A steering column, a steering system and a vehicle

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of steering column, steering system and vehicle, including column cylinder;Motor, the motor is fixedly connected on the column cylinder, movable element, the movable element and the installation basis of the steering column are movably connected, the movable element and the motor transmission cooperation to make the column cylinder relative movable element and the connecting point of the installation basis movably connected rotates.The utility model has the effect of reducing the number of steering column connecting rod to reduce abnormal sound.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive steering systems, and more specifically, to a steering column, a steering system, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In current vehicle technology, the steering column, as a key component of the automotive steering system, plays a crucial role in the vehicle's handling performance and driving experience. Traditional steering columns have some shortcomings in their structural design; for example, multiple links are required to achieve angle adjustment, but a large number of links can easily lead to abnormal noises. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention provides a steering column that reduces the number of connecting rods in the steering column to reduce abnormal noise.

[0004] To achieve the objectives of this utility model, the following technical solution is provided:

[0005] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a steering column, including a column cylinder; a motor, the motor being fixedly connected to the column cylinder; and a movable member, the movable member being movably connected to the mounting base of the steering column, the movable member being driven by the motor to cause the column cylinder to rotate relative to the connection point where the movable member and the mounting base are movably connected.

[0006] In one embodiment, the movable member and the mounting base are hinged, and the motor enables the movable member to rotate about the hinge point between the movable member and the mounting base.

[0007] In one embodiment, the movable component and the mounting base are connected by a first connector, the first connector including a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion that are interconnected.

[0008] The first connecting part is fixedly connected to the mounting base, and the second connecting part is movably connected to the movable part.

[0009] In one embodiment, the movable member is provided with a first mounting hole, and the second connecting portion passes through the first mounting hole, so that the movable member can rotate around the second connecting portion.

[0010] In one embodiment, the second connecting part is a smooth rod.

[0011] In one embodiment, the movable component is a lead screw, and the steering column further includes a lead screw nut that cooperates with the lead screw. The lead screw nut is fixedly connected to the motor, and the motor drives the lead screw nut to rotate in cooperation with the lead screw, so as to drive the column to rotate around the connection point.

[0012] In one embodiment, the lead screw is perpendicular to the motor shaft of the motor.

[0013] In one embodiment, the column is adapted to be movably connected to the mounting base of the steering column via a connecting assembly, wherein the connecting assembly and the movable element are spaced apart along the axial direction of the column.

[0014] In one embodiment, the connecting component comprises a mating fastener and a second mounting hole, wherein the fastener is movable along the axial direction of the column within the second mounting hole;

[0015] One of the second mounting hole and the fastener is adapted to be provided on the column, and the other of the second mounting hole and the fastener is adapted to be provided on the mounting base.

[0016] In one embodiment, the second mounting hole is an oblong hole that extends along the axial direction of the column.

[0017] In one embodiment, the second mounting hole is provided on the column, and the end of the column away from the movable member is provided with a protrusion, and the second mounting hole is provided on the protrusion.

[0018] In one embodiment, the steering column is adapted to be connected to the mounting base via a mounting bracket.

[0019] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the column is adapted to be supported on the mounting bracket.

[0020] Secondly, this utility model provides a steering system, including the steering column as described in the first aspect.

[0021] Thirdly, this utility model provides a vehicle including a steering column as described in the first aspect, or a steering system as described in the second aspect.

[0022] This invention achieves the effect of reducing the number of connecting rods and thus reducing abnormal noise by fixing the motor to the column and movably connecting the movable part and the mounting base of the steering column. The movable part is driven by the motor to make the column rotate relative to the connection point of the movable part and the mounting base. Attached Figure Description

[0023] 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 some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a first schematic diagram of the steering column of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a second schematic diagram of the steering column of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a third schematic diagram of the steering column of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 4 This is an exploded structural diagram of the steering column of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the three states of angle adjustment of the steering column of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a partial structural diagram of the steering column of this utility model. Figure 1 ;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a partial structural diagram of the steering column of this utility model. Figure 2 .

[0031] Reference numerals: 1-Mounting bracket, 11-First connector, 12-First connecting part, 13-Second connecting part.

[0032] 2-Column, 21-Connecting assembly, 211-Fixed member, 212-Second mounting hole, 22-Protrusion.

[0033] 3-Moving part, 31-First mounting hole, 32-Screw nut.

