阅读说明：本技术 可调节的转向柱组件 (Adjustable steering column assembly ) 是由 G·格里戈里亚斯-索鲁利 于 2021-05-08 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种用于机动车辆的可调节的转向柱组件。转向柱组件(10)包括固定装置(18),该固定装置具有打开位置和闭合位置。固定装置(18)在打开位置中允许进行外部转向柱套筒(16)相对于内部转向柱套筒(14)的轴向调节以及内部转向柱套筒(14)相对于框架部件(12)的枢转运动。固定装置包括联接元件(54),该联接元件布置在纵向锁定元件(34)与高度锁定元件(26)之间。联接元件(54)在固定装置(18)的闭合位置中与纵向锁定元件(34)和高度锁定元件(26)力配合地并且/或者形状配合地连接并且与纵向锁定元件(34)和高度锁定元件(26)相接触。(The present invention relates to an adjustable steering column assembly for a motor vehicle. The steering column assembly (10) includes a securing device (18) having an open position and a closed position. The fixing device (18) allows, in the open position, an axial adjustment of the outer steering column sleeve (16) relative to the inner steering column sleeve (14) and a pivoting movement of the inner steering column sleeve (14) relative to the frame part (12). The fixing device comprises a coupling element (54) which is arranged between the longitudinal locking element (34) and the height locking element (26). The coupling element (54) is connected in a non-positive and/or positive manner to the longitudinal locking element (34) and the height locking element (26) in the closed position of the fastening device (18) and is in contact with the longitudinal locking element (34) and the height locking element (26).)

1. An adjustable steering column assembly for a motor vehicle, the steering column assembly having:

a frame part (12) fixed to the vehicle, on which an inner steering column sleeve (14) is mounted in such a way that it cannot move relative to the frame part (12) in its axial direction (A) and can pivot relative to the frame part (12); an outer steering column sleeve (16) in which the inner steering column sleeve (14) is at least partially received; and a securing device (18) having an open position and a closed position, wherein

The fixing device (18) allowing, in the open position, an axial adjustment of the outer steering column sleeve (16) relative to the inner steering column sleeve (14) and a pivoting movement of the inner steering column sleeve (14) relative to the frame part (12),

the fixing device (18) locally fixing the inner steering column sleeve (14) and the outer steering column sleeve (16) in the closed position,

the outer steering column sleeve (16) has on its radial outside a longitudinal locking element (34) which is immovable relative to the outer steering column sleeve (16),

the frame part (12) has a height locking element (26) on the inner side opposite the outer steering column sleeve (16) that is immovable relative to the frame part (12), and

the fastening device (18) has a coupling element (54) which is arranged between the longitudinal locking element (34) and the height locking element (26), wherein the coupling element (54) is connected in a non-positive and/or positive manner to the longitudinal locking element (34) and the height locking element (26) and is in contact with the longitudinal locking element (34) and the height locking element (26) in the closed position of the fastening device (18), and wherein a relative movement between the coupling element (54) and the longitudinal locking element (34) and/or between the coupling element (54) and the height locking element (26) can be achieved in the open position of the fastening device (18).

2. Adjustable steering column assembly according to claim 1, characterised in that the frame part (12) has clamping jaws (20) between which the inner steering column sleeve (14) and the outer steering column sleeve (16) extend at least partially, wherein the height locking element (26) is provided on one of the clamping jaws (20).

3. The adjustable steering column assembly according to claim 2, characterised in that the fixing device (18) has an actuating rod (46) and a pulling bolt (44) which is coupled torque-transmitting with the actuating rod (46) and is designed for actuating the clamping jaw (20).

4. The adjustable steering column assembly of claim 3, wherein the coupling element (54) has a through opening (58) through which the pulling bolt (44) extends.

5. An adjustable steering column assembly according to claim 3 or 4 in which the longitudinal locking member (34) has at least one through opening (40) through which the towing pin (44) extends.

