Steering column capable of achieving long-stroke adjustment and small and exquisite in structure
By employing a lead screw and adjusting nut design in the steering column, a compact structure and wide range of adjustment are achieved, solving the problems of long length and high cost in existing technologies, and providing greater space and flexibility.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- JILIN SHIBAO MACHINERY MANUFACTURING CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-05
AI Technical Summary
The existing steering column is long, takes up a lot of space, and developing a new motor is costly, making it difficult to achieve long-stroke retraction adjustment.
The design employs a lead screw and two adjusting nuts, enabling synchronous adjustment of the inner and outer column tubes through unidirectional movement. Combined with a length adjustment motor and sliding steel balls, it achieves a compact structure and a wide range of adjustment for the steering column.
This approach shortens the steering column length, expands the adjustment range, reduces space occupation, lowers development costs, and ensures the overall vehicle design flexibility and human-machine interaction space.
Smart Images
Figure CN224197816U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive steering systems, specifically a compact steering column with a long stroke adjustment capability. Background Technology
[0002] In today's rapidly developing automotive industry, high-tech technologies such as human-machine interaction and autonomous driving are constantly being upgraded in vehicles. Upgrading the vehicle system means that the steering system must also be upgraded. For example, there is the development of steer-by-wire systems adapted to intelligent driving, as well as the realization of functions such as steering wheel extension, folding, and hiding. Currently, major OEMs and leading steering system suppliers have developed a variety of product structures to make room for more space by extending the long travel of the steering wheel and to better realize human-machine interaction.
[0003] Most existing solutions for long-stroke retractable steering columns involve designing an exceptionally long lead screw or an extremely long overall column length. In some cases, new types of motors (such as belt drives or double lead screw drives) need to be developed to accommodate long-stroke retractable adjustment columns. This results in existing column structures taking up a significant amount of space in the vehicle, and the development of new motors inevitably incurs high development costs. These are the pain points and challenges in developing long-stroke retractable steering columns in the industry. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a compact steering column with long-stroke adjustment. Compared with existing steering columns, this column is shorter in length and has a large length adjustment range, which can reserve more space for the whole vehicle.
[0005] The technical solution of this utility model:
[0006] A compact steering column with long-stroke adjustment includes a bracket, an outer column tube, an inner column tube, a steering shaft, a length adjustment motor, a lead screw, a first adjusting nut, and a second adjusting nut. The outer column tube is housed within and connected to the bracket. The bracket has a long sliding hole. The length adjustment motor is bolted to the bracket, and its output shaft is connected to the lead screw. The first and second adjusting nuts are fitted onto the lead screw. The first adjusting nut is fixedly connected to the outer column tube via a first connecting frame. A first slider is mounted on the first connecting frame and slides within the long sliding hole of the bracket. The second adjusting nut is connected to the inner column tube via a second connecting frame. A second slider is mounted on the second connecting frame and slides within the long sliding hole of the outer column tube.
[0007] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0008] 1. The steering column of this application is designed with a lead screw and two adjusting nuts on the lead screw. The two adjusting nuts move in the same direction. The two adjusting nuts are connected to the inner column tube and the outer column tube respectively, so that the inner column tube and the outer column tube move in the same direction. This achieves an adjustment range of twice the adjustment range when the adjusting nuts move half of the adjustment range on the lead screw.
[0009] 2. This application utilizes a three-layer sliding mechanism to achieve a superimposed adjustment range within the steering column's internal steering shaft. During length adjustment, the bracket and length adjustment motor remain stationary, while the outer column tube, along with the inner column tube and steering shaft, moves left and right relative to the bracket. This allows for length adjustment that moves the steering column closer to or further from the steering wheel, resulting in a shorter overall steering column structure with a wider adjustment range. Furthermore, when retracted, it provides more space in the driver's cab. This significantly reduces the space occupied, allowing for maximum design flexibility for OEMs and maximizing space for human-machine interface design.
[0010] 3. The shortened overall structure of the steering column in this application will achieve optimal protection of the overall stiffness and modal characteristics of the column.
[0011] 4. The length adjustment motor of the steering column in this application is a basic type motor. The structure does not need to be redesigned, and there is no need to redevelop the motor level. The development cost from the OEM to the supplier is greatly reduced.
[0012] 5. The stability of the sliding force in the middle of the steering column of this application is achieved by means of interference fit of sliding steel balls. Attached Figure Description
[0013] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.
[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the compact steering column that enables long-stroke adjustment according to this application.
