A steering column system and its integrated rotary handle mechanism

Abstract

This application discloses a steering column system and its integrated rotary handle mechanism, relating to the field of vehicle technology. The integrated rotary handle mechanism includes a steering column, a handle body, and a drive assembly. The steering column is sleeved on the outside of the steering column. The handle body includes a connecting segment and a movable segment. The movable segment is movably connected to the first end of the connecting segment to enable steering column operation. The drive assembly is disposed on the steering column, and the output end of the drive assembly is drively connected to the second end of the connecting segment. It is used to drive the handle body to deflect around a first direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the length direction of the steering column, so that the handle body can move toward the side away from the dashboard. Using this integrated rotary handle mechanism can avoid interference and collision with the dashboard.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle technology, and more specifically, to a steering column system and its integrated rotary handle mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Cars typically have a switch lever operating mechanism. When the lever is in its initial position, it can be operated forward, backward, up, and down to perform steering column operation functions such as turning, lane changing, windshield wipers, headlight adjustment, and gear shifting. When the switch lever operating mechanism is integrated into the steering column system, and the steering column system, including the steering wheel and steering column, needs to be folded to adjust the interior space, at least the following problems have been found in practice: during the folding and retraction of the steering column system, the lever may interfere with or collide with the dashboard.

[0003] In summary, how to avoid interference and collision between the handle and the dashboard is a problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to provide an integrated rotary handle mechanism that can avoid interference and collision with the dashboard.

[0005] Another object of this application is to provide a steering column system including the above-described integrated rotary handle mechanism.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution:

[0007] An integrated rotary handle mechanism includes:

[0008] Steering column, fitted onto the outside of the steering column;

[0009] The handle body includes a connecting handle segment and a movable handle segment, wherein the movable handle segment is movably connected to the first end of the connecting handle segment to enable the steering column operation function;

[0010] A drive assembly is disposed on the steering column, and the output end of the drive assembly is drively connected to the second end of the connecting handle segment for driving the handle body to deflect about a first direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the length direction of the steering column, so that the handle body can move toward the side away from the instrument panel.

[0011] Preferably, the drive assembly includes a power component, an active component, and a driven component. The power component is disposed on the steering column, and the driven component is rotatably disposed on the steering column. The output end of the power component is connected to the active component to drive the active component to rotate. The active component and the driven component engage in transmission. The driven component is transmissionally connected to the second end of the connecting handle segment.

[0012] Preferably, the driven member is a worm gear, and the shaft of the driven member extends along a first direction; the driving member is a worm, and the shaft of the driving member is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0013] Preferably, the drive assembly further includes a drive shaft extending along a first direction, with a first end of the drive shaft being driveably connected to the driven member and a second end being driveably connected to the handle body.

[0014] Preferably, there are two handle bodies and two drive shafts. The two drive shafts are located on both sides of the driven member and extend along the same axis as the driven member. The second ends of the two drive shafts are connected to the corresponding handle bodies.

[0015] Preferably, the steering column has a receiving chamber, the receiving chamber is a T-shaped chamber, the transverse cavity of the receiving chamber extends along the first direction, and the longitudinal cavity of the receiving chamber extends in a direction parallel to the length direction of the steering column;

[0016] Both the drive shaft and the driven member are rotatably disposed in the transverse cavity of the accommodating chamber, and the driven member is located at the middle position of the length of the transverse cavity.

[0017] The output end of the power component is inserted into the longitudinal cavity. The first end structure of the driving component is connected to the power component and is located in the longitudinal cavity. The second end structure extends into the transverse cavity and is located on the side of the driven component.

[0018] Preferably, the integrated rotary handle mechanism further includes a controller, which is signal-connected to the power component and used to control the movement of the power component.

[0019] Preferably, the integrated rotary handle mechanism further includes a position acquisition device for acquiring the position of the handle body, and the controller signal is connected to the position acquisition device for receiving the position signal output by the position acquisition device.

[0020] Preferably, the integrated rotary handle mechanism further includes a signal acquisition device for acquiring a clearance signal or a reset signal. The controller is signal-connected to the signal acquisition device and is used to receive the start signal from the signal acquisition device to control the start and steering of the power component.

[0021] A steering column system comprising the integrated rotary handle mechanism described in any of the preceding claims.

