Device and method for measuring rotation gap of steering intermediate shaft

Abstract

The invention discloses a steering intermediate shaft rotation gap measuring device and method, and the device comprises a welding support, the welding support is provided with a height adjusting mechanism, a moving nut in the height adjusting mechanism is connected with a mounting base of a steering intermediate shaft, and the top of the welding support is provided with a driving mechanism. The output end of the driving mechanism is connected with a steering intermediate shaft, a plurality of detection tools are arranged on the steering intermediate shaft at intervals, clamping assemblies in the detection tools clamp the steering intermediate shaft, and the detection tools are installed on the height adjusting mechanism through connecting pieces. Through adjusting different detachable V-shaped blocks in the detection tool, matching of steering intermediate shafts with different shaft diameters is realized, so that detection of various steering intermediate shafts with different models is realized, and through cooperation of the torque sensor and the detection tool, determination of rotation gaps of different point positions of the steering intermediate shafts under different torques is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of measuring equipment for the rotational clearance of shafts, and particularly to a device and method for measuring the rotational clearance of a steering intermediate shaft. Background Art

[0002] The steering intermediate shaft plays a crucial role in the vehicle steering system, which is specifically manifested in the following aspects:

[0003] 1. Transmitting the steering force: The steering shaft transmits the steering force from the steering mechanism, such as the steering wheel, to the wheels. When the driver operates the steering wheel, the steering mechanism generates a steering force, which is transmitted to the wheels through the steering shaft, enabling the vehicle to steer according to the driver's instructions.

[0004] 2. Connecting the steering mechanism and the wheels: The steering shaft connects the steering mechanism and the wheels, acting as a bridge. It transmits the steering force to the wheels through the operation of the steering mechanism, enabling the vehicle to steer.

[0005] 3. Supporting the suspension system: The steering shaft also plays a role in supporting the suspension system in some vehicles. It provides support and stability to the suspension system by connecting the wheels and other components of the suspension system.

[0006] 4. Transmitting the driving force: In some vehicles, the steering shaft also undertakes the role of transmitting the driving force. It transmits the power of the engine to the wheels by connecting the driving wheels and the power transmission system, enabling the vehicle to move forward.

[0007] It can be seen that the steering intermediate shaft is a key component in the vehicle steering system. In particular, the rotational clearance of the steering intermediate shaft affects factors such as the steering accuracy of the steering shaft and the torque transmission efficiency.

[0008] However, due to the special structure and variety of steering intermediate shafts, it is difficult to achieve the detection of the rotational clearance. At the same time, the existing equipment has poor versatility, cumbersome operation, and low accuracy.

[0009] In view of the above problems, the present application proposes a solution. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Object of the Invention: The object of the present invention is to provide a device and method for measuring the rotational clearance of a steering intermediate shaft, which can measure the rotational clearance of various different models of steering intermediate shafts on the basis of accurately detecting the rotational clearance of the steering intermediate shaft.

[0011] Technical solution: A measuring device for the rotational clearance of a steering intermediate shaft according to the present invention includes a welded bracket, characterized in that: a height adjustment mechanism is provided on the welded bracket, a moving nut in the height adjustment mechanism is connected to a mounting base of the steering intermediate shaft, a driving mechanism is provided at the top of the welded bracket, an output end of the driving mechanism is connected to the steering intermediate shaft, a plurality of detection toolings are arranged at intervals on the steering intermediate shaft, a clamping assembly in the detection tooling clamps the steering intermediate shaft, and the detection tooling is installed on the height adjustment mechanism through a connecting member.

[0012] The height adjustment mechanism is adapted to steering intermediate shafts of different lengths, the driving mechanism provides power to the steering intermediate shaft, and the detection tooling detects the rotational clearance of the steering intermediate shaft at different positions.

