Intermediate shaft, steering column and vehicle

Abstract

This application relates to the field of vehicle technology, and provides an intermediate shaft, a steering column, and a vehicle. The provided intermediate shaft includes a first shaft and a second shaft. The first shaft has a first mating surface inclined relative to the axis, and the second shaft has a second mating surface inclined relative to the axis. The first mating surface and the second mating surface are in contact, and the first shaft and the second shaft are connected by a connector to form an intermediate shaft. The connector is designed to break when the shear force it receives exceeds its own stress threshold. The above solution can solve the problem in the prior art where, during a vehicle collision, the impact energy generated by the collision may be transmitted to the steering wheel through the intermediate shaft, causing the steering wheel to shift backward.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle technology, specifically to an intermediate shaft, a steering column, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] The intermediate shaft of the steering column is a key component of the vehicle steering system, used to transmit the torque of the steering wheel to the steering gear to achieve the vehicle steering function.

[0003] However, when a vehicle collides, the impact energy generated by the collision may be transmitted to the steering wheel through the intermediate shaft, causing the steering wheel to move backward. This backward movement of the steering wheel may cause secondary injury to the driver. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, this application provides an intermediate shaft, a steering column, and a vehicle to solve the problem in the prior art that when a vehicle collides, the impact energy generated by the collision may be transmitted to the steering wheel through the intermediate shaft, causing the steering wheel to move backward.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution:

[0006] An intermediate shaft, comprising:

[0007] The first shaft has a first mating surface that is inclined relative to the axis.

[0008] The second shaft has a second mating surface that is inclined relative to the axis, the first mating surface is in contact with the second mating surface, and the first shaft and the second shaft are connected by a connector to form the intermediate shaft, the connector being designed to break when the shear force exceeds its own stress threshold.

[0009] Optionally, in the first shaft and the second shaft, one is provided with a protrusion and the other is provided with a groove, the protrusion and the groove are connected by an insertion, and the outer wall of the protrusion fits against the inner wall of the groove;

[0010] The connector connects the protrusion and the groove to connect the first shaft and the second shaft.

[0011] Optionally, the protrusion is provided on the first mating surface and extends radially along the first axis from one end of the first mating surface to the other end of the first mating surface, and the groove is formed on the second axis and extends radially through the second axis.

[0012] Optionally, the bottom of the groove and the surface of the protrusion that abuts against the bottom of the groove are both parallel to the first mating surface.

[0013] Optionally, the end of the second shaft facing away from the first shaft is provided with a second connecting mechanism. The second connecting mechanism is connected to the second shaft through a length adjusting component, which is used to adjust the axial length of the intermediate shaft.

[0014] Optionally, the length adjustment mechanism includes a spline assembly and a locking element. The spline assembly includes an internal spline and an external spline that are engaged and connected. One of the second shaft and the second connecting mechanism is provided with the internal spline, and the other is provided with the external spline.

[0015] The locking element is used to lock or unlock the second shaft and the second connecting mechanism. In the locked state, the second shaft and the second connecting mechanism are relatively fixed; in the unlocked state, the second shaft and the second connecting mechanism can move relative to each other along the axial direction.

[0016] Optionally, the second connecting mechanism includes a sleeve, a locking block, and a locking hole. The locking block protrudes radially from the outer wall of the sleeve. The locking block has a first notch extending along the axial direction. The sleeve has a second notch extending along the axial direction. The first notch and the second notch are arranged radially opposite to each other along the intermediate axis. The locking hole is disposed in the sleeve and the locking block and passes through the first notch and the second notch radially.

[0017] The outer wall of the second shaft is provided with a clearance groove;

[0018] The locking component includes a threaded connector that engages with the locking hole. In the locked state, the threaded connector is in a tightened state, and the portion of the second connecting mechanism located on both sides of the first notch and the second notch clamps the second shaft, with the sidewall of the threaded connector abutting the bottom of the clearance groove. In the unlocked state, the threaded connector is in a loosened state.

