Vehicle steering shaft assembly and vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a vehicle steering shaft assembly and a vehicle, wherein the vehicle steering shaft assembly comprises: a lower column, which is used to be drivingly connected with a wheel steering mechanism to transmit the rotation movement of the lower column to the wheel steering mechanism to steer the wheel steering mechanism; and an upper column, a top end of the upper column being used to be connected with a steering wheel, a bottom end of the upper column being connected with a top end of the lower column and being nested with each other, and the upper column being telescopically arranged relative to the lower column to make the vehicle steering shaft assembly have an extended state and a retracted state; and a circumferential limiting structure, which is arranged between the lower column and the upper column and is used to lock the relative circumferential rotation of the lower column and the upper column in the extended state and to unlock the lower column and the upper column in the retracted state. The steering wheel can be moved downward in the auxiliary driving mode to expand the driving view of the driver, and the steering wheel will not rotate with the change of the wheel steering, which reduces the steering wheel grabbing time and difficulty when the driver needs to take over the vehicle quickly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of vehicle steering technology, and more specifically, to a vehicle steering shaft assembly and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In traditional driver assistance technology, because the vehicle steering mechanism and steering wheel are mechanically coupled, the steering wheel is fixed at a fixed height and rotates synchronously with the wheels. The steering wheel not only occupies a certain space in the car, restricting the driver's freedom of posture and affecting driving comfort, but also, in driver assistance mode, the steering wheel will turn with the change of wheel steering, which greatly interferes with the driver's road vision. When an emergency occurs and the driver needs to quickly take over the vehicle, he may need to find and grab the rotating steering wheel first, which increases the difficulty and time of taking over. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a vehicle steering shaft assembly and a vehicle to at least partially solve the technical problems existing in the related art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this disclosure provides a vehicle steering shaft assembly, comprising: A lower column, used for transmission connection with the wheel steering mechanism, so that the rotational movement of the lower column is transmitted to the wheel steering mechanism to operate the wheel steering mechanism; and An upper column, the top end of which is used to connect to the steering wheel, and the bottom end of which is connected to and nested with the top end of the lower column. The upper column is telescopically configurable relative to the lower column, allowing the vehicle steering shaft assembly to have extended and retracted states. A circumferential limiting structure is disposed between the lower tube column and the upper tube column, used to lock the relative circumferential rotation of the lower tube column and the upper tube column in the extended state, and to unlock the lower tube column and the upper tube column in the retracted state.

[0005] Optionally, the circumferential limiting structure includes: An internal spline is provided on the inner circumferential wall at the bottom end of the upper tube column; and An external spline is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the top end of the lower tubular column. In the elongated state, the external spline engages with the internal spline.

[0006] Optionally, at least one of the internal splines and the external splines has guide bevels formed on its teeth to guide the internal spline to engage with the external spline when the retracted state switches to the extended state.

[0007] Optionally, it also includes a protective cover, which is sleeved on the outside of the upper tube column corresponding to the top end of the lower tube column. An axial guide structure is provided between the protective cover and the upper tube column, the axial guide structure including: Guide grooves, extending along the axial direction, are formed on the inner wall of the cover; and A ball bearing is rotatably disposed within the guide groove and partially protrudes from the guide groove to abut against the outer wall of the upper tube column.

[0008] Optionally, there are multiple guide grooves, which are spaced apart circumferentially along the cover. The number of balls matches the number of guide grooves, and they are rotatably arranged in the guide grooves one by one.

[0009] Optionally, the upper tubing includes an inner cavity and an opening communicating with the inner cavity, the opening being located at the bottom end of the upper tubing, and the lower tubing includes a large-diameter section and a small-diameter section connected sequentially from top to bottom. The larger diameter section is housed within the inner cavity, and the smaller diameter section passes through the opening. The inner diameter of the inner cavity matches the outer diameter of the larger diameter section, and the inner diameter of the opening matches the outer diameter of the smaller diameter section. In the elongated state, the bottom end face of the large-diameter section abuts against the inner end face of the upper tube at the opening.

