Steering column and vehicle

Abstract

The application discloses a steering column and a vehicle. The steering column comprises a core shaft, an inner tube, an outer tube, an outer tube slide rail and a driving assembly. The core shaft extends along a first direction. The inner tube extends along the first direction and is sleeved outside the core shaft. The outer tube extends along the first direction and is telescopically sleeved outside the inner tube. The outer tube is externally convex with a convex strip. The convex strip extends along the first direction and protrudes to both sides in a second direction. The first direction and the second direction are cross arranged. The convex strip is slidingly arranged in the outer tube slide rail, so that the outer tube slide rail and the outer tube are slidingly connected along the first direction. The driving assembly is connected with the inner tube, the outer tube and the outer tube slide rail, and is used for driving the outer tube to move relative to the outer tube slide rail in the first direction and driving the inner tube to move relative to the outer tube in the first direction. Through the above scheme, the application can improve the telescopic formation of the steering column and improve the telescopic stability.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the continuous iteration and upgrading of automotive technology, consumers' demands for overall vehicle comfort and space utilization are increasing, and modern cars are gradually evolving into a third living space with mobile attributes. Under this development trend, the optimization design of in-vehicle space has become a key issue, among which steering wheel storage technology has attracted much attention due to its significant space-saving advantages.

[0003] In existing technologies, to support steering wheel storage, the steering column can be configured to adjust its length by telescoping. However, existing steering columns have a short telescoping stroke and insufficient telescoping stability. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main technical problem this application addresses is to provide a steering column and vehicle that can improve the extension and retraction formation of the steering column and enhance its stability.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, one technical solution adopted in this application is: providing a steering column, including a spindle, an inner tube, an outer tube, an outer tube slide rail, and a drive assembly. The spindle extends along a first direction; the inner tube extends along the first direction and is sleeved outside the spindle; the outer tube extends along the first direction and is retractably sleeved outside the inner tube. The outer tube has a protruding rib extending along the first direction and protruding to both sides in a second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction are intersected; the rib is slidably disposed within the outer tube slide rail, so that the outer tube slide rail and the outer tube are slidably connected along the first direction; the drive assembly is connected to the inner tube, the outer tube, and the outer tube slide rail, and is used to drive the outer tube to move relative to the outer tube slide rail in the first direction, and to drive the inner tube to move relative to the outer tube in the first direction.

[0006] The number of the protrusions is two, and the two protrusions are distributed on both sides of the outer tube along the second direction.

[0007] Wherein, along the direction away from one of the protrusions, the width of the other protrusion gradually decreases in the cross section perpendicular to the first direction.

[0008] A first injection-molded layer is provided between the outer tube slide rail and the protrusion.

[0009] The outer tube slide rail is provided with a first mounting hole, and an outer tube pressure block is provided in the first mounting hole. The outer tube pressure block abuts against the protrusion. The outer tube pressure block can move along the extension direction of the first mounting hole to change the pressure of the outer tube pressure block on the protrusion.

[0010] The mandrel has an intermediate shaft and an output shaft that are telescopically connected and sequentially sleeved along the first direction. The inner walls of the mandrel and the intermediate shaft are provided with internal splines, and the outer walls of the intermediate shaft and the output shaft are provided with external splines. The internal splines and the external splines slide in engagement.

[0011] A second injection molding layer is provided between the intermediate shaft and the mandrel, and the second injection molding layer covers the external spline of the intermediate shaft.

[0012] A third injection molding layer is provided between the output shaft and the intermediate shaft, and the third injection molding layer covers the external spline of the output shaft.

[0013] The number of external splines is multiple, and the multiple external splines are spaced apart along the first direction.

