Steering

Abstract

The steering mechanism (10, 10A, 10B) has ribs (30, 40, 50) formed in the housing (20, 20A, 20B). Each rib (30, 40, 50) includes a first rib (31, 41, 51) and a second rib (32, 42, 52) intersecting the first rib (31, 41, 51). When the end of the first rib (31, 41, 51) closest to the intersection (33, 43, 53) is taken as one end (31a, 41a, 51a), the first rib (31, 41, 51) has a weaker portion (31c, 31c1 to 31c4, 41c, 51c) between the intersection (33, 43, 53) and one end (31a, 41a, 51a), which has reduced strength compared to other parts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to steering devices for vehicles and the like. Background Technology

[0002] For example, in a vehicle, a steering device is installed to steer the driving wheels. As prior art, there is the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0003] The steering device shown in Patent Document 1 includes: a pinion shaft with a pinion formed thereon; a rack shaft that is movable in the vehicle width direction and has a rack that meshes with the pinion; and a housing that houses the pinion and the rack.

[0004] By rotating the steering wheel, the driver rotates the pinion shaft, which in turn moves the rack shaft left and right via the pinion and rack. This movement of the rack shaft steers the wheels, enabling the vehicle to travel in the intended direction.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-238979 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] However, vehicles sometimes collide with other vehicles or roadside structures while in motion. In such cases, it is sometimes necessary to break the steering gear housing to protect occupants from the impact.

[0010] For example, the steering gear housing is sometimes mounted on the subframe. The subframe is part of the vehicle body and supports the engine, transmission, etc. In the event of a vehicle collision, to prevent heavy objects such as the engine and transmission from entering the passenger compartment, the subframe supporting these components may sometimes detach. In this case, by damaging the steering gear housing, the subframe can be detached more reliably, thus preventing the engine, transmission, etc., from entering the passenger compartment. This improves occupant protection.

[0011] Not limited to cases where the steering unit housing is mounted on the subframe, it is expected that the housing can be reliably destroyed when a specified load is applied.

[0012] The objective of this invention is to provide a steering device that can more reliably destroy the housing when a specified load is applied.

[0013] Methods for solving problems

[0014] The inventors of this invention conducted in-depth research and discovered that the shell can be more reliably destroyed under a specified load by the following configuration: having at least two ribs, forming a first rib on the outer peripheral surface of the shell and a second rib intersecting the first rib, and forming at least one weak point with reduced strength compared to other parts between one end of the first rib near the intersection and the intersection. This invention was made based on this discovery.

[0015] The following is an explanation of this disclosure.

[0016] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a steering device is provided, comprising: a pinion shaft, which is a rotatable rod-shaped component and has a pinion formed thereon in a portion thereon; a rack shaft, which is movable in the vehicle width direction and has a rack formed thereon that meshes with the pinion; and a housing that at least houses the pinion and the rack, wherein ribs for increasing strength are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing, the ribs including a first rib and a second rib intersecting the first rib, wherein when the portion where the first rib intersects the second rib is designated as an intersection portion, and the end of the first rib near the intersection portion is designated as an end portion, the first rib has a weak portion between the intersection portion and the end portion that has reduced strength compared to other portions.

[0017] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a steering device is provided, comprising: a pinion shaft, which is a rotatable rod-shaped component and has a pinion formed in a portion thereon; a rack shaft, which is movable in the vehicle width direction and has a rack that meshes with the pinion; and a housing that at least houses the pinion and the rack, wherein at least two reinforcing ribs, including a first rib and a second rib intersecting the first rib, are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing, wherein the portion where the first rib intersects the second rib is designated as an intersection portion, and the end of the first rib near the intersection portion is designated as an end portion, wherein the first rib has a generally V-shaped weak portion between the intersection portion and the end portion, and on the pinion shaft housing portion, in order to reduce strength compared to other portions.

[0018] Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, a steering device is provided that can more reliably destroy the housing when a specified load is input. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the steering device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The front view of the casing shown.

