阅读说明：本技术 线控转向柱的倾度枢转轴的替代位置的系统、方法和装置 (System, method and apparatus for alternate location of tilt pivot axis of steer-by-wire column ) 是由 P·M·赖恩 G·E·阿尔特 于 2020-11-06 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种转向柱组件包括转向柱,所述转向柱用于线控转向应用。转向柱在第一端和第二端之间延伸,并且在第一端具有手轮位置,在第二端具有旋转输出部。转向柱组件还包括倾度支架组件,倾度支架组件与旋转输出部间隔并且朝向手轮位置。倾度支架组件限定枢转轴,转向柱能够相对于所述枢转轴倾斜。在倾度运动或倾斜期间,所述转向柱的第一端和第二端均随着所述转向柱绕所述枢转轴的调节而枢转。(A steering column assembly includes a steering column for steer-by-wire applications. The steering column extends between a first end and a second end and has a hand wheel position at the first end and a rotation output at the second end. The steering column assembly also includes an inclination bracket assembly spaced from the rotational output and directed toward the hand wheel position. The rake bracket assembly defines a pivot axis relative to which the steering column can be tilted. During an inclination movement or tilt, both the first end and the second end of the steering column pivot as the steering column is adjusted about the pivot axis.)

1. A steering column assembly comprising:

a steering column configured for steer-by-wire applications, the steering column extending between a first end and a second end and having a hand wheel position at the first end and a rotational output at the second end; and

an inclination bracket assembly spaced from the rotational output and oriented toward the hand wheel position, wherein the inclination bracket assembly defines a pivot axis relative to which the steering column is tiltable, wherein the first and second ends of the steering column each pivot as the steering column is adjusted about the pivot axis.

2. The steering column assembly of claim 1 in which the steering column extends along a length between the first and second ends and the rake bracket assembly is spaced from the rotational output by at least 20% of the length.

3. The steering column assembly of claim 2 in which the rake bracket assembly is located on a central portion of the steering column, the central portion comprising 20% of the length.

4. The steering column assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second ends of the steering column each pivot a substantially equal distance as the steering column tilts about the pivot axis.

5. The steering column assembly of claim 1 in which the steering column extends along a length between the first and second ends and the pivot axis is spaced from the hand wheel position by no less than 60% of the length.

6. The steering column assembly of claim 5 in which the pivot axis is spaced from the hand wheel position by no less than 40% of the length.

7. The steering column assembly of claim 6 in which the pivot axis is spaced from the hand wheel position by no less than 20% of the length.

8. The steering column assembly of claim 5 further comprising a vehicle component adjacently above or below the rake bracket assembly.

9. The steering column assembly of claim 8 in which the vehicle component comprises at least one of an instrument electronics, an airbag component, or a drive train component.

10. The steering column assembly of claim 1 in which the rotational output comprises a lower gimbal.

11. The steering column assembly of claim 1, wherein the steering column assembly does not include an I-axis.

12. A steering column assembly comprising:

a steering column extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end and having a hand wheel position at the first end and a universal joint at the second end;

the steering column comprises an upper sleeve and a lower sleeve, wherein the upper sleeve and the lower sleeve are telescopically connected and movable along the longitudinal axis; and

an inclination bracket assembly spaced from the rotational output and directed toward the hand wheel position, wherein the inclination bracket assembly defines a pivot axis relative to which the steering column is tiltable, wherein the first and second ends of the steering column each pivot as the steering column is adjusted about the pivot axis.

13. The steering column assembly of claim 12 in which the rake bracket assembly is connected to one of the upper and lower sleeves.

14. The steering column assembly of claim 13 in which the rake bracket assembly is connected with the upper sleeve and the upper sleeve is closer to the hand wheel position than the lower sleeve.

