Collapsible energy-absorbing mechanism for electrically adjustable steering column

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of steering systems, and in particular to a collapsible energy-absorbing mechanism for an electrically adjustable steering column. The collapsible energy-absorbing mechanism comprises an upper column, a lower column, and a driving mechanism. A sliding component is slidably connected to the driving mechanism. The sliding component is connected to one end of a metal belt by means of bolts. A guide holder is sleeved on the other end of the metal strip. The guide holder is fixedly connected to the upper column by a rivet. The collapsible energy-absorbing mechanism effectively solves the problem of absorbing impact energy during vehicle collision and reducing damage to drivers, and improves independence and stability of the collapsible energy-absorbing function.

Description

A crush energy absorption mechanism for electrically adjustable steering column

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 2023226707899, filed on October 7, 2023. This application incorporates the entirety of the aforementioned Chinese Patent Application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of steering systems, and in particular to a collapse energy absorption mechanism for electrically adjusting a steering column. Background Art

[0003] As automotive steering systems become increasingly electrified, intelligent, and networked, steering columns for electrically adjusting the steering wheel position are becoming increasingly common. These electrically adjustable steering columns must automatically adjust the steering wheel position when powered on and absorb sufficient energy in a collision to minimize injuries to drivers impacted by the steering wheel. When the electrically adjustable column is powered on, the drive assembly must be connected to the upper column or upper steering shaft to adjust the steering wheel position. When the electrically adjustable column is powered off, the column must withstand sufficient force to maintain its position. In a collision, the column's crush absorption mechanism must absorb sufficient impact energy to protect the driver.

[0004] According to currently known technologies, for electrically adjustable columns, the crush energy absorption mechanism, connected to its drive mechanism, adjusts the steering wheel when energized and maintains the steering wheel position when de-energized. During a collision, the crush energy absorption mechanism continues to absorb energy by collapsing. However, integrating these functions results in a complex structure and numerous instabilities, which can easily lead to undesirable energy absorption during a collision. Specifically, the crush energy absorption mechanism may shift or deform due to external forces while maintaining the steering wheel position, causing instability and failure to adhere to pre-designed specifications, resulting in undesirable energy absorption during a collision.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology, the present application provides a crush energy absorption mechanism for electrically adjusting the steering column, which effectively solves the problem of absorbing impact energy during a car collision and reducing driver injuries, while improving the independence and stability of the crush energy absorption function.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, a collapse energy absorption mechanism for electrically adjusting the steering column is designed, comprising an upper column, a lower column, and a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is slidably connected to a sliding component, the sliding component is connected to one end of a metal belt by a bolt, and the other end of the metal belt is provided with a guide clip, which is fixedly connected to the upper column by rivets.

[0008] The metal belt has a "J"-shaped structure, one end of the metal belt is bent outward and has a U-shaped hollow structure, and the bolt passes through the hollow structure and is fixedly connected to the bottom of the sliding component; the other end of the metal belt is a straight structure, and a waist-shaped hole is horizontally provided in the middle of the straight structure.

[0009] The guide clamp is in a U-shaped structure and is laterally sleeved on the other end of the metal belt. Rivets penetrate the guide clamp and the other end of the metal belt and are fixedly connected to the upper pipe column.

[0010] The outer side of the lower part of the sliding component is connected to one end of the fixing bracket through a bolt, and the other end of the fixing bracket is fixedly connected to the upper pipe column through a plurality of fasteners.

[0011] The outer side of the upper pipe column is sleeved with a lower pipe column, and the lower pipe column is provided with a hollow groove.

[0012] The fixing bracket is in a U-shaped structure, the upper portion of the fixing bracket is covered on the outer side of the lower portion of the sliding component, and the bottom of the fixing bracket is fixedly connected to the upper pipe column through a plurality of fasteners.

[0013] There is at least one fastener.

[0014] Compared to the prior art, this application provides a crush energy absorption mechanism for electrically adjustable steering columns, effectively absorbing impact energy during a vehicle collision and reducing driver injury, while also enhancing the independence and stability of the crush energy absorption function. The crush energy absorption mechanism's adjustment function and its crush energy absorption function are relatively independent. Therefore, when the crush energy absorption mechanism maintains the steering wheel position, the metal belt does not deform due to external forces, effectively ensuring the stability of the crush energy absorption mechanism's crush energy absorption function and achieving the desired energy absorption effect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG1 and FIG2 are schematic diagrams showing the crush energy absorption mechanism in the present application installed on the steering column.

[0016] FIG3 is an exploded view of the structure of the collapse energy absorption mechanism in this application.

[0017] FIG4 is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the metal belt and the guide clamp structure.

