Steering column and vehicle

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of vehicles, in particular to a steering column and a vehicle. The application provides a steering column, which comprises a steering outer tube and a steering inner tube, a telescopic motor assembly, a collapse assembly and a damping assembly. Part of the steering inner tube is arranged in the steering outer tube and can slide relative to the steering outer tube. The steering inner tube is provided with a first guide groove extending in the axial direction of the steering inner tube. The telescopic motor assembly is arranged in the steering outer tube. The collapse assembly comprises a collapse support and a collapse sliding block. The collapse support is connected with the driving end of the telescopic motor assembly. The collapse sliding block is connected with the collapse support and is in interference fit with the first guide groove through the peripheral wall of the steering outer tube. In the axial direction of the collapse inner tube, one end of the damping assembly is connected with the collapse sliding block, and the other end of the damping assembly is connected with the steering inner tube. The damping assembly is configured to generate damping to the steering inner tube when the steering inner tube slides relative to the collapse sliding block. The application can improve the impact resistance of the steering column and reduce the impact of collision on the human body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle technology, and more particularly to a steering column and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] The steering column is a collapsible structure installed between the steering wheel and the steering gear. In the event of a collision, it absorbs impact energy, reducing the impact between the driver's chest and the steering wheel when the driver is thrown forward due to inertia, thus minimizing the impact force on the driver's chest. However, current steering columns have relatively weak impact resistance; under significant impact, they are prone to damage or failure due to excessive load. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides a steering column and vehicle that can improve the impact resistance of the steering column and reduce the impact of collisions on the human body.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the main technical solutions adopted in this application include: In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a steering column, including an outer steering tube and an inner steering tube, a telescopic motor assembly, a collapsible assembly, and a damping assembly. A portion of the inner steering tube is disposed on the outer steering tube and is slidable relative to the outer steering tube. The inner steering tube has a first guide groove extending axially therefrom. The telescopic motor assembly is disposed on the outer steering tube. The collapsible assembly includes a collapsible bracket and a collapsible slider. The collapsible bracket is connected to the drive end of the telescopic motor assembly, and the collapsible slider is connected to the collapsible bracket and passes through the peripheral wall of the outer steering tube, forming an interference fit with the first guide groove. Along the axial direction of the inner steering tube, one end of the damping assembly is connected to the collapsible slider, and the other end of the damping assembly is connected to the inner steering tube. The damping assembly is configured to dampen the inner steering tube when it slides relative to the collapsible slider.

[0005] The steering column proposed in this application embodiment allows the driver to tilt forward due to inertia when the vehicle is involved in a collision. The outer steering column remains stationary while the driver presses against the steering wheel. The steering wheel-connected inner steering column moves axially along the inner steering column. Due to the interference fit between the collapsible slider and the first guide groove, the inner steering column needs to overcome the damping effect of the collapsible slider when it moves, thereby absorbing the collision energy. The damping component also dampens the inner steering column when it moves, thereby increasing the impact resistance of the inner steering column, improving the collapsible force of the steering column, and thus reducing the injury to the driver.

[0006] Optionally, the steering inner tube has a first side and a second side, the second side being used to mount a steering wheel; the damping assembly includes a sleeve, a piston, and a damping medium, one end of the sleeve being connected to the collapsible slider, the sleeve having a cavity, the damping medium being disposed in the cavity, one side of the piston extending into the cavity, and the other side of the piston being connected to the second side.

[0007] In the above embodiment, when the vehicle is involved in a collision, the steering wheel connecting steering inner tube moves along the axial direction of the steering inner tube. The collapsible slider and the damping medium simultaneously dampen the steering inner tube, thereby increasing the impact resistance of the steering inner tube, enhancing the collapsible force of the steering column, and thus reducing injury to the driver.

[0008] Optionally, the damping medium is a magnetorheological fluid; the damping assembly further includes a coil wound around one side of the piston located within the cavity, and the magnetorheological fluid dampens the movement of the piston when the coil is energized.

