing a ball bearing 10. The ball bearings 10 can roll freely within the arc-shaped grooves 9, thereby reducing friction between the steering wheel frame and the elastic connecting plate 2. The inner wall of the arc-shaped grooves 9 is coated with a low-friction coefficient polytetrafluoroethylene coating, which further reduces wear on the ball bearings 10 during operation. Quick-locking devices 11 are provided at both ends of the elastic connecting plate 2. Each quick-locking device 11 includes a locking handle with a ratchet mechanism. The locking handle rotates, causing an internal wedge block to move, thus quickly fixing the elastic connecting plate 2 to the steering wheel frame. The design of the quick-locking device 11 simplifies the installation process, allowing the elastic connecting plate 2 to be quickly connected to or disconnected from the steering wheel frame. The design of the ball bearings 10 and the arc-shaped grooves 9 in the elastic connecting plate 2 reduces the frictional resistance generated during steering wheel rotation, improving the smoothness of operation.

[0023] As shown in Figure 4, the hydraulic damping unit 3 is located at the bottom of the main support frame 1 and forms a multi-directional vibration absorption path through cooperation with the limiting ring at the bottom of the steering column. The hydraulic damping unit 3 includes a closed oil chamber 12 filled with high-viscosity silicone oil. A one-way valve 13 is installed inside the oil chamber 12, controlling the flow rate of the silicone oil and thus adjusting the damping force. The hydraulic damping unit 3 is externally wrapped with a high-temperature resistant rubber sleeve 14, which is bonded to the hydraulic damping unit 3 through a vulcanization process to prevent external environmental influences on the oil chamber 12. When the steering wheel is subjected to high-frequency vibrations under complex road conditions, the hydraulic damping unit 3 absorbs the vibration energy through the flow characteristics of the silicone oil and converts the vibration into heat energy, thereby achieving a vibration reduction effect. The high-temperature resistant rubber sleeve 14 of the hydraulic damping unit 3 improves the environmental adaptability of the device, enabling it to maintain stable performance even under extreme operating conditions.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the adjusting arm 4 is rotatably mounted on both sides of the main support frame 1. The end of the adjusting arm 4 is equipped with a ball joint, which is connected to a positioning hole on the steering wheel frame via a clamping nut. The spherical portion of the ball joint is coated with a wear-resistant alloy coating, which improves the service life of the ball joint. A gear and rack mechanism is fixed in the middle of the adjusting arm 4. The rack portion of the gear and rack mechanism is hardened to enhance its wear resistance. When it is necessary to adjust the overall position of the shock absorber bracket, rotating the gear portion of the gear and rack mechanism moves the rack, thereby changing the angle and position of the adjusting arm 4. The design of the adjusting arm 4 enables the positional adjustability of the shock absorber bracket, allowing it to adapt to different vehicle models and driving needs.

[0025] As shown in Figure 4, the dynamic balance module 15 is located in the central area of ​​the main support frame 1. The dynamic balance module 15 is composed of multiple alternating layers of spring plates 16 and rubber pads 17, and is fixed to the central area of ​​the main support frame 1 with screws. The spring plates 16 have a wave-shaped design, are formed by stamping, and have a rust-proof coating on their surface. The thickness of the rubber pads 17 is designed to match the stiffness of the spring plates 16 to ensure that both work together under stress. A through-hole is provided in the central area of ​​the dynamic balance module 15, and a pressure sensor 18 is installed inside the through-hole. The pressure sensor 18 is connected to the vehicle's electronic control system via wires to monitor the vibration state of the steering wheel in real time. When the steering wheel is subjected to high-frequency vibration, the dynamic balance module 15 disperses the vibration energy through the synergistic effect of the spring plates 16 and the rubber pads 17, thereby reducing the vibration amplitude of the steering wheel. The pressure sensor 18 enables intelligent monitoring, providing timely feedback on steering wheel vibration information so that the driver can take appropriate measures.

[0026] The operating principle of this invention is as follows: When a car is driving on complex road conditions, the steering wheel is subjected to vibrations from different directions. The first damping component 5 absorbs the vibration energy transmitted by the steering wheel frame through the flexible sleeve 6 and the damping node 7, and converts it into heat energy for release. The elastic connecting plate 2 reduces the friction between the steering wheel frame and the elastic connecting plate 2 through the ball bearing 10 and the arc groove 9, improving the smoothness of operation. The hydraulic buffer unit 3 absorbs vibration energy through the flow characteristics of silicone oil and adjusts the damping force through the one-way valve 13, thereby achieving multi-directional vibration absorption. The adjusting arm 4 adjusts the overall position of the damping bracket through the gear and rack mechanism to adapt it to different vehicle models and driving needs. The dynamic balance module 15 disperses high-frequency vibrations through the synergistic effect of the spring plate 16 and the rubber pad layer 17, and monitors the vibration state of the steering wheel in real time through the pressure sensor 18. The coordinated work of these components effectively suppresses the all-round vibration of the steering wheel, improving driving comfort and reliability.

