An inner collapsing steering column lower column tube

Abstract

The utility model discloses an inner collapse type steering column lower column pipe relates to the technical field of automobile steering system parts, an inner collapse type steering column lower column pipe, including rectangular opening locking structure, handle and lower column pipe, the handle is including connecting hole, the rectangular opening locking structure includes: fixed cover, clamping part, first reinforcing rod, second reinforcing rod, mandrel silencer cover, mandrel. Have lightweight, multi -functional integration in high -end and stable technical features, cancel the additional support, welding procedure, avoid the precision deviation caused by welding deformation, promote the whole reliable fixed of assembly. Will be steering column title, four -way adjustment core function in one, whole week big contact area inner hole design, with fixed cover form even and fit the cooperation surface of sticking together, improve radial bearing capacity greatly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of automotive steering system components, specifically a collapsible steering column lower tube. Background Technology

[0002] The steering column is a core component connecting the steering wheel and the steering gear. It also plays a role in absorbing energy through collision crumple zones. In the event of a frontal collision, the column absorbs impact energy through controlled internal crumple deformation, reducing secondary injuries to the driver from the steering wheel and ensuring driving safety.

[0003] Traditional steering column lower tubes are mostly formed by welding steel tubing and stamped steel parts, resulting in significant weight and insufficient lightweighting. Furthermore, the assembly precision after welding is difficult to control, leading to insufficient overall structural stability. The fit between the inner bore of the outer tube and the outer circle of the inner sleeve must maintain a sufficient clearance while achieving a stable holding force under the locked position of the steering handle, making it difficult to guarantee machining accuracy. Additionally, the natural frequency of traditional steel tubular steering columns is relatively low, failing to meet higher vehicle NVH requirements. Therefore, it is necessary to research a novel steering column lower tube structure that is lightweight, simultaneously optimizes the mechanism and functional integration, meets collapsible energy absorption requirements, features a large contact area fit, and satisfies the required machining accuracy. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, specifically the issues raised in the background section, this utility model proposes an internally collapsible steering column lower tube, the specific technical solution of which is as follows:

[0005] An internally collapsible steering column lower column tube includes a rectangular opening locking structure, a handle, and a lower column tube. The handle includes a connecting hole, and the rectangular opening locking structure includes:

[0006] The fixing sleeve has a cylindrical inner surface and an opening structure that extends from the first end of the fixing sleeve to the second end of the fixing sleeve. The second end of the fixing sleeve has a bearing hole, and one end of the lower column tube is embedded in the fixing sleeve.

[0007] The clamping part has two clamping parts, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the opening structure. Each clamping part is provided with a spindle fixing hole, and the two spindle fixing holes are in corresponding positions. The connecting hole corresponds to one spindle fixing hole.

[0008] A first reinforcing rib is disposed on the outer surface of the clamping part. There are multiple first reinforcing ribs arranged side by side, and a first weight-reducing groove is disposed between two adjacent first reinforcing ribs.

[0009] A second reinforcing rib is provided on the inner surface of the clamping part, and there are multiple second reinforcing ribs arranged side by side.

[0010] A mandrel noise-absorbing sleeve, wherein the mandrel noise-absorbing sleeve is hollow and is fixed in the mandrel fixing hole by two hooks;

[0011] A mandrel passes through the mandrel silencer sleeve, and the handle is connected to the clamping part via the mandrel.

[0012] The outer surface of the fixed sleeve is provided with several second weight-reducing grooves.

[0013] The cylindrical inner surface is provided with a clearance groove, which is used to place lubricating grease.

[0014] The outer surface of the fixing sleeve is provided with a rectangular hole, which is located on the side away from the opening.

[0015] The number of second reinforcing ribs on the inner surface of each clamping part is five.

[0016] The first weight-reducing groove on the outer surface of each clamping part is arranged with the horizontal axis of the mandrel fixing hole as the boundary. Four first weight-reducing grooves are arranged above the horizontal axis, and one first weight-reducing groove is arranged on each side of the mandrel fixing hole below the horizontal axis.

[0017] The second weight-reducing grooves on the outer surface of the fixed sleeve are arranged in a matrix, with six second weight-reducing grooves.

[0018] The rectangular opening locking structure has a mounting portion at its closed end. The mounting portion is a concave structure, and its upper opening is in the same direction as the opening of the rectangular opening locking structure. The mounting portion includes:

[0019] The bottom edge includes a first part, a second part, and a third part. The first part is perpendicular to the axial direction of the lower column tube, and the third reinforcing rib is inclined at the connection position between the first part and the rectangular opening locking structure. The second part is inclined to the first part, and the third part is parallel to the axial direction of the lower column tube.

[0020] The side has two sides, which are respectively connected to the two sides of the rectangular opening locking structure. The two sides are symmetrically arranged, and each side has several third weight-reducing grooves on the side facing away from the other side.

[0021] The mounting holes are two in number, and are located at the end of the rectangular opening locking structure away from the side.

