Anti-rattling device for a commercial vehicle

Abstract

The worm gear and worm shaft are housed within a cavity of the housing. A first end of the worm shaft is mounted in a bearing, and a second end of the worm shaft can be coupled to a motor shaft. The housing defines a channel extending perpendicular to the worm shaft, connecting the cavity to the outside of the housing. A pin, positioned within the channel, has its first end in contact with the bearing. A plug bolt is positioned at the opening of the channel, and a spring is positioned within the channel between the plug bolt and the pin. The spring is biased to apply a biasing force to the bearing, thereby pressing the worm shaft in the direction of the worm gear, so that the threads of the worm shaft maintain constant engagement with multiple teeth of the worm gear.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an anti-noise device for a steering assist system in commercial vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] In traditional commercial vehicles, the steering components are typically integrated with a steering assist system. Steering assist systems generally provide feedback torque to the steering wheel, allowing the driver to feel controlled resistance when steering. To achieve this, the steering assist system integrates various sensors, electronic controllers, and motor actuators, all of which work together to simulate natural road feedback based on vehicle speed, steering angle, and other factors. During the operation of a commercial vehicle, the mechanical components of the steering assist system (such as bearings, bushings, or gear systems) can develop play or clearance, leading to unusual noises, especially when the commercial vehicle is driven on rough surfaces. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a worm gear assembly comprising: a housing unit having a cavity; a worm wheel rotatably disposed in the cavity of the housing and having a plurality of teeth arranged along the circumference of the worm wheel; a worm shaft disposed in the cavity of the housing, extending in a direction parallel to the plane of the worm wheel and having threads configured to engage with the plurality of teeth, wherein a first end of the worm shaft is rotatably mounted in a bearing, and a second end of the worm shaft is mechanically coupled to a motor shaft, wherein the housing defines a channel extending perpendicular to the worm shaft and connecting the cavity to the outside of the housing; a pin disposed in the channel, wherein a first end of the pin contacts the bearing; a plug bolt disposed at the opening of the channel; and a spring disposed in the channel between the plug bolt and the pin, the spring being biased to apply a force away from the plug bolt on the bearing, thereby pressing the worm shaft in the direction of the worm wheel so that the threads of the worm shaft maintain constant engagement with the plurality of teeth.

[0004] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the worm gear assembly is part of a steering assist system coupled to an electric steering device in a commercial vehicle.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the bearing includes an inner ring and an outer ring, wherein the inner ring of the bearing contacts the worm shaft, and the outer ring of the bearing contacts the first end of the pin.

[0006] According to the first embodiment, the worm shaft rotates together with the inner ring of the bearing.

[0007] According to the first aspect of the embodiment, the elliptical retaining ring is disposed in the cavity and adjacent to the outer ring of the bearing.

[0008] According to the first aspect of the embodiment, the first end of the pin is inserted through an opening in the elliptical retaining ring, such that the first end of the pin contacts the bearing.

[0009] According to the first aspect of the implementation, multiple O-rings are arranged adjacent to an elliptical retaining ring.

[0010] In a second aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a method for reducing abnormal noise in a worm gear assembly, the method comprising: providing a housing unit having a cavity; providing a worm wheel rotatably disposed in the cavity of the housing and having a plurality of teeth arranged along the circumference of the worm wheel; providing a worm shaft disposed in the cavity of the housing, the worm shaft extending in a direction parallel to the plane of the worm wheel and having threads configured to engage with the plurality of teeth, wherein a first end of the worm shaft is rotatably mounted in a bearing and a second end of the worm shaft is mechanically coupled to a motor shaft, wherein the housing defines a channel extending perpendicular to the direction of the worm shaft and connecting the cavity to the outside of the housing; providing a pin in the channel, wherein a first end of the pin contacts the bearing; providing a plug bolt disposed at an opening of the channel; and providing a spring in the channel between the plug bolt and the pin, the spring being biased to apply a force on the bearing away from the plug bolt, thereby pressing the worm shaft in the direction of the worm wheel so that the threads of the worm shaft maintain constant engagement with the plurality of teeth.

[0011] According to the second aspect of the implementation, the worm gear assembly is part of a steering assist system coupled to the electric steering device of a commercial vehicle.

[0012] According to the second aspect of the embodiment, the bearing includes an inner ring and an outer ring, wherein the inner ring of the bearing contacts the worm shaft and the outer ring of the bearing contacts the first end of the pin.

[0013] According to the second embodiment, the worm shaft rotates together with the inner ring of the bearing.

[0014] According to the second aspect of the embodiment, the elliptical retaining ring is disposed in the cavity and adjacent to the outer ring of the bearing.

[0015] According to the second aspect of the implementation, the first end of the pin is inserted through the opening in the elliptical retaining ring, so that the first end of the pin contacts the bearing.

