Three-stage adjustable steering column

Abstract

The utility model discloses a three -section adjustable steering column, including connecting one axis, two axes, three axes and four axes in proper order, and one axis is connected through the spline with two axes, and two axes are connected through the first universal joint with three axes, and three axes are connected through the second universal joint with four axes, three axes are installed in the support, four axes are installed in the base, and the lower end of support is hinged with base and the hinge shaft is opposite the second universal joint, one axis is rotatably installed in the outer tube, and two axes are rotatably installed in the inner tube, and the inner tube is axially slid in the outer tube, and the lower end of inner tube is hinged with the upper end of support and the hinge shaft is opposite the first universal joint. The utility model provides a steering column, can efficiently and concisely realize the composite adjustment of length and multi -angle, solves the problem of single adjustment dimension, insufficient range of traditional steering column, improves the driving comfort, and solves the problem of complicated adjustment operation, and the locking is unreliable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a three-section adjustable steering column, belonging to the technical field of agricultural machinery steering systems. Background Technology

[0002] The steering column is a crucial component of the steering system, primarily responsible for transmitting steering inputs to the driver. The steering column typically connects to the steering wheel at one end and to the hydraulic steering gear at the other. The hydraulic steering gear is connected to the steering wheel cylinders via hydraulic lines. When the steering wheel is turned, power is sequentially transmitted through the steering column and the hydraulic steering system, pulling the steering wheels to rotate and thus controlling their rotation angle.

[0003] Currently, most steering columns on the market only support one angle adjustment or do not support adjustment at all, making it impossible for drivers of different body types to adjust the steering wheel to the most suitable posture for themselves.

[0004] While some steering columns support length and angle adjustment, these adjustments require separate operations, which are complex, inefficient, and pose safety hazards while driving, causing inconvenience to users. Furthermore, the length and angle adjustments are limited by structural design, resulting in a narrow adjustment range and difficulty in adapting to the needs of drivers of different sizes. After length or angle adjustment, the shaft often experiences radial or axial wobble, the locking mechanism is unreliable, and the stability is poor, affecting steering accuracy. Utility Model Content

[0005] This invention addresses the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a three-section adjustable steering column, which can efficiently and simply achieve composite adjustment of length and multiple angles, solving the problems of limited adjustment dimensions and insufficient range of traditional steering columns, improving driving comfort, and solving the problems of cumbersome adjustment operation and unreliable locking.

[0006] To solve the above technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A three-section adjustable steering column includes a first shaft, a second shaft, a third shaft, and a fourth shaft connected in sequence. The first shaft and the second shaft are connected by a spline, the second shaft and the third shaft are connected by a first universal joint, and the third shaft and the fourth shaft are connected by a second universal joint. The third shaft is installed in a bracket, and the fourth shaft is installed in a base. The lower end of the bracket is hinged to the base, and the hinge axis is directly opposite the second universal joint. The first shaft is rotatably installed in an outer tube, and the second shaft is rotatably installed in an inner tube. The inner tube slides axially inside the outer tube, and the lower end of the inner tube is hinged to the upper end of the bracket, with the hinge axis directly opposite the first universal joint.

[0008] Furthermore, the upper part of the first shaft is fixed to the outer tube by a first bearing, and the lower part of the second shaft is fixed to the inner tube by a second bearing; both the first bearing and the second bearing are deep groove ball bearings.

[0009] Furthermore, a locking seat is fixedly connected to the middle section of the outer tube wall, and a locking bolt handle threadedly connected to the locking seat is installed on the locking seat. A rear connecting rod and a front connecting rod are provided between the locking bolt handle and the locking seat.

[0010] Furthermore, both the rear link and the front link have hinge holes at their bottom ends, and the rear link and the front link are hinged to the top of the bracket through the hinge holes; both the rear link and the front link have sliding grooves in their main bodies for the locking bolt handle to pass through.

[0011] Furthermore, locking auxiliary bushings are installed between adjacent components such as the locking seat, rear connecting rod, front connecting rod, and locking bolt handle.

