Protective structure, steering column assembly and vehicle

Abstract

This utility model discloses a protective structure, a steering column assembly, and a vehicle. The protective structure includes a base, a protective component, and an elastic element: the base is used to connect to the dashboard and defines an opening for the steering column to pass through; the protective component includes a main body for abutting against the steering column and a rotating arm connected to the main body, the rotating arm including a first connecting portion rotatably connected to the base and a second connecting portion connected to the elastic element, the first and second connecting portions being spaced apart; one end of the elastic element is connected to the second connecting portion, and the other end is connected to the base; wherein, the main body is configured to abut against the steering column and can rotate with the swing of the steering column. The protective structure of this application can maintain a good protective effect without affecting the movement of the steering column, and the main body is not prone to dust accumulation and has a long service life.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive component technology, and in particular to a protective structure, a steering column assembly, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, vehicles have a steering column cover. To ensure the steering column can rotate and extend, a gap is maintained between the steering column cover and the instrument panel body. To prevent this gap from being exposed, a soft material shield (or simply shield) is typically installed between the steering column cover and the instrument panel body. When the steering column rotates or extends, the soft material shield deforms and covers the gap between the steering column cover and the instrument panel body.

[0003] However, soft curtains form wrinkles when compressed, which easily accumulates dust. Furthermore, soft curtains are prone to aging and failure after long-term use. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a protective structure that maintains a good protective effect without affecting the movement of the steering column, and whose main body is not prone to dust accumulation and has a long service life.

[0005] This utility model also proposes a steering column assembly with the above-mentioned protective structure.

[0006] This utility model also proposes a vehicle having the above-mentioned steering column assembly.

[0007] The protective structure according to a first aspect embodiment of the present invention includes a base, a protective component, and an elastic member:

[0008] The base defines an opening through which the steering column passes;

[0009] The protective assembly includes a main body for abutting against the steering column, and a rotating arm connected to the main body. The rotating arm includes a first connecting part rotatably connected to the base, and a second connecting part connected to the elastic member. The first connecting part and the second connecting part are spaced apart.

[0010] One end of the elastic element is connected to the second connecting part, and the other end is connected to the base;

[0011] The main body is configured to rotate with the swing of the steering column and remain in contact with the steering column.

[0012] The protective structure according to the embodiments of this utility model has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0013] The protective structure of this application achieves contact with the steering column through the main body component. It rotates along with the steering column when it swings up and down to maintain a close fit with the steering column. When the steering column moves back and forth, the main body component remains stationary and maintains contact with the steering column. Thus, the protective structure can maintain a good protective effect without affecting the movement of the steering column. Furthermore, the main body component can be made of hard materials such as plastic, with a relatively smooth surface that is not easy to accumulate dust, further improving the cleanliness of the vehicle interior. The main body component has a long service life and is easy to maintain.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the main body includes a first main body portion and a second main body portion. The first main body portion is located inside the base. The steering column includes an abutting portion for abutting against the main body portion. A swing gap is defined between the abutting portion and the opening of the base. The first main body portion is used to cover the swing gap. The second main body portion is located outside the base and is used to cover the steering column.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the second main body includes a first cover and a second cover located on both sides of the first cover. The first cover is used to abut against the abutting part, and the second cover can be located on both sides of the steering column. The second cover is detachably connected to the first cover.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, either the first cover or the second cover includes a snap-fit ​​protrusion, and the other includes a snap-fit ​​groove.