6. An adjustable steering column assembly according to claim 5, characterised in that the through-going opening (40) through the longitudinal locking element (34) is designed as an elongated hole which extends parallel to the axial direction (A) of the outer steering column sleeve (16).

7. An adjustable steering column assembly according to any of claims 3 to 6 in which the height locking member (26) has a through opening (24) through which the towing pin (44) extends.

8. Adjustable steering column assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the longitudinal locking element (34) has a toothing (42) on the side facing the coupling element (54); and the coupling element (54) has a toothing (60) on the side facing the longitudinal locking element (34), which toothing corresponds to the toothing (42) of the longitudinal locking element (34).

9. The adjustable steering column assembly according to claim 8, characterised in that the teeth of the teeth (42) of the longitudinal locking element (34) extend perpendicularly to the axial direction (A) of the outer steering column sleeve (16).

10. Adjustable steering column assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the height locking element (26) has a toothing (27) on the side facing the coupling element (54); and the coupling element (54) has a toothing (56) on the side facing the height locking element (26), which toothing corresponds to the toothing (27) of the height locking element (26).

11. An adjustable steering column assembly according to claim 10, characterised in that the teeth of the toothing (27) of the height locking element (26) each extend along one of a plurality of straight lines, wherein the plurality of straight lines extend through a common centre.

12. Adjustable steering column assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the longitudinal locking element (34) is formed integrally with the outer steering column sleeve (16).

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an adjustable steering column assembly for a motor vehicle.

Background

Many motor vehicles have adjustable steering columns to adapt the position of the steering wheel to the driver's seat position and height. The steering wheel is usually adjustable in the axial direction of the steering column (English: "reach adjust") and/or in height (English: "rake adjust").

To adjust the steering column, the driver releases the clamp device by actuating the lever, thereby releasing the steering column for adjustment. In the prior art, a plurality of different parts are provided which transmit forces between the steering column and the vehicle frame in order to ensure that the steering wheel is neither adjustable in the axial direction nor in the height direction in the clamped state of the clamping device. The assembly of the steering system is complicated by the high number of individual parts.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an alternative adjustable steering column assembly to allow for simpler assembly.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by an adjustable steering column assembly for a motor vehicle. The steering column assembly comprises a frame part fixed with the vehicle, on which an inner steering column sleeve is mounted in such a way that it cannot move in its axial direction relative to the frame part and is pivotable relative to the frame part. The steering column assembly further includes: an outer steering column sleeve at least partially received therein; and a securing device having an open position and a closed position. The fixing means in the open position allows axial adjustment of the outer steering column sleeve relative to the inner steering column sleeve and pivotal movement of the inner steering column sleeve relative to the frame part. The securing device partially secures the inner steering column sleeve and the outer steering column sleeve in the closed position. The outer steering column sleeve has on its radially outer side a longitudinal locking element which is immovable relative to the outer steering column sleeve. The frame part has a height locking element on the inner side opposite the outer steering column sleeve, which is immovable relative to the frame part. The fixing device comprises a coupling element arranged between the longitudinal locking element and the height locking element. The coupling element is connected in a non-positive and/or positive manner to and in contact with the longitudinal locking element and the height locking element in the closed position of the fastening device. In the open position of the fastening device, a relative movement between the coupling element and the longitudinal locking element and/or between the coupling element and the height locking element can be achieved.

The steering column assembly according to the invention is based on the basic idea of providing a single coupling element for both the highly locked and the longitudinally locked force transmission. This saves the parts necessary in the prior art, and thus simplifies the assembly of the steering column assembly.

The fastening device therefore has only exactly one coupling element between the longitudinal locking element and the height locking element.

In the closed position of the fixing device, the longitudinal locking element prevents a possible adjustment of the outer steering column sleeve in its axial direction. The force acting in the axial direction of the outer steering column sleeve is transmitted to the frame part via the longitudinal locking element and the coupling element.