[0015] (Elongated state)
[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the compact steering column that enables long-stroke adjustment according to this application.
[0017] (Contraction state)
[0018] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Cross-sectional view.
[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the compact steering column that enables long-stroke adjustment according to this application.
[0020] (Removal of the road feel simulation assembly)
[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another compact steering column structure that enables long-stroke adjustment according to this application. (Road feel simulation assembly removed)
[0022] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the compact steering column that enables long-stroke adjustment according to this application.
[0023] Figure label:
[0024] 1. Bracket; 2. Outer column tube; 3. Inner column tube; 4. Steering shaft; 5. Length adjustment motor; 6. Lead screw; 7. First adjusting nut; 8. Second adjusting nut; 9. First connecting frame; 10. First slider; 11. Second connecting frame; 12. Second slider; 13. Inner tube; 14. Tolerance ring; 15. Sliding sleeve; 16. Cage; 17. Sliding steel ball; 18. Steering joint; 19. Connecting pipe; 20. Spline tube; 21. First long sliding hole; 22. Second long sliding hole; 23. Third long sliding hole; 24. Long sliding hole of outer column tube; 25. First screw; 26. Second screw; 27. Third screw; 28. Road feel simulation assembly mechanism; 29. Sliding plate. Detailed Implementation
[0025] In order to solve the problems in the background art, this application presents a compact steering column that can achieve long-stroke adjustment. This steering column solves the problems of long length and large space occupation of existing columns, and achieves the purpose of wide-range adjustment with a compact structure.
[0026] It should be noted that in the description of this application, terms such as "inner", "outer", "upper", and "lower" that indicate direction or positional relationship are based on the direction or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. This is only for the convenience of description and does not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of this application.
[0027] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0028] like Figure 1-5As shown, a compact steering column with long-stroke adjustment includes a bracket 1, an outer column tube 2, an inner column tube 3, a steering shaft 4, a length adjustment motor 5, a lead screw 6, a first adjusting nut 7, and a second adjusting nut 8. The outer column tube 2 is located inside the bracket 1, the inner column tube 3 is located inside the outer column tube 2, and the steering shaft 4 is located inside the inner column tube 3.
[0029] The outer column tube 2 is connected to the bracket 1, which has a long sliding hole. The length adjusting motor 5 is bolted to the bracket 1, and its output shaft is connected to the lead screw 6. The first adjusting nut 7 and the second adjusting nut 8 are fitted onto the lead screw 6, and are located on the same side of the length adjusting motor. The first adjusting nut 7 is fixedly connected to the outer column tube 2 via a first connecting frame 9, which has a first slider 10 that slides within the long sliding hole (the third long sliding hole in the figure) of the bracket 1. The second adjusting nut 8 is connected to the inner column tube 2 via a second connecting frame 11, which has a second slider 12 that slides within the long sliding hole 24 of the outer column tube 2. The length adjusting motor 5 drives the lead screw 6 to rotate, which in turn causes the first adjusting nut 7 and the second adjusting nut 8 on the lead screw 6 to move in the same direction, thereby causing the outer column tube 2 and the inner column tube 3 to move simultaneously in the same direction, thus completing the length adjustment of the steering column.
[0030] The first and second adjusting nuts have threaded through holes at their centers for the lead screw to pass through. The pitch of the second adjusting nut is greater than that of the first adjusting nut. This ensures that the second adjusting nut, carrying the inner tube, extends and retracts at a faster rate than the outer tube. Ideally, the pitch of the second adjusting nut should be twice that of the first adjusting nut. Alternatively, it can be 1.5 times.
[0031] like Figure 3 , 6 As shown, preferably, the inner column tube 3 includes an inner tube 13, a tolerance ring 14, and a sliding sleeve 15. The inner tube 13 and the tolerance ring 14 are fixedly connected, and the tolerance ring 14 and the sliding sleeve 15 are interference-fitted. A retainer 16 is provided between the sliding sleeve 15 and the outer column tube 2. Multiple slideways are provided on the outer side of the sliding sleeve 15 and the inner side of the outer column tube 2. Multiple sliding steel balls 17 are placed in the slideways of the sliding sleeve. The retainer 16 has multiple holes corresponding to the sliding steel balls 17. The sliding steel balls 17 pass through the holes on the retainer 16 and slide in cooperation with the outer column tube. The second connecting frame 11 is fixedly connected to the sliding sleeve 15. Alternatively, the tolerance ring 14 can be fixedly connected to the inner tube 13 and then interference-fitted with the sliding sleeve 15, or the tolerance ring 14 can be fixedly connected to the sliding sleeve 15 and then interference-fitted with the inner tube 13. Through the use of the sliding steel balls, the second connecting frame, driven by the second adjusting nut, causes the inner column tube, composed of the sliding sleeve, the tolerance ring, and the inner tube, to slide back and forth relative to the outer column tube. Limiters are provided at both ends of the slide rail on the sliding sleeve to prevent the sliding steel balls from falling off.
