Buffer assembly, steering gear and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model discloses a buffer set, a steering gear and a vehicle. The end, in the first direction, of the buffering assembly is used for abutting against a shell of the steering gear, the end, in the second direction, of the buffering assembly is used for abutting against an inner pull rod spherical shell of the steering gear, the first direction and the second direction are opposite along the central axis of the buffering assembly, and the buffering assembly comprises a rigid piece and an elastic piece. The elastic piece is sleeved on the outer side of the rigid piece. The elastic piece protrudes out of the rigid piece in the axial direction along the end portion of the first direction. According to the buffering assembly, when the steering gear conducts limit steering, the elastic piece firstly bears impact force to achieve buffering, and the rigid piece then bears the impact force after the elastic piece is compressed, through the combination, impact abnormal sound can be avoided, springback of the elastic piece is controlled within a small range, and the phenomenon that the springback hits the hand is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of machinery, in particular to a buffer component, a steering gear and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] The steering gear is generally designed with a steering travel limit mechanism to ensure that the number of steering gear turns and travel meet the design requirements when the vehicle is turning.

[0003] At present, in the industry, most steering gear end limit methods are hard limit, and a small number of steering gear end limit methods use buffer limit structure. When the steering gear is turned left or right to the extreme position, that is, when the wheel rotates to the maximum angle, the steering wheel will be subjected to a very large impact force at the extreme position. This impact force will be transmitted to the inner tie rod through the rack, causing the end face of the inner tie rod ball head to collide with the end face of the steering gear or the buffer limit end face.

[0004] However, the hard limit structure currently used will produce obvious abnormal noise; the buffer limit structure currently used will cause the torsion bar to rebound, which will cause the steering wheel to rebound and hit the hand, reducing the driver's driving experience and possibly endangering life.

[0005] Therefore, a buffer assembly, a steering gear and a vehicle are needed to at least partially solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0006] A series of simplified concepts are introduced in the utility model content section, which will be further described in detail in the detailed implementation section. The utility model content section of the utility model does not mean to attempt to define the key features and essential technical features of the technical solution claimed for protection, nor does it mean to attempt to determine the scope of protection of the technical solution claimed for protection.

[0007] In order to at least partially solve the above problems, the first aspect of the utility model provides a buffer assembly for a steering gear, wherein an end of the buffer assembly along a first direction is used to abut against a housing of the steering gear, and an end of the buffer assembly along a second direction is used to abut against an inner tie rod ball shell of the steering gear, wherein the first direction and the second direction are opposite along a central axis of the buffer assembly, and the buffer assembly comprises:

[0008] Rigid parts; and

[0009] An elastic member, wherein the elastic member is sleeved on the outer side of the rigid member;

[0010] Wherein, an end portion of the elastic member along the first direction protrudes axially from the rigid member.

[0011] According to the buffer assembly of the present application, when the steering gear performs extreme steering, the elastic part first bears the impact force to achieve buffering, and the rigid part bears the impact force after the elastic part is compressed. Such a combination can not only avoid abnormal impact noise, but also the rebound of the elastic part is controlled within a smaller range, and the phenomenon of rebound hitting the hand will not occur.

[0012] Optionally, the elastic member has a first elastic abutment surface at the end along the first direction, and the first elastic abutment surface is used to abut against the shell. The rigid member has a first rigid abutment surface at the end along the first direction, and the first rigid abutment surface is used to abut against the shell when the elastic member is compressed. The first elastic abutment surface and the first rigid abutment surface have a spacing along the axial direction.

[0013] Optionally, the distance between the first elastic abutting surface and the first rigid abutting surface is 0.5-1.5 mm.

[0014] Optionally, a boss is provided at the end of the buffer assembly along the second direction, and the boss is used to abut against the inner tie rod ball shell of the steering gear. The elastic member includes a main body and a thin layer portion, and the thin layer portion surrounds the rigid member to form the boss. The rigid member has a second rigid abutment surface at the end along the second direction, and the second rigid abutment surface forms the end face of the boss.

[0015] Optionally, the axial dimension of the boss is less than or equal to 2 mm.

[0016] Optionally, a radial dimension of the boss is greater than a radial dimension of abutment surfaces between the inner tie rod ball housing and the buffer assembly.

