Drive device and steering column

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of driving device and steering column.Driving device includes: driver, driver includes output shaft;Main shaft;And transmission, transmission connects the output shaft of driver with main shaft, to drive main shaft movement between first limit stroke position and second limit stroke position.At least one shape memory limit part is provided on main shaft, shape memory limit part is configured to limit at least one of first limit stroke position and second limit stroke position, and shape memory limit part can at least partially restore original shape after deformation, so as to release main shaft from at least one of first limit stroke position and second limit stroke position.Steering column includes at least one such driving device.According to the driving device of the utility model, it is beneficial to prevent device from being clamped in limit stroke position and to release device from clamped state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a mechanical drive device, and more specifically to a drive device and a steering column including the drive device. Background Technology

[0002] The content in this section only provides background information related to this utility model and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] Some spindle drives are constructed as systems with self-locking threads. For example, such drives may include a motor or other driver, a transmission, and a threaded spindle. The driver drives the spindle to translate and / or rotate via the transmission, thereby driving the movement of a load connected to the spindle. In the event of a control system malfunction or sensor drift, the spindle may move at full speed to its limit stroke position or even slightly beyond, potentially causing jamming between the mating threads of the drive. This jamming force is difficult to release, especially when the threads have a small pitch and / or when the release force applied by the driver during the attempt to release the jamming is significantly less than the driving force applied by the driver during the spindle's stroke. Therefore, it is desirable to prevent jamming as much as possible and, if jamming has already occurred, to be able to easily release the jamming force. Utility Model Content

[0004] One objective of this invention is to provide a spindle drive device that prevents jamming through a simple structure. Another objective of this invention is to provide a spindle drive device that easily releases jamming force through a simple structure.

[0005] One aspect of this utility model provides a driving device, comprising: a driver including an output shaft; a main shaft; and a transmission device connecting the output shaft of the driver and the main shaft to drive the main shaft to move between a first limit stroke position and a second limit stroke position. A shape memory limiting portion is provided on the main shaft, configured to limit at least one of the first and second limit stroke positions, and the shape memory limiting portion is capable of at least partially restoring its original shape after deformation, so as to release the main shaft from at least one of the first and second limit stroke positions.

[0006] In some embodiments, the shape memory limiting portion may include viscoelastic foam and / or thermoplastic foam.

[0007] In some implementations, the shape memory limiting part can be configured as a limiting washer or a limiting protrusion.

[0008] In some embodiments, a stop member with a stop shape memory limiting portion may be provided on the spindle. The stop member protrudes relative to the rod-shaped body of the spindle and is located outside the shape memory limiting portion in the longitudinal axis direction of the spindle.

[0009] In some implementations, the transmission device may be configured to drive the spindle to move linearly along the longitudinal axis of the spindle.

[0010] In some embodiments, the shape memory limiting part may be disposed between the end of the spindle and the housing of the transmission device.

[0011] In some implementations, the transmission device may be configured to drive the spindle to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the spindle.

[0012] In some embodiments, the spindle may include a load mounting portion for connecting a load, the load mounting portion being disposed on the rod-shaped body of the spindle, and rotation of the spindle about a longitudinal axis driving the load mounting portion to move linearly relative to the spindle along the longitudinal axis. A shape memory limiting portion may be disposed between the end of the spindle and the load mounting portion, and / or the shape memory limiting portion may be disposed between the housing of the transmission device and the load mounting portion.

[0013] Another aspect of the present invention provides a steering column comprising at least one drive device according to the above aspects.

[0014] In some embodiments, the steering column further includes: a steering spindle configured for connection with a steering wheel, a first sleeve receiving the steering spindle, and a second sleeve receiving the first sleeve. A drive mechanism is configured to drive the first sleeve to move linearly relative to the second sleeve along the longitudinal axis of the steering column, and / or a drive mechanism is configured to drive the second sleeve to move in a height direction relative to a mounting bracket connected to the second sleeve.

