Automobile steering gear shaft detection device and detection method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a detection device and a detection method, and in particular to a detection device and a detection method for a gear shaft of an automobile steering gear. The detection device comprises a base, on which a support seat is mounted; a limit plate is mounted at the end of the base; a phase angle detector is arranged on one side of the base; and an end detector is arranged above the base. The detection device can detect the gear shaft assembled on the steering gear, and through multiple detections, it can ensure accurate detection, ensure that the phase angle, R arc and flatness of the gear shaft are qualified, effectively guarantee the normal installation of the steering gear, and ensure the connection between the steering gear and the intermediate shaft and the steering wheel, thereby effectively improving the assembly efficiency of the whole vehicle and effectively reducing the production cost of the automobile. The detection device can be adjusted so that it can be applied to different models of steering gears, effectively expanding its scope of application and improving universality. It solves the problem that the existing inspection tool can only detect the gear shaft alone, and is particularly suitable for use in the detection of the gear shaft assembled on the steering gear.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a detection device and a detection method, in particular to a detection device and a detection method for a steering gear shaft of an automobile. Background Art

[0002] The steering gear consists of a housing, a rack, and a pinion shaft. The pinion shaft is tilted, with its bottom end meshing with the rack. The top end of the pinion shaft is designed with an R-shaped arc on one side and a flat square on the other. The installation angle of the steering gear pinion shaft input significantly impacts vehicle assembly. An incorrect angle or misalignment directly impacts the installation of the intermediate shaft and steering wheel, further impacting vehicle assembly efficiency and increasing costs for the assembly plant. To reduce costs throughout the automotive industry chain, steering gears must be inspected before leaving the factory.

[0003] Patent application number CN209655961U discloses a gear shaft phase angle gauge, comprising a flat plate base and a gauge base. The flat plate base has a reference plane on its upper surface, and a positioning plane on its lower surface that abuts the reference plane. A fixing hole for inserting the gear segment of a gear shaft is provided on the front face of the gauge base, and the fixing hole is arranged parallel to the positioning plane. A threaded hole perpendicular to the fixing hole is provided on the upper surface of the gauge base, and the threaded hole is connected to the fixing hole. A positioning member is threadedly connected to the threaded hole, and a steel ball is provided at the lower end of the positioning member. A baffle is detachably fixedly connected to the front face of the gauge base, and the baffle has a blocking portion that blocks the gear segment of the gear shaft within the fixing hole. This gear shaft phase angle gauge has advantages such as improving the accuracy of gear shaft phase angle detection.

[0004] The aforementioned test fixture can detect the phase angle of the steering gear gear shaft of an automobile, but it only tests the gear shaft in isolation. After the gear shaft is assembled, the connection between the gear shaft and the rack can also easily affect the gear shaft's phase angle. Therefore, it is necessary to redesign a new device and method for detecting the steering gear gear shaft of an automobile to address this issue. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a detection device and method for the gear shaft of an automobile steering gear, which is simple in structure, easy to use, and can accurately detect the gear shaft after assembly to ensure that the steering gear can be assembled normally.

[0006] The technical solution of the present invention is:

[0007] A detection device for a steering gear shaft of an automobile consists of a base, a support base, a limit plate, a phase angle detector and an end detector. The device is characterized in that: the base is a rectangular plate-shaped body, and the support base is symmetrically installed on the long center axis of the base through a guide rail; the limit plate is installed on the end of the base through a fixing bolt; a phase angle detector is arranged on one side of the base; and an end detector is arranged above the base.

[0008] The support seat is composed of a middle slider, a support fixing plate, a support plate and a positioning pin. The middle slider is mounted with a support fixing plate, and the support plate is installed on the support fixing plate by bolts. One end of the support plate is sloped, and a positioning pin is provided on the sloped end surface of the support plate; the middle slider is slidably connected to the guide rail.

[0009] The support fixing plate is in an inverted U shape, and both end ends of the support fixing plate are fixedly connected to the base through fixing screws.

[0010] The phase angle detector is composed of an edge slider, a height-increasing fixed plate, a height-increasing part, a supporting column, a limit sleeve and a long R-arc detection pin. The edge slider is provided with a height-increasing fixed plate, and a supporting column is installed on the height-increasing fixed plate through the height-increasing part. The limit sleeve is inserted on the supporting column, and the long R-arc detection pin is inserted on the limit sleeve; the edge slider is movably connected to the base through a guide rail; the two end ends of the height-increasing fixed plate are fixedly connected to the base by fixing bolts.