[0013] The height adjustment mechanism includes a vertical plate, a servo motor I, a coupling, a lead screw bearing seat, a lead screw, a mounting base and a moving nut. The vertical plate is fixed on the welded bracket, axially hollowed out on the vertical plate, provided with a slide rail, the mounting base is slidably arranged on the slide rail, the mounting base is installed with the steering intermediate shaft on the top end face, and is fixedly connected to the moving nut moving up and down along the lead screw on the other end face. The lead screw bearing seat is arranged at the upper and lower ends of the end face of the vertical plate where the mounting base is not provided, the lead screw is installed on the lead screw bearing seat, and the top of the lead screw is connected to the servo motor I through a coupling.

[0014] The servo motor I drives the lead screw to rotate, drives the moving nut to move along the axial direction of the lead screw, and realizes the adjustment of the height of the mounting base.

[0015] Preferably, the driving mechanism includes a servo motor II, a speed reducer, a torque sensor, a bearing seat and a driving tooling. The output end of the servo motor II is connected to the speed reducer, the torque sensor is arranged on the speed reducer, the output end of the speed reducer is connected to the steering intermediate shaft through the driving tooling, and the bearing seat is fixed on the welded bracket to support the steering intermediate shaft.

[0016] The servo motor II outputs torque to the steering intermediate shaft, and detects the output torque through the torque sensor, so as to record the rotational clearance corresponding to the steering intermediate shaft under different torque values.

[0017] Preferably, the detection tooling includes a cross bar, a guide bearing, a rotating assembly, a clamping assembly and a sensor. One end of the cross bar is rotatably connected to the end of the connecting member, the other end is provided with a guide bearing, the axial surface of the guide bearing is closely attached to the rotating assembly, the rotating assembly is connected to a V-shaped block in the clamping assembly, and the sensor is arranged at one end of the cross bar provided with the guide bearing to detect the rotation angle of the rotating assembly.

[0018] After the clamping assembly clamps the steering intermediate shaft, the steering intermediate shaft rotates axially, driving the clamping assembly to rotate synchronously, thereby driving the slewing assembly to rotate. The sensor confirms the axial rotation angle of the steering intermediate shaft by detecting the rotation angle of the slewing assembly.

[0019] Preferably, the slewing assembly includes a connecting plate and an arc plate. One end of the connecting plate is connected with a V-block, and the other end is arc-shaped. The arc plate is arranged at the arc-shaped end of the connecting plate, and the radian of the arc plate is consistent with that of the arc-shaped end of the connecting plate. The arc surface of the arc plate closely adheres to the shaft surface of the guide bearing during the measurement process. A grating scale for improving the detection accuracy of the sensor is arranged on the arc surface of the arc plate on the side close to the guide bearing.

[0020] Preferably, the clamping assembly includes a quick-connect clamp and a V-block. The V-block is detachably arranged on the inner wall of the quick-connect clamp. The V-groove on one side of the V-block matches the outer wall of the steering intermediate shaft. The other side of the V-block extends out of the inner wall of the quick-connect clamp and is connected with the slewing assembly. The quick-connect clamp includes two semi-circular rings and a nut. One end of the two semi-circular rings is hinged, and the other end is screwed by the nut.

[0021] The quick-connect clamp drives the V-block to clamp the steering intermediate shaft. At the same time, the V-block is connected with the slewing assembly to ensure that the slewing assembly rotates synchronously with the clamping assembly. And the detachable and replaceable V-block can adapt to various specifications of steering intermediate shafts, improving the adaptability of the device.

[0022] Preferably, a tensioning assembly is also arranged in the detection tooling. The tensioning assembly includes a positioning rod and a tension spring. One end of the positioning rod is fixedly connected with the connecting piece, and the other end is connected with a tension spring. When the cross bar is in the working state, it is perpendicular to the positioning rod, and one end of the cross bar without the guide bearing is connected with the end of the tension spring not connected with the positioning rod.

[0023] The end of the fixed positioning rod is connected with one end of the tension spring, and the other end of the tension spring is connected with the cross bar. Once the cross bar loosens during the process of pressing the slewing assembly, the tension spring further provides elastic force to press the cross bar on the slewing assembly, ensuring the pressing and fitting of the guide bearing and the slewing assembly, thereby ensuring the consistency of the distance between the sensor and the grating scale and ensuring the detection accuracy.

[0024] Preferably, the connecting piece is arranged on the height adjusting mechanism with adjustable height.