[0015] The drive device according to this utility model is provided with a shape memory limiting part. On the one hand, the shape memory limiting part can limit the movement (rotation and / or translation) of the spindle to no more than the limit stroke position defined by the shape memory limiting part. At the same time, when the spindle approaches the limit stroke position, it can be squeezed and deformed to provide cushioning, preventing the mating connections (e.g., the various threaded parts) between the spindle and the transmission device, inside the transmission device, and between the transmission device and the driver from jamming. On the other hand, when it is desired to release the spindle from the limit stroke position, the shape memory limiting part's tendency to restore its original shape allows it to provide a force to assist the spindle in release. Therefore, the clamping force between the spindle and the transmission device, inside the transmission device, and between the transmission device and the driver (e.g., the various threaded parts) can be rapidly reduced in a relatively short period of time, thereby easily releasing the spindle and the driver from the jammed state. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same features or parts are indicated by the same reference numerals, and the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0017] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Perspective views of a steering column at different angles according to one embodiment of the present invention are shown;

[0018] Figure 3 A perspective view of a drive device according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0019] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 A partial top view of the drive unit in the middle;

[0020] Figure 5 A perspective view of a drive device according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0021] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 Side view of the drive unit. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The following description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention, its application, or its uses. It should be understood that in all these figures, similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar parts and features. The figures are only schematic representations of the concept and principles of embodiments of the invention and do not necessarily show the specific dimensions and scale of each embodiment. Certain parts of specific figures may be depicted in an exaggerated manner to illustrate relevant details or structures of embodiments of the invention.

[0023] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, the directional terms related to "upper" and "lower" are used to describe the upper and lower positions of the views shown in the accompanying drawings. In practical applications, the positional relationships of "upper" and "lower" used herein can be defined according to the actual situation, and these relationships can be reversed.

[0024] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view of a steering column 1 at different angles according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. In particular, the steering column 1 can be used to connect the steering wheel and wheels of a motor vehicle to allow the driver to control the wheels to turn via the steering wheel.

[0025] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the steering column 1 may include a first sleeve 11 (also called an inner sleeve) and a second sleeve 12 (also called an outer sleeve). The first sleeve 11 is disposed within the second sleeve 12 and is movable relative to the second sleeve 12 along the longitudinal axis direction L of the steering column 1. The steering column 1 also includes a steering spindle 20 mounted within the first sleeve 11. The steering spindle 20 is configured to rotate relative to the first sleeve 11 about the longitudinal axis direction L and is movable relative to the second sleeve 12 along the longitudinal axis direction L together with the first sleeve 11. A first end of the steering spindle 20 is provided with a steering wheel connection mechanism 21 for connecting to a steering wheel (not shown), and a second end (not shown) of the steering spindle 20 opposite to the first end is connected to a wheel of a motor vehicle via a transmission mechanism. The second sleeve 12 may be coupled to a mounting bracket 30 for securing the steering column 1 to the body of the motor vehicle. The steering column 1 may also include a first drive unit 40 and a second drive unit 50 for adjusting the position of the steering spindle 20 in the longitudinal axis direction L and the height direction H, respectively.

