A steering column, a steering system and a vehicle

Abstract

The utility model discloses a steering column, including the cylinder, be suitable for with the installation base of steering column swing joint, motor assembly, motor assembly with cylinder swing joint, movable element, movable element with installation base swing joint, movable element with motor assembly transmission cooperation to make cylinder relative cylinder and installation base swing joint's connecting point rotate. The utility model has the effect that reduces the heterophonic 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 structural design shortcomings, such as a tendency to generate abnormal noises. Utility Model Content

[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 can reduce abnormal noise.

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

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a steering column, including a column cylinder adapted to be movably connected to a mounting base of the steering column; a motor assembly movably connected to the column cylinder; and a movable member movably connected to the mounting base, the movable member being drivenly engaged with the motor assembly to cause the column cylinder to rotate relative to the connection point where the column cylinder and the mounting base are movably connected.

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

[0007] In one embodiment, the motor assembly includes a mating component and a motor that cooperate with the movable component. The mating component is fixedly connected to the motor, and the movable component is driven by the mating component to cause relative movement between the motor assembly and the movable component.

[0008] In one embodiment, the movable component is a lead screw, and the motor is capable of driving the mating component to move along the axial direction of the lead screw.

[0009] In one embodiment, the motor assembly and the cylindrical column are hinged such that the motor assembly is rotatable about the hinge point where the motor assembly and the cylindrical column are hinged.

[0010] In one embodiment, the motor assembly and the column are hinged together by a hinge assembly, the hinge assembly including a first connector and a second connector that are hinged together, wherein the first connector is fixedly connected to the column, and the second connector is fixedly connected to the motor assembly.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first connector and the second connector are provided with corresponding through holes, and a fixing member is inserted through the through holes to hinge the first connector and the second connector.

[0012] In one embodiment, the column is provided with a protrusion, and the first connecting part and the protrusion are fixedly connected.

[0013] In one embodiment, the column and the mounting base are hinged to allow the column to rotate relative to the hinge point where the column and the mounting base are hinged.

[0014] In one embodiment, the steering column is adapted to be connected to the mounting base via a mounting bracket.

[0015] In one embodiment, the column and the mounting bracket are movably connected, and / or the movable component and the mounting bracket are movably connected.

[0016] Secondly, this utility model provides a steering system, including the steering column as described in the first aspect.

[0017] 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.

[0018] This invention achieves steering column angle adjustment through a simple structure: the column and the steering column are movably connected; the motor assembly and the column are movably connected; and the movable component and the mounting base are movably connected. The movable component engages with the motor assembly to allow relative movement between the motor assembly and the movable component. The motor assembly then drives the column to rotate relative to the connection point between the movable component and the mounting base. This simple structure reduces the number of connecting rods and thus minimizes noise. Attached Figure Description

[0019] 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.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the steering column of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the steering column structure of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the motor assembly structure of the steering column of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the fixed support structure for the steering column of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the initial position of the overall structure of the steering column of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the overall structure of the steering column of this utility model with the angle adjusted upwards.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the downward adjustment position of the overall structure angle of the steering column of this utility model.

[0027] Reference numerals: 1-Mounting bracket, 11-Hinge assembly, 12-First connecting part, 13-Second connecting part, 14-Through hole, 15-Fixed component.

[0028] 2-Column, 21-Protrusion.

[0029] 3-Moving component (lead screw).

[0030] 4-Motor assembly, 41-Matching parts, 42-Motor

[0031] 51 - First hinge point, 52 - Second hinge point, 53 - Third hinge point. Detailed Implementation

[0032] 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.

[0033] The steering column structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] This utility model provides a steering column, such as Figure 1 As shown, the column cylinder 2 and the mounting base of the steering column 1 are movably connected; the motor assembly 4 and the column cylinder 2 are movably connected, and the movable part 3 and the mounting base are movably connected. The movable part 3 and the motor assembly 4 are in a transmission cooperation to make the column cylinder 2 rotate relative to the connection point where the column cylinder and the mounting base are movably connected.