[0025] A method for measuring the rotational clearance of a steering intermediate shaft specifically includes the following steps:

[0026] S1: According to the length of the steering intermediate shaft, after adjusting the height of the mounting base on the vertical plate through the first servo motor, install the steering intermediate shaft on the mounting base and connect it to the output end of the driving mechanism;

[0027] S2: Install the detection tooling at the position where the steering intermediate shaft needs to measure the rotational clearance through a connecting piece with adjustable mounting height;

[0028] S3: Apply torque to the steering intermediate shaft through the second servo motor, and collect the applied torque value through a torque sensor;

[0029] S4: The second servo motor applies different torques to the steering intermediate shaft, and record the rotational angle data detected by the detection tooling at different heights;

[0030] S5: Output the torque-rotational angle line graph according to the collected data.

[0031] Preferably, the calculation formula for the rotational angle in S4 is:

[0032]

[0033] where L is the grating scale data detected by the sensor, and R is the distance from the axis center of the steering intermediate shaft to the plate surface of the arc-shaped plate in the rotational assembly facing the side of the guide bearing.

[0034] Beneficial effects: Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following remarkable advantages:

[0035] The matching of steering intermediate shafts with different lengths is realized through the height adjustment mechanism, and the matching of steering intermediate shafts with different shaft diameters is realized by adjusting different detachable V-shaped blocks, thereby realizing the detection of various different models of steering intermediate shafts. The measurement of the rotational clearance at different points of the steering intermediate shaft under different torques is realized through the cooperation of the torque sensor and the detection tooling. Description of the Drawings

[0036] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional structure schematic diagram of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 2 It is a right view of the present invention after removing the welding bracket and the detection tooling.

[0038] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional structure schematic diagram of the present invention after removing the welding bracket and the detection tooling.

[0039] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional structure schematic diagram of the detection tooling in the present invention.

[0040] Figure 5 It is a top view of the detection tooling in the present invention.

[0041] Figure 6 This is the left view of the detection tooling in the present invention.

[0042] Figure 7 This is the schematic diagram for calculating the rotation clearance in the present invention.

[0043] Figure 8 This is the schematic diagram of the finally output torque-rotation angle line in the present invention. Specific embodiments

[0044] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Embodiment 1:

[0046] Refer to the attached Figures 1 to 6 Figure. A steering intermediate shaft rotation clearance measuring device of the present invention includes a welding bracket 1, a height adjustment mechanism 2 is arranged on the welding bracket 1, a moving nut 21 in the height adjustment mechanism 2 is connected to an installation base 27 of a steering intermediate shaft 4, a driving mechanism 3 is arranged at the top of the welding bracket 1, an output end of the driving mechanism 3 is connected to the steering intermediate shaft 4, a plurality of detection toolings 5 are arranged at intervals on the steering intermediate shaft 4, a clamping assembly 54 in the detection tooling 5 clamps the steering intermediate shaft 4, the detection tooling 5 is installed on the height adjustment mechanism 2 through a connecting member 6, the height adjustment mechanism 2 adapts to steering intermediate shafts 4 of different lengths, the driving mechanism 3 provides power to the steering intermediate shaft 4, and the detection tooling 5 detects the rotation clearance of the steering intermediate shaft 4 at different positions.

[0047] In this embodiment, the height adjustment mechanism 2 includes a vertical plate 22, a servo motor 1 23, a coupling 24, a lead screw bearing seat 25, a lead screw 26, an installation base 27 and a moving nut 21. The vertical plate 22 is fixed on the welding bracket 1, the vertical plate 22 has an axially hollowed-out part and is provided with a slide rail 28, the installation base 27 is slidably arranged on the slide rail 28, the installation base 27 is installed with the steering intermediate shaft 4 on the top end face, and is fixedly connected to the moving nut 21 moving up and down along the lead screw 26 on the other end face. The lead screw bearing seat 25 is arranged at the upper and lower ends of the end face of the vertical plate 22 where the installation base 27 is not arranged, the lead screw 26 is installed on the lead screw bearing seat 25, the top of the lead screw 26 is connected to the servo motor 1 23 through the coupling 24, and the servo motor 1 23 drives the lead screw 26 to rotate, driving the moving nut 21 to move along the axial direction of the lead screw 26 to realize the adjustment of the height of the installation base 27.

