Clearance adjustment device for steering column and vehicle

Abstract

A clearance adjustment device for a steering column and a vehicle. The clearance adjustment device comprises an inner adjustment plate (100), a middle adjustment plate (200) and an outer adjustment plate (300), wherein the outer adjustment plate (300) has a first groove (310), at least a portion of the middle adjustment plate (200) is located in the first groove (310), and the inner adjustment plate (100) is in press contact with the middle adjustment plate (200). The clearance adjustment device further comprises a first adjustment mechanism (400), wherein a first mounting groove (210) is provided on the side of the middle adjustment plate (200) facing a side wall of the first groove (310), and the first adjustment mechanism (400) is located in the first mounting groove (210); and one end of the first adjustment mechanism (400) is movably abutted against the side wall of the first groove (310) in a first direction, and the other end of the first adjustment mechanism (400) is movably abutted against a groove wall of the first mounting groove (210) in a second direction, such that the middle adjustment plate (200) is pressed against the outer adjustment plate (300) in the second direction, the first direction being perpendicular to the second direction.

Description

Steering column clearance adjustment device and vehicle

[0001] This disclosure claims priority to a Chinese patent application filed with the Patent Office of China on July 14, 2023, with application number 202310873194.5 and application name “Steering column clearance adjustment device and vehicle”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of vehicle body stabilization systems, and in particular to a steering column clearance adjustment device and a vehicle. Background Art

[0003] During vehicle operation, various road vibrations are transmitted through the steering gear to the steering column, and further from the steering column to the steering wheel, affecting the driver's driving experience. By providing a clearance adjustment device to connect the steering column to the vehicle body, the steering column's radial and axial displacement is reduced, thereby improving its rigidity and stability.

[0004] The gap adjustment device in the related technology may include an inner adjustment plate, a middle adjustment plate and an outer adjustment plate. The inner adjustment plate and the middle adjustment plate can both move in the axial direction of the steering column relative to the outer adjustment plate. The outer adjustment plate is connected to the vehicle body, and the inner adjustment plate is connected to the steering column. Through the gap adjustment device, the radial and axial displacements of the steering column can be limited to improve the rigidity of the steering column.

[0005] However, there is a gap between the middle adjustment plate and the outer adjustment plate of the gap adjustment device in the above-mentioned related art, which affects the stability of the steering column and reduces the driving stability of the vehicle.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] An embodiment of the present application provides a steering column gap adjustment device and a vehicle, which are used to solve the technical problem in the above-mentioned related art that there is a gap between the middle adjustment plate and the outer adjustment plate of the gap adjustment device, which affects the stability of the steering column and reduces the driving stability of the vehicle.

[0008] In order to achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of the present application provide the following technical solutions:

[0009] A first aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides a clearance adjustment device for a steering column, comprising an inner adjustment plate, a middle adjustment plate, and an outer adjustment plate;

[0010] The outer adjustment plate has a first groove, and at least a portion of the middle adjustment plate is located in the first groove;

[0011] The inner adjustment plate is press-connected with the middle adjustment plate, and the inner adjustment plate is used to be connected to the steering column;

[0012] The gap adjustment device further includes a first adjustment mechanism, a first mounting groove is provided on one side of the side wall of the middle adjustment plate facing the first groove, and the first adjustment mechanism is located in the first mounting groove;

[0013] One end of the first adjustment mechanism is movably abutted against the side wall of the first groove along a first direction, and the other end of the first adjustment mechanism is movably abutted against the groove wall of the first mounting groove along a second direction, so that the middle adjustment plate is pressed against the outer adjustment plate in the second direction; the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0014] Based on the above technical solution, this application can also be improved as follows.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the first adjustment mechanism includes a first adjustment assembly and a first wedge-shaped pressure plate;

[0016] The first wedge-shaped pressing plate has a first wedge-shaped surface and a first abutting surface opposite to the first wedge-shaped surface, and the first adjusting component has a second wedge-shaped surface matching the first wedge-shaped surface;

[0017] The first abutting surface of the first wedge-shaped pressure plate is movably abutted against the side wall of the first groove along the first direction under the drive of the first adjustment assembly;

[0018] The first adjustment assembly moves along the second direction and presses the middle adjustment plate and the outer adjustment plate through the first wedge-shaped pressure plate.

[0019] In a possible implementation, the first adjustment assembly includes a first adjustment nut and a second wedge-shaped pressure plate, wherein the second wedge-shaped pressure plate has a second wedge-shaped surface;

[0020] The second wedge-shaped pressing plate is located on a side of the first wedge-shaped pressing plate away from the outer adjustment plate, and the second wedge-shaped surface abuts against the first wedge-shaped surface;

[0021] The first adjusting nut is threadedly connected to the middle adjusting plate, and one end of the first adjusting nut facing the first mounting slot abuts against the second wedge-shaped pressure plate, and the first adjusting nut drives the second wedge-shaped pressure plate to move along the second direction.

