A steering column electric adjustment mechanism pre-tightening device

Abstract

This utility model belongs to the technical field of automotive steering systems, and provides a pre-tightening device for an electric steering column adjustment mechanism. It includes an upper column and a lower column, and a pre-tightening assembly. The pre-tightening assembly includes: a housing fixedly connected to the outer wall of the lower column; a drive block disposed within the housing and fixedly connected to it; a pre-tightening pressure block movably disposed within the housing, the inner wall of which is adapted to and fits against the outer wall of the upper column, and a first guide slope and a second guide slope are respectively provided on the opposite side of the pre-tightening pressure block and the drive block; and an elastic component disposed within the housing, with a first end connected to the inner wall of the housing and a second end connected to the pre-tightening pressure block. The electric steering column adjustment mechanism pre-tightening device provided by this utility model can automatically eliminate the gap between the upper and lower columns, has a simple structure, reasonable design, and long service life.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive steering system technology, specifically to a pre-tensioning device for an electric adjustment mechanism of the steering column. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of automotive technology, electric steering column adjustment mechanisms have been widely used in modern cars due to their convenience and comfort. However, in actual use, due to vibrations during vehicle operation and wear and tear on the adjustment mechanism after long-term use, gaps can easily appear between the upper and lower steering column tubes. This not only causes the steering wheel to wobble, affecting driving stability and comfort, but may also pose safety hazards.

[0003] In existing technologies, such as Chinese Patent CN221049761U, an electrically adjustable steering column with a clamping mechanism is provided, including an upper column, a lower column, a load block, and a preload bolt. During assembly, the load block is placed into the internal threaded hole of the lower column, with its arc-shaped structure fitting against the surface of the upper column. The preload bolt is then screwed into the internal threaded hole of the lower column along the radial direction of the electrically adjustable steering column, and a certain torque is applied. The preload bolt clamps the load block to the upper column, thereby eliminating the gap between the upper and lower columns. However, this preload device, which fixes the preload force, will fail after the load block wears down, resulting in poor preload performance and a short service life. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the deficiencies in the prior art, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a pre-tensioning device for an electric adjustment mechanism of the steering column, so as to solve or alleviate the above-mentioned technical problems and one or more other technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a pre-tightening device for an electric adjustment mechanism of a steering column, including an upper column and a lower column coaxially sleeved outside the upper column, and further including a pre-tightening assembly, the pre-tightening assembly comprising:

[0006] The outer casing is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the lower tube column;

[0007] A drive block, which is disposed inside the housing and fixedly connected to the housing;

[0008] A pre-tightening block is movably disposed within the housing. The inner wall of the pre-tightening block is adapted to and abuts against the outer wall of the upper tube column. The pre-tightening block and the driving block are respectively provided with a cooperating first guide ramp and a second guide ramp on opposite sides.

[0009] An elastic component is disposed within the housing. A first end of the elastic component is connected to the inner wall of the housing, and a second end is connected to the pre-tightening block. In its natural state, the elastic component applies elastic force to the pre-tightening block, causing the pre-tightening block to tend to move along the axis of the lower tube column.

[0010] Furthermore, the angle between the first guide slope and the second guide slope and the axis of the lower pipe column is α, where 90°>α>45°.

[0011] Furthermore, the pretensioning assembly also includes:

[0012] The slider, wherein the pre-tightening block has a groove on the side facing the elastic component, the groove extending radially along the lower tube column, and the groove having a dovetail or T-shaped cross-section, the slider being adapted to the groove and slidably disposed within the groove; and

[0013] A guide rod is slidably connected to the housing, with a first end fixedly connected to the slider and a second end extending outside the housing;

[0014] The elastic component is sleeved on the guide rod.

[0015] Furthermore, at least one end of the groove extends through the pre-tightening block.

[0016] Furthermore, the first end of the guide rod is threadedly connected to the slider.

[0017] Furthermore, the pre-tightening assembly also includes a sealing member, which is cylindrical in shape and has an outer diameter greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the elastic assembly. The outer side wall of the sealing member is provided with an external thread, and the side wall of the outer shell is provided with an internal thread hole that matches the external thread. The sealing member is disposed at the internal thread hole and is threadedly connected to the outer shell.

[0018] The first end of the elastic component is connected to the sealing member, and the second end is connected to the slider and / or the pre-tightening block;

[0019] The sealing component is provided with a guide hole that matches the guide rod, and the second end of the guide rod is inserted into the guide hole.