[0011] A rotating disk is provided at the bottom of the supporting column, a rotating ring groove is provided on the rotating disk, and the rotating disk is fixedly connected to the height-increasing member through the rotating ring groove and fixing bolts.

[0012] The support column is provided with a lifting slide, and the support columns on both sides of the lifting slide are provided with longitudinal positioning grooves; the limit sleeve and the long R arc detection pin are respectively provided with transverse positioning grooves, and the limit sleeve is fixedly connected to the support column by locking screws that pass through the longitudinal positioning groove and the transverse positioning groove in sequence.

[0013] The end detector is composed of a positioning sleeve, a detection block and a short R-arc detection pin. The positioning sleeve is provided with a detection block, and the detection block is plugged with a short R-arc detection pin.

[0014] The detection block is provided with a detection hole.

[0015] The bottom end of the positioning sleeve is provided with limiting claws in parallel.

[0016] A method for detecting a steering gear shaft of an automobile, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

[0017] 1) Adjust the distance between the support base and the limit plate of the steering gear shaft detection device, as well as the distance between the support bases at both ends of the guide rail, according to the steering gear model. After the support base is adjusted, adjust the horizontal position of the phase angle detector and the height and angle of the long R arc detection pin according to the steering gear model (when continuously testing the same model, only the first test will be adjusted).

[0018] 2) Insert the steering gear onto the positioning pin of the support seat to secure the steering gear; place the end of the steering gear rack against the limit plate;

[0019] 3) Push the long R-arc detection pin of the phase angle detector so that it is inserted into the R-arc of the steering gear gear shaft. By detecting the current between the long R-arc detection pin and the steering gear shaft, the degree of fit between the long R-arc detection pin and the R-arc of the steering gear shaft is detected, and then the phase angle of the steering gear shaft is detected through the long R-arc detection pin.

[0020] 4) Reset the long R-arc detection pin and pull out the short R-arc detection pin of the end detector; install the locating sleeve on the gear shaft of the steering gear, so that the limiting claws at the bottom of the locating sleeve are inserted on both sides of the steering gear housing reinforcement rib. The limiting claws cooperate with the steering gear housing reinforcement rib to limit the locating sleeve and the detection block. At the same time, insert the end of the steering gear gear shaft into the detection hole of the detection block;

[0021] 5) Insert the short R arc detection pin into the detection block, and detect the current between the short R arc detection pin and the steering gear shaft to detect the degree of fit between the short R arc detection pin and the steering gear shaft R arc, and then detect the flat square and R arc of the gear shaft end;

[0022] 6) Remove the end detector from the steering gear shaft. If both steps 3) and 5) are qualified, the inspection is passed and the steering gear that has passed the inspection is sent to the next process. If any one of steps 3) and 5) is unqualified, the inspection is unqualified and the steering gear that has failed the inspection is scrapped or reworked.

[0023] The inspection standards in step 3) are: a. The long R arc inspection pin can pass through the R arc of the steering gear shaft; b. The current between the long R arc inspection pin and the steering gear shaft is within the process requirements;

[0024] When both a and b are qualified, the test is qualified; when any one of a or b is unqualified, the test is unqualified.

[0025] The inspection standards in step 5) are: c. The positioning sleeve can be mounted on the gear shaft; d. The limit claw and the detection block can be installed in place; e. The short R arc detection pin can be inserted in place; f. The current between the short R arc detection pin and the steering gear gear shaft is within the process requirements;

[0026] When all cf items are qualified, the test is qualified; when any one cf item is unqualified, the test is unqualified.

[0027] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0028] This automotive steering gear gear shaft detection device can inspect the gear shaft assembled on the steering gear. Through multiple tests, it ensures accurate detection, ensuring that the gear shaft's phase angle, R arc, and flatness are qualified. This effectively guarantees the proper installation of the steering gear and its connection with the intermediate shaft and steering wheel, thereby effectively improving vehicle assembly efficiency and reducing vehicle production costs. The detection device can be adjusted to accommodate different steering gear models, effectively expanding its scope of application and improving universality. This device solves the problem of existing inspection tools being limited to individual gear shaft inspections and is particularly suitable for inspecting gear shafts assembled on steering gears. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of the support base of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a phase angle detector according to the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4 It is a structural schematic diagram of the end detector of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 5 is a schematic top view of the detection block of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the detection block of the present invention.

