Steering intermediate shaft connecting structure

Abstract

The steering intermediate shaft connecting structure comprises an intermediate shaft and a universal joint fork arranged at one end of the intermediate shaft in a sleeving mode, the universal joint fork is provided with a mounting hole, the intermediate shaft is connected into the mounting hole through a shaft sleeve, the shaft sleeve is provided with an outer metal layer and a micro-deformation layer fixedly arranged in the outer metal layer, and the outer metal layer is arranged on the hole wall of the mounting hole in a sleeving mode. And the micro-deformation layer is made of a Teflon material and is sleeved at the end part of the intermediate shaft in an interference manner. The universal joint fork has the beneficial effects that the inner layer of the shaft sleeve is in interference connection with the intermediate shaft, so that stable assembly between the intermediate shaft and the universal joint fork can be ensured. When the design deflection angle of the intermediate shaft is large, due to the fact that the deformable Teflon layer is arranged in the shaft sleeve, in the steering process of a vehicle, the intermediate shaft can extrude the Teflon layer to deform slightly, the intermediate shaft can deflect by a proper angle relative to the universal joint fork and move in a small range in the axial direction relative to the Teflon layer, and therefore the service life of the intermediate shaft is prolonged. Therefore, the problem of durability attenuation caused by the rigid fixed sleeve at the connecting position of the intermediate shaft and the universal joint is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of automotive steering intermediate shafts, and particularly relates to a connection structure of a steering intermediate shaft. Background Art

[0002] The steering intermediate shaft is an important component connecting the steering column and the steering gear. It mechanically connects the steering wheel and the power steering device installed on the steering column together, transmits the driver's force on the steering wheel to the steering gear, and plays the role of transmitting torque.

[0003] When the components of the steering system are installed in the vehicle, due to the limitations of the space layout and structural design, it is difficult to ensure that the intermediate shaft is in a straight line with other components (such as the output shaft of the steering gear and the input shaft of the steering column). Therefore, universal joints are provided at the ends of the intermediate shaft to facilitate flexible connection within a certain angle range, allowing the intermediate shaft to effectively transmit the steering torque at different positions and angles, and ensuring the normal operation of the steering system.

[0004] In the prior art, a rigid sleeve connection in the form of a shaft-hole is used between the intermediate shaft and the universal joint. Although the universal joint itself has the basic ability to compensate for displacement and angle changes, when the designed angle of the intermediate shaft exceeds a certain range (usually greater than 11 degrees), there will be a technical problem of significant attenuation of durability at the connection position between the intermediate shaft and the universal joint. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the present invention provides a connection structure of a steering intermediate shaft, aiming to solve the problems pointed out in the background art.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0007] A connection structure of a steering intermediate shaft includes an intermediate shaft and a universal joint fork sleeved on one end of the intermediate shaft. The feature is that: the universal joint fork has a mounting hole, the intermediate shaft is connected in the mounting hole through a shaft sleeve, the shaft sleeve has an outer metal layer and a micro-deformation layer fixedly arranged inside the outer metal layer, the outer metal layer is sleeved on the inner wall of the mounting hole, the micro-deformation layer is made of Teflon material, and the micro-deformation layer is press-fitted on the end of the intermediate shaft.

[0008] With the above structure, an interference connection is formed between the inner layer of the shaft sleeve and the intermediate shaft, which can ensure the basic stability of the assembly between the intermediate shaft and the universal joint fork. When the designed deflection angle of the intermediate shaft is relatively large, due to the deformable Teflon layer inside the shaft sleeve, during the vehicle steering process, the intermediate shaft can squeeze the Teflon layer to deform slightly, enabling the intermediate shaft to have an appropriate angular deflection relative to the universal joint fork and move axially within a small range relative to the Teflon layer, thereby avoiding the problem of durability attenuation caused by rigid sleeve connection at the connection position between the intermediate shaft and the universal joint.

[0009] Preferably, the outer metal layer is made of copper. With the above structure, the copper material can make the bushing more wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant, thus ensuring the service life of the bushing.