[0026] The first sleeve 11 of the steering column 1 is configured to extend or retract along the longitudinal axis L relative to the second sleeve 12, together with the steering spindle 20. A first drive device 40 is provided in the steering column 1 to drive and control the movement of the first sleeve 11 along the longitudinal axis L. Figure 3 A perspective view of the first drive unit 40 is shown. Figure 4 A partial top view of the first drive unit 40 is shown. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the first drive device 40 may include a driver 41, a transmission device 42, and a main shaft 43. The driver 41 may include a motor. The transmission device 42 is connected between the output shaft of the driver 41 and the main shaft 43, and can transmit the torque output by the driver 41 into a translational motion of the main shaft 43 along its longitudinal axis L1 (parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the steering column 1). Specifically, the transmission device 42 may include a housing and a worm gear and a worm housed in the housing, the rotation axis of the worm gear being approximately perpendicular to the rotation axis of the worm. The worm is connected to the output shaft of the driver 41 and rotates with the output shaft, and its outer peripheral surface is provided with an external thread. The worm gear is sleeved on the main shaft 43 and coaxially arranged with the main shaft 43. The outer peripheral surface of the worm gear is provided with an external thread that meshes with the external thread of the worm, and the inner peripheral surface of the worm gear is provided with an internal thread that meshes with the external thread 434 on the outer peripheral surface of the main shaft 43. The spindle 43 has a first end 431 and a second end 432, which are opposite to each other. A load mounting portion 433 for connecting a load is provided at the first end 431. Figure 1As shown, the load mounting portion 433 can be fixed to the connecting flange 112 of the first sleeve 11. The connecting flange 112 protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the first sleeve 11 and is received in the guide groove 122 on the outer peripheral surface of the second sleeve 12. The guide groove 122 extends along the longitudinal axis direction L to guide the first sleeve 11 to move linearly relative to the second sleeve 12 along the longitudinal axis direction L. The driver 41 of the first drive device 40 drives the worm and worm wheel of the transmission device 42 to rotate forward or backward. Since the main shaft 43 cannot rotate under the combined constraint of the load mounting portion 433, the connecting flange 112, and the guide groove 122, the rotation of the worm wheel of the transmission device 42 will cause the main shaft 43 to move linearly relative to the driver 41 and the transmission device 42 along the longitudinal axis L1 of the main shaft 43. Therefore, the spindle 43 can drive the first sleeve 11 together with the steering spindle 20 in the first sleeve 11 to extend or retract relative to the second sleeve 12 along the longitudinal axis direction L via the load mounting part 433 and the connecting flange 112 connected to the load mounting part 433.

[0027] A shape memory limiting part 435 is provided on the spindle 43 to limit the travel position of the spindle 43. When the spindle 43 moves to the limit travel position, the shape memory limiting part 435 can contact the housing of the transmission device 42 or any other suitable fixed structure, thereby preventing the spindle 43 from continuing to move. In addition, the shape memory limiting part 435 can at least partially restore its original shape after being deformed by force, preferably it can completely restore its original shape. Thus, the shape memory limiting part 435 can assist in releasing the spindle 43 from the limit travel position and prevent jamming of the mating connections (e.g., the various threaded portions) between the spindle 43 and the transmission device 42, inside the transmission device 42, and between the transmission device 42 and the driver 41.