[0048] In this embodiment, the driving mechanism 3 includes a second servo motor 31, a speed reducer 32, a torque sensor 33, a bearing block 34, and a driving tooling 35. The output end of the second servo motor 31 is connected to the speed reducer 32. The torque sensor 33 is arranged on the speed reducer 32. The output end of the speed reducer 32 is connected to the steering intermediate shaft 4 through the driving tooling 35. The bearing block 34 is fixed on the welding bracket 1 to support the steering intermediate shaft 4. The second servo motor 31 outputs torque to the steering intermediate shaft 4, and the output torque is detected by the torque sensor 33, so as to record the rotation clearance corresponding to the steering intermediate shaft 4 under different torque values.

[0049] In this embodiment, the detection tooling 5 includes a cross bar 51, a guiding bearing 52, a rotating assembly 53, a clamping assembly 54, and a sensor 55. One end of the cross bar 51 is rotatably connected to the end of the connecting piece 6, and a guiding bearing 52 is arranged at the other end. The rotating assembly 53 is closely arranged on the axial surface of the guiding bearing 52. The rotating assembly 53 is connected to the V-block 541 in the clamping assembly 54. The sensor 55 is arranged at the end of the cross bar 51 where the guiding bearing 52 is arranged to detect the rotation angle of the rotating assembly 53. After the clamping assembly 54 clamps the steering intermediate shaft 4, the steering intermediate shaft 4 rotates axially, driving the clamping assembly 54 to rotate synchronously, thereby driving the rotating assembly 53 to rotate. The sensor 55 confirms the axial rotation angle of the steering intermediate shaft 4 by detecting the rotation angle of the rotating assembly 53.

[0050] In this embodiment, the rotating assembly 53 includes a connecting plate 531 and an arc plate 532. One end of the connecting plate 531 is connected to the V-block 541, and the other end is circular arc-shaped. The arc plate 532 is arranged at the circular arc-shaped end of the connecting plate 531. The radian of the arc plate 532 is the same as that of the circular arc-shaped end of the connecting plate 531. The arc surface of the arc plate 532 closely adheres to the axial surface of the guiding bearing 52 during the measurement process. A grating scale for improving the detection accuracy of the sensor 55 is arranged on the arc surface of the arc plate 532 on the side closely adhering to the guiding bearing 52.

[0051] In this embodiment, the clamping assembly 54 includes a quick-connect clamp 542 and a V-block 541. The V-block 541 is detachably arranged on the inner wall of the quick-connect clamp 542. The V-groove on one side of the V-block 541 matches the outer wall of the steering intermediate shaft 4. The other side of the V-block 541 extends out of the inner wall of the quick-connect clamp 542 and is connected to the rotating assembly 53. The quick-connect clamp 542 includes two semi-circular rings and a nut. One end of the two semi-circular rings is hinged, and the other end is screwed through the nut. The quick-connect clamp 542 drives the V-block 541 to clamp the steering intermediate shaft 4. At the same time, the V-block 541 is connected to the rotating assembly 53 to ensure that the rotating assembly 53 rotates synchronously with the clamping assembly 54. And the detachably replaceable V-block 541 can adapt to various different specifications of the steering intermediate shaft 4, improving the adaptability of the device.

[0052] In this embodiment, a tensioning assembly 56 is further provided in the detection tooling 5. The tensioning assembly 56 includes a positioning rod 561 and a tensioning spring 562. One end of the positioning rod 561 is fixedly connected to the connecting member 6, and the other end is connected to the tensioning spring 562. When the cross bar 51 is in the working state, it is perpendicular to the positioning rod 561. One end of the cross bar 51 where the guiding bearing 52 is not provided is connected to the end of the tensioning spring 562 that is not connected to the positioning rod 561. The end of the fixed positioning rod 561 is connected to one end of the tensioning spring 562, and the other end of the tensioning spring 562 is connected to the cross bar 51. Once the cross bar 51 loosens during the process of pressing the rotary assembly 53, the tensioning spring 562 further provides elastic force to press the cross bar 51 against the rotary assembly 53, ensuring the pressing and fitting of the guiding bearing 52 and the rotary assembly 53, thereby ensuring the consistency of the distance between the sensor 55 and the grating scale and ensuring the detection accuracy.

