Gap adjusting structure for steering gear and R-EPS electric power steering gear with gap adjusting structure

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of steering gears, in particular to a gap adjusting structure for a steering gear and an R-EPS electric power steering gear with the gap adjusting structure, the gap adjusting structure comprises a rack support, and an assembling inner hole is formed in the rack support; the assembling inner hole and the outer circle of the rack support are eccentrically arranged. The inner ring and the outer ring of the rack support are eccentrically arranged, in the subsequent use process, the position of the rack can be changed by rotating the gear and the rack, and then the meshing clearance between the gear and the rack is adjusted; the reasonable meshing clearance between the gear and the rack and the up-down swing of the rack can be effectively determined, and the steering abnormal sound problem when the steering gear is used can be effectively solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of steering gears, in particular to a clearance adjustment structure for steering gears and an R-EPS electric power steering gear having the clearance adjustment structure. Background Art

[0002] Nowadays, cars have become a part of people's lives. With the development of new energy vehicles, consumers have higher and higher requirements for vehicle comfort and noise. Consumers have become more sensitive to vehicle NVH requirements and switching noise. The quality of vehicle noise has become the main indicator for consumers to choose vehicle models.

[0003] For new energy vehicles, especially EV models, the weight of the front axle and steering load of the vehicle are usually higher than those of fuel vehicles due to the increased weight of the battery. The R-EPS electric power steering assembly has become the basic configuration of new energy vehicles.

[0004] At present, the basic structure of the R-EPS electric power steering is composed of gears, clearance adjustment mechanism, ball screw and belt transmission mechanism, motor power module and rack.

[0005] The R-EPS electric power steering is connected to the column through a gear shaft, and the movement of the steering gear rack is controlled by the steering wheel.

[0006] The power-assisting end is connected to the motor power-assisting module through a ball screw and a belt transmission mechanism, serving as a motor power-assisting driving rack.

[0007] One end of the rack is a ball screw, and the other end of the gear is supported by a gap adjustment mechanism. The gap between the gear and the rack is adjusted by the gap adjustment mechanism.

[0008] The existing steering gear clearance adjustment structure is generally arranged on the side of the housing, which inevitably requires a side opening of the housing, affecting the integrity of the housing.

[0009] In addition, the traditional gap adjustment structure generally presses on the side of the rack to adjust the gap between the rack and the gear. Although the traditional gap adjustment structure can control and compensate for the front-to-back direction gap at the meshing point of the gear and the rack through the compression of the coil spring and the adjustment screw, the up and down swing cannot be effectively controlled; in addition, when the driver drives the car through bumpy roads, the rack end will be subjected to the impact force from different directions of the pull rod, and the rack will swing back and forth and up and down, thereby causing the pressure block and the rack to hit the shell, making the whole vehicle prone to abnormal noise when passing through bumpy roads.

[0010] The existing patent 202210785965.0 - R-EPS pure electric power steering for commercial vehicles does not clearly disclose the technical content for solving the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0011] Therefore, in order to improve or solve at least one of the above problems, it is necessary to optimize the design of the existing steering gear or steering gear clearance adjustment structure. Summary of the invention

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide a clearance adjustment structure for a steering gear which has a simple structure and is convenient to arrange.

[0013] In order to achieve the above object, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is:

[0014] A clearance adjustment structure for a steering gear comprises a rack support, wherein the rack support is provided with an assembly inner hole; the assembly inner hole is eccentrically arranged with respect to the outer circle of the rack support.

[0015] The gap adjustment structure also includes a locking component, and the locking component includes a locking ring arranged on the rack support.

[0016] The locking ring is in a regular hexagonal shape in horizontal projection.

[0017] The rack support comprises a support body, an end of the support body is provided with an adjusting component, and the adjusting component comprises a groove body arranged at the end of the support body.

[0018] The rack support is made of POM composite plastic.

