Vehicle Steering Column and Vehicle

Abstract

A vehicle steering column (10) and a vehicle, the steering column (10) includes a first mounting plate (1), an adjustment plate (2), an upper column (3), an adjustment mechanism (4) and an energy absorption mechanism (5), the adjustment plate (2) is connected to the first mounting plate (1) so as to be movable along a first direction, the upper column (3) is fixed to the adjustment plate (2), the adjustment mechanism (4) includes a driving part and a first adjustment part (45), the driving part is fixed to the first mounting plate (1), and the driving part is used to drive the first adjustment part (45) to move along the first direction. The energy absorption mechanism (5) includes an energy absorption block (51) and an energy absorption band (52), the energy absorption block (51) is fixedly connected to the adjustment plate (2) and the first adjustment part (45), and an energy absorption groove (5111) that bends and extends in the energy absorption block (51) is provided. When the impact force received by the adjustment plate (2) reaches a preset threshold value, the energy absorption groove (5111) can move along the first direction in the energy absorption band (52).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the priority of a Chinese application with the application date of October 24, 2022 and the application number 202211304450.0, entitled "Vehicle Steering Column and Vehicle", and all of its contents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This application relates to the technical field of vehicles, and specifically, to a vehicle steering column and a vehicle.

Background Art

[0003] With the development of automotive technology, the safety of automobiles has attracted wide attention from people. When a vehicle collides, the steering column and the steering wheel on it are likely to cause injuries to the driver.

[0004] In related technologies, when a collision occurs, the steering column can protect the driver through a structure that collapses and absorbs energy. However, the conventional structure that collapses and absorbs energy is complex, with high assembly and repair costs. Moreover, when a collision occurs, the structure that collapses and absorbs energy may drop the steering column, potentially causing secondary injuries to the driver.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] This application aims to solve at least to a certain extent one of the above technical problems in the prior art. For this purpose, this application provides a vehicle steering column, which can reduce the degree of injury to the driver and improve the safety performance of the steering column when a collision occurs.

[0006] This application further provides a vehicle having the above steering column.

[0007] The vehicle steering column according to an embodiment of the present application includes a first mounting plate, an adjustment plate, an upper column, an adjustment mechanism, and an energy absorption mechanism. The adjustment plate is connected to the first mounting plate so as to be movable along a first direction. The upper column is fixed to the adjustment plate. The adjustment mechanism includes a driving part and a first adjustment part. The driving part is fixed to the first mounting plate and is used to drive the first adjustment part to move along the first direction. The energy absorption mechanism includes an energy absorption block and an energy absorption band. The energy absorption block is fixedly connected to the adjustment plate and the first adjustment part. An energy absorption groove extending in a bent manner is provided in the energy absorption block. One end of the energy absorption band is fixed to the first adjustment part through the energy absorption groove, and the other end of the energy absorption band extends along the first direction. When the impact force received by the adjustment plate reaches a preset threshold value, the energy absorption groove can move along the first direction in the energy absorption band. The vehicle steering column.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present application, when the vehicle steering column collides, the upper column, the adjustment plate, and the energy absorption groove can move in a direction away from the driver. The energy absorption groove can deform the energy absorption band to absorb the impact energy. At the same time, the energy absorption band can prevent the upper column and the adjustment plate from falling downward, thereby reducing the degree of injury of the driver and improving the safety performance of the steering column.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present application, the energy absorption block includes a main body part and a connecting arm. The main body part is fixed to the adjustment plate. The energy absorption groove is provided in the main body part. The connecting arm is connected to the main body part. The connecting arm is further fixedly connected to the first adjustment part. A weakening structure is provided at the connection position between the connecting arm and the main body part. The weakening structure is located on the side of the first adjustment part facing the adjustment plate. When the impact force received by the adjustment plate reaches a preset threshold value, the main body part and the connecting arm are separated at the weakening structure, and the main body part moves along the energy absorption band.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present application, the weakening structure includes a thin-walled groove, and the longitudinal direction of the thin-walled groove is perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the adjustment plate.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present application, the weakening structure includes a plurality of weakening holes, and the arrangement direction of the plurality of weakening holes is perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the adjustment plate.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present application, a mounting concave groove is provided on the adjustment plate, and at least a part of the main body portion is provided in the mounting concave groove.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present application, the main body portion includes a first sub-portion and a second sub-portion, the energy absorption groove is provided in the first sub-portion, the energy absorption groove has a side access opening provided on a side surface of the first sub-portion, and the second sub-portion is fixedly connected to the first sub-portion so as to close the side access opening, where the side surface of the first sub-portion is perpendicular to the energy absorption groove.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present application, a positioning pin is provided on one of the first sub-portion and the second sub-portion, and a positioning hole adapted to fit with the positioning pin is provided on the other one.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present application, the steering column further includes a second mounting plate, the first mounting plate is movably connected to the second mounting plate along the first direction, the adjustment mechanism further includes a second feed screw, the second feed screw is fixed to the second mounting plate, the first adjustment part is a nut, the driving part includes a driving motor, a driving case and a first feed screw, the driving motor is fixed to the first mounting plate through the driving case, the driving case is in transmission connection with the driving motor, the second feed screw and the first feed screw, the driving motor drives the first adjustment part through the driving case and the first feed screw to move along the first direction, and the driving motor further drives the driving case to move along the first direction on the second feed screw.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present application, the energy absorption band is a steel strip.