[0016] According to the second aspect of the implementation, multiple O-rings are arranged adjacent to an elliptical retaining ring. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the exemplary accompanying drawings. The invention is not limited to exemplary embodiments. All features described and / or illustrated herein may be used individually or in different combinations in embodiments of the invention. The features and advantages of various embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 A perspective view of a steering system connected to a steering assist system in a commercial vehicle according to one or more examples of the present invention is shown; Figure 2 A perspective view of a steering assist system with a main housing and anti-noise devices is shown; Figure 3 A perspective view of a steering assist system according to one or more examples of the present invention is shown, the steering assist system including a worm gear, a worm shaft, and components of an anti-noise device; Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a steering assist system with an anti-noise device according to one or more examples of the present invention is shown; and Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of an anti-noise device for a steering assist system according to one or more examples of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Examples of this application will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show some, but not all, examples of this application. In fact, this application may be exemplified in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples described herein; rather, these examples are provided to enable this application to meet the requirements of applicable law. Where possible, any term expressed in the singular form herein is intended to also include the plural form, and vice versa, unless otherwise expressly stated. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “a” and / or “an” should mean “one or more,” even though the phrase “one or more” is used herein. Additionally, when something is referred to herein as being “based on” something else, it may also be based on one or more other things. In other words, unless otherwise expressly indicated, “based on” as used herein means “at least partially based on” or “at least partially based on.”

[0019] Traditional steering components in commercial vehicles include steering assist systems, which improve vehicle control and enhance the driving experience. Steering assist systems integrate various sensors, electronic controllers, and motor actuators, all working together to simulate natural road feedback based on vehicle speed, steering angle, and other factors. Mechanical components of the steering assist system (such as bearings, bushings, or gear systems) can produce backlash or play, leading to rattling noises, vibrations, and screeching sounds in the steering system, and potentially accelerating wear and tear. In some embodiments, the steering assist system includes a worm gear and a worm shaft. The worm gear includes multiple teeth arranged along its circumference. The worm shaft includes threads configured to interact with the multiple teeth of the worm gear. The design of conventional steering assist systems allows free movement of the worm shaft, potentially leading to a loss of contact between the worm shaft and the worm gear. This free movement of the worm shaft results in rattling noises in the steering assist system.

[0020] This invention describes the use of an anti-noise device to maintain constant contact between the worm shaft and the worm wheel in a steering assist system. Embodiments of the invention describe the application of a force to the worm shaft using a combination of a rotating bearing, pin, spring, and plug, ensuring constant contact between the worm shaft and the worm wheel, thereby reducing worm shaft noise. By installing an anti-noise device in the steering assist system, existing steering assist systems can be made more durable and provide superior performance and reliability in commercial vehicle operation. The anti-noise device installed in the steering assist system also reduces the chance of operating noise due to long-term wear of gear surfaces (e.g., worm wheel and worm shaft).

[0021] Figure 1 A perspective view of a steering system connected to a steering assist system in a commercial vehicle according to one or more examples of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 The perspective view 100 shows a commercial vehicle 110 including a steering system 102. The steering system 102 includes a steering wheel 108, a steering column 106, and a steering assist system 104. In some embodiments, the steering assist system 104 may be a ReAX (reverse action) module. In some embodiments, the steering assist system 104 may be coupled to a steering gear. The steering gear may be coupled to the wheel assembly of the commercial vehicle 110.

[0022] In some embodiments, steering commands received at the steering wheel 108 from the driver of the commercial vehicle 110 are transmitted via the steering column 106 to the steering gear and to the wheel assemblies of the commercial vehicle 110. In some embodiments, the steering assist system 104 may assist the driver of the commercial vehicle based on the steering input provided by the driver at the steering wheel 108. For example, the steering assist system may provide feedback torque to the steering wheel, thereby allowing the driver to feel controlled resistance when steering.

[0023] Figure 2 A perspective view of a steering assist system according to one or more examples of the present invention is shown, the steering assist system having a main housing and components for an anti-noise device. Figure 2 The perspective view 200 shows the steering assist system 104. For the purposes of this invention, the steering assist system may be referred to as the ReAX module. The steering assist system 104 includes a main housing 214 and a housing cover 210. In some embodiments, the worm gear and worm shaft of the steering assist system 104 may be disposed within the main housing 214. The housing cover 210 may be coupled to the main housing 214 to cover the worm gear.

[0024] In some embodiments, the main housing 214 may include an opening allowing access to the worm shaft. A first opening 212 in the main housing 214 may allow insertion of a bearing 208. The bearing 208 may be used around a first end portion of the worm shaft and may include an inner ring and an outer ring. In some embodiments, the inner ring of the bearing may allow rotation of the first end of the worm shaft while the outer ring remains stationary. A second end of the worm shaft (e.g., opposite the first end) may be coupled to a motor shaft.