[0019] An R-EPS electric power steering gear comprises a housing and a dust cover; the end of the housing is provided with the gap adjustment structure; the rack support in the gap adjustment structure is connected to the end of the housing; the rack support is coaxially arranged with the housing.

[0020] The rack support is connected to the housing through a screw connection component; the screw connection component includes an internal thread arranged on the inner wall of the housing end and an external thread arranged on the outer surface of the rack support; the rack support is screwed to the housing end.

[0021] In the gap adjustment structure, the locking ring is threaded on the rack support, and the locking ring is protrudingly arranged at the end of the shell; the side surface of the locking ring is pressed against the end of the shell.

[0022] The dust cover comprises a cover body, and one end of the cover body close to the shell is provided with a limiting step rib; the one end of the dust cover close to the shell is hung on the locking ring in the gap adjustment structure.

[0023] The shell comprises a shell body, and one end of the shell body close to the locking ring is provided with a stepped recessed groove.

[0024] The advantages of the present invention are:

[0025] The invention discloses a gap adjustment structure for a steering gear and an R-EPS electric power steering gear having the gap adjustment structure.

[0026] The present invention arranges the inner ring and the outer ring of the rack support eccentrically. When used subsequently, the rack position can be changed by rotating the gear rack, thereby adjusting the meshing clearance between the gear and the rack. The reasonable meshing clearance between the gear and the rack and the up and down swing of the rack can be effectively determined, and the problem of abnormal steering noise when the steering gear is used can be effectively improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The following is a brief description of the contents expressed in the drawings of the present invention and the symbols in the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 It is a side view of the rack support in the present invention.

[0030] Figure 3 It is a side view of the rack support in the present invention.

[0031] Figure 4 The structural diagram of the locking ring in the present invention is

[0032] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the R-EPS electric power steering device in the present invention.

[0033] The marks in the above figure are:

[0034] 1. Gap adjustment structure, 11. Rack support, 12. Assembly inner hole, 13. Groove body, 2. Locking ring, 3. Shell, 4. Rack. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The specific implementation of the present invention will be further explained in detail below by describing the optimal embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] A clearance adjustment structure 1 for a steering gear comprises a rack support 11, wherein the rack support 11 is provided with an assembly inner hole 12; the assembly inner hole 12 is eccentrically arranged with respect to the outer circle of the rack support 11; the present invention arranges the inner ring and the outer ring of the rack support 11 eccentrically, and in subsequent use, the position of the rack 4 can be changed by rotating the gear rack 4, thereby adjusting the meshing clearance between the gear and the rack 4; the reasonable meshing clearance between the gear and the rack 4 and the up and down swing of the rack 4 can be effectively determined, and the problem of abnormal steering noise during use of the steering gear can be effectively improved.

[0037] The gap adjustment structure 1 disclosed in the present invention is mainly applicable to an R-EPS electric power steering device; it is mainly used to change the position of the rack 4, so as to adjust the relative meshing gap between the gear and the rack 4 during subsequent use.

[0038] Specifically, the gap adjustment structure 1 disclosed in the present invention mainly includes a rack support 11, which is a supporting member. When used subsequently, the rack support 11 is sleeved on the rack 4. When used subsequently, the position of the rack 4 connected thereto is changed by rotating the rack support 11, thereby realizing the actual adjustment operation.

[0039] In the present invention, an assembly inner hole 12 is provided on the rack support 11; the assembly inner hole 12 is a through hole, which is convenient for the through-connection assembly of the rack 4 on the rack support 11 in subsequent use. In addition, the assembly inner hole 12 and the outer circle of the rack support 11 in the present invention are eccentrically arranged; in actual production, the assembly inner hole 12 forms an inner ring on the rack support 11, and the outer circle of the rack support 11 forms an outer ring. The essence of the present invention is that the centers of the inner ring and the outer ring are at two positions, and in subsequent use; by rotating the rack support 11, due to the eccentric design of the inner ring of the rack support 11, the supporting position of the rack 4 by the rack support 11 will be changed, thereby realizing the change of the position of the rack 4, and then in subsequent use, the meshing clearance between the rack 4 and the corresponding gear can be changed.