[0022] In a possible implementation, the first adjustment assembly further includes a first spring sheet, which is disposed between the first adjustment nut and the second wedge-shaped pressure plate, and the first adjustment nut is connected to the second wedge-shaped pressure plate through the first spring sheet.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the middle adjustment plate is provided with a first mounting opening and a second mounting opening; the second mounting opening is provided on a surface of the middle adjustment plate in the second direction, the first mounting opening is provided on a surface of a side wall of the middle adjustment plate facing the first groove, and the first mounting opening and the second mounting opening are connected through the first mounting groove;

[0024] The first adjusting nut and the second wedge-shaped pressing plate are located at the second mounting opening, and one end of the first adjusting nut facing away from the second mounting opening abuts against the second wedge-shaped pressing plate;

[0025] The first wedge-shaped pressing plate is located in the first mounting opening.

[0026] In a possible implementation, the gap adjustment device further includes a first abutting plate, the first adjustment mechanism is provided in plurality, the first installation slot is provided in plurality, and each first installation slot is provided with a first adjustment mechanism;

[0027] The first wedge-shaped pressure plate is connected to the side wall of the first groove through the first abutment plate, and the first abutment surface is formed on the side of the first abutment plate facing the side wall of the first groove. The first wedge-shaped pressure plate abuts against the side wall of the first groove through the first abutment plate.

[0028] In a possible implementation, the second wedge-shaped pressure plate has a first protrusion on one end facing the first adjusting nut, and the first protrusion extends in a direction away from the second wedge-shaped surface;

[0029] The inner side wall of the first mounting groove is provided with a first boss that cooperates with the first protrusion. When the first protrusion abuts against the table surface of the first boss toward the first adjusting nut, there is a gap between the second wedge-shaped pressure plate and the bottom wall of the first mounting groove.

[0030] In a possible implementation, the sidewall of the first groove is inclined toward the inside of the first groove to form a first inclined surface, and the first abutting surface is an inclined surface having an inclination angle consistent with that of the first inclined surface.

[0031] In a possible implementation, the gap adjustment device further includes a second adjustment mechanism;

[0032] The middle adjustment plate has a second groove, and at least a portion of the inner adjustment plate is located in the second groove;

[0033] A second mounting groove is provided on one side of the side wall of the inner adjustment plate facing the second groove, and the second adjustment mechanism is located in the second mounting groove;

[0034] One end of the second adjustment mechanism is movably abutted against the side wall of the second groove along the first direction, and the other end of the second adjustment mechanism is movably abutted against the groove wall of the second mounting groove along the second direction, so that the inner adjustment plate is pressed against the middle adjustment plate in the second direction.

[0035] A second aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides a vehicle, comprising a vehicle body, a steering column, a steering wheel, a steering device, and the gap adjustment device as described above;

[0036] The steering column is connected to the inner adjustment plate of the gap adjustment device, and the outer adjustment plate of the gap adjustment device is connected to the vehicle body;

[0037] One end of the steering column is connected to the steering wheel, and the other end of the steering column is connected to the steering device.

[0038] An embodiment of the present application provides a clearance adjustment device for a steering column and a vehicle, the clearance adjustment device including an inner adjustment plate, a middle adjustment plate and an outer adjustment plate, the outer adjustment plate having a first groove, at least a portion of the middle adjustment plate being located in the first groove, the inner adjustment plate being crimped with the middle adjustment plate, and the inner adjustment plate being used to be connected to the steering column. The slack adjustment device also includes a first adjustment mechanism, wherein a first mounting groove is provided on a side of the middle adjustment plate facing the side wall of the first groove, and the first adjustment mechanism is arranged in the first mounting groove, one end of the first adjustment mechanism is movably abutted against the side wall of the first groove along a first direction, and the other end of the first adjustment mechanism is movably abutted against the groove wall of the first mounting groove along a second direction, so that the middle adjustment plate is pressed against the outer adjustment plate in the second direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, so that the middle adjustment plate can adjust the gap between the middle adjustment plate and the outer adjustment plate in both the first and second directions, and can increase the sliding friction resistance between the middle adjustment plate and the outer adjustment plate by narrowing the gap, thereby reducing the probability of relative displacement between the middle adjustment plate and the outer adjustment plate in axial and radial directions, thereby improving the stability of the gap adjustment device, and then improving the axial and radial stability of the steering column as well as the stability and driving experience of the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, a brief introduction will be given below to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative labor.

[0040] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a gap adjustment device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of the gap adjustment device provided in an embodiment of the present application from another angle;

[0042] FIG3 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the gap adjustment device at point M in FIG1 ;

[0043] FIG4 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the first mounting groove in FIG3 with the first adjustment mechanism removed;

[0044] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of the first adjustment mechanism in FIG3 ;

[0045] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of a plurality of first adjustment mechanisms connected via a first abutment plate;

[0046] FIG7 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the gap adjustment device at position N in FIG1 ;

[0047] FIG8 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the second mounting groove in FIG7 without the second adjustment mechanism;

[0048] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of the second adjustment mechanism in FIG7 ;

[0049] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of a plurality of second adjustment mechanisms connected via a second abutting plate.