[0020] Furthermore, the sealing member has a screwing part on the side away from the slider for screwing the sealing member, the screwing part being a screwing protrusion or a screwing groove.

[0021] Furthermore, the elastic component includes a butterfly spring assembly composed of multiple stacked butterfly plates and a helical spring sleeved outside the butterfly spring assembly.

[0022] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0023] The pre-tightening device for the electric adjustment mechanism of the steering column provided by this utility model, by setting a drive block, a pre-tightening block and an elastic component, ensures that when the pre-tightening block wears, the elastic force of the elastic component and the action of the drive block ensure that the pre-tightening block can always fit against the upper column. Thus, the pre-tightening block can always apply a thrust to the upper column before the elastic component fails, thereby eliminating the gap between the upper and lower columns and thus improving its service life. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. In all the drawings, similar elements or parts are generally identified by similar reference numerals. In the drawings, the elements or parts are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the pre-tensioning device of the electric adjustment mechanism for the steering column provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An enlarged view of part A is shown below;

[0027] Figure 3 for Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of Embodiment 1 of the pretensioning device for the electric adjustment mechanism of the steering column shown;

[0028] Figure 4 for Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of Embodiment 2 of the pretensioning device for the electric adjustment mechanism of the steering column shown;

[0029] Figure 5 for Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of Embodiment 3 of the pretensioning device for the electric adjustment mechanism of the steering column shown;

[0030] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A partial sectional view of the preload device of the electric adjustment mechanism for the steering column shown.

[0031] Figure label:

[0032] 110. Steering input shaft; 120. Steering output shaft; 130. Upper column; 140. Lower column; 150. Housing; 210. Power steering motor; 220. Controller; 310. Housing; 311. Threaded hole; 320. Drive block; 321. Second guide ramp; 330. Preload block; 331. First guide ramp; 332. Slide groove; 341. Butterfly spring assembly; 342. Helical spring; 350. Guide rod; 360. Slider; 370. Sealing component; 371. Guide hole; 372. Tightening part. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are merely illustrative of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] It should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, the technical or scientific terms used in this application shall have the ordinary meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this utility model pertains.

[0035] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to 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.

[0036] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0037] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0038] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0039] like Figure 1-6 As shown, this utility model provides a pre-tightening device for an electric adjustment mechanism of a steering column, including a steering input shaft 110, a steering output shaft 120, an upper column 130, a lower column 140, a housing 150, a steering assist assembly, and a pre-tightening assembly.

[0040] The upper end of the steering input shaft 110 is connected to the steering wheel of the vehicle, and the lower end is connected to the upper end of the steering output shaft 120. The lower end of the steering output shaft 120 is connected to the steering gear of the vehicle. The lower column 140 is coaxially sleeved on the steering output shaft 120 and rotatably connected to it. The housing 150 is sleeved on the steering output shaft 120, located at the lower end of the lower column 140, and fixedly connected to it. The upper column 130 is coaxially sleeved on the steering input shaft 110, and its lower end is inserted into the lower column 140.

[0041] The power steering assembly includes a power steering motor 210, a controller 220 and sensors, a worm gear and a worm.

[0042] A worm gear is housed within the housing 150, coaxially sleeved around the steering output shaft 120, and drively connected to the steering output shaft 120. A worm is housed within the housing 150, meshing with the worm gear. A power assist motor 210 is fixedly connected to the housing 150, and its power output shaft is drively connected to the worm. A sensor is housed within the housing 150, and a controller 220 is fixedly mounted on the housing 150. The signal input circuit of the controller 220 is electrically connected to the signal output circuit of the sensor.

[0043] The pretensioning assembly includes a housing 310, a drive block 320, a pretensioning block 330, and an elastic component.

[0044] The outer casing 310 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the lower tube column 140. For example, the outer casing 310 and the lower tube column 140 are fixedly connected by bolts, or the outer casing 310 and the lower tube column 140 are welded together. In this embodiment, the outer casing 310 and the lower tube column 140 are welded together.

[0045] The drive block 320 is disposed inside the housing 310 and fixedly connected to the housing 310. The pre-tightening block 330 is movably disposed inside the housing 310. The inner sidewall of the pre-tightening block 330 is adapted to and fits against the outer sidewall of the upper tube column 130. The pre-tightening block 330 and the drive block 320 are respectively provided with a first guide slope 331 and a second guide slope 321 that cooperate with each other.