[0032] like Figure 3 , 6 As shown, the steering shaft 4 consists of a steering joint 18, a connecting pipe 19, and a splined tube 20. The steering joint 18 and the connecting pipe 19 are connected by a spline, and the connecting pipe 19 and the splined tube 20 are also connected by a spline. The steering joint 18 is rotatably connected to the inner tube via a bearing, allowing relative rotation between the inner tube and the steering joint 18, and enabling the inner tube to move along with the steering joint. The splined tube is connected to the road feel simulation assembly via a spline.
[0033] like Figure 5 As shown, preferably, the bracket 1 is bolted to a length adjustment motor 5 on one side and to an angle adjustment motor on the other side. The angle adjustment motor drives the angle adjustment bracket to adjust the angle. The bracket 1 has three long sliding holes (first long sliding hole 21, second long sliding hole 22, and third long sliding hole 23) on the side connected to the length adjustment motor, and one long sliding hole (fourth long sliding hole) on the side connected to the angle adjustment motor. The second and fourth long sliding holes correspond to each other. The bracket 1 and the outer column tube 2 are connected by a first screw 25, which passes through the long sliding hole (first long sliding hole 21) on the bracket and is threaded into the outer column tube. The first screw 25 can slide within the long sliding hole of the bracket. The end of the outer column tube facing the inner column tube is rotatably connected to the angle adjustment bracket by a second screw 26, which passes through the angle adjustment bracket and is threaded into the outer column tube. The second screw and the angle adjustment bracket can rotate relative to each other. The bracket has sliding pieces 29 on both outer sides corresponding to the second sliding holes. The third screw 27 passes through the sliding piece 29 and the long sliding hole (second long sliding hole 22) on the bracket and is threadedly connected to the angle adjustment bracket. The third screw 27 and the sliding piece can slide in the second long sliding hole.
[0034] The first screw 25, the second screw 26, and the third screw 27 have identical structures, each consisting of a nut, a smooth shaft, and a threaded rod. The smooth shaft of the first screw 25 engages with the first elongated sliding hole of the bracket, allowing it to slide; the threaded rod is connected to the outer cylindrical tube. The smooth shaft of the second screw 26 engages with the angle adjustment bracket, allowing it to rotate; the threaded rod is connected to the outer cylindrical tube. The smooth shaft of the third screw 27 engages with the second elongated sliding hole and the sliding plate of the bracket, allowing it to rotate; the threaded rod is connected to the angle adjustment bracket.
[0035] As another alternative, such as Figure 4 As shown, the connection methods of other parts remain unchanged. The connection method of bracket 1, outer column tube 2 and first screw 25 can be adjusted so that the first long sliding hole is not opened on the bracket, and a sliding groove is opened at the corresponding position on the outer column tube. The first screw 25 is composed of a nut, a screw rod and a smooth rod. The screw rod part of the first screw is threadedly connected to the bracket, and the smooth rod part slides in the sliding groove on the outer column tube, which can also realize the relative sliding between the two.
[0036] like Figure 1-2 As shown, the first connecting frame 9 includes a first upper connecting frame and a first lower connecting frame, which are located on opposite sides of the first adjusting nut 7. The first upper connecting frame and the first lower connecting frame are connected by bolts to clamp the first adjusting nut 7. The first upper connecting piece is fixedly connected to the outer column tube, and two first sliders 10 are fixed on the first upper connecting piece. The two first sliders 10 slide within the long sliding hole (third long sliding hole 23) of the bracket 1. The length adjusting motor 5 drives the first adjusting nut 7 to move through the first connecting frame 9, thereby driving the outer column tube to move back and forth within the bracket. The first sliders slide back and forth within the third long sliding hole of the bracket, which serves as a limit and ensures that the inner and outer column tubes move coaxially. When the steering column retracts, the outer column tube moves away from the steering wheel relative to the bracket, and the retracted state is as follows. Figure 2 As shown.