[0040] Furthermore, the gap adjustment structure 1 in the present invention also includes a locking component, the setting of the locking component can ensure the stability of the rack support 11 when installed on the subsequent shell 2; in addition, the locking component in the present invention includes a locking ring 2 arranged on the rack support 11; the locking ring 2 is threadedly connected to the rack support 11, which facilitates the installation and fixation of the locking ring 2 on the rack support 11.

[0041] Furthermore, in the present invention, the horizontal projection of the locking ring 2 is a regular hexagon; the inner ring of the locking ring 2 is a circular hole, and the outer ring is a regular hexagon. This arrangement makes the outer side of the locking ring 2 have edges and corners, which is convenient for the subsequent clamping and rotation of the locking ring 2; and facilitates the assembly and installation of the locking ring 2.

[0042] Furthermore, the rack support 11 described in the present invention includes a support body, and an adjusting component is provided at the end of the support body. The setting of the adjusting component facilitates the subsequent installation and connection of the rack support 11 on the shell 2. In addition, the adjusting component described in the present invention includes a groove body 13 arranged at the end of the support body; the groove body 13 is equivalent to opening a groove body 13 structure at one end of the support body, which is convenient for subsequent use; a tool is used to be inserted into the corresponding groove body 13 to realize the rotational installation of the rack support 11 on the shell 2.

[0043] Furthermore, in the present invention, the rack support 11 is made of POM composite plastic; the material of the rack support 11 is preferably POM composite plastic, so as to utilize the good wear resistance of the POM material to effectively improve the durability and reliability of the component.

[0044] An R-EPS electric power steering gear comprises a shell 2 and a dust cover; the end of the shell 2 is provided with the gap adjustment structure 1; the rack support 11 in the gap adjustment structure 1 is connected to the end of the shell 2; the rack support 11 is coaxially arranged with the shell 2; the R-EPS electric power steering gear disclosed in the present invention mainly changes the shell 2 structure of the traditional steering gear, the gap adjustment structure 1 of the present invention is arranged at the end of the shell 2, and is generally arranged at one end of the shell 2, and at the same time, the rack support 11 in the gap adjustment structure 1 of the present invention is connected to the end of the shell 2; the rack support 11 is coaxially arranged with the shell 2; such an arrangement can ensure the integrity of the shell 2 and avoid the problem that the traditional steering gear needs to arrange the adjustment mechanism in the side opening of the shell 2; in other words, the present invention can optimize the production process of the steering gear shell 2 and ensure the integrity of the steering gear shell 2 by limiting the arrangement position of the gap adjustment structure 1; it also facilitates the production and processing of the shell 2.

[0045] In addition, the present invention can reduce the number of traditional adjustment parts by being directly arranged on the housing shaft section.

[0046] Furthermore, in the present invention, the rack support 11 is connected to the shell 2 via a screw connection component; such a connection method facilitates the installation and connection of the rack support 11 on the shell 2. In addition, in the present invention, the screw connection component includes an internal thread arranged on the inner wall of the end of the shell 2 and an external thread arranged on the outer surface of the rack support 11; the rack support 11 is screwed to the end of the shell 2; the rack support 11 is equivalent to being plugged into the end of the shell 2. Such a connection method allows the rack support 11 to also serve as an internal support member, thereby ensuring the local structural strength of the end of the shell 2 and reducing the probability of damage to the end of the shell 2.

[0047] Furthermore, in the gap adjustment structure 1 described in the present invention, the locking ring 2 is screwed on the rack support 11. Such a configuration facilitates the installation and connection of the locking ring 2 on the rack support 11. At the same time, the side of the locking ring 2 described in the present invention is pressed against the end of the shell 2; the locking ring 2 is pressed against the end of the shell 2, which plays a good limiting role, and the locking ring 2 is protruding at the end of the shell 2; such a configuration enables the locking ring 2 to act as a limiting member in subsequent use, which is convenient for limiting the position of the protective cover, greatly ensuring the stability of the installation of the protective cover, and reducing or avoiding the protective cover from detaching from the shell 2.

