A gap compensation assembly and rack and pinion power steering gear

Abstract

This application provides a clearance compensation component and a rack and pinion power steering system, belonging to the field of steering system technology. The clearance compensation component, through the cooperation of a support end cover, a support pressure block, and an elastic element, is installed within the mounting hole of the power steering system housing to compensate for the meshing clearance of the gear and rack. Simultaneously, the cooperating support end cover and support pressure block define an oil reservoir. Relying on the oil seepage hole on the pressure surface of the support pressure block that connects to the oil reservoir, a continuous and stable lubrication supply is achieved to the gear and rack meshing parts. This effectively avoids increased friction and abnormal wear of the gear and rack due to insufficient lubrication, ensuring that the support pressure block reliably presses against the rack under the elastic support of the elastic element, maintaining a stable clearance compensation effect. This significantly improves the smoothness and service life of the gear and rack meshing operation, while integrating clearance compensation and lubrication functions into one compact structure and stable and reliable operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of steering technology, and more specifically, to a clearance compensation component and a rack and pinion power steering system. Background Technology

[0002] During vehicle operation, the long-term meshing of the gears and rack in a rack-and-pinion power steering system will cause wear, leading to an increase in meshing clearance, which in turn can cause problems such as steering play, impact noise, etc.

[0003] To eliminate the aforementioned gaps, existing steering gears generally incorporate a gap compensation mechanism on the housing, utilizing an elastic preload structure to push a pressure block against the rack, thereby achieving dynamic compensation for wear gaps.

[0004] Currently, conventional clearance compensation mechanisms mainly include a support base, an elastic element, and a pressure block installed in the mounting hole of the housing. The pressure block moves axially along the mounting hole under the action of the elastic element, and its end face abuts against the back of the rack to maintain continuous meshing of the gear and rack.

[0005] However, traditional clearance compensation mechanisms can only achieve clearance compensation and cannot provide continuous, stable and reliable lubrication to the gear and rack meshing parts. Long-term use can easily lead to problems such as insufficient lubrication, increased friction, accelerated wear and abnormal steering noise, which is difficult to meet the requirements of modern power steering systems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a clearance compensation component and a rack and pinion power steering system. The clearance compensation component, through the cooperation of a support end cover, a support pressure block, and an elastic element, is installed within the mounting hole of the power steering housing. While compensating for the meshing clearance of the gear and rack, the cooperating support end cover and support pressure block jointly define an oil reservoir. Relying on the oil seepage holes on the pressure surface of the support pressure block that connect to the oil reservoir, a continuous and stable lubrication supply is achieved to the gear and rack meshing parts. This effectively prevents increased friction and abnormal wear of the gear and rack due to insufficient lubrication. It ensures that the support pressure block, under the elastic support of the elastic element, reliably presses against the rack, maintaining a stable clearance compensation effect. This significantly improves the smoothness and service life of the gear and rack meshing operation, while integrating clearance compensation and lubrication functions into a single unit, resulting in a compact structure and stable and reliable operation. Specifically: The first aspect of this application provides a clearance compensation component for compensating the meshing clearance between a gear and a rack in a power steering system. The clearance compensation component is installed in a mounting hole in the power steering system housing. The clearance compensation component includes: Support end cap, used for fixed installation in the housing mounting hole; The support base pressure block and the support base end cover cooperate with each other in the axial direction of the housing mounting hole. The support base pressure block has a pressing surface for pressing the rack on the side opposite to the support base end cover. The elastic element is elastically supported between the end cap of the support base and the pressure block of the support base, and is used to ensure that the top pressure surface of the pressure block of the support base always elastically presses against the rack. The support end cap and support pressure block, which cooperate with each other, define the oil storage cavity. The top pressure surface of the support pressure block is provided with an oil seepage hole that connects to the oil storage cavity.

