A steering column connector assembly for a steering column

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of connector assembly discloses a kind of steering column connector assembly for steering, comprising: nylon framework assembly;Rubber outer sleeve, it is set and fixed in the outside of the nylon framework assembly;Plastic gasket, it is set in the inside of the rubber outer sleeve;Wherein, the nylon framework assembly includes the rotating buckle structure for being detachably connected with steering gear housing.The utility model proposes a kind of steering column connector assembly for steering, nylon framework assembly uses the setting of double-color injection molding TPV, increases the waterproof, noise reduction and sealing function of product, replaces the screw connection mode of previous design by buckle connection design, reduces the assembly difficulty between steering column connector assembly and steering housing, reduces costThrough the above technical scheme, the technical problem that the sealing waterproof performance of end cover assembly is insufficient and reduces the stability of whole vehicle in related technology / prior art is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of connector assembly technology, and more specifically, it relates to a steering column connector assembly for steering. Background Technology

[0002] The steering gear is the core component of the steering system. It is responsible for converting the rotational motion of the steering wheel into the swing of the steering rocker arm, which in turn drives the tie rod, the lever arm, and the steering knuckle to achieve wheel steering. Its reliability is directly related to driving safety.

[0003] The steering column connector assembly, mounted on the steering gear housing, serves four major functions: protection, waterproofing, sound insulation, and sealing. However, according to vehicle complaint data, sealing failure and abnormal noise have long been among the most frequent issues. The root cause is often the insufficient sealing and waterproofing performance of the end cap assembly. This defect not only reduces the stability of the vehicle but also significantly weakens driving comfort and safety redundancy. Utility Model Content

[0004] This utility model provides a steering column connector assembly for steering, which solves the technical problem of insufficient sealing and waterproofing performance of end cover assemblies in related technologies, thus reducing the stability of the whole vehicle.

[0005] This utility model provides a steering column connector assembly for steering, comprising: The nylon skeleton assembly is integrally molded using a two-color injection molding process and forms the core support structure of the assembly; A rubber jacket is fitted over and secured to the outside of the nylon skeleton assembly; A plastic gasket is disposed inside the rubber jacket; The nylon skeleton assembly includes a rotary snap-fit ​​structure for detachable connection with the steering gear housing.

[0006] As a further optimization of this utility model, the rotating buckle structure includes at least two slots extending from the outer periphery of the nylon skeleton assembly. By rotating the nylon skeleton assembly, the slots can be engaged with the corresponding locking parts on the steering gear housing.

[0007] As a further optimization of this utility model, the nylon skeleton assembly also includes an annular sealing part disposed around its root, the annular sealing part being made of TPV material integrally molded with the nylon skeleton by two-color injection molding.

[0008] As a further optimization of this utility model, the inner side of the rubber jacket is interference-fitted with the nylon skeleton assembly, and the outer side of the rubber jacket is provided with an assembly part for interference-fitting with the vehicle body column. The assembly part is an outwardly rolled-up lip-shaped sealing structure.

[0009] As a further optimization of this utility model, the plastic gasket is an annular sheet structure, with its outer edge supported on the inner wall of the rubber jacket, and at least one rigid member is provided on it for snapping and fixing with the vehicle body column.

[0010] As a further optimization of this utility model, the rigid component is an elastic cantilever beam structure extending along the circumferential direction of the plastic gasket, and its free end is provided with a guide slope and a hook.

[0011] As a further optimization of this utility model, the rubber outer jacket is made of vulcanized rubber material.

[0012] As a further optimization of this utility model, the plastic gasket is injection molded from polyamide or polypropylene material.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: 1. The steering column connector assembly of this utility model features a ring-shaped sealing part made of TPV material through two-color injection molding at the root of the nylon skeleton assembly. The TPV material and the nylon skeleton are molecularly bonded without splicing gaps, which can tightly fill the gaps when connected to the steering gear housing, forming a continuous and reliable first sealing barrier. The outer side of the rubber jacket adopts an outwardly rolled lip sealing structure, which forms multiple sealing defenses when it is interference-fitted with the vehicle body column. Even with slight local wear, the sealing effect can still be maintained. The dual sealing works together to effectively prevent moisture, dust and other impurities from entering the steering gear, avoid the failure of steering system components due to wear caused by impurities, significantly improve the service life of the steering gear and the driving stability of the whole vehicle, and reduce complaints caused by sealing problems.