[0048] Furthermore, the dust cover described in the present invention includes a cover body, and the cover body is provided with a limiting step rib at one end close to the shell body 2; the limiting step rib is a protrusion inside the protective cover, and when used later, it can not only be used in conjunction with the stepped groove 31 on the shell body 2, but also act as a hook to ensure the accuracy of the installation position of the protective cover. Specifically, the dust cover described in the present invention is hung on the locking ring 2 in the gap adjustment structure 1 at one end close to the shell body 2; it facilitates the pre-positioning of the installation of the protective cover, and then cooperates with the clamp to better realize the locking and fixation of the protective cover.

[0049] Furthermore, in the present invention, the shell 2 includes a shell body, and the shell body is provided with a stepped groove 31 at one end close to the locking ring 2; the stepped groove 31 is a limiting ring groove structure, and when actually used, it is used in conjunction with the limiting step ribs on the protective cover to better limit the installation position of the protective cover, thereby ensuring the accuracy and stability of the installation position of the protective cover.

[0050] The gap adjustment structure 1 disclosed in the present invention comprises a rack support 11 installed at the end of a housing 2, and an outer ring of the rack support 11 is threadedly connected to a cylindrical mounting cavity of the housing 2, an inner ring and an outer ring of the rack support 11 are eccentrically arranged, and an eccentric distance is L, and the outer ring of the rack support 11 and the inner ring of the cylindrical mounting cavity of the housing 2 are concentrically arranged.

[0051] The outer ring of the rack support 11 is clearance-matched with the inner ring of the rack support 11 ; the material of the rack support 11 is preferably a composite plastic of POM, so as to utilize the good wear resistance of the POM material to effectively improve the durability and reliability of the component.

[0052] When in use, the gear and rack 4 are adjusted by rotating the rack support 11 to change the center position.

[0053] The present invention can effectively determine the reasonable meshing clearance between the gear and the rack 4 by reasonably designing the eccentricity of the inner ring and the outer ring of the rack support 11, and can effectively improve the steering noise of the gear rack 4 steering gear.

[0054] specific:

[0055] The purpose of the present invention is to design a new R-EPS electric power steering gear meshing clearance adjustment structure 1.

[0056] The gap adjustment structure 1 disclosed in the present invention has a specific structure as shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0057] In the gap adjustment structure 1 disclosed in the present invention, the rack 4 is supported by a center hole positioning rack support 11 , and the meshing gap is adjusted by adjusting the rack support 11 .

[0058] The rack support 11 can control the clearance of the rack 4 in all directions, and the clearance of the gear rack 4 can be reasonably controlled, thereby improving the problem of abnormal steering noise of the gear rack 4 steering gear.

[0059] At the same time, the material of the rack 4 support block is POM material, which has the advantages of high wear resistance and light material.

[0060] Example:

[0061] The gap adjustment structure 1 disclosed in the present invention mainly comprises a locking ring 2 and a rack support 11 .

[0062] The rack 4 in the R-EPS electric power steering is installed in the rack support 11, the rack support 11 is threadedly connected to the housing 2, and the locking ring 2 fastens the rack support 11 and the housing 2.

[0063] The rack support 11 is an eccentric circle structure. The outer thread circle of the rack support 11 is eccentric to the inner circle of the rack support 11. By rotating the rack support 11 and changing the center position, the gap between the gear and the rack 4 can be adjusted.

[0064] The rack support 11 is made of POM material; at the same time, the rack support 11 is mounted on the outer end of the inner hole of the housing 2, which can solve the impact sound of the rack 4 at the extreme position.

[0065] The present invention can effectively determine the reasonable meshing clearance of the gear rack 4 and the up and down swing of the rack 4 by reasonably designing the eccentricity of the inner and outer circles of the adjustment block and the gap between the adjustment block and the rack support 11, and can effectively improve the steering noise of the gear rack 4 steering gear.

