Adapter for steering column

Abstract

The utility model discloses an adapter for steering column, including first part, second part and third part, first part with second part are located steering outside the pipe of steering column's outside, the volume of first part is greater than the volume of second part, first part is used for with the fixed connection of external mounting boss, second part connects between first part with third part, third part with fixed connection of steering outside the pipe. Compared with prior art in the adapter in fixed connection root is directly cut off, the utility model discloses the adapter in the utility model twists first and then is cut off after being pushed down and produces the relatively lower collapse peak value of peak value, can satisfy the requirement of specific customer to collapse curve.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of steering columns, and more particularly to an adapter for steering columns. Background Technology

[0002] As the core component of a vehicle's steering system, the steering column's main function is to transmit the rotational torque of the steering wheel to the steering gear, thereby driving the wheels to turn. Simultaneously, the steering column integrates a collapsible energy-absorbing structure, which absorbs impact force through deformation during a collision to protect the driver.

[0003] Existing steering columns typically include a steering shaft, an outer steering tube, a guide tube, and an adapter. The outer steering tube is fitted over the steering shaft, the guide tube is mounted outside the outer steering tube, and the adapter is mounted on the outer steering tube and positioned outside the guide tube. During assembly, the adapter is fixedly connected to the mounting boss of the cover via fasteners. In the event of a vehicle accident and steering column collapse, the guide tube is fixed to the car cross beam (CCB) via a mounting bracket. Under external force, the outer steering tube, along with the steering shaft, moves relative to the guide tube. When the guide tube contacts and shears off the adapter, the transient collapse peak of the collapse curve is very large because the adapter is directly sheared off. Sometimes, this large collapse peak does not meet the customer's collapse curve requirements. Furthermore, in existing technologies, the wall thickness of the adapter on one side in one direction is smaller than the wall thickness on the other side perpendicular to that direction. Therefore, when the cover is fixed by self-tapping screws passing through the mounting holes, the sides with smaller wall thickness are prone to cracking, leading to adapter damage.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to design an adapter for the steering column that effectively reduces the peak value of the crumple zone and is not easily broken. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide an adapter for steering columns that effectively reduces crumple peak and is not easily broken.

[0006] The present invention provides an adapter for a steering column, comprising a first part, a second part, and a third part. The first part and the second part are located outside the steering outer tube of the steering column. The volume of the first part is larger than that of the second part. The first part is used to be fixedly connected to an external mounting boss. The second part is connected between the first part and the third part. The third part is fixedly connected to the steering outer tube.

[0007] Furthermore, the third part includes two hooks that are inserted into the steering outer tube.

[0008] Furthermore, the hook is provided with a weakening structure.

[0009] Furthermore, the weakening structure is a groove formed between the hook and the second part.

[0010] Furthermore, a fixing hole is provided at the center of the top surface of the first part, and the fixing hole is equidistant from the edge of the first part.

[0011] Furthermore, the cross-section of the top surface of the first part is rectangular or circular.

[0012] Furthermore, the first part and the second part have a central hollow section in the middle, and the fixing hole communicates with the central hollow section.

[0013] Furthermore, the first part includes a straight platform and an inclined platform, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the top surface of the inclined platform is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the bottom surface of the inclined platform, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the top surface of the inclined platform is the same as the cross-sectional area of ​​the bottom surface of the straight platform.

[0014] Furthermore, the maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the second part is equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the bottom surface of the inclined plate.

[0015] Furthermore, both the first part and the second part are spaced rib-like structures.

[0016] The above technical solution has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] In this invention, because the volume of the first part is larger than that of the second part, when the steering column collapses upon impact, the guide cylinder contacts the first part first. The first part is subjected to force, and with the fixed connection point between the third part and the steering outer tube as the fulcrum, a lever arm is generated at the first part, causing the adapter to be twisted and pushed over before being sheared at the second part. Compared to the prior art where the adapter is directly sheared off at the fixed connection root, the collapse peak generated by the adapter being twisted, pushed over, and then sheared in this invention is relatively lower, which can meet the specific customer's requirements for the collapse curve. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The disclosure of this utility model will become more readily understood by referring to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. In the drawings:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the adapter being installed on the steering column in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a partially enlarged view of an embodiment of the present invention showing the adapter installed on the steering column;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a magnified view of a portion of the steering column;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the adapter in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a side view of the adapter in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a top view of the adapter in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a side view of the adapter in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0026] Figure 8 This is a bottom view of the adapter in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a steering column in one embodiment of the present invention, omitting the adapter.