[0010] Preferably, the inner end of the bushing is provided with a flange extending radially outward, and the flange abuts against the inner side of the universal joint fork. With the above structure, the sleeving position of the universal joint fork can be limited.

[0011] Preferably, the interference amount between the micro-deformation layer and the intermediate shaft is 0.003 - 0.117 mm. With the above structure, while the bushing can be stably installed at the end of the intermediate shaft, the intermediate shaft can also have an appropriate angular yaw and axial sliding relative to the universal joint fork.

[0012] Preferably, the bushing is a non-closed ring structure with a split on one side. With the above structure, it is convenient for the universal joint fork to be sleeved on the bushing.

[0013] Preferably, the intermediate shaft is a hollow structure, and its end is provided with a threaded hole. A transition pin shaft is threadedly assembled in the threaded hole, and the bushing is sleeved on one end of the transition pin shaft away from the intermediate shaft. With the above structure, through the split connection structure, the intermediate shaft can be a hollow structure, effectively reducing the overall weight of the steering system.

[0014] Preferably, a shock-absorbing disc is sleeved at the end of the intermediate shaft, and both ends of the universal joint fork are fixedly installed on the shock-absorbing disc through bolts. With the above structure, the shock-absorbing disc can further absorb the force received by the universal joint fork, thus ensuring the service life of the universal joint.

[0015] Preferably, the intermediate shaft includes a female shaft and a male shaft. The universal joint fork is connected to one end of the male shaft, and the other end of the male shaft slidably passes through the female shaft. With the above structure, the weight of the entire intermediate shaft can be reduced through the hollow structure. The male shaft can be slidably arranged relative to the female shaft, realizing the telescopic function of the intermediate shaft, and thus helping to eliminate the impact force received by the intermediate shaft.

[0016] Preferably, a sealing component is sleeved at one end of the female shaft. The sealing component is a ring structure, which is sequentially provided with a first connecting ring and a second connecting ring axially. The first connecting ring is fixedly sleeved at the end of the female shaft, and a first toothed structure distributed axially is provided on the inner hole wall of the second connecting ring. The first toothed structure is interference-fitted on the male shaft. With the above structure, it can prevent dust, sediment, etc. on the surface of the male shaft from entering the inside of the female shaft and affecting the service life of the entire intermediate shaft.

[0017] Preferably, a sealing plug is provided at one end of the mother shaft away from the male shaft. The circumferential side wall of the sealing plug is provided with a second toothed structure distributed along the axial direction, and each of the second toothed structures is in interference connection with the inner wall of the mother shaft. With the above structure, it is possible to prevent dust and the like from entering the intermediate shaft from the end of the mother shaft, affecting the overall service life.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0019] 1. By adopting the steering intermediate shaft connection structure provided by the present invention, the inner layer of the bushing and the intermediate shaft are in interference connection, which can ensure the basic stability of the assembly between the intermediate shaft and the universal joint fork. When the design deflection angle of the intermediate shaft is relatively large, due to the deformable Teflon layer inside the bushing, during the vehicle steering process, the intermediate shaft can extrude the Teflon layer to deform slightly, enabling the intermediate shaft to have an appropriate angular deflection relative to the universal joint fork and move a small distance axially relative to the Teflon layer, thereby avoiding the durability attenuation problem caused by the rigid fixed sleeve at the connection position between the intermediate shaft and the universal joint, and ensuring the service life of the universal joint fork.

[0020] 2. The sealing component provided between the mother shaft and the male shaft prevents dust on the surface of the male shaft from entering the intermediate shaft, thereby ensuring the overall service life of the intermediate shaft.

