A connecting device and a direction machine

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of connecting device and direction machine, connecting device is connected between the steering column of direction machine and vehicle steering drag link, for output steering power, connecting device includes: first transmission component, with the multiple first arc teeth of being arranged in the circumference, first transmission component is coupled to steering column to rotate synchronously;And second transmission component, coupled to steering drag link and with the multiple second arc teeth in linear direction;First transmission component rotates by first arc tooth and engages in second arc tooth to drive second transmission component to move, to drive steering drag link to be active.First transmission component and second transmission component are contacted by arc tooth engagement between them, their contact area is near the section in tooth width, and good meshing performance, the tooth surface of engagement contact is more, and the degree of coincidence is big, so when running, transmission is stable, and the contact clearance is small, while contact impact is small, contact stress is small, carrying capacity is big, reach the purpose of being beneficial to the miniaturization and light weight of direction machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive steering gear transmission equipment, specifically to a connecting device and a steering gear. Background Technology

[0002] The steering gear is an important component of the vehicle steering system. In the existing rack and pinion steering gear technology, involute spur teeth or helical teeth are generally used. Involute tooth profiles have insufficient meshing, resulting in backlash and impact loads during steering transmission. The overlap ratio is not high, which can cause stress concentration, affecting service life. The load-bearing capacity is limited, which is not conducive to the miniaturization and weight reduction of the steering gear.

[0003] While existing technologies can meet the needs of ordinary passenger vehicles, in the field of racing, race cars travel at high speeds, and even a slight turning gap can affect the driver's control of the car, potentially causing serious accidents. Furthermore, race cars bear significant steering forces when cornering at high speeds, experiencing stress concentration and impact loads, which can also lead to steering failure. Additionally, race cars place high demands on the miniaturization and lightweighting of components. In view of the above problems, the inventors have filed this application. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a connecting device and a steering gear that at least solves the problems of backlash and impact load in the steering transmission of the existing rack and pinion steering gear.

[0005] The present invention is implemented as follows: In a first aspect, the present invention provides a steering gear connection device, connected between the steering column of the steering gear and the vehicle steering tie rod, for outputting the steering power of the steering column to the vehicle steering tie rod, comprising: a first transmission component having a plurality of first arc-shaped teeth arranged in the circumferential direction, the first transmission component being connected to the steering column for synchronous rotation; and a second transmission component being connected to the steering tie rod and having a plurality of second arc-shaped teeth in the linear direction; when the first transmission component rotates, the first arc-shaped teeth engage with the second arc-shaped teeth to drive the second transmission component to move, thereby driving the steering tie rod to move.

[0006] Preferably, the first transmission component includes an input shaft and an arc gear, the arc gear is provided with a plurality of first arc teeth on its outer periphery, the input shaft is provided with a first connecting portion with a petal-shaped arc surface with a cone angle on its outer periphery, and the arc gear is provided with a second connecting portion adapted to the first connecting portion at its central shaft.

[0007] Preferably, the connecting device includes a housing with a mounting portion that slides with the second transmission component and is configured to restrict the movement of the second transmission component along the linear direction.

[0008] Preferably, the housing includes an upper cover and a lower cover, which enclose a movable chamber for at least accommodating a portion of the second transmission component, and the two ends of the arc gear in the axial direction of the input shaft are respectively connected to the upper cover and the lower cover by bearings.

[0009] Preferably, the housing is provided with end caps at both ends for closing the movable chamber.

[0010] Preferably, a plastic bearing is disposed inside the end cover, the second transmission component is supported on the end cover by the plastic bearing, and a connecting seat for connecting the vehicle steering tie rod is connected through the end cover.

[0011] Preferably, the upper cover and the lower cover are respectively provided with annular grooves, and the fixed connecting seat is installed in the annular grooves to fix the housing to the vehicle chassis.

[0012] Preferably, the connecting device further includes an angular displacement sensor, which is disposed on the housing for detecting the rotation angle of the arc gear; wherein a wiring hole is provided on the housing for a cable connected to the angular displacement sensor to pass through.

[0013] Preferably, the lower end of the input shaft has a flat surface, and the arc-shaped gear is fixed and positioned to the input shaft by a washer and a locking member.

[0014] Secondly, the present invention provides a steering mechanism that includes any of the connecting devices described above.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention can achieve the following technical effects:

[0016] The connector provided in the above-described solution of the present invention has a first transmission component connecting the steering column and a second transmission component connecting the steering tie rod in an arc-shaped tooth meshing contact. Their contact area is near the mid-section of the tooth width, resulting in good meshing performance, multiple meshing tooth surfaces, and a large overlap. Therefore, it provides smooth transmission and small contact gap during operation, enabling the driver to accurately control the vehicle. At the same time, it has low contact impact, low contact stress, and high load-bearing capacity, which is beneficial to the miniaturization and weight reduction of the steering gear. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the steering gear connection device of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of the steering gear connection device of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the first transmission component and the arc gear of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first transmission component of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the arc-shaped gear of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the input shaft of the present invention.