[0037] like Figure 1-2 As shown, the second connecting frame 11 includes a second upper connecting frame and a second lower connecting frame. The second upper connecting frame and the second lower connecting frame are located on opposite sides of the second adjusting nut 8. The second upper connecting frame and the second lower connecting frame are connected by bolts to clamp the second adjusting nut 8. The second lower connecting piece 11 passes through the elongated hole on the outer column tube and the retainer and is fixedly connected to the sliding sleeve. Two second sliders 12 are fixed on the second lower connecting piece. The two second sliders 12 slide within the elongated sliding hole 24 of the outer column tube. The length adjusting motor drives the second adjusting nut to move through the first connecting frame, thereby driving the inner column tube to move back and forth within the outer column tube. The second sliders slide back and forth within the elongated sliding hole of the outer column tube, which serves as a limit and ensures that the inner and outer column tubes move coaxially.
[0038] Example:
[0039] like Figure 1-5 As shown, bracket 1 connects to the vehicle mounting point and remains fixed during adjustment. The outer column tube 2 is connected to the bracket via a first screw 25 (rotational movement structure), a second screw 26 (auxiliary structure), and a third screw 27 (sliding plate structure). The road feel simulation assembly 28 is bolted to the outer column tube. The length adjustment motor (not a newly molded unit) is bolted to the bracket, remaining stationary throughout the adjustment process. The lead screw rotates on the length adjustment motor. The first and second adjusting nuts together convert rotational motion into linear translational motion on the lead screw. The first adjusting nut is fixedly connected to the outer column tube via a first connecting frame, which also has a first slider that slides within the third long sliding hole of the bracket. The second adjusting nut is connected to a sliding sleeve via a second connecting frame, which also has a second slider that slides within the long sliding hole of the outer column tube.
[0040] like Figure 6 As shown, the inner column tube is press-fitted together by the inner tube, tolerance ring, and sliding sleeve, serving both as part of the sliding adjustment and as a collapsible mechanism, achieving two functions at once. The sliding sleeve and outer column tube are press-fitted together by sliding steel balls, ensuring an interference sliding force of 300N to 450N. Both the sliding sleeve and the outer column tube have raceway features for the sliding steel balls.
[0041] The steering shaft is designed for external adjustment and consists of a steering joint (designed as a shaft with an external spline), an internal connecting tube, and a spline tube. The internal connecting tube is characterized by having both an internal and external spline connection. As the joint between the steering joint and the spline tube, the internal connecting tube, along with the spline tube, forms a sleeve structure that greatly saves space during sliding.
[0042] The reconciliation process for this application is described as follows:
[0043] During the long-stroke retraction action, the support and length adjustment motor remain stationary. The first and second adjusting nuts rotate smoothly in the same direction on the lead screw. The first adjusting nut is connected to the outer column tube via the first connecting frame, allowing the first slider to slide within the third long sliding hole on the support. The second adjusting nut is connected to the sliding sleeve (outer slide rail) via the second connecting frame, and the second slider slides within the outer column tube.
[0044] During length adjustment, the first and second adjusting nuts will cause the outer column tube to slide relative to the bracket, and at the same time, the inner column tube will slide relative to the outer column tube. The two adjusting nuts move together in the same direction. When the pitch of the second adjusting nut is twice that of the first adjusting nut, the sliding distance of the adjusting nut reaches a travel distance equal to that of the steering wheel end. The internal steering joint, through the internal connecting tube as an intermediate medium, achieves synchronous adjustment with the spline tube in the above-described movement process.
[0045] The present invention and its embodiments have been described above illustratively. This description is not restrictive, and the figures shown are only one embodiment of the present invention; the actual structure is not limited thereto. Therefore, if those skilled in the art, inspired by this description, design similar structures and implementations to the above embodiments without departing from the technical essence of the present invention, such designs should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A compact steering column capable of long-stroke adjustment, characterized in that: The device includes a bracket, an outer column tube, an inner column tube, a steering shaft, a length adjusting motor, a lead screw, a first adjusting nut, and a second adjusting nut. The outer column tube is located inside the bracket and connected to it. The bracket has a long sliding hole. The length adjusting motor is bolted to the bracket, and its output shaft is connected to the lead screw. The first and second adjusting nuts are fitted onto the lead screw. The first adjusting nut is fixedly connected to the outer column tube via a first connecting frame. A first slider is mounted on the first connecting frame and slides within the long sliding hole of the bracket. The second adjusting nut is connected to the inner column tube via a second connecting frame. A second slider is mounted on the second connecting frame and slides within the long sliding hole of the outer column tube.