[0034] 4-Motor. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0036] The steering column structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] This utility model provides a steering column, such as Figure 1 As shown, there is a column cylinder 2; a motor 4, which is fixedly connected to the column cylinder 2; a movable part 3, which is movably connected to the mounting base of the steering column; the movable part 3 and the motor 4 are driven together to make the column cylinder 2 rotate relative to the connection point of the movable part and the mounting base.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the column cylinder 2 is one of the core components of the steering column, and its interior is used to house and support other related parts, such as the steering shaft. The motor 4 is fixedly connected to the column cylinder 2, for example, by using bolts or other fasteners to securely mount the motor 4 to the outer wall of the column cylinder 2. The movable component 3 is movably connected to the mounting base, and the movable component 3 is in a transmission engagement with the motor 4. That is, the output shaft of the motor 4 is connected to the movable component 3 through a suitable transmission mechanism (such as gear transmission, chain transmission, etc.), transmitting the driving force generated by the motor 4 to the movable component 3. The driving force of the motor 4 causes the column cylinder 2, the motor 4, and the movable component 3 to rotate relative to the connection point where the movable component 3 and the mounting base are movably connected. In one embodiment, as... Figure 5 The column 2 shown was originally horizontal. After rotation, it will form an angle with the horizontal line. This angle is the rotation angle of column 2, thus achieving the adjustment of the steering column angle. The steering column can rotate 2.5 degrees upward or downward relative to the horizontal line.

[0039] This design reduces the number of links required to adjust the cylinder angle, significantly reducing abnormal noise generated by the link movement.

[0040] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, movable component 3 is hinged to the mounting base, with one end of movable component 3 hinged to the mounting base. Movable component 3 can rotate around the hinge point. Motor 4 is driven by movable component 3. When motor 4 is working, its output power can drive movable component 3 to rotate around the hinge point between movable component 3 and the mounting base. The rotation of movable component 3 will drive motor 4, which is connected to movable component 3, to rotate as well. Motor 4 will drive column 2, which is fixedly connected to motor 4, to rotate. Thus, the rotation of movable component 3 around the hinge point is converted into the rotation of column 2 around the hinge point. The rotation of column 2 will produce an angle difference, which is the angle of rotation of column 2, thereby realizing the angle adjustment function of steering column.

[0041] Specifically, this hinge structure allows the moving part 3 to rotate smoothly and flexibly under the drive of the motor 4, and the hinge point, as the center of rotation of the moving part 3, can ensure that the rotation trajectory of the column cylinder 2 is stable and reliable, providing precise angle adjustment performance for the steering column.

[0042] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 7 As shown, the movable component 3 and the mounting base are connected by a first connecting member 11. The first connecting member 11 includes a first connecting part 12 and a second connecting part 13 that are interconnected. The first connecting part 12 is fixedly connected to the mounting base. For example, it can be securely installed on the mounting base using common fixed connection methods such as bolts, screws, welding, or riveting, ensuring that there is no relative movement or rotation between the two during normal use, thus providing a stable foundation support for the entire transmission structure. The second connecting part 13 is movably connected to the movable component 3. This movable connection can be a connection form that allows the movable component 3 to move relative to each other within a certain range, such as a universal joint connection, bearing connection, or hinge connection.

[0043] Specifically, through this movable connection method, the movable part 3 can rotate or swing around the connection point with the mounting base under the drive of the motor 4, thereby causing the column cylinder 2 to rotate relative to the connection point between the movable part 3 and the mounting base, thus realizing the angle adjustment function of the steering column.

[0044] In one embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, the movable part 3 has a first mounting hole 31, the shape and size of which are adapted to the second connecting part 13 to allow the second connecting part 13 to pass smoothly through it. The second connecting part 13 is part of the first connecting part 11, with one end connected to the first connecting part 12 and the other end passing through the first mounting hole 31 on the movable part 3. The second connecting part 13 and the movable part 3 are connected in a movable manner, allowing the movable part 3 to rotate about the second connecting part 13 as a rotation axis with the support of the second connecting part 13.

[0045] Specifically, this structural design provides a stable rotation center for the movable part 3, ensuring that the movable part 3 can rotate flexibly and accurately under the drive of the motor 4, thereby driving the column cylinder 2 to rotate relative to the connection point between the movable part 3 and the mounting foundation, realizing the angle adjustment function of the steering column.

[0046] In one embodiment, the second connecting part 13 adopts a rod-shaped design with a smooth surface and no threads or other complex structures, namely a so-called smooth rod. Its smooth surface allows the movable part 3 to rotate on it without obstruction, while also reducing manufacturing costs and complexity.

[0047] Specifically, the above structure reduces the friction between the second connecting part 13 and the movable part 3, allowing the movable part 3 to rotate more smoothly around the second connecting part 13, reducing rotational resistance and improving transmission efficiency.

