Steering device for a vehicle

Abstract

The present application relates to a steering device for a vehicle. According to an embodiment of the present application, it is easy to pull in or pull out the ball between the slide bar and the ball nut. Thus, the ball can be easily replaced. Thus, the gap between the slide bar and the ball nut can be easily compensated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This embodiment relates to a vehicle steering system, and more specifically, to a vehicle steering system in which a ball can be easily pulled in or out between a slide rod and a ball nut, thus enabling easy replacement of the ball and easy compensation of the gap between the slide rod and the ball nut. Background Technology

[0002] A rack-and-pinion power steering system or steer-by-wire system includes: a slide rod having two opposite ends connected to a tie rod and a steering knuckle arm; a ball nut connected to the slide rod via balls; and a motor for rotating the ball nut to assist the driver in steering or to steer the vehicle based on the driver's steering wheel operation information.

[0003] In this steering mechanism, a motor rotates a ball nut via a belt, and the rotation of the ball nut translates into linear motion of a slide bar that engages with the ball nut. In other words, threaded grooves are formed in each of the inner circumferential surface of the ball nut and the outer circumferential surface of the slide bar, and balls are inserted into each threaded groove, such that the slide bar slides through the balls and the threaded grooves as the ball nut rotates.

[0004] A deflector can be used as a structure that allows the balls to circulate stably between the ball nut and the slide bar without deviating. The balls circulate because they have an intermediate path (which connects the two opposite ends of the threaded groove via a deflector attached to the ball nut).

[0005] Traditionally, using a ball nut and slide bar structure, the ball is pulled from one end of the battery into the space between the ball nut and slide bar. This method makes pulling in and out the ball cumbersome. In other words, gaps may occur between the ball nut or slide bar and the ball due to errors such as machining difficulties in the threaded grooves, and these gaps can cause noise or poor response. Therefore, gaps are eliminated by pulling in and out tiny balls between the ball nut and slide bar. In other words, according to existing technology, pulling in and out the balls is very cumbersome, and gap removal is complex and time-consuming. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention have been conceived in the above background art, and embodiments of the present invention relate to a vehicle steering system in which balls can be easily pulled in or out between a slide rod and a ball nut, and thus balls can be easily replaced, thereby making it easy to compensate for the gap between the slide rod and the ball nut.

[0007] According to this embodiment, a vehicle steering device can be provided, the vehicle steering device comprising: a slide rod; a ball nut connected to the slide rod via balls and having a connecting hole formed through the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the ball nut; and a deflector comprising a base member and a cover member, the base member being inserted into the connecting hole to form a ball circulation path between the slide rod and the ball nut, having a communicating hole communicating with the circulation path, and the cover member covering the communicating hole and connected to the base member.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the invention, the balls can be easily pulled in or out between the slide bar and the ball nut. Therefore, the balls can be easily replaced. Therefore, the gap between the slide bar and the ball nut can be easily compensated. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The above and other objects, features and advantages of this disclosure will become clearer from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0010] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view showing a steering column for a vehicle according to this embodiment;

[0011] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A perspective view of the assembled state;

[0012] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view;

[0013] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 2 A partial perspective view;

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Cross-sectional view; and

[0015] Figure 6 and Figure 7 It is shown Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of the image. Detailed Implementation

[0016] In the following description of examples or embodiments of this disclosure, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, in which specific examples or embodiments that may be implemented are illustrated by way of illustration, and wherein the same reference numerals and symbols may be used to indicate the same or similar components even when the same reference numerals and symbols are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in the following description of examples or embodiments of this disclosure, detailed descriptions of well-known functions and components incorporated herein will be omitted when it is determined that the description may obscure the subject matter of some embodiments of this disclosure. Terms used herein, such as “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” “constituting,” “composed of,” and “formed from,” are generally intended to allow for the addition of additional components unless the term is used in conjunction with the term “only.” As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0017] This document may use terms such as “first,” “second,” “A,” “B,” “(A),” or “(B)” to describe the elements of this disclosure. Each of these terms is not used to define the nature, order, sequence, or number of elements, but merely to distinguish the corresponding element from the others.

[0018] When referring to a first element as "connected or coupled to," "in contact with," or "overlapping" with a second element, it should be interpreted as meaning that not only can the first element be "directly connected or coupled to" or "directly in contact with or overlapping" with the second element, but a third element can also be "inserted" between the first and second elements, or the first and second elements can be "connected or coupled to," "in contact with," or "overlapping" with each other via a fourth element. Here, the second element can be included in at least one of two or more elements that are "connected or coupled to," "in contact with," or "overlapping" with each other.

[0019] When time-related terms such as “after,” “after,” “after,” “before,” etc., are used to describe a process or operation of an element or configuration, or a flow or step in an operation, treatment, or manufacturing method, these terms may be used to describe a discontinuous or non-sequential process or operation, unless the terms “direct” or “immediate” are used together.

[0020] Furthermore, when referring to any size, relative size, etc., the numerical value or corresponding information of the component or feature (e.g., level, range, etc.) should be considered, including tolerances or error ranges that may be caused by various factors (e.g., process factors, internal or external shocks, noise, etc.), even if no relevant description is specified. In addition, the term "may" fully encompasses all the meanings of the term "able to".