Furthermore, in the closed position of the fixing device, the height-locking element prevents a possible pivoting of the inner steering column sleeve and the outer steering column sleeve relative to the frame part. The force acting on the steering column sleeve in the height direction is transmitted to the frame part via the coupling element and the height locking element.

The longitudinal locking element may be fixedly mounted on the outer steering column sleeve or integrally connected with the outer steering column sleeve. In particular, the longitudinal locking element and the outer steering column sleeve are made from the same blank.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the frame part has clamping jaws, between which the inner steering column sleeve and the outer steering column sleeve extend at least in sections, wherein the height-locking element is arranged on one of the clamping jaws. In the closed position of the fixing device, the clamping jaws exert a pressure on the outer steering column sleeve in the radial direction of the latter and deform it, thus increasing the friction between the outer steering column sleeve and the inner steering column sleeve. In addition, in the closed position of the fastening device, the clamping jaws press the longitudinal locking element, the coupling element and the height locking element against one another.

Preferably, the height-locking element is arranged on the inner side of one of the clamping jaws, wherein the inner side of the respective clamping jaw is opposite the other clamping jaw.

In particular, the inner steering column sleeve and/or the outer steering column sleeve extend through the receiving region between the two clamping jaws.

Another aspect of the invention proposes: the fastening device has an actuating lever and a pulling bolt coupled to the actuating lever in a torque-transmitting manner, which is designed to actuate the clamping jaw. In the closed position of the fastening device, the clamping jaws are each acted upon by a pulling bolt in the direction of the other of the two clamping jaws. In contrast, in the open position of the fastening device, the pulling bolt exerts no or only a small force on the clamping jaw.

Preferably, the pulling bolt extends through the clamping jaw, in particular wherein the pulling bolt extends transversely to the axial direction of the steering column sleeve.

Preferably, the coupling element has a through opening through which the pulling bolt extends. In particular, the cross section of the through-opening is identical to the cross section of the pulling bolt at least in the region of the pulling bolt in which the coupling element is arranged. The coupling element is therefore mounted on the pulling bolt without play. Correspondingly, the coupling element is immovable in the axial direction of the steering column sleeve and in the height direction relative to the pulling bolt.

Another aspect of the invention proposes: the longitudinal locking element has at least one through opening through which the pulling bolt extends. Preferably, the through-opening through the longitudinal locking element is designed as an elongated hole which extends parallel to the axial direction of the outer steering column sleeve. Upon axial adjustment of the outer sleeve element, the longitudinal locking element is displaced together with the outer steering column sleeve relative to the pulling bolt. In this case, the ends of the elongated hole serve as stops and limit the axial displacement of the outer steering column sleeve in both directions, wherein the pulling bolt bears against one of the two end portions of the elongated hole when the outer steering column sleeve is maximally axially displaced.

According to an aspect of the invention, the height locking element has a through-opening through which the pulling bolt extends. Preferably, the through-opening extends in a circular arc shape, in particular in a circular arc shape, around the center of the pivoting movement of the inner steering column sleeve.

It is further preferred that the through-opening through the height locking element is designed as an elongated hole which extends in the shape of a circular arc around the center of the pivoting movement of the inner steering column sleeve. When the steering column sleeve is height-adjusted, the draw bolt is displaced relative to the height-locking element. In this case, the ends of the elongated hole serve as stops and limit the pivoting movement of the steering column sleeve in both directions, wherein the pulling bolt rests against one of the two ends of the elongated hole when the steering column sleeve is maximally deflected.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal locking element has a toothing on the side facing the coupling element. Furthermore, the coupling element has a toothing on the side facing the longitudinal locking element, which toothing corresponds to the toothing of the longitudinal locking element. Correspondingly, the teeth of the longitudinal locking element and the coupling element engage with each other in the closed position of the fixation device.