[0010] Optionally, it also includes a first annular oil seal, which is sealed between the outer peripheral sidewall of the large-diameter section and the inner peripheral sidewall of the inner cavity. The portion of the inner cavity between the large-diameter section and the top end of the upper tube column defines a first oil chamber, which is used to introduce oil to drive the vehicle steering shaft assembly into an extended state.

[0011] Optionally, it also includes a second annular oil seal, which is sealed between the outer peripheral sidewall of the small-diameter section and the inner peripheral sidewall of the opening. The inner cavity is defined in the portion between the large-diameter section and the bottom end of the upper tube column to form a second oil chamber. The second oil chamber is used to introduce oil to drive the vehicle steering shaft assembly to form a retracted state.

[0012] Optionally, it further includes a connecting pipeline and a pump, wherein the connecting pipeline connects the first oil chamber and the second oil chamber, and the pump is disposed on the connecting pipeline for driving the oil in the first oil chamber to flow to the second oil chamber, or driving the oil in the second oil chamber to flow to the first oil chamber.

[0013] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a vehicle including the vehicle steering axle assembly, steering wheel, and wheel steering mechanism described above, the vehicle steering axle assembly being connected between the steering wheel and the wheel steering mechanism.

[0014] By using the above solution, the vehicle steering shaft assembly in the specific extended and retracted states provided in this disclosure can achieve complete control of the steering wheel by the driver in the traditional driving mode, while also enabling the steering wheel to move downwards in the assisted driving mode, thereby expanding the driver's driving field of vision. Furthermore, the steering wheel will not turn with the change of wheel steering, reducing the steering wheel gripping time and difficulty when the driver needs to quickly take over the vehicle.

[0015] Other features and advantages of this disclosure will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the present disclosure and form part of the specification. They are used together with the following detailed description to explain the present disclosure, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a vehicle steering shaft assembly provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle steering shaft assembly provided in the exemplary embodiment of this disclosure in the extended state; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view along the AA direction; Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Cross-sectional view along the BB direction; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle steering shaft assembly provided in the exemplary embodiment of this disclosure in the retracted state; Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional view along the CC direction; Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional view along the DD direction; Figure 8 This is a usage diagram of the vehicle steering shaft assembly provided in the exemplary embodiment of this disclosure in the extended state; Figure 9 This is a usage diagram of the vehicle steering shaft assembly provided in the retracted state according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

[0017] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1-Lower tube column; 11-Large diameter section; 12-Small diameter section; 2-Upper tube column; 21-Opening; 22-Inner cavity; 23-Mounting column; 31-Inner spline; 32-Outer spline; 4-Guard cover; 5-First annular oil seal; 61-First oil chamber; 62-Second oil chamber; 10-Vehicle steering shaft assembly; 20-Steering wheel; 30-Dashboard; 301-Receiving hole; 40-Wheel steering mechanism; 41-Guide groove; 42-Ball bearing; 50-Wheel; 60-Electronic screen. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The specific embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0019] In this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, directional terms such as "inner" and "outer" refer to the outline of the corresponding component itself; directional terms such as "upper," "lower," "top," and "bottom" are defined based on the usage habits of the vehicle steering shaft assembly provided in this disclosure. Specifically, please refer to... Figure 2 In the diagrams shown, the side pointed to by the arrow is the top, and the opposite side is the bottom. Additionally, the vertical direction refers to the vehicle's height. Terms such as "first" and "second" used in this disclosure are for distinguishing one element from another and do not indicate sequence or importance. Furthermore, in the following description, when referring to the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements.