15. The steering column assembly of claim 12, wherein the steering column is configured for steer-by-wire applications.

16. A steering column assembly comprising:

a steering column configured for steer-by-wire applications, the steering column extending between a first end and a second end and having a hand wheel position at the first end and a rotational output at the second end;

an inclination bracket assembly spaced from the rotational output and oriented toward the hand wheel position, wherein the inclination bracket assembly defines a pivot axis relative to which the steering column is tiltable, wherein the first and second ends of the steering column each pivot as the steering column is adjusted about the pivot axis; and

an inclination adjustment actuator including a motor for tilting the steering column about the pivot axis and holding the steering column.

17. The steering column assembly of claim 16 in which the rake bracket assembly comprises: a mounting bracket for static attachment to a portion of a vehicle; and a tilt bracket pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and statically connected to the steering column.

18. The steering column assembly of claim 17 in which the rake adjustment actuator is connected between the mounting bracket and the rake bracket.

19. The steering column assembly of claim 18 in which the steering column extends along a length between the first and second ends and the pivot axis is spaced from the hand wheel position by no less than 60% of the length.

20. The steering column assembly of claim 16 in which the rotational output comprises a lower gimbal.

Technical Field

Embodiments described herein relate to vehicle steering systems, and more particularly, to steering columns having an inclination pivot axis.

Background

Conventional steering columns may be operated manually or adjusted electronically via an actuator. Such a column may be adjusted in various directions, including a telescoping (i.e., along the axis of the column) direction and/or a tilt (i.e., tilt) direction, depending on the user's requirements. The steering column can be telescoped in several ways. For example, some steering columns telescope via a telescoping sleeve or shaft. Other examples of steering columns may be axially adjustable via a fixed shaft and a translating or slidable sleeve assembly.

A steering column with inclination adjustment capability adjusts the inclination angle of the steering column relative to the pivot axis. For example, for a steering column 10 having an I-shaft (I-draft, I-shaft, intermediate shaft) 12 and a lower universal joint 14, the pivot shaft 16 is generally proximate the I-shaft lower universal joint 14 (conventional pivot point or pivot shaft see fig. 1). If the pivot axis 16 is too far from the lower joint 14 of the I-shaft 12, the driver will experience a high torque change in the steering torque. In most cases, this is unacceptable to the user.

Conventional steering columns may also increase the amount of space required for the steering column assembly to operate in the understructure. Existing steering column solutions are becoming a problem as certain end use applications actually reduce the available space for the steering column assembly. Therefore, improvements in steering column adjustability remain of interest.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a steering column assembly is provided. The steering column assembly includes a steering column configured for steer-by-wire applications. The steering column extends between a first end and a second end and has a hand wheel position at the first end and a rotation output at the second end. The steering column assembly also includes an inclination bracket assembly spaced from the rotational output and directed toward the hand wheel position. The rake bracket assembly defines a pivot axis relative to which the steering column is tiltable, wherein both the first and second ends of the steering column pivot as the steering column is adjusted about the pivot axis.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a steering column assembly is provided. The steering column assembly includes a steering column extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end and having a hand wheel position at the first end and a universal joint at the second end. The steering column includes an upper sleeve and a lower sleeve, wherein the upper and lower sleeves are telescopically coupled and movable along the longitudinal axis. The steering column assembly also includes an inclination bracket assembly spaced from the rotational output and directed toward the hand wheel position. The rake bracket assembly defines a pivot axis relative to which the steering column is tiltable, wherein both the first and second ends of the steering column pivot as the steering column is adjusted about the pivot axis.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a steering column assembly is provided. The steering column assembly includes a steering column configured for steer-by-wire applications. The steering column extends between a first end and a second end and has a hand wheel position at the first end and a rotation output at the second end. The steering column assembly also includes an inclination bracket assembly spaced from the rotational output and directed toward the hand wheel position. The rake bracket assembly defines a pivot axis relative to which the steering column is tiltable, wherein both the first and second ends of the steering column pivot as the steering column is adjusted about the pivot axis. The tilt bracket assembly further includes a tilt adjustment actuator including a motor for tilting the steering column about the pivot axis and holding the steering column.