[0022] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 The view in the direction of arrow 3.

[0023] Figure 4 Yes Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the function of the steering mechanism.

[0024] Figure 5A This diagram illustrates the step-shaped weak point formed on the upper surface of the first rib in the first modified example. Figure 5B This diagram illustrates the weak point formed in a roughly V-shape on the upper surface of the first rib in the second modified example. Figure 5C This diagram illustrates the step-shaped weak point formed on the side of the first rib in the third modified example. Figure 5D This diagram illustrates the weak point formed in a roughly V-shape on the side of the first rib in the fourth variation.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the steering device of Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the steering device of Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings. In the description, left and right refer to the left and right sides from the perspective of the vehicle occupants, and front and back refer to the front and back sides from the perspective of the vehicle's direction of travel. In the drawings, Le represents the left side as seen from the occupants, Ri represents the right side as seen from the occupants, Up represents up, and Dn represents down. The arrangement shown in the drawings is one example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this arrangement.

[0028] <Example 1>

[0029] Reference Figure 1 The steering device 10 is used to control the direction of vehicle travel by having the occupant rotate the steering wheel 11 to orient the front wheels Fw, Fw in any direction.

[0030] The steering device 10 includes: a steering wheel 11, which is configured to rotate and be operated by an occupant; an intermediate shaft 12, which is connected to the steering wheel 11 and rotates by rotating the steering wheel 11; a pinion shaft 13, which is connected to the intermediate shaft 12 and rotates by rotating the intermediate shaft 12; a rack shaft 14, which has a rack 14b that meshes with a pinion 13b formed at the end of the pinion shaft 13 and is displaced left and right (in the vehicle width direction) by rotating the pinion shaft 13; and a housing 20, which houses a portion of the pinion shaft 13 and the rack shaft 14.

[0031] Furthermore, a motor or similar device can be provided in the steering mechanism 10 to provide additional force for operating the steering wheel 11. That is, the present invention can also be applied to power steering systems.

[0032] Furthermore, the power steering system used can be either hydraulic or electric. Additionally, the method of applying auxiliary force can be any of the following: dual pinion auxiliary, rack and pinion auxiliary, pinion auxiliary, rack and pinion auxiliary, etc.

[0033] The pinion shaft 13 has a pinion shaft portion 13a as a rod-shaped component and a pinion 13b formed at the end of the pinion shaft portion 13a.

[0034] The rack shaft 14 has a rack shaft portion 14a as a rod-shaped component, and a rack 14b formed in the rack shaft portion 14a at a portion corresponding to the pinion 13b.

[0035] The housing 20 is, for example, fixed to the subframe Sf. The subframe Sf forms part of the vehicle body and also supports the engine, transmission, etc. Hereinafter, the subframe Sf will sometimes be referred to as the vehicle body Sf.

[0036] Refer to together Figure 2 The housing 20 has: a pinion shaft housing 23 that extends along the pinion shaft 13 and houses a portion of the pinion shaft 13; a rack shaft housing 24 that extends along the rack shaft 14 and houses a portion of the rack shaft 14; and a vehicle body mounting portion 25 that extends toward the vehicle body Sf and is fixed to the vehicle body Sf.

[0037] The pinion shaft housing 23 houses the entire pinion 13b and a portion of the pinion shaft 13a. Ribs 30 for reinforcing the housing 20 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the pinion shaft housing 23.

[0038] The rack shaft housing 24 houses the entire rack 14b and a portion of the rack shaft 14a.

[0039] Rib 30 has a first rib 31 formed along the axial length direction of the pinion shaft receiving portion 23 (the axial direction of the pinion shaft 13) and a second rib 32 whose end intersects the first rib 31.

[0040] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 Hereinafter, the portion where the first rib 31 and the second rib 32 intersect will be referred to as the intersection portion 33. Furthermore, the end of the first rib 31 closer to the intersection portion 33 will be referred to as one end 31a, and the end farther from the intersection portion 33 will be referred to as the other end 31b. That is, when the length from one end 31a to the intersection portion 33 is defined as L1, and the length from the other end 31b to the intersection portion 33 is defined as L2, L1 < L2.