[0009] In the above embodiments, the coil generates a magnetic field after being energized. Under the action of the magnetic field, the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid increases. When the piston moves in the cavity, the resistance of the magnetorheological fluid to the piston increases, thereby increasing the collapsing force of the steering inner tube and improving the impact resistance of the steering column.

[0010] Optionally, the first guide groove includes a first section and a second section, the collapsible slider is interference-fitted to the first section, the first section is farther away from the second side than the second section, along the circumference of the steering inner tube, and the size of the first section is larger than the size of the second section.

[0011] In the above embodiment, when the steering inner tube moves to the second section to cooperate with the collapsible slider, overcoming the friction between the collapsible slider and the first section, the friction between the second section and the collapsible slider increases, further absorbing collision energy, thereby improving the impact resistance of the steering inner tube.

[0012] Optionally, the first segment includes a first arc segment, a second arc segment, and a third arc segment, wherein the second arc segment and the third arc segment are respectively connected to the two ends of the first arc segment in its length direction, and the curvature of the second arc segment and the curvature of the third arc segment are different from the curvature of the first arc segment.

[0013] In the above embodiment, when relative movement occurs between the steering inner tube and the collapsible slider, the collision energy is absorbed through the friction and deformation between the collapsible slider and the first guide groove, thereby improving the impact resistance of the steering inner tube and protecting the driver's safety.

[0014] Optionally, the first guide groove further includes a guide section, which is disposed between the first section and the second section. In the direction from the first section to the second section, the size of the guide section gradually decreases along the circumferential direction of the steering inner tube.

[0015] In the above embodiment, when the collapsible slider moves from the first segment to the guide segment, the size of the guide segment gradually decreases, which gradually increases the friction and deformation between the collapsible slider and the guide segment, making the collapsing of the steering column tube controllable.

[0016] Optionally, the outer steering tube is provided with a second guide groove, which extends radially through the peripheral wall of the outer steering tube and axially along the outer steering tube; the inner steering tube includes a main body and a first guide rail, the first guide rail is disposed on the outer peripheral wall of the main body, the first guide rail is engaged with the second guide groove and can slide relative to the second guide groove, the first guide rail is connected to the collapsible bracket, and the first guide rail is provided with the first guide groove.

[0017] In the above embodiment, along the radial direction of the steering outer tube, a portion of the first guide rail is accommodated in the second guide groove so that the collapsible slider engages with the first guide groove.

[0018] Optionally, the first guide rail portion is connected to the collapsible bracket by a shear pin, which is adapted to break under the action of an impact force, so that the steering inner tube slides relative to the collapsible slider.

[0019] In the above embodiment, when the inner steering tube is impacted, since the outer steering tube and the collapsible bracket are fixed, the inner steering tube and the collapsible bracket generate opposite forces, causing the shear pin to break and generating the peak force value during collapsing.

[0020] Optionally, it also includes a second guide rail portion, which is disposed on the steering outer tube. The second guide rail portion is provided with a third guide groove, which is disposed opposite to the second guide groove. Along the radial direction of the steering outer tube, the two ends of the collapsible slider are respectively engaged with the first guide groove and the third guide groove.

[0021] In the above embodiment, under normal conditions, when the position of the steering wheel needs to be adjusted, the telescopic motor assembly drives the collapsible bracket to move, and the collapsible bracket causes the inner steering tube to slide relative to the outer steering tube. When the inner steering tube moves with the collapsible bracket, the collapsible slider slides along the third guide groove, and the third guide groove provides guidance for the movement of the inner steering tube.

[0022] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a vehicle including the steering column described in any of the above embodiments. The vehicle in this application, including the steering column described in any of the above embodiments, has the beneficial effects of the steering column described in any of the above embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is an exploded structural diagram of the steering column in one embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the steering column in one embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first guide rail in one embodiment of this application.