[0017] The width of the snap-fit ​​protrusion gradually decreases along the direction of insertion into the snap-fit ​​groove. The snap-fit ​​groove includes a necking section and a receiving section. The necking section and the receiving section are arranged sequentially along the insertion direction of the snap-fit ​​protrusion. The groove width of the necking section gradually decreases, and the groove width at the small end of the necking section is smaller than the groove width of the receiving section.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the second cover is detachably connected to the first main body, wherein the first main body extends a plug-in platform for abutting against the second cover; the plug-in platform defines a plug-in hole, and the second cover is connected to at least two spaced elastic arms, the elastic arms being configured to move closer to each other to pass through the plug-in hole under stress, and the elastic arms being restricted from moving by the plug-in hole under a natural state.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, both the second connecting part and the base are provided with mounting posts, and the two ends of the elastic member are respectively provided with ring segments, which are respectively sleeved on the mounting posts of the second connecting part and the base;

[0020] The protective structure further includes a limiting member, which includes a mounting hole through which the mounting post passes, and a plurality of elastic valves distributed circumferentially along the mounting hole. Each elastic valve abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the mounting post to limit the displacement of the annular segment on the mounting post.

[0021] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a steering column assembly includes a steering column and a protective structure as described in any of the above embodiments, wherein the steering column passes through an opening in the base and abuts against the main body.

[0022] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the steering column includes a column body and a column cover, the column cover being sleeved on the column body; wherein, the column cover includes a first cover and a second cover, the first cover and the second cover being detachably connected to define a chamber for accommodating the column body, wherein the first cover abuts against the main body.

[0023] According to some embodiments of the present invention, either the main body or the steering column is connected to a flexible component, which is disposed at the contact position between the main body and the steering column.

[0024] The vehicle according to a third aspect of the present invention includes a protective structure or steering column assembly as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0025] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the steering column assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the steering column assembly according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0029] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the protective structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the protective structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first main body, the third main body, and the rotating arm according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second main body of this utility model embodiment;

[0033] Figure 7 This is another schematic diagram of the protective structure of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0034] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Enlarged view of region A in the middle;

[0035] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the engagement of the snap-fit ​​protrusion and the snap-fit ​​groove in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 10 for Figure 7 Explosion diagram of area B in the middle;

[0037] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the limiting member in an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0038] Figure label:

[0039] 10 protective structure; 20 steering column; 21 abutment part;

[0040] Base 100; Opening 110;

[0041] Protective component 200; main body 210; first main body 211; insertion platform 2111; insertion hole 2112; first cover 212; elastic arm 2121; snap-fit ​​groove 2122; snap-fit ​​plate 2123; necking section 2124; receiving section 2125; second cover 213; snap-fit ​​protrusion 2131; limiting protrusion 2132; rotating arm 220; first connecting part 221; second connecting part 222; mounting post 2221;

[0042] Elastic element 300; Ring segment 310;

[0043] Limiting component 400; elastic valve 410; elastic gap 420; mounting hole 430;

[0044] Tube column cover 500; First cover 510; Second cover 520; Detailed Implementation

[0045] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these 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.

[0046] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the directional or positional relationship based on the directional or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0047] In the description of this utility model, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0048] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0049] In the description of this utility model, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this utility model. 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.

[0050] Currently, vehicles have a steering column cover. To ensure the steering column can rotate and extend, a gap is maintained between the steering column cover and the instrument panel body. To prevent this gap from being exposed, a soft material shield (or simply shield) is typically installed between the steering column cover and the instrument panel body. When the steering column rotates or extends, the soft material shield deforms and covers the gap between the steering column cover and the instrument panel body.

[0051] However, soft curtains form wrinkles when compressed, which easily accumulates dust. Furthermore, soft curtains are prone to aging and failure after long-term use.

[0052] Therefore, this application proposes a protective structure 10 to replace soft curtains for shielding. Specifically, the protective structure 10 includes a base 100, a protective component 200, and an elastic element 300. The base 100 can be part of the dashboard, or it can be a component independent of the dashboard. The base 100 can be fixedly connected to the dashboard, and the connection method includes, but is not limited to, screws, bolts, etc. Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the base 100 defines an opening 110 for the steering column 20 to pass through. The base 100 is arched, with the lower end of the opening 110 open. The base 100 can be mounted onto the steering column 20 from top to bottom. After the steering column 20 is mounted onto the base 100, there is a swing gap between the column guard 500 of the steering column 20 and the upper edge of the opening 110 of the base 100. This swing gap allows the steering column 20 to swing up and down to adjust the steering wheel to an angle convenient for the driver to operate.