Preferably, the teeth of the toothing of the longitudinal locking element extend perpendicularly to the axial direction of the outer steering column sleeve. The individual teeth and the individual tooth gaps of the toothing of the longitudinal locking element thus extend perpendicularly to the axial direction of the steering column. Correspondingly, the teeth and the tooth spaces alternate with each other in the axial direction of the steering column sleeve.

Another aspect of the invention proposes: the height locking element has a toothing on the side facing the coupling element; and the coupling element has a toothing on the side facing the height locking element, which toothing corresponds to the toothing of the height locking element. The teeth of the height locking element and the coupling element correspondingly engage with each other in the closed position of the fixing device.

Preferably, the teeth of the toothing of the height locking element each extend along one of a plurality of straight lines, wherein the straight lines extend through a common center. In particular, the common center is the center of the pivoting movement of the steering column sleeve. The teeth of the height locking element and the coupling element can thereby engage into one another independently of the instantaneous deflection of the pivoting movement of the steering column sleeve.

Another aspect of the invention proposes: the longitudinal locking element is integrally formed with the outer steering column sleeve. In particular, the longitudinal locking element and the outer steering column sleeve are made from the same blank.

Drawings

Further advantages and features of the invention emerge from the following description and the drawings, to which reference is made. In the drawings:

figure 1 shows an exploded view of an adjustable steering column assembly according to the present invention;

figures 2(a) to 2(c) show respectively the coupling element of the steering column assembly of figure 1 according to the present invention;

figure 3 shows a cut-away front view of the steering column assembly of figure 1 according to the present invention;

figure 4 shows a detail view of the steering column assembly according to the invention of figure 1;

figure 5 shows a side view of the steering column assembly of figure 1 according to the present invention; and

figure 6 shows a further side view of the steering column assembly according to the invention of figure 1.

Detailed Description

A longitudinally adjustable and height adjustable steering column assembly 10 of a motor vehicle is illustrated in an exploded view in fig. 1.

The adjustable steering column assembly 10 has a frame member 12 fixed to the vehicle and connected to or part of the body of the motor vehicle. The frame part 12 fixed to the vehicle is immovable relative to the body of the motor vehicle, except for elastic deformation.

The adjustable steering column assembly 10 further includes an inner steering column sleeve 14, an outer steering column sleeve 16, and a fixing device 18.

The frame part 12 has two opposing, in particular mirror-symmetrical, clamping jaws 20 which delimit a receiving region 22 for the steering column sleeves 14, 16.

The clamping jaws 20 can each be resiliently sprung relative to the rest of the frame part 12, in particular in the direction of connection of the two clamping jaws 20.

The clamping jaws 20 each have a passage opening 24 in the form of an elongated hole, the passage openings 24 extending in the height direction H in an arc-shaped manner.

One of the two clamping jaws 20 has a height-locking element 26, which is designed as a toothing 27.

The toothing 27 is located on the inner side of the respective clamping jaw 20 opposite the other clamping jaw 20.

The clamping jaw 20 and the height locking element 26 are designed in one piece with one another. In particular, the height locking element 26 and the corresponding clamping jaw 20 are made from the same blank.

The inner steering column sleeve 14 has a fastening section 28, by means of which the inner steering column sleeve 14 is pivotably mounted on the frame part 12 fixed to the vehicle. Height adjustment of the steering column assembly 10 is achieved by pivoting the inner steering column sleeve 14.

Here, however, the inner steering column sleeve 14 cannot move relative to the frame part 12 in its axial direction a relative to the frame part 12.

In the assembled state of the steering column assembly 10, the inner steering column sleeve 14 extends through the receiving region 22 between the clamping jaws 20.

The inner steering column sleeve 14 is at least partially received within the outer steering column sleeve 16. The inner steering column sleeve 14 (in addition to the fastening section 28) may also be completely accommodated in the outer steering column sleeve 16 if the steering column assembly 10 is maximally adjusted in the axial direction.

