Bearing assembly system for a vehicle steering system

Abstract

The invention relates to a bearing assembly system for a vehicle steering system. A bearing assembly system for a vehicle steering system includes a tubular member having a radially inwardly projecting shoulder, the tubular member having a radially inwardly angled pile portion, the pile portion having a pile surface. The bearing assembly system also includes a bearing disposed within the tubular member and in contact with the radially inwardly projecting shoulder. The bearing assembly system also includes a retainer disposed within the tubular member and in contact with the bearing, the bearing disposed between the retainer and the radially inwardly projecting shoulder, the retainer having an angled surface that in a fully assembled state is in flush contact with the post surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following description relates to vehicle steering systems, and more specifically to bearing assembly systems for vehicle steering systems. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicles (such as cars, trucks, SUVs, crossovers, minivans, boats, aircraft, all-terrain vehicles, motorhomes, or other suitable vehicles) include a variety of steering systems for steering maneuvering. These steering systems typically include a steering column assembly that converts steering inputs into outputs that interact with steering linkages to ultimately cause the vehicle's wheels to turn.

[0003] The steering column assembly may include one or more sleeves that house a portion of the steering shaft. In one configuration, an upper sleeve is received within a lower sleeve and is translatable or telescoping relative to the lower sleeve to adjust the position of the steering column assembly. In such a configuration, the outer diameter of the upper sleeve is at least partially defined by components (directly or indirectly) connected to the upper sleeve. For example, a combination switch may partially determine the outer diameter of the upper sleeve.

[0004] A combination switch is a lever-type switch that controls multiple functions, including headlights, turn signals, and windshield wipers. As combination switches become smaller, the outer diameter of the upper housing also decreases. This necessitates a smaller bearing located within the upper housing for interaction with the rotary steering shaft. Existing bearings in this particular location suffer from several negative performance aspects. First, excessive force pressing the bearing into the housing reduces rotational friction, potentially enlarging the housing's outer diameter and affecting the interface with the combination switch, resulting in unsatisfactory holding forces across the entire steering column assembly. Rolling or staking features on the housing for pressing the bearing can worsen rotational friction. The housing thickness may be too small to accommodate bearings with resilient retaining rings using conventional structures. Finally, check washers can position the bearing on the housing but with low holding loads. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a steering column assembly includes a sheath defining a bore having an inner sheath diameter and an open axial end. The sheath has a stake portion radially inwardly angled into the bore, the stake portion having a stake surface. The steering column assembly also includes a steering shaft at least partially disposed within the bore of the sheath, the steering shaft being rotatable within and relative to the sheath. The steering column assembly also includes a bearing assembly system. The bearing assembly system includes a bearing disposed within the bore of the sheath, the bearing having a first face, a second face opposite to the first face, an outer bearing diameter, and an inner bearing diameter. The bearing assembly system also includes a retainer formed of an elastic material contacting the first face of the bearing and the inner sheath diameter, the retainer having an angled surface (not parallel to the first face of the bearing) that is flush with the stake surface in a fully assembled state.

[0006] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a bearing assembly system for a vehicle steering system includes a tubular member having a radially inwardly projecting shoulder and a radially inwardly angled pile portion having a pile surface. The bearing assembly system also includes a bearing disposed within the tubular member and in contact with the radially inwardly projecting shoulder. The bearing assembly system further includes a retainer disposed within the tubular member and in contact with the bearing, the bearing being disposed between the retainer and the radially inwardly projecting shoulder, the retainer having an angled surface that, in a fully assembled state, contacts the pile surface flush.

[0007] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for assembling a steering column sleeve assembly is provided. The method includes pressing a bearing into a bore defined by the sleeve to contact the bearing with a radially inwardly projecting shoulder of the sleeve, thereby defining an axial position of the bearing within the sleeve. The method further includes pressing a retainer into the bore of the sleeve to contact the bearing. The method also includes forming a post of the sleeve radially inwardly angled into the bore of the sleeve to establish a flush contact between the angled surface of the retainer and the post surface of the post.