[0007] In the above technical solution, the support seat end cover includes an end cover body, the end cover body has an end cover mating surface for mating with the support seat pressure block, and the support seat pressure block has a pressure block mating surface for mating with the end cover mating surface. The support base pressure block has a first groove and a second groove recessed on the mating surface of the pressure block, and the second groove is arranged around the outer periphery of the first groove; The end cap body has a third groove recessed on the end cap mating surface. The support end cap also includes a sealing member, at least a portion of which is disposed in the third groove and protrudes towards the first groove. When the end cap body and the support base pressure block are fitted together through the mating surface, the sealing member seals the first groove to jointly define the oil storage cavity. The second and third grooves cooperate to jointly define the elastic element mounting cavity surrounding the oil storage cavity. The elastic element is located in the elastic element mounting cavity, and one end of the elastic element elastically abuts the bottom of the second groove, and the other end elastically abuts the bottom of the third groove.

[0008] In the above technical solution, the elastic element is a spring, which is located in the elastic element mounting cavity and is sleeved around the outer periphery of the first groove. One end of the spring is elastically abutted against the bottom of the second groove, and the other end is elastically abutted against the bottom of the third groove.

[0009] In the above technical solution, the end cap body is provided with an oil filling port on the side away from the end cap mating surface. The position of the oil filling port corresponds to the position of the first groove and is connected to the third groove. Lubricating oil can be replenished into the first groove in sequence through the oil filling port and the third groove. The sealing component can seal the oil filling port, and when the sealing component seals the oil filling port, the part of the sealing component that protrudes towards the first groove seals the opening of the first groove.

[0010] In the above technical solution, the first groove is a cylindrical groove, and the part of the sealing member used to seal the opening of the first groove is constructed as a cone or frustum that tapers towards the opening of the first groove.

[0011] In the above technical solution, the sealing component is a sealing rubber plug that is screwed or press-fitted onto the oil filler port; When the sealing rubber plug is installed in place, the part of the sealing rubber plug that protrudes into the first groove seals the opening of the first groove.

[0012] In the above technical solution, the first groove is a circular groove formed in the middle of the support base pressure block; The second groove is an annular groove surrounding the outer periphery of the first groove; The third groove is a circular groove opened in the middle of the end cap body; The first groove, the second groove, and the third groove are arranged coaxially, and the outer diameters of the second groove and the third groove are the same.

[0013] In the above technical solution, the gap compensation component also includes: The first sealing element is disposed between the mating surfaces of the end cover body support seat pressure block; The second sealing element is located on the outer periphery of the end cap body and is used to seal the mating gap between the end cap body and the housing mounting hole. The third seal is located on the outer periphery of the support block and is used to seal the mating gap between the support block and the housing mounting hole.

[0014] In the above technical solution, the diameter d of the oil seepage hole satisfies: 0.8mm≤d≤1.2mm.

[0015] A second aspect of this application provides a rack and pinion power steering system, which includes the aforementioned backlash compensation component.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art: The clearance compensation component in this embodiment is configured by the cooperation of the support end cover, the support pressure block, and the elastic element. While being installed in the mounting hole of the power steering housing and compensating for the meshing clearance of the gear and rack, the support end cover and the support pressure block together define an oil reservoir. The oil leakage hole on the top surface of the support pressure block, which connects to the oil reservoir, ensures a continuous and stable lubrication supply to the gear and rack meshing parts. This effectively avoids increased friction and abnormal wear of the gear and rack due to insufficient lubrication. It also ensures that the support pressure block, under the elastic support of the elastic element, reliably presses against the rack, maintaining a stable clearance compensation effect. This significantly improves the smoothness and service life of the gear and rack meshing operation, while integrating clearance compensation and lubrication functions into one compact structure and stable and reliable operation. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the support end cap in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the support base pressure block in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the appearance structure of the support end cap and support pressure block after they are fitted together in the embodiments of this application; Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the middle AA surface.

