Electric power steering coupling

Abstract

The utility model provides an electric power steering coupling, which relates to the technical field of couplings, and comprises a first connecting seat, a rubber connecting piece and a second connecting seat, the first connecting seat comprises a connecting pipe and a plurality of first connecting lugs, and the connecting pipe is provided with a connecting hole; the rubber connecting piece is provided with an inserting hole and a plurality of connecting inserting grooves. The second connecting seat comprises a connecting plate and a plurality of second connecting convex blocks; the connecting pipe of the first connecting base is inserted into the inserting hole of the rubber connecting piece, and the multiple first connecting protruding blocks and the multiple second connecting protruding blocks are inserted into the connecting inserting grooves in a one-to-one correspondence mode. In the process of transmitting torque from the first connecting seat to the second connecting seat, due to the existence of the rubber connecting piece, the impact of the motor on axial and radial loads transmitted by the worm can be relieved, and the impact noise can also be reduced. The output shaft of the motor can be considered to be inserted into the rubber connecting piece in the axial direction of the coupler, the axial size of the output shaft of the motor after being connected with the worm can be shortened, and space can be saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of couplings, in particular to an electric power steering coupling. Background Art

[0002] With the development of the automobile industry, in addition to the further improvement of the requirements for the performance of the automobile itself, the comfort of the driver when driving the car has also received more attention, including NVH. NVH is the abbreviation of noise, vibration and harshness. This is a comprehensive issue to measure the quality of automobile manufacturing, and it gives the most direct and superficial feeling to car users. Many automobile brands are also paying attention to and improving the NVH performance of each system. Among them, the NVH performance of the steering system has a greater impact on the quality of the comfort of the whole vehicle. Based on this, it is necessary to optimize the NVH performance of the steering system.

[0003] In the related technology, the NVH optimization of the steering system mainly improves its transmission path, transmission clearance and structure, among which the connection structure between the worm and the motor is one of the key points of improvement. In some automobile steering systems, the worm and the motor need to be connected with the help of a coupling to achieve transmission connection. However, most traditional couplings are rigid connections, which cannot alleviate the impact of axial and radial loads when transmitting rotational force, and will generate impact noise. At the same time, the axial dimension of the output shaft of the motor after being connected to the worm via a coupling is large, which will take up too much space in the car body. Utility Model Content

[0004] The utility model provides an electric power steering coupling, which is used to solve the defects in the steering system of the prior art that the coupling cannot alleviate the impact of axial and radial loads when transmitting rotational force, thus generating impact noise, and the axial dimension of the output shaft of the motor after being connected to the worm gear via the coupling is large, thus occupying too much space in the vehicle body.

[0005] The utility model provides an electric power steering coupling, comprising: a first connecting seat, a rubber connecting piece and a second connecting seat, wherein:

[0006] The first connection seat comprises a connection pipe and a plurality of first connection protrusions, the connection pipe has a connection hole, and the plurality of first connection protrusions are arranged around the outer circumference of the connection pipe at intervals;

[0007] The rubber connector has a plug hole and a plurality of connection slots, wherein the plurality of connection slots are arranged around the outer periphery of the plug hole at intervals and communicate with the plug hole;

[0008] The second connection seat includes a connection plate and a plurality of second connection protrusions, and the plurality of second connection protrusions are sequentially arranged at intervals around the axis of the second connection seat and connected to one end of the connection plate.

[0009] The connecting pipe of the first connecting seat is inserted into the inserting hole of the rubber connecting piece, and a plurality of the first connecting protrusions and a plurality of the second connecting protrusions are inserted into the connecting slots in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0010] According to an electric power steering coupling provided by the utility model, the first connecting seat also includes a supporting end plate and an annular wall, the supporting end plate is connected to an end of the connecting pipe away from the second connecting seat, the annular wall is arranged around the outer periphery of the first connecting protrusion and connected to the supporting end plate, and when the first connecting seat is connected to the rubber connecting piece, the rubber connecting piece is accommodated on the inner side of the annular wall.

[0011] According to an electric power steering coupling provided by the utility model, the supporting end plate, the connecting pipe, the plurality of the first connecting protrusions and the annular wall are integrally formed.

[0012] According to an electric power steering coupling provided by the utility model, in the circumferential direction of the rubber connecting piece, the first connecting protrusion and the second connecting protrusion are inserted into the connecting slot in sequence and at intervals.