[0019] Optionally, the connector is a shear pin.

[0020] A steering column comprising an intermediate shaft as described above.

[0021] A vehicle comprising the intermediate axle of any of the above, or comprising the steering column described above.

[0022] In this embodiment, the first shaft and the second shaft are obliquely joined together and connected by a connector to form an intermediate shaft. The connector automatically breaks when the shear force it receives exceeds its own stress threshold. When the intermediate shaft in this embodiment is used in the vehicle's steering system, in the event of a collision, when the collision energy is transmitted to the joint of the intermediate shaft, a shear force is generated along the tilt angle of the joint surface. When the shear force exceeds the stress threshold of the connector, the intermediate shaft will automatically break, thereby disconnecting the force transmission path of the steering system and absorbing the impact energy. This alleviates the problem that the impact energy is transmitted to the steering wheel through the intermediate shaft, causing the steering wheel to move backward and causing secondary injury to the driver. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application 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 application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the intermediate shaft provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of an intermediate shaft with the first and second shafts in a separated state, as provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 3 An exploded view of the second shaft, the second connecting mechanism, and the locking element provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0027] exist Figures 1-3 middle:

[0028] 100, First shaft; 110, First mating surface; 120, Protrusion;

[0029] 200, Second shaft; 210, Second mating surface; 220, Groove; 230, External spline; 240, Clearance groove;

[0030] 300. Connectors;

[0031] 400. First connecting mechanism;

[0032] 500. Second connecting mechanism; 510. Sleeve; 511. Internal spline; 512. Second notch; 520. Locking block; 521. First notch; 530. Locking hole;

[0033] 600. Locking components. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0035] like Figures 1-3 As shown, this application embodiment provides an intermediate shaft that can be used in the steering column, and of course, can also be used as other functional shafts of a vehicle. This intermediate shaft includes a first shaft 100 and a second shaft 200.

[0036] The first shaft 100 has a first mating surface 110 that is inclined relative to the axis of the intermediate shaft.

[0037] In other words, the first mating surface 110 is not perpendicular to the axis of the intermediate shaft. The second shaft 200 has a second mating surface 210 that is inclined relative to the axis of the intermediate shaft, that is, the second mating surface 210 is not perpendicular to the axis of the intermediate shaft. The first mating surface 110 and the second mating surface 210 are in contact, and the first shaft 100 and the second shaft 200 are connected by the connector 300 to form an intermediate shaft, so as to ensure the rigid force transmission of the intermediate shaft under normal working conditions (i.e., the working condition in which the intermediate shaft is used to transmit steering wheel torque to realize the vehicle steering function).

[0038] The connector 300 fractures when the shear force it receives exceeds its own stress threshold. Optionally, the connector 300 can be a shear pin, or it can be a threaded connector. The connector 300 can be made of a brittle alloy material, such as a magnesium-aluminum alloy, or it can be made of materials such as nylon.

[0039] The stress threshold of connector 300 refers to the maximum shear stress value that the material of connector 300 can withstand. If this value is exceeded, connector 300 will break. The stress threshold can be controlled by the material, diameter, and heat treatment of connector 300. The stress threshold of connector 300 can be designed according to requirements.

[0040] When the intermediate shaft in this embodiment is used in the vehicle steering system, in the event of a frontal collision, the intermediate shaft is subjected to axial impact. The mating surfaces of the first shaft 100 and the second shaft 200 (including the first mating surface 110 and the second mating surface 210) are not perpendicular to the axis, causing the axial force at the mating surface to decompose into a shear force parallel to the inclined surface. The first shaft 100 and the second shaft 200 are connected by a connector 300. The shear force acts on the connector 300. When this shear force exceeds the stress threshold of the connector 300, the connector 300 breaks, and the first shaft 100 and the second shaft 200 disconnect.