[0018] in: 10-Support end cap; 10a-End cap body; 10b-Sealing component; 103-Third groove; 20-Support base pressure block; 201-First groove; 202-Second groove; 203-Top pressure surface; 2031-Oil seepage hole; 30 - Elastic element; 40 - Oil reservoir; 50 - Elastic element mounting cavity; 60 - First seal; 70 - Second seal; 80 - Third seal. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0020] Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms will have at least the meaning explicitly associated herein, unless the context otherwise requires. The meanings defined below are not intended to limit the terms, but are merely illustrative examples. In the description of this invention, the phrase "in one embodiment" does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may refer to the same embodiment. Similarly, the phrase "in some embodiments," as used herein, does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment when used multiple times, although it may refer to the same embodiment. As used herein, the term "or" is an inclusive "or" operator and is equivalent to the term "and / or," unless the context clearly specifies otherwise. The term "based on" is not exclusive and allows for reliance on additional factors not described, unless the context clearly specifies otherwise. The word "exemplary" herein means "used as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as superior to or better than other embodiments. The scope of this invention is limited only by the scope of the appended claims, and any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting, but merely illustrate some of the many possible embodiments of the claimed invention. The various embodiments provided in this invention should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.

[0021] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0022] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0023] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0024] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0025] Example like Figures 1-4 As shown, the first aspect of this application provides a clearance compensation component for compensating the meshing clearance between a gear and a rack in a power steering system. The clearance compensation component is installed in a mounting hole in the power steering system housing and includes: Support end cap 10, the support end cap 10 is used to be fixedly installed in the housing mounting hole; The support base pressure block 20 and the support base end cover 10 cooperate with each other along the axial direction of the housing mounting hole. The support base pressure block 20 has a pressing surface 203 for pressing the rack on the side opposite to the support base end cover 10, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the top pressure surface 203 is an arc-shaped surface adapted to the outer peripheral contour surface of the rack; The elastic element 30 is elastically supported between the support end cover 10 and the support pressure block 20, and is used to ensure that the top pressure surface 203 of the support pressure block 20 always elastically presses against the rack. The support end cap 10 and the support pressure block 20, which cooperate with each other, define the oil storage cavity 40. The top pressure surface 203 of the support pressure block 20 is provided with an oil seepage hole 2031 that communicates with the oil storage cavity 40.

[0026] In this embodiment, the clearance compensation component is fixedly installed in the power steering housing mounting hole via the support end cap 10. The support pressure block 20 and the support end cap 10 cooperate with each other axially along the housing mounting hole. The elastic element 30 is elastically supported between the support end cap 10 and the support pressure block 20, so that the top pressure surface 203 of the support pressure block 20 always elastically presses against the rack to stably achieve meshing clearance compensation. The oil storage cavity 40 defined by the cooperation between the support end cap 10 and the support pressure block 20 can use various cavity structures, sealing forms and cavity layouts to achieve oil storage. The oil seepage hole 2031 opened on the top pressure surface 203 of the support pressure block 20, which connects to the oil storage cavity 40, can use a single hole, multiple holes, micro-pore array or equivalent oil seepage channel structure to achieve slow release of lubricating medium, providing continuous and stable lubrication for the gear and rack meshing parts, reducing friction and wear, avoiding abnormal noise and jamming, and ensuring smooth and reliable meshing operation.

[0027] Furthermore, in some possible embodiments, the support end cap 10 includes an end cap body 10a, the end cap body 10a having an end cap mating surface for cooperating with the support pressure block 20, and the support pressure block 20 having a pressure block mating surface for cooperating with the end cap mating surface. The support block 20 has a first groove 201 and a second groove 202 recessed on the mating surface side, and the second groove 202 is arranged around the outer periphery of the first groove 201. The end cap body 10a has a third groove 103 recessed on the end cap mating surface. The support end cap 10 also includes a sealing member 10b, at least a portion of which is disposed in the third groove 103 and protrudes towards the first groove 201. When the end cap body 10a and the support base pressure block 20 are engaged together through the mating surface, the sealing member 10b seals the first groove 201 to jointly define the oil storage cavity 40. The second groove 202 and the third groove 103 cooperate to jointly define the elastic element mounting cavity 50 surrounding the oil storage cavity 40. The elastic element 30 is disposed in the elastic element mounting cavity 50, and one end of the elastic element 30 elastically abuts against the bottom of the second groove 202 and the other end elastically abuts against the bottom of the third groove 103.