[0018] FIG5 is a partial structural diagram of the crush energy absorption mechanism in the present application installed on the steering column, showing a sliding component, a metal belt, a guide clamp and a fixing bracket.

[0019] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of another part of the structure of the crush energy absorption mechanism in the present application installed on the steering column, showing the sliding component and the fixed bracket.

[0020] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of another part of the structure of the crush energy absorption mechanism in the present application installed on the steering column, showing the metal belt, guide clamp and fixing bracket, and the upper column is hidden in FIG7 .

[0021] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of another part of the structure of the crush energy absorption mechanism in the present application installed on the steering column, showing the sliding parts, metal belts, guide clamps and fixed brackets, and the upper column is hidden in FIG8 .

[0022] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of another part of the structure of the crush energy absorption mechanism in the present application installed on the steering column, showing the metal belt, guide clamp and fixing bracket. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The present application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, this embodiment provides a crush energy absorption mechanism for electrically adjusting a steering column, which includes a drive mechanism 3, a sliding component 4, a metal belt 5, and a guide clamp 6. The drive mechanism 3 is slidably connected to the sliding component 4, which is connected to one end of the metal belt 5 via a bolt 10. The other end of the metal belt 5 is sleeved with a guide clamp 6, which is fixedly connected to the upper column 1 via a rivet 8. The drive mechanism 3 includes a motor 31 and a screw 32. The sliding component 4 is sleeved on the screw 32. The sliding component 4 has an internal thread that cooperates with the screw 32. When the motor 31 is started, the motor 31 drives the screw 32 to rotate, allowing the sliding component 4 to slide relative to the screw 32. When the motor 31 is not started, the sliding component 4 is stationary relative to the screw 32.

[0025] As shown in FIG3 , FIG5 and FIG8 , the sliding component 4 is provided with mounting holes 41 for the bolts 10 to pass through, preferably two mounting holes 41 are provided for the two bolts 10 to pass through.

[0026] The metal belt 5 has a "J"-shaped structure. One end of the metal belt 5 is bent outward and has a U-shaped hollow structure. The bolt 10 passes through the hollow structure and is fixedly connected to the bottom of the sliding component 4 through the mounting hole 41, which is equivalent to one end of the metal belt 5 being hooked on the bolt 10; the other end of the metal belt 5 is a straight structure, and a waist-shaped hole is horizontally provided in the middle of the straight structure. Correspondingly, the guide clip 6 is mounted on the straight structure of the metal belt 5, as shown in Figures 4 and 8.

[0027] Since one end of the metal belt 5 is connected to the sliding component 4 , when the sliding component 4 slides relative to the screw 32 under the action of the driving mechanism 3 , the metal belt 5 is also driven to move.

[0028] The guide clip 6 is in a U-shaped structure and is laterally sleeved on the other end of the metal belt 5 . The rivets 8 penetrate the guide clip 6 and the other end of the metal belt 5 and are fixedly connected to the upper pipe column 1 .

[0029] As shown in Figures 3, 5, and 9, rivets 8 pass through the waist-shaped holes in the metal band 5 to secure the guide clamp 6 to the upper column 1. Here, "rivet 8 passes through the metal band 5" means that the rivet 8 passes over the waist-shaped holes in the metal band 5, which means that the waist-shaped holes need to avoid the rivet 8. The metal band 5 itself is not directly connected to the guide clamp 6.

[0030] As shown in FIG3 , FIG5 and FIG6 , the lower outer side of the sliding component 4 is connected to one end of the fixed bracket 7 by a bolt 10 , and the other end of the fixed bracket 7 is fixedly connected to the upper pipe column 1 by a plurality of fasteners 9 .

[0031] The outer side of the upper pipe column 1 is sleeved with a lower pipe column 2, and the lower pipe column 2 is provided with a hollow groove.

[0032] The fixing bracket 7 is in a U-shaped structure, the upper portion of the fixing bracket 7 is covered on the outer side of the lower portion of the sliding component 4 , and the bottom of the fixing bracket 7 is fixedly connected to the upper pipe column 1 via a plurality of fasteners 9 .

[0033] At least one fastener 9 is provided.