[0053] To prevent dust and other debris from entering the dashboard through the swing gap, the protective component 200 serves to shield the swing gap. For example, Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the protective assembly 200 includes a main body 210 and a rotating arm 220. The main body 210 passes through the opening 110 and is located at the top of the opening 110. A portion of the main body 210 is located inside the housing of the base 100 and is connected to the rotating arm 220; another portion passes through the opening 110 and extends outside the housing of the base 100, and abuts against the contact portion 21 of the steering column 20 (as shown). Figure 2 (As shown) abuts. Thus, the main body 210 blocks the swing gap at the top of the steering column 20, and when dust or other debris falls, it will be blocked by the main body 210 and cannot enter the instrument panel.

[0054] Because the steering column 20 requires vertical swinging and horizontal extension / retraction, the main body 210 must be able to adaptively adjust to the swinging and extension / retraction of the steering column 20 to ensure a tight fit with the steering column 20 at all times and effectively prevent dust intrusion. Therefore, as... Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the main body 210 of this application is rotatably connected to the base 100 via a rotating arm 220, so that the main body 210 can rotate with the steering column 20 when it swings. To keep the main body 210 in contact with the steering column 20, the elastic element 300 of this application is connected to both the rotating arm 220 and the base 100, providing a continuous restoring force. This ensures that the main body 210 remains tightly fitted as the steering column 20 swings and extends, effectively preventing dust and other debris from entering the dashboard and improving the protection effect and service life.

[0055] Specifically, such as Figure 4As shown, the rotating arm 220 of this application is provided with a first connecting portion 221 and a second connecting portion 222. The first connecting portion 221 is used for rotatable connection with the base 100, and the second connecting portion 222 is used for connection with the elastic member 300. The first connecting portion 221 and the second connecting portion 222 are spaced apart. Thus, one end of the elastic member 300 is fixedly connected to the second connecting portion 222, and the other end is fixedly connected to a connection point on the base 100, forming a stable elastic structure. Designers can select an elastic member 300 with a suitable elastic coefficient according to actual needs to ensure that the main body 210 always remains in close contact with the steering column 20 under different swing amplitudes.

[0056] It should be noted that in related technologies, torsion springs are used for the rotatable connection between the main body 210 and the base 100. However, torsion springs are prone to fatigue fracture and have a short service life. In the later stages of use, the fit between the main body 210 and the steering column 20 decreases, affecting the protective effect. Therefore, the elastic element 300 in this application preferably uses a tension spring. Tension springs have stronger fatigue resistance and can maintain a stable restoring force for a long time, ensuring a tight fit between the main body 210 and the steering column 20, effectively extending the service life. Furthermore, tension springs have a simpler structure, lower cost, and are easier to maintain and replace.

[0057] Based on the above, the protective structure 10 of this application achieves contact with the steering column 20 through the main body 210. It rotates as the steering column 20 swings up and down to maintain a close fit with the steering column 20. When the steering column 20 moves back and forth, the steering column 20 extends or retracts relative to the main body 210, while the main body 210 remains stationary and maintains contact with the contact portion 21 of the steering column 20. Thus, the protective structure 10 can maintain a good protective effect without affecting the movement of the steering column 20. Furthermore, the main body 210 can be made of hard materials such as plastic, with a relatively smooth surface that is not easy to accumulate dust, further improving the cleanliness of the vehicle interior. The main body 210 has a long service life and is easy to maintain.

[0058] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the main body 210 includes a first main body portion 211 and a second main body portion (including a first cover 212 and a second cover 213) connected to the first main body portion 211. The first main body portion 211 is located inside the base 100 and extends generally vertically, used to cover the gap between the abutment portion 21 of the steering column 20 and the opening 110 of the base 100. The first main body portion 211 is spaced apart from the inner side of the housing of the base 100 to allow space for the first main body portion 211 to rotate. The second main body portion is located outside the base 100 and is used to cover the steering column 20 to protect it from dust. The shape of the second main body portion is adapted to the outer peripheral shape of the steering column 20. Figure 1In the embodiment shown, the second main body has an arc-shaped structure and can be mounted on the abutment portion 21 of the steering column 20.