[0041] In the event of a side collision, the intermediate shaft is subjected to radial impact. The mating surfaces of the first shaft 100 and the second shaft 200 are not perpendicular to the axis, and the first shaft 100 and the second shaft 200 tend to be misaligned. The radial force at the mating surface will decompose into a shear force parallel to the mating surface. This shear force acts on the connector 300. If this shear force exceeds the stress threshold of the connector 300, the connector 300 will break, and the first shaft 100 and the second shaft 200 will break.

[0042] In this embodiment, the first shaft 100 and the second shaft 200 are obliquely joined together and connected by a connector 300 to form an intermediate shaft. The connector 300 automatically breaks when the shear force it receives exceeds its own stress threshold. When the intermediate shaft in this embodiment is used in the vehicle's steering system, in the event of a vehicle collision, when the collision energy is transmitted to the joint position of the intermediate shaft, a shear force with an inclination angle along the joint surface will be generated. After the shear force exceeds the stress threshold of the connector 300, the intermediate shaft will automatically break, thereby disconnecting the force transmission path of the steering system and absorbing the impact energy. This alleviates the problem that the impact energy is transmitted to the steering wheel through the intermediate shaft, causing the steering wheel to move backward and causing secondary injury to the driver.

[0043] Furthermore, the intermediate shaft in this embodiment can automatically disconnect based on its structural performance when a vehicle collision occurs, without relying on electrical components such as sensors and control units, thus preventing unreliable issues such as circuit failure during a collision.

[0044] Optionally, the included angles between the first mating surface 110, the second mating surface 210, and the axis of the intermediate shaft can both be θ, where 60° ≥ θ ≥ 45°. Shear force = sinθ * axial force. Within this range, the included angle θ can ensure a large shear force while preventing the intermediate shaft cross-section from becoming too long and the structural strength of the intermediate shaft from deteriorating due to excessively large θ.

[0045] There are several ways to connect the first shaft 100 and the second shaft 200 using connector 300.

[0046] In one optional embodiment, mounting holes can be made at the mating position of the first shaft 100 and the second shaft 200. The mounting holes are partially located on the first shaft 100 and partially located on the second shaft 200. The connector 300 cooperates with the mounting holes to achieve a fixed connection between the first shaft 100 and the second shaft 200.

[0047] In one optional embodiment, an axially protruding first semi-cylindrical protrusion can be provided on the first mating surface 110, with the axial end face of the first semi-cylindrical protrusion parallel to the first mating surface 110. An axially protruding second semi-cylindrical protrusion can be provided on the second mating surface 110, with the axial end face of the second semi-cylindrical protrusion parallel to the second mating surface 110. The first and second semi-cylindrical protrusions fit together to form a cylindrical structure. A mounting hole is provided that penetrates the first and second semi-cylindrical protrusions radially. The connector 300 cooperates with the mounting hole to achieve a fixed connection between the first shaft 100 and the second shaft 200.

[0048] In another alternative embodiment, in the first shaft 100 and the second shaft 200, one may be provided with a protrusion 120 and the other may be provided with a groove 220. The protrusion 120 and the groove 220 can be plugged together, with the protrusion 120 extending into the groove 220 and the outer wall of the protrusion 120 fitting against the inner wall of the groove 220. The connector 300 connects the protrusion 120 and the groove 220 to fix the first shaft 100 and the second shaft 200 together, thereby achieving rigid force transmission of the intermediate shaft during normal driving.

[0049] Specifically, both the protrusion 120 and the groove 220 may be provided with through holes, which are opposite to each other. The connector 300 passes through the through holes in the protrusion 120 and the groove 220 and mates with the through holes to achieve a fixed connection between the first shaft 100 and the second shaft 200. Optionally, the shape of the through hole can be a round hole, a quadrilateral hole, or a triangular hole.

[0050] In this case, the interlocking fit between the groove 220 and the protrusion 120 helps to reduce the angular deviation during the assembly of the first shaft 100 and the second shaft 200. This structural design can increase the contact area at the mating position of the first shaft 100 and the second shaft 200. Under normal working conditions, the contact surface between the groove 220 and the protrusion 120 can bear part of the load, improve the rigidity and torque transmission capacity of the intermediate shaft, enhance the ability of the intermediate bearing to withstand torque under normal working conditions, and ensure the transmission of steering wheel torque.