[0020] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 8 This disclosure provides a vehicle steering shaft assembly 10, which may include a lower column 1, an upper column 2, and a circumferential limiting structure. The lower column 1 can be used for a transmission connection with a wheel steering mechanism 40, so that the rotational movement of the lower column is transmitted to the wheel steering mechanism 40 to operate the wheel steering mechanism 40. In the embodiments provided in this disclosure, the lower column 1 can be used for a rigid transmission connection with the wheel steering mechanism 40, so that the wheel 50 can transmit rotational force to the lower column 1 during the change of steering, thereby allowing the lower column 1 to rotate with the rotation of the wheel 50. The driver can also drive the lower column 1 to rotate around its own axis to operate the wheel steering mechanism 40, thereby controlling the wheel 50 to change its steering and thus changing the vehicle's direction of travel. The top end of the upper column 2 can be used for a fixed connection with a steering wheel 20. Figure 2As shown, the top end of the upper column 2 can be provided with a mounting post 23 coaxial with the upper column 2. The steering wheel 20 can be provided with mounting holes coaxial with the mounting post 23 and the steering wheel 20. By fitting the mounting holes onto the mounting post 23, the steering wheel 20 is connected to the upper column 2, transmitting power when the driver rotates the steering wheel 20. The bottom end of the upper column 2 is connected to the top end of the lower column 1 and nested within each other. According to the embodiments provided in this disclosure, the inner diameter of the upper column 2 can be no less than the inner diameter of the lower column 1, so that the lower column 1 can be fitted inside the upper column 2. Alternatively, the outer diameter of the upper column 2 can be no greater than the inner diameter of the lower column 1, so that it can be inserted inside the lower column 1. The upper column 2 can be telescopically configured relative to the lower column 1, so that the vehicle steering shaft assembly 10 has an extended state and a retracted state, allowing the driver to adjust the height of the steering wheel 20 according to usage needs. A circumferential limiting structure can be set between the lower tube column 1 and the upper tube column 2 to lock the relative circumferential rotation of the lower tube column 1 and the upper tube column 2 in the extended state, and to unlock the lower tube column 1 and the upper tube column 2 in the retracted state.

[0021] Specifically, when the vehicle steering shaft assembly 10 is in the extended state, due to the locking function of the circumferential limiting structure, the lower column 1 and the upper column 2 are rigidly connected. The vehicle steering shaft assembly 10 can transmit power between the steering wheel 20 and the wheel steering mechanism 40 to switch to the conventional driving mode. It should be noted that the conventional driving mode here refers to the driving mode that is completely operated manually by the driver. That is to say, when the driver rotates the steering wheel 20, the driving force can be transmitted sequentially through the lower column 1 and the upper column 2 to the wheel steering mechanism 40 and then drive the wheels 50 to change the steering, thereby controlling the driving direction of the vehicle.

[0022] When the vehicle steering shaft assembly 10 is in the retracted state, the circumferential limiting structure unlocks, the rigid connection between the lower column 1 and the upper column 2 is broken, and the vehicle enters the assisted driving mode. This assisted driving mode refers to a driving method where the vehicle's control system assists the driver in performing specific driving operations. For example, when the assisted driving mode includes lane keeping assist, the vehicle can maintain its position within the current lane. Because the lower column 1 and upper column 2 are unlocked, even if the vehicle continues to move and the wheels change steering, the lower column 1 will not transmit wheel rotation to the upper column 2, preventing the steering wheel 20 from turning with the change in wheel 50's steering. It should be noted that although the driver is not controlling the steering wheel 20 at this time, they continue to monitor the driving environment and are ready to take over the vehicle and steering wheel 20 at any time. When the driver needs to take over the vehicle and control the wheels 50, they only need to pull the upper column 2 upwards to switch the vehicle steering shaft assembly 10 to the extended state, without needing to first find and grab the rotating steering wheel 20, reducing the difficulty and time required to take over the steering wheel 20. When the vehicle steering shaft assembly 10 retracts, the upper column 2 moves towards the lower column 1, thereby moving the steering wheel 20 towards the dashboard 30, i.e., below the vehicle, providing more space in front of the driver and expanding their field of vision. In the embodiments provided in this disclosure, reference is made to... Figure 9 When a digital instrument or electronic screen 60 that can display driving information is configured in front of the steering wheel 20, in the retracted state, the steering wheel 20's avoidance allows the driver to more easily read key information such as vehicle speed and assisted driving status within the natural field of vision, improving the driver's observation convenience and indirectly enhancing the safety of vehicle driving.

[0023] By using the above solution, the vehicle steering shaft assembly 10 in the specific extended and retracted states provided in this disclosure can achieve complete control of the steering wheel 20 by the driver in the traditional driving mode, while also enabling the steering wheel 20 to move downwards in the assisted driving mode, thereby expanding the driver's driving field of vision. Furthermore, the steering wheel 20 will not turn as the wheels 50 turn, reducing the time and difficulty for the driver to grasp the steering wheel 20 when they need to quickly take over the vehicle.