[0035] In the figure: 1. Base, 2. Limit plate, 3. Guide rail, 4. Middle slider, 5. Support fixing plate, 6. Support plate, 7. Locating pin, 8. Edge slider, 9. Heightening fixing plate, 10. Heightening piece, 11. Support column, 12. Limit sleeve, 13. Long R arc detection pin, 14. Rotating disk, 15. Rotating ring groove, 16. Lifting slide, 17. Longitudinal positioning groove, 18. Horizontal positioning groove, 19. Locking screw, 20. Locating sleeve, 21. Detection block, 22. Short R arc detection pin, 23. Detection hole, 24. Limit claw, 25. Steering gear. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] This automotive steering gear gear shaft detection device consists of a base 1, a support base, a limit plate 2, a phase angle detector, and an end detector. The base 1 is a rectangular plate-shaped body. The support base is symmetrically mounted on the long center axis of the base 1 via a guide rail 3 to secure the steering gear position. The limit plate 2 is mounted on the end of the base 1 via fixing bolts. The limit plate 2 limits the position of the end of the steering gear rack, thereby limiting the position of the gear shaft through the rack. A phase angle detector is provided on one side of the base 1 to detect the phase angle and R-curve of the gear shaft. An end detector is provided above the base 1 to detect the flatness of the gear shaft end and further detect the R-curve. Since the gear shaft is assembled to the steering gear during detection, the effects of the steering gear rack and housing on the gear shaft can be comprehensively detected, ensuring that the gear shaft is properly connected to the intermediate shaft and steering wheel during steering gear installation. This effectively improves steering gear assembly efficiency and reduces vehicle assembly costs.

[0037] The support base is composed of a central slider 4, a support fixing plate 5, a support plate 6, and a locating pin 7. The central slider 4 is fitted with the support fixing plate 5, which is mounted on the support fixing plate 5 via fixing bolts. One end of the support plate 6 is sloped, and a locating pin 7 is provided on the sloped end of the support plate 6. The central slider 4 is slidably connected to the guide rail 3. The support fixing plate 5 is in the shape of an inverted U, and both ends of the support fixing plate 5 are fixedly connected to the base 1 via fixing screws. The function of the locating pin 7 is to fix the position of the steering gear housing by inserting the locating pin 7 into the steering gear housing lug, thereby fixing the position of the gear shaft, so that the gear shaft is fixed in the horizontal and vertical directions, thereby facilitating detection. The support base can slide on the base 1 via the central slider 4, and the position of the support base can be adjusted to adapt to the steering gear. This allows the support base to be adjusted to adapt to different models of steering gears, effectively improving universality.

[0038] The phase angle detector consists of an edge slider 8, a heightened fixed plate 9, a heightened member 10, a support column 11, a limiting sleeve 12, and a long R-arc detection pin 13. The edge slider 8 is mounted with the heightened fixed plate 9, to which the support column 11 is attached via the heightened member 10. The supporting column 11 is fitted with a limiting sleeve 12, which in turn is fitted with a long R-arc detection pin 13. The edge slider 8 is movably connected to the base 1 via a guide rail 3. The ends of the heightened fixed plate 9 are fixedly connected to the base 1 via fixing bolts. Since the angle, height, and horizontal position of the long R-arc detection pin 13 are fixed during the detection process, the angle (i.e., phase angle), height, and horizontal position of the R-arc at the end of the steering gear shaft can be detected by the medium-length R-arc detection pin 13, thereby detecting the phase angle, height, and horizontal position of the gear shaft. Since the phase angle detector can be adjusted on the base 1 by the edge slider 8, it can be used to detect different steering gear models.