[0028] Specifically, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, in this embodiment, the shape memory limiting part 435 includes a first shape memory limiting part 435a, which is disposed between the first end 431 of the main shaft 43 and the housing of the transmission device 42. The shape memory limiting part 435 may also include a second shape memory limiting part 435b, which is disposed between the second end 432 of the main shaft 43 and the housing of the transmission device 42. The retaining rings 436 at the first end 431 and the second end 432 of the main shaft 43 protrude relative to the rod-shaped body of the main shaft 43 and are respectively arranged outside the first shape memory limiting part 435a and the second shape memory limiting part 435b in the longitudinal axis L1 direction of the main shaft 43. Thus, the first end 431 and the retaining rings 436 act as stops to prevent the first shape memory limiting part 435a and the second shape memory limiting part 435b from falling off the main shaft 43 and to limit the positions of the first shape memory limiting part 435a and the second shape memory limiting part 435b. When the driver 41 drives the spindle 43 toward one side of the longitudinal axis L1 (e.g.) Figure 3 and Figure 4 When the spindle 43 (shown on the left) moves to the first limit stroke position, the first shape memory limiting part 435a is clamped between the load mounting part 433 and the housing of the transmission device 42 and is compressed, thereby preventing the spindle 43 from continuing to move beyond the first limit stroke position. The first shape memory limiting part 435a tends to return to its original shape after deformation, thus applying a force along the longitudinal axis L1 toward the load mounting part 433 of the spindle 43, promoting the release of the spindle 43 from the first limit stroke position. Similarly, when the drive 41 drives the spindle 43 toward the opposite side of the axial direction L1 (e.g., on the left), the spindle 43 can move further beyond the first limit stroke position. Figure 3 and Figure 4When the spindle 43 (shown on the right) moves to the second limit stroke position, the second shape memory limiting portion 435b is clamped between the retaining ring 436 and the housing of the transmission device 42 and is compressed, thereby preventing the spindle 43 from continuing to move beyond the second limit stroke position. The second shape memory limiting portion 435b tends to return to its original shape after deformation, thus applying a force along the longitudinal axis L1 toward the retaining ring 436 of the spindle 43, promoting the release of the spindle 43 from the second limit stroke position. In this embodiment, the first end 431 of the spindle 43 (more specifically, the load mounting portion 433 of the first end 431) acts as a stop for the first shape memory limiting portion 435a at the first limit stroke position, and the retaining ring 436 at the second end 432 of the spindle 43 acts as a stop for the second shape memory limiting portion 435b at the second limit stroke position. Alternatively or additionally, a retaining ring similar to the retaining ring 436 may be provided at the first end 431 of the spindle 43 as a stop for the first shape memory limiting portion 435a at the first limit stroke position. This retaining ring protrudes relative to the rod-shaped body of the spindle 43 and is arranged outside the first shape memory limiting portion 435a in the longitudinal axis L1 direction. Furthermore, such retaining rings or other types of stops are not limited to being provided at the first end 431 or the second end 432 of the spindle 43, as long as the stop is located outside the first shape memory limiting portion 435a or the second shape memory limiting portion 435b in the longitudinal axis L1 direction.

[0029] In this embodiment, the shape memory limiting part 435 is configured as a ring-shaped limiting washer arranged on the main shaft 43. In other embodiments, the shape memory limiting part 435 may also be configured as any other suitable shape, such as a cube shape or any other suitable shape of limiting protrusion.

[0030] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the second sleeve 12 of the steering column 1 can be further configured such that, together with the first sleeve 11 received in the second sleeve 12 and the steering spindle 20, it moves in the height direction H relative to the mounting bracket 30. To drive and control the movement of the second sleeve 12 in the height direction H, the steering column 1 is provided with a second drive device 50. Figure 5 A perspective view of the second drive unit 50 is shown. Figure 6 A side view of the second drive unit 50 is shown. (As shown) Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the second drive unit 50 may include a driver 51, a transmission unit 52, and a main shaft 53. The driver 51 may include a motor. The main shaft 53 has opposite first ends 531 and second ends 532, wherein the first end 531 can be connected to a fixed structure of the steering column 1 via fasteners. The transmission unit 52 is connected between the output shaft of the driver 51 and the main shaft 53, and can transmit the torque output by the driver 51 into rotational motion of the main shaft 53 about its longitudinal axis L2 (parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the steering column 1). Specifically, the transmission unit 52 may include a housing and a worm gear and a worm housed in the housing, the axis of rotation of the worm gear being substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the worm. The worm is connected to and rotates with the output shaft of the driver 51, and its outer peripheral surface is provided with external threads. The worm gear is integrally formed with or fixed to the main shaft 53, and the worm gear is coaxial with the main shaft 53. The outer peripheral surface of the worm gear is provided with external threads that mesh with the external threads of the worm. The outer peripheral surface of the spindle 53 is provided with an external thread 534. The rod-shaped body of the spindle 53 is provided with a load mounting part 533, and the load mounting part 533 is provided with an internal thread that engages with the external thread 534 of the spindle 53.