[0025] [Explanation of Labels in the Attached Image] 1. Steering outer tube; 11. Second guide groove; 12. Slot; 2. Steering inner tube; 21. First guide groove; 211. First section; 2111. First arc-shaped section; 2112. Second arc-shaped section; 2113. Third arc-shaped section; 212. Second section; 213. Guide section; 22. First side; 23. Second side; 24. Main body; 25. First guide rail section; 26. Damping bracket; 3. Telescopic motor assembly; 31. Motor; 32. Lead screw; 33. Nut part; 34. Nut bracket; 4. Collapse assembly; 41. Collapse support; 42. Collapse slider; 5. Damping assembly; 51. Sleeve; 52. Piston; 6. Cutting pins; 7. Second guide rail section; 71. Third guide groove; 72. Plug; 8. Guide bracket. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0027] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used in the description of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the description, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the description, claims, or accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order or hierarchy.

[0028] In this application, the reference to "embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a mutually exclusive, independent, or alternative embodiment. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this application can be combined with other embodiments.

[0029] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "attachment" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0030] In this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, in this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0031] In this application, "multiple" refers to two or more (including two), similarly, "multiple sets" refers to two or more (including two sets), and "multiple pieces" refers to two or more (including two pieces).

[0032] Current steering column collapse mechanisms primarily absorb energy through methods such as injection-molded pins, metal mesh deformation, and crushing tubes. These methods are passive, and the collapse force is relatively constant, resulting in weak impact resistance. Furthermore, traditional steering columns, due to their passive energy absorption, have a limited functionality, low intelligence, and cannot adjust the collapse force according to different collision severity levels.

[0033] In view of this, this application provides a steering column that can improve impact resistance and adjust the crumple force according to the degree of collision.

[0034] Firstly, reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 This application provides a steering column, which includes an outer steering tube 1 and an inner steering tube 2, a telescopic motor assembly 3, a collapsible assembly 4, and a damping assembly 5. A portion of the inner steering tube 2 is disposed within the outer steering tube 1 and is slidable relative to it. The inner steering tube 2 has a first guide groove 21 extending axially therefrom. The telescopic motor assembly 3 is disposed within the outer steering tube 1. The collapsible assembly 4 includes a collapsible bracket 41 and a collapsible slider 42. The collapsible bracket 41 is connected to the drive end of the telescopic motor assembly 3, and the collapsible slider 42 is connected to the collapsible bracket 41 and passes through the peripheral wall of the outer steering tube 1, where it is press-fitted with the first guide groove 21. Along the axial direction of the inner steering tube 2, one end of the damping assembly 5 is connected to the collapsible slider 42, and the other end is connected to the inner steering tube 2. The damping assembly 5 is configured to dampen the inner steering tube 2 when it slides relative to the collapsible slider 42. The inner steering tube 2 is sleeved within the outer steering tube 1, and the inner steering tube 2 and the outer steering tube 1 are coaxial.

[0035] In normal conditions, if the position of the steering wheel needs to be adjusted, the collapsible bracket 41 can be driven to move axially along the inner steering tube 2 by the telescopic motor assembly 3. The collapsible bracket 41 drives the inner steering tube 2 to move axially along the outer steering tube 1, so that the inner steering tube 2 extends or retracts relative to the outer steering tube 1, thereby achieving the purpose of adjusting the position of the steering wheel.

[0036] When a vehicle is involved in a collision, the driver leans forward due to inertia. The outer steering column 1 remains stationary, and the driver presses against the steering wheel. The steering wheel connects to the inner steering column 2, which moves axially along the inner steering column 2. Due to the interference fit between the collapsible slider 42 and the first guide groove 21, the inner steering column 2 needs to overcome the damping of the collapsible slider 42 when it moves, thereby absorbing the collision energy. When the inner steering column 2 moves, the damping component 5 also dampens the inner steering column 2, thereby increasing the impact resistance of the inner steering column 2, improving the collapsible force of the steering column, and thus reducing the injury to the driver.

[0037] The damping component 5 in this application can be a piston 52 type hydraulic cylinder that can generate resistance to the steering inner tube 2, a friction block that can generate resistance to the steering inner tube 2, etc., depending on the specific situation, as long as it can generate damping to the movement of the steering inner tube 2.