[0022] The beneficial technical effects of this utility model are as follows: it features lightweight design, multi-functional integration into a high-end configuration, and stability. It eliminates the need for additional supports and welding processes, avoiding precision deviations caused by welding deformation and improving the overall reliability of the assembly. It integrates the steering column support and four-way adjustment core functions into one unit, with a large contact area inner hole design around the entire circumference, forming a uniformly fitted mating surface with the fixing sleeve, significantly improving radial load-bearing capacity. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of one embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an angle of a rectangular opening locking structure according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another angle of the rectangular opening locking structure according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a rectangular opening locking structure according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the mandrel noise-reducing sleeve according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Rectangular opening locking structure; 2. Clamping part; 3. Spindle fixing hole; 4. Cylindrical inner surface; 5. Clearance groove; 6. Rectangular hole; 7. Bearing hole; 8. Mounting hole; 9. First weight-reducing groove; 10. First reinforcing rib; 11. Fixing sleeve; 12. Lower column tube; 13. Handle; 14. Connecting hole; 15. Mounting part; 16. Side; 17. Bottom; 18. Second reinforcing rib; 19. Second weight-reducing groove; 20. Third reinforcing rib; 21. Third weight-reducing groove; 31. Spindle noise-reducing sleeve; 32. Hook. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] like Figures 1 to 5As shown, an internally collapsible steering column lower tube 12 includes a rectangular opening locking structure 1, a handle 13, and a lower tube 12. The handle 13 includes a connecting hole 14. The rectangular opening locking structure 1 includes: a fixing sleeve 11 with an inner wall that is a cylindrical inner surface 4, the fixing sleeve 11 having an opening structure extending from a first end to a second end of the fixing sleeve 11, the second end of the fixing sleeve 11 having a bearing hole 7, and one end of the lower tube 12 being embedded in the fixing sleeve 11; and two clamping parts 2, symmetrically arranged on both sides of the opening structure, each clamping part 2 having a spindle fixing hole 3, the two spindle fixing holes 3 being correspondingly positioned. The connecting hole 14 corresponds to one of the mandrel fixing holes 3; a first reinforcing rib 10 is provided on the outer surface of the clamping part 2, and there are multiple first reinforcing ribs 10 arranged side by side, and a first weight reduction groove 9 is provided between two adjacent first reinforcing ribs 10; a second reinforcing rib 18 is provided on the inner surface of the clamping part 2, and there are multiple second reinforcing ribs 18 arranged side by side; a mandrel silencing sleeve 31 is hollow and is fixed in the mandrel fixing hole 3 by two hooks 32; a mandrel passes through the mandrel silencing sleeve 31, and the handle 13 is connected to the clamping part 2 through the mandrel.

[0031] In this embodiment, the mandrel silencing sleeve 31 is fixed in the mandrel fixing hole 3 by two hooks 32. The mandrel passes through the mandrel silencing sleeve 31, thereby passing through the two clamping parts 2 of the rectangular opening locking structure 1. The handle 13 is connected to the mandrel through the connecting hole 14, so that the handle 13 can drive the mandrel to rotate. The cylindrical inner surface 4 slides with the outer surface of the lower column tube 12. The handle 13 drives the rectangular opening locking structure 1 to lock, thereby providing clamping force to the two clamping parts 2 of the lower column tube 12, causing the two clamping parts 2 to deform inward, and clamping the lower column tube 12 to fix the axial direction of the column.

[0032] The outer surface of the fixing sleeve 11 is provided with a plurality of second weight-reducing grooves 19. The inner surface of each clamping part 2 has five second reinforcing ribs 18. The first weight-reducing grooves 9 on the outer surface of each clamping part 2 are arranged with the horizontal axis of the mandrel fixing hole 3 as the boundary; four first weight-reducing grooves 9 are arranged above the horizontal axis, and one first weight-reducing groove 9 is arranged on each side of the mandrel fixing hole 3 below the horizontal axis. The second weight-reducing grooves 19 on the outer surface of the fixing sleeve 11 are arranged in a matrix, with six second weight-reducing grooves 19 in total.

[0033] The clamping part 2 and the outer surface of the fixing sleeve 11 of the rectangular opening locking structure 1 are provided with several weight-reducing grooves. With the setting of the first reinforcing rib 10 and the second reinforcing rib 18, the overall lightweight requirements are met, the rigidity requirements are met, and the overall NVH performance is improved.

[0034] The cylindrical inner surface 4 is provided with a relief groove 5, which is used to place grease.

[0035] The clearance groove 5 is filled with grease to ensure smooth sliding of the lower column tube 12 during axial adjustment and to reduce the contact area with the outer surface of the lower column tube 12, thereby increasing the clamping and holding force.

[0036] The outer surface of the fixing sleeve 11 is provided with a rectangular hole 6, which is located on the side away from the opening.

[0037] A collapsible energy-absorbing structure is fixed on the fixed sleeve 11. The energy-absorbing structure cooperates with the two sides of the long side of the rectangular hole 6. The length of the rectangular hole 6 determines the relative sliding range of the lower column tube 12. At the same time, when the car collides, after the collapsible energy-absorbing structure collides with the end face of the rectangular hole 6, the nylon spindle in the energy-absorbing mechanism is sheared to achieve the energy absorption function.