[0051] Optionally, the protrusion 120 can be axially protruding on the first mating surface 110, and the groove 220 can be provided on the second shaft 200, with the groove opening to the bottom of the groove aligned with the axial direction of the intermediate shaft, and the groove opening located on the second mating surface 210.

[0052] In a further technical solution, along the radial direction of the first shaft 100, the protrusion 120 can extend from one end of the first mating surface 110 to the other end of the first mating surface 110, that is, the protrusion 120 spans the entire diameter direction of the first shaft 100, and the groove 220 can penetrate the second shaft 200 radially. In this case, the dimensions of the protrusion 120 and the groove 220 can be maximized radially, thereby increasing the contact area at the mating position of the first shaft 100 and the second shaft 200.

[0053] In this embodiment, the bottom of the groove 220 and the surface of the protrusion 120 that abuts against the bottom of the groove are both parallel to the first mating surface 110 and the second mating surface 210. In this case, it helps to guide the first shaft 100 and the second shaft 200 to separate smoothly in a set direction after the connector 300 breaks, preventing misalignment, jamming, or loss of control.

[0054] In this embodiment of the application, the end of the first shaft 100 facing away from the second shaft 200 is provided with a first connecting mechanism 400, and the end of the second shaft 200 facing away from the first shaft 100 is provided with a second connecting mechanism 500. Both the first connecting mechanism 400 and the second connecting mechanism 500 can be a cross shaft fork or a universal joint. The first connecting mechanism 400 and the second connecting mechanism 500 are used to connect external mechanisms.

[0055] The second connecting mechanism 500 is connected to the second shaft 200 via a length adjustment assembly. The length adjustment assembly is used to adjust the axial length of the intermediate shaft. This structure helps to reduce the machining accuracy requirements of the axial dimension of the intermediate shaft, and when the intermediate shaft is assembled into a vehicle, the manufacturing error of the intermediate shaft and the vehicle can be reduced by adjusting the length of the intermediate shaft.

[0056] There are various structures for the length adjustment assembly. In one optional embodiment, the length adjustment mechanism may include a spline assembly and a locking member 600. The spline assembly includes an inner spline 511 and an outer spline 230 that are engaged. One of the second shaft 200 and the second connecting mechanism 500 is provided with an inner spline 511, and the other is provided with an outer spline 230. The axial sliding connection between the second shaft 200 and the second connecting mechanism 500 is achieved through the engagement of the inner spline 511 and the outer spline 230.

[0057] The locking member 600 connects the second shaft 200 and the second connecting mechanism 500. The locking member 600 is used to lock or unlock the second shaft 200 and the second connecting mechanism 500. In the locked state, the second shaft 200 and the second connecting mechanism 500 are relatively fixed. In the unlocked state, the second shaft 200 and the second connecting mechanism 500 can move relative to each other along the axial direction.

[0058] In this case, the second shaft 200 and the second connecting mechanism 500 are slidably connected along the axial direction through the spline assembly. After the second shaft 200 and the second connecting mechanism 500 are unlocked by the locking member 600, they slide relative to each other along the axial direction, changing their total length in the axial direction. Then, the second shaft 200 and the second connecting mechanism 500 are locked by the locking member 600 to fix them relative to each other, thereby fixing their total length and realizing the adjustment of the axial length of the intermediate shaft. In addition, the spline connection has the advantages of strong torque transmission capacity, good centering, and uniform force distribution, which can effectively improve the load-bearing capacity and operational stability of the intermediate shaft.

[0059] Of course, in another alternative embodiment, the length adjustment assembly may include a flat key, a groove and a locking member 600. The flat key may be radially protruding from the outer wall of the second shaft 200. The second connecting mechanism 500 may include a sleeve 510. The groove may be provided on the inner wall of the sleeve 510 and extend axially. The sleeve 510 is sleeved on the end of the second shaft 200.