[0038] The telescopic motor assembly 3 includes a motor 31, a lead screw 32, and a nut 33. The motor 31 is mounted on the steering outer tube 1; the lead screw 32 is connected to the rotating shaft of the motor 31; the nut 33 is movably mounted on the lead screw 32, and the collapsible bracket 41 is connected to the nut 33. The nut 33 is fixedly connected to the collapsible bracket 41 via a nut bracket 34. Specifically, the collapsible bracket 41 has a first arc-shaped groove, the nut bracket 34 has a second arc-shaped groove, and the nut 33 has two oppositely arranged annular locking parts, which are respectively connected to the first arc-shaped groove and the second arc-shaped groove.

[0039] When the motor 31 drives the rotating shaft to rotate, the rotating shaft drives the lead screw 32 to rotate. The rotation of the lead screw 32 drives the nut part 33 to move along the axial direction of the lead screw 32. The nut part 33 drives the collapsible bracket 41 and the steering inner tube 2 to move, thereby realizing the adjustment of the steering wheel position.

[0040] Optionally, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The steering inner tube 2 has a first side 22 and a second side 23, the second side 23 being used to mount the steering wheel; the damping assembly 5 includes a sleeve 51, a piston 52 and a damping medium, one end of the sleeve 51 being connected to the collapsible slider 42, the sleeve 51 having a cavity, the damping medium being disposed in the cavity, one side of the piston 52 extending into the cavity, and the other side of the piston 52 being connected to the second side 23.

[0041] When the steering wheel is impacted, the steering inner tube 2, which is connected to the steering wheel, moves axially. On one hand, due to the interference fit between the collapsible slider 42 and the first guide groove 21, the steering inner tube 2 absorbs impact energy by overcoming the damping effect of the collapsible slider 42. On the other hand, the damping medium inside the sleeve 51 dampens the piston 52, thereby damping the steering inner tube 2, increasing its impact resistance, enhancing the steering column's collapsible force, and reducing injury to the driver. The damping medium can be a liquid, gas, or other medium capable of damping the movement of the piston 52.

[0042] Optionally, the damping medium is a magnetorheological fluid; the damping assembly 5 also includes a coil, which is wound around one side of the piston 52 located in the cavity, and the magnetorheological fluid dampens the movement of the piston 52 when the coil is energized.

[0043] The coil is wound around the piston 52 and located in the cavity of the sleeve 51. When the vehicle collides, the collision signal is transmitted to the vehicle controller. The controller controls the coil to receive current. After the coil is energized, it generates a magnetic field. The viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid increases under the action of the magnetic field. When the piston 52 moves in the cavity, the resistance of the magnetorheological fluid to the piston 52 increases, thereby increasing the crumple force of the steering inner tube 2 and improving the impact resistance of the steering column.

[0044] For example, the piston 52 may be provided with a groove, and after the coil is wound around the piston 52, the two ends of the coil are led out from the groove and connected to the power source.

[0045] It should be noted that the controller can adjust the current flowing through the coil according to the severity of the collision, thereby adjusting the magnetic field generated by the coil and adjusting the damping coefficient of the magnetorheological fluid. This achieves the goal of controllable collapsing force of the steering inner tube 2, further protecting the driver's safety.

[0046] Optionally, refer to Figure 3 The first guide groove 21 includes a first section 211 and a second section 212. The collapsible slider 42 is interference-fitted to the first section 211. The first section 211 is farther away from the second side 23 than the second section 212. Along the circumference of the inner tube 2, the size of the first section 211 is larger than the size of the second section 212.

[0047] When the vehicle is involved in a collision, the steering inner tube 2 connected to the steering wheel moves along the axial direction of the steering inner tube 2, and the collapsible slider 42 slides relative to the first guide groove 21. Since the size of the first section 211 is larger than the size of the second section 212 along the axial direction of the steering inner tube 2, when the steering inner tube 2 overcomes the friction between the collapsible slider 42 and the first section 211 and moves to the point where the second section 212 engages with the collapsible slider 42, the friction between the second section 212 and the collapsible slider 42 increases, further absorbing the collision energy, thereby improving the impact resistance of the steering inner tube 2.