[0021] 3. The sealing plug provided at the end of the mother shaft further prevents dust from entering the intermediate shaft from the end of the mother shaft, thereby ensuring the overall service life of the intermediate shaft. Description of the Drawings

[0022] Figure 1 Is a three-dimensional structure schematic diagram of the steering intermediate shaft connection structure;

[0023] Figure 2 Is Figure 1 The cross-sectional schematic diagram of;

[0024] Figure 3 Is a structure schematic diagram showing the installation position of the tightening nut 5;

[0025] Figure 4 Is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the installation position of the bushing 6;

[0026] Figure 5 Is a three-dimensional structure schematic diagram of the bushing 6;

[0027] Figure 6 Is Figure 2 The partial enlarged schematic diagram of;

[0028] Figure 7 Is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the sealing component 7;

[0029] Figure 8 Is Figure 2Partial enlarged schematic diagram;

[0030] Figure 9 Schematic three-dimensional structure diagram of the sealing plug 8;

[0031] Figure 10 Schematic diagram showing the structure of the limiting protrusion 122;

[0032] Figure 11 Schematic three-dimensional structure diagram of the male shaft 13. Specific embodiments

[0033] The present invention will be further described below in conjunction with embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0034] As Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, a steering intermediate shaft connection structure includes an intermediate shaft 1 and a universal joint fork 2 sleeved on one end of the intermediate shaft 1. An installation hole 21 is formed in the middle of the universal joint fork 2. The intermediate shaft 1 is connected in the installation hole 21 through a shaft sleeve 6. The shaft sleeve 6 has an outer metal layer 61 and a micro-deformation layer 62 fixedly arranged inside the outer metal layer 61. The micro-deformation layer 62 is made of Teflon material. The outer metal layer 61 is sleeved on the inner wall of the installation hole 21, and the micro-deformation layer 62 is press-fitted on the end of the intermediate shaft 1.

[0035] With such a design, an interference connection is formed between the inner layer of the shaft sleeve 6 and the intermediate shaft 1, which can ensure the basic stability of the assembly between the intermediate shaft 1 and the universal joint fork 2. When the deflection angle of the intermediate shaft 1 is relatively large, due to the deformable Teflon layer inside the shaft sleeve 6, during the vehicle steering process, the intermediate shaft 1 can squeeze the Teflon layer to deform slightly, enabling the intermediate shaft 1 to have an appropriate angular deflection relative to the universal joint fork 2 and move axially within a small range relative to the Teflon layer, thereby avoiding the durability attenuation problem caused by the rigid fixed sleeve at the connection position between the intermediate shaft 1 and the universal joint fork 2 and ensuring the service life of the intermediate shaft 1 and the universal joint fork 2.

[0036] In this embodiment, the outer metal layer 61 is made of copper. The copper outer metal layer 61 can ensure sufficient wear resistance and corrosion resistance of the shaft sleeve 6, guaranteeing the service life of the shaft sleeve 6. In addition, in this embodiment, the outer metal layer 61 and the micro-deformation layer 62 are fixedly connected into one body by a vulcanization process.

[0037] Furthermore, as Figure 5 shown, a flanging 64 extending radially outward is formed at the inner end of the shaft sleeve 6. The flanging 64 abuts against the inner side of the universal joint fork 2. By providing the flanging 64, the installation position of the universal joint fork 2 can be limited.

[0038] In this embodiment, the bushing 6 is not a closed ring structure. A cut 63 is provided on one side of the bushing 6, through which the universal joint fork 2 can be easily sleeved on the bushing 6.

[0039] In this embodiment, the interference amount between the micro-deformation layer 62 and the intermediate shaft 1 is 0.003 - 0.117 mm. With such a design, while ensuring the stable installation of the bushing 6 at the end of the intermediate shaft 1, it also enables the intermediate shaft 1 to perform appropriate angular yaw and axial sliding relative to the universal joint fork 2, avoiding the durability attenuation problem caused by the rigid fixed sleeve at the connection position between the intermediate shaft 1 and the universal joint fork 2.

[0040] As Figure 2 、 Figure 4 and Figure 11 shown, the intermediate shaft 1 is a hollow structure. A threaded hole 11 is formed at the end of the intermediate shaft 1. A transition pin 4 is threadedly assembled in the threaded hole 11. The bushing 6 is sleeved on the end of the transition pin 4 away from the intermediate shaft 1. By means of the split connection, the intermediate shaft 1 can be a hollow structure, which helps to reduce the weight of the entire steering system.

[0041] As Figure 3 shown, in order to prevent the transition pin 4 from loosening and falling off, in this embodiment, a lock nut 5 is threadedly assembled on the transition pin 4, and the lock nut 5 is closely attached to the end of the intermediate shaft 1.