[0034] The guide clamp 6 is fixedly connected to the upper tubular column 1 via rivets 8. One end of the metal band 5 is inserted into the guide clamp 6, and the other end is connected to the sliding component 4 on the drive mechanism 3 via bolts 10. The sliding component 4 on the drive mechanism 3 is connected to the fixed bracket 7 via bolts 10, and the fixed bracket 7 is connected to the upper tubular column 1 via one or more fasteners 9. When the motor of the drive mechanism 3 is activated, the sliding component 4 slides relative to the screw 32. Since the sliding component 4 is fixed to the upper tubular column 1 via the fixed bracket 7 and the other end of the metal band 5 is connected to the sliding component 4 via bolts 10, the sliding of the sliding component 4 relative to the screw 32 causes the upper tubular column 1 to move relative to the lower tubular column 2. Accordingly, the guide clamp 6, fixed to the upper tubular column 1, moves accordingly, and the metal band 5, connected to the sliding component 4, also moves accordingly.

[0035] As shown in Figures 3, 5, and 9, the metal band 5 and guide clamp 6 are each partially located outside the upper column 1 and partially located inside the upper column 1. For ease of description, the portion of the metal band 5 located outside the upper column 1 is referred to as the first band portion 51, and the portion located inside the upper column 1 is referred to as the second band portion 52. Correspondingly, the portion of the guide clamp 6 located outside the upper column 1 is referred to as the first guide portion 61, and the portion located inside the upper column 1 is referred to as the second guide portion 62. Rivet 8 passes through first guide portion 61 to connect to the upper column 1. First guide portion 61 has an arcuate portion 611 and a straight portion 612, which form a stepped portion 613 for mating with the wall of the upper column 1. Rivet 8 passes through straight portion 612 to connect to the upper column 1. Externally, the first band portion 51 covers the exterior of first guide portion 61. A passage 63 is formed between the first guide portion 61 and the second guide portion 62 for the second belt portion 52 to pass through. The second belt portion 52 passes through the passage 63 and is located between the inner wall of the upper pipe column 1 and the central axis 21 .

[0036] On this basis, when the electrically adjustable tubular column is energized for adjustment, the sliding component 4 on the drive mechanism 3 drives the fixed bracket 7 via the bolt 10. The fixed bracket 7 drives the upper tubular column 1 to slide within the lower tubular column 2 via the fastener 9. Accordingly, the metal belt 5 and the guide clamp 6 also follow the movement. During this process, the metal belt 5 and the guide clamp 6 merely follow the movement; the guide clamp 6 does not act on the metal belt 5. The metal belt 5 does not deform due to the force applied, and the metal belt 5 is not yet functional. When the drive mechanism 3 is not activated, the sliding component 4 is stationary relative to the screw 32. Accordingly, the metal belt 5 is also relatively stationary. As long as the upper tubular column 1 and the fixed bracket 7 remain connected, the fixed bracket 7 and the upper tubular column are also relatively stationary. When the car collides, the upper column 1 is hit, and the upper column 1 drives the fixed bracket 7 to move through the fastener 9. The fixed bracket 7 is connected to the sliding component 4 on the driving mechanism 3 through the bolt 10. When the collision force is large enough (that is, the crush energy absorption mechanism is in the crush energy absorption mode), the fastener 9 on the fixed bracket 7 will break, and the fixed bracket 7 will separate from the upper column 1. The upper column 1 drives the guide clamp 6 to slide, and the guide clamp 6 acts on the first belt portion 51 of the metal belt 5 through the arc portion 611, so that the metal belt 5 can be curled and continuously straightened, so that more and more metal belts located on the inner side of the upper column 1 are located on the outer side of the upper column 1 through the curling of the guide clamp 6, that is, the first belt portion 51 becomes longer and the second belt portion 52 becomes shorter, and the crush energy absorption function is achieved by curling and straightening the metal belt 5.

[0037] That is, in the present application, when the electrically adjustable column is energized for adjustment (i.e., the crush energy absorbing mechanism is in energized adjustment mode), the guide clamp 6 does not act on the metal strip 5, and the metal strip 5 does not deform due to force. Only when the steering wheel is impacted with a significant force, causing the upper column 1 to be struck and resulting in the breakage of the fastener 9 connecting the fixing bracket 7 to the upper column 1, will the metal strip 5 deform under the action of the guide clamp 6 and begin to function. In other words, the adjustment function and the crush energy absorbing function of the crush energy absorbing mechanism are relatively independent. Therefore, when the crush energy absorbing mechanism is maintaining the steering wheel position, the metal strip 5 does not deform due to external forces, which helps ensure the stability of the crush energy absorbing mechanism's crush energy absorbing function and achieve the desired energy absorption effect.