[0048] Optionally, refer to Figure 3 The first segment 211 includes a first arc segment 2111, a second arc segment 2112, and a third arc segment 2113. The second arc segment 2112 and the third arc segment 2113 are respectively connected to the two ends of the first arc segment 2111 in its length direction. The curvature of the second arc segment 2112 and the curvature of the third arc segment 2113 are different from the curvature of the first arc segment 2111.

[0049] Because the curvatures of the first arc segment 2111 and the second arc segment 2112 are different, a first protrusion is formed at the connection between the first arc segment 2111 and the second arc segment 2112. Similarly, because the curvatures of the first arc segment 2111 and the third arc segment 2113 are different, a second protrusion is formed at the connection between the first arc segment 2111 and the third arc segment 2113. The first and second protrusions are interference-fitted with the collapsible slider 42. When relative movement occurs between the steering inner tube 2 and the collapsible slider 42, the collision energy is absorbed through friction and deformation between the collapsible slider 42 and the first guide groove 21, as well as the first and second protrusions, thereby increasing the impact resistance of the steering inner tube 2 and protecting the driver's safety.

[0050] In one specific embodiment, the collapsible slider 42 has an arcuate portion whose outer contour mates with the first arcuate segment 2111.

[0051] Optionally, refer to Figure 3 The first guide groove 21 also includes a guide section 213, which is located between the first section 211 and the second section 212. From the first section 211 to the second section 212, the size of the guide section 213 gradually decreases along the circumferential direction of the inner tube 2.

[0052] When the collapsible slider 42 moves from the first section 211 to the guide section 213, the size of the guide section 213 gradually decreases, which gradually increases the friction and deformation between the collapsible slider 42 and the guide section 213, making the collapsing of the steering column tube controllable.

[0053] Optionally, refer to Figure 1 The outer steering tube 1 is provided with a second guide groove 11. The second guide groove 11 extends through the peripheral wall of the outer steering tube 1 along the radial direction and extends along the axial direction of the outer steering tube 1. The inner steering tube 2 includes a main body 24 and a first guide rail 25. The first guide rail 25 is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the main body 24. The first guide rail 25 is fitted with the second guide groove 11 and can slide relative to the second guide groove 11. The first guide rail 25 is connected to the collapsible bracket 41. The first guide rail 25 is provided with a first guide groove 21.

[0054] Along the radial direction of the outer steering tube 1, a portion of the first guide rail 25 is accommodated in the second guide groove 11 so that the collapsible slider 42 engages with the first guide groove 21. Under normal conditions, when the steering wheel position needs to be adjusted, the telescopic motor assembly 3 drives the collapsible bracket 41. The collapsible bracket 41 drives the first guide rail 25, causing the inner steering tube 2 to slide relative to the second guide groove 11 of the outer steering tube 1, thereby achieving the adjustment of the steering wheel position.

[0055] Optionally, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The first guide rail 25 is connected to the collapsible bracket 41 by a shear pin 6, which is adapted to break under the action of impact force so that the steering inner tube 2 slides relative to the collapsible slider 42.

[0056] When the inner steering tube 2 is impacted, since the outer steering tube 1 and the telescopic motor assembly 3 are fixed, the collapse bracket 41 is fixed. The inner steering tube 2 and the collapse bracket 41 generate opposite forces, causing the shear pin 6 to break and generating the peak force value during collapse.

[0057] Specifically, the collapsible bracket 41 is connected to the inner steering tube 2 via the shear pin 6 and to the telescopic motor assembly 3. That is, both the collapsible bracket 41 and the outer steering tube 1 remain relatively fixed. Correspondingly, the collapsible slider 42 mounted on the collapsible bracket 41 also remains relatively fixed. When the steering wheel is impacted, the steering inner tube 2, connected to the steering wheel, experiences axial force and moves. The first guide rail 25 and the collapsible bracket 41 and its collapsible slider 42 generate opposing forces, causing the shear pin 6 to break under shear force, generating the peak force during collapse. At this time, the inner steering tube 2 can move within the cavity of the outer steering tube 1. Due to the interference fit between the collapsible slider 42 and the first guide groove 21, the inner steering tube 2 moves along its axial direction, and the collapsible slider 42 exerts a smoothing force on the inner steering tube 2 during collapse.