[0035] like Figure 1As shown, the column cylinder 2 is one of the core components of the steering column, housing and supporting other related parts, such as the steering shaft. The column cylinder 2 is movably connected to the mounting base of the steering column, and the movable component 3 is also movably connected to the mounting base. While fixed to the mounting base, the column cylinder 2 and movable component 3 also possess a certain degree of mobility relative to it. The motor assembly 4 is movably connected to the column cylinder 2, allowing for relative movement between them. The movable component 3 is in a transmission engagement with the motor assembly 4; that is, the output shaft of the motor assembly 4 is connected to the movable component 3 via a suitable transmission mechanism (such as gear drive, chain drive, etc.), transmitting the driving force generated by the motor assembly 4 to the movable component 3. This causes relative movement between the motor assembly 4 and the movable component 3, allowing the column cylinder 2 to rotate relative to the connection point between the column cylinder 2 and the mounting base. The mounting base is the component that mounts and supports the steering column; it can be a bracket or crossbeam on the vehicle body. Typically, the steering column is fixed to the front bulkhead or dashboard bracket of the front vehicle body to ensure its stability.

[0036] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the column 2 was originally horizontal. After rotation, it will form an angle with the horizontal line. This angle is the rotation angle of the column 2, thus achieving the adjustment of the steering column angle. The steering column can rotate 4 degrees upward relative to the horizontal line, or 4 degrees downward relative to the horizontal line.

[0037] Some existing angle adjustment mechanisms require multiple linkages to transmit the motor's driving force to the column cylinder, thereby causing the column cylinder to rotate. This solution uses a movable component 3 that is movably connected to the mounting base, a motor assembly 4 that is movably connected to the column cylinder 2, and the column cylinder 2 that is movably connected to the mounting base. The driving force generated by the motor assembly 4 can directly drive the column cylinder 2 to rotate around the connection point between the column cylinder 2 and the mounting base, thus reducing the number of linkages required to achieve column cylinder 2 angle adjustment and significantly reducing abnormal noise generated by linkage movement.

[0038] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1As shown, the movable component 3 is hinged to the mounting base, with one end of the movable component 3 hinged to the mounting base. The movable component 3 can rotate around the hinge point (hereinafter referred to as the first hinge point). The motor assembly 4 is driven by the movable component 3. When the motor assembly 4 is working, the motor assembly 4 and the movable component 3 move relative to each other. The motor assembly 4 drives the column cylinder 2 to rotate through the connection point where the motor assembly 4 and the column cylinder 2 are movably connected. To adapt to the changes caused by the rotation of the column cylinder 2, the movable component 3 will rotate around the first hinge point, ultimately driving the column cylinder 2 to rotate around the connection point where the column cylinder 2 and the mounting base are movably connected. Thus, the movement of the motor assembly 4 relative to the movable component 3 is converted into the rotation of the column cylinder 2 around the connection point where the column cylinder 2 and the mounting base are movably connected. The rotation of the column cylinder 2 will produce an angular difference, which is the angle of rotation of the column cylinder 2, thereby realizing the angle adjustment function of the steering column.

[0039] Specifically, this hinge structure allows the movable part 3 to rotate smoothly and flexibly under the drive of the motor assembly 4, and the first hinge point, as the center of rotation of the movable 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.

[0040] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the motor assembly 4 includes a mating part 41 that mates with the movable part 3 and a motor 42. The mating part 41 is fixedly connected to the motor 42, and the movable part 3 is driven by the mating part 41, so that the mating part 41 and the movable part can move relative to each other. The mating part 41 is fixedly connected to the motor 42, for example, by bolts, screws or other fasteners, to ensure the rigidity of the transmission between the two. The mating part 41 can be a gearbox. When the motor 42 is working, the mating part 41 is driven by the movable part 3, and the mating part 41 moves relative to the movable part 3. The mating part 41 drives the column 2 to rotate through the connection point where the motor assembly 4 and the column 2 are movably connected. To adapt to the changes caused by the rotation of the column 2, the movable part 3 will rotate around the first hinge point, ultimately driving the column 2 to rotate around the connection point where the column 2 and the mounting base are movably connected. Thus, the movement of the mating part 41 relative to the movable part 3 is converted into the rotation of the column 2 around the connection point where the column 2 and the mounting base are movably connected. The rotation of column cylinder 2 will generate an angular difference, which is the angle of rotation of column cylinder 2, thereby realizing the angle adjustment function of steering column.

[0041] Specifically, this structure allows the motor 42, mating parts 41, and moving parts 3 to achieve better transmission coordination.