[0008] These and other aspects of this disclosure are disclosed in the following detailed description of embodiments, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0009] This disclosure is best understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. It should be emphasized that, in accordance with conventional practice, the various features in the drawings are not drawn to scale. Instead, for clarity, the dimensions of the various features have been arbitrarily enlarged or reduced.

[0010] Figure 1 A vehicle with a steering system is shown schematically.

[0011] Figure 2 It is a 3D view of the steering column assembly of the steering system;

[0012] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the bearing assembly system of the steering column assembly;

[0013] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a bearing assembly system in a partially assembled state; and

[0014] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a bearing assembly system in a fully assembled state. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The following discussion pertains to various embodiments of this disclosure. While one or more of these embodiments may be described in more detail than others, the disclosed embodiments should not be construed as or otherwise used to limit the scope of this disclosure (including the claims). Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the following description has broad application, and the discussion of any embodiment is merely illustrative and not intended to imply that the scope of this disclosure (including the claims) is limited to that embodiment.

[0016] As described, vehicles (such as cars, trucks, SUVs, crossovers, minivans, boats, aircraft, all-terrain vehicles, motorhomes, or other suitable vehicles) include a variety of steering systems. These steering systems typically include a steering column assembly for converting steering inputs into outputs that interact with steering linkages to ultimately cause the vehicle's wheels to turn.

[0017] First see Figure 1 A vehicle 20 is generally illustrated according to the principles of this disclosure. Vehicle 20 may include any suitable vehicle, such as a car, truck, SUV, minivan, crossover, any other passenger vehicle, any suitable commercial vehicle, or any other suitable vehicle. While vehicle 20 may be a wheeled passenger vehicle intended for use on roads, the principles of this disclosure are applicable to other vehicles, such as aircraft, tractors, boats, or other suitable vehicles. Vehicle 20 may include a propulsion system 30, such as an ignition system, electronic systems, or combinations thereof.

[0018] The vehicle 20 also includes a steering system 40. The steering system 40 can be configured as a driver-interface steering system, an automatic steering system, or a system that allows both driver-interface and automatic steering. The steering system may include an input device 42 (such as a steering wheel) through which the driver mechanically provides steering input by turning the steering wheel. A steering column assembly 44 may include a steering column 45 extending along a longitudinal axis A from the input device 42 to an output assembly 46. The output assembly 46 may include a pinion shaft assembly, an I-axis, a universal joint, a steer-by-wire component, or any other feature conventionally positioned relative to the input device 42.

[0019] The steering column 45 may include at least two axially adjustable portions, such as an upper sleeve 48 and a lower sleeve 50 that are axially adjustable relative to each other. The upper sleeve 48 and the lower sleeve 50 are allowed to move axially relative to each other to allow the operator to adjust the position of the steering input device 42 for safety purposes during a collision event. The relative axial movement is described herein as telescoping, wherein the upper sleeve 48 telescops within the lower sleeve 50 within an axial position ranging from an extended column position to a retracted column position. The steering column assembly 44 may include additional portions providing rake and / or tilt movement.

[0020] Steering gear assembly 54 can be connected to output assembly 46 via steering gear input shaft 56. Steering gear assembly 54 can be configured as a rack and pinion, a recirculating ball steering gear, or any other type of steering gear associated with an automatic and driver-interface steering system. Steering gear assembly 54 can then be connected to drive wheel axle 58 via output shaft 60. Output shaft 60 may include a steering rocker arm and sector gears or other conventional components. Output shaft 60 is operatively connected to steering gear assembly 54 such that rotation of steering gear input shaft 56 causes responsive movement of output shaft 60 and causes drive wheel axle to rotate wheel 61.

[0021] Figure 2 A portion of the steering column assembly 44 is shown. As shown, an upper sheath 48 is received within a lower sheath 50. One or more mounting brackets 70 may be configured to connect the steering column assembly 44 to a fixed structural component of the vehicle 20. The steering column assembly 44 shown includes one or more electric actuators 72 to provide electric telescopic and / or tilt adjustment capabilities.

