A low-cost high-stability four-way adjustable steering column collapse structure

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of low-cost high-stability four-way adjusting steering column collapse structure, it is related to automobile steering technical field, to solve the problem of insufficient locking stability of column cylinder, low collapse peak force control precision, complex structure high cost in prior art, the technical scheme used is, the outer pipe column cylinder is equipped with axial adjusting gasket, when pipe column collapses, provide pipe column collapse peak force and collapse peak force stable holding force;Radial adjusting groove is opened in the mounting bracket, the locking shaft passes through the axial adjusting groove of the axial adjusting gasket and the radial adjusting groove is connected with handle, the handle is locked between the outer pipe column cylinder and the mounting bracket by locking assembly and is limited, by the cooperation of axial adjusting gasket, handle and locking shaft, realize axial, radial adjusting no jam, simultaneously still can adjust the size of collapse peak force and collapse holding force, realize different collapse requirement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive steering technology, specifically a low-cost, high-stability four-way adjustable steering column collapsible structure. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing popularity of automobiles, car accidents are becoming more frequent, leading to higher demands for vehicle safety. To improve vehicle safety and reduce the negative impact of traffic accidents, passive safety is a crucial indicator for evaluating a vehicle's crash performance. Seat belts and airbags are often the first things that come to mind when considering passive safety. While seat belts and airbags play a vital role in frontal collisions, the energy-absorbing and crumpling action of the steering column also significantly enhances protection for the driver's head and chest, reducing injuries sustained during a collision. Therefore, the steering column, as a key energy-absorbing component for passive safety, is receiving increasing attention.

[0003] The steering wheel and airbag are fixed to the electric power steering column. In the event of a car accident, the airbag deploys instantly, and the column begins to collapse and absorb energy. The column plays a crucial role in collapsing and absorbing energy during a car collision. During collapse, the column provides stable collapsing forces as required by the vehicle, which can improve the vehicle's crashworthiness and reduce the risk of injury to the driver during a collision.

[0004] Therefore, developing a low-cost steering column collapsible structure that combines "smooth four-way adjustment, high locking stability, and precise control of collapsible force" has become an urgent need in the field of automotive steering systems. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the existing defects and provide a low-cost, high-stability four-way adjustable steering column collapse structure, which can effectively solve the problems in the background art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model discloses a low-cost, high-stability four-way adjustable steering column collapsible structure. The technical solution adopted includes a column cylinder, a mounting bracket, and a locking shaft. The mounting bracket is bolted to the tube beam of the vehicle, and the mounting bracket is connected to the column cylinder via the locking shaft. The tubular column includes an input shaft, an outer tubular column, and an inner tubular column, with the input shaft being connected to the inner tubular column via the outer tubular column. An axial adjustment liner is installed on the outer tubing. The axial adjustment liner provides a stable holding force for the peak collapse force of the tubing when the tubing collapses. The mounting bracket has a through radial adjustment groove. The locking shaft passes through the axial adjustment groove of the axial adjustment liner and the radial adjustment groove and is connected to a handle. The handle locks and limits the outer tube column and the mounting bracket through the locking assembly. Through the cooperation of the axial adjustment groove, the radial adjustment groove and the locking shaft, axial and radial adjustment can be achieved without jamming, with a larger adjustment range to meet the needs of drivers of different body sizes.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the locking assembly includes a first locking member and a second locking member. Both the first locking member and the second locking member are mounted on the locking shaft and located between the locking shaft and the handle. A thrust bearing and a self-locking nut are also provided on the outer side of the handle. When the handle is rotated, the first locking member squeezes the second locking member, thereby pressing and limiting the mounting bracket, outer tube column, and inner tube column. Through the cooperation of the self-locking nut and the thrust bearing, the handle is prevented from loosening, and the operating force during locking / unlocking is reduced, thus improving the user experience.