[0028] In this embodiment, the end cap body 10a of the support base end cap 10 and the support base pressure block 20 are mated together. The first groove 201 is sealed by the sealing member 10b to form an oil storage cavity 40. At the same time, the second groove 202 and the third groove 103 are mated to form an elastic element mounting cavity 50 around the outer periphery of the oil storage cavity 40. The oil storage cavity 40 and the elastic element mounting cavity 50 can be arranged in an inner and outer ring layer, so that the elastic element 30 is stably installed in the elastic element mounting cavity 50 and the two ends are reliably connected. This ensures that the elastic support force is uniform and stable and the gap compensation action is reliable. It also achieves spatial isolation between the oil storage function and the elastic support function, and avoids the movement of the elastic element 30 from interfering with the sealing and oil supply stability of the oil storage cavity 40. This makes the oil storage cavity 40 reliably formed, has a good sealing effect, and the lubricating medium is not easy to leak. The overall structure is compact, the assembly positioning is accurate, and the working stability is strong.

[0029] It should be noted that the end cap body 10a, sealing member 10b, first groove 201, second groove 202, third groove 103, oil storage cavity 40 and elastic member mounting cavity 50 in this application can all be implemented with specific structures that are functionally equivalent, including but not limited to grooves with different cross-sectional shapes, different forms of sealing structures, different layouts of annular cavities, and different sealing methods of matching structures. The above equivalent deformations can all achieve the layered arrangement and stable operation of oil storage and elastic support.

[0030] Specifically, the elastic element 30 is a spring, which is located in the elastic element mounting cavity 50 and is sleeved around the outer periphery of the first groove 201. One end of the spring is elastically abutted against the bottom of the second groove 202, and the other end is elastically abutted against the bottom of the third groove 103.

[0031] In this embodiment, the spring is placed inside the elastic element mounting cavity 50 and looped around the outer periphery of the first groove 201. This allows the spring to form a uniform circumferential elastic support around the oil storage cavity 40, ensuring that the support seat pressure block 20 is subjected to balanced force and does not deviate or jam when pressing the rack. This significantly improves the stability and consistency of gap compensation. At the same time, the spring loop arrangement can make full use of the radial space, making the overall assembly more compact, easier to assemble, and more stable and reliable in terms of elastic force.

[0032] It should be noted that the spring can adopt various equivalent elastic structures such as cylindrical compression spring, conical spring, and rectangular cross-section spring. All of the above structures can achieve the functions of ring arrangement and uniform elastic support. Preferably, the spring is a cylindrical compression spring.

[0033] Furthermore, in some possible embodiments, the end cap body 10a is provided with an oil filling port on the side opposite to the end cap mating surface. The position of the oil filling port corresponds to the position of the first groove 201 and is connected to the third groove 103. Lubricating oil can be replenished into the first groove 201 in sequence through the oil filling port and the third groove 103. The sealing member 10b can seal the oil filling port, and when the sealing member 10b seals the oil filling port, the portion of the sealing member 10b protruding towards the first groove 201 seals the opening of the first groove 201.

[0034] In this embodiment, an oil replenishment port corresponding to the position of the first groove 201 and communicating with the third groove 103 is provided on the side of the end cap body 10a away from the end cap mating surface. This allows lubricating oil to be directly replenished into the first groove 201 through the oil replenishment port and the third groove 103 in sequence. This achieves a convenient maintenance function of replenishing lubricating oil to the oil storage cavity 40 without disassembling the gap compensation component. At the same time, while sealing the oil replenishment port, the part of the sealing member 10b protruding towards the first groove 201 can simultaneously seal the groove opening of the first groove 201. This integrates the sealing of the oil replenishment channel and the sealing of the oil storage cavity into the same sealing member 10b, which simplifies the sealing structure, reduces the number of sealing components, significantly improves the sealing reliability, avoids lubricating oil leakage, and achieves the technical effects of convenient oil replenishment, reliable sealing, and efficient maintenance.