2. The compact steering column with long-stroke adjustment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first and second adjusting nuts have threaded through holes in their centers for the lead screw to pass through, and the pitch of the second adjusting nut is greater than that of the first adjusting nut.
3. The compact steering column with long-stroke adjustment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pitch of the second adjusting nut is twice that of the pitch of the first adjusting nut.
4. The compact steering column with long-stroke adjustment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner column tube includes an inner tube, a tolerance ring, and a sliding sleeve. The inner tube and the tolerance ring are fixedly connected, and the tolerance ring and the sliding sleeve are interference-fitted. A retainer is provided between the sliding sleeve and the outer column tube. Multiple slides are provided on the outer side of the sliding sleeve and the inner side of the outer column tube. Multiple sliding steel balls are placed in the slides of the sliding sleeve. The retainer has multiple holes corresponding to the sliding steel balls. The sliding steel balls pass through the holes on the retainer and slide with the outer column tube. The second connecting frame is fixedly connected to the sliding sleeve.
5. A compact steering column with long-stroke adjustment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steering shaft consists of a steering joint, a connecting pipe, and a splined tube. The steering joint and the connecting pipe are connected by a spline, the connecting pipe and the splined tube are connected by a spline, the steering joint and the inner tube are rotatably connected by a bearing, and the splined tube is connected to the road feel simulator by a spline.
6. A compact steering column with long-stroke adjustment according to claim 1, characterized in that: One side of the bracket is bolted to a length adjustment motor, and the other side is bolted to an angle adjustment motor. Three long sliding holes are opened on the side of the bracket connected to the length adjustment motor, and one long sliding hole is opened on the side connected to the angle adjustment motor. The bracket and the outer column tube are connected by a first screw, which passes through the first long sliding hole on the bracket and is threaded into the outer column tube. The first screw can slide within the first long sliding hole of the bracket. The end of the outer column tube facing the inner column tube is rotatably connected to the angle adjustment bracket by a second screw, which passes through the angle adjustment bracket and is threaded into the outer column tube. The second screw and the angle adjustment bracket can rotate relative to each other. Sliding plates are provided on both outer sides of the bracket. A third screw passes through the sliding plates and the second long sliding hole on the bracket and is threaded into the angle adjustment bracket. The third screw and the sliding plates can slide within the second long sliding hole.
7. A compact steering column with long-stroke adjustment according to claim 1, characterized in that: One side of the bracket is bolted to a length adjustment motor, and the other side is bolted to an angle adjustment motor. Two long sliding holes are opened on the side of the bracket connected to the length adjustment motor, and one long sliding hole is opened on the side of the bracket connected to the angle adjustment motor. The bracket and the outer column tube, away from the inner column tube, are connected by a first screw, which is threaded into the bracket. After passing through the bracket, the first screw slides within a groove on the outer column tube. The end of the outer column tube facing the inner column tube is rotatably connected to the angle adjustment bracket by a second screw, which passes through the angle adjustment bracket and is threaded into the outer column tube. The second screw and the angle adjustment bracket can rotate relative to each other. Sliding plates are provided on both outer sides of the bracket. A third screw passes through the sliding plates and the second long sliding hole on the bracket, and is threaded into the angle adjustment bracket. The third screw and the sliding plates can slide within the second long sliding hole.
8. A compact steering column with long-stroke adjustment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first connecting frame includes a first upper connecting frame and a first lower connecting frame. The first upper connecting frame and the first lower connecting frame are disposed on opposite sides of the first adjusting nut. The first upper connecting frame and the first lower connecting frame are connected by bolts to clamp the first adjusting nut. The first upper connecting frame is fixedly connected to the outer column tube. Two first sliders are fixed on the first upper connecting frame. The two first sliders slide in the long sliding hole of the bracket.
9. A compact steering column with long-stroke adjustment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second connecting frame includes a second upper connecting frame and a second lower connecting frame. The second upper connecting frame and the second lower connecting frame are arranged on opposite sides of the second adjusting nut. The second upper connecting frame and the second lower connecting frame are connected by bolts to clamp the second adjusting nut. The second lower connecting frame passes through the elongated hole on the outer column tube and the retainer and is fixedly connected to the sliding sleeve. Two second sliders are fixed on the second lower connecting frame and slide in the elongated sliding hole of the bracket.