[0046] The elastic component is disposed inside the housing 310. The first end of the elastic component is connected to the inner side wall of the housing 310, and the second end is connected to the pre-tightening block 330. In its natural state, the elastic component applies elastic force to the pre-tightening block 330, so that the pre-tightening block 330 tends to move along the axis of the lower tube column 140, thereby causing the first guide slope 331 to tend to move toward the second guide slope 321 of the drive block 320.

[0047] During operation, the elastic component applies elastic force to the pre-tightening block 330. With the cooperation of the first guide slope 331 and the second guide slope 321, the pre-tightening block 330 tends to move towards the axis of the lower tube column 140, so that the lower tube column 140 applies a force to the upper tube column 130, thereby eliminating the gap between the lower tube column 140 and the upper tube column 130.

[0048] like Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the angle between the first guide slope 331 and the second guide slope 321 and the axis of the lower tube column 140 is α, where 90° > α > 45°. This allows the pre-tightening block 330 to move a shorter distance along the axis of the lower tube column 140 under the elastic force of the elastic component, while allowing it to move a larger distance radially along the lower tube column 140 under the action of the first guide slope 331 and the second guide slope 321. In this embodiment, α = 50°.

[0049] During use, relative movement occurs between the upper tube column 130 and the pre-tightening block 330, causing wear on the pre-tightening block 330. Under the action of this structure, the pre-tightening block 330 can move a relatively short distance along the axis of the lower tube column 140, while moving a larger distance radially along the lower tube column 140. This allows the elastic component to recover a small deformation, enabling the pre-tightening block 330 to move a larger distance radially along the lower tube column 140, thereby improving its service life.

[0050] like Figures 2-6 As shown, in this embodiment, the pretensioning assembly also includes a guide rod 350 and a slider 360.

[0051] A groove 332 is provided on the side of the pre-tightening block 330 facing the elastic component, and the groove 332 extends radially along the lower tube column 140 in its length direction. The cross-section of the groove 332 is dovetail-shaped or T-shaped. The slider 360 is adapted to the groove 332 and is slidably disposed within the groove 332. The guide rod 350 is slidably connected to the housing 310, with its first end fixedly connected to the slider 360 and its second end extending outside the housing 310. The elastic component is sleeved on the guide rod 350.

[0052] In this embodiment, the guide rod 350 and the housing 310, as well as the slider 360 and the groove 332, are used to guide the deformation of the elastic component and the movement of the pre-tightening block 330, thereby improving the stability of the elastic force applied by the elastic component to the pre-tightening block 330 and the stability and reliability of the movement of the pre-tightening block 330.

[0053] like Figures 2-6 As shown, at least one end of the slide groove 332 passes through the pre-tightening block 330. During assembly, the slider 360 can be slid into the slide groove 332 from one end, thereby facilitating the assembly and disassembly of the slider 360.

[0054] like Figure 6 As shown, the first end of the guide rod 350 is threadedly connected to the slider 360. During assembly, the elastic component can be placed inside the housing 310 first, and then the guide rod 350 can be threadedly connected to the slider 360 after passing through the elastic component, thereby facilitating disassembly and assembly.

[0055] like Figures 2-6 As shown, in this embodiment, the pre-tightening assembly further includes a sealing member 370, which is cylindrical and has an outer diameter greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the elastic component. The outer wall of the sealing member 370 is provided with external threads, and the side wall of the outer shell 310 is provided with an internally threaded hole 311 adapted to the external threads. The sealing member 370 is disposed at the internally threaded hole 311 and threadedly connected to the outer shell 310. The first end of the elastic component is connected to the sealing member 370, and the second end is connected to the slider 360 and / or the pre-tightening block 330. The sealing member 370 is provided with a guide hole 371 adapted to the guide rod 350, and the second end of the guide rod 350 is inserted into the guide hole 371.

[0056] During assembly, firstly, the drive block 320 is assembled inside the housing 310; then, the pre-tightening block 330 is assembled inside the housing 310; next, the guide rod 350 is inserted into the threaded hole 311 and rotated so that the guide rod 350 is threadedly connected to the slider 360; then, the elastic component is inserted into the housing 310 through the threaded hole 311; then, the sealing member 370 is tightened to compress the elastic component; finally, the housing 310 is welded to the preset position of the lower column 140.

[0057] In this embodiment, by providing a sealing member 370 and making the outer diameter of the sealing member 370 greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the elastic component, the purpose of facilitating the assembly and disassembly of the entire pre-tightening component is achieved.

[0058] like Figures 3-5 As shown, the sealing member 370 has a screwing portion 372 on the side away from the slider 360 for screwing in the sealing member 370, so as to facilitate screwing in the sealing member 370. Specifically, the screwing portion 372 can be a screwing groove or a screwing protrusion. The screwing groove can be straight, cross-shaped, or regular hexagonal. The screwing protrusion has a regular hexagonal cross-section.