[0013] According to an electric power steering coupling provided by the utility model, the number of the first connecting protrusions is the same as the number of the second connecting protrusions.

[0014] According to an electric power steering coupling provided by the utility model, the connecting slot is constructed as a U-shaped groove structure, the opening of the connecting slot is connected to the connecting hole, and the structures of the first connecting protrusion and the second connecting protrusion are adapted to the structure of the connecting slot.

[0015] According to an electric power steering coupling provided by the utility model, the connecting slot includes a first abutting surface, a bottom surface and a second abutting surface, the first abutting surface, the bottom surface and the second abutting surface are connected in sequence, and in the radial inward direction of the rubber connecting piece, the first abutting surface and the second abutting surface are close to each other.

[0016] According to an electric power steering coupling provided by the utility model, the first connection protrusion includes a first receiving surface and a second receiving surface which are arranged opposite to each other in the circumferential direction of the connection tube, and when the first connection seat is connected to the rubber connector, the first receiving surface abuts against the first abutting surface, and the second receiving surface abuts against the second abutting surface;

[0017] The second connecting protrusion includes a third receiving surface and a fourth receiving surface which are arranged opposite to each other in the circumferential direction of the connecting plate. When the second connecting seat is connected to the rubber connecting piece, the third receiving surface abuts against the first abutting surface, and the fourth receiving surface abuts against the second abutting surface.

[0018] According to an electric power steering coupling provided by the utility model, the first abutting surface and the second abutting surface are further provided with flanges extending along the axial direction of the rubber connecting piece.

[0019] According to an electric power steering coupling provided by the utility model, the connecting plate and the plurality of the second connecting protrusions are integrally formed.

[0020] The electric power steering coupling provided by the utility model comprises a first connection seat, a rubber connector and a second connection seat, and the first connection seat and the second connection seat can be connected via the rubber connector. In the process of transmitting torque from the first connection seat to the second connection seat, due to the presence of the rubber connector, the impact of the axial and radial loads transmitted by the motor to the worm can be effectively alleviated, and the impact noise can also be reduced under the action of the rubber. Moreover, the output shaft of the motor can be regarded as being plugged into the rubber connector in the axial direction of the coupling, thereby shortening the axial dimension of the output shaft of the motor after being connected to the worm, which can save space. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the present invention or the prior art, a brief introduction will be given below to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an exploded structure of an electric power steering coupling according to an embodiment of the utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A structural schematic diagram of the first connecting seat in the electric power steering coupling shown in ;

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the rubber connector in the electric power steering coupling shown in ;

[0025] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a rubber connector in an electric power steering coupling according to an embodiment of the present utility model, perpendicular to its axial direction;

[0026] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the assembly of an electric power steering coupling according to one embodiment of the utility model.

[0027] Reference numerals:

[0028] 1. First connecting seat; 11. Connecting pipe; 12. First connecting protrusion; 13. Connecting hole; 14. Supporting end plate; 15. Annular wall; 2. Rubber connector; 21. Plug hole; 22. Connecting slot; 23. Flange; 3. Second connecting seat; 31. Connecting plate; 32. Second connecting protrusion; 4. First shaft rod; 5. Second shaft rod. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the utility model clearer, the technical solution of the utility model will be described clearly and completely in conjunction with the drawings in the utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the utility model, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the utility model, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the utility model.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention, an electric power steering coupling is provided, which can be connected between the output shaft of the motor and the worm, and can effectively alleviate the axial and radial load impact transmitted from the motor to the worm, and can reduce the impact noise. Figures 1 to 5 The electric power steering coupling of the utility model is further described.

[0031] Specifically, if Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the electric power steering coupling in this embodiment includes: a first connecting seat 1, a rubber connecting member 2 and a second connecting seat 3.

[0032] The first connection seat 1 includes a connection tube 11 and a plurality of first connection protrusions 12 . The connection tube 11 has a connection hole 13 . The plurality of first connection protrusions 12 are arranged around the outer circumference of the connection tube 11 at intervals.

[0033] The rubber connector 2 has a plug hole 21 and a plurality of connection slots 22 . The plurality of connection slots 22 are arranged around the outer circumference of the plug hole 21 at intervals and communicate with the plug hole 21 .