[0059] Furthermore, the second main body includes a first cover 212 and two second covers 213. The first cover 212 is used to abut against the abutment part 21. The two second covers 213 are respectively located on both sides of the first cover 212 along the length direction. When the steering column 20 passes through the opening 110, the first cover 212 is located above the steering column 20, and the two second covers 213 are respectively located on both sides of the steering column 20, thereby providing a shielding effect on the periphery of the steering column 20.

[0060] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the second cover 213 and the first main body 211 are integrally injection molded, and the first cover 212 is detachably connected to the second cover 213 and the first main body 211, respectively. Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the first cover 212 is connected to the first main body 211 on one side along its width (i.e., the front side of the first cover 212). The connection method includes, but is not limited to, snap-fit, plug-in, and overlap. The two ends of the first cover 212 along its length (i.e., the left and right sides of the first cover 212) are respectively connected to the second covers 213 on both sides. Through the detachable connection structure design, the injection molding difficulty of the second main body can be reduced. It should be noted that the front and back, left and right, and up and down referred to in this article are all based on the vehicle's own coordinate system.

[0061] Furthermore, either the first cover 212 or the second cover 213 includes a snap-fit ​​protrusion 2131, and the other includes a snap-fit ​​groove 2122, such as... Figures 5 to 8 In the embodiment shown, a snap-fit ​​plate 2123 is provided on the first cover 212, and the snap-fit ​​plate 2123 forms a snap-fit ​​groove 2122. The second cover 213 is provided with a snap-fit ​​protrusion 2131. The snap-fit ​​structure of the second cover 213 also includes a limiting protrusion 2132 provided at the end of the snap-fit ​​protrusion 2131. When the snap-fit ​​groove 2122 of the first cover 212 is inserted into the snap-fit ​​protrusion 2131, the limiting protrusion 2132 can abut against the side of the snap-fit ​​plate 2123 to restrict the movement of the first cover 212.

[0062] In addition, for easy connection, such as Figure 9As shown, along the direction of insertion into the snap-fit ​​groove 2122, the width of the snap-fit ​​protrusion 2131 gradually decreases, making the insertion process smoother. The snap-fit ​​groove 2122 includes a necking section 2124 and a receiving section 2125. Along the insertion direction of the snap-fit ​​protrusion 2131, the necking section 2124 and the receiving section 2125 are arranged sequentially, and along the insertion direction of the snap-fit ​​protrusion 2131, the necking section 2124 gradually decreases in size, and the groove width of the small end of the necking section 2124 (the end closer to the receiving section 2125) is smaller than the groove width of the receiving section 2125. Therefore, during the insertion of the snap-fit ​​protrusion 2131, it first contacts the groove wall of the necking section 2124, causing the necking section 2124 to undergo elastic deformation and expansion, thereby allowing the snap-fit ​​protrusion 2131 to gradually insert into the receiving section 2125. When the snap-fit ​​protrusion 2131 is fully inserted into the receiving section 2125, the necking section 2124 restores its deformation. Since the groove width at the small end of the necking section 2124 is smaller than the groove width of the snap-fit ​​protrusion 2131, the snap-fit ​​protrusion 2131 is prevented from detaching from the snap-fit ​​groove 2122, ensuring a tight and stable snap-fit.