[0031] See Figure 2 The second drive unit 50 may further include a pivot rod 54. The pivot rod 54 is generally L-shaped. One end of the pivot rod 54 is hinged to the load mounting portion 533 via a first pin 551. The other end of the pivot rod 54 is hinged to the front end of the mounting bracket 30 via a second pin 552, and also hinged to the front end of the second sleeve 12 via a third pin 553. The rear end of the mounting bracket 30 is hinged to the rear end of the second sleeve 12 via a fourth pin 554.

[0032] When the drive 51 drives the worm and worm wheel of the transmission device 52 to rotate in the forward or reverse direction, the main shaft 53 rotates integrally with the worm, causing the load mounting part 533 to move linearly relative to the main shaft 53 along the axial direction L2 under the constraint of the pivot rod 54. One end of the pivot rod 54 moves together with the load mounting part 533, thereby causing the pivot rod 54 to pivot relative to the mounting bracket 30 about the axis of the second pin 552, causing the second sleeve 12 to pivot about the pivot axis R (i.e., the axis of the fourth pin 554). Thus, adjustment of the second sleeve 12 (and the first sleeve 11 and the steering main shaft 20 received in the second sleeve 12) in the height direction H is realized.

[0033] Similar to the first drive device 40, the second drive device 50 may include a shape memory limiting part 535 disposed on the spindle 53 for limiting the travel position of the spindle 53. In this embodiment, the shape memory limiting part 535 is constructed as a limiting washer, but the present invention is not limited to this; the shape memory limiting part 535 may also be constructed as any other suitable shape, such as a limiting protrusion constructed as a cube or any other suitable shape. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the shape memory limiting part 535 includes a first shape memory limiting part 535a, which is disposed between the housing of the transmission device 52 and the load mounting part 533. The shape memory limiting part 535 may also include a second shape memory limiting part 535b, which is disposed between the second end 532 of the main shaft 53 and the load mounting part 533. The housing of the transmission device 52 and the retaining ring 536 disposed at the second end 532 of the main shaft 53 protrude relative to the rod-shaped body of the main shaft 53 and are respectively arranged outside the first shape memory limiting part 535a and the second shape memory limiting part 535b in the longitudinal axis L2 direction of the main shaft 53. Thus, the housing of the transmission device 52 and the retaining ring 536 act as stops to prevent the first shape memory limiting part 535a and the second shape memory limiting part 535b from falling off the main shaft 53 and to limit the position of the first shape memory limiting part 535a and the second shape memory limiting part 535b. Alternatively, any other type of stop can be used, such as stops located on the spindle 53 on the outside of the first shape memory limiting part 435a and the second shape memory limiting part 435b respectively in the longitudinal axis L2 direction of the spindle 53.

[0034] When the driver 51 drives the spindle 53 to rotate in one direction about the longitudinal axis L2 of the spindle 53 to the first limit stroke position, the first shape memory limiting part 535a is clamped between the load mounting part 533 and the housing of the transmission device 52 and is compressed, thereby preventing the spindle 53 from continuing to rotate beyond the first limit stroke position. The first shape memory limiting part 535a tends to restore its original shape, thus applying a force along the longitudinal axis L2 of the spindle 53 toward the load mounting part 533, promoting the release of the spindle 53 from the first limit stroke position. Similarly, when the driver 51 drives the spindle 53 to rotate in the opposite direction about the longitudinal axis L2 of the spindle 53 to the second limit stroke position, the second shape memory limiting part 435b is clamped between the retaining ring 536 and the load mounting part 533 and is compressed, thereby preventing the spindle 53 from continuing to rotate beyond the second limit stroke position. The second shape memory limiting part 535b tends to restore the original shape, thus applying a force along the longitudinal axis L2 of the spindle 53 toward the load mounting part 533, promoting the release of the spindle 43 from the second limit stroke position.

[0035] This invention is not limited to the first drive device 40 and the second drive device 50 with the specific structures described above. In particular, in different embodiments, any other form of drive device can be used to drive the steering column 1's steering shaft 20 to move along the longitudinal axis direction L and / or the height direction H.