[0042] Again, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, a shock-absorbing disc 3 is sleeved on the end of the intermediate shaft 1. The two ends of the universal joint fork 2 are fixedly installed on the shock-absorbing disc 3 through bolts. In this embodiment, the shock-absorbing disc 3 is fixedly installed on the end of the intermediate shaft 1 in the form of spline connection. With such a design, the shock-absorbing disc 3 can further absorb the force received by the universal joint fork 2, thereby ensuring the service life of the universal joint fork 2.

[0043] As Figure 3 and Figure 11 shown, in order to prevent the shock-absorbing disc 3 from driving the universal joint fork 2 to disengage from the end of the intermediate shaft 1, in this embodiment, a limiting portion 14 is provided at one end of the intermediate shaft 1 close to the universal joint fork 2, and one end of the shock-absorbing disc 3 close to the universal joint fork 2 abuts against the limiting portion 14. At this time, the flanging 64 can also prevent the universal joint fork 2 and the shock-absorbing disc 3 from moving towards the side where the intermediate shaft 1 is located.

[0044] As Figure 2 and Figure 11 shown, the intermediate shaft 1 includes a female shaft 12 and a male shaft 13. In this embodiment, the universal joint fork 2 is connected to one end of the male shaft 13. A spline 131 is formed at the other end of the male shaft 13, and a spline groove 121 matching it is formed inside the female shaft 12. The spline 131 is slidably assembled inside the spline groove 121.

[0045] Further, such as Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, a sealing component 7 is sleeved on one end of the female shaft 12. The sealing component 7 is an annular structure, and a first connecting ring 71 and a second connecting ring 72 are sequentially arranged axially. The first connecting ring 71 is fixedly sleeved on the end of the female shaft 12, and a first toothed structure 73 distributed along the axial direction is formed on the inner hole wall of the second connecting ring 72. The first toothed structure 73 is interference-fitted on the surface of the male shaft 13.

[0046] In this embodiment, the first tooth structure 73 is a first inverted tooth, and the first inverted tooth has a first inclined surface 731 and a first longitudinal plane 732 on both sides of the corresponding tooth top, wherein the first longitudinal plane 732 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the sealing component 7, and the first inclined surface 731 is tilted toward the side where the female shaft 12 is located. The design of the inverted tooth structure can ensure the sealing performance between the sealing component 7 and the male shaft 13. When the car is bumpy and causes the male shaft 13 to slide toward the female shaft 12, the tilted first inverted tooth can easily scrape the dust on the surface of the male shaft 13, preventing the dust from entering the inside of the female shaft 12, thereby ensuring the overall service life of the intermediate shaft 1.

[0047] In this embodiment, two first inverted teeth are formed on the inner hole wall of the second connecting ring 72, and a groove 74 is formed between the two first inverted teeth. The groove 74 can be used to store dust scraped by the first inverted teeth, further preventing dust from entering the interior of the female shaft 12. In addition, the interior of the groove 74 can also be used to store lubricating oil to facilitate the male shaft 13 to slide more easily relative to the sealing component 7.

[0048] Furthermore, the first connecting ring 71 can be fixedly mounted on the end of the female shaft 12 by threaded assembly, or Figure 6 As shown, the second inverted teeth 75 formed on the inner hole wall are interference-fitted on the end of the female shaft 12. In order to ensure that the sealing component 7 will not be separated from the female shaft 12 when the male shaft 13 slides relative to the female shaft 12, in this embodiment, the interference amount of the second inverted teeth 75 should be greater than the interference amount of the first inverted teeth.

[0049] For example Figure 2 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, a sealing plug 8 is installed at one end of the female shaft 12 away from the male shaft 3, and the circumferential side wall of the sealing plug 8 is provided with a second tooth structure 81 distributed along the axial direction, and each second tooth structure 81 is interference-connected to the inner wall of the female shaft 12. Such a design can prevent dust from entering the interior of the female shaft 12 from the end thereof, and further ensure the service life of the intermediate shaft 1.

