Steering column adjusting device, vehicle steering system and vehicle

The steering column is moved in opposite directions by a transmission component driven by a power unit, which solves the problem of slow steering column adjustment speed and improves the operating efficiency and safety of the vehicle steering system.

CN224256733UActive Publication Date: 2026-05-19BOSCH AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS (CHANGSHA) CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
BOSCH AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS (CHANGSHA) CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-05-20
Publication Date
2026-05-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing vehicle steering systems, the steering column has a slow adjustment speed, which affects operating efficiency and the vehicle's real-time control capabilities.

Method used

The first and second transmission components, driven by a power unit, achieve coordinated movement of the steering column in opposite directions through a rotary transmission pair, thereby improving the adjustment speed.

Benefits of technology

It significantly improves the adjustment speed of the steering column, enhances the real-time control capability and adaptability of the vehicle steering control system, and improves driving safety and operational efficiency.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a steering column adjusting device, a vehicle steering system and a vehicle. The steering column adjusting device comprises a power unit provided with a power output part; the first transmission part and the second transmission part are in transmission connection with the power output part, and the first transmission part is provided with a first connecting part used for being connected with one of a steering column and a steering gear; the first transmission part is provided with a first connecting part used for connecting one of the steering column and the steering gear, the second transmission part is provided with a second connecting part used for connecting the other one of the steering column and the steering gear, and when the power unit outputs power from the power output part, the first transmission part and the second transmission part are driven to generate opposite displacement or reverse displacement linkage in the axial direction of the steering column. According to the scheme, the adjusting speed of the steering column can be greatly increased, the operation efficiency is remarkably improved, and the vehicle safety is enhanced.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle technology, and more particularly to steering column adjustment devices, vehicle steering systems, and vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] The vehicle steering system acts as an actuator for vehicle motion control, driving the wheels to steer via mechanical torque input from the driver or control commands from intelligent assistance / autonomous driving systems. Typically, a vehicle steering system includes the steering wheel, steering column (also commonly called the steering column assembly), and steering gear. The steering column acts as the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the steering gear, converting the driver's input to the steering wheel into torque, which is then transmitted to the steering gear and finally to the wheels, thus achieving vehicle directional control. Power steering can be implemented by adding a motor, which controls the real-time displacement of the steering column. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, this application provides a steering column adjustment device, a vehicle steering system, and a vehicle, which can solve or at least alleviate one or more of the problems existing in the prior art and other aspects, or can provide an alternative technical solution to the prior art.

[0004] First, according to one aspect of this application, a steering column adjustment device is provided, comprising:

[0005] A power unit having a power output section; and

[0006] A first transmission component and a second transmission component are respectively connected to the power output unit. The first transmission component is provided with a first connecting part for connecting one of the steering column and the steering gear. The second transmission component is provided with a second connecting part for connecting the steering column and the other of the steering gear. When the power unit outputs power from the power output unit, the first transmission component and the second transmission component are driven to generate opposing or reverse displacement linkage along the axial direction of the steering column.

[0007] In the steering column adjustment device according to this application, optionally, the power output part includes a threaded shaft, a first rotary transmission pair is provided between the first transmission component and the threaded shaft, and a second rotary transmission pair is provided between the second transmission component and the threaded shaft, wherein the rotation directions of the first rotary transmission pair and the second rotary transmission pair are opposite.

[0008] In the steering column adjustment device according to this application, optionally, the threaded shaft is configured as a worm; the first transmission component includes a first lead screw and a first driven worm wheel having external and internal threads, the external thread of the first driven worm wheel meshing with the worm to form the first rotary transmission pair, and the internal thread of the first driven worm wheel meshing with the first lead screw to drive the first lead screw; the second transmission component includes a second lead screw and a second driven worm wheel having external and internal threads, the external thread of the second driven worm wheel meshing with the worm to form the second rotary transmission pair, and the internal thread of the second driven worm wheel meshing with the second lead screw to drive the second lead screw; the first lead screw and the second lead screw are arranged in parallel.

[0009] In the steering column adjustment device according to this application, optionally, the first transmission component and the second transmission component are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the threaded shaft, or the first transmission component and the second transmission component are both arranged on the same side of the threaded shaft and are respectively connected to different sections on the threaded shaft.