[0039] A rotating disk 14 is provided at the bottom of the support column 11. A rotating ring groove 15 is provided on the rotating disk 14. The rotating disk 14 is fixedly connected to the height-raising member 10 via the rotating ring groove 15 and fixing bolts. The function of the rotating disk 14 is to rotate and adjust the support column 11 through the rotating ring groove 15, thereby rotating and adjusting the long R-arc detection pin 13. This in turn adjusts the horizontal angle of the long R-arc detection pin 13 with the steering gear shaft, thereby adjusting the detection angle of the long R-arc detection pin 13.

[0040] The support column 11 is provided with a lifting chute 16, and longitudinal positioning slots 17 are provided on the support column 11 on both sides of the lifting chute 16. The limiting sleeve 12 and the long R-arc detection pin 13 are respectively provided with transverse positioning slots 18. The limiting sleeve 12 is fixedly connected to the support column 11 by a locking screw 19 that passes through the longitudinal positioning slot 17 and the transverse positioning slot 18 in sequence. The lifting chute 16 is used to adjust the height and vertical angle of the limiting sleeve 12, thereby adjusting the height and vertical angle of the long R-arc detection pin 13, thereby adjusting the detection height of the long R-arc detection pin 13 and further adjusting the detection angle. By adjusting the horizontal position, height, and angle of the long R-arc detection pin 13, it can detect the gear shaft of different models of steering gears.

[0041] The end detector consists of a positioning sleeve 20, a detection block 21, and a short R-arc detection pin 22. The positioning sleeve 20 is provided with the detection block 21, and the short R-arc detection pin 22 is inserted into the detection block 21. The detection block 21 is used to detect the end of the gear shaft through the detection block 21, detecting the flatness of the gear shaft end and further detecting the R-arc at the gear shaft end.

[0042] The detection block 21 is provided with a detection hole 23 for detecting the flatness of the gear shaft end through the detection hole 23. When the gear shaft end can be inserted into the detection hole 23 and fits with the detection hole 23, the flatness of the gear shaft is qualified.

[0043] The bottom end of the positioning sleeve 20 is provided with limiting claws 24 in parallel to limit the position of the positioning sleeve 20 through the limiting claws 24, and then cooperate with the positioning sleeve 20 to further limit the position of the detection block 21 to ensure accurate detection of the detection block 21.

[0044] The method for detecting the gear shaft of an automobile steering gear comprises the following steps:

[0045] Adjust the spacing between the support base and the limit plate 2, as well as the support bases at each end of the guide rail, based on the steering gear model. After adjusting the support base, adjust the horizontal position of the phase angle detector and the height and angle of the long R-arc detection pin 13 based on the steering gear model (adjust only the first test for consecutive tests of the same model). Install the steering gear onto the locating pin 7 on the support base to secure it. Place the end of the steering gear rack against the limit plate 2.

[0046] The phase angle detector's long R-arc detection pin 13 is pushed and inserted into the R-arc of the steering gear shaft. The current between the long R-arc detection pin 13 and the steering gear shaft is measured to determine the degree of contact between the long R-arc detection pin 13 and the steering gear shaft, thereby detecting the steering gear shaft phase angle. The testing criteria are: a. The long R-arc detection pin 13 can pass through the R-arc of the steering gear shaft; b. The current between the long R-arc detection pin 13 and the steering gear shaft is within the process requirements. The test passes if both a and b meet the requirements; the test fails if either a or b fails. The closer the long R-arc detection pin 13 fits the gear shaft R-arc, the greater the contact area between the long R-arc detection pin 13 and the gear shaft R-arc, and the lower the resistance between the long R-arc detection pin 13 and the gear shaft. This results in a greater current flowing between the long R-arc detection pin 13 and the gear shaft at the same voltage.

[0047] Reset the long R-arc detection pin 13 and remove the short R-arc detection pin 22 of the end detector. Fit the positioning sleeve 20 onto the steering gear shaft, ensuring that the retaining claws 24 at the bottom of the positioning sleeve 20 engage the two sides of the steering gear housing reinforcement rib. The retaining claws 24 engage the steering gear housing reinforcement rib to limit the positioning sleeve 20 and the detection block 21. Simultaneously, insert the steering gear shaft end into the detection hole 23 of the detection block 21. Insert the short R-arc detection pin 22 into the detection block 21. By measuring the current between the short R-arc detection pin 22 and the steering gear shaft, the degree of fit between the short R-arc detection pin 22 and the steering gear shaft is tested. Furthermore, the flatness and R-arc of the gear shaft end are tested. The testing criteria are: c. The positioning sleeve 20 fits onto the gear shaft; d. The retaining claws 24 and detection block 21 are both properly installed; e. The short R-arc detection pin 22 is properly installed; f. The current between the short R-arc detection pin 22 and the steering gear shaft is within the process requirements. When all cf items are qualified, the test is qualified; when any one cf item is unqualified, the test is unqualified.