[0038] The rectangular opening locking structure 1 has a closed end with a mounting part 15. The mounting part 15 is a concave structure, and its upper opening is in the same direction as the opening structure of the rectangular opening locking structure 1. The mounting part 15 includes: a bottom edge 17, which includes a first part, a second part, and a third part. The first part is perpendicular to the axial direction of the lower column tube 12, and the third reinforcing rib 20 is inclined at the connection position between the first part and the rectangular opening locking structure 1. The second part is inclined to the first part, and the third part is parallel to the axial direction of the lower column tube 12. There are two side edges 16, which are respectively connected to the two sides of the rectangular opening locking structure 1. The two side edges 16 are symmetrically arranged, and each side edge 16 has several third weight-reducing grooves 21 on the side facing away from the other side edge 16. There are two mounting holes 8, which are located at the ends of the side edges 16 away from the rectangular opening locking structure 1.

[0039] Two plastic sleeves are installed inside mounting hole 8. The bushings are hollow, and their outer diameter mates with the inner hole of the plastic sleeve. Bolts are then passed through the bushing holes and installed onto the vehicle body tube beam.

[0040] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications can be made to it and components can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of the present invention. In particular, the technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any manner as long as there is no structural conflict. The present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

[0041] In the description of this utility model, terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," which indicate direction or positional relationships, are based on the direction or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are used merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element 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. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0042] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this utility model, 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 according to the specific circumstances.

[0043] The term "comprising" or any other similar term is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, article, or apparatus / device that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to those processes, articles, or apparatus / devices.

[0044] The technical solution of this utility model has been described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the protection scope of this utility model is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principle of this utility model, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after these changes or substitutions will all fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An in-folded steering column lower column tube characterized by, The device includes a rectangular opening locking structure (1), a handle (13), and a lower column tube (12). The handle (13) includes a connecting hole (14). The rectangular opening locking structure (1) includes: The fixing sleeve (11) has a cylindrical inner surface (4) on its inner wall. The fixing sleeve is provided with an opening structure that extends from the first end of the fixing sleeve to the second end of the fixing sleeve. The second end of the fixing sleeve is provided with a bearing hole (7). One end of the lower column tube (12) is embedded in the fixing sleeve (11). Clamping part (2), there are two clamping parts (2), the two clamping parts (2) are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the opening structure, both clamping parts (2) are provided with spindle fixing holes (3), the two spindle fixing holes (3) are in corresponding positions, and the connecting hole (14) corresponds to one spindle fixing hole (3). First reinforcing ribs (10) are provided on the outer surface of the clamping part (2). There are multiple first reinforcing ribs (10), and multiple first reinforcing ribs (10) are arranged side by side. A first weight-reducing groove (9) is provided between two adjacent first reinforcing ribs (10). The second reinforcing rib (18) is provided on the inner surface of the clamping part (2). There are multiple second reinforcing ribs (18), and multiple second reinforcing ribs (18) are arranged side by side. The mandrel silencing sleeve (31) is hollow and is fixed in the mandrel fixing hole (3) by two hooks (32); The mandrel passes through the mandrel silencer sleeve (31), and the handle (13) is connected to the clamping part (2) through the mandrel.

2. The internally collapsible steering column lower tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer surface of the fixed sleeve (11) is provided with several second weight-reducing grooves (19).

3. The lower tube of the internally collapsible steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cylindrical inner surface (4) is provided with a relief groove (5), which is used to place grease.

4. The internally collapsible steering column lower tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer surface of the fixing sleeve (11) is provided with a rectangular hole (6), which is located on the side away from the opening.

5. The lower tube of the internally collapsible steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of the second reinforcing ribs (18) on the inner surface of each clamping part (2) is five.

6. The lower tube of the internally collapsible steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first weight-reducing groove (9) on the outer surface of each clamping part (2) is arranged with the horizontal axis of the mandrel fixing hole (3) as the boundary. Four first weight-reducing grooves (9) are arranged above the horizontal axis, and one first weight-reducing groove (9) is arranged on each side of the mandrel fixing hole (3) below the horizontal axis.

7. The internally collapsible steering column lower tube according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second weight-reducing grooves (19) provided on the outer surface of the fixed sleeve (11) are arranged in a matrix, with six second weight-reducing grooves (19).

8. The lower tube of the internally collapsible steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rectangular opening locking structure (1) has a mounting part (15) at one closed end. The mounting part (15) is a concave structure, and the upper opening is in the same direction as the opening structure of the rectangular opening locking structure (1). The mounting part (15) includes: Bottom edge (17), the bottom edge (17) includes a first part, a second part and a third part. The first part is perpendicular to the axial direction of the lower column tube (12), and a third reinforcing rib (20) is inclined at the connection position of the first part and the rectangular opening locking structure (1). The second part is inclined to the first part, and the third part is parallel to the axial direction of the lower column tube (12). Side (16), there are two side (16), which are respectively connected to the two sides of the rectangular opening locking structure (1). The two side (16) are symmetrically arranged, and each side (16) has several third weight reduction grooves (21) on the side facing away from the other side. Mounting holes (8), there are two mounting holes (8), and the side (16) is set away from the end of the rectangular opening locking structure (1).

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