A steering column adjustment assembly, an electric power assisted steering system and a vehicle

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of automobile parts, provide a kind of steering column adjusting assembly, electric power steering system and vehicle, steering column adjusting assembly includes tube body, slider, spline shaft and first sleeve.The lower end of tube body is equipped with multiple installation holes distributed along circumference, slider and corresponding installation hole are along tube body radial sliding fit, the upper end of spline shaft is inserted into the lower end of tube body;The keyway of spline shaft and the inner end of corresponding slider are along its axial sliding fit, the inner wall of the end of first sleeve away from slider is connected with the outer wall of tube body by screw thread, the inner diameter of the end of first sleeve close to slider gradually increases and the end of slider is included and abuts with the outer end of slider.The utility model is rotated by first sleeve, to force multiple sliders to slide infinitely along tube body radial, to reduce the distance between slider inner end and the inner wall of two opposite sides of keyway, repair steering wheel virtual position, it is easy to operate, need not to carry out additional process again, time-consuming is short.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive component technology, specifically to a steering column adjustment assembly, an electric power steering system, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Modern passenger vehicles transmit steering wheel torque to the steering gear via a steering column. Part of the steering column structure includes a sliding pair consisting of a splined shaft and a splined tube. The splined shaft slides coaxially within the splined tube, allowing for length extension while maintaining torque transmission. To ensure assembly feasibility and smooth sliding, the external splines on the splined shaft and the internal splines on the splined tube use a clearance fit. In a new vehicle, the tooth flank clearance of the internal and external splines is small, resulting in a small steering wheel angular clearance, which has minimal impact on driving feel.

[0003] However, during vehicle operation, engine vibration causes high-frequency, micro-amplitude reciprocating slippage of the spline pair; simultaneously, impacts from speed bumps, potholes, etc., cause instantaneous relative angular displacement of the inner and outer splines. These two conditions combined result in mutual grinding between the inner and outer splines. Furthermore, after wading through water, corrosion products further act as abrasive particles, exacerbating the grinding process. This leads to a general increase in the tooth flank clearance of both the inner and outer splines, consequently increasing the steering wheel angular clearance, resulting in a certain degree of play (free play) in the steering wheel, and lag in steering and return to center.

[0004] The existing remedy usually involves replacing the entire spline shaft and spline tube, which is costly and requires four-wheel alignment, taking a long time. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides a steering column adjustment assembly, an electric power steering system and a vehicle, thereby solving or at least alleviating one or more of the above-mentioned problems and other problems existing in the prior art.

[0006] This utility model provides a steering column adjustment assembly, including:

[0007] The tube body has multiple mounting holes distributed circumferentially at its lower end;

[0008] A slider, wherein multiple sliders are provided, and the sliders slide in a radial engagement with the corresponding mounting holes along the tube body;

[0009] A splined shaft, the upper end of which is inserted into the lower end of the tube, wherein the keyway of the splined shaft and the corresponding slider slide in axial direction; and

[0010] A first sleeve is fitted onto the outside of the tube. The inner wall of the first sleeve at the end away from the slider is threadedly connected to the outer wall of the tube. The inner diameter of the first sleeve at the end near the slider gradually increases and encompasses the end of the slider. The inner wall of the first sleeve at the end near the slider abuts against the outer end of the slider.

[0011] Preferably, a wedge block is connected to the end of the slider away from the first sleeve;

[0012] The steering column adjustment assembly further includes a second sleeve; the inner wall of the second sleeve is threadedly connected to the outer wall of the tube body; the slider is located between the first sleeve and the second sleeve; the end of the second sleeve abuts against the inclined surface of the wedge block and can push the slider to slide outward along the radial direction of the tube body.

[0013] Preferably, the slider includes:

[0014] A contact portion having a smaller end and a larger end, the smaller end of the contact portion slidingly engaging with the keyway of the spline shaft; and

[0015] The mating part is fixedly connected to the larger end of the contact part, the upper end of the mating part is connected to the wedge block, and the outer side of the lower end of the mating part abuts against the inner wall of the first sleeve.

[0016] Preferably, the mating part has an installation notch on the side opposite to the contact part; the installation notch is located at the end of the mating part away from the wedge block;

[0017] The steering column adjustment assembly also includes:

[0018] Multiple screws are provided, each screw being correspondingly disposed within the mounting notch. The screws are connected to the mating part, and the length of the screws extends along the axial direction of the tube body.

[0019] Multiple adjusting blocks, each adjusting block being slidably sleeved on a corresponding screw through an opening, wherein the end of the adjusting block facing away from the wedge block can abut against the inner wall of the first sleeve; and

[0020] Multiple adjusting columns, wherein the adjusting columns are threadedly connected to corresponding screws through openings;

[0021] The adjusting block is located between the adjusting column and the first sleeve.