The inner diameter of the outer steering column sleeve 16 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the inner steering column sleeve 14. Correspondingly, the outer steering column sleeve 16 can easily be moved in its axial direction relative to the inner steering column sleeve 14.

The outer steering column sleeve 16 has a clamping section 30, a longitudinal slot 32 and a longitudinal locking element 34.

Generally, the clamping section 30 is designed to interact with the clamping jaw 20. For this purpose, the clamping section 30 has mutually opposite projections 36 which extend in the height direction H from the radial outside of the outer steering column sleeve 16.

The projections 36 each have a flat outer side face which, in the assembled state, is directly opposite to one of the clamping jaws 20 or is in direct contact therewith.

Furthermore, the projections 36 each have a through opening 38, wherein the through openings 38 of the two projections 36 are aligned with one another.

The through openings 38 extend in the axial direction a of the steering column sleeves 14, 16, respectively.

The longitudinal slot 32 extends from the end of the outer steering column sleeve 16 assigned to the clamping section 30 over a portion of the length of the outer steering column sleeve 16 in the axial direction a.

For example, the longitudinal slot 32 extends 25% to 75% of the length of the outer steering column sleeve 16.

The longitudinal locking element 34 is arranged outside the one of the two projections 36 which is opposite the clamping jaw 20 with the height locking element 26.

The longitudinal locking element 34 is connected to the projection 36 in a manner immovable relative to the projection or is formed integrally with the projection 36.

In particular, the corresponding projection 36 has a recess into which the longitudinal locking element 34 is inserted.

It is also conceivable that the projection 36 and the longitudinal locking element 34 are made from the same blank.

The longitudinal locking element 34 has a through opening 40 which is aligned with the through opening 38 of the projection 36.

In particular, the through opening 40 of the longitudinal locking element 34 has the same cross section as the through opening 38 of the projection 36.

On the outer side facing away from the projection 36, the longitudinal locking element 34 has a toothing 42, which is not visible in fig. 1, but can be seen, for example, in fig. 5.

The securing device 18 comprises a pulling bolt 44, an actuating lever 46, an actuating member 48, a counter member 50, a spring element 52 and a coupling element 54.

The draw bolt 44 of the fastening device 18 extends in the assembled state of the steering column assembly 10 through the passage opening 24 of the clamping jaw 20 and through the passage opening of the projection 36 and through the passage opening 40 of the longitudinal locking element 34.

Furthermore, the pulling bolt 44 also extends through an actuating rod 46, an actuating member 48 and a counter member 50, which each have a corresponding through-going opening for the pulling bolt 44.

In this case, the actuating member 48 and the counter-member 50 are prestressed relative to one another by means of a spring element 52.

Thus, when the actuating lever 46 is actuated, the clamping jaw 20 is actuated by the pulling bolt 44.

The mating member 50 is made of an elastic material (e.g., rubber) and reduces noise generated when the actuating lever 46 is actuated.

The coupling element 54 is shown in more detail in fig. 2. Fig. 2(a) shows the side of the coupling element 54 assigned to the height locking element 26. The coupling element 54 has a toothing 56 on this side, which corresponds to the toothing 27 of the height locking element 26.

Correspondingly, in the assembled state of the steering column assembly 10, the toothed section 56 of the coupling element 54 extends in a circular arc around the center of the pivoting movement of the steering column sleeve 14, 16.

Furthermore, the coupling element 54 has a through-opening 58, which extends through the coupling element 54. The diameter of the through-opening 58 corresponds to the diameter of the pulling bolt 44, so that the coupling element rests on the pulling bolt 44 without play.

Fig. 2(b) shows the side of the coupling element 54 assigned to the longitudinal locking element 34. The coupling element 54 has a toothing 60 on this side, which corresponds to the toothing 42 of the longitudinal locking element 34.

Correspondingly, in the assembled state of the steering column assembly 10, the toothing 60 of the coupling element 54 extends perpendicularly to the axial direction a of the steering column sleeve 14, 16.