[0042] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, the movable component 3 is the lead screw 3. When the motor 42 is working, the mating component 41 is engaged with the lead screw 3, and the mating component 41 moves along the axial direction of the lead screw 3. The mating component 41 drives the column cylinder 2 to rotate through the connection point of the motor assembly 4 and the column cylinder 2, so that the column cylinder 2 rotates around the connection point of the column cylinder 2 and the mounting foundation.

[0043] Specifically, the engagement between the lead screw 3 and the mating part 41 can efficiently convert the motion of the motor 42 along the axial direction of the lead screw 3 into the rotational motion of the cylinder 2.

[0044] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the motor assembly 4 and the column cylinder 2 are hinged. When the motor assembly 4 is working, the motor assembly 4 and the moving part 3 move relative to each other, and the motor assembly 4 drives the column cylinder 2 to rotate through the hinge point (hereinafter referred to as the second hinge point) between the motor assembly 4 and the column cylinder 2.

[0045] Specifically, the second hinge point allows relative rotation between the motor assembly 4 and the column 2. When the motor assembly 4 moves, the column 2 can rotate accordingly.

[0046] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the motor assembly 4 and the column 2 are hinged together by a hinge assembly 11. The hinge assembly 11 includes a first connecting member 12 and a second connecting member 13 that are hinged together. The first connecting member 12 is fixedly connected to the column 2, and the second connecting member 13 is fixedly connected to the motor assembly 4. The first connecting member 12 and the column 2, as well as the second connecting member 13 and the motor assembly 4, are fixedly connected. For example, common fixing methods such as bolts, screws, welding, or riveting can be used to securely install the first connecting member 12 onto the column 2 and the second connecting member 13 onto the motor assembly 4, ensuring that there is no relative movement or rotation between them during normal use, thus providing a stable foundation support for the entire transmission structure.

[0047] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the first connecting member 12 and the second connecting member 13 are provided with corresponding through holes 14, and a fixing member 15 passes through the through holes 14 to hinge the first connecting member 12 and the second connecting member 13. By providing corresponding through holes 14 on the first connecting member 12 and the second connecting member 13, the fixing member 15 can pass through the through holes 14 to hinge the first connecting member 12 and the second connecting member 13. When the motor assembly 4 and the column 2 move relative to each other, the first connecting member 12 and the second connecting member 13 can rotate accordingly according to the movement requirements. The fixing member 15 and the through hole are clearance-fitted, so that the first connecting member 12 and the second connecting member 13 can rotate relative to each other while also having a certain structural stability.

[0048] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the column 2 is provided with a protrusion 21, and the first connecting part 12 is fixedly connected to the protrusion 21. The protrusion 21 provides structural support for the first connecting part 12, and the rotation angle of the column 2 corresponding to the movement of the motor assembly 4 can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the protrusion 21 to adapt to different adjustment angles of the column 2.

[0049] Specifically, this design allows the position of the first connecting part 12 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.

[0050] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, when the motor 42 rotates, it drives the lead screw 3 to rotate via the mating part 41, thereby achieving linear motion of the lead screw 3 relative to the mating part 41 along the lead screw axis. When the axis of the lead screw 3 is fixed, the mating part 41 moves linearly along the lead screw 3, driving the motor 42 to move linearly along the lead screw 3. The lead screw 3 moves 7.8mm upwards or downwards relative to the mating part 41 axially, allowing the tubing to achieve an angle adjustment range of 4° upwards or downwards. A smaller stroke adjustment range allows for a larger angle adjustment, saving space and enabling installation within a limited space.

[0051] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the column 1 and the mounting base are hinged, allowing the column 2 to rotate to a certain extent relative to the hinge point (hereinafter referred to as the third hinge point) where the column 2 and the mounting base are hinged. The third hinge point serves as the fulcrum for the rotation of the column 2, enabling the column 2 to rotate around the third hinge point and thus achieve angle adjustment.

[0052] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the steering column is adapted to be connected to the mounting base via mounting bracket 1. Mounting bracket 1 is used to fix the entire steering column to the vehicle's mounting base. It has a certain strength and rigidity to withstand various loads and vibrations during vehicle operation. The shape and size of mounting bracket 1 are designed according to the specific structure of the vehicle to ensure the stability and reliability of the installation.