[0022] Preferably, the first sleeve is located below the second sleeve; the adjusting block is located below the adjusting column.

[0023] Preferably, the mounting hole extends axially along the tube body; the length direction of the slider is arranged axially along the tube body.

[0024] Preferably, the plurality of mounting holes are evenly distributed along the circumference of the tube body.

[0025] Preferably, the first sleeve is fitted with a first nut; the second sleeve is fitted with a second nut.

[0026] This utility model also provides an electric power steering system, including any of the above-mentioned steering column adjustment components.

[0027] This utility model also provides a vehicle including the above-described electric power steering system.

[0028] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0029] In this invention, the first sleeve, which is threaded onto the tube body, rotates to force multiple sliders to slide infinitely along the radial direction of the tube body. This causes the worn inner end of the slider to re-close the distance with the keyway of the spline shaft, thereby reducing the distance between the inner end of the slider and the inner walls of the two opposite sides of the keyway, thus repairing the steering wheel play. The operation is convenient, requires no additional procedures, and is quick. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. In all the drawings, similar elements or parts are generally identified by similar reference numerals. In the drawings, the elements or parts are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a steering column adjustment assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the mating of the central tube and the splined shaft;

[0033] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Exploded view;

[0034] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of the central tube body and a slider in action;

[0035] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A 3D view of the spline shaft and multiple sliders in operation;

[0036] Figure 6 for Figure 2A 3D view of the slider.

[0037] Figure label:

[0038] 10. Pipe body; 11. Mounting hole;

[0039] 20. Slider; 21. Contact part; 22. Mating part; 23. Mounting notch;

[0040] 30. Splined switch; 31. Keyway;

[0041] 40. First sleeve; 41. First nut;

[0042] 50. Wedge block;

[0043] 60. Second sleeve; 61. Second nut;

[0044] 70. Screw; 71. Adjusting block; 72. Adjusting column. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are merely illustrative of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0046] It should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, the technical or scientific terms used in this application shall have the ordinary meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this utility model pertains.

[0047] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0048] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0049] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0050] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0051] See Figures 1 to 6 This embodiment provides a steering column adjustment assembly, including a tube body 10, a slider 20, a spline shaft 30, and a first sleeve 40.

[0052] The lower end of the tube body 10 has multiple circumferentially distributed mounting holes 11. Multiple sliders 20 are provided, and each slider 20 slides radially with its corresponding mounting hole 11. The upper end of the spline shaft 30 is inserted into the lower end of the tube body 10. The keyway 31 of the spline shaft 30 extends axially, and slides axially with the inner end of the corresponding slider 20. A first sleeve 40 is fitted over the tube body 10. The inner wall of the end of the first sleeve 40 away from the slider 20 is threadedly connected to the outer wall of the tube body 10. The inner diameter of the end of the first sleeve 40 near the slider 20 gradually increases and encompasses the end of the slider 20. The inner wall of the end of the first sleeve 40 near the slider 20 abuts against the outer end of the slider 20. Specifically, the inner wall of the first sleeve 40 near the end of the slider 20 is inclined and similar to the inner wall of the funnel. When the first sleeve 40 rotates on the tube 10 and feeds towards the slider 20, the inner wall of the first sleeve 40 abuts against the end of the slider 20 and pushes the slider 20 to slide radially.

[0053] In this embodiment, the first sleeve 40, which is threaded onto the tube body, is rotated to force multiple sliders 20 to slide infinitely radially along the tube body 10. This causes the worn inner end of the slider 20 to re-close the distance with the keyway 31 of the spline shaft 30, thereby reducing the distance between the inner end of the slider 20 and the inner walls of the two opposite sides of the keyway 31 and repairing the steering wheel play. The operation is convenient and does not require additional procedures (such as four-wheel alignment required to replace the spline shaft 30 and spline tube), and it is quick.

[0054] Second embodiment:

[0055] In this embodiment, a wedge block 50 is connected to the end of the slider 20 away from the first sleeve 40.

[0056] The steering column adjustment assembly also includes a second sleeve 60. The inner wall of the second sleeve 60 is threaded to the outer wall of the tube body 10, and the slider 20 is located between the first sleeve 40 and the second sleeve 60. The end of the second sleeve 60 abuts against the inclined surface of the wedge block 50 and can push the slider 20 to slide radially outward along the tube body 10.