As can be seen in fig. 2(b) and 2(c), the coupling element 54 has a cylindrical projection 62 on the side assigned to the longitudinal locking element 34, through which the through-opening 58 extends.

Fig. 3 shows the adjustable steering column assembly 10 in an assembled state, in which the inner steering column sleeve 14, the actuating lever 46, the actuating member 48 and the counter member 50 are not shown.

More precisely, fig. 3 shows the steering column assembly 10 in the open position of the fixing device 18, i.e. the position in which the steering column assembly 10 is released for longitudinal adjustment as well as height adjustment.

In this open position of the fixing device 18, the coupling element 54 contacts neither the longitudinal locking element 34 nor the height locking element 26. Correspondingly, the outer steering column sleeve 16 can be adjusted in the axial direction a, while the inner steering column sleeve 14 can be pivoted together with the outer steering column sleeve 16 about a fastening axis at the fastening section 28 for height adjustment of the steering column assembly 10.

The through-opening 38 in the projection 36 and the through-opening 40 of the longitudinal locking element 34, or more precisely the axial ends of the through-opening, act as stops which limit the axial adjustment of the outer steering column sleeve 16 when the outer steering column sleeve 16 is adjusted longitudinally.

The pulling bolt 44 remains fixed in position when the outer steering column sleeve 16 is axially displaced. The pulling bolt 44 then bears against one of the two ends of the passage openings 38, 40, respectively, when the outer steering column sleeve 16 is maximally axially displaced.

During the height adjustment of the steering column sleeves 14, 16, the fastening device 18 and in particular the pulling bolt 44 are also adjusted at the same time. In this case, the end of the through-opening 24 in the clamping jaw 20 serves as a stop.

The pulling bolt 44 then bears against one of the two ends of the through-opening 24 in the clamping jaw 20 when the steering column sleeves 14, 16 are maximally adjusted in height.

Upon actuation of the actuating lever 46, the fastening device 18 is switched into its closed position, whereby the clamping jaw 20 is actuated. Thereby pressing the longitudinal locking element 34, the coupling element 54 and the height locking element 26 against one another.

In this case, the toothing 42 of the longitudinal locking element 34 and the toothing 60 of the coupling element 54 mesh with one another. Likewise, the toothing 56 of the coupling element 54 and the toothing 27 of the height locking element 26 mesh with one another.

This is illustrated in detail in fig. 4 to 6, where the teeth 27, 42, 56, 60 of the individual components can be seen, where in fig. 4 and 5 some components are illustrated partially transparent to illustrate the co-action of the teeth 27, 42, 56, 60.

It should be noted that in fig. 4 to 6, the teeth 27 of the height locking element 26 are provided on both sides of the through opening 24. Likewise, the teeth 42 of the longitudinal locking element 34 are provided on both sides of the through opening 40.

However, it is also conceivable for the toothing 27 of the height locking element 26 and/or the toothing 42 of the longitudinal locking element 34 to be provided only on one side of the through-opening 24 or 40.

Correspondingly, in the closed position of the fastening device 18, the longitudinal locking element 34 and the coupling element 54 are connected to one another in a form-fitting manner. Likewise, the coupling element 54 and the height locking element 26 are connected to one another in a form-fitting manner.

In the closed position of the fastening device 18, there is therefore a positive connection between the outer steering column sleeve 16 and the frame part 12, so that the steering column sleeve can be adjusted neither longitudinally nor in height.

Additionally, actuating the clamping jaw 20 causes the outer steering column sleeve 16 to be elastically deformed radially inwardly due to the longitudinal slot 32, at least in the region of the longitudinal slot 32. Thereby increasing the friction between the outer steering column sleeve 16 and the inner steering column sleeve 14, whereby the longitudinal adjustment of the outer steering column sleeve 16 is resisted by a further force, i.e. said friction.