[0063] The first cover 212 is also connected to the first main body 211 by a plug-in connection, but the plug-in method differs from that of the first cover 212 and the second cover 213. For example... Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the first main body 211 extends into a insertion platform 2111. The insertion platform 2111 is horizontally positioned and can abut against the bottom surface of the first cover 212, thus supporting and fixing the first cover 212. An insertion hole 2112 is defined on the insertion platform 2111. At least one set of elastic arms 2121 is connected to the bottom surface of the first cover 212. Each set of elastic arms 2121 includes at least two spaced elastic arms 2121. Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the first main body 211 is provided with two insertion platforms 2111, thereby correspondingly providing two sets of elastic arms 2121 on the bottom surface of the first cover 212. Each set of elastic arms 2121 includes two spaced-apart elastic arms 2121. In other embodiments, each set of elastic arms 2121 may also include three or four elastic arms 2121. The elastic arms 2121 are distributed circumferentially along the corresponding insertion holes 2112 and spaced apart. Under stress, they can move closer together to reduce their outer diameter, thereby allowing them to pass through the insertion holes 2112. In the natural state, i.e., the non-stressed state, the outer diameter of the elastic arms 2121 is larger than the diameter of the insertion holes 2112, so that the elastic arms 2121 can be tightly engaged within the insertion holes 2112, ensuring that the first cover 212 is firmly fixed.

[0064] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 and Figure 10As shown, the elastic element 300 is a tension spring, and each end of the tension spring is provided with a connecting segment 310. Mounting posts 2221 are provided at the connection points of the second connecting part 222 and the base 100, so that the connecting segments 310 at both ends of the tension spring can be respectively fitted onto the mounting posts 2221 of the second connecting part 222 and the mounting posts 2221 of the base 100. The distance between the two mounting posts 2221 should not be less than the natural length of the tension spring, so that the tension spring maintains appropriate preload after installation.

[0065] It should be noted that in some embodiments (not shown in the figures), the outer periphery of the mounting post 2221 is threaded. After the annular segment 310 of the tension spring is installed onto the mounting post 2221, the tension spring is secured with a nut to prevent it from loosening. In the embodiments of this application, as shown... Figure 10 and Figure 11 The limiting member 400 shown is used to fix the tension spring. The limiting member 400 includes a mounting hole 430 through which the mounting post 2221 passes, and a plurality of elastic valves 410 distributed circumferentially along the mounting hole 430. An elastic gap 420 is defined between adjacent elastic valves 410, and each elastic valve 410 is capable of elastic deformation. When the limiting member 400 is fitted onto the mounting post 2221, each elastic valve 410 undergoes elastic deformation and abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the mounting post 2221, thereby generating significant friction between the valve and the limiting member 400 to fix the limiting member 400 onto the mounting post 2221. Furthermore, by installing the limiting member 400 to abut against the annular segment 310 of the tension spring, movement of the tension spring on the mounting post 2221 is restricted, ensuring the stability of the tension spring and the firmness of the connection. The design of the limiting member 400 not only facilitates installation but also adapts to different sizes of the mounting post 2221, exhibiting good versatility and flexibility.

[0066] Furthermore, such as Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the elastic valve 410 is inclined and the distance from the elastic valve 410 to the central axis of the mounting hole 430 gradually increases along the direction in which the limiting member 400 is installed on the mounting post 2221. This is beneficial for the limiting member 400 to be installed on the mounting post 2221, and can effectively prevent the limiting member 400 from slipping off the mounting post 2221, thus enhancing the fixation effect.

[0067] The second aspect of this application provides a steering column assembly, such as Figures 1 to 3As shown, the system includes a steering column 20 and the protective structure 10 mentioned in any of the above embodiments. The steering column 20 passes through the opening 110 of the base 100 and abuts against the main body 210. A swing gap is defined between the abutting part 21 of the steering column 20 and the base 100 to allow the steering column 20 to swing up and down. Along the extension and retraction direction of the steering column 20, the projection area of ​​the main body 210 covers the projection area of ​​the swing gap to prevent dust and foreign objects from entering the interior of the base 100.

[0068] Furthermore, the steering column 20 includes a column body (not shown in the figure) and a column cover 500. The column cover 500 is fitted onto the column body and includes a first cover 510 and a second cover 520, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown, the first protective cover 510 is located above the main body of the tubing, and the second protective cover 520 is located below the main body of the tubing. The two are connected by a detachable structure such as a snap-fit, thereby defining the chamber that houses the main body of the tubing. Figure 2 As shown, the abutting part 21 is provided on the first protective cover 510, and the first protective cover 510 can abut against the main body 210.