[0012] Furthermore, the lower part of the first shaft is provided with a cylindrical section, the cylindrical section is provided with an internal spline, and the upper part of the second shaft is provided with an external spline, the external spline extending into the internal spline.

[0013] Furthermore, both the outer tube and the inner tube are circular tube structures, with the upper end of the inner tube extending into the interior of the outer tube by a length greater than the adjustment length of the shaft.

[0014] Furthermore, the outer tube and the inner tube are connected by a spline or an axially arranged guide groove and a positioning pin.

[0015] Furthermore, an inclined gas spring is installed between the bracket and the base; the gas spring is a self-locking gas spring.

[0016] Furthermore, the top of the gas spring is hinged to the first hinge seat, which is fixed to the side wall of the bracket, and the bottom of the gas spring is hinged to the second hinge seat, which is fixed to the base; the base is also equipped with a gas spring control component for controlling the locking and unlocking of the gas spring.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention, by adopting the above technical solution, has the following advantages:

[0018] By using this utility model, the locking bolt handle is unlocked, and the first shaft and outer tube can be adjusted along the spline relative to the second shaft. At the same time, the inner tube and the second shaft can be adjusted in angle around the hinge point of the inner tube. The bottom gas spring device is unlocked, and the bracket and the third shaft can be adjusted in angle around the base. The composite adjustment of the first-level length and the multi-level angle solves the problem of the single adjustment dimension and insufficient range of the traditional steering column, allowing the driver to easily and quickly adjust to the most comfortable steering wheel position and improve driving comfort.

[0019] In this invention, after adjusting the length of the first axis and the angle of the second axis, the bolt can be locked with one click via the locking bolt handle, simplifying the operation. By setting a locking auxiliary bushing for guidance and component isolation, the bolt handle is ensured to be evenly stressed, avoiding loosening caused by component friction during locking and improving locking reliability. After adjusting the angle of the third axis, the bolt is self-locked by a gas spring, eliminating the need for additional locking operations and further enhancing convenience.

[0020] Deep groove ball bearings are used to fix the upper part of shaft one and the lower part of shaft two respectively. They can bear a certain axial force and effectively bear radial force, while retaining only the rotational freedom of the shaft body, thus avoiding the wobbling of shaft one and shaft two from the structure. Shaft one and shaft two are connected by internal and external splines, and the outer tube and inner tube slide axially through the circular tube structure. With the help of positioning pins and sliding grooves, the shaft connection is stable and free of looseness during the adjustment process.

[0021] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural view of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a front view of the structure of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Sectional view at point AA.

[0025] In the diagram, 1-first axis, 2-second axis, 3-third axis, 4-fourth axis, 5-bracket, 6-base, 7-first universal joint, 8-second universal joint, 9-first bearing, 10-outer tube, 11-second bearing, 12-inner tube, 13-locking bolt handle, 14-locking seat, 15-cylindrical section, 16-gas spring, 17-rear connecting rod, 18-front connecting rod, 19-first hinge seat, 20-second hinge seat, 21-gas spring control component, 22-locking auxiliary bushing. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of this utility model, the specific embodiments of this utility model are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] like Figures 1-3As shown in the figure, this utility model provides a three-section adjustable steering column, including a first shaft 1, a second shaft 2, a third shaft 3, and a fourth shaft 4 connected in sequence. The first shaft 1 and the second shaft 2 are connected by a spline, the second shaft 2 and the third shaft 3 are connected by a first universal joint 7, and the third shaft 3 and the fourth shaft 4 are connected by a second universal joint 8. The third shaft 3 is installed in a bracket 5, and the fourth shaft 4 is installed in a base 6. The lower end of the bracket 5 is hinged to the base 6, and the hinge axis is directly opposite the second universal joint 8. The first shaft 1 is rotatably installed in an outer tube 10, and the second shaft 2 is rotatably installed in an inner tube 12. The inner tube 12 slides axially inside the outer tube 10, and the lower end of the inner tube 12 is hinged to the upper end of the bracket 5, with the hinge axis directly opposite the first universal joint 7.