[0041] Furthermore, when the intersection 33 is formed at the center of the first rib 31, any end can be used as an end 31a.

[0042] Reference Figure 3 The first rib 31 is formed in a wedge shape, with its height gradually decreasing from one end 31a towards the intersection. Furthermore, a weak point 31c is continuously formed in a roughly V-shaped notch from the lower end of the wedge-shaped portion. In other words, the rib height can be described as continuously increasing from the end of the weak point 31c to one end 31a. The first rib 31 is formed at approximately the same height from the intersection 33 to the other end 31b.

[0043] The weak point 31c is the part with lower strength than other parts. The weak point 31c is formed between one end 31a and the intersection 33. The first rib 31 is formed in the pinion shaft receiving portion 23 (see reference). Figure 2 Therefore, the vulnerable part 31c is also located on the pinion shaft receiving part 23. The vulnerable part 31c is formed at a position closer to the intersection 33 than one end 31a.

[0044] Reference Figure 2 One end of the second rib 32 intersects with the first rib 31, and the other end extends to the end of the vehicle body mounting portion 25. A portion of the second rib 32 is located in the rack shaft storage portion 24.

[0045] Next, the function of the steering device 10 will be explained.

[0046] Reference Figure 4 The following explanation is provided. During operation, vehicles sometimes collide with other vehicles or road obstacles. Due to these collisions, loads are sometimes applied to the housing 20, as indicated by the hollow arrows. A portion of the load applied to the housing 20 is transmitted to the first rib 31 and the second rib 32. As indicated by the black arrows, the load transmitted to the first rib 31 and the second rib 32 reaches the weak point 31c via the intersection 33. The weak point 31c is weaker than other parts, and by applying a load exceeding a specified magnitude, the housing 20 is damaged from the weak point 31c.

[0047] Next, we will summarize the steering device 10.

[0048] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3The steering device 10 includes: a pinion shaft 13, which is a rotatable rod-shaped component and has a pinion 13b formed in a portion thereon; a rack shaft 14, which is movable in the vehicle width direction and has a rack 14b that meshes with the pinion 13b; and a housing 20, which at least houses the pinion 13b and the rack 14b. At least two reinforcing ribs are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing 20, including a first rib 31 and a second rib 32 intersecting the first rib 31. When the intersection of the first rib 31 and the second rib 32 is designated as an intersection portion 33, and the end of the first rib 31 closest to the intersection portion 33 is designated as an end portion 31a, the first rib 31 has a weak portion 31c between the intersection portion 33 and the end portion 31a, which has reduced strength compared to other portions.

[0049] Reference Figure 4 The steering device 10 has a first rib 31 and a second rib 32 intersecting the first rib 31 on the outer peripheral surface of the housing 20. A weak point 31c, with reduced strength compared to other parts, is formed between one end 31a (closer to the intersection 33) of the first rib 31 and the intersection 33. When an impact load is applied from the outside, stress concentrates at the intersection 33 due to its formation. Furthermore, by forming the weak point 31c near the stress-concentrated intersection 33, the housing 20 can be damaged from the weak point 31c if the input load exceeds a predetermined value. This provides a steering device 10 that can more reliably damage the housing 20 when a predetermined load is applied.

[0050] Reference Figure 2 The vulnerable part 31c is located in the pinion shaft housing 23. The housing 20 can be broken through the pinion shaft housing 23. By breaking through the pinion shaft housing 23, the pinion shaft 13 can be separated from the rack shaft 14. Therefore, in the event of a collision, the steering wheel 11 (see reference) can be suppressed. Figure 1 It rotates against the intentions of the occupants.

[0051] Furthermore, with the housing 20 connected to the subframe Sf, the subframe can be more reliably detached during a collision. This prevents components such as the engine and transmission, which are supported by the subframe Sf, from entering the passenger compartment. Consequently, occupant protection is improved.