[0034] The second connection seat 3 includes a connection plate 31 and a plurality of second connection protrusions 32. The plurality of second connection protrusions 32 are sequentially arranged at intervals around the axis of the second connection seat 3 and connected to one end of the connection plate 31. The other end of the connection plate 31 is used to connect the shaft.

[0035] The connecting pipe 11 of the first connecting seat 1 is inserted into the inserting hole 21 of the rubber connecting member 2 , and the plurality of first connecting protrusions 12 and the plurality of second connecting protrusions 32 are inserted into the connecting slots 22 in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0036] It can be understood that in the first connecting seat 1 , a plurality of first connecting protrusions 12 are evenly spaced and arranged around the outer circumference of the connecting pipe 11 .

[0037] In actual use, the external first shaft rod 4 can be inserted into the connection hole 13 of the first connection seat 1 by interference fit, or the external first shaft rod 4 can also be inserted into the connection hole 13 of the first connection seat 1 by means of a keyway structure. The external first shaft rod 4 can drive the first connection seat 1 to rotate synchronously.

[0038] In one embodiment, the external first shaft 4 may be an output shaft of a motor.

[0039] The rubber connector 2 is made of rubber material and is roughly constructed as a circular ring structure. The central hole of the rubber connector 2 is the plug hole 21. The connecting slots 22 are spaced around the plug hole 21 in sequence. The opening direction of the connecting slots 22 faces the plug hole 21 so as to be connected with the plug hole 21.

[0040] In actual use, while the connection tube 11 of the first connection seat 1 is plugged into the plug hole 21 of the rubber connector 2 , the first connection protrusions 12 can also be plugged into the connection slots 22 of the rubber connector 2 in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0041] The connecting plate 31 in the second connecting seat 3 is constructed as a circular plate-like structure with a certain thickness, having a first end face and a second end face in its thickness direction, and a plurality of second connecting protrusions 32 are connected to the first end face of the connecting plate 31, and the plurality of second connecting protrusions 32 are arranged in sequence and spaced apart around the axial center line of the second connecting seat 3.

[0042] In actual use, the external second shaft rod 5 can be fixedly connected to the second end surface of the connecting plate 31 by welding, or can be fixedly connected to the connecting plate 31 by other methods. During the rotation of the external second shaft rod 5, the second connecting seat 3 can be driven to rotate. In one embodiment, the external second shaft rod 5 can be a worm.

[0043] When the electric power steering coupling in this embodiment is connected between the motor and the worm, the output shaft of the motor can be inserted into the connection hole 13 of the first connection seat 1, and the end of the worm can be fixedly connected to the second connection seat 3, and then the first connection seat 1 and the second connection seat 3 are connected via the rubber connector 2. In the process of the motor driving the worm to rotate via the coupling, due to the presence of the rubber connector 2, the impact of the axial and radial loads transmitted by the motor to the worm can be effectively alleviated, and the impact noise can also be reduced under the action of the rubber.

[0044] Moreover, in the axial direction of the coupling, the output shaft of the motor can be inserted into the connecting hole 13 of the connecting tube 11, and the connecting tube 11 can be inserted into the plug hole 21 of the rubber connector 2. At this time, the output shaft of the motor can be regarded as being inserted into the rubber connector 2, thereby shortening the axial dimension of the output shaft of the motor after being connected to the worm gear, which can save space.

[0045] Furthermore, if Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the first connecting seat 1 also includes a supporting end plate 14 and an annular wall 15. The supporting end plate 14 is connected to an end of the connecting pipe 11 away from the second connecting seat 3. The annular wall 15 is arranged around the outer periphery of the first connecting protrusion 12 and is connected to the supporting end plate 14. When the first connecting seat 1 is connected to the rubber connector 2, the rubber connector 2 is accommodated on the inner side of the annular wall 15.

[0046] Exemplarily, the support end plate 14 is configured as a circular plate structure with a certain thickness, the connecting tube 11 is connected to the support end plate 14, and the connecting hole 13 in the connecting tube 11 passes through the support end plate 14, so as to facilitate the external shaft rod to be inserted into the connecting hole 13. The annular wall 15 is configured as a circular ring, and the annular wall 15 surrounds the outer circumference of the first connecting protrusion 12.

[0047] In actual use, when the connecting tube 11 is inserted into the insertion hole 21 of the rubber connecting member 2 , the rubber connecting member 2 can be fully accommodated inside the annular wall 15 , and in the axial direction of the connecting tube 11 , the rubber connecting member 2 does not extend beyond the annular wall 15 .