[0010] In the steering column adjustment device according to this application, optionally, the power output part includes a threaded shaft, a first rotary transmission pair is provided between the first transmission component and the threaded shaft, and a second rotary transmission pair is provided between the second transmission component and the first transmission component, wherein the rotation directions of the first rotary transmission pair and the second rotary transmission pair are opposite.

[0011] In the steering column adjustment device according to this application, optionally, the threaded shaft is configured as a worm gear, and the first transmission component and the second transmission component are both arranged on the same side of the threaded shaft; the first transmission component includes a first lead screw and a first driven worm wheel having external and internal threads, the external thread of the first driven worm wheel meshing with the worm gear to form the first rotary transmission pair, and the internal thread of the first driven worm wheel meshing with the first lead screw to drive the first lead screw; the second transmission component includes a second lead screw and a second driven worm wheel having external and internal threads, the external thread of the second driven worm wheel meshing with the external thread of the first driven worm wheel to form the second rotary transmission pair, and the internal thread of the second driven worm wheel meshing with the second lead screw to drive the second lead screw; the first lead screw and the second lead screw are arranged in parallel.

[0012] Optionally, in the steering column adjustment device according to this application, the steering column adjustment device further includes a bracket, the bracket being fixed relative to the power unit, and the first transmission component and the second transmission component being movably arranged on the bracket; and / or, the first transmission component and the second transmission component are arranged symmetrically relative to the power unit.

[0013] In the steering column adjustment device according to this application, optionally, the first connecting part is disposed at the end of the first transmission component, and / or the second connecting part is disposed at the end of the second transmission component, and / or the power unit includes a motor.

[0014] Secondly, according to another aspect of this application, a vehicle steering system is provided, comprising:

[0015] Steering column;

[0016] Steering gear; and

[0017] The steering column adjustment device as described in any of the above, wherein the steering column adjustment device is connected and arranged between the steering column and the steering gear.

[0018] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this application, a vehicle is provided, the vehicle being equipped with a steering column adjustment device as described in any of the above claims, or the vehicle being equipped with a vehicle steering system as described in the above claims.

[0019] The steering column adjustment device of this application has a compact structure and is easy to manufacture, install, and use, significantly improving the adjustment speed of the steering column. Compared with existing devices, it can significantly improve operating efficiency, effectively enhance the real-time control capability and operating condition adaptability of the vehicle steering control system, and improve vehicle driving safety. This application solution is highly practical and applicable to a wide range of vehicle configurations. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of a steering column adjustment device.

[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Another perspective view of an embodiment of the steering column adjustment device is shown, in which the internal structure of the top of the device embodiment is partially exposed.

[0022] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a top view of the steering column adjustment device embodiment in its extended state.

[0023] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a top view of the steering column adjustment device embodiment in its retracted state.

[0024] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a simplified three-dimensional structure of an embodiment of the steering column adjustment device.

[0025] Figure 6This is a simplified three-dimensional structural diagram of another embodiment of the steering column adjustment device.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a simplified three-dimensional structural diagram of another embodiment of the steering column adjustment device. Detailed Implementation

[0027] It should be noted that the following description, by way of example, illustrates the structural configuration, features, and advantages of the steering column adjustment device, vehicle steering system, and vehicle according to this application; however, all descriptions should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application. In this document, the technical terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinguishing purposes and are not intended to indicate their order or relative importance. For the sake of simplicity in the drawings, identical or similar parts and features may be indicated in only one or more places in the same drawing.

[0028] This application presents a novel steering column adjustment device with optimized design, offering improvements in structure and function, which can be configured into a vehicle steering system to enhance handling performance. As an example, firstly... Figures 1 to 5 The present application specifically illustrates an embodiment of the device, wherein the steering column adjustment device 100 may include a power unit 10, a first transmission component 20, and a second transmission component 30.

[0029] In the steering column adjustment device 100, power can be supplied externally via a power unit 10, and this power can be output externally via its power output section 11. The power unit 10 can be in the form of an electric motor, such as, but not limited to, permanent magnet synchronous motors, brushless DC servo motors, etc. Figure 5 The accompanying drawings schematically illustrate the rotor 12, output shaft, and other structures in the motor, showing that the motor's output shaft can be used as the power output unit 11. It should be understood that the drive method of the power unit 10 is not limited to a motor; other alternatives such as hydraulic or electromagnetic drives can be selected according to actual needs.