[0052] The first rib 31 is formed along the axial length of the pinion shaft housing 23. This allows the pinion shaft housing 23 to break in the entire circumferential direction. It also allows the pinion shaft 13 to be separated from the rack shaft 14 more reliably.

[0053] Furthermore, the vulnerable part 31c can be selected in any shape. Examples of variations with different shapes of the vulnerable part 31c will be described.

[0054] Reference Figure 5A The vulnerable part 31c1 can also be formed into a roughly U-shaped stepped shape that opens upwards in a manner where the height of the first rib 31 decreases.

[0055] Reference Figure 5B The upper surface of the first rib 31 is formed into a roughly V-shape with the vulnerable part 31c2 as the bottom. The upper surface of the first rib 31 slopes down from the intersection 33 to the vulnerable part 31c2, and also slopes down from one end 31a to the vulnerable part 31c2.

[0056] Reference Figure 5C The first rib 31 is formed into a roughly U-shaped stepped shape on both sides, with its width narrowest at the weak part 31c3. Furthermore, at least one of the two sides may be formed into a stepped shape.

[0057] Reference Figure 5D The side of the first rib 31 is formed in a generally V-shape with the vulnerable portion 31c4 as its base. The width of this side continuously narrows from the intersection 33 to the vulnerable portion 31c4, and also continuously narrows from one end 31a to the vulnerable portion 31c4. Furthermore, at least one of the two sides may be formed in a generally V-shape.

[0058] <Example 2>

[0059] Next, Embodiment 2 will be described based on the accompanying drawings. The basic structure of the steering device 10A in Embodiment 2 is also the same as that of the steering device 10 in Embodiment 1 (see Figure 1). Figure 1 The same applies. Therefore, for common structures, the labels are retained, and detailed explanations are appropriately omitted.

[0060] Reference Figure 6 The following explanation is provided. In Embodiment 2, the steering device 10A has a rib 40 formed in the rack shaft housing portion 24A of the housing 20A.

[0061] Rib 40 has a first rib 41 and a second rib 42 that intersects the first rib 41. The first rib 41 and the second rib 42 intersect at a crossing 43. The end of the first rib 41 that is closer to the crossing 43 is referred to as end 41a, and the end that is farther from the crossing 43 is referred to as end 41b.

[0062] A weak part 41c with lower strength than other parts is formed between one end 41a of the first rib 41 and the intersection 43.

[0063] The steering device 10A described above also achieves the effect specified in this invention.

[0064] Furthermore, the vulnerable part 41c is located in the rack shaft housing 24A. Therefore, the housing 20A can be damaged from the rack shaft housing 24A. The rack shaft housing 24A is generally larger than the pinion shaft housing 23 and the body mounting part 25. By damaging this part, more impact energy can be absorbed.

[0065] <Example 3>

[0066] Next, Embodiment 3 will be described based on the accompanying drawings. The basic structure of the steering device 10B in Embodiment 3 is also the same as that of the steering device 10 in Embodiment 1 (see Figure 1). Figure 1 The same applies. Therefore, for common structures, the labels are retained, and detailed explanations are appropriately omitted.

[0067] Reference Figure 7 In Embodiment 3, the steering device 10B has ribs 50 formed in the body mounting portion 25B of the housing 20B.

[0068] Rib 50 has a first rib 51 and a second rib 52 that intersects the first rib 51. The first rib 51 and the second rib 52 intersect at a crossing 53. The end of the first rib 51 that is closer to the crossing 53 is referred to as end 51a, and the end that is farther from the crossing 53 is referred to as end 51b.

[0069] A weak part 51c with lower strength than other parts is formed between one end 51a of the first rib 51 and the intersection 53.

[0070] The steering device 10B described above also achieves the effects specified in this invention.

[0071] Furthermore, the vulnerable part 51c is located at the body mounting part 25B. Therefore, when a specified load is applied to the steering device 10B, the housing 20B can be damaged from the body mounting part 25B. This damage is achieved by breaking the housing 20B (see reference 51c). Figure 1 The connection part allows the steering device 10B to be more reliably separated from the vehicle body Sf.