[0050] In this embodiment, the second toothed structure 81 includes two sets of triangular teeth 811 and a third reverse tooth 812. Among them, both sides of the triangular tooth 811 corresponding to the tooth tip have second inclined surfaces 813, and both sides of the third reverse tooth 812 corresponding to the tooth tip have a second inclined surface 813 and a second longitudinal plane 814 respectively. The longitudinal plane 814 is perpendicular to the sealing plug 8 in the axial direction. Through the two triangular teeth 811, a multi-stage sealing structure can be formed between the sealing plug 8 and the female shaft 12, further ensuring the sealing effect of the sealing plug 8. The third reverse tooth 812 can facilitate the installation of the sealing plug 8 from the end of the female shaft 12 and can effectively prevent the sealing plug 8 from falling off from the end of the female shaft 12.

[0051] As Figure 10 shown, two limiting protrusions 122 extending radially inward along the female shaft 12 are formed at one end of the female shaft 12 away from the male shaft 13. The limiting protrusions 122 further prevent the sealing plug 8 from falling off from the end of the female shaft 12.

[0052] In this embodiment, in order to ensure the sealing performance and service life of the sealing member 7 and the sealing plug 8, both the sealing member 7 and the sealing plug 8 are made of elastic rubber material.

[0053] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art can make various similar representations under the inspiration of the present invention without violating the purpose and claims of the present invention. Such transformations all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A steering intermediate shaft connection structure, comprising an intermediate shaft (1) and a universal joint fork (2) sleeved on one end of the intermediate shaft (1), characterized in that: The universal joint fork (2) has a mounting hole (21). The intermediate shaft (1) is connected within the mounting hole (21) through a bushing (6). The bushing (6) has an outer metal layer (61) and a micro-deformation layer (62) fixedly arranged inside the outer metal layer (61). The outer metal layer (61) is sleeved on the wall of the mounting hole (21). The micro-deformation layer (62) is made of Teflon material, and the micro-deformation layer (62) is press-fitted on the end of the intermediate shaft (1).

2. The steering intermediate shaft connection structure according to claim 1, wherein: The outer metal layer (61) is made of copper.

3. The steering intermediate shaft connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner end of the bushing (6) is provided with a flange (64) extending radially outward, and the flange (64) abuts against the inner side of the universal joint fork (2).

4. The steering intermediate shaft connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The interference amount between the micro-deformation layer (62) and the intermediate shaft (1) is 0.003 - 0.117 mm.

5. The steering intermediate shaft connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bushing (6) is a non-closed ring structure, and one side thereof is provided with a split (63).

6. The steering intermediate shaft connection structure according to claim 1, wherein: The intermediate shaft (1) is a hollow structure, and a threaded hole (11) is provided at its end. A transition pin shaft (4) is threadedly assembled in the threaded hole (11), and the bushing (6) is sleeved on one end of the transition pin shaft (4) away from the intermediate shaft (1).

7. The steering intermediate shaft connection structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: A shock-absorbing disc (3) is sleeved on the end of the intermediate shaft (1), and both ends of the universal joint fork (2) are fixedly installed on the shock-absorbing disc (3) through bolts.

8. The steering intermediate shaft connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The intermediate shaft (1) includes a female shaft (12) and a male shaft (13). The universal joint fork (2) is connected to one end of the male shaft (13), and the other end of the male shaft (13) slidably passes through the female shaft (12).

9. The steering intermediate shaft connection structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: A sealing member (7) is sleeved on one end of the female shaft (12). The sealing member (7) is a ring structure, and a first connecting ring (71) and a second connecting ring (72) are sequentially arranged axially thereon. The first connecting ring (71) is fixedly sleeved on the end of the female shaft (12), and a first toothed structure (73) distributed axially is provided on the inner hole wall of the second connecting ring (72). The first toothed structure (73) is press-fitted on the male shaft (13).

10. The steering intermediate shaft connection structure according to claim 8, wherein: A sealing plug (8) is provided at the end of the female shaft (12) away from the male shaft (13). A second toothed structure (81) distributed axially is provided on the circumferential side wall of the sealing plug (8), and each of the second toothed structures (81) is interference-connected to the inner wall of the female shaft (12).

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