[0066] In addition, the R-EPS electric power steering structure disclosed in the present invention mainly includes a housing 2 , a gear, a gap adjustment structure 1 , a ball screw and a rack 4 .

[0067] The gap adjustment structure 1 disclosed in the present invention mainly comprises a locking ring 2 and a rack support 11 .

[0068] The rack 4 is installed in the rack support 11 , the rack support 11 is threadedly connected to the housing 2 , and the locking ring 2 fastens the rack support 11 and the housing 2 .

[0069] The rack support 11 is made of POM composite plastic, which has the following characteristics:

[0070]

[0071]

[0072] POM has good wear resistance and can effectively improve the durability and reliability of components.

[0073] The inner circle of the rack support 11 and the outer surface of the rack 4 are clearance-matched, and the clearance is within 0.015mm.

[0074] The rack support 11 is an eccentric circle structure. The outer thread circle of the rack support 11 is eccentric to the inner circle of the rack 4. The eccentricity between the inner and outer circles is L. The L parameter is between 0.1-0.3mm. The outer circle of the rack support 11 is concentric with the steering gear housing 2.

[0075] The outer end of the rack support 11 has a four-slot structure, which is engaged in the four-slot structure through a tool, and the rack support 11 is rotated to change the center position to adjust the gap between the gear and the rack 4. The gap can be confirmed to be within 0.10mm.

[0076] At the same time, the inner boss of the rack support 11 is installed at the outer end of the inner hole of the shell 2. When the steering rod is at the limit position of movement, the inner ball seat is connected with the rack support 11. The rack support 11 is made of POM material, which can alleviate the metal collision sound between the rod and the shell 2 at the limit position.

[0077] The locking ring 2 is a hexagonal structure with a threaded inner circle. The material is 35#

[0078] After the clearance of the R-EPS electric power steering gear is adjusted, the locking ring 2 can be tightened with a tool, and the locking torque is 80N.M.

[0079] Obviously, the specific implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned methods. As long as various non-substantial improvements are made using the method concept and technical solution of the present invention, they are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A gap adjustment structure for a steering gear, characterized in that: It comprises a rack support, on which an assembly inner hole is provided; the assembly inner hole is eccentrically arranged with the outer circle of the rack support.

2. A clearance adjustment structure for a steering gear according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gap adjustment structure also includes a locking component, and the locking component includes a locking ring arranged on the rack support.

3. A clearance adjustment structure for a steering gear according to claim 2, characterized in that: The locking ring is in a regular hexagonal shape in horizontal projection.

4. A clearance adjustment structure for a steering gear according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rack support comprises a support body, an end of the support body is provided with an adjusting component, and the adjusting component comprises a groove body arranged at the end of the support body.

5. The gap adjustment structure for a steering gear according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rack support is made of POM composite plastic.

6. An R-EPS electric power steering device, characterized in that: It comprises a shell and a dust cover; the end of the shell is provided with a gap adjustment structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5; the rack support in the gap adjustment structure is connected to the end of the shell; the rack support is coaxially arranged with the shell.

7. The R-EPS electric power steering device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The rack support is connected to the housing through a screw connection component; the screw connection component includes an internal thread arranged on the inner wall of the housing end and an external thread arranged on the outer surface of the rack support; the rack support is screwed to the housing end.

8. The R-EPS electric power steering device according to claim 6, characterized in that: In the gap adjustment structure, the locking ring is threaded on the rack support, and the locking ring is protrudingly arranged at the end of the shell; The side surface of the locking ring is pressed against the end of the shell.

9. The R-EPS electric power steering device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The dust cover comprises a cover body, and one end of the cover body close to the shell is provided with a limiting step rib; the one end of the dust cover close to the shell is hung on the locking ring in the gap adjustment structure.

10. The R-EPS electric power steering device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The shell comprises a shell body, and one end of the shell body close to the locking ring is provided with a stepped recessed groove.

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