[0057] In this embodiment, when the first sleeve 40 rotates and pushes the slider 20 inward so that the inner end of the slider 20 abuts against the keyway 31 of the spline shaft 30, friction occurs between the slider 20 and the spline groove 31. Depending on the requirements, the slider 20 should have a clearance fit with the spline groove 31, and the tolerance should have corresponding standards. During repair, even if the initial fit tolerance cannot be restored, it should be as close as possible. Therefore, after the first sleeve 40 rotates and pushes the slider 20 to slide inward and abut against the keyway 31 of the spline shaft 30, the second sleeve 60 rotates and abuts against the inclined surface of the wedge block 50 at the end of the slider 20, preventing further feeding. At this time, the first sleeve 40 rotates and retracts, and the second sleeve 60 rotates a specified number of turns (for example, rotating one turn, the slider 20 moves backward to roughly meet the tolerance requirements), so that each slider 20 retracts outward by a certain distance to meet the fit tolerance between the slider 20 and the keyway 31 of the spline shaft 30. Then, the first sleeve 40 rotates again and abuts against the outer end of the slider 20. At this time, the first sleeve 40 from the outside and the second sleeve 60 from the inside jointly lock the slider 20, so that the slider 20 is locked on the tube body 10, and subsequently the slider 20 and the spline shaft 30 achieve a stable fit.

[0058] Third embodiment:

[0059] In this embodiment, the slider 20 includes a contact portion 21 and a mating portion 22.

[0060] The contact portion 21 has a smaller end and a larger end. The smaller end of the contact portion 21 is in sliding engagement with the keyway 31 of the spline shaft 30. The smaller end of the contact portion 21 and the keyway 31 of the spline shaft 30 are shaped to fit together. The mating portion 22 is fixedly connected to the larger end of the contact portion 21. The upper end of the mating portion 22 is connected to the wedge block 50, and the outer side of the lower end of the mating portion 22 abuts against the inner wall of the first sleeve 40. Specifically, the cross-section of the contact portion 21 is an isosceles trapezoid. The smaller end of the contact portion 21 is the end of the shorter side (upper base) of the isosceles trapezoid, and the larger end of the contact portion 21 is the end of the longer side (lower base) of the isosceles trapezoid. The cross-section of the mating portion 22 is rectangular.

[0061] In this embodiment, the contact portion 21 and the spline shaft 30 grind against each other, widening the gap (including the side gap). Since the smaller end of the contact portion 21 engages with the keyway 31 of the spline shaft 30, when the slider 20 is pushed inward, the shape of the contact portion 21 can effectively reduce the side gap when it approaches the bottom of the keyway 31 of the spline shaft 30, thereby correcting the steering wheel play.

[0062] Fourth embodiment:

[0063] In this embodiment, the mating part 22 has an installation notch 23 on the side away from the contact part 21, and the installation notch 23 is located at the end of the mating part 22 away from the wedge block 50.

[0064] The steering column adjustment assembly also includes multiple screws 70, multiple adjustment blocks 71, and multiple adjustment columns 72.

[0065] A rod is correspondingly installed within the mounting notch 23. A screw 70 is connected to the mating part 22, and the length of the screw 70 extends axially along the tube body 10. An adjusting block 71 is slidably fitted onto the corresponding screw 70 through an opening. The end of the adjusting block 71 facing away from the wedge block 50 can abut against the inner wall of the first sleeve 40. An adjusting column 72 is threadedly connected to the corresponding screw 70 through an opening, and the adjusting block 71 is located between the adjusting column 72 and the first sleeve 40. The adjusting block 71 and the mating part 22 slide along the axial direction of the screw 70.

[0066] In this embodiment, the wear degree of the contact portion 21 of each slider 20 and the keyway 31 of the spline shaft 30 is not the same. When the steering column is installed on the vehicle, the spline shaft 30 is tilted as a whole. However, the vehicle usually travels in a straight line, and it is normal for the spline shaft 30 not to rotate significantly. Therefore, the keyway 31 on the lower side of the spline shaft 30 is the main wear position, and correspondingly, the slider 20 at this position is also more severely worn than other sliders 20. When the first sleeve 40 pushes multiple sliders 20 to move inward, some sliders 20 with less severe wear will be in position first, while the contact portion 21 of the severely worn slider 20 is still at a certain position with the bottom of the keyway 31. At this time, the adjusting column 72 can be rotated to push the adjusting block 71, so that the adjusting block 71 is close to the inner wall of the first sleeve 40, thereby pushing the corresponding slider 20 to move inward in a corrective manner. That is, when the first sleeve 40 is stationary, the contact portion 21 of sliders 20 with different degrees of wear abuts against the keyway 31 of the spline shaft 30, so that the spline shaft 30 maintains good alignment. The contact portions 21 of multiple sliders 20 are all at the same distance from the keyway 31 of the spline shaft 30, so that multiple sliders 20 participate simultaneously in subsequent torque transmission, resulting in stable load-bearing capacity.