[0024] refer to Figures 1-9The circumferential limiting structure may include an inner spline 31 and an outer spline 32. The inner spline 31 may be disposed on the inner circumferential wall at the bottom end of the upper column 2, and the outer spline 32 may be disposed on the outer circumferential wall near the top end of the lower column 1. In the extended state, the outer spline 32 can engage with the inner spline 31. By rationally designing the placement positions of the inner spline 31 and the outer spline 32, the locking and unlocking accuracy of the circumferential limiting structure on the lower column 1 and the upper column 2 can be effectively improved. Specifically, when the upper column 2 moves upward, causing the vehicle steering shaft assembly 10 to extend to a preset position, the inner spline 31 and the outer spline 32 can automatically engage to achieve the locking function, thereby restricting the relative circumferential rotation between the upper column 2 and the lower column 1. Conversely, when the upper column 2 moves downward, causing the vehicle steering shaft assembly 10 to begin retracting, the inner spline 31 and the outer spline 32 will automatically separate to release the locking of the inner spline 31 and the outer spline 32, restoring the ability for relative rotation between them. Thus, in the assisted driving mode, the steering wheel 20 will not rotate as the wheels 50 change direction, greatly improving the speed, smoothness and reliability of the vehicle steering shaft assembly 10 in the process of switching between the extended and retracted states.

[0025] Further, refer to Figures 1-7 At least one of the internal spline 31 and external spline 32 may have guide ramps formed on its teeth to guide the engagement of the internal spline 31 and external spline 32 when switching from the retracted state to the extended state. In the embodiments provided in this disclosure, the teeth of both the internal spline 31 and external spline 32 may have guide ramps. The width of the guide ramps of the internal spline 31 and external spline 32 may gradually increase along the axial direction from separation to engagement, moving from being far apart to being close together. In this way, when the upper column 2 begins to move upward to extend the vehicle steering shaft assembly 10, the distance between the internal spline 31 and external spline 32 shortens, and the narrower ends of the two sets of guide ramps contact first. Thus, when the upper column 2 continues to move upward to extend the vehicle steering shaft assembly 10, the internal spline 31 and external spline 32 are automatically guided to engage, thereby achieving precise alignment and ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of driver intervention.

[0026] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 8The vehicle steering shaft assembly 10 may also include a cover 4 fixed to the dashboard 30. The cover 4 can be fitted onto the outside of the upper column 2 corresponding to the top of the lower column 1, so that when the vehicle steering shaft assembly 10 is in the extended state, the cover 4 can be precisely positioned at the coupling position of the lower column 1 and the upper column 2, thereby providing additional radial support for the lower column 1 and the upper column 2 and reducing their relative sway during vehicle operation, especially on bumpy roads. An axial guide structure may be provided between the cover 4 and the upper column 2 to further limit the circumferential movement of the upper column 2, ensuring that the upper column 2 can always move along the axial direction during movement, and ensuring the driver's accurate control of the steering wheel 20.

[0027] Further, refer to Figures 1-3 The axial guiding structure may include a guide groove 41 and a ball 42. The guide groove 41 may be formed in the inner surface of the cover 4 extending along the axial direction and radially recessed into the cover 4 away from the upper tube column 2. The ball 42 is rotatably disposed in the guide groove 41 and partially protrudes from the guide groove 41 to abut against the outer wall of the upper tube column 2, thereby reducing the friction between the upper tube column 2 and the cover 4 during reciprocating movement.

[0028] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 The number of guide grooves 41 can be multiple, and multiple guide grooves 41 can be arranged along the circumference of the cover 4. The number of balls 42 matches the number of guide grooves 41, and they are arranged in a rolling manner in the guide grooves 41 in a one-to-one correspondence. This can further reduce the friction between the cover 4 and the upper tube column 2, and also further prevent the cover 4 and the upper tube column 2 from rotating relative to each other in the circumference or shifting radially, thus ensuring the stability of the upper tube column 2 when it moves along the axial direction.