[0022] In this application, the steering column has a insertion channel extending along its own length, allowing the steering column to be fitted onto the outside of the steering column and fixed at the middle position of the steering column's length. A handle body and a drive assembly are provided on the steering column. The handle body consists of a connecting segment and a movable segment. One end of the connecting segment is connected to the output end of the drive assembly, and the other end is fitted with the movable segment. The movable segment integrates a structure for controlling functions such as lane changing and / or wipers and / or headlights and / or gear shifting. The movable segment is ball-jointed with the connecting segment, so when the movable segment rotates relative to the connecting segment, the aforementioned functions such as lane changing and / or wipers and / or headlights and / or gear shifting can be achieved.

[0023] Correspondingly, the drive component outputs rotation, and the rotation output by the drive component is centered on a direction perpendicular to the steering column axis. After the integrated rotary handle mechanism is installed on the steering column, when the steering column system needs to be folded, the drive component drives the handle body to rotate in the forward direction about the first direction as the axis, causing the handle body to move away from the above-mentioned insertion channel to the avoidance position, away from the instrument panel, so as to make way. Thus, the handle body will not interfere with or collide with the instrument panel during the folding process of the steering column system. Conversely, when the steering column system is reset, the drive component drives the handle body to rotate in the reverse direction about the first direction as the axis, causing the handle body to move away from the above-mentioned insertion channel to the normal position, closer to the instrument panel, so as to reset. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application 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 embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a specific embodiment provided in this application;

[0026] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a specific embodiment provided in this application;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the driving component in the specific embodiments provided in this application;

[0028] Figure 4 A partial front view of the driving component for a specific embodiment provided in this application;

[0029] Figure 5 A partial side view of the driving component for a specific embodiment provided in this application.

[0030] Figure label:

[0031] 1-Steering column; 11-Main column; 12-Protective frame; 101-Accommodating chamber; 1011-Transverse cavity; 1012-Longitudinal cavity; 2-Handle body; 21-Connecting handle section; 22-Moving handle section; 3-Drive assembly; 31-Power component; 32-Driving component; 33-Driven component; 34-Drive shaft; 341-Main shaft section; 342-Rotating joint; 4-Controller;

[0032] X - First direction. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0034] The core of this application is to provide an integrated rotary handle mechanism that avoids interference and collision with the dashboard. Another core aspect of this application is to provide a steering column system including the aforementioned integrated rotary handle mechanism.

[0035] This application provides an integrated rotary handle mechanism, including a steering column 1, a handle body 2, and a drive assembly 3. The steering column 1 is sleeved on the outside of the steering column. The handle body 2 includes a connecting segment 21 and a movable segment 22. The movable segment 22 is movably connected to the first end of the connecting segment 21 to enable steering column operation. The drive assembly 3 is disposed on the steering column 1, and the output end of the drive assembly 3 is drively connected to the second end of the connecting segment 21 to drive the handle body 2 to deflect around a first direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the length direction of the steering column 1, so that the handle body 2 can move toward the side away from the dashboard.

[0036] The steering column 1 has a insertion channel extending along its own length, allowing the steering column 1 to be fitted onto the outside of the steering column and fixed at the midpoint of the steering column's length. (Refer to...) Figure 1 and Figure 2As explained, a handle body 2 and a drive assembly 3 are provided on the steering column 1. The handle body 2 consists of a connecting handle segment 21 and a movable handle segment 22. One end of the connecting handle segment 21 is connected to the output end of the drive assembly 3, and the other end is equipped with the movable handle segment 22. The movable handle segment 22 integrates a structure for controlling functions such as steering lane changing and / or wiping and / or dimming and / or shifting gears. The movable handle segment 22 is ball-jointed to the handle segment 21. When the movable handle segment 22 rotates relative to the connecting handle segment 21, it can realize the above-mentioned functions such as steering lane changing and / or wiping and / or dimming and / or shifting gears.

[0037] Correspondingly, the drive assembly 3 outputs rotation, and the rotation output by the drive assembly 3 is centered on a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the steering column 1. After this integrated rotary handle mechanism is installed on the steering column, when the steering column system needs to be folded, the drive assembly 3 drives the handle body 2 to rotate in the positive direction about the first direction, causing the handle body 2 to move toward the side away from the aforementioned insertion channel to the clearance position, just as... Figure 1 M1 refers to the handle body 2 in the aforementioned clearance position, which is moved away from the dashboard to allow for clearance. During the folding process of the steering column system, the handle body 2 will not interfere with or collide with the dashboard. Conversely, when the steering column system resets, the drive assembly 3 drives the handle body 2 to rotate in the opposite direction about the first axis, causing the handle body 2 to move towards the side closest to the aforementioned insertion channel to the normal position, just as... Figure 1 M2 refers to the handle body 2 in the above-mentioned normal working position, which is close to the instrument panel to achieve reset.