[0030] Both the first transmission component 20 and the second transmission component 30 are connected to the power unit 10, and are also connected to either the steering column or the steering gear in the vehicle steering system. For example, the first connecting part 23 on the first transmission component 20 can be connected to the steering column, and the second connecting part 33 on the second transmission component 30 can be connected to the steering gear, and vice versa. As an example, in... Figure 1The accompanying drawings show that the first connecting portion 23 can be disposed at the end of the first transmission component 20, and the second connecting portion 33 can be disposed at the end of the second transmission component 30. Mounting hole structures are provided on both the first connecting portion 23 and the second connecting portion 33. However, it should be understood that the specific structure and arrangement of the first connecting portion 23 and the second connecting portion 33 can be designed as needed, and this application does not impose any restrictions.

[0031] In addition, it should be noted that the corresponding connection between the first transmission component 20 and the second transmission component 30 and the steering column and steering gear may be a direct connection or an indirect connection. For example, in some embodiments, it may involve one or more intermediate components such as steering drive shaft, universal joint, and guard.

[0032] Both the first transmission component 20 and the second transmission component 30 are connected to the power unit 10 via a transmission connection, such as a rotary transmission pair or any other feasible method. When the power unit 10 starts operating and outputs power, the first transmission component 20 and the second transmission component 30 are driven, enabling them to move in opposite directions along the axial direction of the steering column (see reference). Figure 3 (as shown in the extended state), or perform opposing displacement linkage (see reference). Figure 4 (As shown in the contracted state), thus enabling displacement adjustment of the steering column. In this way, through the coordinated operation of the first transmission component 20 and the second transmission component 30, rapid speed adjustment of the steering column can be achieved, doubling its original adjustment speed, thereby significantly enhancing the operating efficiency of the steering column.

[0033] exist Figure 3 The diagram illustrates, exemplarily, the general configuration of a first transmission component 20 and a second transmission component 30 arranged in parallel, with their movements linked by opposite displacements. This allows the steering column adjustment device 100 to be in an extended state, thus possessing a relatively long length. Figure 3 The reference numeral 3 has been used to indicate this, and reference numeral 4 has been used to indicate the distance between the first transmission component 20 and the second transmission component 30.

[0034] In addition, Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the general situation when the first transmission component 20 and the second transmission component 30 are moved in opposite directions, which allows the steering column adjustment device 100 to be in a retracted state, thus... Figure 3 Compared to the extended state, the steering column adjustment device 100 has a shorter length. In its retracted state, compared to the extended state, the steering column adjustment device 100 has a more compact structure, which helps save installation space. While promoting a more compact system structure, it also doubles the speed regulation of existing products, thus possessing significant technical advantages.

[0035] Regarding the specific structural configurations such as the aforementioned interval distance, the maximum length that the steering column adjustment device 100 can reach in the extended state, and the minimum length that can be reached in the retracted state, this application allows for flexible design according to the needs of actual applications.

[0036] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown in the accompanying drawings, in this given embodiment, the power output section 11 of the power unit 10 can be configured as a threaded shaft with a threaded structure, such as a worm gear. The first transmission component 20 and the second transmission component 30 can be optionally symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the threaded shaft, so that the first transmission component 20 and the threaded shaft form a first rotary transmission pair 1, and the second transmission component 30 and the threaded shaft form a second rotary transmission pair 2, and their rotation directions are opposite to each other.

[0037] As an example, the first transmission component 20 may be configured to include a first lead screw 21 and a first driven worm gear 22. The first driven worm gear 22 is provided with external and internal threads. It can engage with a power output part 11, for example, in the form of a worm, through its external thread to form a first rotary transmission pair 1. At the same time, it can engage with the first lead screw 21 through its internal thread to drive the latter to generate axial displacement. Similarly, the second transmission component 30 may be configured to include a second lead screw 31 and a second driven worm gear 32. The second driven worm gear 32 is also provided with external and internal threads. It can engage with the aforementioned worm through its external thread to form a second rotary transmission pair 2 (rotation direction opposite to the first rotary transmission pair 1). At the same time, it can engage with the second lead screw 31 through its internal thread to drive the second lead screw 31 to generate axial displacement.