[0029] In other embodiments provided in this disclosure, the outer wall of the upper tube column 2 may also be provided with a guide groove 41 corresponding to the guide groove 41 on the protective cover 4. Half of the ball bearing 42 is rotatably embedded in the guide groove 41 on the protective cover 4, and the other half of the ball bearing 42 is rotatably embedded in the guide groove 41 on the upper tube column 2, thereby further improving the accuracy of the movement process of the upper tube column 2. Of course, in other embodiments, the guide groove 41 and the ball bearing 42 may only be provided on the outer wall of the upper tube column 2.

[0030] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 5The upper column 2 includes an inner cavity 22 and an opening 21 communicating with the inner cavity 22. The opening 21 is located at the bottom end of the upper column 2. In the embodiments provided in this disclosure, the inner diameter of the inner cavity 22 of the upper column 2 can be no less than the outer diameter of the lower column 1. The upper column 2 can be coaxially sleeved on the outside of the lower column 1 through the opening 21, thereby achieving a retractable connection with the lower column 2. The lower column 1 may include a large-diameter section 11 and a small-diameter section 12 connected sequentially from top to bottom along its own axis. The large-diameter section 11 can be accommodated in the inner cavity 22. Here, "accommodation" means that the large-diameter section 11 can always be accommodated in the inner cavity 22 of the upper column 2, regardless of whether the vehicle steering shaft assembly 10 is in an extended state or a retracted state. The smaller diameter section 12 can pass through the opening 21. It's important to understand that this "passing through" doesn't mean the smaller diameter section 12 passes through the opening 21 all at once, but rather refers to the dynamic fit between the smaller diameter section 12 and the opening 21. That is, the smaller diameter section 12 always extends through the opening 21. When the vehicle steering shaft assembly 10 switches between extended and retracted states, the smaller diameter section 12 slides back and forth within the opening 21 along its axial direction, thereby changing the length of its portion extending out of the opening 21. The inner diameter of the inner cavity 22 can match the outer diameter of the larger diameter section 11, providing a more stable guide surface for the upper column 2 through the larger diameter section 11. This ensures that the upper column 2 remains coaxial with the lower column 1 during movement, effectively suppressing relative sway between the lower column 1 and the upper column 2. The inner diameter of the opening 21 can match the outer diameter of the small diameter section 12. In the extended state, the bottom end face of the large diameter section 11 abuts against the inner end face of the upper column 2 at the opening 21. This design not only precisely limits the maximum extension of the vehicle steering shaft assembly 10, but is also simpler and more reliable than other limiting methods.

[0031] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 5The inner cavity 22 defines a first oil chamber 61 between the large-diameter section 11 and the top of the upper column 2. The first oil chamber 61 is used to introduce oil to drive the vehicle steering shaft assembly 10 into an extended state. When it is necessary to switch the vehicle steering shaft assembly 10 to the extended state, oil can be injected into the first oil chamber 61 to push the upper column 2 away from the lower column 1, thereby driving the steering wheel 20 to move upward until the vehicle steering shaft assembly 10 extends to a preset length. At this point, the switching of the vehicle steering shaft assembly 10 to the extended state is completed, and the injection of oil is stopped to maintain the steering wheel 20 at the current height. The vehicle steering shaft assembly 10 may further include a first annular oil seal 5, which can seal between the outer peripheral sidewall of the large-diameter section 11 and the inner peripheral sidewall of the inner cavity 22. This effectively prevents oil in the first oil chamber 61 from leaking through the gap between the lower tube column 1 and the upper tube column 2, ensuring the reliability of the vehicle steering shaft assembly 10 in the extended state, thereby greatly improving the ability of the steering wheel 20 to maintain its current height position. When the vehicle steering shaft assembly 10 includes the second oil chamber 62 mentioned below, the first annular oil seal 5 can also prevent oil in the first oil chamber 61 from flowing into the second oil chamber 62, thereby preventing oil leakage from changing the state of the vehicle steering shaft assembly 10. According to the embodiments provided in this disclosure, an annular groove that is recessed radially inward may be formed on the large-diameter section 11. The first annular oil seal 5 can be embedded in the annular groove and protrude radially from the annular groove, abutting against the inner wall of the upper tube column 2, thereby ensuring the reliability of the installation position and sealing of the first annular oil seal 5.