[0035] It should be noted that the oil filling port in this application can adopt various opening forms such as circular hole, elliptical hole, threaded hole, etc., and the sealing component 10b can adopt various sealing structures such as screw plug, plug, plunger, sealing plug, etc.

[0036] Specifically, the first groove 201 is a cylindrical groove, and the part of the sealing member 10b used to seal the opening of the first groove 201 is constructed as a cone or frustum that tapers towards the opening of the first groove 201.

[0037] In this embodiment, by setting the first groove 201 as a cylindrical groove and constructing the portion of the sealing member 10b used to seal the opening of the first groove 201 as a cone or frustum that tapers towards the first groove 201, automatic centering and guidance can be achieved when the sealing member 10b is installed and sealed. This ensures that the sealing member 10b and the opening of the first groove 201 are precisely matched and tightly sealed, effectively improving the sealing reliability of the oil storage cavity 40 and preventing lubricating oil from leaking from the groove opening. At the same time, the guiding structure of the cone or frustum can reduce the assembly difficulty, ensure smooth assembly, and further improve the overall sealing performance and assembly stability of the gap compensation component.

[0038] Furthermore, in some possible embodiments, the sealing element 10b is a sealing rubber plug that is screwed or press-fitted onto the oil filler port; When the sealing rubber plug is installed in place, the portion of the sealing rubber plug that protrudes into the first groove 201 seals the opening of the first groove 201.

[0039] In this embodiment, by setting the sealing component 10b as a sealing rubber plug that can be screwed or pressed onto the oil filling port, the elastic deformation characteristics of the rubber itself can be used to achieve a double seal between the oil filling port and the groove of the first groove 201. The seal is tight and not prone to leakage. At the same time, the sealing rubber plug can be installed and removed by screwing or pressing, which is simple and quick to operate and facilitates the subsequent replenishment and maintenance of lubricating oil. After installation, the oil filling port and the oil storage chamber 40 can be sealed simultaneously. The structure is simple, the cost is low and the use is reliable.

[0040] Furthermore, in some possible implementations, the first groove 201 is a circular groove formed in the middle of the support base pressure block 20; The second groove 202 is an annular groove surrounding the first groove 201; The third groove 103 is a circular groove formed in the middle of the end cap body 10a; The first groove 201, the second groove 202 and the third groove 103 are coaxially arranged, and the outer diameters of the second groove 202 and the third groove 103 are the same.

[0041] In this embodiment, the first groove 201 is set as a circular groove in the middle of the support base pressure block 20, the second groove 202 is set as an annular groove, and the third groove 103 is set as a circular groove in the middle of the end cover body 10a. The first groove 201, the second groove 202, and the third groove 103 are coaxially arranged, and the outer diameters of the second groove 202 and the third groove 103 are the same. This allows for precise centering and positioning when the support base end cover 10 and the support base pressure block 20 are engaged, ensuring that the oil storage cavity 40 and the elastic element mounting cavity 50 are both in a coaxial state. This makes the elastic element 30 subjected to uniform force and stable support, preventing the support base pressure block 20 from tilting or jamming. At the same time, the coaxial arrangement can improve assembly consistency and sealing, making the lubricating medium storage and elastic gap compensation more stable and reliable. The overall structure is symmetrical and regular, and the processing and assembly are simpler.

[0042] Furthermore, in some possible implementations, the gap compensation component further includes: The first sealing element 60 is disposed between the mating surfaces of the end cap body 10a support seat pressure block 20; The second sealing element 70 is disposed on the outer periphery of the end cap body 10a and is used to seal the fitting gap between the end cap body 10a and the housing mounting hole. The third sealing element 80 is located on the outer periphery of the support base pressure block 20 and is used to seal the fitting gap between the support base pressure block 20 and the housing mounting hole.