[0017] A vehicle according to an embodiment of another aspect of the present application includes the above steering column.

[0018] According to the embodiments of the present application, when the vehicle collides, the upper column, the adjustment plate and the energy absorption groove can move in a direction away from the driver. The energy absorption groove can deform the energy absorption band to absorb the collision energy. At the same time, the energy absorption band can prevent the upper column and the adjustment plate from falling down, reduce the degree of injury of the driver, and improve the safety performance of the vehicle.

[0019] Additional aspects and advantages of the present application will be shown in part in the following description, become apparent in part from the following description, or be understood by the implementation of the present application.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] The following will describe embodiments of the present application in detail. Illustrations of the described embodiments are shown in the drawings, where throughout, the same or similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar elements, or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described with reference to the following drawings are exemplary and are intended to be used to describe the present application, and should not be understood as limiting the present application.

[0022] In the description of the present application, the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", etc. is that shown in the drawings, and is only for facilitating the description of the present application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the indicated device or element should have a specific orientation and be configured and operated in a specific orientation, and thus should not be understood as limiting the present application.

[0023] Also, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features limited by "first" and "second" can explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the corresponding features. In the description of this specification, "a plurality" means at least two, for example, two, three, etc., unless there is a particularly clear and specific limitation.

[0024] In this application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, terms such as "attach", "connect", "couple", "fix", etc. should be construed broadly. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a removable connection or an integration, a mechanical connection, an electrical connection or communication with each other, a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, a communication inside two elements or an interaction relationship between two elements. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific situation.

[0025] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, the vehicle steering column 10 according to an embodiment of the present application will be described in detail.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the vehicle steering column 10 includes a first mounting plate 1, an adjustment plate 2, an upper column 3, an adjustment mechanism 4 and an energy absorption mechanism 5. Here, the adjustment plate 2 is movably connected to the first mounting plate 1 along a first direction, the first mounting plate 1 can be connected to the adjustment plate 2 via a linear bearing, the upper column 3 is fixed to the adjustment plate 2, the first direction may be the axial direction of the upper column 3, the upper end of the upper column 3 is connected to the steering handle of the vehicle, and by moving the adjustment plate 2 to change the position of the upper end of the upper column 3, the position adjustment of the steering handle can be realized.

[0027] The adjustment mechanism 4 includes a driving part and a first adjustment part 45. The driving part is fixed to the first mounting plate 1 and is used to drive the first adjustment part 45 to move along the first direction. The first adjustment part 45 moves the adjustment plate 2 relative to the first mounting plate 1 in the first direction, and thus the position adjustment of the upper column 3 and the steering handle can be realized.

[0028] The energy absorption mechanism 5 includes an energy absorption block 51 and an energy absorption band 52. The energy absorption block 51 is fixedly connected to the adjusting plate 2 and the first adjusting part 45. An energy absorption groove 5111 that bends and extends is provided in the energy absorption block 51. The absorption groove 5111 has a groove segment that bends in the first direction. Optionally, the absorption groove 5111 includes a semi-circular arc-shaped groove segment, or the absorption groove 5111 includes a sinusoidal curve-shaped groove segment. One end of the energy absorption band 52 is fixed to the first adjusting part 45 through the energy absorption groove 5111, and the other end of the energy absorption band 52 extends along the first direction.