[0008] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, the first locking member and the second locking member have corresponding protruding inclined surfaces on their facing surfaces, and the first locking member and the second locking member have rectangular blocks adapted to the handle and the radial adjustment groove on their back surfaces respectively. The raised inclined structure of the "first locking element + second locking element" converts the rotational locking force into axial clamping force. Combined with the L-shaped groove to increase the deformation of the mounting bracket, the locked tubing has no loosening or displacement.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the mounting bracket is further provided with an L-shaped groove to increase the deformation of the mounting bracket when the handle is locked.

[0010] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, the axial adjustment liner is further provided with a collapse groove communicating with the axial adjustment groove, and a limiting boss for increasing the peak collapse force is provided between the collapse groove and the axial adjustment groove.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of this invention, the axial adjustment groove and the locking shaft are fitted with a clearance fit, while the collapse groove and the locking shaft are fitted with an interference fit. The limiting boss in the axial adjustment groove serves both as a limit for the axial adjustment of the tubing and as a key component for controlling the peak collapse force. Furthermore, the amount of interference fit between the collapse groove and the locking shaft can adjust the magnitude of the collapse holding force. By integrating the axial adjustment of the tubing and the adjustment of the peak collapse force onto the axial adjustment liner, the need for separate collapse components is reduced, and the assembly process is simplified, thereby reducing costs.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: this utility model uses the raised inclined surface structure of "first locking part + second locking part" to convert the rotational locking force into the axial clamping force, and with the L-shaped groove to increase the deformation of the mounting bracket, so that the locked tube cylinder has no loosening or displacement; The combination of the self-locking nut and the thrust bearing not only prevents the handle from loosening but also reduces the operating force during locking / unlocking, thus improving the user experience. The axial adjustment groove, radial adjustment groove and locking shaft work together to achieve smooth axial and radial adjustment with a wider adjustment range to meet the needs of drivers of different body sizes. The limiting boss in the axial adjustment groove serves as both a limit for the axial adjustment of the tubing and a key part for controlling the peak collapsing force. Furthermore, the interference fit between the collapsing groove and the locking shaft can adjust the magnitude of the collapsing holding force. By integrating both the axial adjustment of the tubing and the adjustment of the peak collapsing force onto the axial adjustment liner, the need for separate collapsing components is reduced, and the assembly process is simplified, thereby reducing costs. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present utility model. Figure 1 ; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present utility model. Figure 2 ; Figure 3 This utility model is a localized explosion. Figure 1 ; Figure 4 This utility model is a localized explosion. Figure 2 ; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the locking shaft and the outer tube cylinder during collapse of this utility model; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the collapsing force of this utility model.

[0014] In the diagram: 1. Input shaft; 2. Outer tube column; 3. Axial adjustment liner; 4. Mounting bracket; 5. Locking shaft; 6. Inner tube column; 7. Handle; 8. Self-locking nut; 9. Thrust bearing; 10. First locking element; 11. Second locking element; 31. Axial adjustment groove; 32. Collapse groove; 33. Limiting boss; 41. L-shaped groove; 42. Radial adjustment groove. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model. Example 1

[0016] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, this utility model discloses a low-cost, high-stability four-way adjustable steering column collapse structure. The technical solution adopted is as follows: It includes a tubular column, a mounting bracket 4, and a locking shaft 5; the mounting bracket 4 is fixed to the vehicle tube beam by bolts to realize the whole vehicle installation of the entire structure; the mounting bracket 4 is connected to the tubular column through the locking shaft 5, and the tubular column is adjusted and fixed by tightening or loosening the locking shaft 5.

[0017] The tubular cylinder is the core transmission component, including an input shaft 1, an outer tubular cylinder 2, and an inner tubular cylinder 6: one end of the input shaft 1 is connected to the steering wheel, and the other end extends into the outer tubular cylinder 2 and is connected to one end of the inner tubular cylinder 6 for transmission. The other end of the inner tubular cylinder 6 is connected to the steering gear to realize the transmission of steering torque.