[0014] 2. The steering column connector assembly for steering described in this utility model features a rotating snap-fit ​​structure for connecting to the steering gear housing. This eliminates the need for tooling press-fitting or bolt fixing; simply rotating the assembly allows for snap-fit ​​fixing to the locking component of the steering gear housing, reducing assembly time by over 30% and minimizing labor and equipment investment. For connecting to the vehicle body column, the rigid component of the plastic gasket employs an elastic cantilever beam structure with a guide ramp. The guide ramp guides the vehicle body column for quick docking, and the snap-fit ​​hook automatically engages and secures the connection without the need for additional fasteners. Furthermore, the detachable connection facilitates future maintenance and replacement, avoiding the high cost of replacing the entire unit due to the difficulty of disassembling traditional structures, further reducing the vehicle's total lifecycle maintenance costs. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a steering column connector assembly for steering proposed in this utility model.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another perspective of the steering column connector assembly for steering proposed in this utility model.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the plastic gasket in a steering column connector assembly for steering proposed in this utility model.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the rubber sleeve in a steering column connector assembly for steering proposed in this utility model.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the nylon skeleton assembly in a steering column connector assembly for steering proposed in this utility model.

[0020] In the picture: 1. Nylon skeleton assembly; 101. Card slot; 2. Rubber outer casing; 3. Plastic gasket; 4. Annular sealing part; 5. Rigid component; 51. Guide slope; 52. Hook. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The subject matter described herein will now be discussed with reference to exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are discussed only to enable those skilled in the art to better understand and implement the subject matter described herein, and changes may be made to the function and arrangement of the elements discussed without departing from the scope of this specification. Various processes or components may be omitted, substituted, or added as needed in the examples. Furthermore, features described in some examples may be combined in other examples.

[0022] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown in the figure, a steering column connector assembly for steering according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: Nylon skeleton assembly 1; The rubber jacket 2 is fitted and fixed to the outside of the nylon skeleton assembly 1. The rubber jacket 2 is made of vulcanized rubber material. By tightly fitting with the nylon skeleton assembly 1, on the one hand, the elasticity of the rubber material fills any gaps that may exist on the outside of the nylon skeleton assembly 1, initially blocking the intrusion of external impurities. On the other hand, it provides an elastic transition for the subsequent connection with the body column, avoiding wear and noise caused by rigid contact. At the same time, the rubber material itself has certain basic sealing and noise reduction properties.

[0023] The inner side of the rubber jacket 2 is press-fitted with the nylon skeleton assembly 1, and the outer side of the rubber jacket 2 is provided with an assembly part for press-fitting with the body column. The assembly part is an outwardly rolled lip-shaped sealing structure.

[0024] When the inner side of the rubber jacket 2 is interference-fitted with the nylon skeleton assembly 1, the inner side of the rubber jacket 2 undergoes elastic deformation under the assembly pressure, tightly wrapping the outer contour of the nylon skeleton assembly 1, eliminating the gap between the two, and preventing impurities from entering the assembly from the inner gap. At the same time, the friction generated by the interference fit ensures that the rubber jacket 2 and the nylon skeleton assembly 1 are firmly connected, preventing them from falling off during use. The outer lip-shaped sealing assembly rolls outward, which increases the contact area with the body pillar. When interference-fitted with the body pillar, the lip structure adheres to the outer wall of the body pillar under pressure, forming multiple sealing lines. Even if the lip structure is slightly worn in some areas, the remaining part can still perform the sealing function.