[0038] Continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 A bracket 40 can be configured in the steering column adjustment device 100 to further enhance the motion stability of transmission components. The bracket 40 can be made of a rigid material such as iron or aluminum alloy and fixed relative to the power unit 10, for example, to the housing of the power unit 10. The first transmission component 20 and the second transmission component 30 can be movably mounted on the bracket 40 for support. Alternatively, one or more additional components 50, such as injection-molded parts, can be configured as needed and mounted on or near the bracket 40 to accommodate, cover, or engage the first transmission component 20, the second transmission component 30, and / or a portion of the power unit 10 structure, thereby enhancing stability and improving protective performance.

[0039] Figure 6Another embodiment of a steering column adjustment device according to this application is provided, and this exemplary arrangement is more advantageous for use in space-constrained installation scenarios. (See reference...) Figure 6 As shown in the embodiment, the first transmission component 20 and the second transmission component 30 can both be arranged on the same side of the power output section 11 of the power unit 10, but they respectively mesh with different sections on the helical shaft of the power output section 11, thereby forming a first rotary transmission pair 1 and a second rotary transmission pair 2 with the helical shaft. Using the above arrangement, the first transmission component 20 and the second transmission component 30 can also perform opposite or reverse displacement linkage according to operational needs, thereby adjusting the displacement of the steering column at a multiplied speed, and quickly achieving the operational target.

[0040] Furthermore, Figure 7 Another embodiment of the steering column adjustment device is provided, which adopts a structural configuration different from the two aforementioned embodiments, providing an alternative technical solution. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the first transmission component 20 and the second transmission component 30 can both be arranged on the same side of the power output section 11 of the power unit 10. However, only the first transmission component 20 is engaged with the helical shaft of the power output section 11 to form the first rotary transmission pair 1, and the second rotary transmission pair 2 is disposed between the second transmission component 30 and the first transmission component 20, rather than between the second transmission component 30 and the power output section 11. This is clearly different from... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The arrangement of the example.

[0041] Specifically, in Figure 7 In this embodiment, the first transmission component 20 can be configured to include a first lead screw 21 and a first driven worm gear 22. The first driven worm gear 22 is provided with external and internal threads. Its external thread can mesh with a power output part 11, for example, in the form of a worm, to form a first rotary transmission pair 1. The internal thread of the first driven worm gear 22 can mesh with the first lead screw 21 to drive the latter to generate axial displacement. Furthermore, the second transmission component 30 can be configured to include a second lead screw 31 and a second driven worm gear 32. The second driven worm gear 32 is provided with external and internal threads. Its external thread can mesh with the external thread of the first driven worm gear 22 to form a second rotary transmission pair 2. Simultaneously, the internal thread of the second driven worm gear 32 meshes with the second lead screw 31 to drive the second lead screw 31 to generate axial displacement. Thus, by applying... Figure 7 In this configuration, after the power unit 10 starts running, it can drive the first transmission component 20 and the second transmission component 30 to perform displacement linkage in opposite directions, thereby significantly improving the steering column adjustment speed and enhancing the operational performance of the vehicle steering system.

[0042] The steering column adjustment device of this application can be designed, manufactured, and sold as an independent product, and can be installed in a vehicle steering system. This application provides such a vehicle steering system. Specifically, the steering column adjustment device can be connected and arranged between the steering column and the steering gear in the vehicle steering system. This allows for quick adjustment of the steering column when needed, adapting to different operating conditions. For example, during use, the power unit (such as a motor) in the steering column adjustment device can be optionally fixed to a suitable position on the vehicle body, thereby providing support for the steering column adjustment device. It should be understood that the type of vehicle steering system is not limited to a specific structure; for example, it may include electromechanical, hydraulic, or hybrid steering systems.

[0043] Furthermore, this application provides a vehicle that can be equipped with the steering column adjustment device according to this application or a vehicle steering system including the device. It should be understood that the type of vehicle according to this application is not limited, and may include, but is not limited to, gasoline vehicles, pure electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, etc. By employing the steering column adjustment device or vehicle steering system of this application, rapid bidirectional adjustment of the steering column can be achieved while driving the vehicle, significantly improving driving adaptability, operational comfort, and safety.