[0029] When adjusting the position of the upper column 3, the driving part drives the first adjusting part 45 to move along the first direction. The energy absorption block 51, the energy absorption band 52 are both fixedly connected to the first adjusting part 45. The adjusting plate 2 is fixedly connected to the first adjusting part 45 through the energy absorption block 51. The upper column 3 is fixedly connected to the adjusting plate 2. Thus, the first adjusting part 45 synchronously moves the energy absorption block 51, the energy absorption band 52, the adjusting plate 2 and the upper column 3 along the first direction, realizing the normal height adjustment of the upper column 3 and the steering wheel, and meeting the requirement of the driver's driving comfort.

[0030] When the impact force received by the adjusting plate 2 reaches a preset threshold value, the energy absorption groove 5111 moves along the first direction in the energy absorption band 52, so that the energy absorption band 52 can be deformed to absorb energy. Thus, when the vehicle collides, the upper column 3 and the adjusting plate 2 move away from the driver, and the impact energy is absorbed by the deformation of the energy absorption band 52, reducing the degree of injury of the driver.

[0031] Specifically, when a vehicle collides, the driver hits the steering wheel due to inertia, and the steering wheel, upper column 3, and adjustment plate 2 are rigidly joined. The collision force caused by the driver hitting the steering wheel points to one side in the first direction, that is, the side away from the driver in the first direction. When the collision force is transmitted to the adjustment plate 2, the adjustment plate 2 and the energy absorption block 51 connected thereto tend to move to one side in the first direction. The first adjustment portion 45 is fixed to the first mounting plate 1 via the driving portion. By the first adjustment portion 45 preventing the movement of the adjustment plate 2 by the energy absorption block 51, the energy absorption block 51 receives a shearing force and breaks, and the rigid joining between the adjustment plate 2 and the first adjustment portion 45 fails. The adjustment plate 2 moves the portion having the energy absorption groove 5111 of the energy absorption block 51 to one side in the first direction. At this time, the energy absorption band 52 is fixed to the first adjustment portion 45 through one end of the energy absorption groove 5111. As a result, the energy absorption groove 5111 moves to one side in the first direction in the energy absorption band 52 along the first direction, that is, the energy absorption groove 5111 moves from the fixed end of the energy absorption band 52 to the free end of the energy absorption band 52. When the bent and extending energy absorption groove 5111 moves in the energy absorption band 52, the energy absorption band 52 continuously deforms to absorb the collision force, so that the energy absorption band 52 serves as a buffer and a guide to reduce the degree of injury of the driver. Further, after the energy absorption block 51 breaks, the energy absorption band 52 can further play a role of flexibly connecting the adjustment plate 2 and the first adjustment portion 45, preventing the upper column 3 and the adjustment plate 2 from falling in the direction of gravity, and avoiding the upper column 3 and the adjustment plate 2 causing secondary injury to the lower limbs of the driver.

[0032] When a vehicle collides, according to the embodiment of the present application, the upper column 3, the adjustment plate 2, and the energy absorption groove 5111 of the steering column 10 for a vehicle can move in a direction away from the driver. The energy absorption groove 5111 can deform the energy absorption band 52 to absorb the collision energy. At the same time, the energy absorption band 52 can prevent the upper column 3 and the adjustment plate 2 from falling downward, reduce the degree of injury of the driver, and improve the safety performance of the steering column 10.