[0022] Bearing assembly system 100 in Figure 2The bearing assembly system 100 is positioned within the upper sleeve 48 at a location marked "A". The bearing assembly system 100 is positioned near the first end 102 of the upper sleeve 48. The bearing assembly system 100 is positioned to hold the steering shaft 104 in place, which extends within a bore defined by the inner diameter of the upper sleeve 48 and may extend into the lower sleeve 50. The steering shaft 104 is responsive to steering feedback provided by one or more actuators and from the steering input device 42 (… Figure 1 The operator inputs the rotation during operation, and the bearing assembly system 100 facilitates the stable rotation of the steering shaft 104.

[0023] See now Figure 3 The bearing assembly system 100 is shown in more detail. The bearing assembly system 100 is... Figure 3 The image is shown in an exploded view. The bearing assembly system 100 includes a portion of an upper sleeve 48 near a first end 102 of the upper sleeve 48, a bearing 106, and a retainer 108. The bearing 106 is sized to fit within the inner diameter 110 of the upper sleeve 48 at the first end 102. The bearing 106 can be any suitable bearing appropriate for its intended use. The bearing 106 includes a first face 150 and a second face 152 on opposite axial sides of the bearing 106. The bearing also includes an inner bearing diameter 154 and an outer bearing diameter 156. The second face 152 of the bearing is positioned further from the open end of the upper sleeve 48 than the axial distance between the first face 150 and the open end of the upper sleeve 48.

[0024] The retainer 108 extends circumferentially from the first retainer end 112 to the second retainer end 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer 108 is not a complete ring structure because a gap 116 is defined between the first retainer end 112 and the second retainer end 114. The dimensions of the gap 116 relative to the overall shape of the retainer 108 may vary depending on the specific application. In some embodiments, the retainer 108 may be formed as a complete loop or ring.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer 108 includes a retainer body portion 118 extending between a first end section 120 and a second end section 122. The first end section 120 and the second end section 122 are each continuations of the retainer body portion 118 in the circumferential direction of the retainer 108, and each includes radially inwardly projecting extensions, namely, a first end extension 124 and a second end extension 126.

[0026] The retainer 108 is formed of an elastic material such that it can withstand elastic deformation when a force is applied to it. The retainer 108 can be formed of any suitable material that provides the desired tension on the parts it contacts. For example, the retainer 108 can be formed of a spring metal (such as spring steel). As a non-limiting example, the retainer 108 can be formed of 1060-1090 grade steel according to SAE J403 standard.

[0027] Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the bearing assembly system 100 in different assembly states of the system 100. Figure 4 The bearing assembly system 100 is shown in a partially assembled state. At this stage of assembly, the bearing 106 has been pressed into the upper sleeve 48 and along the steering shaft 104 ( Figure 2 The bearing 106 is positioned between the inner diameter of the upper sleeve 48 and the outer surface of the steering shaft 104. The bearing 106 is pressed to contact the shoulder 130 of the upper sleeve 48. Specifically, the second surface 152 of the bearing 106 contacts the shoulder 130 in the assembled state. The shoulder 130 is a portion of the inner diameter of the upper sleeve 48 and extends radially inward relative to an adjacent portion of the inner diameter of the upper sleeve 48. During the pressing of the bearing 106 within the upper sleeve 48, the shoulder 130 defines an axial stop position to ensure the desired axial position of the bearing 106.

[0028] Continue to refer to Figure 4 During the assembly phase shown, the retainer 108 is pressed into an axial position in which it contacts the radially outer portion of the first face of the bearing 106. The dimensions of the retainer 108 and the spring force of the retainer 108 provide tension and friction from the outer diameter of the retainer 108 to the inner diameter of the upper sheath 48.

[0029] See now Figure 5The diagram illustrates the fully assembled stage of the bearing assembly system 100. In this stage, the upper sheath 48 is studded to contact the retainer 108. Specifically, a portion 132 of the upper sheath 48 (also referred to as the "pile") is radially inwardly bent to adjust the angle of the pile surface 134 and to move the pile 132 radially inward into a hole in the sheath to prevent removal of the retainer 108. The angle of the pile surface 134 is aligned with the angled surface 136 of the retainer 108, as shown. The angled surface 136 of the retainer 108 is a ramp formed on the radially outer surface of the retainer 108. Specific complementary angles between the pile surface 134 of the pile 132 and the angled surface 136 of the retainer 108 can vary depending on the desired retaining force. The angled surface 136 of the retainer and the pile surface 134 are each oriented to a first face 150 and a second face 152 that are not parallel to the bearing 106. In the fully assembled state, the angled surface 136 is in flush contact with the pile surface 134.