[0043] In this embodiment, by providing a first sealing element 60 between the mating surfaces of the end cap body 10a and the support block 20, a second sealing element 70 on the outer periphery of the end cap body 10a, and a third sealing element 80 on the outer periphery of the support block 20, three independent and complete sealing protections can be formed for the internal mating surfaces of the oil storage cavity 40, the outer peripheral gap between the end cap body 10a and the housing mounting hole, and the outer peripheral gap between the support block 20 and the housing mounting hole. This effectively prevents lubricating oil from leaking outwards and prevents external dust and impurities from entering the housing mounting hole and the interior of the oil storage cavity 40. This significantly improves the sealing reliability and operational stability of the entire gap compensation assembly, ensuring the long-term stable operation of the lubrication system and the gap compensation mechanism.

[0044] Preferably, the first sealing element 60, the second sealing element 70 and the third sealing element 80 are all O-rings.

[0045] Furthermore, in some possible implementations, the diameter d of the oil seepage hole satisfies: 0.8mm ≤ d ≤ 1.2mm.

[0046] In this embodiment, by limiting the diameter d of the oil seepage hole 2031 to the range of 0.8mm≤d≤1.2mm, the lubricating medium in the oil storage chamber 40 can seep out slowly, evenly, and continuously. This ensures that the meshing parts of the gear and rack receive sufficient and stable lubrication, while avoiding excessive leakage and waste of lubricating medium due to excessively large hole diameter or blockage due to excessively small hole diameter, thus achieving the best balance between lubrication supply and lubrication reliability. This ensures the continuous formation of a stable oil film during long-term use, significantly reducing wear and abnormal noise. Preferably, the diameter d of the oil seepage hole 2031 is designed to be 1mm.

[0047] As described above, the clearance compensation component provided in this embodiment adopts a triple working principle of mechanical precise clearance adjustment + elastic adaptive compensation + hollow self-lubricating slow-release oil supply, taking into account clearance adjustment, wear compensation and automatic lubrication functions. Specifically, by precisely finely adjusting the radial position of the support seat pressure block, the initial meshing clearance of the gear and rack is set, and the spring continuously applies elastic preload to compensate for the wear clearance generated by long-term use of the gear and rack, avoiding excessive clearance that could cause steering noise and play problems; the first groove inside the support seat pressure block stores special grease, which, relying on the capillary action generated by vehicle vibration and rack movement friction, slowly and evenly penetrates the grease to the rack surface through the 1mm oil seepage hole to form a stable lubricating oil film; the O-ring seal achieves full oil circuit sealing, preventing grease leakage and contamination of the detection hole.

[0048] Specifically, during assembly, the O-ring is first nested into the corresponding sealing groove of the support end cover, then the spring is installed into the third groove of the support end cover, followed by the installation of the support pressure block into the support end cover, so that the spring engages with the second groove of the support pressure block. The entire assembly is then pressed into the mounting hole of the steering gear housing. The eccentric adjustment seat is rotated, and the position of the support pressure block is finely adjusted through the eccentric structure. A dial indicator is used to precisely calibrate the gear and rack meshing clearance through the center detection hole of the eccentric adjustment seat. After calibration, the positioning is locked. Lubricating grease is injected into the first groove of the support pressure block through the oil filler port of the support end cover. Then, the sealing component is installed to seal the first groove, forming a sealed oil reservoir.

[0049] When the power steering system equipped with the aforementioned clearance compensation component is installed in a vehicle, during vehicle operation, the spring continuously pushes the support seat pressure block to press against the rack, compensating for gear and rack wear clearance in real time. The reciprocating motion of the rack causes the mechanism to vibrate, and the grease in the oil reservoir slowly seeps out through 1mm micropores, continuously lubricating the meshing parts of the rack and gear, preventing dry friction. When grease needs to be added later, there is no need to disassemble the steering system or remove the support seat pressure block. Simply remove the sealing piece on the support seat end cap and add grease directly through the independent oil replenishment channel. The entire process does not affect the dial indicator's test hole and does not interfere with the clearance adjustment accuracy.