[0058] Optionally, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The steering column also includes a second guide rail 7, which is located on the steering outer tube 1. The second guide rail 7 is provided with a third guide groove 71, which is opposite to the second guide groove 11. Along the radial direction of the steering outer tube 1, the two ends of the collapsible slider 42 are respectively engaged with the first guide groove 21 and the third guide groove 71.

[0059] In normal conditions, when the position of the steering wheel needs to be adjusted, the telescopic motor assembly 3 drives the collapsible bracket 41 to move. The collapsible bracket 41 drives the first guide rail 25 to slide the inner steering tube 2 relative to the outer steering tube 1, thereby realizing the adjustment of the steering wheel position. When the inner steering tube 2 moves with the collapsible bracket 41, the collapsible slider 42 slides along the third guide groove 71. The third guide groove 71 provides guidance for the movement of the inner steering tube 2 and can reduce the rotation of the inner steering tube 2 during its axial movement.

[0060] For example, along the axial direction of the outer steering tube 1, the two ends of the second guide rail 7 are provided with plugs 72, and the inner steering tube 2 is provided with corresponding slots 12, and the plugs 72 of the second guide rail 7 are fitted into the slots 12.

[0061] For example, the steering column also includes a guide bracket 8, which is fixedly connected to the steering outer tube 1. The guide bracket 8 has a groove, and the second guide rail portion 7 is fitted into the groove.

[0062] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a vehicle including the steering column described in any of the above embodiments. The vehicle in this application, including the steering column described in any of the above embodiments, has the beneficial effects of the steering column described in any of the above embodiments.

[0063] In this application, the outer steering tube 1 is fixed to the vehicle body. The outer steering tube 1 has a slot 12 and bolt holes. The plugs 72 at both ends of the second guide rail 7 are fitted into the slot 12. The guide bracket 8 is fixed to the outer steering tube 1 by bolts and bolt holes. The inner steering tube 2 and the outer steering tube 1 can move relative to each other along their axial direction to realize the extension and retraction function of the steering wheel. The outer peripheral wall of the inner steering tube 2 is welded with the first inner tube guide rail 25 and the damping bracket 26. Along the radial direction of the inner steering tube 2, the two ends of the collapsible slider 42 are respectively fitted with the first guide groove 21 and the third guide groove 71, and the collapsible slider 42 is interference-fitted with the first guide groove 21. When collapsing occurs, the collapsible slider 42 moves relative to the first guide groove 21. The collapsible slider 42 has a threaded hole, and the collapsible slider 42 is connected to the sleeve 51 through the threaded hole. The damping bracket 26 on the inner steering tube 2 has a mounting hole. After the piston 52 extends into the mounting hole, it is fixed to the guide bracket 8 by a nut. The first guide rail 25 has a first mounting hole, and the collapsible bracket 41 has a second mounting hole. The shear pin 6 passes through the first and second mounting holes to connect the collapsible bracket 41 and the steering inner tube 2. The lead screw 32 of the telescopic motor assembly 3 is threadedly connected to the nut 33. By rotating the lead screw 32, the nut 33 moves axially, thereby driving the collapsible bracket 41 to move and realizing the telescopic extension and retraction of the steering inner tube 2.

[0064] When a vehicle collision occurs and the steering wheel is impacted, the outer steering tube 1 remains stationary, while the inner steering tube 2, connected to the steering wheel, collapses axially. Opposite forces are generated between the first guide rail 25 and the collapse bracket 41, causing the shear pin 6 to break and generating a peak force during collapse. Then, the collapse slider 42 remains stationary, and the inner steering tube 2 collapses axially along the collapse slider 42. During collapse, on one hand, the collapse slider 42 is interference-fitted with the first guide groove 21, absorbing energy through deformation; on the other hand, the coil receives current, adjusting the damping coefficient of the magnetorheological fluid to absorb energy during collapse, achieving controllable damping force, and ultimately realizing intelligent and controllable collapse force to protect the driver's safety.