[0060] The flat key extends into the slide groove to prevent the sleeve 510 and the second shaft 200 from rotating around the axis. When it is necessary to adjust the axial length of the intermediate shaft, the locking member 600 is removed (or loosened) so that the flat key slides in the slide groove. After the relative positions of the second shaft 200 and the sleeve 510 are determined, the second shaft 200 and the second connecting mechanism 500 are locked by the locking member 600 so that the total axial length of the second shaft 200 and the second connecting mechanism 500 is fixed.

[0061] The second connecting mechanism 500 may include a sleeve 510, a locking block 520, and a locking hole 530. The locking block 520 may be radially protruding from the outer wall of the sleeve 510. The locking block 520 may have a first notch 521 extending axially. The sleeve 510 may have a second notch 512 extending axially. The first notch 521 and the second notch 512 are arranged radially opposite to each other along the intermediate axis to communicate.

[0062] The locking hole 530 is provided in the sleeve 510 and the locking block 520, that is, partially located in the sleeve 510 and partially located in the locking block 520. The locking hole 530 passes radially through the first notch 521 and the second notch 512. The outer wall of the second shaft 200 is provided with a relief groove 240 to avoid the locking member 600.

[0063] The locking member 600 includes a threaded connector, such as a bolt, which engages with the locking hole 530. In the locked state, the threaded connector is tightened, and the portion of the second connecting mechanism 500 located on both sides of the first notch 521 and the second notch 512 clamps the second shaft 200, with the sidewall of the threaded connector abutting the bottom of the relief groove 240. In the unlocked state, the threaded connector is loosened, and the portion of the second connecting mechanism 500 located on both sides of the first notch 521 and the second notch 512 does not clamp the second shaft 200, allowing the second shaft 200 to slide relative to the second connecting mechanism 500.

[0064] Of course, in other alternative embodiments, the locking hole 530 may also be provided only on the locking block 520. Compared to the technical solution where the locking hole 530 is provided only on the locking block 520, the locking hole 530 is provided on both the sleeve 510 and the locking block 520, which makes the threaded connector closer to the axis of the sleeve 510. When tightening the threaded connector, it is more helpful for the portions of the second connecting mechanism 500 located on both sides of the first notch 521 and the second notch 512 to come closer together to clamp the second shaft 200.

[0065] Based on the aforementioned intermediate shaft, this application embodiment also provides a steering column that includes the aforementioned intermediate shaft. Since this steering column has the aforementioned intermediate shaft, the beneficial effects brought by the intermediate shaft to the steering column are described above and will not be repeated here.

[0066] Based on the aforementioned intermediate shaft or steering column, this application embodiment also provides a vehicle that includes the aforementioned steering column or intermediate shaft. Since the vehicle has the aforementioned steering column or intermediate shaft, the beneficial effects of the steering column or intermediate shaft on the vehicle are described above and will not be repeated here.

[0067] The basic principles of this application have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should be noted that the advantages, benefits, and effects mentioned in this application are merely examples and not limitations, and should not be considered as essential features of each embodiment of this application. Furthermore, the specific details disclosed above are for illustrative and facilitative purposes only, and are not limitations. These details do not limit the application to the necessity of employing the aforementioned specific details for implementation.

[0068] The block diagrams of devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems involved in this application are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that they must be connected, arranged, or configured in the manner shown in the block diagrams. As those skilled in the art will recognize, these devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems can be connected, arranged, and configured in any manner. Words such as “comprising,” “including,” “having,” etc., are open-ended terms meaning “including but not limited to,” and are used interchangeably with them. The terms “or” and “and” as used herein refer to the terms “and / or,” and are used interchangeably with them unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “such as” as used herein refers to the phrase “such as but not limited to,” and is used interchangeably with it.