[0038] Based on the above embodiments, the drive assembly 3 includes a power component 31, an active component 32, and a driven component 33. The power component 31 is disposed on the steering column 1, and the driven component 33 is rotatably disposed on the steering column 1. The output end of the power component 31 is connected to the active component 32 to drive the active component 32 to rotate. The active component 32 and the driven component 33 engage in transmission. The driven component 33 is connected to the second end of the connecting handle segment 21.

[0039] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As explained, in the drive assembly 3, the power component 31 is mounted on the steering column 1 and can be a motor or similar device. The output end of the power component 31 is fixedly connected to the driving component 32, while the driven component 33 is rotatably mounted on the steering column 1. The driving component 32 and the driven component 33 are meshed and driven, for example, both the driving component 32 and the driven component 33 are gears. The handle body 2 is driven and connected to the driven component 33, for example, by a fixed connection or a coupling. When in use, the power component 31 is started, and the power output by the power component 31 is sequentially transmitted to the driving component 32, the driven component 33 and the handle body 2, thereby driving them to rotate around the first direction as an axis.

[0040] Based on the above embodiment, the driven member 33 is a worm gear, and the axis of rotation of the driven member 33 extends along the first direction, the driving member 32 is a worm, and the axis of rotation of the driving member 32 is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0041] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As can be seen, the driven member 33 can rotate about the first direction as an axis, while the driving member 32 rotates about the length direction of the insertion channel of the steering column 1. That is, the driving member 32 rotates about the length direction of the steering column 1. With this configuration, the integrated rotary handle mechanism has a smaller volume.

[0042] Based on the above embodiments, the drive assembly 3 further includes a drive shaft 34, which extends along a first direction, and the first end of the drive shaft 34 is connected to the driven member 33, and the second end is connected to the handle body 2.

[0043] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 As explained, the drive assembly 3 is also equipped with a drive shaft 34. The drive shaft 34 can be a rod of a circular or other shape. One end of the drive shaft 34 is connected to the driven member 33 by means of a fixed connection, coupling, or key connection. The rotation of the driven member 33 can drive the drive shaft 34 to rotate about the first direction. The other end of the drive shaft 34 is connected to the handle body 2 by means of a fixed connection or coupling. The drive shaft 34 can achieve long-distance transmission, so that the handle body 2 is located on the side of the above-mentioned insertion channel in the steering column 1, which facilitates the operation of the handle body 2.

[0044] For preferred options, please refer to [the following]. Figure 3 The drive shaft 34 includes several main shaft sections 341 and rotating joints 342, which are arranged alternately. The cross-sectional shape of the main shaft section 341 is cross-shaped, and the rotating joint 342 is cylindrical. The cross-sectional width of the main shaft section 341 is smaller than the diameter of the steering knuckle. The drive shaft 34 contacts the steering column 1 through the rotating joint 342 to achieve rotation and effectively reduce its own weight.

[0045] Based on the above embodiment, there are two handle bodies 2 and two drive shafts 34. The two drive shafts 34 are located on both sides of the driven member 33, and the two drive shafts 34 extend along the same axis as the driven member 33. The second ends of the two drive shafts 34 are connected to the corresponding handle bodies 2.

[0046] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4To enrich the integrated rotary handle mechanism with the aforementioned functions of steering, lane changing, and / or windshield wipers and / or headlight adjustment and / or gear shifting, the integrated rotary handle mechanism is equipped with two handle bodies 2. Furthermore, to prevent interference and collision between the two handles and the instrument panel when the steering wheel and steering column system are folded, a drive shaft 34 is provided on both sides of the driven member 33. The center lines of the two drive shafts 34 are collinear with the center line of the driven member 33. The ends of the two drive shafts 34 that are close to each other are connected to the driven member 33, and the ends of the two drive shafts 34 that are far apart are connected to the corresponding handle bodies 2. Thus, during the rotation of the driven member 33, the two handle bodies 2 can be driven to rotate synchronously.