[0025] In such an embodiment, the second opening 216 of the main housing 214 can form a channel between the exterior of the main housing 214 and the interior of the main housing 214. A pin 206, a spring 204, and a plug 202 can be inserted into the channel of the main housing 214 via the opening 216. In some embodiments, the pin 206 can be configured such that a first end of the pin 206 is adjacent to the outer ring of the bearing 208. The spring 204 can be inserted into the channel formed by the opening 216 and disposed on the pin 206, and the plug 202 can be used to close the second opening 216 of the main housing 214. In some embodiments, the plug 202 can compress the spring 204, which can then apply a biasing force to the pin 206. The biasing force applied to the pin 206 can press the pin 206 against the bearing 208, thereby maintaining constant contact between the worm shaft and the worm wheel.

[0026] Figure 3 A perspective view of a steering assist system comprising a worm gear, a worm shaft, and an anti-noise device, according to one or more examples of the present invention, is shown. Figure 3 The perspective view 300 shows the removal of the main housing 214 (in Figure 2 (As shown in the image) This is followed by the steering assist system 104. Figure 3 As shown, the worm shaft 302 and the worm wheel 304 can be housed within the main housing 214 of the steering assist system 104. The housing cover 210 can be used to cover the worm wheel 304.

[0027] Bearing 208 can be mechanically coupled to worm shaft 302. In some embodiments, bearing 208 can be used around a first end portion of worm shaft 208. Bearing 208 can be used around a portion of worm shaft and can include an inner ring and an outer ring. A second end of worm shaft (e.g., opposite the first end) can be coupled to a motor shaft. In some embodiments, the inner ring of the bearing can allow the worm shaft to rotate while the outer ring remains stationary. Pin 206 can be configured such that a first end of pin 206 is adjacent to the outer ring of bearing 208. Spring 204 can be disposed on pin 206, and plug 202 can be used to hold spring 204, pin 206, and bearing 208 in place. In some embodiments, plug 202 can be used to close a second opening 216 of main housing 214 (e.g., ...). Figure 2 (As shown). In some embodiments, the plug 202 can compress the spring 204, which can then apply a biasing force to the pin 206. The biasing force applied to the pin 206 can press the pin 206 against the bearing 208, thereby maintaining constant contact between the worm shaft and the worm wheel.

[0028] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a steering assist system with an anti-noise device according to one or more examples of the present invention is shown. Cross-sectional view 400 of the steering assist system 104 shows the worm gear 304 and the worm shaft 302. (As shown) Figure 4 As shown, the worm gear 304 has a plurality of teeth arranged along its circumference. The teeth on the circumference of the worm gear 304 engage with the threaded portion of the worm shaft 302. During operation of the commercial vehicle, the threaded portion of the worm shaft 302 may disengage from the teeth of the worm gear 304. This disengagement may also generate noise during operation of the steering assist system 104. The noise reduction device 402 can be used to apply force to the worm shaft 302, ensuring constant contact between the threaded portion of the worm shaft 302 and the corresponding teeth of the worm gear 304. (Reference) Figure 5 Detailed description of the noise prevention device 402.

[0029] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of an anti-noise device for a steering assist system according to one or more examples of the present invention is shown. Cross-sectional view 500 shows the anti-noise device integrated with the main housing 214 of the steering assist system 104. An opening 216 in the main housing 214 forms a channel 514 extending from the edge of the main housing 214 to an inner cavity in which the worm shaft 302 is disposed. In some embodiments, the channel 514 connects the outside of the main housing 214 to the inner cavity of the main housing 214. In some embodiments, components of the anti-noise device 402 may be included within the channel 514. The anti-noise device 402 may include a bearing 208, a pin 206, a spring 204, and a plug 202.

[0030] The bearing 208 of the noise reduction device 402 surrounds a first end portion of the worm shaft 302. In some embodiments, the bearing 208 has an inner ring 510 and an outer ring 512. The inner ring 510 allows the first end of the worm shaft 302 to rotate, while the outer ring 512 remains stationary. The bearing 208 may be surrounded by an elliptical retaining ring (e.g., a clamshell retaining ring) 508. The clamshell retaining ring 508 may be used to connect the noise reduction device 402 to the end plug 506 of the steering assist system 104. Additionally, an O-ring 504 may be used to hold the clamshell retaining ring 508 in place.