These and other advantages and features will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram depicting a conventional configuration for a rake pivot shaft of a conventional mechanical steering column;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram depicting an embodiment of a steering column assembly including an rake bracket assembly;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the steering column assembly;

FIG. 4 is an alternative isometric view of the steering column assembly;

FIG. 5 is another isometric view of the steering column assembly, wherein the steering column assembly has been tilted via movement of the rake bracket assembly; and

FIG. 6 is an additional schematic drawing depicting alternative positions of the rake bracket assembly and associated pivot shaft.

Detailed Description

Referring now to the drawings, wherein various embodiments are shown and described herein, without limitation, fig. 2-6 illustrate embodiments of systems, methods, and apparatus for an alternative position of an inclination pivot axis for a steering column, including a steering column configured for steer-by-wire applications.

Referring first to FIG. 2, a steering column assembly 100 according to the present invention is schematically illustrated. The steering column assembly 100 includes a steering column 102 extending along a longitudinal axis X between a first end 104 and a second end 106. A rotation input 108, such as a steering wheel, is located at the first end 104 (hand wheel position) and a rotation output 110 is located at the second end 106. The rotary output 110 may include a pinion shaft assembly, an I-shaft, a universal joint, a steer-by-wire component, or any other feature conventionally located at the opposite end of the steering wheel 108. The steering column assembly 100 includes an rake bracket assembly 112 centered between the first end 104 and the second end 106. The rake bracket assembly 112 includes a pivot axis 114 and facilitates rake movement of the steering column 102 about the pivot axis 114, the pivot axis 114 being arranged transverse to the longitudinal axis X. Thus, when the steering column 102 is tilted relative to the pivot axis 114, the vertical movement of the first end 104 may be equal to or substantially equal to (within 20%) the movement of the second end 106, but opposite the movement of the second end 106. However, as will be understood by further reading, the position of the pivot axis 114 may vary significantly based on rake and packaging requirements.

Referring now to fig. 3, an isometric view of the steering column assembly 100 is provided. The steering column 102 may be adjustable in both inclination and axial direction and includes a lower sleeve 116 and an upper sleeve 118. The rake bracket assembly 112 includes a mounting bracket 120 that is operatively coupled to the steering column 102. The lower sleeve 116 and the upper sleeve 118 may be disposed about the longitudinal axis X. The upper sleeve 118 may be an outer sleeve defining an inner bore (not shown), and/or may alternatively be an inner sleeve (fig. 1). The upper sleeve 118 may also include a track 119 (fig. 1) that receives at least a portion of the lower sleeve 116. The lower sleeve 116 may likewise be an outer sleeve and define an inner bore (fig. 1), and/or may alternatively be an inner sleeve (not shown). The lower sleeve 116 may also include a slide (not shown) that cooperates with the track 119 of the upper sleeve 118 to facilitate axial travel and reduce wobble (lash). As shown in fig. 3-5, the upper sleeve 118 is an inner sleeve and the lower sleeve 116 is an outer sleeve received within a bore of the upper sleeve 118. The track 119 in the upper sleeve 118 defines a groove along which a slide, which may include a ball bearing, may travel during telescopic movement.