[0050] As can be seen from the above analysis, the gap compensation component of this application embodiment can achieve the following technical effects through the above improvements: 1. Added self-lubricating function, significantly reducing gear and rack wear. This application designs the traditional solid support block as an internal hollow oil storage structure, which continuously permeates lubricating grease into the rack through the oil seepage holes on the arc-shaped contact surface, so that the meshing parts are always in an oil film lubrication state, effectively reducing friction loss, delaying gear and rack wear, and extending the overall service life of the steering gear.

[0051] 2. The oil output is even and controllable, without leakage, contamination, or clogging. It adopts a micro-pore oil outlet structure, which, in conjunction with vehicle vibration and capillary action, achieves a small, slow, and continuous oil supply. This ensures lubrication while preventing excessive grease overflow and contamination. At the same time, the moderate pore size makes it less prone to clogging by impurities, ensuring stable and reliable operation.

[0052] 3. Enables lubrication without disassembly, greatly simplifying maintenance. Adding lubricating grease only requires unscrewing the sealing part of the support seat end cover. When replenishing lubricating grease later, there is no need to disassemble the support seat pressure block or the steering gear housing. The lubrication operation can be completed directly, which significantly reduces the difficulty and cost of after-sales maintenance.

[0053] 4. Improve steering NVH performance, reduce abnormal noises and sticking. A continuous oil film can eliminate dry friction and metal-to-metal contact noise between gears and racks, reduce the sticking sensation and impact noise during steering, and improve steering smoothness and overall vehicle ride comfort.

[0054] 5. Minimal structural modifications, high practicality, and extremely low cost increase. The process involves hollowing and micro-perforation on the existing support block structure without altering the original functions such as gap adjustment, elastic compensation, and locking positioning. The assembly process is compatible with existing production lines, making it easy to mass-produce and promote its application.

[0055] 6. Integrated gap adjustment and automatic lubrication While achieving precise meshing clearance compensation, it integrates long-lasting self-lubricating function, making it multi-functional and making the steering gear structure more compact and the functions more complete, which is more in line with the development trend of modern EPS lightweighting, integration and long service life.

[0056] Furthermore, a second aspect of the present application also provides a rack and pinion power steering system, which includes the aforementioned backlash compensation component.

[0057] It should be noted that the rack and pinion power steering system in this application embodiment can be adapted to the steering systems of various vehicle types such as passenger cars and commercial vehicles, and the aforementioned clearance compensation component can be integrated into rack and pinion power steering systems of various structural forms.

[0058] In the above embodiments of this application, the descriptions of each embodiment have their own emphasis. Parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment can be referred to in the relevant descriptions of other embodiments. The steps illustrated in the related flowcharts can be executed in a computer system such as a set of computer-executable instructions. Furthermore, although a logical order is shown in the flowcharts, in some cases, the steps shown or described may be performed in a different order than that shown here. In other words, the order of steps described in the foregoing embodiments is merely an example. Reasonable adjustments to the order of steps based on the content of the embodiments of this application are also within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0059] The sequence numbers or order of description of the embodiments in this application are for descriptive purposes only and do not represent the superiority or inferiority of the embodiments.

[0060] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

[0061] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A clearance compensation component for compensating the meshing clearance between a gear and a rack in a power steering system, characterized in that, The clearance compensation component is used for installation within the housing mounting hole of the power steering unit, and the clearance compensation component includes: Support end cap (10), the support end cap (10) is used to be fixedly installed in the mounting hole of the housing; Support base pressure block (20), the support base pressure block (20) and the support base end cover (10) cooperate with each other along the axial direction of the housing mounting hole, the support base pressure block (20) is provided with a pressing surface (203) for pressing the rack on the side away from the support base end cover (10). The elastic element (30) is elastically supported between the support end cap (10) and the support pressure block (20), and is used to ensure that the top pressure surface (203) of the support pressure block (20) always elastically presses against the rack; The support end cap (10) and the support pressure block (20) that cooperate with each other define the oil storage cavity (40), and the top pressure surface (203) of the support pressure block (20) is provided with an oil seepage hole (2031) that communicates with the oil storage cavity (40).