[0031] Pin 206 may be disposed in channel 514. In some embodiments, pin 206 may be inserted through an opening in clamshell retainer 508 such that a first end of the pin may be disposed adjacent to the outer ring 512 of bearing 208. Spring 204 may be disposed in channel 514 and on pin 206, and plug 202 may be used to close opening 216 of channel 514. In some embodiments, plug 202 may compress spring 204, which may then apply a biasing force to pin 206. The biasing force applied to pin 206 may press pin 206 against bearing 208, thereby maintaining constant contact between the worm shaft and the worm wheel.

[0032] While the subject matter of the invention has been detailed and described in the accompanying drawings and the foregoing description, such description and illustration should be considered illustrative or exemplary, and not restrictive. Any statements made herein characterizing the invention should also be considered illustrative or exemplary, and not restrictive, as the invention is defined by the claims. It should be understood that changes and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the appended claims, which may include any combination of features from the different embodiments described above.

[0033] The terms used in the claims should be interpreted as having the broadest reasonable interpretation consistent with the foregoing description. For example, the use of the articles “a” or “the” when introducing an element should not be interpreted as excluding multiple elements. Similarly, the expression “or” should be interpreted as inclusive, such that the expression “A or B” does not exclude “A and B” unless it is clear from the context or the foregoing description that it refers only to one of A and B. Furthermore, the expression “at least one of A, B, and C” should be interpreted as one or more of a set of elements consisting of A, B, and C, and should not be interpreted as requiring at least one of each of the listed elements A, B, and C, regardless of whether A, B, and C are related in category or otherwise. In addition, the expressions “A, B, and / or C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” should be interpreted as including any singular entity from the listed elements (e.g., A), any subset from the listed elements (e.g., A and B), or the entire list of elements A, B, and C.

Claims

1. A worm gear assembly comprising: a housing unit having a cavity; a worm gear rotatably disposed in the cavity of the housing, the worm gear having a plurality of teeth disposed along a circumference of the worm gear; a worm shaft disposed in the cavity of the housing, the worm shaft extending in a direction parallel to a plane of the worm gear and having a thread configured to engage with the plurality of teeth, wherein a first end of the worm shaft is rotatably mounted in a bearing and a second end of the worm shaft is mechanically couplable to a motor shaft, wherein the housing defines a passage extending perpendicular to the direction of the worm shaft and connecting the cavity with an exterior of the housing.

2. The worm and gear assembly of claim 1, wherein, the worm gear assembly is part of a steering assist system coupled to an electric power steering of a commercial vehicle.

3. The worm and gear assembly of claim 1, wherein, the bearing includes an inner race and an outer race, and wherein the inner race of the bearing is in contact with the worm shaft and the outer race of the bearing is in contact with the first end of the pin.

4. The worm and gear assembly of claim 3, wherein, the worm shaft rotates with the inner race of the bearing.

5. The worm and gear assembly of claim 4 wherein, an oval clip is disposed within the cavity and adjacent to the outer race of the bearing.

6. The worm and gear assembly of claim 5 wherein, the first end of the pin is inserted through an opening in the oval clip such that the first end of the pin is in contact with the bearing.

7. The worm and gear assembly of claim 6 wherein, a plurality of O-rings are disposed adjacent to the oval clip.

8. A method of reducing rattle in a worm gear assembly, the method comprising: providing a housing unit having a cavity; providing a worm gear rotatably disposed in the cavity of the housing and having a plurality of teeth disposed along a circumference of the worm gear; providing a worm shaft disposed in the cavity of the housing, the worm shaft extending in a direction parallel to a plane of the worm gear and having a thread configured to engage with the plurality of teeth, wherein a first end of the worm shaft is rotatably mounted in a bearing and a second end of the worm shaft is mechanically couplable to a motor shaft, wherein the housing defines a passage extending perpendicular to the direction of the worm shaft and connecting the cavity with an exterior of the housing; disposing a pin in the passage, wherein a first end of the pin is in contact with the bearing; providing a plug bolt disposed at an opening of the passage; and disposing a spring in the passage between the plug bolt and the pin, the spring being biased to exert a force on the bearing away from the plug bolt, thereby compressing the worm shaft in a direction of the worm gear to maintain constant engagement of the thread of the worm shaft with the plurality of teeth.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, the worm gear assembly is part of a steering assist system coupled to an electric power steering of a commercial vehicle.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein, the bearing includes an inner race and an outer race, and wherein the inner race of the bearing is in contact 11. The method of claim 10, wherein, the worm shaft rotates with the inner race of the bearing.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, an oval clip is disposed within the passage and adjacent to the outer race of the bearing. the first end of the pin is inserted through the opening in the oval clip such that the first end of the pin is in contact with the bearing.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, The first end of the pin is inserted through an opening in the elliptical retaining ring, such that the first end of the pin contacts the bearing.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, Multiple O-rings are arranged adjacent to the elliptical retaining ring.

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