[0048] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1As shown, the movable component 3 is the lead screw 3, and the steering column also includes a lead screw nut 32 that mates with the lead screw 3. The lead screw nut 32 is fixedly connected to the motor 4, for example, by bolts, screws, or other fasteners, to ensure the rigidity of the transmission between the two. The motor 4 drives the lead screw nut 32 to rotate, and the rotational engagement between the lead screw nut 32 and the lead screw 3 causes the lead screw 3 to tend to move relative to the lead screw nut under the drive of the lead screw nut 32, thereby driving the column cylinder 2 to rotate around the connection point between the lead screw 3 and the mounting foundation, realizing the angle adjustment operation.

[0049] Specifically, the cooperation between the lead screw 3 and the lead screw nut 32 can efficiently convert the rotational motion of the motor 4 into the rotational motion of the cylinder 2.

[0050] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the lead screw 3 is set perpendicular to the motor shaft of the motor 4. The vertical space on the vehicle is more abundant than the horizontal space. This layout reduces the space occupied by the steering column in the axial space of the column tube 2, makes full use of the vertical space, and is beneficial to the overall spatial layout of the steering column.

[0051] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, the column 2 is movably connected to the mounting base of the steering column via the connecting assembly 21, allowing the column 2 to move relative to the mounting base to a certain extent, such as moving or rotating axially. The connecting assembly 21 and the movable part 3 are spaced apart along the axial direction of the column 2, meaning that the connecting assembly 21 and the movable part 3 are separated from each other axially and do not interfere with each other. This structural design allows the point where the connecting assembly 21 is located, the connection point between the motor 4 and the movable part 3, and the connection point between the movable part 3 and the mounting base to each serve as the three points of a triangle, forming a triangle whose shape changes accordingly as the column 2 rotates to maintain the stability of the steering column.

[0052] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the connecting assembly 21 consists of a fastener 21 that mates with each other and a second mounting hole 212. The fastener 21 can move relative to the column 2 along the axial direction within the second mounting hole 212.

[0053] One of the second mounting hole 212 and the fixing member 21 is provided on the column tube 2, and the other is provided on the mounting foundation. Alternatively, the second mounting hole 212 can be provided on the column tube 2 and the fixing member 21 on the mounting foundation, or the second mounting hole 212 can be provided on the mounting foundation and the fixing member 21 can be positioned on top of the column tube 2. This arrangement ensures a movable connection between the column tube 2 and the mounting foundation, while the axial mobility of the column tube 2 is achieved through the cooperation of the fixing member 21 and the second mounting hole 212. The fixing member 21 can slide freely within the second mounting hole 212, thus not affecting the rotation of the column tube 2.

[0054] Specifically, this design allows the column tube 2 to have a certain range of movement in the axial direction relative to the mounting foundation, which avoids the limitation of the column tube 2's length when rotating, and increases the adjustability of the column tube 2 in the axial direction.

[0055] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the second mounting hole 212 provided on the column 2 is specifically an oblong hole 212, which extends along the axial direction of the column 2. The fixing member 21 passes through the oblong hole 212 and can slide in the hole along the axial direction, so that the column 2 can move in the axial direction of the column 2 according to different rotation angles.

[0056] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the second mounting hole 212 is provided on the column 2, specifically located at the protrusion 22 at the end of the column 2 away from the movable part 3. The protrusion 22 provides structural support for the second mounting hole 212, allowing the fixing member 21 to move relative to the column 2 along its axial direction within the second mounting hole 212. Simultaneously, by adjusting the position of the second mounting hole 212 at the protrusion 22, the shape of the triangle formed by the points of the connecting assembly 21, the motor 4 and the movable part 3, and the movable part 3 and the mounting base can be adjusted to accommodate different adjustment angles of the column 2.

[0057] Specifically, this design allows the position of the second mounting hole 212 to better match the rotation angle of the column cylinder 2 when it rotates, ensuring that the rotation of the column cylinder 2 is more stable and precise.

[0058] In one embodiment, the steering column is adapted to be connected to the mounting base via a mounting bracket 1. The mounting bracket 1 is used to fix the entire steering column to the vehicle's mounting base and has a certain strength and rigidity to withstand various loads and vibrations during vehicle operation. The shape and size of the mounting bracket 1 are designed according to the specific structure of the vehicle to ensure the stability and reliability of the installation.

[0059] Specifically, this design makes the installation connection between the column tube 2 and the mounting foundation more convenient.

[0060] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, at least a portion of the column 2 is adapted to be supported by the mounting bracket 1 to provide direct support for the column 2. Specifically, the contact portion between the mounting bracket 1 and the column 2 can be partial or continuous contact, with the aim of providing stable support and guidance when the column 2 is undergoing turning operations.

[0061] Specifically, this design ensures that the column 2 remains stable during rotation and axial movement, preventing excessive shaking or deformation from affecting rotational performance.