[0050] Explanation of Reference Numerals: 100 - inner adjustment plate; 110 - second mounting groove; 120 - second boss; 200 - middle adjustment plate; 210 - first mounting groove; 220 - first mounting opening; 230 - second mounting opening; 240 - first boss; 250 - second groove; 300 - outer adjustment plate; 310 - first groove; 320 - mounting hole; 311 - first inclined surface; 400 - first adjustment mechanism; 410 - first adjustment assembly; 420 - first wedge-shaped pressure plate; 430 - first abutting plate; 411 - second wedge-shaped surface; 412 - first adjustment nut; 413 - second wedge-shaped pressure plate; 414 - first spring leaf; 415 - first protrusion; 421 - first wedge-shaped surface; 422 - first abutting surface; 500 - second adjustment mechanism; 510 - second adjustment assembly; 520 - third wedge-shaped pressure plate; 530 - second abutment plate; 511 - fourth wedge-shaped surface; 512 - second adjustment nut; 513 - fourth wedge-shaped pressure plate; 514 - second spring leaf; 515 - second protrusion; 521 - third wedge-shaped surface; 522 - second abutment surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] As described in the background, the gap between the middle and outer adjustment plates of the prior art gap adjustment device affects the stability of the steering column and reduces the vehicle's driving stability. This problem arises because the outer adjustment plate in the gap adjustment device is fixed to the vehicle body and cannot move, while the middle and outer adjustment plates can slide relative to each other in the axial direction of the steering column, and the inner and middle adjustment plates can also slide relative to each other in the axial direction to accommodate axial adjustment of the steering column. Because the middle and outer adjustment plates are connected in a sliding manner, a certain radial gap exists between the middle and outer adjustment plates to facilitate sliding and reduce sliding friction resistance. However, the presence of this gap reduces the stability of the gap adjustment device, causing the steering column to move radially by at least the same amount as the gap distance. Furthermore, due to the gap between the middle and outer adjustment plates, the axial sliding friction resistance between the middle and outer adjustment plates is reduced, resulting in a poor control of the gap adjustment device's ability to control axial movement of the steering column, thereby affecting the stability of the steering column, the vehicle's stability, and the driving experience.

[0052] In response to the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present application provides a gap adjustment device for a steering column and a vehicle, wherein the gap adjustment device includes an inner adjustment plate, a middle adjustment plate and an outer adjustment plate, wherein the outer adjustment plate has a first groove, and at least a portion of the middle adjustment plate is located in the first groove. The inner adjustment plate is crimped with the middle adjustment plate, and the inner adjustment plate is used to be connected to the steering column. The slack adjustment device also includes a first adjustment mechanism, wherein a first mounting groove is provided on a side of the middle adjustment plate facing the side wall of the first groove, and the first adjustment mechanism is arranged in the first mounting groove. One end of the first adjustment mechanism is movably abutted against the side wall of the first groove along a first direction, and the other end of the first adjustment mechanism is movably abutted against the groove wall of the first mounting groove along a second direction, so that the middle adjustment plate is pressed against the outer adjustment plate in the second direction. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, so that the middle adjustment plate can adjust the gap between the middle adjustment plate and the outer adjustment plate in both the first and second directions, and can increase the sliding friction resistance between the middle adjustment plate and the outer adjustment plate by narrowing the gap, thereby reducing the probability of relative displacement between the middle adjustment plate and the outer adjustment plate in axial and radial directions, thereby improving the stability of the gap adjustment device, and thereby improving the axial and radial stability of the steering column as well as the stability and driving experience of the vehicle.

[0053] In order to make the above-mentioned purposes, features and advantages of the embodiments of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0054] 1 and 2 , an embodiment of the present application provides a clearance adjustment device for a steering column, which may include an inner adjustment plate 100, a middle adjustment plate 200, and an outer adjustment plate 300. The outer adjustment plate 300 has a first groove 310, and at least a portion of the middle adjustment plate 200 is located in the first groove 310. The inner adjustment plate 100 is crimped with the middle adjustment plate 200, and the inner adjustment plate 100 is used to be connected to the steering column.

[0055] Referring to Figure 1, in some embodiments, the gap adjustment device may further include a connecting assembly (not shown in the figure), and the outer adjustment plate 300 is fixedly connected to the vehicle body through the connecting assembly. The connecting assembly can be a bolt or a screw. The outer adjustment plate 300 has a mounting hole 320, and the bolt or screw is passed through the mounting hole 320 and connected to the vehicle body.

[0056] The middle adjustment plate 200 and the outer adjustment plate 300 are connected by a sliding connection. The middle adjustment plate 200 is partially disposed in the first groove 310. The middle adjustment plate 200 can slide along the extension direction of the first groove 310. The extension direction of the first groove 310 is the direction of axial movement of the steering column (as shown in the direction b in Figure 1). By connecting the middle adjustment plate 200 and the outer adjustment plate 300 by a sliding connection, the steering column can be easily moved in the axial direction b and the radial displacement (as shown in the direction a in Figure 1) generated when the steering column is displaced in the axial direction b can be reduced, thereby improving the stability of the steering column. In some embodiments, the inner adjustment plate 100 is used for fixed connection with the steering column. The inner adjustment plate 100 and the middle adjustment plate 200 can also be connected by a sliding connection, thereby further improving the axial displacement of the steering column.