[0059] like Figures 3-5 As shown, in this embodiment, the screwing part 372 is a screwing protrusion, and the cross-section of the screwing protrusion is a regular hexagon.

[0060] like Figures 3-6 As shown, the elastic component may consist only of the helical spring 342, or only of the butterfly spring assembly 341 composed of multiple butterfly spring plates, or it may include both the butterfly spring assembly 341 and the helical spring 342. In this embodiment, the elastic component includes both the butterfly spring assembly 341 and the helical spring 342.

[0061] During operation, since the disc spring assembly 341 can maintain a relatively stable elastic force output within its deformation range, the disc coil spring assembly 342 can adaptively adjust the preload according to the change of adjustment position during the adjustment of the steering column electric adjustment mechanism, ensuring that a suitable and stable preload can be provided to the upper column 130 under different adjustment positions, effectively eliminating the gap between the upper column 130 and the lower column 140.

[0062] The helical spring 342 has a large elastic deformation and strong buffering capacity. Even when the electric adjustment mechanism of the steering column is in the extreme adjustment state, the helical spring 342 can still play a role to prevent the elastic component from failing. Therefore, even in extreme cases, it can always ensure that there is a certain preload to maintain the stability of the steering column.

[0063] Numerous specific details are set forth in this specification. However, it will be understood that embodiments of this invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known methods, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this specification.

[0064] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and not to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and specification of this utility model.

Claims

1. A pre-tightening device for an electric adjustment mechanism of a steering column, comprising an upper column and a lower column coaxially sleeved outside the upper column, characterized in that, It also includes a pretensioning component, the pretensioning component comprising: The outer casing is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the lower tube column; A drive block, which is disposed inside the housing and fixedly connected to the housing; A pre-tightening block is movably disposed within the housing. The inner wall of the pre-tightening block is adapted to and abuts against the outer wall of the upper tube column. The pre-tightening block and the driving block are respectively provided with a cooperating first guide ramp and a second guide ramp on opposite sides. An elastic component is disposed within the housing. A first end of the elastic component is connected to the inner wall of the housing, and a second end is connected to the pre-tightening block. In its natural state, the elastic component applies elastic force to the pre-tightening block, causing the pre-tightening block to tend to move along the axis of the lower tube column.

2. The pre-tensioning device for the electric adjustment mechanism of the steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that, The angle between the first guide ramp and the second guide ramp and the axis of the lower pipe column is α, where 90°>α>45°.

3. The pre-tensioning device for the electric adjustment mechanism of the steering column according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The pretensioning assembly also includes: The slider, wherein the pre-tightening block has a groove on the side facing the elastic component, the groove extending radially along the lower tube column, and the groove having a dovetail or T-shaped cross-section, the slider being adapted to the groove and slidably disposed within the groove; and A guide rod is slidably connected to the housing, with a first end fixedly connected to the slider and a second end extending outside the housing; The elastic component is sleeved on the guide rod.

4. The pre-tensioning device for the electric adjustment mechanism of the steering column according to claim 3, characterized in that, At least one end of the groove passes through the pre-tightening block.

5. The pre-tensioning device for the electric adjustment mechanism of the steering column according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first end of the guide rod is threadedly connected to the slider.

6. The pre-tensioning device for the electric adjustment mechanism of the steering column according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pre-tightening assembly also includes a sealing member, which is cylindrical in shape and has an outer diameter greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the elastic assembly. The outer side wall of the sealing member is provided with an external thread, and the side wall of the outer shell is provided with an internal thread hole that matches the external thread. The sealing member is disposed at the internal thread hole and is threadedly connected to the outer shell. The first end of the elastic component is connected to the sealing member, and the second end is connected to the slider and / or the pre-tightening block; The sealing component is provided with a guide hole that matches the guide rod, and the second end of the guide rod is inserted into the guide hole.

7. The pre-tensioning device for the electric adjustment mechanism of the steering column according to claim 6, characterized in that, The sealing member has a screwing part on the side away from the slider for screwing the sealing member. The screwing part is a screwing protrusion or a screwing groove.

8. The pre-tensioning device for the electric adjustment mechanism of the steering column according to claim 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 or 7, characterized in that, The elastic component includes a butterfly spring assembly consisting of multiple stacked butterfly plates and a helical spring sleeved outside the butterfly spring assembly.

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