[0033] In some embodiments of the present application, referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the energy absorption block 51 includes a main body portion 511 and a connection arm 512. The main body portion 511 is fixed to the adjusting plate 2. An energy absorption groove 5111 is provided in the main body portion 511. The connection arm 512 is connected to the main body portion 511. The connection arm 512 is further fixedly connected to the first adjusting portion 45. A weakening structure 513 is provided at the connection location between the connection arm 512 and the main body portion 511. The weakening structure 513 is located on the side facing the adjusting plate 2 of the first adjusting portion 45. That is, in the first direction, the projection of the weakening structure 513 is located between the first adjusting portion 45 and the adjusting plate 2. When the impact force received by the adjusting plate 2 reaches a preset threshold value, the main body portion 511 and the connection arm 512 are separated at the weakening structure 513, and the main body portion 511 moves along the energy absorption zone 52. When the energy absorption groove 5111 in the main body portion 511 moves along the energy absorption zone 52, the energy absorption zone 52 deforms to absorb energy, thereby realizing the energy absorption effect. Here, the preset threshold value is smaller than the maximum acting force of the steering control device acting on the body block in the Chinese national standard (GB11557 to prevent injury to the driver by the vehicle's steering mechanism), so as to protect the driver when a collision occurs. And the preset threshold value is greater than the pressure on the upper column 3 when the driver uses it normally, so as to avoid damage to the energy absorption block 51 when used normally. Optionally, the range of values taken by the preset threshold value is 1 KN to 10 KN.

[0034] In some embodiments of the present application, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, at least a part of the main body 511 and the connecting arm 512 are integrally formed parts, and the main body 511 and the connecting arm 512 may be plastic components, such as PA (Polyamide) plastic. The connecting arm 512 and the energy absorption zone 52 can be fixedly connected to the first adjustment part 45 via the fastening part 9. Specifically, a first mounting hole 5121 can be provided in the connecting arm 512, and a second mounting hole corresponding to the first mounting hole 5121 can be provided at one end passing through the energy absorption groove 5111 of the energy absorption zone 52. After passing the fastening part 9 through the first mounting hole 5121 and the second mounting hole, it can be fixed to the first adjustment part 45, and the fastening part 9 may be a bolt or a rivet.

[0035] In some embodiments of the present application, with reference to FIG. 4, the weakening structure 513 includes a thin-walled groove, and the thin-walled groove can reduce the thickness at the connection location between the connecting arm 512 and the main body 511, thereby weakening the connection strength between the connecting arm 512 and the main body 511. By controlling parameters such as the groove width and groove depth of the thin-walled groove, when the impact force received by the adjustment plate 2 reaches a preset threshold value, the main body 511 and the connecting arm 512 are separated by the thin-walled groove. When the impact force received by the adjustment plate 2 does not reach the preset threshold value, the connection between the main body 511 and the connecting arm 512 is maintained. By making the longitudinal direction of the thin-walled groove perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the adjustment plate 2, the reduction effect of the connection strength of the thin-walled groove on the connecting arm 512 and the main body is ensured.

[0036] In some other embodiments of the present application, the weakening structure 513 includes a plurality of weakening holes, which may be through holes or blind holes. The plurality of weakening holes can weaken the connection strength between the connection arm 512 and the main body portion 511. By controlling parameters such as the number, aperture size, and aperture depth of the weakening holes, when the impact force received by the adjustment plate 2 reaches a preset threshold value, the main body portion 511 and the connection arm 512 are separated by the plurality of weakening holes. When the impact force received by the adjustment plate 2 does not reach the preset threshold value, the connection between the main body portion 511 and the connection arm 512 is maintained. By making the arrangement direction of the plurality of weakening holes perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the adjustment plate 2, the reduction effect of the connection strength of the plurality of weakening holes on the connection arm 512 and the main body portion 511 is ensured.

[0037] In some embodiments of the present application, a mounting concave groove is provided on the adjustment plate 2, and the opening of the mounting concave groove may face the first adjustment portion 45. At least a part of the main body portion 511 is provided in the mounting concave groove. The mounting concave groove can be used to improve the connection strength between the main body portion 511 and the adjustment plate 2. When the main body portion 511 moves along the energy absorption zone 52, at least one side wall of the mounting concave groove abuts against the first adjustment portion 45, and the separation of the main body portion 511 and the adjustment plate 2 can be prevented.