[0018] The mounting bracket 4 has a through radial adjustment groove 42, and the outer tube column 2 has an axial adjustment liner 3 installed on its outer wall. The axial adjustment liner 3 has an axial adjustment groove 31 extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The locking shaft 5 passes through the axial adjustment groove 31 and the radial adjustment groove 42 in sequence, and is connected to a handle 7 at its protruding end. The handle 7 locks and limits the mounting bracket 4 and the outer tube column 2 through a locking assembly. When the handle 7 is released, the tube column can be axially adjusted along the axial adjustment groove 31 and radially adjusted along the radial adjustment groove 42. When the handle 7 is locked, the position of the tube column is fixed.

[0019] The locking assembly includes a first locking member 10 and a second locking member 11, both of which are mounted on the locking shaft 5 and located between the locking shaft 5 and the handle 7. A thrust bearing 9 and a self-locking nut 8 are also sequentially mounted on the outside of the handle 7. The self-locking nut 8 is threadedly connected to the locking shaft 5 to prevent the handle 7 from loosening. The facing surfaces of the first locking member 10 and the second locking member 11 are provided with corresponding protruding inclined surfaces. When the handle 7 is rotated, the first locking member 10 presses the second locking member 11 along the protruding inclined surface, converting the rotational force of the handle 7 into an axial clamping force. The back surfaces of the two are respectively provided with rectangular blocks. The rectangular block of the first locking member 10 is adapted to the rectangular groove on the inner wall of the handle 7 to prevent relative rotation. The rectangular block of the second locking member 11 is adapted to the radial adjustment groove 42 on the mounting bracket 4 to restrict the rotation of the second locking member 11, thus achieving reliable clamping and limiting of the mounting bracket 4, the outer tube column 2, and the inner tube column 6.

[0020] The axial adjustment liner 3 is also provided with a collapse groove 32 that communicates with the axial adjustment groove 31. The collapse groove 32 extends axially, and a limiting boss 33 is provided between the collapse groove 32 and the axial adjustment groove 31 to limit the peak force during the collapse process. At the same time, the axial adjustment groove 31 and the locking shaft 5 are clearance fit, and the collapse groove 32 and the locking shaft 5 are interference fit. When colliding, the interference resistance must be overcome to achieve collapse, and the limiting boss 33 is used to control the peak force.

[0021] The mounting bracket 4 is also provided with an L-shaped groove 41. When the handle 7 is locked, the L-shaped groove 41 can increase the elastic deformation of the mounting bracket 4, so that the mounting bracket 4 can apply a greater positive pressure to the outer tube cylinder 2, and further improve the locking force and stability.

[0022] like Figure 6 The collapse process is described below: The collapse process of a four-way control string includes four stages: Phase 1 (Initial Peak Collapse Force): The steering column transitions from static holding to the start of collapse. Considering the reaction force after the airbag deploys, the column requires a certain axial holding force; this axial holding force determines the magnitude of the initial peak force; then, the second phase begins. Second stage (first stage of collapse holding force): Collapses to the adjustment limit within the allowable range of steering column length adjustment; the collapse force is basically stable in this stage; Phase 3 (Collapse Peak Force): When the steering column collapses to the limiting boss 33 at the axial adjustment liner 3, it damages the structure of the upper limit boss 33 and causes a certain peak value.

[0023] Phase Four (Second Stage of Collapse and Retention): After the limiting boss 33 is destroyed, it will enter the last stage of collapse. In this stage, the locking shaft 5 and the collapse groove 32 are interference fit, and the relative movement will generate a certain collapse force, and it will collapse stably within a certain range until the end of the collapse stroke.