[0032] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 5 The portion of the inner cavity 22 between the large-diameter section 11 and the bottom end of the upper column 2 can define a second oil chamber 62. The second oil chamber 62 is used to introduce oil to drive the vehicle steering shaft assembly 10 into a retracted state. When the vehicle steering shaft assembly 10 needs to be switched to the retracted state, as the oil is discharged through the first oil chamber 61, the oil gradually releases its supporting force on the upper column 2 and, under the action of its own weight, gradually moves downward, thereby shortening the length of the vehicle steering shaft assembly 10. Simultaneously, oil can flow into the second oil chamber 62, further driving the upper column 2 downward, causing the vehicle steering shaft assembly 10 to retract, thus moving the steering wheel 20 towards the lower column 1. The vehicle steering shaft assembly 10 may also include a second annular oil seal, which can seal between the outer peripheral wall of the small-diameter section 12 and the inner peripheral wall of the opening 21 to prevent oil leakage from the second oil chamber 62. In the embodiments provided in this disclosure, an annular groove that is recessed radially inward may be provided on the small diameter section 12. The second annular oil seal may be embedded in the annular groove and protrude radially from the annular groove and abut against the inner peripheral sidewall of the opening 21, thereby ensuring the reliability of the installation position and sealing of the second annular oil seal.

[0033] In the embodiments provided in this disclosure, the vehicle steering shaft assembly 10 may include a connecting pipe and a pump (not shown in the figure). The connecting pipe may be connected between the first oil chamber 61 and the second oil chamber 62. The pump may be located on the connecting pipe and is used to drive the oil in the first oil chamber 61 to flow to the second oil chamber 62 when the vehicle steering shaft assembly 10 is switched to the retracted state, or to drive the oil in the second oil chamber 62 to flow to the first oil chamber 61 when the vehicle steering shaft assembly 10 is switched to the extended state. In this disclosure, in order to maintain the extended state of the vehicle steering shaft assembly 10, the pump can maintain the oil filled in the first oil chamber 61 at a certain pressure level to support the relative position between the lower tubing 1 and the upper tubing 2. In the embodiments provided in this disclosure, the upper tubing 2 may have a first oil hole for oil to be discharged or introduced into the first oil chamber 61 and a second oil hole for oil to be discharged or introduced into the second oil chamber 62, thereby facilitating the circulation of oil through the pipeline.

[0034] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle is provided, including a vehicle steering shaft assembly 10, a steering wheel 20, an instrument panel 30, and a wheel steering mechanism 40, which possess all the beneficial effects of the vehicle steering shaft assembly 10 provided in this disclosure, which will not be elaborated further here. The vehicle steering shaft assembly 10 can be connected between the steering wheel 20 and the wheel steering mechanism 40 to achieve switching between assisted driving mode and conventional driving mode. In other embodiments provided in this disclosure, the vehicle can be adapted to an intelligent cockpit control system to achieve linkage between the steering wheel 20 and the driver's operating scenario. For example, when the driver opens the door to prepare to sit down, the system drives the vehicle steering shaft assembly 10 to switch to a retracted state, causing the steering wheel 20 to move downward, thereby freeing up sufficient space for the driver's legs and other areas, making it easier for the driver to easily enter the driver's seat; or when the vehicle is parked and the engine is turned off, and the driver is preparing to get out of the seat, the system can also drive the vehicle steering shaft assembly 10 to switch to a retracted state, causing the steering wheel 20 to move downward to a height similar to that of the instrument panel 30, thereby improving the convenience and comfort of the driver getting in and out of the vehicle.

[0035] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 The top surface of the dashboard 30 has a receiving hole 301 whose inner contour structure matches the outer contour structure of the steering wheel 20. In the retracted state, the steering wheel 20 can be fitted into the receiving hole 301, thereby improving the overall integrity between components. In the embodiment provided in this disclosure, when an electronic screen 60 is mounted in front of the steering wheel 20, by fitting the steering wheel 20 into the receiving hole 301, the driver has a wider field of vision in the assisted driving mode.