[0027] The components of this invention achieve efficient collaboration through a reasonable connection method and positional relationship. The main support frame 1, as the core load-bearing component, is fixedly connected to the steering column via bolt assemblies, while also providing an installation base for other components. The first damping assembly 5 is connected to the main support frame 1 via a snap-fit ​​structure; the elastic connecting plate 2 is connected to the steering wheel frame via a quick-locking device 11; the hydraulic buffer unit 3 engages with the bottom of the steering column via a limiting ring; the adjusting arm 4 is connected to the steering wheel frame via a ball joint; and the dynamic balance module 15 is fixed to the central area of ​​the main support frame 1 with screws. These connection methods not only ensure the secure installation of each component but also simplify the assembly process and reduce manufacturing costs.

[0028] This invention is applicable to various types of automotive steering wheels, exhibiting excellent vibration reduction performance, especially under complex road conditions and extreme operating conditions. Through optimized material selection and structural design, this invention possesses good adaptability and durability, meeting the high comfort and reliability requirements of modern automobiles. To better enable those skilled in the art to fully understand and implement this invention, the following supplementary explanation of its operating principle and implementation steps is provided in conjunction with specific application scenarios.

[0029] In practical applications, when a car is driving on complex road conditions, the steering wheel will vibrate in multiple directions due to road bumps or steering operations. In this situation, this invention, through the coordinated action of multiple key components, effectively suppresses the vibration transmitted from the steering wheel to the driver's hands, improving driving comfort and safety.

[0030] First, the first damping component 5 begins to function. The flexible sleeve 6 contacts the steering wheel frame through its surface damping nodes 7. When the steering wheel is subjected to vibration, the friction between the damping nodes 7 and the steering wheel frame gradually converts the vibration energy into heat energy. The metal mesh layer 8 embedded inside the flexible sleeve 6 enhances the structure's fatigue resistance, enabling it to maintain stability during long-term use. The polymer material properties of the flexible sleeve 6 allow it to quickly recover its original shape after deformation under external forces, thus continuously absorbing vibration energy. This process ensures the initial vibration damping effect of the steering wheel under low-frequency vibrations.

[0031] Secondly, the elastic connecting plate 2 reduces the friction between the steering wheel frame and the elastic connecting plate 2 through the ball bearings 10 within the arc-shaped groove 9. As the ball bearings 10 roll freely within the arc-shaped groove 9, the PTFE coating on the inner wall of the groove further reduces wear during movement, thereby improving the smoothness of steering wheel rotation. The quick-locking devices 11 at both ends of the elastic connecting plate 2 drive the wedge blocks to move via a ratchet mechanism, achieving rapid fixation with the steering wheel frame. This design not only simplifies the installation process but also ensures a tight fit between the elastic connecting plate 2 and the steering wheel frame, reducing additional vibrations caused by improper assembly.

[0032] Next, the hydraulic damping unit 3 absorbs high-frequency vibration energy through the high-viscosity silicone oil in the closed oil chamber 12. When the steering wheel is subjected to high-frequency vibrations under complex road conditions, the silicone oil in the oil chamber 12 controls its flow speed through the one-way valve 13, adjusting the magnitude of the damping force. This design allows the hydraulic damping unit 3 to dynamically adjust its damping effect according to the vibration frequency and intensity. In addition, the high-temperature resistant rubber sleeve 14 wrapped around the hydraulic damping unit 3 is bonded to the main body through a vulcanization process to prevent the influence of the external environment on the oil chamber 12, ensuring that the device can maintain stable performance under extreme working conditions.

[0033] Meanwhile, the adjusting arm 4 adjusts the overall position of the shock absorber bracket via a rack and pinion mechanism. When it is necessary to adapt to different vehicle models or driving needs, the gear portion of the rack and pinion mechanism is rotated to move the rack, thereby changing the angle and position of the adjusting arm 4. The ball joint at the end of the adjusting arm 4 is connected to the positioning hole on the steering wheel frame via a clamping nut, and the wear-resistant alloy coating on the surface of the ball joint improves its service life. This design enables the positional adjustability of the shock absorber bracket, allowing it to flexibly adapt to various vehicle models.