[0057] Referring to Figures 1 and 3, the gap adjustment device can also include a first adjustment mechanism 400, and a first mounting groove 210 is provided on the side of the side wall of the middle adjustment plate 200 facing the first groove 310. The first adjustment mechanism 400 is located in the first mounting groove 210, and one end of the first adjustment mechanism 400 is arranged toward the side wall of the first groove 310, and is movably abutted against the side wall of the first groove 310 along a first direction (as shown in direction X in Figure 3), so that the middle adjustment plate 200 abuts against the side wall of the first groove 310 through the first adjustment mechanism 400, and then the middle adjustment plate 200 abuts against the outer adjustment plate 300 in the first direction through the first adjustment mechanism 400. The other end of the first adjustment mechanism 400 faces the wall of the first mounting groove 210, which can be the bottom wall of the first mounting groove 210. The bottom wall of the first mounting groove 210 is perpendicular to the second direction (direction Y in FIG3 ). The other end of the first adjustment mechanism 400 is movably abutted against the bottom wall of the first mounting groove 210 along the second direction. The first adjustment mechanism 400 moves the middle adjustment plate 200 toward the outer adjustment plate 300 and presses the middle adjustment plate 200 against the outer adjustment plate 300 in the second direction, thereby increasing the sliding friction resistance between the outer adjustment plate 300 and the middle adjustment plate 200 and reducing the probability of axial movement of the steering column. As shown in FIG3 , the first direction and the second direction are mutually perpendicular directions.

[0058] It should be noted that although the provision of the first adjustment mechanism 400 reduces the gap between the outer adjustment plate 300 and the middle adjustment plate 200 and increases the sliding friction resistance between the outer adjustment plate 300 and the middle adjustment plate 200 in the axial direction of the steering column, the middle adjustment plate 200 can still slide axially relative to the outer adjustment plate 300 through damped sliding. Furthermore, the magnitude of the sliding friction resistance can be adjusted based on the adjustment requirements of the steering column. For example, if the stability of the steering column's axial movement needs to be increased, the degree of compression between the outer adjustment plate 300 and the middle adjustment plate 200 can be increased to improve the sliding friction resistance.

[0059] An embodiment of the present application provides a clearance adjustment device for a steering column and a vehicle, wherein the clearance adjustment device includes an inner adjustment plate 100, a middle adjustment plate 200, and an outer adjustment plate 300. The outer adjustment plate 300 has a first groove 310, and at least a portion of the middle adjustment plate 200 is located in the first groove 310. The inner adjustment plate 100 is crimped with the middle adjustment plate 200, and the inner adjustment plate 100 is used to be connected to the steering column. The clearance adjustment device also includes a first adjustment mechanism 400. A first mounting groove 210 is provided on a side of the side wall of the middle adjustment plate 200 facing the first groove 310, and the first adjustment mechanism 400 is disposed in the first mounting groove 210. One end of the first adjustment mechanism 400 is movably abutted against the side wall of the first groove 310 along a first direction, and the other end of the first adjustment mechanism 400 is movably abutted against the groove wall of the first mounting groove 210 along a second direction, so that the middle adjustment plate 200 is pressed against the outer adjustment plate 300 in the second direction. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, so that the gap between the middle adjustment plate 200 and the outer adjustment plate 300 can be adjusted in both the first and second directions, and the sliding friction resistance between the middle adjustment plate 200 and the outer adjustment plate 300 can be increased by reducing the gap, thereby reducing the probability of relative displacement between the middle adjustment plate 200 and the outer adjustment plate 300 in the axial and radial directions, thereby improving the stability of the clearance adjustment device, and further improving the axial and radial stability of the steering column, as well as the stability and driving experience of the vehicle.

[0060] 3 , the first adjustment mechanism 400 may include a first adjustment assembly 410 and a first wedge-shaped pressure plate 420. The first wedge-shaped pressure plate 420 includes a first wedge-shaped surface 421 and a first abutting surface 422 opposite the first wedge-shaped surface 421. The first abutting surface 422 of the first wedge-shaped pressure plate 420 is disposed toward the sidewall of the first groove 310 and is configured to abut against the sidewall of the first groove 310. Referring to FIG5 , the first wedge-shaped surface 421 of the first wedge-shaped pressure plate 420 is disposed away from the sidewall of the first groove 310 and toward the first adjustment assembly 410. The angle (indicated by angle β in FIG5 ) between the upward extension direction of the first wedge-shaped surface 421 and the first direction is less than 90 degrees, for example, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 60 degrees, or 80 degrees. The first adjustment component 410 has a second wedge surface 411 that cooperates with the first wedge surface 421. The second wedge surface 411 is arranged toward the first wedge surface 421 so that the first wedge surface 421 contacts the second wedge surface 411. The angle between the second wedge surface 411 and the first direction (as shown by angle α in Figure 5) is also less than 90 degrees, for example, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 60 degrees or 80 degrees.

[0061] In one possible implementation, the first wedge surface 421 and the second wedge surface 411 may have the same inclination angle, thereby increasing the contact area between the first wedge surface 421 and the second wedge surface 411. In some embodiments, the angle between the first wedge surface 421 and the first direction may be 45 degrees, and the angle between the second wedge surface 411 and the first direction may also be 45 degrees.