[0023] Attached Figure Labels

[0024] 1. Second transmission component; 11. Second arc-shaped tooth; 12. Sliding part; 2. First transmission component; 21. First arc-shaped tooth; 22. Rotating connection part; 23. Petal-shaped arc hole; 3. Input shaft; 31. First connecting part; 32. Petal-shaped arc surface; 4. Housing; 41. Upper cover; 42. Lower cover; 5. Fixed connecting seat; 51. Upper fixed seat; 52. Lower fixed seat; 6. End cover; 7. Angular displacement sensor; 8. Connecting seat. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention.

[0026] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "upper end," "lower end," "upper segment," "lower segment," "upper side," "lower side," "middle," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0027] Now combined Figures 1 to 6 The structure and function of the solution in this application are described in detail.

[0028] This invention provides a steering gear connection device, referenced Figure 1 and Figure 2 This connection is situated between the steering column and the vehicle steering tie rod, and is used to output the steering power from the steering column to the vehicle steering tie rod. The connection device includes a first transmission component 2 and a second transmission component 1. The first transmission component 2 is connected to the steering column, and the second transmission component 1 is connected to the steering tie rod. The first transmission component 2 and the second transmission component 1 mesh with each other, transmitting the rotational power from the steering column to the steering tie rod via the second transmission component 1, thereby achieving vehicle steering.

[0029] In this invention, combined with Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The first transmission component 2 includes an input shaft 3 and an arc-shaped gear. One end of the input shaft 3 is connected to the steering column in the axial direction, and the other end is connected to the arc-shaped gear. The arc-shaped gear has a plurality of first arc-shaped teeth 21 arranged on its outer periphery. The second transmission component 1 has a plurality of second arc-shaped teeth 11 in the linear direction. The first arc-shaped teeth 21 mesh with the second arc-shaped teeth 11. The meshing area of ​​the first arc-shaped teeth 21 and the second arc-shaped teeth 11 is near the mid-section of the tooth width, resulting in good meshing performance, numerous meshing tooth surfaces, and a large overlap. Therefore, it provides smooth transmission during operation with a small contact gap, allowing the driver to precisely control the vehicle. Simultaneously, it minimizes contact impact and stress, and increases load-bearing capacity, which is beneficial for miniaturization and weight reduction of the steering gear. Furthermore, the arc-shaped teeth have a symmetrical structure, which prevents the generation of additional axial forces, increasing transmission stability. The root section of the arc-shaped teeth is at the maximum of the tooth profile, thus avoiding stress concentration at the root like involute teeth, further improving the gear's load-bearing capacity.

[0030] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 6 The input shaft 3 has a first connecting portion 31 with a petal-shaped arc surface 32 with a tapered angle on its outer periphery. The arc-shaped gear has a second connecting portion adapted to the first connecting portion 31 at its central shaft. The outer periphery of the first connecting portion 31 is configured as a petal-shaped arc surface 32, and viewed from its cross-section, it forms an arc-shaped petal structure. The second connecting portion is configured to fit a petal-shaped arc hole 23 in the first connecting portion 31. Along the axial direction of the input shaft 3, the first connecting portion 31 has a structure where its radial dimension gradually decreases in the direction pointing towards the bottom surface, and its outer periphery is configured as a petal-shaped arc surface 32 with a tapered angle. This structure effectively eliminates connection gaps, allowing the driver to precisely control the vehicle. Preferably, the arc-shaped gear is locked relative to the input shaft 3 by shims and bolts, simultaneously achieving axial positioning of both and ensuring perpendicularity between them. A notched plane is provided on the outer periphery of the lower end of the input shaft 3, and the input shaft 3 and the arc-shaped gear are radially positioned using fasteners such as screws or bolts.

[0031] Combination Figure 2 The connecting device includes a housing 4, which has a mounting portion that slides with the second transmission component 1 and restricts the movement of the second transmission component 1 along the linear direction. The mounting portion has a sliding groove extending along the length of the second transmission component 1, and at least portions of the bottom surface and both sides of the second transmission component 1 slide with the sliding groove. A radially extending radial groove is formed on the mounting portion, and the mounting portion is connected to a boss on the housing 4 via the radial groove, thereby fixing the mounting portion to the housing 4.