2. The gap compensation component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support end cap (10) includes an end cap body (10a), the end cap body (10a) having an end cap mating surface for cooperating with the support pressure block (20), and the support pressure block (20) having a pressure block mating surface for cooperating with the end cap mating surface; The support block (20) has a first groove (201) and a second groove (202) recessed on the mating surface side, and the second groove (202) is arranged around the outer periphery of the first groove (201); The end cap body (10a) has a third groove (103) recessed on the end cap mating surface. The support end cap (10) also includes a sealing member (10b). At least a portion of the sealing member (10b) is disposed in the third groove (103) and protrudes towards the first groove (201). When the end cap body (10a) and the support base pressure block (20) are engaged together through the mating surface, the sealing member (10b) seals the first groove (201) to jointly define the oil storage cavity (40). The second groove (202) and the third groove (103) cooperate to jointly define the elastic element mounting cavity (50) surrounding the outer periphery of the oil storage cavity (40). The elastic element (30) is disposed in the elastic element mounting cavity (50), and one end of the elastic element (30) is elastically abutted against the bottom of the second groove (202), and the other end is elastically abutted against the bottom of the third groove (103).

3. The gap compensation component according to claim 2, characterized in that, The elastic element (30) is a spring. The spring is located in the elastic element mounting cavity (50) and is sleeved around the outer periphery of the first groove (201). One end of the spring is elastically abutted against the bottom of the second groove (202), and the other end is elastically abutted against the bottom of the third groove (103).

4. The gap compensation component according to claim 2, characterized in that, The end cap body (10a) has an oil filling port on the side away from the end cap mating surface. The position of the oil filling port corresponds to the position of the first groove (201) and is connected to the third groove (103). Lubricating oil can be replenished into the first groove (201) in sequence through the oil filling port and the third groove (103). The sealing member (10b) can seal the oil filling port, and when the sealing member (10b) seals the oil filling port, the portion of the sealing member (10b) protruding toward the first groove (201) seals the opening of the first groove (201).

5. The gap compensation component according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first groove (201) is a cylindrical groove, and the portion of the sealing member (10b) used to seal the opening of the first groove (201) is configured as a cone or frustum that tapers toward the opening of the first groove (201).

6. The gap compensation component according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sealing component (10b) is a sealing rubber plug that is screwed or press-fitted onto the oil filler port; When the sealing rubber plug is installed in place, the portion of the sealing rubber plug that protrudes into the first groove (201) seals the opening of the first groove (201).

7. The gap compensation component according to any one of claims 2-6, characterized in that, The first groove (201) is a circular groove formed in the middle of the support base pressure block (20); The second groove (202) is an annular groove surrounding the outer periphery of the first groove (201); The third groove (103) is a circular groove formed in the middle of the end cap body (10a); The first groove (201), the second groove (202) and the third groove (103) are coaxially arranged, and the outer diameters of the second groove (202) and the third groove (103) are the same.

8. The gap compensation component according to any one of claims 2-6, characterized in that, The gap compensation component further includes: The first sealing element (60) is disposed between the mating surfaces of the end cap body (10a) and the support seat pressure block (20); The second sealing element (70) is disposed on the outer periphery of the end cap body (10a) and is used to seal the mating gap between the end cap body (10a) and the housing mounting hole. The third sealing element (80) is disposed on the outer periphery of the support base pressure block (20) and is used to seal the fitting gap between the support base pressure block (20) and the housing mounting hole.

9. The gap compensation assembly according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The diameter d of the oil seepage hole satisfies: 0.8mm≤d≤1.2mm.

10. A rack and pinion power steering system, characterized in that, Includes the gap compensation component according to any one of claims 1-9.

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