[0062] In the specific implementation, the second wedge surface 411 and the first wedge surface 421 contact each other. When the first adjustment component 410 moves along the second direction, the second wedge surface 411 gives the first wedge surface 421 a force to move along the first direction, thereby causing the first wedge pressure plate 420 to move along the first direction toward the side wall of the first groove 310, and causing the first abutting surface 422 of the first wedge pressure plate 420 to movably abut against the side wall of the first groove 310. At the same time, when the first adjustment component 410 moves along the second direction, the second wedge surface 411 also gives the first wedge surface 421 a force to move along the second direction, thereby causing the first wedge pressure plate 420 to move along the first direction while also pressing the groove wall of the first mounting groove 210 along the second direction, and further causing the middle adjustment plate 200 to press the groove wall of the first groove 310 in the second direction along the second direction, thereby causing the middle adjustment plate 200 to press the outer adjustment plate 300 in the second direction.

[0063] The first adjustment mechanism 400 includes a first adjustment component 410 and a first wedge-shaped pressure plate 420, and the first wedge-shaped pressure plate 420 has a first wedge surface 421, and the first adjustment component 410 has a second wedge surface 411 that matches the first wedge surface 421, so that the middle adjustment plate 200 can be pressed against the outer adjustment plate 300 in the first direction through the first adjustment mechanism 400, and can also be pressed against the outer adjustment plate 300 in the second direction through the first adjustment mechanism 400, thereby improving the flexibility of use of the first adjustment mechanism 400, and improving the degree of pressing between the middle adjustment plate 200 and the outer adjustment plate 300, reducing the gap between the middle adjustment plate 200 and the outer adjustment plate 300, and thereby improving the sliding friction resistance between the middle adjustment plate 200 and the outer adjustment plate 300.

[0064] 3 and 4 , in some embodiments, the first adjustment assembly 410 may include a first adjustment nut 412 and a second wedge-shaped pressure plate 413. The second wedge-shaped pressure plate 413 has a second wedge-shaped surface 411. The surface of the second wedge-shaped pressure plate 413 facing the first wedge-shaped pressure plate 420 is the second wedge-shaped surface 411. The second wedge-shaped pressure plate 413 is located on the side of the first wedge-shaped pressure plate 420 away from the outer adjustment plate 300, and the second wedge-shaped surface 411 abuts the first wedge-shaped surface 421. For example, as shown in FIG3 , the second wedge-shaped pressure plate 413 is located to the left of the first wedge-shaped pressure plate 420, and the first adjustment nut 412 is located above the second wedge-shaped pressure plate 413. The outer periphery of the first adjustment nut 412 has external threads, and the first adjustment nut 412 can be connected to the middle adjustment plate 200 via a threaded connection. The end of the first adjustment nut 412 facing the first mounting slot 210 abuts the second wedge-shaped pressure plate 413. When the first adjusting nut 412 moves toward the second wedge pressure plate 413 along the second direction under the action of external force, the first adjusting nut 412 can drive the second wedge pressure plate 413 to move along the second direction, and through the contact between the second wedge surface 411 on the second wedge pressure plate 413 and the first wedge surface 421 of the first wedge pressure plate 420, the first wedge pressure plate 420 moves simultaneously along the first direction and the second direction, and the middle adjustment plate 200 presses the outer adjustment plate 300 through the adjustment structure.

[0065] In a specific implementation, the first wedge pressure plate 420 and the second wedge pressure plate 413 can be prepared by stamping steel plates. The stamping steel plates have high rigidity and can reduce the torque attenuation of the first adjusting nut 412 at different axial positions caused by the processing errors of the first wedge pressure plate 420 and the second wedge pressure plate 413, thereby improving the use stability of the first adjustment mechanism 400.

[0066] 3 , in a possible implementation, the sidewall of the first groove 310 is inclined toward the inside of the first groove 310 to form a first inclined surface 311 , and the first abutting surface 422 is an inclined surface having the same inclination angle as the first inclined surface 311 .

[0067] Referring to FIG3 , in one possible implementation, the first adjustment assembly 410 may further include a first spring piece 414 disposed between the first adjustment nut 412 and the second wedge-shaped pressure plate 413. The first adjustment nut 412 is connected to the second wedge-shaped pressure plate 413 via the first spring piece 414. The provision of the first spring piece 414 allows the first adjustment nut 412 to abut against the second wedge-shaped pressure plate 413 via the first spring piece 414, thereby reducing friction loss between the first adjustment nut 412 and the second wedge-shaped pressure plate 413 and preventing loosening of the contact between the first adjustment nut 412 and the second wedge-shaped pressure plate 413, which could result in a decrease in the compression between the middle adjustment plate 200 and the outer adjustment plate 300. This improves the operational stability of the first adjustment mechanism 400. In some embodiments, the first spring piece 414 may be a wave spring, and different stiffnesses of the first spring piece 414 can be selected based on the compression force of the first adjustment nut 412.