[0028] Reference table for attached figures:

[0029] Adapter 10:

[0030] Part 1: Fixing hole 11, edge 12, straight platform 13, inclined platform 14;

[0031] Part 2;

[0032] Part 3: Hook 31, Groove 32;

[0033] 4. Hollowed-out section in the middle;

[0034] Steering outer tube 20: Mounting hole 201;

[0035] Mounting boss 30, guide cylinder 40, and protective cover 50. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] It is readily understood that, based on the technical solution of this utility model, various structural and implementation methods can be interchanged by those skilled in the art without altering the essential spirit of this utility model. Therefore, the following detailed embodiments and accompanying drawings are merely illustrative descriptions of the technical solution of this utility model and should not be considered as the entirety of this utility model or as limitations or restrictions on the technical solution of this utility model.

[0038] The directional terms such as up, down, left, right, front, back, front, back, top, and bottom mentioned or possibly used in this specification are defined relative to the structures shown in the accompanying drawings. They are relative concepts and may therefore vary depending on their location and usage. Therefore, these or other directional terms should not be interpreted as restrictive.

[0039] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 4-5 As shown, the adapter 10 for the steering column includes a first part 1, a second part 2 and a third part 3. The first part 1 and the second part 2 are located outside the steering outer tube 20 of the steering column. The volume of the first part 1 is larger than the volume of the second part 2. The first part 1 is used to be fixedly connected to the external mounting boss 30. The second part 2 is connected between the first part 1 and the third part 3. The third part 3 is fixedly connected to the steering outer tube 20.

[0040] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the steering column includes an adapter 10, an outer steering tube 20, and a guide cylinder 40, with the guide cylinder 40 mounted on the outside of the outer steering tube 20. The adapter 10 is mounted on the outer surface of the outer steering tube 20 and maintains a certain distance from the guide cylinder 40.

[0041] like Figures 2-3 As shown, the adapter 10 is also fixedly connected to an external mounting boss 30, which is located on the inner wall of the cover 50, which covers the outside of the steering outer tube 20.

[0042] like Figure 5 As shown, the adapter 10 includes a first part 1, a second part 2, and a third part 3. The first part 1 has the largest volume and is used to fix it to the mounting boss 30. The second part 2 has a smaller volume than the first part 1. The third part 3 is used to fix it to the steering outer tube 20.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, the adapter 10 is installed between the steering outer tube 20 and the mounting boss 30. When a vehicle accident occurs and the steering column collapses due to impact, the guide cylinder 40 first contacts the first part 1, and the first part 1 is subjected to force. The fulcrum is the fixed connection point of the third part 3 set at the steering outer tube 20. A lever arm is generated at the first part 1, and the guide cylinder 40 then pushes the entire adapter 10. After the entire adapter 10 is twisted and pushed over, it is sheared at the second part 2. The volume of the first part 1 is larger than the volume of the second part 2, so that the guide cylinder 40 contacts the first part 1 first during movement to generate a torsional lever arm that pushes the adapter 10 over.

[0044] Compared to existing adapters where the fixed connection root is directly cut off, the collapse peak generated by the adapter in this embodiment being twisted, pushed down, and then cut is relatively low, which can meet the specific customer's requirements for the collapse curve.

[0045] Furthermore, such as Figure 7 As shown, the third part 3 includes two hooks 31, which are inserted into the steering outer tube 20.

[0046] Specifically, such as Figure 9 As shown, the outer wall of the steering outer tube 20 is provided with two mounting holes 201, and two hooks 31 are respectively inserted into the two mounting holes 201 to achieve a fixed connection with the steering outer tube 20. When the adapter 10 is twisted, the hooks 31 and the steering outer tube 20 remain relatively stationary, so the connection between the hooks 31 and the steering outer tube 20 serves as the fulcrum when the adapter 10 is twisted as a whole.

[0047] Preferably, the hook 31 is provided with a weakening structure, which can reduce the strength and further prevent the adapter 10 from generating a high collapse peak force when it is sheared.

[0048] Furthermore, such as Figure 7 As shown, the weakening structure is a groove 32 formed between the hook 31 and the second part 2.

[0049] Alternatively, the weakening structure can also be a structure such as multiple spaced holes arranged between the hook 31 and the second part 2.

[0050] Furthermore, such as Figure 6 As shown, a fixing hole 11 is provided at the center of the top surface of the first part 1, and the fixing hole 11 is equidistant from the edge 12 of the first part 1. Since the fixing hole 11 is equidistant from the edge 12 of the top surface, the forces on each edge 12 of the top surface of the first part 1 are equal, which can prevent cracking and damage of a weak edge on the adapter 10 after the fastener is driven into the fixing hole 11 and fixed to the mounting boss 30.

[0051] In this embodiment, as Figure 6 As shown, the top surface of the first part 1 has a rectangular cross-section, and the top surface of the first part 1 includes four edges 12. The fixing hole 11 is at the same distance from the four edges 12.

[0052] Optionally, the cross-section of the top surface of the first part 1 can also be circular or hexagonal.