[0053] In this embodiment, the connecting member 6 is adjustably arranged on the height adjusting mechanism 2, so that the height of the detection tooling 5 can be adjusted to adapt to different detection points of the steering intermediate shaft 4.

[0054] Embodiment 2:

[0055] See the attached Figures 7 to 8 figure. A method for measuring the rotational clearance of a steering intermediate shaft specifically includes the following steps:

[0056] S1: According to the length of the steering intermediate shaft 4, after adjusting the height of the mounting base 27 on the vertical plate 22 by the first servo motor 23, the steering intermediate shaft 4 is mounted on the mounting base 27 and connected to the output end of the driving mechanism 3;

[0057] S2: Four points are arranged on the steering intermediate shaft 4 from top to bottom for measuring the rotational clearance, and four detection toolings 5 are respectively arranged at these four points;

[0058] S3: Apply torque to the steering intermediate shaft 4 through the second servo motor 31, and collect the applied torque value through the torque sensor 33;

[0059] S4: The second servo motor 31 applies four different torques to the steering intermediate shaft, and records the rotational angle data detected by the detection toolings 5 at the four points. The specific calculation formula for the rotational angle is:

[0060]

[0061] where L is the grating scale data detected by the sensor 55, and R is the distance from the axis of the steering intermediate shaft 4 to the plate surface of the arc-shaped plate 532 in the rotary assembly 53 facing the side of the guiding bearing 52;

[0062] Therefore, the rotational angles detected at the four points from top to bottom are α1, α2, α3, and α4 respectively, and finally the rotational angle of the upper joint fork is obtained: α1 - α2;

[0063] The rotational angle of the lower joint fork: α3 - α4;

[0064] The rotational angle of the intermediate sliding part: α2 - α3;

[0065] S5: Output the torque-rotational angle line graph according to the collected data.

Claims

1. A steering intermediate shaft rotational clearance measuring device, comprising a welded bracket (1), characterized in that: A height adjustment mechanism (2) is provided on the welding bracket (1). The moving nut (21) in the height adjustment mechanism (2) is connected to the mounting base (27) of the steering intermediate shaft (4). A driving mechanism (3) is provided at the top of the welding bracket (1). The output end of the driving mechanism (3) is connected to the steering intermediate shaft (4). A plurality of detection toolings (5) are arranged at intervals on the steering intermediate shaft (4). The clamping assembly (54) in the detection tooling (5) clamps the steering intermediate shaft (4). The detection tooling (5) is mounted on the height adjustment mechanism (2) through a connecting member (6).

2. The steering intermediate shaft rotational clearance measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The height adjustment mechanism (2) includes a vertical plate (22), a servo motor 1 (23), a coupling (24), a lead screw bearing seat (25), a lead screw (26), a mounting base (27), and a moving nut (21). The vertical plate (22) is fixed on the welding bracket (1). The vertical plate (22) has an axial hollow and is provided with a slide rail (28). The mounting base (27) is slidably arranged on the slide rail (28). The steering intermediate shaft (4) is mounted on the top end face of the mounting base (27). The other end face is fixedly connected to the moving nut (21) that moves up and down along the lead screw (26). The lead screw bearing seats (25) are arranged at the upper and lower ends of the end face of the vertical plate (22) where the mounting base (27) is not provided. The lead screw (26) is mounted on the lead screw bearing seats (25). The top of the lead screw (26) is connected to the servo motor 1 (23) through a coupling (24).