[0021] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view showing a steering column for a vehicle according to this embodiment. Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1A perspective view of the assembled state. Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view. Figure 4 It is shown Figure 2 A perspective view of a portion of the image. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Cross-sectional view. Figure 6 and Figure 7 It is shown Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of the image.

[0022] See Figure 1 According to this embodiment, the vehicle steering device 100 includes: a slide rod 101; a ball nut 102 connected to the slide rod 101 via balls and having a connecting hole 103 formed through its inner and outer circumferential surfaces; and a deflector 110 including a base member 120 and a cover member 130, the base member 120 being inserted into the connecting hole 103, the base member 120 forming a ball circulation path between the slide rod 101 and the ball nut 102, and having a connecting hole 121 communicating with the circulation path, the cover member 130 covering the connecting hole 121 and connected to the base member 120.

[0023] The tie rod and steering knuckle arm are connected to the two opposite ends of the slide rod 101, and the wheel is steered when the slide rod 101 slides longitudinally. The slide rod 101 slides by the rotation of the ball nut 102.

[0024] The slide bar 101 may be a slide bar with a rack that meshes with a pinion gear on the steering shaft, or it may not have a mechanical connection structure to the steering shaft. The ball nut 102 receives power from the motor via a belt, a nut pulley, and a motor pulley. Such a structure is known, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0025] A threaded groove is formed in each of the outer circumferential surface of the slide rod 101 and the inner circumferential surface of the ball nut 102, and the slide rod 101 and the ball nut 102 are connected by balls fitted in the threaded groove. In other words, when the balls move along the threaded groove between the slide rod 101 and the ball nut 102, the rotation of the ball nut 102 becomes the linear motion of the slide rod 101.

[0026] A deflector 110, comprising a base member 120 and a cover member 130, is disposed on the ball nut 102 such that when the ball nut 102 rotates and the slide bar 101 slides, the balls can continue to circulate between the ball nut 102 and the slide bar 101 without disengaging. Furthermore, due to the structure of the deflector 110, the balls can be easily pulled in and out between the slide bar 101 and the ball nut 102.

[0027] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3The connecting hole 103 is formed by passing through the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the ball nut 102. The base member 120 of the deflector 110 is inserted into the connecting hole 103 and connected to the ball nut 102.

[0028] Reference Figures 4 to 7 The structure of the base member 120 and the cover member 130 is described.

[0029] The base member 120 includes a support wall 122 that fits into the connection hole 103 and has an outer wall surface that supports the ball nut 102. As described below, a communication hole 121 communicating with the insertion path of the ball is located inside the support wall 122.

[0030] In order to allow the base member 120 to be connected to the ball nut 102, a first support protrusion 401 supported on the inner circumferential surface of the ball nut 102 and a second support protrusion 402 supported on the outer circumferential surface of the ball nut 102 can be provided on the outer wall surface of the support wall 122.

[0031] Both the first support protrusion 401 and the second support protrusion 402 are formed to protrude from the outer wall surface of the support wall 122. Two or more first support protrusions 401 and two or more second support protrusions 402 may be provided.

[0032] A pair of adjacent cuts 403 can be formed through the outer and inner wall surfaces of the support wall 122, and a second support protrusion 402 can be disposed between the cuts 403. In other words, the cuts 403 are formed to open upwards, so that the second support protrusion 402 can be disposed on the outer wall surface of the elastic sheet formed between the cuts 403.

[0033] In other words, the base member 120 can be inserted into the connecting hole 103 inside the ball nut 102 and connected to the ball nut 102. When the base member 120 is inserted into the connecting hole 103, the first support protrusion 401 is supported on the inner circumferential surface of the ball nut 102. When the elastic element formed by the cutout 403 elastically deforms and the second support protrusion 402 is supported on the outer circumferential surface of the ball nut 102, the base member 120 is connected to the ball nut 102.

[0034] The cover member 130 can be connected from the outside of the ball nut 102 to the base member 120 connected to the ball nut 102.

[0035] The base member 120 may be provided with a support member 123 extending from the inner wall surface of the support wall 122 and forming a connecting hole 121 (see...). Figure 1A pair of support members 123 facing each other may be formed to extend from the inner wall surface of the support wall 122 and form a central connecting hole 121. A cover member 130 covers the connecting hole 121 from the inside of the support wall 122. The cover member 130 may be supported on the support members 123 and cover the connecting hole 121.

[0036] A protrusion 131 that can be inserted into the communication hole 121 may be formed on the inner surface of the cover member 130 facing the slide bar 101. A portion of the inner surface of the cover member 130 may be supported on the support member 123, and another portion thereof (such as the protrusion 131) may be inserted into the communication hole 121.

[0037] A groove is formed in the inner surface of the base member 120 facing the slide bar 101, the groove communicating with a helical groove and forming a ball circulation path. The protrusion 131 is configured not to protrude beyond the inner surface of the base member 120, thus avoiding interference with the balls.