[0038] Without the guide clamp 6, the end of the upper string 1 would directly impact and act on the metal belt 5 under high impact forces, potentially damaging the metal belt 5 and causing it to pull irregularly, thus affecting the crush energy absorption function. In this embodiment, the stepped portion 613 in the first guide portion 61 of the guide clamp 6 cooperates with the upper string 1, allowing the upper string 1 to act on the metal belt 5 via the curved portion 611. As the metal belt 5 is pulled, it is gradually straightened along the curved portion 611, effectively ensuring the crush energy absorption function. Furthermore, the channel 63 formed by the first and second guide portions 61, 62, provides space for the second belt portion 52 of the metal belt 5 to pass through. The channel 63 also regulates the second belt portion 52, keeping it within a predetermined range. This prevents the second belt portion 52 from colliding with external structures (such as the central shaft 21) due to irregular swinging during the pulling process, further ensuring the crush energy absorption function.

[0039] The waist-shaped holes provided on the metal belt 5 facilitate the metal belt 5 to achieve the desired deformation under the action of the guide clamp 6. In fact, the deformation capacity of the metal belt 5 can be adjusted by adjusting the width or length of the waist-shaped holes. In addition, the metal belt 5 is preferably made of steel, and the guide clamp 6 is preferably made of plastic. Here, the metal belt 5 and the guide clamp 6 are made of different materials. When the guide clamp 6 acts on the metal belt 5, the guide clamp 6 and the metal belt 5 fit together. At the moment of collision between the guide clamp 6 and the metal belt 5, a large amount of friction and heat will be generated. If the metal belt 5 and the guide clamp 6 are made of the same material, the metal belt 5 and the guide clamp 6 will easily sinter when they rub violently, thereby affecting the realization of the crush energy absorption function of the crush energy absorption mechanism.

[0040] The purpose of this application is to provide an electrically adjustable steering column with crush energy absorption during a vehicle collision, thereby minimizing driver injuries. The crush energy absorption mechanism is not subject to force when the electrically adjustable steering column is energized and adjusted. When de-energized, the crush energy absorption mechanism is also unaffected by forces acting on the steering wheel in any direction, ensuring the independence of the crush energy absorption function and improving the stability of the crush energy absorption mechanism during a vehicle collision.

[0041] The structure of the present application can absorb impact energy during a car collision, reducing the possibility of injury to the driver; and the crush energy absorption mechanism is simple in structure and saves layout space; the crush energy absorption mechanism has independent functions.

[0042] Although the above describes specific embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that these are merely illustrative and that various changes or modifications may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A collapse energy absorption mechanism for an electrically adjustable steering column, comprising an upper column (1), a lower column (2), and a driving mechanism (3), wherein the driving mechanism (3) is slidably connected to a sliding component (4), characterized in that: The collapse energy absorption mechanism also includes a metal belt (5) and a guide clamp (6); the sliding component (4) is connected to one end of the metal belt (5) via a bolt (10); the other end of the metal belt (5) is sleeved with the guide clamp (6); and the guide clamp (6) is fixedly connected to the upper pipe column (1) via a rivet (8).

2. A collapse energy absorption mechanism for an electrically adjustable steering column, comprising an upper column (1), a lower column (2), and a drive mechanism (3), wherein the drive mechanism (3) is slidably connected to a sliding component (4), characterized in that: The collapse energy absorption mechanism also includes a metal belt (5) and a guide clamp (6); The sliding component (4) is connected to one end of the metal belt (5), the other end of the metal belt (5) is sleeved with the guide clamp (6), and the guide clamp (6) is fixedly connected to the upper pipe column (1); Wherein, the collapse energy absorption mechanism has a power-on adjustment mode and a collapse energy absorption mode; When the collapse energy absorption mechanism is in the power-on adjustment mode, the sliding component (4) is connected to the upper pipe column (1), the driving mechanism (3) drives the sliding component (4) to slide so as to drive the upper pipe column (1) to slide synchronously with respect to the lower pipe column (2), the metal belt (5) moves with the sliding component (4), the guide clamp (6) moves with the upper pipe column (1), and the metal belt (5) is in an initial state; When the impact force applied to the upper tube column (1) exceeds a preset range and the collapse energy absorption mechanism is in an energized adjustment mode, the sliding component (4) is disconnected from the upper tube column (1), and the upper tube column (1) acts on the metal belt (5) through the guide clamp (6) to deform the metal belt (5).

3. A crush energy absorption mechanism for an electrically adjustable steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sliding component (4) is connected to one end of the metal belt (5) via a bolt (10), and the guide clamp (6) is fixedly connected to the upper pipe column (1) via a rivet (8).

4. A crush energy absorption mechanism for an electrically adjustable steering column according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that: The metal belt (5) is in a "J"-shaped structure, one end of the metal belt (5) is bent outward and is in a U-shaped hollow structure, the bolt (10) passes through the hollow structure and is fixedly connected to the bottom of the sliding component (4); the other end of the metal belt (5) is in a straight structure, and a waist-shaped hole is horizontally provided in the middle of the straight structure.