[0053] Furthermore, such as Figures 7-8 As shown, the middle part of the first part 1 and the middle part 2 are provided with a central hollow 4, and the fixing hole 11 is connected to the central hollow 4.

[0054] Specifically, such as Figure 7 As shown, the central cutout 4 extends longitudinally and divides the first part 1 and the second part 2 into left and right sections, but the central cutout 4 does not extend to the top surface of the first part 1. The central cutout 4 facilitates the insertion of the third part 3 into the steering outer tube 20 by compressing and deforming the first part 1 and the second part 2.

[0055] like Figure 8 As shown, the central cutout 4 is connected to the fixing hole 11. Figure 3 As shown, the mounting boss 30 has mounting holes corresponding to the fixing holes 11. After the bolts pass through the fixing holes 11 and the mounting holes, the first part 1 is fixedly connected to the mounting boss 30. The hollowed-out part 4 in the middle facilitates the installation of bolts.

[0056] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 As shown, the first part 1 includes a straight platform 13 and an inclined platform 14. The cross-sectional area of ​​the top surface of the inclined platform 14 is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the bottom surface of the inclined platform 14. The cross-sectional area of ​​the top surface of the inclined platform 14 is the same as the cross-sectional area of ​​the bottom surface of the straight platform 13.

[0057] Specifically, the cross-sectional area of ​​the top surface of the straight platform 13 is approximately the same as the cross-sectional area of ​​its bottom surface, or the dimensions of its outer contour are basically the same. The cross-sectional area of ​​the inclined platform 14 gradually decreases from top to bottom, forming an inverted frustum shape. The top surface of the inclined platform 14 connects to the bottom surface of the straight platform 13, and the bottom surface connects to the top surface of the second part 2. Therefore, the inclined platform 14 serves as a transitional connection for the second part 2. This arrangement makes the second part 2 the location with the smallest cross-sectional area besides the third part 3, thus becoming the part to be sheared. Since the straight platform 13 has the largest cross-sectional area, during collapse, the straight platform 13 first contacts the guide cylinder 40. The distance between the straight platform 13 and the second part 2 forms a lever arm, thereby causing the entire adapter 10 to twist.

[0058] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 As shown, the maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the second part 2 is equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the bottom surface of the inclined platform 14.

[0059] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 As shown, both Part 1 and Part 2 are spaced-apart rib structures. Part 1 and Part 2 are not solid structures, partly to reduce weight and material usage, and partly to prevent air bubbles from forming in the adapter. During injection molding, if the injection pressure is insufficient, the molten plastic cannot fully fill the mold cavity, causing air to be trapped and forming bubbles. The rib structure facilitates the removal of air from the cavity.

[0060] In this invention, because the volume of the first part is larger than that of the second part, when the steering column collapses upon impact, the guide cylinder contacts the first part first. The first part is subjected to force, and with the fixed connection point between the third part and the steering outer tube as the fulcrum, a lever arm is generated at the first part, causing the adapter to be twisted and pushed over before being sheared at the second part. Compared to the prior art where the adapter is directly sheared off at the fixed connection root, the collapse peak generated by the adapter being twisted, pushed over, and then sheared in this invention is relatively lower, which can meet the specific customer's requirements for the collapse curve.

[0061] The above description is merely the principle and preferred embodiment of this utility model. It should be noted that, for those skilled in the art, several other modifications can be made based on the principle of this utility model, and these modifications should also be considered within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An adapter for a steering column, characterized in that, It includes a first part, a second part, and a third part. The first part and the second part are located outside the steering outer tube of the steering column. The volume of the first part is larger than that of the second part. The first part is used to be fixedly connected to an external mounting boss. The second part is connected between the first part and the third part. The third part is fixedly connected to the steering outer tube.

2. The adapter for a steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that, The third part includes two hooks that are inserted into the steering outer tube.

3. The adapter for the steering column according to claim 2, characterized in that, The hook is equipped with a weakening structure.

4. The adapter for a steering column according to claim 3, characterized in that, The weakening structure is a groove formed between the hook and the second part.

5. The adapter for a steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that, A fixing hole is provided at the center of the top surface of the first part, and the fixing hole is equidistant from the edge of the first part.

6. The adapter for a steering column according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cross-section of the top surface of the first part is rectangular or circular.

7. The adapter for a steering column according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first part and the second part have a central hollow section in the middle, and the fixing hole communicates with the central hollow section.

8. The adapter for a steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first part includes a straight platform and an inclined platform. The cross-sectional area of ​​the top surface of the inclined platform is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the bottom surface of the inclined platform. The cross-sectional area of ​​the top surface of the inclined platform is the same as the cross-sectional area of ​​the bottom surface of the straight platform.

9. The adapter for a steering column according to claim 8, characterized in that, The maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the second part is equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the bottom surface of the inclined plate.

10. The adapter for a steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first part and the second part are spaced-apart rib structures.

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