The telescopic movement of one sleeve 116, 118 relative to the other sleeve 116, 118 is along the longitudinal axis X and may be performed by operation of a longitudinal actuator 122. The longitudinal actuator 122 may include a motor 123 and a gear mechanism 124 (e.g., a lead screw assembly or a worm gear assembly) coupled to one of the sleeves 116, 118 at a first end and to the other sleeve 116, 118 at a second end. More specifically, the gear mechanism 124 may include a spindle nut 126 coupled with the upper sleeve 118 through a window 121 in the lower sleeve 116. A sliding bracket 128 is connected to the mounting bracket 120 and is slidably connected to the lower sleeve 116 via a track and rail or keyway connection 129, the longitudinal actuator 122 causing relative movement of the lower sleeve. The longitudinal actuator 122 also includes a spindle 129 (e.g., a lead screw) extending between the spindle nut 126 and the sliding bracket 128. The motor 123 may rotate the spindle nut 126, causing extension and retraction of the spindle 129, or alternatively, the motor may directly rotate the spindle 129. The spindle 129 may include an outer spindle 130 (e.g., an outer lead screw) defining a bore and an inner spindle 132 (e.g., an inner lead screw) received within the bore, wherein the inner spindle 132 is positioned within the bore when the longitudinal actuator 122 telescopically compresses the upper and lower sleeves 116, 118. When the longitudinal actuator 122 telescopically extends the upper sleeve 116 and the lower sleeve 118, the inner spindle 132 at least partially exits the bore. Both the bore and the inner spindle 132 may include meshing teeth to facilitate telescoping movement. The steering column 102, such as the lower sleeve 116, may include a shaft 134 proximate the second end 106. For example, the shaft 134 may include a splined inner bore 136 (fig. 4), the splined inner bore 136 being connected with the rotational output 110 and allowing a certain amount of play along the longitudinal axis X. The rotary output 110 may include a universal joint, a yoke, or components associated with steer-by-wire applications. Sliding bracket 128 may include an adjustable rail 140 and a clamp 142 that allows the attachment position of sliding bracket 128 to be modified relative to lower sleeve 116 and/or longitudinal actuator 122. Thus, the maximum extension of the steering column along the longitudinal axis X may be adjusted for various implementations and vehicle packaging requirements.

The steering column 102 is operatively connected to the vehicle structure via a mounting bracket 120, and the mounting bracket 120 may be connected to an intervening component or directly to the vehicle structure. In embodiments where the steering column 102 includes a lower sleeve 116 and an upper sleeve 118, the mounting bracket 120 may be operably connected with the outermost sleeve 116, 118 of the sleeves 116, 118. Further, as shown in fig. 3 and 4, the mounting bracket 120 may be connected to a sliding bracket 128, the sliding bracket 128 in turn being connected to the lower sleeve 116.

As best shown in fig. 4, the mounting bracket 120 includes a pair of plate portions 146 connected via a bridge portion 148. The pair of plate portions 146 may be flat and extend along the longitudinal axis X, and the bridge portion 148 may extend upwardly and transversely relative to the longitudinal axis X to position additional components between the pair of plate portions 146 on the same or substantially the same plane. Each plate portion 146 includes an angled tail 150 toward first end 104 to facilitate connection to the vehicle and accommodate tilting movement of steering column 102 and adjacent components. The bridge portion 148 is at least partially located on the ramp tail 150 and extends to a pair of flange portions 152 that extend upwardly and transversely to the longitudinal axis X along the inner edge of the plate portion 146. The flange portion 152 includes a first set of pivot holes 154 proximate an area of the flange portion proximate the second end 106. A corresponding recess 156 is defined by the plate portion 152 to accommodate insertion of a pivot pin 158.

With continued reference to fig. 4, the rake bracket assembly 112 also includes a rake bracket 160 that is coupled between the mounting bracket 120 and the steering column 102 and is pivotally coupled to at least one of the steering column 102 and the mounting bracket 120 to facilitate rake movement of the steering column 102. The rake bracket 160 may include a pair of rake flange portions 162 that correspond in shape and orientation to the flange portions 152 of the mounting bracket 120. More specifically, the angled flange portions 162 define a space therebetween and also include corresponding pivot holes 164 for receiving the pivot pins 158. The angled flange portion 162 may extend further toward the second end 106 than the flange portion 152 of the mounting bracket 120. The area of at least one of the angled flange portions 162 may include a recess 166 for receiving various additional components, which will be described in further detail below. The rake bracket 160 may also be connected to or integrated with the sliding bracket 128, the sliding bracket 128 in turn being connected to the steering column 102, such as the outermost sleeves 116, 118. Electronics housing 170 may be coupled to a portion of tilt bracket 160, such as tilt flange portion 162, that extends further toward second end 106 than a corresponding portion of mounting bracket 120. Details of the electronics enclosure 170 will be provided below. The tilt adjustment actuator 172 may be operatively connected to the steering column 102. For example, the tilt adjustment actuator 172 may include a motor 174 and a motor-driven gear mechanism 176 similar to the longitudinal actuator 122, or may alternatively be a piston-type mechanism. A tilt adjustment actuator 172 may be located in recess 166.