[0069] Additionally, a flexible component (not shown in the figure) is connected to either the main body 210 or the steering column 20. This flexible component is positioned at the contact point between the main body 210 and the steering column 20 to prevent collision noises between them on bumpy roads. Preferably, the flexible component can be felt, a rubber gasket, etc., and is typically located on the lower wall of the main body 210, in the contact area between the main body 210 and the steering column 20.

[0070] The third aspect of this application also proposes a vehicle that includes the steering column assembly mentioned in any of the above embodiments. The vehicle can be a private car, such as a sedan, SUV, MPV, or pickup truck. It can also be a commercial vehicle, such as a van, bus, small truck, or large trailer. The vehicle can be a gasoline-powered vehicle or a new energy vehicle. When the vehicle is a new energy vehicle, it can be a hybrid vehicle or a pure electric vehicle. Since the vehicle in this aspect of the embodiment includes the protective structure 10 of the above embodiments, it has the beneficial effects described in the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0071] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the embodiments of the present invention and the features thereof can be combined with each other unless otherwise specified.

Claims

1. A protective structure, characterized in that, Includes base, protective components, and elastic elements: The base defines an opening through which the steering column passes; The protective assembly includes a main body for abutting against the steering column, and a rotating arm connected to the main body. The rotating arm includes a first connecting part rotatably connected to the base, and a second connecting part connected to the elastic member. The first connecting part and the second connecting part are spaced apart. One end of the elastic element is connected to the second connecting part, and the other end is connected to the base; The main body is configured to rotate with the swing of the steering column and remain in contact with the steering column.

2. The protective structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body includes a first main body portion and a second main body portion. The first main body portion is located inside the base. The steering column includes an abutting portion for abutting against the main body portion. A swing gap is defined between the abutting portion and the opening of the base. The first main body portion is used to cover the swing gap. The second main body portion is located outside the base and is used to cover the steering column.

3. The protective structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second main body includes a first cover and a second cover located on both sides of the first cover. The first cover is used to abut against the abutting part, and the second cover can be located on both sides of the steering column. The second cover is detachably connected to the first cover.

4. The protective structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, Either the first cover or the second cover includes a snap-fit ​​protrusion, and the other includes a snap-fit ​​groove; The width of the snap-fit ​​protrusion gradually decreases along the direction of insertion into the snap-fit ​​groove. The snap-fit ​​groove includes a necking section and a receiving section. The necking section and the receiving section are arranged sequentially along the insertion direction of the snap-fit ​​protrusion. The groove width of the necking section gradually decreases, and the groove width at the small end of the necking section is smaller than the groove width of the receiving section.

5. The protective structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second cover is detachably connected to the first main body, wherein the first main body extends a plug-in platform for abutting against the second cover; the plug-in platform defines a plug-in hole, and the second cover is connected to at least two spaced elastic arms, the elastic arms being configured to move closer to each other to pass through the plug-in hole under stress, and the elastic arms being restricted from moving by the plug-in hole under a natural state.

6. The protective structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the second connecting part and the base are provided with mounting posts, and the two ends of the elastic member are respectively provided with ring segments, which are respectively sleeved on the mounting posts of the second connecting part and the base; The protective structure further includes a limiting member, which includes a mounting hole through which the mounting post passes, and a plurality of elastic valves distributed circumferentially along the mounting hole. Each elastic valve abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the mounting post to limit the displacement of the annular segment on the mounting post.

7. A steering column assembly, characterized in that, It includes a steering column and a protective structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the steering column passes through an opening in the base and abuts against the main body.

8. The steering column assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The steering column includes a column body and a column cover, the column cover being fitted onto the column body; wherein the column cover includes a first cover and a second cover, the first cover and the second cover being detachably connected to define a chamber for accommodating the column body, wherein the first cover abuts against the column body.

9. The steering column assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, A flexible component is connected to either the main body or the steering column, and the flexible component is disposed at the contact position between the main body and the steering column.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, It includes the protective structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, or the steering column assembly as described in any one of claims 7 to 9.

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