[0034] Finally, the dynamic balance module 15 disperses the high-frequency vibrations transmitted by the steering wheel through the synergistic effect of the spring plate 16 and the rubber pad layer 17. When the steering wheel is subjected to high-frequency vibrations, the wave-shaped spring plate 16 and the rubber pad layer 17 of matching thickness work together to disperse the vibration energy and reduce the vibration amplitude. The pressure sensor 18 in the central area of ​​the dynamic balance module 15 is connected to the vehicle's electronic control system via a wire to monitor the vibration state of the steering wheel in real time and feed the data back to the driver so that appropriate measures can be taken. This intelligent monitoring function further enhances the reliability and practicality of the device.

[0035] The aforementioned components achieve efficient collaboration through a rational connection method and positional relationship. The main support frame 1, as the core load-bearing component, is fixedly connected to the steering column via bolt assemblies, providing a stable mounting foundation for other components. The first damping assembly 5 is connected to the main support frame 1 via a snap-fit ​​structure; the elastic connecting plate 2 is connected to the steering wheel frame via a quick-locking device 11; the hydraulic buffer unit 3 engages with the bottom of the steering column via a limiting ring; the adjusting arm 4 is connected to the steering wheel frame via a ball joint; and the dynamic balance module 15 is fixed to the central area of ​​the main support frame 1 with screws. These connection methods not only ensure the secure installation of each component but also simplify the assembly process and reduce manufacturing costs.

[0036] In summary, through the synergistic effect of the above steps and principles, this utility model effectively suppresses all-around vibration of the steering wheel, significantly improving driving comfort and reliability, while meeting the requirements of modern automobiles for high adaptability and durability.

[0037] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A vibration damping bracket for automobile steering wheels, characterized in that, include: The main support frame (1) is fixedly installed on the outside of the steering column and connected to the steering column by bolt assembly; the first damping assembly (5) is set on the inside of the main support frame (1) to bear the vibration transmitted by the steering wheel frame; the elastic connecting plate (2) is fixedly installed on the top of the main support frame (1) and connected to the steering wheel frame by multiple arc grooves (9), wherein the arc grooves (9) are fitted with ball bearings (10); the second damping assembly is set on the bottom of the main support frame (1) and cooperates with the limiting ring at the bottom of the steering column by hydraulic buffer unit (3); the adjusting arm (4) is rotatably installed on both sides of the main support frame (1) and cooperates with the positioning hole on the steering wheel frame by gear and rack mechanism; the dynamic balance module (15) is set in the internal central area of ​​the main support frame (1) and is composed of multiple spring plates (16) and rubber pads (17) stacked alternately.

2. The automotive steering wheel damping bracket as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first damping component (5) includes a flexible sleeve (6), which is fixed to the inner wall of the main support frame (1) by a snap-fit ​​structure. Multiple protruding vibration damping nodes (7) are provided on its outer surface, and a metal mesh layer (8) is embedded on its inner side.

3. The automotive steering wheel damping bracket as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic connecting plate (2) is provided with quick locking devices (11) at both ends. The quick locking device (11) includes a locking handle with a ratchet mechanism. The locking handle drives the internal wedge block to move through rotation to fix the elastic connecting plate (2) to the steering wheel frame.

4. The automotive steering wheel damping bracket as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hydraulic buffer unit (3) includes a closed oil chamber (12), which is filled with high-viscosity silicone oil. A one-way valve (13) is installed in the oil chamber (12), and the hydraulic buffer unit (3) is wrapped with a high-temperature resistant rubber sleeve (14).

5. The automotive steering wheel damping bracket as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The end of the adjusting arm (4) is provided with a ball joint, which is connected to the positioning hole on the steering wheel frame through a clamping nut, and the spherical part of the ball joint is coated with a wear-resistant alloy coating.

6. The automotive steering wheel damping bracket as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The spring plate (16) of the dynamic balance module (15) adopts a wave-shaped design. The surface of the spring plate (16) is coated with an anti-rust coating. The thickness of the rubber pad layer (17) is designed to match the stiffness of the spring plate (16).

7. The automotive steering wheel damping bracket as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The dynamic balance module (15) has a through hole in its central area, and a pressure sensor (18) is installed in the through hole. The pressure sensor (18) is connected to the vehicle's electronic control system via a wire.

8. The automotive steering wheel damping bracket as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the arc groove (9) is coated with a polytetrafluoroethylene coating with a low coefficient of friction.

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