[0068] 4 and 5 , in a specific implementation, the middle adjustment plate 200 is provided with a first mounting opening 220 and a second mounting opening 230. The second mounting opening 230 is provided on the surface of the middle adjustment plate 200 in the second direction, extends in the second direction and communicates with the first mounting groove 210. The first mounting opening 220 is provided on the sidewall of the middle adjustment plate 200 facing the first groove 310, extends in the first direction and communicates with the first mounting groove 210, and the first mounting opening 220 and the second mounting opening 230 communicate with each other through the first mounting groove 210. A first adjusting nut 412 and a second wedge-shaped pressure plate 413 are disposed within the first mounting groove 210 via the second mounting opening 230. An end of the first adjusting nut 412 facing away from the second mounting opening 230 abuts against the second wedge-shaped pressure plate 413. The first wedge-shaped pressure plate 420 is located within the first mounting opening 220 and is mounted within the first mounting groove 210 via the first mounting opening 220. The first mounting port 220 and the second mounting port 230 are connected through the first mounting groove 210, and the first wedge pressure plate 420 is set at the first mounting port 220, and the first adjusting nut 412 and the second wedge pressure plate 413 are set at the second mounting port 230, which can improve the compactness of the layout of the first adjustment mechanism 400 and improve the space utilization of the middle adjustment plate 200.

[0069] 4 and 5 , the second wedge-shaped pressure plate 413 has a first protrusion 415 at one end facing the first adjusting nut 412. The first protrusion 415 extends in a direction away from the second wedge-shaped surface 411. The inner side wall of the first mounting groove 210 is provided with a first boss 240 that cooperates with the first protrusion 415. The table surface of the first boss 240 faces the first adjusting nut 412. When the first protrusion 415 abuts against the table surface of the first boss 240, there is a gap between the second wedge-shaped pressure plate 413 and the bottom wall of the first mounting groove 210. Through the mating connection between the first protrusion 415 and the first boss 240, the displacement of the second wedge pressure plate 413 in the second direction can be limited, and the second wedge pressure plate 413 can be prevented from abutting against the bottom wall of the first mounting groove 210 in the second direction, thereby preventing the first adjusting nut 412 from being over-tightened, and reducing the probability of damage between the second wedge pressure plate 413 and the groove wall of the first mounting groove 210 due to over-tightening, thereby improving the service life of the first adjusting mechanism 400.

[0070] 6 , in one possible implementation, the gap adjustment device may further include a first abutment plate 430, a plurality of first adjustment mechanisms 400, and a plurality of first mounting slots 210, with a first adjustment mechanism 400 disposed in each first mounting slot 210. The plurality of first mounting slots 210 are arranged along the extension direction of the first groove 310, and the plurality of first grooves 310 are located on one side of the middle adjustment plate 200. By providing a plurality of first mounting slots 210 and disposing each first adjustment mechanism 400 in a first mounting slot 210, the contact area between the first abutment surface 422 and the sidewall of the first groove 310 can be increased, thereby improving the stability of the gap adjustment between the middle adjustment plate 200 and the outer adjustment plate 300 by the first adjustment mechanism 400.

[0071] In a specific implementation, the number of first adjustment mechanisms 400 in the clearance adjustment device can be two, three, four, five, or even more. In one example, the clearance adjustment device can have four first adjustment mechanisms 400 and four first mounting slots 210, with each mounting slot being provided with a first adjustment mechanism 400. During use, when the steering column moves radially, at least three of the four first adjustment mechanisms 400 can abut against the sidewalls of the first groove 310.

[0072] 6 , a plurality of first wedge-shaped pressure plates 420 are connected by a first abutting plate 430 on one side facing the sidewall of the first groove 310. A first abutting surface 422 is formed on one side of the first abutting plate 430 facing the sidewall of the first groove 310. The first wedge-shaped pressure plates 420 abut against the sidewall of the first groove 310 via the first abutting plate 430. Providing the first abutting plate 430 allows the first wedge-shaped pressure plates 420 to abut against the sidewall of the first groove 310 via the first abutting plate 430. This increases the contact area between the first adjustment mechanism 400 and the sidewall of the first groove 310, thereby further improving sliding friction resistance and enhancing the contact stability between the abutting surface and the sidewall of the first groove 310. This prevents the first wedge-shaped pressure plates 420 from bouncing while moving relative to the sidewall of the first groove 310.

[0073] Referring to Figure 7, in a possible implementation, the gap adjustment device may also include a second adjustment mechanism 500, the middle adjustment plate 200 has a second groove 250, at least part of the inner adjustment plate 100 is located in the second groove 250, and a second mounting groove 110 is provided on the side of the side wall of the inner adjustment plate 100 facing the second groove 250, the second adjustment mechanism 500 is located in the second mounting groove 110, one end of the second adjustment mechanism 500 is movably abutted against the side wall of the second groove 250 along a first direction (as shown in direction X in Figure 7), and the other end of the second adjustment mechanism 500 is movably abutted against the groove wall of the second mounting groove 110 along a second direction (as shown in direction Y in Figure 7), so that the inner adjustment plate 100 is pressed against the middle adjustment plate 200 in the second direction Y. By setting up a second adjustment mechanism 500, the inner adjustment plate 100 can adjust the gap with the middle adjustment plate 200 in both the first direction X and the second direction Y, and can increase the sliding friction resistance between the inner adjustment plate 100 and the middle adjustment plate 200 by narrowing the gap, thereby reducing the probability of axial and radial displacement of the middle adjustment plate 200 and the inner adjustment plate 100, further improving the stability of the gap adjustment device, and further improving the axial and radial stability of the steering column as well as the stability and driving experience of the vehicle.