[0030] Compared to a post that interacts with another retainer at a non-complementary angle, the bearing assembly system 100 provides high retaining force based on the angled surface contact between the post 132 and the retainer 108. Furthermore, because the retainer 108 provides sufficient retaining force, low bearing pressing force is required. The bearing assembly system 100 can be positioned on a stamped sheath with a thickness that is too small for conventional retaining rings.

[0031] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to only a limited number of embodiments, it is readily understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention can be modified to include any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, or equivalent arrangements not previously described but commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, while various embodiments of the invention have been described, it should be understood that aspects of the invention may include only some of the embodiments described. Moreover, any feature, element, component, or advantage of any embodiment may be used in any other embodiment. Therefore, the invention should not be considered as limited to the foregoing description.

Claims

1. A steering column assembly, comprising: A sleeve defining a hole having an inner sleeve diameter and having an open axial end, the sleeve having a pile portion radially inwardly angled into the hole, the pile portion having a pile surface; A steering shaft, at least partially disposed within the bore of the sheath, the steering shaft being rotatable within and relative to the sheath; as well as The bearing assembly system includes: A bearing disposed within the bore of the sheath, the bearing having a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, an outer bearing diameter, and an inner bearing diameter; and A retainer, formed of an elastic material, contacts the first surface of the bearing and the diameter of the inner sheath, the retainer having an angled surface that is not parallel to the first surface of the bearing, the angled surface being flush with the surface of the pile in the fully assembled state.

2. The steering column assembly of claim 1, wherein the retainer extends circumferentially from a first retainer end to a second retainer end, wherein a gap is defined between the first retainer end and the second retainer end.

3. The steering column assembly of claim 2, wherein the first retainer end includes a radially inwardly projecting extension.

4. The steering column assembly of claim 3, wherein the second retainer end includes a radially inwardly projecting extension.

5. The steering column assembly of claim 1, wherein the sleeve is an upper sleeve that is telescopically received within a lower sleeve.

6. The steering column assembly of claim 1, wherein the second face of the bearing contacts a radially inwardly projecting shoulder of the sheath to define the axial position of the bearing.

7. The steering column assembly of claim 1, wherein the retainer is formed of spring metal.

8. A bearing assembly system for a vehicle steering system, comprising: A tubular member having a radially inwardly projecting shoulder, and a radially inwardly angled pile portion having a pile surface; A bearing, which is disposed within the tubular member and contacts the radially inwardly projecting shoulder; and A retainer is disposed within the tubular member and in contact with the bearing, the bearing being disposed between the retainer and the radially inwardly projecting shoulder, the retainer having an angled surface that, in the fully assembled state, is flush with the surface of the pile.

9. The bearing assembly system of claim 8, wherein the tubular member is a steering column sheath.

10. The bearing assembly system of claim 9, wherein the steering column sheath is an upper sheath received telescopically within a lower sheath.

11. The bearing assembly system of claim 8, wherein the retainer extends circumferentially from a first retainer end to a second retainer end, wherein a gap is defined between the first retainer end and the second retainer end.

12. The bearing assembly system of claim 11, wherein the first retainer end includes a radially inwardly projecting extension.

13. The bearing assembly system of claim 12, wherein the second retainer end includes a radially inwardly projecting extension.

14. The bearing assembly system of claim 8, wherein the retainer is formed of spring metal.

15. A method for assembling a steering column sheath assembly, comprising: The bearing is pressed into a hole defined by a sleeve so that the bearing contacts a radially inwardly projecting shoulder of the sleeve, thereby defining the axial position of the bearing within the sleeve. Press the retainer into the hole of the sheath to contact the bearing; as well as The stake of the sheath is formed radially inward at an angle into the hole of the sheath to establish a flush contact between the angled surface of the retainer and the stake surface of the stake.

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