[0053] Specifically, this design makes the installation connection between the column tube 2 and the mounting foundation more convenient.

[0054] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 , Figure 5As shown, the column 2 and the mounting bracket 1 are movably connected, and / or the movable component 3 is movably connected to the mounting bracket 1, so that the mounting bracket 1 provides direct support for the column 2 and / or the movable component 3. The column 2 and the movable component 3 can be movably connected to the mounting bracket 1 simultaneously, or only the column 2 and the mounting bracket 1 can be movably connected, or only the movable component 3 and the mounting bracket 1 can be movably connected.

[0055] Specifically, this design ensures that the cylinder 2 and the moving part 3 remain stable during rotation, preventing excessive shaking or deformation from affecting rotational performance.

[0056] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 , Figure 5 As shown, the first hinge point, the second hinge point, and the third hinge point are spaced apart along the axial direction of the column 2. This structural design improves the transmission efficiency and structural stability between the moving part 3, the column 2, and the motor assembly 4 when the motor assembly 4 is working.

[0057] Through the above structural design, in this embodiment, as shown... Figure 1 , Figure 5 As shown, when the movable part 3 is the lead screw 3, the motor assembly 4 and the column cylinder 2 are hinged, the column cylinder 2 and the mounting bracket 1 are hinged, the motor 42 and the mating part 41 are fixedly connected, and the lead screw 3 and the mounting bracket 1 are hinged. The motor 42 drives the lead screw 3 and the mating part 41 to engage in transmission, so that the mating part 41 moves along the axial direction of the lead screw 3. The movement of the mating part 41 drives the motor assembly 4 and the column cylinder 2 to move relative to the second hinge point. The relative rotation of the first connecting part 12 and the second connecting part 13 causes the motor assembly 4 and the column cylinder 2 to move relative to each other. To adapt to the relative movement of the motor assembly 4 and the column cylinder 2, the lead screw 3 rotates around the first hinge point, and finally causes the column cylinder 2 to rotate around the third hinge point to achieve angle adjustment. Thus, the movement of the mating part 41 along the axial direction of the lead screw is converted into the rotation of the column cylinder 2 around the third 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. In implementing the steering column angle adjustment function, this invention greatly reduces the number of steering column links, thereby reducing abnormal noise generated by link movement.

[0058] This utility model also provides a steering system, including the steering column as described above.

[0059] This utility model also provides a vehicle, including the steering column as described above, or the steering system as described above.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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: A column tube, adapted for movable connection with the mounting base of the steering column; A motor assembly, wherein the motor assembly is movably connected to the column cylinder; A movable component is movably connected to the mounting base, and the movable component is driven by the motor assembly to cause the column to rotate relative to the connection point where the column 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 assembly 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 1, characterized in that, The motor assembly includes a mating component and a motor that cooperate with the movable component. The mating component is fixedly connected to the motor, and the movable component is driven by the mating component to cause relative movement between the motor assembly and the movable component.

4. The steering column according to claim 3, characterized in that, The movable component is a lead screw, and the motor can drive the mating component to move along the axial direction of the lead screw.

5. The steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that, The motor assembly and the cylindrical column are hinged so that the motor assembly can rotate about the hinge point where the motor assembly and the cylindrical column are hinged.

6. The steering column according to claim 5, characterized in that, The motor assembly and the column are hinged together by a hinge assembly, which includes a first connector and a second connector that are hinged together. The first connector is fixedly connected to the column, and the second connector is fixedly connected to the motor assembly.

7. The steering column according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first connector and the second connector are provided with corresponding through holes, and a fixing member is inserted through the through holes to hinge the first connector and the second connector.

8. The steering column according to claim 7, characterized in that, The column has a protrusion, and the first connector is fixedly connected to the protrusion.

9. The steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that, The column and the mounting base are hinged so that the column can rotate relative to the hinge point where the column and the mounting base are hinged.

10. 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.

11. The steering column according to claim 10, characterized in that, The column and the mounting bracket are movably connected, and / or the movable component and the mounting bracket are movably connected.

12. A steering system, characterized in that: The steering column includes any one of claims 1-11.

13. A vehicle, characterized in that: Includes the steering column as described in any one of claims 1-11, or the steering system as described in claim 12.

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