[0038] In some embodiments of the present application, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5, the main body 511 includes a first sub - part 5112 and a second sub - part 5113. An energy absorption groove 5111 is provided in the first sub - part 5112. A connection arm 512 can be connected to the first sub - part 5112. The energy absorption groove 5111 has a side access opening 5114 provided on the side surface of the first sub - part 5112. The second sub - part 5113 is suitably fixedly connected to the first sub - part 5112 to block the side access opening 5114. Here, the side surface of the first sub - part 5112 is perpendicular to the energy absorption groove 5111. Thus, an energy absorption band 52 is inserted into the energy absorption groove 5111 that bends and extends from the side access opening 5114, so that the second sub - part 5113 can be fixedly combined with the first sub - part 5112, which is advantageous for the assembly of the energy absorption band 52 and the main body 511.

[0039] In some embodiments of the present application, a positioning pin 5115 is provided on one of the first sub - part 5112 and the second sub - part 5113, and a positioning hole 5116 that is suitably fitted with the positioning pin 5115 is provided on the other one, so as to position when the first sub - part 5112 and the second sub - part 5113 are fixedly connected. Here, the number of the positioning pin 5115 and the positioning hole 5116 may be one pair or a plurality of pairs.

[0040] In one embodiment of the present application, with reference to FIG. 4, two positioning pins 5115 are provided at intervals on the side surface of the first sub - part 5112 having the side access opening 5114. Two positioning holes 5116 are correspondingly provided on the second sub - part 5113. Each positioning hole 5116 is correspondingly positioned and fitted with one positioning pin 5115.

[0041] In another embodiment of the present application (not shown in the drawings), two positioning pins 5115 are provided on the side surface closing the side entrance 5114 of the second sub - part 5113, two positioning holes 5116 are correspondingly provided on the first sub - part 5112, and each positioning pin 5115 is correspondingly positioned and fitted into one positioning hole 5116.

[0042] In some embodiments of the present application, referring to FIGS. 2 - 4, the main body part 511 can be fixedly connected to the adjusting plate 2 through the fastening part 9. Specifically, a first mounting base 5117 is provided on the first sub - part 5112. The first mounting base 5117 is suitable for overlapping and continuing on the outer edge of the mounting concave groove. At least one third mounting hole 5118 is provided on the first mounting base 5117. By passing the fastening part 9 through the third mounting hole 5118, it can be fixed to the adjusting plate 2. A second mounting base 5119 is provided on the second sub - part 5113. The first mounting base 5117 and the second mounting base 5119 are located on opposite sides of the main body part 511 respectively. The second mounting base 5119 is suitable for overlapping and continuing on the outer edge of the mounting concave groove. At least one fourth mounting hole 5120 is provided on the second mounting base 5119. By passing the fastening part 9 through the fourth mounting hole 5120, it can be fixed to the adjusting plate 2. The fastening part 9 may be a bolt or a rivet.

[0043] It should be noted that after the vehicle collides, the energy absorption mechanism 5 is damaged, and the energy absorption mechanism 5 is realized to be removably connected to the first adjustment part 45 and the adjusting plate 2 through the fastening part 9 respectively. After the vehicle collides gently, only by replacing the energy absorption block 51 and the energy absorption belt 52, the repair of the steering column 10 can be completed. Moreover, the processing process of the energy absorption block 51 and the energy absorption belt 52 is simple, the manufacturing cost is low, and the detachment is convenient, which is beneficial to reducing the repair cost of the steering column 10.

[0044] In some embodiments of the present application, referring to FIG. 1, the steering column 10 further includes a second mounting plate 6, and the second mounting plate 6 is suitable for being fixed to the vehicle body, for example, the second mounting plate 6 is fixed to the instrument cross member of the vehicle. The first mounting plate 1 is movably connected to the second mounting plate 6 along a first direction. The first mounting plate 1 can be connected to the second mounting plate 6 via a linear bearing. The adjusting mechanism 4 further includes a second feed screw 46, the second feed screw 46 is fixed to the second mounting plate 6, the first adjusting part 45 is a nut, the driving part includes a driving motor 41, a driving case and a first feed screw 44. The driving motor 41 is fixed to the first mounting plate 1 via the driving case. The driving case is in transmission connection with the driving motor 41, the second feed screw 46 and the first feed screw 44. The driving motor 41 drives the first adjusting part 45 via the driving case and the first feed screw 44 to move along the first direction, and the driving motor 41 further drives the driving case to move along the first direction in the second feed screw 46, thereby improving the adjustment efficiency of the position of the upper column 3 and reducing the occupied space of the steering column 10.