5. A crush energy absorption mechanism for an electrically adjustable steering column according to claim 4, characterized in that: The metal belt (5) and the guide clamp (6) are both partially located on the outside of the upper pipe column (1) and the other partially located on the inside of the upper pipe column (1); The portion of the metal belt (5) located on the outer side of the upper pipe column (1) is a first belt portion (51), and the portion located on the inner side of the upper pipe column (1) is a second belt portion (52); the portion of the guide clamp (6) located on the outer side of the upper pipe column (1) is a first guide portion (61), and the portion located on the inner side of the upper pipe column (1) is a second guide portion (62); The rivet (8) passes through the first guide portion (61) and is connected to the upper pipe column (1); the first guide portion (61) has an arc portion (611) and a straight portion (612); the arc portion (611) and the straight portion (612) form a step portion (613) for matching with the wall surface of the upper pipe column (1); the rivet (8) passes through the straight portion (612) and is connected to the upper pipe column (1); Wherein, the first belt portion (51) is wrapped around the outside of the first guide portion (62).

6. A crush energy absorption mechanism for an electrically adjustable steering column according to claim 5, characterized in that: The collapse energy absorption mechanism also includes a central axis (21), and a channel (63) is formed between the first guide portion (61) and the second guide portion (62) for the second belt portion (52) to pass through. The second belt portion (52) passes through the channel (63) and is located between the inner wall of the upper pipe column 1 and the central axis (21).

7. A crush energy absorption mechanism for an electrically adjustable steering column according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The collapse energy absorption mechanism further comprises a fixed bracket (7), the lower outer side of the sliding component (4) is connected to one end of the fixed bracket (7) via the bolt (10), and the other end of the fixed bracket (7) is fixedly connected to the upper pipe column (1) via a plurality of fasteners (9); When the impact force on the upper tube column (1) exceeds a preset range, the fastener (9) can break and release the connection between the fixed bracket (7) and the upper tube column (1), thereby releasing the connection between the sliding component (4) and the upper tube column (1), and the upper tube column (1) drives the guide clamp (6) to slide, and the guide clamp (6) acts on the first belt portion (51) through the arc portion (61) to continuously straighten the curled metal belt (5), thereby increasing the length of the first belt portion (51) and shortening the second belt portion (52).

8. A crush energy absorption mechanism for an electrically adjustable steering column according to any one of claims 1, 3-7, characterized in that: The guide clamp (6) is in a U-shaped structure, and the guide clamp (6) is transversely sleeved on the other end of the metal belt (5). The rivet (8) passes through the guide clamp (6) and the other end of the metal belt (5) respectively to be fixedly connected to the upper pipe column (1).

9. A crush energy absorption mechanism for an electrically adjustable steering column according to any one of claims 1, 3-6, characterized in that: The collapse energy absorption mechanism further comprises a fixed bracket (7), the lower outer side of the sliding component (4) is connected to one end of the fixed bracket (7) via the bolt (10), and the other end of the fixed bracket (7) is fixedly connected to the upper pipe column (1) via a plurality of fasteners (9); When the impact force applied to the upper pipe column (1) exceeds a preset range, the fastener (9) can break and release the connection between the fixed bracket (7) and the upper pipe column (1), thereby releasing the connection between the sliding component (4) and the upper pipe column (1).

10. A crush energy absorption mechanism for an electrically adjustable steering column according to claim 9, characterized in that: The sliding component (4) is provided with mounting holes (41) for the bolts (10) to pass through, and the number of the mounting holes (41) is two, so as to allow two bolts (10) to pass through.

11. A crush energy absorption mechanism for an electrically adjustable steering column according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The lower tube column (2) is sleeved on the outer side of the upper tube column (1), and a hollow groove is provided on the lower tube column (2).

12. A crush energy absorption mechanism for an electrically adjustable steering column according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that: The fixed bracket (7) is in a U-shaped structure, the upper part of the fixed bracket (7) covers the outer side of the lower part of the sliding component (4), and the bottom of the fixed bracket (7) is fixedly connected to the upper pipe column (1) via a plurality of fasteners (9).

13. A crush energy absorption mechanism for an electrically adjustable steering column according to claim 12, characterized in that: At least one fastener (9) is provided.

14. A crush energy absorption mechanism for an electrically adjustable steering column according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that: The guide clip (6) and the metal belt (5) are made of different materials.

15. A crush energy absorption mechanism for an electrically adjustable steering column according to claim 14, characterized in that: The material of the guide clip (6) is steel, and the material of the metal belt (5) is plastic.

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