[0048] In this embodiment, the support end plate 14, the connecting pipe 11, the first connecting protrusion 12 and the annular wall 15 are integrally formed. That is, the first connecting seat 1 is an integrally formed structure, for example, the first connecting seat 1 can be integrally formed from the same metal by processing.

[0049] Similarly, the connecting plate 31 and the plurality of second connecting protrusions 32 are integrally formed. That is, the second connecting seat 3 is also an integrally formed structure, for example, the second connecting seat 3 can be integrally formed by processing the same metal.

[0050] Furthermore, if Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, in the circumferential direction of the rubber connector 2 , the first connecting protrusion 12 and the second connecting protrusion 32 are inserted into the connecting slot 22 in sequence and at intervals.

[0051] Exemplarily, by arranging the first connection protrusion 12 and the second connection protrusion 32 in sequence and at intervals, it can be ensured that the rotational force of the first connection seat 1 can be fully transmitted to the second connection seat 3 .

[0052] In a specific embodiment, the number of the first connection protrusions 12 is the same as the number of the second connection protrusions 32. For example, the number of the first connection protrusions 12 and the number of the second connection protrusions 32 are both three to six. Figure 4 As shown, the number of the first connecting protrusions 12 and the number of the second connecting protrusions 32 are both four.

[0053] In this embodiment, if Figure 3 As shown, the connection slot 22 is constructed as a U-shaped slot structure, the opening of the connection slot 22 is connected to the plug hole 21, and the structures of the first connection protrusion 12 and the second connection protrusion 32 are adapted to the structure of the connection slot 22.

[0054] By configuring the connection slot 22 as a U-shaped slot structure, the first connection protrusion 12 and the second connection protrusion 32 can be conveniently inserted into the connection slot 22 in an adaptable manner.

[0055] In a specific embodiment, the connecting slot 22 includes a first abutting surface, a bottom surface and a second abutting surface, which are sequentially connected, and in the radial inward direction of the rubber connector 2, the first abutting surface and the second abutting surface are close to each other.

[0056] For example, Figure 4 As shown, the connecting slot 22 can be roughly constructed as a U-shaped groove structure with a gradually smaller opening. At this time, a receiving block can be formed between two adjacent connecting slots 22. The receiving block has sufficient thickness in the circumferential direction of the rubber connector 2, which can reserve sufficient space for the elastic deformation of the receiving block and can also ensure that the rotational force can be effectively transmitted.

[0057] As described above, the structures of the first connection protrusion 12 and the second connection protrusion 32 are adapted to the structure of the connection slot 22. To ensure that the first connection protrusion 12 and the second connection protrusion 32 can be fully adapted to the connection slot 22, in one embodiment, the first connection protrusion 12 includes a first receiving surface and a second receiving surface arranged oppositely in the circumferential direction of the connection tube 11, and when the first connection seat 1 is connected to the rubber connector 2, the first receiving surface abuts against the first abutting surface, and the second receiving surface abuts against the second abutting surface; the second connection protrusion 32 includes a third receiving surface and a fourth receiving surface arranged oppositely in the circumferential direction of the connection plate 31, and when the second connection seat 3 is connected to the rubber connector 2, the third receiving surface abuts against the first abutting surface, and the fourth receiving surface abuts against the second abutting surface.

[0058] Therefore, by the mutual contact between the abutting surface and the receiving surface, it can be ensured that the rotational driving force can be effectively transmitted.

[0059] Furthermore, if Figure 3As shown, the first abutting surface and the second abutting surface are further provided with flanges 23 extending along the axial direction of the rubber connecting member 2 .

[0060] It is understandable that Figure 4 As shown, by setting the flange 23, after the first connecting protrusion 12 and the second connecting protrusion 32 are inserted into the connecting slot 22, the flange 23 can abut against the first connecting protrusion 12 or the second connecting protrusion 32 from both sides in each connecting slot 22, thereby eliminating the gap in the radial direction and avoiding looseness.

[0061] In one embodiment, Figure 5 As shown, the output shaft of the motor (i.e., the first shaft 4) is inserted into the connecting hole by interference fit. When the motor is running, the torque can be stably and effectively transmitted to the worm (i.e., the second shaft 5) through the coupling, thereby realizing the torque output function.