[0062] Through the above structural design, in this embodiment, when the movable component 3 is the lead screw 3, the motor 4 is fixedly connected to the column cylinder 2. The lead screw 3 and the mounting bracket 1 are hinged, and the lead screw 3 and the motor 4 are in transmission cooperation. The motor 4 drives the lead screw 3 to rotate relative to the hinge point where the lead screw 3 and the mounting bracket 1 are hinged. The rotation of the lead screw 3 will drive the motor 4, which is in cooperation with the lead screw 3, to rotate together. The motor 4 will drive the column cylinder 2, which is fixedly connected to the motor 4, to rotate. Thus, the rotation of the lead screw 3 around the hinge point is converted into the rotation of the column cylinder 2 around the hinge point. The rotation of the column cylinder 2 will produce an angle difference, which is the angle of rotation of the column cylinder 2, thereby realizing the angle adjustment function of the steering column. When the second mounting hole 212 is an oblong hole 212, the protrusion 22 on the column cylinder 2 is provided with an oblong hole 212, which extends along the axial direction of the column cylinder 2. A fastener 211 is inserted into the oblong hole 212, and the fastener 211 can move relative to the oblong hole 212 along the axial direction of the column cylinder 2 within the oblong hole 212 to accommodate the horizontal movement requirements generated when the column cylinder 2 rotates. The point where the fastener 211 is located, the connection point between the motor 4 and the lead screw 3, and the connection point between the lead screw 3 and the mounting bracket are three points that form a triangle. The shape of the triangle changes accordingly with the rotation of the column cylinder 2 to maintain the stability of the steering column. In realizing the angle adjustment function of the steering column, this utility model greatly reduces the number of connecting rods in the steering column, thereby reducing the abnormal noise generated by the movement of the connecting rods.

[0063] This utility model also provides a steering system, including the steering column as described above.

[0064] This utility model also provides a vehicle, including the steering column as described above, or the steering system as described above.

[0065] The steering system and vehicle embodiment described above include the steering column and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, they will not be described again here. For relevant details, please refer to the description of the steering column embodiment.

[0066] Other components and operations of the vehicle according to embodiments of the present invention are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0067] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "transverse," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, features defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more. In the description of this utility model, "above" or "below" a second feature may include direct contact between the first and second features, or it may include contact between the first and second features not being in direct contact but through another feature between them.

[0068] In the description of this utility model, the terms "above", "over" and "on top" for the first feature and the second feature include the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicate that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature.

[0069] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0070] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0071] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A steering column, characterized in that, include: cylindrical column; The motor is fixedly connected to the column. A movable component is movably connected to the mounting base of the steering column. The movable component is driven by the motor to allow the column to rotate relative to the connection point where the movable component and the mounting base are movably connected.

2. The steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable component and the mounting base are hinged together, and the motor enables the movable component to rotate about the hinge point between the movable component and the mounting base.

3. The steering column according to claim 2, characterized in that, The movable component and the mounting base are connected by a first connector, which includes a first connecting part and a second connecting part that are connected to each other. The first connecting part is fixedly connected to the mounting base, and the second connecting part is movably connected to the movable part.

4. The steering column according to claim 3, characterized in that, The movable component is provided with a first mounting hole, and the second connecting part passes through the first mounting hole so that the movable component can rotate around the second connecting part.

5. The steering column according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second connecting part is a smooth rod.

6. The steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable component is a lead screw, and the steering column also includes a lead screw nut that cooperates with the lead screw. The lead screw nut is fixedly connected to the motor, and the motor drives the lead screw nut and the lead screw to rotate and cooperate, so as to drive the column to rotate around the connection point.

7. The steering column according to claim 6, characterized in that, The lead screw is perpendicular to the motor shaft of the motor.

8. The steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that, The column is adapted to be movably connected to the mounting base of the steering column via a connecting assembly, wherein the connecting assembly and the movable component are spaced apart along the axial direction of the column.

9. The steering column according to claim 8, characterized in that, The connecting component consists of a fastener and a second mounting hole that cooperate with each other. The fastener can move relative to the column cylinder along the axial direction within the second mounting hole. One of the second mounting hole and the fastener is adapted to be provided on the column, and the other of the second mounting hole and the fastener is adapted to be provided on the mounting base.

10. The steering column according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second mounting hole is an oblong hole that extends along the axial direction of the column.

11. The steering column according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second mounting hole is provided on the column, and the end of the column away from the movable part is provided with a protrusion, and the second mounting hole is provided on the protrusion.

12. The steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steering column is adapted to be connected to the mounting base via a mounting bracket.

13. The steering column according to claim 12, characterized in that, At least a portion of the column is adapted to be supported by the mounting bracket.

14. A steering system, characterized in that: The steering column includes any one of claims 1-13.

15. A vehicle, characterized in that: It includes the steering column as described in any one of claims 1-13, or the steering system as described in claim 14.

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