[0036] The drive device according to various embodiments of the present invention includes shape memory limiting portions formed at least partially of a shape memory material. The number, shape, and position of the shape memory limiting portions can be set according to actual needs. Any known shape memory material can be used. For example, the shape memory limiting portions can be made of viscoelastic foam, or at least partially of foamed thermoplastic, or other composite materials or other materials exhibiting shape memory or similar behavior. The shape memory limiting portions can limit the movement (rotation and / or translation) of the spindle to the limit stroke position defined by the shape memory limiting portions, and can be compressed and deformed to provide cushioning when the spindle approaches the limit stroke position, preventing jamming of the mating connections (e.g., various threaded portions) between the spindle and the transmission device, inside the transmission device, and between the transmission device and the driver. On the other hand, when it is desired to release the spindle from its limit stroke position, the shape memory limiting part's tendency to restore its original shape allows it to provide a force assisting in the spindle's release. Therefore, the clamping force between the spindle and the transmission, within the transmission, and between the transmission and the driver (e.g., the various threaded portions) can be rapidly reduced within a relatively short period, thus easily releasing the spindle and driver from the jammed state. In the case of threaded portions with a small pitch, thread jamming is particularly prone to occur at the limit stroke position, and it is difficult to release the threaded portion in the jammed state. The shape memory limiting part according to this invention is particularly advantageous in the case of threaded portions with a small pitch.

[0037] Although the drive device according to various embodiments of the present invention is described and illustrated as a drive device applied to the steering column of a motor vehicle, it should be understood that the drive device according to the present invention can also be applied to any other suitable device or system.

[0038] Exemplary embodiments of the drive device and steering column according to the present invention have been described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described and shown above. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art without departing from its spirit and scope. All such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the present invention. Moreover, all components described herein can be replaced by other technically equivalent components.

Claims

1. A driving device, comprising: A driver, the driver including an output shaft; spindle; as well as A transmission device connects the output shaft of the driver to the main shaft to drive the main shaft to move between a first limit stroke position and a second limit stroke position. The feature is that a shape memory limiting part is provided on the main shaft, the shape memory limiting part is configured to limit at least one of the first limit travel position and the second limit travel position, and the shape memory limiting part can at least partially restore the original shape after deformation, so as to release the main shaft from the at least one of the first limit travel position and the second limit travel position.

2. The driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shape memory limiting part includes viscoelastic foam and / or thermoplastic foam.

3. The driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shape memory limiting part is constructed as a limiting washer or a limiting protrusion.

4. The driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, A stop member is provided on the main shaft to stop the shape memory limiting part. The stop member protrudes relative to the rod-shaped body of the main shaft and is located outside the shape memory limiting part in the longitudinal axis direction of the main shaft.

5. The driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The transmission device is configured to drive the main shaft to move linearly along the longitudinal axis of the main shaft.

6. The driving device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The shape memory limiting part is disposed between the end of the spindle and the housing of the transmission device.

7. The driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The transmission device is configured to drive the spindle to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the spindle.

8. The driving device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The spindle includes a load mounting portion for connecting a load, the load mounting portion being disposed on a rod-shaped body of the spindle, and rotation of the spindle about the longitudinal axis driving the load mounting portion to move linearly relative to the spindle along the longitudinal axis. The shape memory limiting part is disposed between the end of the spindle and the load mounting part, and / or the shape memory limiting part is disposed between the housing of the transmission device and the load mounting part.

9. A steering column, characterized in that, The steering column includes at least one drive unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The steering column according to claim 9, characterized in that, The steering column further includes: a steering spindle configured for connection with a steering wheel, a first sleeve receiving the steering spindle, and a second sleeve receiving the first sleeve. The drive unit is configured to drive the first sleeve to move linearly relative to the second sleeve along the longitudinal axis of the steering column, and / or the drive unit is configured to drive the second sleeve to move relative to the mounting bracket in the height direction, the mounting bracket being connected to the second sleeve.

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