[0014] Another technical solution adopted in this application is to provide a vehicle including the steering column and steering wheel as described in any of the above technical solutions, wherein the steering wheel is fixedly connected to the end of the spindle away from the inner tube.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: Unlike the prior art, this application uses a drive assembly to extend and retract the inner tube relative to the outer tube in a first direction, and simultaneously extend and retract the outer tube relative to the outer tube slide rail in the first direction, thus forming a double extension and retraction structure. This ensures that the steering column has sufficient stroke and maximizes the utilization of axial space. Furthermore, the outer tube of this application is slidably connected to the outer tube slide rail via an outwardly protruding rib. Because the rib protrudes outward in the lateral (second direction), this structure has high stability and is less prone to displacement, ensuring the stability of the sliding force between the rib and the outer tube slide rail. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a front view schematic diagram of an embodiment of the steering column of this application; Figure 2 This is an exploded schematic diagram of an embodiment of the steering column of this application; Figure 3 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the outer tube of this application; Figure 4 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the outer tube slide rail of this application; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the steering column of this application.

[0017] Reference numerals: 100, Steering column; 10, Spindle; 11, Intermediate shaft; 111, Second injection molding layer; 12, Output shaft; 121, Third injection molding layer; 20, Inner tube; 21, Angular contact bearing; 22, Inner tube clamping block; 30, Outer tube; 31, Raised strip; 32, Second mounting hole; 33, Outer tube clamping block; 34, Deep groove ball bearing; 35, Collapsible groove; 40, Outer tube slide rail; 41, First injection molding layer; 42, Slide rail groove; 43, Mounting bracket; 44, First mounting hole; 50, Drive assembly; 51, Axial adjustment motor; 52, First lead screw; 53, Second lead screw; 60, Collapsible assembly; 70, Angle adjustment mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and effects of this application clearer and more explicit, the following detailed description is provided with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0019] For ease of understanding, the attached diagram shows the mutually orthogonal X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The direction along the X-axis is referred to as the X-direction, which is the axial direction of the steering column, i.e., the first direction; the direction along the Y-axis is referred to as the second direction; and the direction along the Z-axis is referred to as the third direction.

[0020] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 This is a front view schematic diagram of an embodiment of the steering column of this application. Figure 2 This is an exploded view of an embodiment of the steering column of this application.

[0021] This application provides a steering column 100, including a spindle 10, an inner tube 20, an outer tube 30, an outer tube slide rail 40, and a drive assembly 50. The spindle 10 extends along a first direction X, with one end located inside the inner tube 20 and the other end protruding outside the inner tube 20 for connection to a steering wheel. The inner tube 20 extends along the first direction X and is fitted over the spindle 10. A bearing is press-fitted inside the inner tube 20, and the spindle 10 is press-fitted within the bearing, allowing the spindle 10 to rotate axially within the inner tube 20. Specifically, the bearing inside the inner tube 20 can be an angular contact bearing 21, and two bearings are arranged along the first direction X. The outer tube 30 extends along the first direction X and is retractably fitted over the inner tube 20. The outer tube slide rail 40 extends along the first direction X, and the outer tube 30 is slidably connected to the outer tube slide rail 40. The drive assembly 50 is connected to the inner tube 20, the outer tube 30, and the outer tube slide rail 40, and is used to drive the outer tube 30 to move relative to the outer tube slide rail 40 in a first direction X, and to drive the inner tube 20 to move relative to the outer tube 30 in the first direction X. Specifically, the drive assembly 50 includes an axial adjustment motor 51, a first lead screw 52, ​​and a second lead screw 53. The axial adjustment motor 51 is mounted on the outer tube 30. One end of the first lead screw 52 is connected to the axial adjustment motor 51, and the other end is fixed to the inner tube 20, for driving the inner tube 20 to extend or retract relative to the outer tube 30. One end of the second lead screw 53 is connected to the axial adjustment motor 51, and the other end is connected to the outer tube slide rail 40.

[0022] See Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 3 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the outer tube of this application. Figure 4 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the outer tube slide rail of this application. The outer tube 30 has a protruding rib 31 extending along a first direction X and protruding to both sides in a second direction Y. The first direction X is perpendicular to the second direction Y, and the second direction Y is parallel to the radial direction. The rib 31 is slidably disposed within the outer tube slide rail 40, so that the outer tube slide rail 40 and the outer tube 30 are slidably connected along the first direction X. Specifically, a slide rail groove 42 adapted to the shape of the rib 31 is formed on the outer tube slide rail 40, and the rib 31 slides within the slide rail groove 42.