[0025] Plastic gasket 3 is disposed inside the rubber jacket 2, and plastic gasket 3 is injection molded from polyamide or polypropylene material; The nylon skeleton assembly 1 includes a rotary snap-fit ​​structure for detachable connection with the steering gear housing.

[0026] The nylon skeleton assembly 1 is integrally molded using a two-color injection molding process. This process creates a complementary structure in different areas of the skeleton, ensuring high overall strength to withstand external forces and vibrations during steering system operation and providing stable core support for the entire assembly. It also forms a suitable connection interface in specific areas (where it will later connect with other components). Its built-in rotating buckle structure allows for direct and detachable connection to the steering gear housing without the need for additional connecting parts, simplifying the assembly structure between the assembly and the steering gear housing.

[0027] Specifically, the rotating snap-fit ​​structure includes at least two slots 101 extending from the outer periphery of the nylon skeleton assembly 1, which can be engaged with corresponding locking elements on the steering gear housing by rotating the nylon skeleton assembly 1.

[0028] The nylon skeleton assembly 1 has at least two slots 101 on its outer periphery. The size and shape of the slots 101 match the locking element on the steering gear housing. During assembly, the nylon skeleton assembly 1 is first aligned with the installation position on the steering gear housing so that the locking element is initially inserted into the inlet end of the slot 101. Then, the operator rotates the nylon skeleton assembly 1, causing the slots 101 to rotate synchronously until the limiting structure of the slots 101 and the locking element are fully engaged, thus achieving the snap-fit ​​fixation of the two.

[0029] Furthermore, the nylon skeleton assembly 1 also includes an annular sealing part 4 disposed around its root, the annular sealing part 4 being made of TPV material integrally molded with the nylon skeleton by two-color injection molding.

[0030] Through a two-color injection molding process, an annular sealing part 4 is integrally formed at the root of the nylon skeleton assembly 1. The TPV material and the nylon skeleton achieve molecular-level bonding without splicing gaps, avoiding the problems of detachment and sealing failure that may occur with traditional post-attached seals. When the nylon skeleton assembly 1 is connected to the steering gear housing through a rotating buckle structure, the annular sealing part 4 is located exactly at the connection gap between the two. With its excellent elasticity and sealing performance, the TPV material undergoes slight deformation under the connection pressure, tightly filling the gap and forming a continuous sealing barrier.

[0031] The one-piece molded TPV annular seal 4 completely solves the gap problem of traditional sealing structures, significantly improves sealing reliability, effectively prevents the internal components of the steering gear from being worn or failing due to the intrusion of impurities, extends the service life of the steering gear, and the properties of TPV material can also absorb some vibration, help reduce the working noise of the steering system, improve the driving comfort of the vehicle, and specifically solve the core problem of insufficient sealing and waterproof performance in existing technologies.

[0032] The plastic gasket 3 is a ring-shaped sheet structure, with its outer edge supported on the inner wall of the rubber jacket 2, and at least one rigid member 5 for snapping and fixing to the vehicle body column.

[0033] The annular sheet structure allows it to fit into the internal annular space of the rubber jacket 2, with its outer edge adhering to the inner wall of the rubber jacket 2. Through its own rigidity, it forms radial support for the rubber jacket 2, preventing the rubber jacket 2 from collapsing or deforming due to radial force during assembly or use with the vehicle body pillar, thus ensuring the stability of the sealing shape of the rubber jacket 2. The rigid component 5 on it has sufficient strength and can be engaged with the corresponding structure on the vehicle body pillar. When the plastic gasket 3 is assembled in place with the rubber jacket 2 and the nylon skeleton assembly 1, the rigid component 5 engages with the vehicle body pillar, limiting the overall displacement of the assembly relative to the vehicle body pillar and enhancing the connection stability.