[0074] 7 to 9 , in some embodiments, the second adjustment mechanism 500 and the first adjustment mechanism 400 can employ the same structural configuration, and the number of second adjustment mechanisms 500 provided in the gap adjustment device can also be the same as that of the first adjustment mechanism 400. For example, the second adjustment mechanism 500 can include a second adjustment assembly 510 and a third wedge-shaped pressure plate 520 , wherein the third wedge-shaped pressure plate 520 has a third wedge-shaped surface 521 and a second abutting surface 522 opposite the third wedge-shaped surface 521 . The second abutting surface 522 on the third wedge-shaped pressure plate 520 is set toward the side wall of the second groove 250, and the second abutting surface 522 is used to abut against the side wall of the second groove 250. The third wedge surface 521 on the third wedge-shaped pressure plate 520 is set back to the side wall of the second groove 250 and toward the second adjustment component 510. The second adjustment component 510 has a fourth wedge surface 511 that cooperates with the third wedge surface 521. The fourth wedge surface 511 is set toward the third wedge surface 521 so that the third wedge surface 521 contacts the fourth wedge surface 511.

[0075] Continuing with Figure 7 , the second adjustment assembly 510 includes a second adjustment nut 512 and a fourth wedge-shaped pressure plate 513. The fourth wedge-shaped pressure plate 513 has a fourth wedge-shaped surface 511. The fourth wedge-shaped pressure plate 513 is located on the side of the third wedge-shaped pressure plate 520 away from the middle adjustment plate 200, with the fourth wedge-shaped surface 511 abutting against the third wedge-shaped surface 521. The second adjustment nut 512 is threadedly connected to the inner adjustment plate 100, and the end of the second adjustment nut 512 facing the second mounting slot 110 abuts against the fourth wedge-shaped pressure plate 513, thereby driving the fourth wedge-shaped pressure plate 513 to move in the second direction Y.

[0076] 7 , in some examples, the second adjustment assembly 510 further includes a second spring sheet 514, which is disposed between the second adjustment nut 512 and the fourth wedge-shaped pressure plate 513. The second adjustment nut 512 is connected to the fourth wedge-shaped pressure plate 513 via the second spring sheet 514. In a specific implementation, the second spring sheet 514 can also be a wave spring sheet.

[0077] 8 and 9 , the fourth wedge-shaped pressure plate 513 has a second protrusion 515 on one end facing the second adjustment nut 512. The second protrusion 515 extends away from the fourth wedge-shaped surface 511. The inner sidewall of the second mounting groove 110 is provided with a second boss 120 that mates with the second protrusion 515. The top surface of the second boss 120 faces the second adjustment nut 512. When the second protrusion 515 abuts the top surface of the second boss 120, a gap is formed between the fourth wedge-shaped pressure plate 513 and the bottom wall of the second mounting groove 110.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 10 , in one possible implementation, the gap adjustment device may further include a second abutment plate 530. There may be multiple second adjustment mechanisms 500, and multiple second mounting slots 110, with a second adjustment mechanism 500 disposed in each second mounting slot 110. Multiple third wedge-shaped pressure plates 520 are connected by a second abutment plate 530 on the side facing the sidewall of the second groove 250. A second abutment surface 522 is formed on the side of the second abutment plate 530 facing the sidewall of the second groove 250. The third wedge-shaped pressure plates 520 abut against the sidewall of the second groove 250 via the second abutment plate 530.

[0079] The embodiment of the present application also provides a vehicle, which may include a vehicle body, a steering column, a steering wheel, a steering device, and a gap adjustment device as described above. The steering column is connected to an inner adjustment plate of the gap adjustment device, and an outer adjustment plate of the gap adjustment device is connected to the vehicle body. One end of the steering column is connected to the steering wheel, and the other end of the steering column is connected to the steering device. By connecting the gap adjustment device in the present application to the steering column, the radial displacement of the steering column can be reduced, and the axial movement of the steering column can be reduced, thereby improving the adjustment stability of the steering column, and further improving the driving stability and driving experience of the vehicle.

[0080] The various embodiments or implementation methods in this specification are described in a progressive manner. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments, and the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referenced to each other.

[0081] It should be noted that phrases such as "in a specific implementation," "in some embodiments," "in this embodiment," and "exemplarily" mentioned in the specification indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to implement such a feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether explicitly described or not.

[0082] Generally speaking, terms should be understood, at least in part, based on the context in which they are used. For example, as used herein, the term "one or more" can be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic in the singular sense, or can be used to describe a combination of features, structures, or characteristics in the plural sense, depending at least in part on the context. Similarly, terms such as "a," "an," or "the" can also be understood to convey either singular or plural usage, depending at least in part on the context.

[0083] It should be readily understood that “on,” “above,” and “over” in this disclosure should be interpreted in the broadest manner, such that “on” means not only “directly on something,” but also includes “on something” with intervening features or layers therebetween, and “above” or “over” includes not only the meaning of “above” or “over,” but also includes “above” or “over” with no intervening features or layers therebetween (i.e., directly on something).