[0048] Remove the end detector from the steering gear gear shaft. When both the phase angle detector and the end detector are qualified, the inspection is passed and the steering gear that has passed the inspection is sent to the next process. When any one of the phase angle detector and the end detector fails to pass the inspection, the inspection fails and the steering gear that has failed the inspection is scrapped or reworked.

[0049] This automotive steering gear gear shaft detection device can inspect the gear shaft assembled on the steering gear. Through multiple tests, it ensures accurate detection, ensuring that the gear shaft's phase angle, R arc, and flatness are qualified. This effectively guarantees the proper installation of the steering gear and its connection with the intermediate shaft and steering wheel, thereby effectively improving vehicle assembly efficiency and reducing vehicle production costs. The detection device can be adjusted to accommodate different steering gear models, effectively expanding its scope of application and improving universality. This device solves the problem of existing inspection tools being limited to individual gear shaft inspections and is particularly suitable for inspecting gear shafts assembled on steering gears.

Claims

1. A method for detecting a steering gear shaft of an automobile, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: 1) According to the steering gear model, adjust the distance between the support seat and the limit plate (2) of the automobile steering gear gear shaft detection device and the distance between the support seats at both ends of the guide rail; after the support seat is adjusted, adjust the horizontal position of the phase angle detector and the height and angle of the long R arc detection pin (13) according to the steering gear model; 2) Insert the steering gear onto the positioning pin (7) of the support seat to fix the steering gear; place the end of the steering gear rack against the limit plate (2); 3) Pushing the long R arc detection pin (13) of the phase angle detector so that the long R arc detection pin (13) is inserted into the R arc of the steering gear gear shaft, and detecting the current between the long R arc detection pin (13) and the steering gear shaft to detect the degree of fit between the long R arc detection pin (13) and the R arc of the steering gear shaft, thereby detecting the phase angle of the steering gear shaft through the long R arc detection pin (13); 4) Reset the long R arc detection pin (13) and pull out the short R arc detection pin (22) of the end detector; sleeve the positioning sleeve (20) onto the gear shaft of the steering gear, so that the limiting claws (24) at the bottom end of the positioning sleeve (20) are inserted into both sides of the steering gear housing reinforcement rib, and the positioning sleeve (20) and the detection block (21) are limited by the limiting claws (24) in conjunction with the steering gear housing reinforcement rib, and at the same time, the end of the steering gear gear shaft is inserted into the detection hole (23) of the detection block (21); 5) Insert the short R arc detection pin (22) into the detection block (21), detect the current between the short R arc detection pin (22) and the steering gear gear shaft, detect the degree of fit between the short R arc detection pin (22) and the R arc of the steering gear gear shaft, and then detect the flat square and R arc of the gear shaft end; 6) Remove the end detector from the steering gear shaft. If both steps 3) and 5) are qualified, the inspection is passed and the steering gear that has passed the inspection is sent to the next process. If any one of steps 3) and 5) is unqualified, the inspection is unqualified and the steering gear that has failed the inspection is scrapped or reworked.

2. The method for detecting a steering gear shaft of an automobile according to claim 1, wherein: The detection standards in step 3) are: a. The long R arc detection pin (13) can pass through the R arc of the steering gear shaft; b. The current between the long R arc detection pin (13) and the steering gear shaft is within the process requirement range; When both a and b are qualified, the test is qualified; when any one of a or b is unqualified, the test is unqualified.

3. The automobile steering gear shaft detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inspection standards in step 5) are: c. the positioning sleeve (20) can be mounted on the gear shaft; d. the limiting claw (24) and the inspection block (21) can be installed in place respectively; e. The short R arc detection pin (22) can be inserted into place; f. The current between the short R arc detection pin (22) and the steering gear shaft is within the process requirement range; When all cf items are qualified, the test is qualified; when any one cf item is unqualified, the test is unqualified.

Images