[0045] Specifically, a driving gear, a first driven gear 42 and a second driven gear 43 are provided in the driving case. Both the first driven gear 42 and the second driven gear 43 are in transmission connection with the driving gear. The driving motor 41 can drive the driving gear to roll, and drive the first driven gear 42 and the second driven gear 43 to roll via the driving gear. Optionally, a planetary transmission module is further provided between the driving motor 41 and the driving gear. The power output from the motor is decelerated and torque-increased via the planetary transmission module, and then drives the driving gear to roll. At the same time, an idler is provided in the driving case. The driving gear, the first driven gear 42 and the second driven gear 43 are all engaged with the idler. The driving gear drives the first driven gear 42 and the second driven gear 43 to roll via the idler. To facilitate the arrangement of the first feed screw 44, the second feed screw 46 and the driving motor 41, the idler can increase the axial distance between the driving gear, the first driven gear 42 and the second driven gear 43.

[0046] The first feed screw 44 penetrates through the drive case and the first driven gear 42. The first driven gear 42 is fitted with the first feed screw with position limitation. When the first driven gear 42 rolls, it can roll the first feed screw 44. When the first feed screw 44 rolls, the first feed screw 44 can drive the first adjustment part 45 to move in the first direction.

[0047] The second feed screw 46 penetrates through the drive case and the second driven gear 43. The second driven gear 43 is screw-fitted with the second feed screw 46. When the second driven gear 43 rolls, the drive case can be moved along the first direction in the second feed screw 46, and at the same time, the moving direction of the drive case is the same as the moving direction of the first adjustment part 45. Also, both the drive motor 41 and the first mounting plate 1 are connected to the drive case, and both the drive motor 41 and the first mounting plate 1 move synchronously according to the drive case. That is, the drive part can drive the adjustment plate 2 and the first mounting plate 1 to move synchronously along the first direction, so that within a limited space, the adjustable range of the upper column 3 in the first direction can be increased, and the adjustment efficiency of the upper column 3 can be improved.

[0048] In some embodiments of the present application, the energy absorption band 52 is a steel strip, that is, the energy absorption band 52 is a steel material part. The cost of the steel strip is low, the processing is easy, the deformation energy absorption effect is good, the dimensions of the energy absorption groove 5111 can be adjusted according to the energy absorption requirement, and correspondingly, parameters such as the length, thickness, and rigidity of the steel strip are set, so as to meet the design requirements of the crushing force and crushing distance of different vehicle models.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, an energy absorption groove 5111 extending in a bent manner is provided in the energy absorption block 51. The energy absorption groove 5111 extends along the traveling direction like an "L" shape. The energy absorption band 52 includes a fixed segment 521, a mounting segment 522, and a free segment 523. The fixed segment 521 is connected via the mounting segment 522 and the free segment 523. The fixed segment 521 is suitably located outside the energy absorption groove 5111 and connected to the first adjustment portion 45. The mounting segment 522 is located within the energy absorption groove 5111 and has a shape following the energy absorption groove 5111. The free segment 523 is located outside the mounting groove and extends along the first direction. When a collision occurs, the steering wheel, the upper column 3, the adjustment plate 2, and the portion of the energy absorption block 51 having the energy absorption groove 5111 move synchronously. The energy absorption groove 5111 slides in the free segment 523, and the free segment 523 deforms within the energy absorption groove 5111 to absorb energy. The energy absorption band 52 can play a role of buffering and guiding with respect to the slide of the energy absorption groove 5111, and at the same time, it can also prevent the steering wheel and the upper column 3 from slipping off from within the instrument cross member and colliding with the driver's body.

[0050] A vehicle according to another aspect embodiment of the present application includes the steering column 10 of the above embodiment.

[0051] When a collision occurs, the vehicle according to the embodiment of the present application can move the upper column 3, the adjustment plate 2, and the energy absorption groove 5111 in a direction away from the driver. The energy absorption groove 5111 can deform the energy absorption band 52 to absorb the collision energy. At the same time, the energy absorption band 52 can prevent the upper column 3 and the adjustment plate 2 from falling downward, reduce the degree of injury to the driver, and also improve the safety performance of the vehicle.