[0067] Fifth embodiment:

[0068] In this embodiment, the first sleeve 40 is located below the second sleeve 60; the adjusting block 71 is located below the adjusting post 72. When the first sleeve 40 pushes multiple sliders 20 inward, and the contact part 21 abuts against the keyway 31 of the spline shaft 30, some severely worn sliders 20 do not abut against the keyway 31. At this time, all adjusting blocks 71 can be held and moved down. As long as there is a distance between the adjusting block 71 and the adjusting post 72, it can be determined that the corresponding slider 20 needs to be adjusted. At this time, the corresponding adjusting post 72 can be rotated, which is intuitive and convenient, and it is not necessary to adjust each adjusting post 72.

[0069] Sixth embodiment:

[0070] In this embodiment, the mounting hole 11 extends axially along the tube body 10, and the length direction of the slider 20 is arranged along the axial direction of the tube body 10.

[0071] In this embodiment, both the mounting hole 11 and the slider 20 are elongated, which increases the contact area when the inner contact portion 21 of the slider 20 mates with the keyway 31 of the spline shaft 30, thereby increasing the stability of torque transmission.

[0072] Seventh embodiment:

[0073] In this embodiment, multiple mounting holes 11 are evenly distributed around the circumference of the tube body 10, so that the torque is transmitted evenly.

[0074] Eighth embodiment:

[0075] The first sleeve 40 is fitted with a first nut 41; the second sleeve 60 is fitted with a second nut 61. When it is necessary to drive the first sleeve 40 and the second sleeve 60 to rotate, the first nut 41 and the second nut 61 can be turned with a wrench, which improves convenience.

[0076] This embodiment provides an electric power steering system, including any of the steering column adjustment components described above.

[0077] This embodiment provides a vehicle including the above-described electric power steering system.

[0078] Numerous specific details are set forth in this specification. However, it will be understood that embodiments of this invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known methods, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this specification.

[0079] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and not to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and specification of this utility model.

Claims

1. A steering column adjustment assembly, characterized in that, include: The tube body (10) has multiple mounting holes (11) distributed circumferentially at its lower end. A slider (20) is provided in multiple ways, and the slider (20) and the corresponding mounting hole (11) slide in a radial fit along the tube body (10); Splined shaft (30), the upper end of which is inserted into the lower end of the tube (10), the keyway (31) of which slides axially with the corresponding slider (20); and The first sleeve (40) is sleeved on the outside of the tube body (10). The inner wall of the first sleeve (40) away from the slider (20) is threaded to the outer wall of the tube body (10). The inner diameter of the first sleeve (40) near the slider (20) gradually increases and encompasses the end of the slider (20). The inner wall of the first sleeve (40) near the slider (20) abuts against the outer end of the slider (20).

2. The steering column adjustment assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The end of the slider (20) away from the first sleeve (40) is connected to a wedge block (50); The steering column adjustment assembly further includes a second sleeve (60); the inner wall of the second sleeve (60) is threadedly connected to the outer wall of the tube body (10); the slider (20) is located between the first sleeve (40) and the second sleeve (60); the end of the second sleeve (60) abuts against the inclined surface of the wedge block (50) and can push the slider (20) to slide outward along the radial direction of the tube body (10).

3. The steering column adjustment assembly as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The slider (20) includes: A contact portion (21) having a smaller end and a larger end, the smaller end of the contact portion (21) slidingly engaging with the keyway (31) of the spline shaft (30); and The mating part (22) is fixedly connected to the larger end of the contact part (21), the upper end of the mating part (22) is connected to the wedge block (50), and the outer side of the lower end of the mating part (22) abuts against the inner wall of the first sleeve (40).

4. A steering column adjustment assembly as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The mating part (22) has an installation notch (23) on the side opposite to the contact part (21); the installation notch (23) is located at the end of the mating part (22) away from the wedge block (50); The steering column adjustment assembly also includes: Multiple screws (70) are provided in the mounting notch (23), the screws (70) are connected to the mating part (22), and the length direction of the screws (70) extends along the axial direction of the tube body (10); Multiple adjusting blocks (71) are slidably sleeved on the corresponding screws (70) through openings. The ends of the adjusting blocks (71) facing away from the wedge blocks (50) can abut against the inner wall of the first sleeve (40); and Multiple adjusting columns (72) are threadedly connected to corresponding screws (70) through openings; The adjusting block (71) is located between the adjusting column (72) and the first sleeve (40).

5. A steering column adjustment assembly as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The first sleeve (40) is located below the second sleeve (60); the adjusting block (71) is located below the adjusting column (72).

6. A steering column adjustment assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting hole (11) extends axially along the tube body (10); the length direction of the slider (20) is arranged along the axial direction of the tube body (10).

7. A steering column adjustment assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of mounting holes (11) are evenly distributed around the circumference of the tube body (10).

8. A steering column adjustment assembly as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first sleeve (40) is fitted with a first nut (41); the second sleeve (60) is fitted with a second nut (61).

9. An electric power steering system, characterized in that, Includes the steering column adjustment assembly as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the electric power steering system as described in claim 9.

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