[0069] It should also be noted that in the apparatus, equipment, and methods of this application, the components or steps can be disassembled and / or recombined. These disassemblies and / or recombinations should be considered as equivalent solutions of this application.

[0070] The above description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use this application. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0071] It should be understood that the qualifiers “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” “fifth,” and “sixth” used in the description of the embodiments of this application are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0072] The above description has been given for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, this description is not intended to limit the embodiments of this application to the forms disclosed herein. Although numerous exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those skilled in the art will recognize certain variations, modifications, alterations, additions, and sub-combinations thereof.

Claims

1. An intermediate shaft, characterized in that, include: The first shaft (100) has a first mating surface (110) that is inclined relative to the axis; The second shaft (200) has a second mating surface (210) that is inclined relative to the axis, the first mating surface (110) and the second mating surface (210) are in contact, and the first shaft (100) and the second shaft (200) are connected by a connector (300) to form the intermediate shaft, the connector (300) being used to break when the shear force is greater than its own stress threshold.

2. The intermediate shaft according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the first shaft (100) and the second shaft (200), one of them is provided with a protrusion (120) and the other is provided with a groove (220). The protrusion (120) and the groove (220) are connected by insertion, and the outer wall of the protrusion (120) fits against the inner wall of the groove (220). The connector (300) connects the protrusion (120) and the groove (220) to connect the first shaft (100) and the second shaft (200).

3. The intermediate shaft according to claim 2, characterized in that, The protrusion (120) is provided on the first mating surface (110) and extends radially along the first shaft (100). The protrusion (120) extends from one end of the first mating surface (110) to the other end of the first mating surface (110). The groove (220) is formed on the second shaft (200) and extends radially through the second shaft (200).

4. The intermediate shaft according to claim 3, characterized in that, The bottom of the groove (220) and the surface of the protrusion (120) that abuts against the bottom of the groove are both parallel to the first mating surface (110).

5. The intermediate shaft according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second shaft (200) is provided with a second connecting mechanism (500) at the end opposite to the first shaft (100). The second connecting mechanism (500) is connected to the second shaft (200) through a length adjustment component, which is used to adjust the axial length of the intermediate shaft.

6. The intermediate shaft according to claim 5, characterized in that, The length adjustment mechanism includes a spline assembly and a locking element (600). The spline assembly includes an internal spline (511) and an external spline (230) that are engaged. One of the second shaft (200) and the second connecting mechanism (500) is provided with the internal spline (511), and the other is provided with the external spline (230). The locking member (600) is used to lock or unlock the second shaft (200) and the second connecting mechanism (500). In the locked state, the second shaft (200) and the second connecting mechanism (500) are relatively fixed; in the unlocked state, the second shaft (200) and the second connecting mechanism (500) can move relative to each other along the axial direction.

7. The intermediate shaft according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second connecting mechanism (500) includes a sleeve (510), a locking block (520), and a locking hole (530). The locking block (520) protrudes radially from the outer wall of the sleeve (510). The locking block (520) has a first notch (521) extending along the axial direction. The sleeve (510) has a second notch (512) extending along the axial direction. The first notch (521) and the second notch (512) are arranged radially opposite to each other along the intermediate axis. The locking hole (530) is disposed in the sleeve (510) and the locking block (520) and passes through the first notch (521) and the second notch (512) radially. The outer wall of the second shaft (200) is provided with a clearance groove (240); The locking member (600) includes a threaded connector that engages with the locking hole (530). In the locked state, the threaded connector is in a tightened state, and the portion of the second connecting mechanism (500) located on both sides of the first notch (521) and the second notch (512) clamps the second shaft (200), and the sidewall of the threaded connector abuts against the bottom of the relief groove (240). In the unlocked state, the threaded connector is in a loosened state.

8. The intermediate shaft according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector (300) is a shear pin.

9. A steering column, characterized in that, Includes the intermediate shaft as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, It includes the intermediate shaft as described in any one of claims 1-8, or the steering column as described in claim 9.

Images