[0028] The upper part of the first shaft 1 is fixed inside the outer tube 10 by the first bearing 9, and the lower part of the second shaft 2 is fixed inside the inner tube 12 by the second bearing 11. Both the first bearing 9 and the second bearing 11 are deep groove ball bearings, which can bear a certain axial force and effectively bear radial force. The first bearing 9 and the second bearing 11 fix the first shaft 1 and the second shaft 2 respectively, retaining only the axial rotational degree of freedom, which can effectively prevent the wobbling of the first shaft 1 and the second shaft 2.

[0029] A locking seat 14 is fixedly connected to the middle section of the outer tube 10. A locking bolt handle 13 is installed on the locking seat 14 and is threadedly connected to it. A rear connecting rod 17 and a front connecting rod 18 are provided between the locking bolt handle 13 and the locking seat 14.

[0030] The bottom ends of the rear connecting rod 17 and the front connecting rod 18 are provided with hinge holes. The rear connecting rod 17 and the front connecting rod 18 are hinged to the top of the bracket 5 through the hinge holes, and the two hinge points need to maintain a certain distance.

[0031] Both the rear connecting rod 17 and the front connecting rod 18 have a sliding groove for the locking bolt handle 13 to pass through. The length of the sliding groove is determined by the preset highest point of the first axis 1, the foremost point of the second axis 2 angle adjustment, the lowest point of the first axis 1, and the last point of the second axis 2 angle adjustment.

[0032] Locking auxiliary bushings 22 are installed between adjacent components of the locking seat 14, rear connecting rod 17, front connecting rod 18, and locking bolt handle 13. The locking auxiliary bushings 22 are used to guide the locking bolt handle 13 and isolate the components. When the locking bolt handle 13 is tightened, it can simultaneously restrict the length adjustment of the first axis 1 and the angle adjustment of the second axis 2.

[0033] The lower part of the shaft 1 is provided with a cylindrical section 15, which is provided with an internal spline. The upper part of the shaft 2 is provided with an external spline, which extends into the internal spline. The extension length is determined by the vertical adjustment.

[0034] Both the outer tube 10 and the inner tube 12 are circular tube structures. The upper end of the inner tube 12 extends into the interior of the outer tube 10, and the extension length is greater than the adjustment length of the shaft 1.

[0035] The outer tube 10 and the inner tube 12 are connected by a spline or an axially arranged guide groove and a positioning pin. This facilitates the restraint of the outer tube 10, prevents the outer tube 10 from rotating with the shaft 1, stabilizes the direction of the locking bolt handle 13, and avoids affecting the locking force of the locking bolt handle 13.

[0036] The inner tube 12 is fitted with a positioning pin on the outside, and the outer tube 10 is provided with a corresponding sliding groove as a limit for vertical adjustment.

[0037] An inclined gas spring 16 is installed between the bracket 5 and the base 6. The gas spring 16 is used to adjust the angle between the bracket 5 and the base 6. The gas spring 16 is a self-locking gas spring that can provide support force and has a self-locking function.

[0038] The top of the gas spring 16 is hinged to the first hinge seat 19, which is fixed to the side wall of the bracket 5. The bottom of the gas spring 16 is hinged to the second hinge seat 20, which is fixed to the base 6.

[0039] The base 6 is also equipped with a gas spring control component 21, which can control the locking and unlocking of the gas spring 16.

[0040] The specific working principle of this utility model is as follows:

[0041] Unlocking the locking bolt handle 13 releases the limiting effect of the front connecting rod 18 and the rear connecting rod 17, allowing the primary shaft 1 and the outer tube 10 to be adjusted axially relative to the secondary shaft 2 along the spline; simultaneously, the inner tube 12 and the secondary shaft 2 can be angled around the hinge point at the lower part of the inner tube 12. After axial and angular adjustment, the position is locked by tightening the locking bolt handle 13. Furthermore, the first bearing 9 and the second bearing 11 ensure reliable fixation of the primary shaft 1 and the secondary shaft 2, resulting in better stability of each spindle and smoother operation.