[0065] It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0066] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments. In particular, the system embodiments are basically similar to the method embodiments, so the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the descriptions in the method embodiments.

[0067] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

[0068] Although embodiments of this application have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of this application, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A steering column, characterized in that, include: Steering outer tube (1) and steering inner tube (2), a portion of the steering inner tube (2) is disposed on the steering outer tube (1) and is slidable relative to the steering outer tube (1), and the steering inner tube (2) is provided with a first guide groove (21) extending along its axial direction. Telescopic motor assembly (3) is provided on the steering outer tube (1); The collapsible assembly (4) includes a collapsible bracket (41) and a collapsible slider (42). The collapsible bracket (41) is connected to the drive end of the telescopic motor assembly (3). The collapsible slider (42) is connected to the collapsible bracket (41) and passes through the peripheral wall of the steering outer tube (1) and is interference-fitted with the first guide groove (21). A damping assembly (5) is provided along the axial direction of the steering inner tube (2). One end of the damping assembly (5) is connected to the collapsible slider (42), and the other end of the damping assembly (5) is connected to the steering inner tube (2). The damping assembly (5) is configured to dampen the steering inner tube (2) when the steering inner tube (2) slides relative to the collapsible slider (42).

2. The steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steering inner tube (2) has a first side (22) and a second side (23), the second side (23) being used to mount the steering wheel; The damping assembly (5) includes a sleeve (51), a piston (52) and a damping medium. One end of the sleeve (51) is connected to the collapsible slider (42). The sleeve (51) has a cavity inside, and the damping medium is disposed in the cavity. One side of the piston (52) extends into the cavity, and the other side of the piston (52) is connected to the second side (23).

3. The steering column according to claim 2, characterized in that, The damping medium is a magnetorheological fluid; The damping assembly (5) also includes a coil wound around one side of the piston (52) located in the cavity, and the magnetorheological fluid dampens the movement of the piston (52) when the coil is energized.

4. The steering column according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first guide groove (21) includes a first section (211) and a second section (212). The collapsible slider (42) is interference-fitted to the first section (211). The first section (211) is farther away from the second side (23) than the second section (212). Along the circumference of the steering inner tube (2), the size of the first section (211) is larger than the size of the second section (212).

5. The steering column according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first segment (211) includes a first arc segment (2111), a second arc segment (2112), and a third arc segment (2113). The second arc segment (2112) and the third arc segment (2113) are respectively connected to the two ends of the first arc segment (2111) in its length direction. The curvature of the second arc segment (2112) and the curvature of the third arc segment (2113) are different from the curvature of the first arc segment (2111).

6. The steering column according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first guide groove (21) further includes a guide section (213), which is located between the first section (211) and the second section (212). From the first section (211) to the second section (212), the guide section (213) gradually decreases in size along the circumferential direction of the steering inner tube (2).

7. The steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steering outer tube (1) is provided with a second guide groove (11), which extends through the peripheral wall of the steering outer tube (1) and along the axial direction of the steering outer tube (1) along the radial direction of the steering outer tube (1). The steering inner tube (2) includes a main body (24) and a first guide rail (25). The first guide rail (25) is disposed on the outer peripheral wall of the main body (24). The first guide rail (25) is engaged with the second guide groove (11) and can slide relative to the second guide groove (11). The first guide rail (25) is connected to the collapsible bracket (41). The first guide rail (25) is provided with the first guide groove (21).

8. The steering column according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first guide rail (25) is connected to the collapsible bracket (41) by a shear pin (6), which is adapted to break under the action of an impact force so that the steering inner tube (2) slides relative to the collapsible slider (42).

9. The steering column according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a second guide rail (7), which is located on the steering outer tube (1). The second guide rail (7) is provided with a third guide groove (71), which is arranged opposite to the second guide groove (11). Along the radial direction of the steering outer tube (1), the two ends of the collapsible slider (42) are respectively engaged with the first guide groove (21) and the third guide groove (71).

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, The steering column includes any one of claims 1-9.

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