3. The measuring device for the rotational clearance of the steering intermediate shaft according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driving mechanism (3) includes a servo motor 2 (31), a reducer (32), a torque sensor (33), a bearing seat (34), and a driving tooling (35). The output end of the servo motor 2 (31) is connected to the reducer (32). The torque sensor (33) is provided on the reducer (32). The output end of the reducer (32) is connected to the steering intermediate shaft (4) through the driving tooling (35). The bearing seat (34) is fixed on the welding bracket (1) to support the steering intermediate shaft (4).

4. A steering intermediate shaft rotational clearance measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detection tooling (5) includes a cross bar (51), a guide bearing (52), a rotary assembly (53), a clamping assembly (54), and a sensor (55). One end of the cross bar (51) is rotatably connected to the end of the connecting member (6). The other end is provided with a guide bearing (52). The rotary assembly (53) is closely attached to the shaft surface of the guide bearing (52). The rotary assembly (53) is connected to the V-block (541) in the clamping assembly (54). The sensor (55) is arranged at the end of the cross bar (51) where the guide bearing (52) is provided to detect the rotation angle of the rotary assembly (53).

5. A steering intermediate shaft rotational clearance measuring device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The rotary assembly (53) includes a connecting plate (531) and an arc plate (532). One end of the connecting plate (531) is connected with a V-block (541), and the other end is arc-shaped. The arc plate (532) is arranged at the arc-shaped end of the connecting plate (531), and the radian of the arc plate (532) is consistent with that of the arc-shaped end of the connecting plate (531). The arc surface of the arc plate (532) closely adheres to the axial surface of the guiding bearing (52) during the measurement process. A grating scale for improving the detection accuracy of the sensor (55) is arranged on the arc surface of the arc plate (532) that closely adheres to the guiding bearing (52).

6. A steering intermediate shaft rotational clearance measuring device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The clamping assembly (54) includes a quick-connect clamp (542) and a V-block (541). The V-block (541) is detachably arranged on the inner wall of the quick-connect clamp (542). The V-groove on one side of the V-block (541) matches the outer wall of the steering intermediate shaft (4). The other side of the V-block (541) extends out of the inner wall of the quick-connect clamp (542) and is connected with the rotary assembly (53). The quick-connect clamp (542) includes two semi-circular rings and a nut. One end of the two semi-circular rings is hinged, and the other end is screwed through the nut.

7. A steering intermediate shaft rotational clearance measuring device according to claim 4, characterized in that: A tensioning assembly (56) is also arranged in the detection tooling (5). The tensioning assembly (56) includes a positioning rod (561) and a tensioning spring (562). One end of the positioning rod (561) is fixedly connected with the connecting piece (6), and the end of the other end is connected with the tensioning spring (562). When the cross bar (51) is in the working state, it is perpendicular to the positioning rod (561), and one end of the cross bar (51) where the guiding bearing (52) is not arranged is connected with the end of the tensioning spring (562) that is not connected with the positioning rod (561).

8. A steering intermediate shaft rotational clearance measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting piece (6) is arranged on the height adjusting mechanism (2) with adjustable height.

9. A method for measuring the rotational clearance of a steering intermediate shaft, characterized in that: Specifically, it includes the following steps: S1: According to the length of the steering intermediate shaft (4), after adjusting the height of the mounting base (27) on the vertical plate (22) through the servo motor one (23), the steering intermediate shaft (4) is installed on the mounting base (27) and connected with the output end of the driving mechanism (3). S2: The detection tooling (5) is installed at the position where the steering intermediate shaft (4) needs to measure the rotary clearance through the connecting piece (6) with adjustable mounting height. S3: Apply torque to the steering intermediate shaft (4) through the servo motor two (31), and collect the applied torque value through the torque sensor (33). S4: The servo motor two (31) applies different torques to the steering intermediate shaft (4), and records the rotary angle data detected by the detection tooling (5) at different heights. S5: Output the torque-rotary angle line graph according to the collected data.

10. The method for measuring the rotational clearance of a steering intermediate shaft according to claim 9, wherein: The calculation formula for the rotary angle in S4 is: where L is the grating scale data detected by the sensor (55), and R is the distance from the axis center of the steering intermediate shaft (4) to the plate surface of the arc plate (532) facing the guiding bearing (52) in the rotary assembly (53).

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