[0038] For connection with the base member 120, the cover member 130 has a connecting protrusion 702 and an insertion protrusion 411.

[0039] Insertion protrusion 411 protrudes from the circumferential surface of cover member 130 and inserts into cutout 403. Insertion protrusion 411 is formed in a position corresponding to each cutout 403, and when insertion protrusion 411 is fitted into cutout 403, cover member 130 and base member 120 are guided for connection.

[0040] The engagement recess 701 is pressed into the inner wall surface of the support wall 122, and the connecting protrusion 702 protrudes from the cover member 130 to insert into the engagement recess 701. When the connecting protrusion 702 is inserted into the engagement recess 701, the cover member 130, guided by the insertion protrusion 411 and the cutout 403, is connected to the base member 120.

[0041] The connecting recess 701 can be formed along the circumference of the inner wall surface of the support wall 122, and the connecting protrusion 702 can be formed along the circumference of the cover member 130.

[0042] The following is for reference. Figure 2 and Figure 3 Describe it.

[0043] The connecting hole 103 can be formed above two adjacent threaded grooves, and the base member 120 connects to the threaded grooves exposed through the connecting hole 103, thereby forming a ball circulation path.

[0044] In other words, the groove connected to the threaded groove is pressed into the inner surface of the base member 120 facing the slide bar 101. The ball circulates along a portion of the recess and threaded recess formed in the inner surface of the base member 120. When the ball nut 102 rotates, causing the slide bar 101 to slide, the ball circulates continuously along the circulation path without disengaging between the ball nut 102 and the slide bar 101.

[0045] Furthermore, the connecting hole 121 formed in the base member 120 is configured to communicate with the circulation path of the ball, and the ball can be pulled into or out of the circulation path through the connecting hole 121.

[0046] In other words, unlike the conventional technique of pulling the ball in or out between the ball nut and the slide bar through the end of the ball nut, according to an embodiment of the invention, the ball can be easily pulled in or out through the connecting hole 121 to form a circulation path between the ball nut 102 and the slide bar 101.

[0047] Therefore, the process of pulling in or out balls of different sizes between the ball nut 102 and the slide bar 101 can be simplified. Thus, by inserting balls of different sizes, the gap between the slide bar 101s and the balls, as well as the gap between the ball nut 102 and the balls, can be easily eliminated.

[0048] After the gap is removed, the cover member 130 is connected to the base member 120, and the cover member covers the connecting hole 121.

[0049] The above description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to implement and use the technical ideas of this disclosure, and is given in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications, additions, and substitutions to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. The above description and drawings provide examples of the technical ideas of this disclosure for illustrative purposes only. That is, the disclosed embodiments are intended to illustrate the scope of the technical ideas of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown, but is consistent with the widest scope accorded to the claims. The scope of protection of this disclosure should be interpreted based on the appended claims, and all technical ideas within the scope of their equivalents should be interpreted as being included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0050] Cross-references to related applications

[0051] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0053572, filed on April 26, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes, as if fully set forth herein.

Claims

1. A steering device for a vehicle, the steering device comprising: slide bar; A ball nut, which is connected to the slide bar via balls, and has a connecting hole formed through the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the ball nut; as well as A deflector comprising a base member and a cover member, wherein the base member is inserted into the connecting hole to form a circulation path for the balls between the slide rod and the ball nut, and has a communicating hole communicating with the circulation path; the cover member covers the communicating hole and is connected to the base member. The base component includes a support wall that is fitted into the connecting hole and has an outer wall surface supported on the ball nut, wherein the connecting hole is located inside the support wall. Wherein, at least one second support protrusion is provided on the outer wall surface of the support wall, which is supported on the outer circumferential surface of the ball nut. Wherein, a pair of adjacent cuts are formed in the outer wall surface and the inner wall surface of the support wall, and wherein the second support protrusion is disposed between the pair of cuts.

2. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein, At least one first support protrusion is provided on the outer wall surface of the support wall, which supports the inner circumferential surface of the ball nut.

3. The steering device according to claim 2, wherein, The at least one first support protrusion includes two or more first support protrusions.

4. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one second support protrusion includes two or more second support protrusions.

5. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein, The cover member has an insertion protrusion that inserts into the pair of cutouts.

6. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein, The base component includes a support extending from the inner wall surface of the support wall and forming the communicating hole.

7. The steering device according to claim 6, wherein, The cover component is supported on the support member.

8. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein, The cover member is supported on the inner wall surface of the support wall and covers the connecting hole.

9. The steering device according to claim 8, wherein, A connecting recess is pressed into the inner wall surface of the support wall, and wherein the cover member has a connecting protrusion formed to protrude and insert into the connecting recess.

10. The steering device according to claim 9, wherein, The connecting recess is formed along the circumference of the inner wall surface of the support wall, and the connecting protrusion is formed along the circumference of the cover member.

11. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein, A protrusion is formed on the inner surface of the cover member to be inserted into the communicating hole.

12. The steering device according to claim 11, wherein, The protrusion does not extend beyond the inner surface of the base member.

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