[0062] The rubber connector 2 is located between the first connecting seat 1 and the second connecting seat 3. Since the rubber connector 2 is made of elastic rubber material and flanges 23 are provided on opposite sides of the connecting slot 22, the first connecting seat 1 and the second connecting seat 3 can be effectively and tightly connected together, thereby effectively alleviating the impact of axial and radial loads, and reducing the impact noise generated by the coupling, the worm and the motor.

[0063] Therefore, the electric power steering coupling in this embodiment has the following advantages:

[0064] The electric power steering coupling in this embodiment includes a first connection seat, a rubber connector and a second connection seat, and the first connection seat and the second connection seat can be connected via the rubber connector. In the process of transmitting torque from the first connection seat to the second connection seat, due to the presence of the rubber connector, the impact of the axial and radial loads transmitted by the motor to the worm can be effectively alleviated, and the impact noise can also be reduced under the action of the rubber. Moreover, the output shaft of the motor can be regarded as being plugged into the rubber connector in the axial direction of the coupling, thereby shortening the axial dimension of the output shaft of the motor after being connected to the worm, which can save space.

[0065] The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative, wherein the units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components displayed as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place, or they may be distributed on multiple network units. Some or all of the modules may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the scheme of this embodiment. Ordinary technicians in this field can understand and implement it without paying creative labor.

[0066] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the utility model, rather than to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the utility model.

Claims

1. An electric power steering coupling, characterized in that: include: A first connecting seat, a rubber connecting piece and a second connecting seat, wherein: The first connection seat comprises a connection pipe and a plurality of first connection protrusions, the connection pipe has a connection hole, and the plurality of first connection protrusions are arranged around the outer circumference of the connection pipe at intervals; The rubber connector has a plug hole and a plurality of connection slots, wherein the plurality of connection slots are arranged around the outer periphery of the plug hole at intervals and communicate with the plug hole; The second connection seat comprises a connection plate and a plurality of second connection protrusions, wherein the plurality of second connection protrusions are sequentially arranged at intervals around the axis of the second connection seat and connected to one end of the connection plate; The connecting pipe of the first connecting seat is inserted into the inserting hole of the rubber connecting piece, and a plurality of the first connecting protrusions and a plurality of the second connecting protrusions are inserted into the connecting slots in a one-to-one correspondence.

2. The electric power steering coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first connecting seat also includes a supporting end plate and an annular wall, the supporting end plate is connected to an end of the connecting pipe away from the second connecting seat, the annular wall is arranged around the outer circumference of the first connecting protrusion and connected to the supporting end plate, and when the first connecting seat is connected to the rubber connecting piece, the rubber connecting piece is accommodated on the inner side of the annular wall.

3. The electric power steering coupling according to claim 2, characterized in that: The supporting end plate, the connecting pipe, the plurality of the first connecting protrusions and the annular wall are integrally formed.

4. The electric power steering coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the circumferential direction of the rubber connector, the first connection protrusion and the second connection protrusion are inserted into the connection slot in sequence and at intervals.

5. The electric power steering coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of the first connecting bumps is the same as the number of the second connecting bumps.

6. The electric power steering coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connection slot is constructed as a U-shaped slot structure, the opening of the connection slot is connected to the connection hole, and the structures of the first connection protrusion and the second connection protrusion are adapted to the structure of the connection slot.

7. The electric power steering coupling according to claim 6, characterized in that: The connecting slot includes a first abutting surface, a bottom surface and a second abutting surface, wherein the first abutting surface, the bottom surface and the second abutting surface are connected in sequence, and the first abutting surface and the second abutting surface are close to each other in the radial inward direction of the rubber connecting member.

8. The electric power steering coupling according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first connection protrusion comprises a first receiving surface and a second receiving surface which are arranged opposite to each other in the circumferential direction of the connection tube, and when the first connection seat is connected to the rubber connection piece, the first receiving surface abuts against the first abutting surface, and the second receiving surface abuts against the second abutting surface; The second connecting protrusion includes a third receiving surface and a fourth receiving surface which are arranged opposite to each other in the circumferential direction of the connecting plate. When the second connecting seat is connected to the rubber connecting piece, the third receiving surface abuts against the first abutting surface, and the fourth receiving surface abuts against the second abutting surface.

9. The electric power steering coupling according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first abutting surface and the second abutting surface are further provided with flanges extending along the axial direction of the rubber connecting member.

10. The electric power steering coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting plate and the plurality of second connecting protrusions are integrally formed.

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