[0023] This application uses an axial adjustment motor 51 to drive the first lead screw 52 and the second lead screw 53 to move. The first lead screw 52 causes the inner tube 20 to extend and retract relative to the outer tube 30 in the first direction X, and the second lead screw 53 causes the outer tube 30 to extend and retract relative to the outer tube slide rail 40 in the first direction X, thus forming a double extension and retraction structure. This ensures that the steering column 100 has sufficient stroke and maximizes the utilization of axial space. At the same time, the outer tube 30 of this application is slidably connected to the outer tube slide rail 40 through a protruding rib 31. Since the rib 31 protrudes outward in the lateral direction (second direction Y), this structure has high stability and is not prone to displacement, ensuring the stability of the sliding force between the rib 31 and the outer tube slide rail 40.

[0024] Optionally, the steering column 100 also includes a collapsible assembly 60, with a collapsible groove 35 extending along the first direction X on the outer tube 30. The inner side of the collapsible assembly 60 is welded to the outer wall of the inner tube 20, and the collapsible assembly 60 is slidably disposed in the collapsible groove 35. One end of the first lead screw 52 is fixedly connected to the collapsible assembly 60.

[0025] Optionally, the number of raised bars 31 can be one or more, see further. Figure 2 and combined Figure 3 There are two protrusions 31, which are distributed along the second direction Y on both sides of the outer tube 30. Optionally, the two protrusions 31 are symmetrically arranged along the second direction Y. The two protrusions 31 can ensure the stability of the outer tube 30 in the second direction Y and ensure the stability of the sliding force.

[0026] Optionally, continue reading Figure 2 and combined Figure 3 , Figure 4 In one embodiment, along the direction opposite to one of the protrusions 31, the width of the other protrusion 31 gradually decreases in the cross-section perpendicular to the first direction X. Specifically, in this embodiment, the protrusion 31 is generally triangular in shape in the cross-section perpendicular to the first direction X, and one vertices of the two triangles are opposite to each other. The shape of the slide rail groove 42 in the outer tube slide rail 40 is adapted to the shape of the protrusion 31; specifically, the sidewall of the slide rail groove 42 is V-shaped. The above structure ensures that the outer tube slide rail 40 can limit the protrusion 31 in the third direction Z perpendicular to the second direction Y, further ensuring the stability of the outer tube 30 in the third direction Z, and the above structure can disperse the stress between the outer tube 30 and the outer tube slide rail 40, improving the reliability of the steering column 100.

[0027] In other embodiments, the cross-section of the protrusion 31 may also be other shapes, such as an outwardly convex semicircle, an I-shaped shape, etc., which are not specifically limited in this application.

[0028] Optionally, in one embodiment, a first injection-molded layer 41 is provided between the outer tube slide rail 40 and the protrusion 31. The outer tube slide rail 40 and the outer tube 30 are made of the same material, which can be aluminum alloy or magnesium alloy, thus reducing the structural weight. However, when two components of the same material slide relative to each other, adhesive wear may occur. Therefore, in this embodiment, a first injection-molded layer 41 is provided between the protrusion 31 and the outer tube slide rail 40 to reduce the risk of adhesive wear and improve durability and stability. Optionally, multiple grooves can be provided on the side wall of the outer tube slide rail 40. When the first injection-molded layer 41 covers the side wall, the first injection-molded layer 41 is embedded in the groove, which can ensure the adhesion between the first injection-molded layer 41 and the side wall and reduce the probability of the first injection-molded layer 41 falling off during sliding.