[0047] Based on the above embodiment, the steering column 1 has a receiving chamber 101, which is a T-shaped chamber. The transverse cavity 1011 of the receiving chamber 101 extends along a first direction, and the longitudinal cavity 1012 of the receiving chamber 101 extends parallel to the length direction of the steering column 1. The drive shaft 34 and the driven member 33 are rotatably disposed in the transverse cavity 1011 of the receiving chamber 101, and the driven member 33 is located at the middle position of the length of the transverse cavity 1011. The output end of the power member 31 is inserted into the longitudinal cavity 1012. The first end structure of the driving member 32 connected to the power member 31 is located in the longitudinal cavity 1012, and the second end structure extends into the transverse cavity 1011 and is located on the side of the driven member 33.

[0048] refer to Figure 2 As explained, the receiving chamber 101 is located on the side of the insertion channel of the steering column 1. The longitudinal cavity 1012 extends along the length of the steering column 1, while the transverse cavity 1011 extends perpendicular to the length of the steering column 1. The upper end of the longitudinal cavity 1012 intersects the midpoint of the transverse cavity 1011. Correspondingly, the drive shaft 34 and the driven member 33 are both located in the transverse cavity 1011, with the driven member 33 located in the intersection of the transverse cavity 1011 and the longitudinal cavity 1012. The two drive shafts 34 are located on both sides of the driven member 33 and extend along the transverse cavity 1011. The length of the 11 extends and both ends of the transverse cavity 1011 have openings for the transmission connection of the far ends of the two drive shafts 34 to the handle body 2 located outside the accommodating cavity 101; the motor and the driving member 32 are both arranged longitudinally, the output end of the motor is connected to the driving member 32, and the upper part of the driving member 32 is used to extend into the part where the rod segment of the driven member 33 intersects the transverse cavity 1011 and the longitudinal cavity 1012 to engage with the driven member 33 for transmission. This arrangement helps to protect the drive assembly 3 and avoid possible damage to the drive assembly 3 during driving.

[0049] Furthermore, the steering column 1 includes a main column 11 and a protective frame 12. The protective frame 12 is detachably installed on the main column 11 and together with the main column 11 forms a longitudinal cavity 1012 to facilitate maintenance and installation.

[0050] refer to Figure 5 As can be seen, based on the above embodiments, the integrated rotary handle mechanism also includes a controller 4. The controller 4 is signal-connected to the power component 31 and is used to control the action of the power component 31. The controller 4 can be a PLC or a sine wave controller 4, etc. When in use, after receiving the signal of folding of the steering wheel and steering column system, the controller 4 first automatically controls the handle to rotate to the avoidance position, which effectively improves the automation level of the integrated rotary handle mechanism and helps to reduce the operational difficulty of folding the steering wheel and steering column system.

[0051] Based on the above embodiments, the integrated rotary handle mechanism also includes a position acquisition device for acquiring the position of the handle body 2, and the controller 4 is signal-connected to the position acquisition device for receiving the position signal output by the position acquisition device. In use, after the handle body 2 rotates to the avoidance position or the normal position, the position acquisition device can determine that the handle body 2 has rotated to the correct position. After the controller 4 receives the signal from the position acquisition device, it can control the power component 31 to stop so that the handle body 2 stays in the original position.

[0052] In some embodiments, the position acquisition device may be a sub-controller. The sub-controller is signal-connected to the detector and the controller 4. The detector is used to detect the rotation angle of the handle body 2. The sub-controller is used to receive the detection result of the detector and output a start / stop control signal to the controller 4 so as to control the power component 31 to stop working through the controller 4.

[0053] In other embodiments, the position acquisition device may employ a displacement / position sensor to detect and determine the angular displacement / position of the drive shaft 34, such as an angle sensor installed on the drive shaft 34 or an electromagnetic switch light installed on the steering column 1. Since the drive shaft 34 rotates synchronously with the handle body 2, the detection result for the drive shaft 34 is equivalent to the detection result for the handle body 2. The controller 4 is used to receive the detection result of the position acquisition device and control the power component 31 to stop working.

[0054] Of course, the location acquisition device is not limited to the example types in the above embodiments, as long as it can achieve the above functions.

[0055] Based on the above embodiments, the integrated rotary handle mechanism also includes a signal acquisition device. The signal acquisition device is used to acquire a clearance signal or a reset signal. The controller 4 is signal-connected to the signal acquisition device and is used to receive the start signal of the signal acquisition device to control the start and direction of the power component 31. The signal acquisition device can be an encoder or a control knob, etc. The clearance signal is a signal that requires the handle body 2 to be rotated to the clearance position, and the reset signal is a signal that requires the handle body 2 to be rotated to the normal position.