[0042] When the gas spring 16 is unlocked via the gas spring control component 21, the triaxial axis 3, the bracket 5, and the parts above the bracket 5 can rotate relative to the base 6 for angle adjustment. After the angle is adjusted, the gas spring 16 self-locks, which can constrain the rotation of the bracket 5 and the triaxial axis 3 around the base 6, thereby locking the angle adjustment of the bracket 5, making operation convenient.

[0043] The above description provides examples of the preferred embodiments of this utility model. Any aspects not detailed herein are common knowledge to those skilled in the art. The scope of protection of this utility model is determined by the claims. Any equivalent modifications based on the technical teachings of this utility model are also within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A three-stage adjustable steering column, characterised in that: The application relates to a four-axle connecting device, which comprises a first axle (1), a second axle (2), a third axle (3) and a fourth axle (4) connected in sequence, the first axle (1) is connected with the second axle (2) through a spline, the second axle (2) is connected with the third axle (3) through a first universal joint (7), the third axle (3) is connected with the fourth axle (4) through a second universal joint (8), the third axle (3) is installed in a support (5), the fourth axle (4) is installed in a base (6), the lower end of the support (5) is hinged with the base (6) and the hinge shaft is opposite to the second universal joint (8), the first axle (1) is rotatably installed in an outer tube (10), the second axle (2) is rotatably installed in an inner tube (12), the inner tube (12) is axially slid in the outer tube (10), the lower end of the inner tube (12) is hinged with the upper end of the support (5) and the hinge shaft is opposite to the first universal joint (7).

2. A three-stage adjustable steering column as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that: The upper part of the first axle (1) is fixed in the outer tube (10) through a first bearing (9), and the lower part of the second axle (2) is fixed in the inner tube (12) through a second bearing (11); the first bearing (9) and the second bearing (11) are both deep groove ball bearings.

3. A three-stage adjustable steering column as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that: A locking seat (14) is fixed on the middle pipe wall of the outer tube (10), a locking bolt handle (13) is installed on the locking seat (14) and is screwed with the locking seat (14), and a rear connecting rod (17) and a front connecting rod (18) are arranged between the locking bolt handle (13) and the locking seat (14).

4. A three-stage adjustable steering column as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that: The bottom ends of the rear connecting rod (17) and the front connecting rod (18) are provided with hinge holes, the rear connecting rod (17) and the front connecting rod (18) are hinged to the top end of the support (5) through the hinge holes, and sliding grooves for the locking bolt handle (13) to pass through are arranged in the main bodies of the rear connecting rod (17) and the front connecting rod (18).

5. A three-stage adjustable steering column as claimed in claim 4, characterised in that: Locking auxiliary bushings (22) are arranged between adjacent components of the locking seat (14), the rear connecting rod (17), the front connecting rod (18) and the locking bolt handle (13).

6. A three-stage adjustable steering column as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that: The lower part of the first axle (1) is provided with a cylindrical section (15), the cylindrical section (15) is provided with an inner spline, the upper section of the second axle (2) is provided with an outer spline, and the outer spline extends into the inner spline.

7. A three-stage adjustable steering column as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that: The outer tube (10) and the inner tube (12) are both circular tubes, the upper end of the inner tube (12) extends into the outer tube (10), and the extending length is greater than the adjusting length of the first axle (1).

8. A three-stage adjustable steering column as claimed in claim 7, characterised in that: The outer tube (10) and the inner tube (12) are connected through a spline or an axially arranged guide groove and a positioning pin.

9. A three-stage adjustable steering column as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that: An air spring (16) is arranged between the support (5) and the base (6) and is arranged in an inclined mode, and the air spring (16) is a self-locking air spring.

10. A three-stage adjustable steering column as claimed in claim 9, characterised in that: The top of the air spring (16) is hinged to a first hinge seat (19), the first hinge seat (19) is fixed to the side wall of the support (5), the bottom of the air spring (16) is hinged to a second hinge seat (20), the second hinge seat (20) is fixed to the base (6), and an air spring control member (21) for controlling the locking and opening of the air spring (16) is arranged on the base (6).

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