[0029] Optionally, continue reading Figure 2 and Figure 4 In one embodiment, the outer tube slide rail 40 is provided with a first mounting hole 44, and an outer tube pressure block 33 is provided in the first mounting hole 44. The outer tube pressure block 33 abuts against the protrusion 31. The outer tube pressure block 33 can move along the extension direction of the first mounting hole 44 to change the pressure of the outer tube pressure block 33 on the protrusion 31. Specifically, in this embodiment, there are two first mounting holes 44 along the second direction Y. The two first mounting holes 44 are arranged opposite to each other and the first mounting holes 44 pass through the outer tube slide rail 40. The first mounting hole 44 can be a threaded hole and threadedly connected to the outer tube pressure block 33. By rotating the outer tube pressure block 33, the depth of the outer tube pressure block 33 in the axial direction of the first mounting hole 44 can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the pressure between the outer tube pressure block 33 and the protrusion 31. The closer the outer tube pressure block 33 is to the protrusion 31, the greater the pressure between them, and the greater the friction between the protrusion 31 and the outer tube slide rail 40, thereby realizing the adjustment of the sliding force between the outer tube slide rail 40 and the outer tube 30.

[0030] Optionally, see Figures 1 to 3 In one embodiment, the outer tube 30 is provided with a second mounting hole 32, and an inner tube pressing block 22 is provided in the second mounting hole 32. The inner tube pressing block 22 abuts against the inner tube 20 and can move along the extension direction of the second mounting hole 32 to change the pressure of the inner tube pressing block 22 on the inner tube 20. Specifically, in this embodiment, two second mounting holes 32 are provided at intervals along the first direction X, and the second mounting holes 32 penetrate the outer tube 30. The second mounting holes 32 can be threaded holes and threadedly connected to the inner tube pressing block 22. By rotating the inner tube pressing block 22, the depth of the inner tube pressing block 22 in the axial direction of the second mounting hole 32 can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the pressure between the inner tube pressing block 22 and the inner tube 20. The closer the inner tube pressing block 22 is to the inner tube 20, the greater the pressure between them, and the greater the friction between the inner tube 20 and the outer tube 30, thereby realizing the adjustment of the sliding force between the inner tube 20 and the outer tube 30.

[0031] Optionally, see Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the steering column of this application. The spindle 10 has an intermediate shaft 11 and an output shaft 12 that are telescopically connected and sequentially sleeved along a first direction X. Both the inner walls of the spindle 10 and the intermediate shaft 11 are provided with internal splines, and the outer walls of both the intermediate shaft 11 and the output shaft 12 are provided with external splines. The internal splines and external splines are in sliding engagement. Specifically, the intermediate shaft 11 is telescopically sleeved at the end of the spindle 10 away from the steering wheel, and the output shaft 12 is telescopically sleeved at the end of the intermediate shaft 11 away from the steering wheel. The intermediate shaft 11 is connected to the spindle 10 via splines, and the intermediate shaft 11 is connected to the output shaft 12 via splines. This structure achieves three-stage telescopic movement of the spindle 10. When the inner tube 20 moves relative to the outer tube 30, and the outer tube 30 moves relative to the outer tube slide rail 40, the spindle 10 achieves synchronous telescopic movement, maximizing the use of axial space during axial adjustment of the steering column 100.

[0032] Optionally, a deep groove ball bearing 34 is press-fitted onto the inner wall of the outer tube 30 at the end away from the steering wheel. The deep groove ball bearing 34 is press-fitted onto the outside of the intermediate shaft 11, so that the intermediate shaft 11 can rotate relative to the outer tube 30 around the first direction X.

[0033] Optionally, a second injection-molded layer 111 is provided between the intermediate shaft 11 and the mandrel 10, and the second injection-molded layer 111 covers the external splines of the intermediate shaft 11. In this embodiment, the second injection-molded layer 111 is provided on the outer wall of the intermediate shaft 11 to reduce the risk of adhesive wear between the intermediate shaft 11 and the mandrel 10 and improve durability and stability. Optionally, there are multiple external splines on the outer wall of the intermediate shaft 11, and the multiple external splines are spaced apart along the first direction X. When the second injection-molded layer 111 covers the outer wall of the intermediate shaft 11, the second injection-molded layer 111 is embedded between two adjacent external splines, which can ensure the adhesion between the second injection-molded layer 111 and the intermediate shaft 11 and reduce the probability of the second injection-molded layer 111 falling off during the sliding process.