[0032] Preferably, combined with Figure 2 The housing 4 includes an upper cover 41 and a lower cover 42, which enclose a movable chamber for at least partially housing the second transmission component 1. A first arc-shaped gear 21 and a second arc-shaped gear 11 are disposed within this movable chamber. The two ends of the arc-shaped gear in the axial direction of the input shaft 3 are respectively connected to the upper cover 41 and the lower cover 42 via bearings, allowing for smooth rotation relative to the housing 4 when pushed by the input shaft 3. The two ends of the arc-shaped gear in the axial direction are rotatably supported on the upper cover 41 and the lower cover 42 via deep groove ball bearings.

[0033] Combination Figure 2 The housing 4 has end caps 6 at both ends to seal the movable chamber. A plastic bearing is disposed within the end cap 6, and the second transmission component 1 is supported on the end cap 6 via the plastic bearing, passing through the end cap 6 and connected to a connecting seat 8 for connecting the vehicle steering tie rod. An oil seal is disposed within the end cap 6 to prevent grease leakage from the mounting chamber. The end cap 6 is internally threaded to externally threaded ends of the upper cover 41 and lower cover 42.

[0034] Combination Figure 2 The outer peripheral surfaces of the upper cover 41 and the lower cover 42 are respectively provided with annular grooves. The fixing connecting seat 85 is installed in the annular grooves and fixes the housing 4 to the vehicle chassis. The fixing connecting seat 85 includes an upper fixing seat 51 and a lower fixing seat 52. The upper fixing seat 51 and the lower fixing seat 52 are fixed to each other by being installed in the annular grooves or directly fixed to the vehicle chassis by bolts or other connecting parts.

[0035] Combination Figure 2The connecting device also includes an angular displacement sensor 7, which is disposed on the housing 4 to detect the rotation angle of the arc gear. Preferably, the angular displacement sensor 7 is mounted inside the lower cover 42 by screws, and the angular displacement sensor 7 detects the rotation angle of the arc gear. A wiring hole is provided on the housing 4 for the cable connected to the angular displacement sensor 7 to pass through.

[0036] Secondly, the present invention also provides a steering mechanism (not shown) that includes any of the connecting devices described above.

[0037] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention can have various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A steering gear connection device, connected between the steering column of the steering gear and the vehicle steering tie rod, for outputting steering power from the steering column to the vehicle steering tie rod, characterized in that, include: A first transmission component has a plurality of first arc-shaped teeth arranged in the circumferential direction, and the first transmission component is connected to the steering column to rotate synchronously; and a second transmission component is connected to the steering tie rod and has a plurality of second arc-shaped teeth in the linear direction; when the first transmission component rotates, the first arc-shaped teeth mesh with the second arc-shaped teeth to drive the second transmission component to move, thereby driving the steering tie rod to move; Among them, the meshing area of ​​the first arc-shaped tooth and the second arc-shaped tooth is near the mid-section of the tooth width. The arc-shaped tooth has a symmetrical structure, and the tooth root section is the maximum tooth profile. The first transmission component includes an input shaft and an arc gear. The arc gear is provided with a plurality of first arc teeth on its outer periphery. The input shaft is provided with a first connecting portion with a tapered petal-shaped arc surface along the axial direction. The central shaft of the arc gear is provided with a second connecting portion adapted to the first connecting portion. Along the axial direction of the input shaft, the first connecting portion is configured such that its radial dimension gradually decreases in the direction pointing to the bottom surface. The lower end of the input shaft has a plane. The arc gear is fixed and positioned to the input shaft by a shim and a locking member. The connecting device includes a housing, the housing being provided with a mounting portion, the mounting portion being slidably engaged with the second transmission component, and the mounting portion being configured to restrict the movement of the second transmission component along the linear direction; It also includes an angular displacement sensor, which is disposed on the housing to detect the rotation angle of the arc gear; wherein, a wiring hole is provided on the housing for the cable connected to the angular displacement sensor to pass through.

2. The steering gear connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing includes an upper cover and a lower cover, which enclose a movable chamber for at least accommodating a portion of the second transmission component. The two ends of the arc gear in the axial direction of the input shaft are respectively connected to the upper cover and the lower cover via bearings.

3. The steering gear connection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The housing is equipped with end caps at both ends for sealing the movable chamber.

4. The steering gear connection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, A plastic bearing is disposed inside the end cover. The second transmission component is supported on the end cover by the plastic bearing and is connected to a connecting seat for connecting the vehicle steering tie rod through the end cover.

5. The steering gear connection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The upper and lower covers are each provided with annular grooves, and the fixed connecting seat is installed in the annular grooves to fix the housing to the vehicle chassis.

6. A steering mechanism, characterized in that, Includes the connecting device as described in any one of claims 1-5.

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