[0024] The working principle of this utility model: The tube column is fixed to the tube beam of the whole vehicle by the mounting bracket 4. The steering wheel is mounted on the input shaft 1. The input shaft 1 and the outer tube column 2 are connected by bearings. When axially adjusting, the handle 7 is released, and the outer tube column 2 and the axial adjustment liner 3 can move together along the tube column axis. The adjustment area is determined by the position of the limiting boss 33 on the axial adjustment liner 3, which can be required by the design. During normal driving, the handle 7 is in the locked state, and the handle 7 presses against the mounting bracket 4. The mounting bracket 4 has an L-shaped groove 41, which increases the deformation of the mounting bracket 4 when locked, thereby increasing the friction between it and the outer tube cylinder 2. The collapse process is as follows: In the first stage, the outer tube column 2 overcomes the friction between the mounting bracket 4 and the outer tube column 2, as well as the friction between the outer tube column 2 and the inner tube column 6, and changes from static friction to dynamic friction. In the second stage, before the locking shaft 5 touches the limiting boss 33, the friction coefficient and normal force remain basically unchanged, and the overall collapse force remains basically unchanged. In the third stage, the locking shaft 5 needs to overcome the blocking and limiting of the limiting boss 33, the crushing force increases, and the crushing peak force is generated (different peak forces can be achieved by changing the size of the limiting boss 33). In the fourth stage, after the locking shaft 5 passes the limiting boss 33, it enters the second holding force area. The force in this area is mainly based on the friction force in the first stage, with the addition of the friction force between the locking shaft 5 and the axial adjusting liner 3 (different collapsing force requirements can be achieved by changing the interference fit between the axial adjusting liner 3 and the locking shaft 5).

[0025] The circuits and mechanical connections involved in this utility model are common practices used by those skilled in the art, and technical inspiration can be obtained through a limited number of experiments. They are common knowledge.

[0026] Components not described in detail in this article are existing technologies.

[0027] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A low-cost, high-stability four-way adjustable steering column collapsible structure, comprising a column tube, a mounting bracket (4) and a locking shaft (5), wherein the mounting bracket (4) is bolted to the tube beam of the vehicle, and the mounting bracket (4) is connected to the column tube via the locking shaft (5); The tubular column includes an input shaft (1), an outer tubular column (2) and an inner tubular column (6), and the input shaft (1) is connected to the inner tubular column (6) through the outer tubular column (2); Its features are: An axial adjustment liner (3) is installed on the outer tubing (2). The axial adjustment liner (3) provides a stable holding force for the peak collapse force of the tubing when the tubing collapses. The mounting bracket (4) has a through radial adjustment groove (42). The locking shaft (5) passes through the axial adjustment groove (31) of the axial adjustment liner (3) and the radial adjustment groove (42) and is connected to a handle (7). The handle (7) locks and limits the outer tube column (2) and the mounting bracket (4) through the locking assembly.

2. The low-cost, high-stability four-way adjustable steering column collapse structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking assembly includes a first locking member (10) and a second locking member (11). The first locking member (10) and the second locking member (11) are both mounted on the locking shaft (5) and located between the locking shaft (5) and the handle (7). The handle (7) is also provided with a thrust bearing (9) and a self-locking nut (8) on its outer side. When the handle (7) rotates, it causes the first locking member (10) to squeeze the second locking member (11), thereby pressing and limiting the mounting bracket (4), the outer tube column (2) and the inner tube column (6).

3. The low-cost, high-stability four-way adjustable steering column collapse structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first locking member (10) and the second locking member (11) have corresponding protruding inclined surfaces on their facing surfaces, and the first locking member (10) and the second locking member (11) have rectangular blocks on their back surfaces that are adapted to the handle (7) and the radial adjustment groove (42).

4. A low-cost, high-stability four-way adjustable steering column collapse structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The mounting bracket (4) is also provided with an L-shaped groove (41) to increase the deformation of the mounting bracket (4) when the handle (7) is locked.

5. The low-cost, high-stability four-way adjustable steering column collapse structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The axial adjustment liner (3) is also provided with a collapse groove (32) that communicates with the axial adjustment groove (31), and a limiting boss (33) for increasing the peak collapse force is provided between the collapse groove (32) and the axial adjustment groove (31).

6. The low-cost, high-stability four-way adjustable steering column collapse structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The axial adjustment groove (31) and the locking shaft (5) are fitted with a clearance fit, and the collapsible groove (32) and the locking shaft (5) are fitted with an interference fit.

Images