[0034] The inner wall of the rubber jacket 2 is supported by the outer edge of the plastic gasket 3, preventing radial deformation. At the same time, the annular structure of the plastic gasket 3 ensures that the inner wall of the rubber jacket 2 is evenly stressed, preventing localized excessive stretching or compression that could accelerate rubber aging and extend the service life of the rubber jacket 2. The annular sheet-like structure of the plastic gasket 3 effectively protects the structure and sealing performance of the rubber jacket 2. The rigid component 5 enhances the reliability of the connection between the assembly and the body pillar. The dual support and fixing design makes the overall structure of the assembly more stable, significantly improving its vibration and displacement resistance. Meanwhile, the lightweight plastic material does not add too much weight to the assembly, meeting the lightweight requirements of automotive parts.

[0035] Specifically, the rigid member 5 is an elastic cantilever beam structure extending along the circumferential direction of the plastic gasket 3, and its free end is provided with a guide slope 51 and a hook 52.

[0036] The elastic cantilever beam structure gives it a certain elastic deformation capability. When assembled with the body column, the body column first contacts the guide slope 51. The inclination angle of the guide slope 51 guides the body column to smoothly squeeze the free end of the rigid member 5, causing the cantilever beam to bend elastically, providing clearance space for the insertion of the body column. As the body column continues to be inserted, when the hook 52 reaches the snap-fit ​​position on the body column, the cantilever beam resets under its own elastic restoring force, and the hook 52 engages with the snap-fit ​​structure of the body column to achieve snap-fit ​​fixation between the two.

[0037] The plastic gasket 3 provides a fixed base for the rigid component 5, ensuring that the rigid component 5 maintains a stable connection with the plastic gasket 3 during deformation and resetting. At the same time, the annular structure of the plastic gasket 3 makes the circumferential distribution of the rigid component 5 more uniform, ensuring the force balance during snap-fit.

[0038] The body column is fitted with rigid component 5, and its snap-fit ​​structure matches the hook 52. During the assembly process, it is smoothly connected by the guide slope 51. After snap-fit, the hook 52 limits the assembly from axial separation from the body column. At the same time, the elasticity of rigid component 5 can buffer the vibration transmission between the two.

[0039] The embodiments of the present utility model have been described above, but the present embodiments are not limited to the specific implementation methods described above. The specific implementation methods described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms under the guidance of the present embodiments, all of which are within the protection scope of the present embodiments.

Claims

1. A steering column connector assembly for steering, characterized in that, include: Nylon skeleton assembly (1); A rubber jacket (2) is fitted and fixed to the outside of the nylon skeleton assembly (1); A plastic gasket (3) is disposed inside the rubber jacket (2); The nylon skeleton assembly (1) includes a rotary snap-fit ​​structure for detachable connection with the steering gear housing.

2. A steering column connector assembly for steering according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating buckle structure includes at least two slots (101) extending from the outer periphery of the nylon skeleton assembly (1), which can be engaged with the corresponding locking element on the steering gear housing by rotating the nylon skeleton assembly (1).

3. A steering column connector assembly for steering according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The nylon skeleton assembly (1) also includes an annular sealing part (4) arranged around its root, the annular sealing part (4) being made of TPV material integrally formed with the nylon skeleton by two-color injection molding.

4. A steering column connector assembly for steering according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner side of the rubber jacket (2) is press-fitted with the nylon skeleton assembly (1), and the outer side of the rubber jacket (2) is provided with an assembly part for press-fitting with the body column. The assembly part is an outwardly rolled lip-shaped sealing structure.

5. A steering column connector assembly for steering according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plastic gasket (3) is an annular sheet structure, with its outer edge supported on the inner wall of the rubber jacket (2), and at least one rigid member (5) is provided on it for snapping and fixing with the vehicle body column.

6. A steering column connector assembly for steering according to claim 5, characterized in that: The rigid member (5) is an elastic cantilever beam structure extending along the circumferential direction of the plastic gasket (3), and its free end is provided with a guide slope (51) and a hook (52).

7. A steering column connector assembly for steering according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rubber jacket (2) is made of vulcanized rubber material.

8. A steering column connector assembly for steering according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plastic gasket (3) is injection molded from polyamide or polypropylene material.

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