Fig. 5 is an isometric view of the steering column assembly 100, wherein the steering column is tilted via the rake bracket assembly 112. The mounting bracket 120 is attached to a component 178 of the vehicle, such as a portion of a frame.

FIG. 6 is an additional schematic drawing depicting alternative positions of the rake bracket assembly 112 and associated pivot axes 114A-114J. Each pivot axis 114A-114J may be continuously located along the longitudinal axis X within an area defining 20% of the length of the steering column 102 (via axial movement to maximum expansion or compression). It should be appreciated that the location of the rake bracket assembly 112 and the corresponding pivot axes 114A-114J may be vertically above or below the steering column 102 to achieve vertical or horizontal tilt. Likewise, the rake bracket assembly 112 and corresponding pivot shafts 114A-114J may also be positioned horizontally along one side of the steering column 102 to achieve vertical or horizontal tilt. In some cases, it may be preferable to include a tilt bracket assembly 112 and corresponding pivot axes 114A-114J positioned based on packaging considerations, e.g., one or more vehicle components 180A-180J may need to be positioned a distance along the longitudinal axis X. Thus, by placing the rake bracket assembly 112 and the respective pivot axes 114A-114J adjacent to the location of the vehicle components 180A-180J, travel of the steering column 102 will be limited to that location. For example, the pivot axis 114C may be beneficial for enclosing the vehicle components 180C and/or 180H, i.e., components aligned along the longitudinal axis X. Similarly, pivot axis 114C may be located in an acceptable position to place components having 20% length segments on either side (i.e., 180B, 180G, 180D, 180I). The vehicle components 180A-180J may include driveline components, steering components, dashboard components, engine components, transfer case components, airbag components, and other mechanical and/or electrical vehicle components.

Actuation of the tilt adjustment actuator 172 and/or the longitudinal actuator 122 may be performed manually via one or more release levers (not shown) or may be performed electronically via one or more controllers 182. For example, the controller 182 may be located in the electronic housing 170 and, as a result of selective autopilot, may initiate a longitudinal or tilting motion to place the steering column 100 in a stowed or neutral position. The controller 182 and other components of the subject disclosure may work in conjunction with one or more additional electronic components, mechanical components, or method steps described in, for example, U.S. patent No. 9,550,514 entitled "collapsible steering column system with airbag, vehicle having same, and method"; U.S. patent No. 9,828,016 entitled "collapsible steering column system, vehicle having same, and method"; U.S. patent No. 9,809,155 entitled "telescoping steering column assembly with lever, vehicle with telescoping steering column assembly and method"; U.S. patent No. 9,840,271 entitled "telescoping steering column with tilt limiter"; and U.S. patent No. 10,577,009B2 entitled "telescoping steering column assembly and method", features and aspects hereof are included herein.

It should be understood that the example of a steer-by-wire column may be equipped without a conventional I-axis. Without the I-axis, the tilt pivot axis does not need to be near the area of the lower joint. Instead, the tilt pivot axis may be located away from or spaced from the area of the lower joint. In one version, the tilt pivot axis may be located substantially away from or spaced from the region of the lower joint.

These embodiments may utilize the available space in the environment in a more efficient manner. For example, in a steer-by-wire application, such a design may improve performance. While applications with large handwheel actuators that require additional space may limit the efficient use of space for storing or storing the steering column assembly (and handwheel actuator), embodiments disclosed herein may overcome these limitations.

Any feature, element, component, or advantage of any one embodiment may be used with any other embodiment.

While the invention has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, while various embodiments of the invention have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description.