[0034] Optionally, a third injection molding layer 121 is provided between the output shaft 12 and the intermediate shaft 11, and the third injection molding layer 121 covers the external splines of the output shaft 12. In this embodiment, the third injection molding layer 121 is provided on the outer wall of the output shaft 12 to reduce the risk of adhesive wear between the output shaft 12 and the intermediate shaft 11 and improve durability and stability. Optionally, there are multiple external splines on the outer wall of the output shaft 12, and the multiple external splines are spaced apart along the first direction X. When the third injection molding layer 121 covers the outer wall of the intermediate shaft 11, the second injection molding layer 111 is embedded between two adjacent external splines, which can ensure the adhesion between the second injection molding layer 111 and the intermediate shaft 11 and reduce the probability of the second injection molding layer 111 falling off during the sliding process.

[0035] Optionally, the steering column 100 also includes a mounting bracket 43, on which the outer tube slide rail 40 is fixed.

[0036] Optionally, the outer tube slide rail 40 is rotatably connected to the mounting bracket 43, and the steering column 100 also includes an angle adjustment mechanism 70, which drives the outer tube slide rail 40 to rotate relative to the mounting bracket 43 to adjust the angle of the steering column 100.

[0037] This application also provides a vehicle including a steering column 100 and a steering wheel (not shown) according to any technical solution, wherein the steering wheel is fixedly connected to the end of the spindle 10 away from the inner tube 20. This application allows for the extension and retraction of the steering column, enabling the steering wheel to be stored and hidden, creating more interior space when the vehicle is stationary, and allowing the height of the steering wheel to be adjusted according to the driver's needs.

[0038] The vehicles provided in this application can be pure gasoline vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, or pure electric vehicles, and are also applicable to any other type of vehicle, such as SUVs, off-road vehicles, MPVs, etc.

[0039] The above are merely embodiments of this application and do not limit the scope of this patent application. Any equivalent structural or procedural changes made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the scope of patent protection of this application.

Claims

1. A steering column, characterized in that, include: The mandrel extends along the first direction; An inner tube extends along the first direction and is sleeved outside the mandrel; An outer tube extends along the first direction and is retractably sleeved outside the inner tube. A protruding strip is provided on the outer tube, the protruding strip extends along the first direction and protrudes to both sides in a second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction are intersecting. The outer tube slide rail has the protrusion slidably disposed within it, so that the outer tube slide rail and the outer tube are slidably connected along the first direction. A drive assembly, connected to the inner tube, the outer tube, and the outer tube slide rail, is used to drive the outer tube to move relative to the outer tube slide rail in the first direction, and to drive the inner tube to move relative to the outer tube in the first direction.

2. The steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of the protrusions is two, and the two protrusions are distributed on both sides of the outer tube along the second direction.

3. The steering column according to claim 2, characterized in that, Along a direction away from one of the protrusions, the width of the other protrusion gradually decreases in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction.

4. The steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first injection-molded layer is provided between the outer tube slide rail and the convex strip.

5. The steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer tube slide rail is provided with a first mounting hole, and an outer tube pressure block is provided in the first mounting hole. The outer tube pressure block abuts against the protrusion. The outer tube pressure block can move along the extension direction of the first mounting hole to change the pressure of the outer tube pressure block on the protrusion.

6. The steering column according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The mandrel has an intermediate shaft and an output shaft that are telescopically connected in sequence along the first direction. The inner walls of the mandrel and the intermediate shaft are provided with internal splines, and the outer walls of the intermediate shaft and the output shaft are provided with external splines. The internal splines and the external splines slide in engagement.

7. The steering column according to claim 6, characterized in that, A second injection molding layer is provided between the intermediate shaft and the mandrel, and the second injection molding layer covers the external spline of the intermediate shaft.

8. The steering column according to claim 6, characterized in that, A third injection molding layer is provided between the output shaft and the intermediate shaft, and the third injection molding layer covers the external spline of the output shaft.

9. The steering column according to claim 6, characterized in that, The number of external splines is multiple, and the multiple external splines are spaced apart along the first direction.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, include: Steering column as described in any one of claims 1-9; A steering wheel, which is fixedly connected to the end of the spindle away from the inner tube.

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