[0084] Additionally, spatially relative terms, such as "below," "beneath," "beneath," "above," and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature relative to other elements or features as shown in the figures. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. The device may be in other orientations (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0085] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A clearance adjustment device for a steering column, characterized in that: It includes an inner adjustment plate, a middle adjustment plate and an outer adjustment plate; The outer adjustment plate has a first groove, and at least a portion of the middle adjustment plate is located in the first groove; The inner adjustment plate is crimped with the middle adjustment plate, and the inner adjustment plate is used to be connected to the steering column; The gap adjustment device further includes a first adjustment mechanism, a first mounting groove is provided on one side of the side wall of the middle adjustment plate facing the first groove, and the first adjustment mechanism is located in the first mounting groove; One end of the first adjustment mechanism is movably abutted against the side wall of the first groove along a first direction, and the other end of the first adjustment mechanism is movably abutted against the groove wall of the first mounting groove along a second direction, so that the middle adjustment plate is pressed against the outer adjustment plate in the second direction; the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

2. The gap adjustment device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first adjustment mechanism includes a first adjustment assembly and a first wedge-shaped pressure plate; The first wedge-shaped pressing plate has a first wedge-shaped surface and a first abutting surface opposite to the first wedge-shaped surface, and the first adjusting component has a second wedge-shaped surface matching the first wedge-shaped surface; The first abutting surface of the first wedge-shaped pressing plate is movably abutted against the side wall of the first groove along the first direction under the driving of the first adjusting assembly; The first adjustment assembly moves along the second direction and presses the middle adjustment plate and the outer adjustment plate through the first wedge-shaped pressure plate.

3. The gap adjustment device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first adjustment assembly includes a first adjustment nut and a second wedge-shaped pressure plate, wherein the second wedge-shaped pressure plate has a second wedge-shaped surface; The second wedge-shaped pressing plate is located on a side of the first wedge-shaped pressing plate away from the outer adjustment plate, and the second wedge-shaped surface abuts against the first wedge-shaped surface; The first adjusting nut is threadedly connected to the middle adjusting plate, and one end of the first adjusting nut facing the first mounting groove abuts against the second wedge-shaped pressing plate, and the first adjusting nut drives the middle adjusting plate. The second wedge-shaped pressure plate is moved along the second direction.

4. The gap adjustment device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first adjustment assembly also includes a first spring sheet, which is disposed between the first adjustment nut and the second wedge-shaped pressure plate, and the first adjustment nut is connected to the second wedge-shaped pressure plate through the first spring sheet.

5. The gap adjustment device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The middle adjustment plate is provided with a first mounting opening and a second mounting opening; the second mounting opening is provided on the surface of the middle adjustment plate in the second direction, the first mounting opening is provided on the surface of the side wall of the middle adjustment plate facing the first groove, and the first mounting opening and the second mounting opening are connected through the first mounting groove; The first adjusting nut and the second wedge-shaped pressing plate are located at the second mounting opening, and one end of the first adjusting nut facing away from the second mounting opening abuts against the second wedge-shaped pressing plate; The first wedge-shaped pressing plate is located in the first mounting opening.

6. The gap adjustment device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The gap adjustment device further includes a first abutment plate, the first adjustment mechanism has a plurality of first adjustment mechanisms, the first installation slot has a plurality of first adjustment mechanisms, and each first installation slot is provided with a first adjustment mechanism; The first wedge-shaped pressure plate is connected to the side wall of the first groove through the first abutment plate. The first abutment surface is formed on the side of the first abutment plate facing the side wall of the first groove. The first wedge-shaped pressure plate abuts against the side wall of the first groove through the first abutment plate.

7. The gap adjustment device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The second wedge-shaped pressing plate has a first protrusion at one end facing the first adjusting nut, and the first protrusion extends in a direction away from the second wedge-shaped surface; The inner side wall of the first mounting groove is provided with a first boss matched with the first protrusion, and when the first protrusion abuts against the table surface of the first boss facing the first adjusting nut, a gap is formed between the second wedge-shaped pressure plate and the bottom wall of the first mounting groove.

8. The gap adjustment device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The side wall of the first groove is inclined toward the inside of the first groove to form a first inclined surface, and the first abutting surface is an inclined surface with the same inclination angle as the first inclined surface.

9. The gap adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The gap adjustment device also includes a second adjustment mechanism; The middle adjustment plate has a second groove, and at least a portion of the inner adjustment plate is located in the second groove; A second mounting groove is provided on one side of the side wall of the inner adjustment plate facing the second groove, and the second adjustment mechanism is located in the second mounting groove. One end of the second adjustment mechanism is movably abutted against the side wall of the second groove along the first direction, and the other end of the second adjustment mechanism is movably abutted against the groove wall of the second mounting groove along the second direction, so that the inner adjustment plate is pressed against the middle adjustment plate in the second direction.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that: It comprises a vehicle body, a steering column, a steering wheel, a steering device, and a gap adjustment device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9; The steering column is connected to the inner adjustment plate of the gap adjustment device, and the outer adjustment plate of the gap adjustment device is connected to the vehicle body; One end of the steering column is connected to the steering wheel, and the other end of the steering column is connected to the steering device.

Images