[0056] In use, after receiving a clearance signal, i.e. a signal that the steering column system needs to be folded or retracted, the signal acquisition device transmits the clearance signal to the controller 4, so that the controller 4 controls the power component 31 to start, driving the handle body 2 to rotate in the forward direction with the first direction as the axis to the clearance position. Alternatively, after receiving a reset signal, i.e. a signal that the steering column system needs to be reset, the signal acquisition device transmits the reset signal to the controller 4, so that the controller 4 controls the power component 31 to start, driving the handle body 2 to rotate in the reverse direction with the first direction as the axis to the normal position. With the position acquisition device, the adjustment of the handle body 2 can be fully automated.

[0057] In addition to the integrated rotary handle mechanism described above, this application also provides a steering column system that includes the integrated rotary handle mechanism disclosed in the above embodiments. The structure of other parts of the steering column system can be found in the prior art, and will not be described in detail here.

[0058] It should be noted that the relational terms such as "first" and "second" mentioned above are only used to distinguish one entity from several other entities, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities; the terms "upper surface," "lower surface," "top," and "bottom" and the directional terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" mentioned above are defined based on the accompanying drawings in the specification.

[0059] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0060] The steering column system and its integrated rotary handle mechanism provided in this application have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The descriptions of the embodiments above are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications to this application without departing from the principles of this application, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An integrated rotary handle mechanism, characterized in that, include: Steering column (1) is fitted onto the outside of the steering column; The handle body (2) includes a connecting handle segment (21) and a movable handle segment (22), wherein the movable handle segment (22) is movably connected to the first end of the connecting handle segment (21) so as to realize the steering column operation function; A drive assembly (3) is provided on the steering column (1), and the output end of the drive assembly (3) is connected to the second end of the connecting handle segment (21) for driving the handle body (2) to deflect around a first direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the length direction of the steering column (1), so that the handle body (2) can move toward the side away from the instrument panel.

2. The integrated rotary handle mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive assembly (3) includes a power component (31), an active component (32), and a driven component (33). The power component (31) is located on the steering column (1), and the driven component (33) is rotatably located on the steering column (1). The output end of the power component (31) is connected to the active component (32) to drive the active component (32) to rotate. The active component (32) meshes with the driven component (33) for transmission. The driven component (33) is connected to the second end of the connecting handle segment (21).

3. The integrated rotary handle mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The driven member (33) is a worm gear, and the shaft of the driven member (33) extends along a first direction. The driving member (32) is a worm, and the shaft of the driving member (32) is perpendicular to the first direction.

4. The integrated rotary handle mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The drive assembly (3) further includes a drive shaft (34) extending in a first direction, with a first end of the drive shaft (34) being drive-connected to the driven member (33) and a second end being drive-connected to the handle body (2).

5. The integrated rotary handle mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, There are two handle bodies (2) and two drive shafts (34). The two drive shafts (34) are located on both sides of the driven member (33), and the two drive shafts (34) extend along the same axis as the driven member (33). The second end of the two drive shafts (34) is connected to the corresponding handle body (2).

6. The integrated rotary handle mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The steering column (1) has a receiving chamber (101), which is a T-shaped chamber. The transverse cavity (1011) of the receiving chamber (101) extends along the first direction, and the longitudinal cavity (1012) of the receiving chamber (101) extends parallel to the length direction of the steering column (1). Both the drive shaft (34) and the driven member (33) are rotatably disposed in the transverse cavity (1011) of the accommodating chamber (101), and the driven member (33) is located at the middle position of the length of the transverse cavity (1011). The output end of the power member (31) is inserted into the longitudinal cavity (1012). The first end structure of the driving member (32) connected to the power member (31) is located in the longitudinal cavity (1012), and the second end structure extends into the transverse cavity (1011) and is located on the side of the driven member (33).

7. The integrated rotary handle mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The integrated rotary handle mechanism also includes a controller (4), which is signal-connected to the power component (31) and used to control the action of the power component (31).

8. The integrated rotary handle mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that, The integrated rotary handle mechanism also includes a position acquisition device for acquiring the position of the handle body (2), and the controller (4) is signal-connected to the position acquisition device for receiving the position signal output by the position acquisition device.

9. The integrated rotary handle mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that, The integrated rotary handle mechanism also includes a signal acquisition device, which is used to acquire a yield signal or a reset signal. The controller (4) is connected to the signal acquisition device and is used to receive the start signal of the signal acquisition device to control the start and steering of the power component (31).

10. A steering column system, characterized in that, Includes the integrated rotary handle mechanism described in any one of claims 1-9 above.

Images