[0052] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" mean that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in the corresponding embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. The exemplary expressions of the above terms in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. Also, those skilled in the art can join or combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

[0053] Note that even if the above has already shown and described embodiments of this application, the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be understood as limitations to this application, and those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application.

Description of Reference Signs

[0054] 1 First mounting plate 2 Adjusting plate 3 Upper column 4 Adjusting mechanism 41 Driving motor 42 First driven gear 43 Second driven gear 44 First feed screw 45 First adjusting part 46 Second feed screw 5 Energy absorption mechanism 51 Energy absorption block 511 Main body part 5111 Energy absorption groove 5112 First sub - part 5113 Second sub - part 5114 Side access opening 5115 Positioning pin 5116 Positioning hole 5117 First mounting base 5118 Third mounting hole 5119 Second mounting base 5120 Fourth mounting hole 512 Connecting arm 5121 First mounting hole 513 Weakening structure 52 Energy absorption zone 521 Fixed segment 522 Mounting segment 523 Free segment 6 Second mounting plate 9 Fastening component 10 Steering column

Claims

1. A steering column for a vehicle, comprising: a first mounting plate and an adjustment plate, an upper column, an adjustment mechanism, and an energy absorption mechanism; the adjustment plate is movably connected to the first mounting plate along a first direction; the upper column is fixed to the adjustment plate; the adjustment mechanism includes a driving part and a first adjustment part, the driving part is fixed to the first mounting plate, and the driving part is used to drive the first adjustment part to move along the first direction; the energy absorption mechanism includes an energy absorption block and an energy absorption band, the energy absorption block is fixedly connected to the adjustment plate and the first adjustment part, an energy absorption groove is provided in the energy absorption block and extends in a bent manner, one end of the energy absorption band is fixed to the first adjustment part through the energy absorption groove, the other end of the energy absorption band extends along the first direction, and when the impact force received by the adjustment plate reaches a preset threshold value, the energy absorption groove can move along the first direction in the energy absorption band. A steering column for a vehicle.

2. The energy absorption block includes a main body part and a connecting arm, the main body part is fixed to the adjustment plate, the energy absorption groove is provided in the main body part, the connecting arm is connected to the main body part, the connecting arm is further fixedly connected to the first adjustment part, a weakening structure is provided at the connection location between the connecting arm and the main body part, the weakening structure is located on the side facing the adjustment plate of the first adjustment part, and when the impact force received by the adjustment plate reaches a preset threshold value, the main body part and the connecting arm are separated at the weakening structure, and the main body part moves along the energy absorption band. The steering column according to claim 1.

3. The weakening structure includes a thin-walled groove, and the longitudinal direction of the thin-walled groove is perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the adjustment plate. The steering column according to claim 2.

4. The weakening structure includes a plurality of weakening holes, and the arrangement direction of the plurality of weakening holes is perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the adjustment plate. The steering column according to claim 2.

5. An attachment concave groove is provided on the adjustment plate, and at least a part of the main body part is provided in the attachment concave groove. The steering column according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. The main body portion includes a first sub-portion and a second sub-portion, the energy absorption groove is provided in the first sub-portion, the energy absorption groove has a side access opening provided on a side surface of the first sub-portion, and the second sub-portion is adapted to be fixedly connected to the first sub-portion to block the side access opening, where the side surface of the first sub-portion is perpendicular to the energy absorption groove. The steering column according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

7. A positioning pin is provided on one of the first sub-portion and the second sub-portion, and a positioning hole adapted to fit with the positioning pin is provided on the other one. The steering column according to claim 6.

8. Further including a second mounting plate, the first mounting plate is movably connected to the second mounting plate along the first direction. The adjusting mechanism further includes a second feed screw, and the second feed screw is fixed to the second mounting plate. The first adjusting portion is a nut, the driving portion includes a driving motor, a driving case, and a first feed screw, the driving motor is fixed to the first mounting plate through the driving case, the driving case is in transmission connection with the driving motor, the second feed screw, and the first feed screw, the driving motor drives the first adjusting portion through the driving case and the first feed screw to move along the first direction, and the driving motor further drives the driving case to move along the first direction in the second feed screw. The steering column according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The energy absorption band is a steel strip. The steering column according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A vehicle, including the steering column according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images