[0072] Furthermore, the various embodiments and modifications can be appropriately combined. The shape of the vulnerable portion described in the modifications can also be applied to the vulnerable portions of the steering devices 10A and 10B. Moreover, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments as long as the functions and effects of the invention are achieved.

[0073] Industrial utilization potential

[0074] The steering device of the present invention is applicable to passenger vehicles.

[0075] Label Explanation

[0076] 10, 10A, 10B: Steering mechanism;

[0077] 13: pinion shaft; 13b: pinion;

[0078] 14: rack shaft; 14b: rack;

[0079] 20, 20A, 20B: Shell;

[0080] 23: Pinion shaft storage section;

[0081] 24A: Rack shaft storage section;

[0082] 25B: Body mounting section;

[0083] 30, 40, 50: Ribs;

[0084] 31, 41, 51: First rib; 31a, 41a, 51a: One end; 31c, 31c1~31c4, 41c, 51c: Vulnerable part;

[0085] 32, 42, 52: Second rib;

[0086] 33, 43, 53: Intersection;

[0087] Sf: Subframe (car body).

Claims

1. A steering device, the steering device comprising: A pinion shaft is a rotatable rod-shaped component, with a pinion formed on a portion thereof; A rack shaft, movable in the width direction, is configured with a rack that meshes with the pinion; and A housing that at least accommodates the pinion and the rack. At least two reinforcing ribs, including a first rib and a second rib intersecting the first rib, are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing. When the intersection of the first rib and the second rib is designated as the intersection portion, and the end of the first rib closest to the intersection portion is designated as an end portion, the first rib has a weak portion with reduced strength compared to other portions between the intersection portion and the end portion.

2. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein, The housing includes a pinion shaft receiving portion that extends along the pinion shaft and receives at least a portion of the pinion shaft. The vulnerable part is located in the pinion shaft housing.

3. The steering device according to claim 2, wherein, The first rib is formed along the axial length of the pinion shaft receiving portion.

4. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein, The housing includes a rack shaft receiving portion that extends along the rack shaft and receives at least a portion of the rack shaft. The vulnerable part is located in the rack shaft housing.

5. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein, The housing includes a body mounting portion that extends toward the vehicle body and is fixed to the vehicle body. The vulnerable part is located in the vehicle body mounting section.

6. The steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The vulnerable portion is formed in a stepped shape by reducing the rib height of the first rib.

7. The steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The upper surface of the first rib is formed in a generally V-shape with the vulnerable portion as the base. The upper surface of the first rib slopes down from the intersection to the vulnerable portion and from one end to the vulnerable portion.

8. The steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The first rib forms a stepped shape on the side with its width narrowest at the vulnerable part.

9. The steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, At least one side of the first rib is formed in a generally V-shape with the vulnerable portion as its base, the width of the at least one side continuously narrowing from the intersection to the vulnerable portion, and the width of the at least one side continuously narrowing from the end to the vulnerable portion.

10. A steering device, the steering device comprising: A pinion shaft is a rotatable rod-shaped component, with a pinion formed on a portion thereof; A rack shaft, movable in the width direction, is configured with a rack that meshes with the pinion; and The housing at least accommodates the pinion and the rack, and has multiple ribs formed on its outer peripheral surface to increase strength. The housing includes a pinion shaft receiving portion that extends along the pinion shaft and receives at least a portion of the pinion shaft. The rib includes a first rib formed along the axial length of the pinion shaft receiving portion and a second rib intersecting the first rib. When the intersection of the first rib and the second rib is designated as the intersection portion, and the end of the first rib closest to the intersection portion is designated as an end portion, the first rib has a weak portion between the intersection portion and the end portion and on the pinion shaft receiving portion. The weak portion is formed in a generally V-shape to reduce its strength compared to other portions.

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