[0044] The above examples illustrate the steering column adjustment device, vehicle steering system, and vehicle according to this application. These examples are for explaining the principles and implementation methods of this application only and are not intended to limit the application. Various modifications and improvements can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of this application. For example, the first and second transmission components can be arranged asymmetrically to adapt to specific installation requirements; for instance, the length of one component can be set to be greater than the length of the other. Furthermore, the specific forms of the first and second connecting portions can be adjusted according to actual connection needs. Therefore, all equivalent technical solutions should fall within the scope of this application and are defined by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A steering column adjustment device (100), characterized in that, include: A power unit (10) having a power output section (11); and The first transmission component (20) and the second transmission component (30) are respectively connected to the power output unit (11). The first transmission component (20) is provided with a first connecting part (23) for connecting one of the steering column and the steering gear. The second transmission component (30) is provided with a second connecting part (33) for connecting the steering column and the other of the steering gear. When the power unit (10) outputs power from the power output unit (11), the first transmission component (20) and the second transmission component (30) are driven to generate opposing or reverse displacement linkage along the axial direction of the steering column.

2. The steering column adjusting device (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The power output unit (11) includes a threaded shaft. A first rotary transmission pair (1) is provided between the first transmission component (20) and the threaded shaft, and a second rotary transmission pair (2) is provided between the second transmission component (30) and the threaded shaft. The first rotary transmission pair (1) and the second rotary transmission pair (2) rotate in opposite directions.

3. The steering column adjusting device (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The threaded shaft is configured as a worm; the first transmission component (20) includes a first lead screw (21) and a first driven worm wheel (22) having external and internal threads, the external thread of the first driven worm wheel (22) meshing with the worm to form the first rotary transmission pair (1), and the internal thread of the first driven worm wheel (22) meshing with the first lead screw (21) to drive the first lead screw (21); the second transmission component (30) includes a second lead screw (31) and a second driven worm wheel (32) having external and internal threads, the external thread of the second driven worm wheel (32) meshing with the worm to form the second rotary transmission pair (2), and the internal thread of the second driven worm wheel (32) meshing with the second lead screw (31) to drive the second lead screw (31); the first lead screw (21) and the second lead screw (31) are arranged in parallel.

4. The steering column adjusting device (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The first transmission component (20) and the second transmission component (30) are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the threaded shaft, or the first transmission component (20) and the second transmission component (30) are both arranged on the same side of the threaded shaft and are respectively connected to different sections on the threaded shaft.

5. The steering column adjusting device (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The power output unit (11) includes a threaded shaft. A first rotary transmission pair (1) is provided between the first transmission component (20) and the threaded shaft. A second rotary transmission pair (2) is provided between the second transmission component (30) and the first transmission component (20). The first rotary transmission pair (1) and the second rotary transmission pair (2) rotate in opposite directions.

6. The steering column adjusting device (100) according to claim 5, wherein, The threaded shaft is configured as a worm gear, and the first transmission component (20) and the second transmission component (30) are both arranged on the same side of the threaded shaft; the first transmission component (20) includes a first lead screw (21) and a first driven worm wheel (22) having external and internal threads, the external thread of the first driven worm wheel (22) meshes with the worm gear to form the first rotary transmission pair (1), and the internal thread of the first driven worm wheel (22) meshes with the first lead screw (21) to drive the first lead screw (21); the second transmission component (30) includes a second lead screw (31) and a second driven worm wheel (32) having external and internal threads, the external thread of the second driven worm wheel (32) meshes with the external thread of the first driven worm wheel (22) to form the second rotary transmission pair (2), and the internal thread of the second driven worm wheel (32) meshes with the second lead screw (31) to drive the second lead screw (31); the first lead screw (21) and the second lead screw (31) are arranged in parallel.

7. The steering column adjusting device (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The steering column adjustment device (100) further includes a bracket (40) fixed relative to the power unit (10), and the first transmission component (20) and the second transmission component (30) are movably arranged on the bracket (40); and / or, the first transmission component (20) and the second transmission component (30) are arranged symmetrically relative to the power unit (10).

8. The steering column adjusting device (100) according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein, The first connecting part (23) is disposed at the end of the first transmission component (20), and / or the second connecting part (33) is disposed at the end of the second transmission component (30), and / or the power unit (10) includes a motor.

9. A vehicle steering system, characterized in that, include: Steering column; Steering gear; as well as The steering column adjustment device (100) as described in any one of claims 1-8 is connected and arranged between the steering column and the steering gear.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle is equipped with a steering column adjustment device (100) as described in any one of claims 1-8, or the vehicle is equipped with a vehicle steering system as described in claim 9.