[0036] The preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the specific details of the above embodiments. Within the scope of the technical concept of this disclosure, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solutions of this disclosure, and these simple modifications all fall within the protection scope of this disclosure. It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described in the above embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. To avoid unnecessary repetition, this disclosure will not further describe the various possible combinations.

[0037] Furthermore, various different embodiments of this disclosure can be combined in any way, as long as they do not violate the spirit of this disclosure, they should also be regarded as the content disclosed in this disclosure.

Claims

1. A vehicle steering axle assembly, characterized in that, include: The lower column is used for transmission connection with the wheel steering mechanism so that the rotational motion of the lower column is transmitted to the wheel steering mechanism to operate the wheel steering mechanism. and The upper column has its top end connected to the steering wheel, and its bottom end connected to and nested with the top end of the lower column. The upper column is telescopically oriented relative to the lower column so that the vehicle steering shaft assembly has an extended state and a retracted state. as well as A circumferential limiting structure is disposed between the lower tube column and the upper tube column, used to lock the relative circumferential rotation of the lower tube column and the upper tube column in the extended state, and to unlock the lower tube column and the upper tube column in the retracted state.

2. The vehicle steering shaft assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circumferential limiting structure includes: An internal spline is provided on the inner circumferential wall at the bottom end of the upper tube column; and An external spline is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the top end of the lower tubular column. In the elongated state, the external spline engages with the internal spline.

3. The vehicle steering axle assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least one of the internal splines and the external splines has guide bevels formed on its teeth to guide the internal spline to engage with the external spline when the retracted state switches to the extended state.

4. The vehicle steering shaft assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a protective cover, which is fitted onto the outside of the upper tube column corresponding to the top end of the lower tube column. An axial guide structure is provided between the protective cover and the upper tube column, and the axial guide structure includes: Guide grooves, extending along the axial direction, are formed on the inner wall of the cover; and A ball bearing is rotatably disposed within the guide groove and partially protrudes from the guide groove to abut against the outer wall of the upper tube column.

5. The vehicle steering axle assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The number of guide grooves is multiple, and the multiple guide grooves are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the cover. The number of balls matches the number of guide grooves, and they are rotatably arranged in the guide grooves one by one.

6. The vehicle steering shaft assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper tubing includes an inner cavity and an opening communicating with the inner cavity. The opening is located at the bottom end of the upper tubing. The lower tubing includes a large-diameter section and a small-diameter section connected sequentially from top to bottom. The larger diameter section is housed within the inner cavity, and the smaller diameter section passes through the opening. The inner diameter of the inner cavity matches the outer diameter of the larger diameter section, and the inner diameter of the opening matches the outer diameter of the smaller diameter section. In the elongated state, the bottom end face of the large-diameter section abuts against the inner end face of the upper tube at the opening.

7. The vehicle steering shaft assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a first annular oil seal, which is sealed between the outer peripheral sidewall of the large-diameter section and the inner peripheral sidewall of the inner cavity. The portion of the inner cavity between the large-diameter section and the top end of the upper tube column defines a first oil chamber, which is used to introduce oil to drive the vehicle steering shaft assembly into an extended state.

8. The vehicle steering shaft assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a second annular oil seal, which is sealed between the outer peripheral sidewall of the small diameter section and the inner peripheral sidewall of the opening. The inner cavity is defined in the portion between the large diameter section and the bottom end of the upper tube column to form a second oil chamber. The second oil chamber is used to introduce oil to drive the vehicle steering shaft assembly to form a retracted state.

9. The vehicle steering shaft assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a connecting pipeline and a pump. The connecting pipeline connects the first oil chamber and the second oil chamber. The pump is installed on the connecting pipeline and is used to drive the oil in the first oil chamber to flow to the second oil chamber, or to drive the oil in the second oil chamber to flow to the first oil chamber.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle steering axle assembly, steering wheel, and wheel steering mechanism are included according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the vehicle steering axle assembly is connected between the steering wheel and the wheel steering mechanism.

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