[0017] Optionally, the shell has a first step portion and a second step portion, wherein the first elastic abutment surface abuts against the first step portion, the end of the main body of the elastic member along the second direction has a second elastic abutment surface, the second elastic abutment surface abuts against the second step portion, and the main body is limited between the first step portion and the second step portion.

[0018] Optionally, a guide surface is provided on the outer periphery of the elastic member, and the distance from the guide surface to the central axis of the buffer assembly gradually decreases along the first direction.

[0019] Optionally, a gap is formed at the end of the elastic member along the first direction.

[0020] Optionally, a plurality of the air avoidance gaps are evenly arranged around the central axis.

[0021] Optionally, a snap-fit ​​groove is provided on the outer periphery of the rigid member, and a snap-fit ​​flange is provided on the inner side of the elastic member, and the snap-fit ​​flange forms a fitting snap fit with the snap-fit ​​groove.

[0022] Optionally, the end of the elastic member along the first direction further has a first avoidance surface, the first avoidance surface is connected to the first elastic abutment surface and is inclined relative to the first elastic abutment surface, and the distance of the first avoidance surface relative to the central axis gradually decreases along the second direction;

[0023] The end of the rigid part along the first direction has a second avoidance surface, the second avoidance surface is connected to the first rigid abutment surface and is inclined relative to the first rigid abutment surface, and the distance of the second avoidance surface relative to the central axis gradually increases along the second direction.

[0024] Optionally, the first avoidance surface is connected to the second avoidance surface.

[0025] Optionally, a through hole is opened in the middle of the rigid member to allow the screw assembly of the steering gear to pass through, and a weight-reducing slope is arranged on the inner side of the rigid member, and the radial dimension of the weight-reducing slope is larger than the radial dimension of the through hole.

[0026] A second aspect of the present application provides a steering device, comprising:

[0027] A housing, wherein the buffer assembly described in the first aspect is disposed in the housing;

[0028] A lead screw assembly, the lead screw assembly passing through the housing and the buffer assembly;

[0029] An inner tie rod ball shell is connected to the end of the lead screw assembly.

[0030] According to the steering gear of the present application, no abnormal noise or rebound and hitting phenomenon occurs when the steering gear is rotated to the extreme position.

[0031] A third aspect of the present application provides a vehicle, comprising:

[0032] The buffer assembly described in the first aspect above; or

[0033] The steering gear described in the second aspect above.

[0034] According to the vehicle of the utility model, the driver has a good driving experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The following drawings of the present invention are used as a part of the present invention for understanding the present invention. The drawings show the embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions, and are used to explain the principle of the present invention.

[0036] In the attached figure:

[0037] Figure 1is an exploded schematic diagram of a steering gear according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a steering gear according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified schematic diagram of part A;

[0040] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a buffer assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Figure 5 for Figure 4 An enlarged schematic diagram of part B; and

[0042] Figure 6 It is a schematic top view of a buffer assembly according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0043] Description of reference numerals:

[0044] 10: Steering gear 11: Housing

[0045] 12: Inner tie rod ball housing 13: Screw assembly

[0046] 14: First step 15: Second step

[0047] 100: Buffer assembly 101: Boss

[0048] 110: Rigid member 111: First rigid abutting surface

[0049] 112: second rigid abutting surface 113: snap-fitting groove

[0050] 114: Second avoidance surface 115: Through opening

[0051] 116: Weight reduction slope 120: Elastic member

[0052] 121: first elastic contact surface 122: second elastic contact surface

[0053] 123: Main body 124: Thin layer

[0054] 125: snap-fit ​​flange 126: first avoidance surface

[0055] 127: Avoidance gap 128: Guide surface

[0056] D1: First direction D2: Second direction

[0057] AX: Central axis DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] In the following description, a large number of specific details are given to provide a more thorough understanding of the utility model. However, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the utility model can be implemented without one or more of these details. In other examples, in order to avoid confusion with the utility model, some technical features known in the art are not described.

[0059] It should be noted that the terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit exemplary embodiments according to the utility model. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. In addition, it should also be understood that when the terms "comprise" and / or "include" are used in this specification, it indicates the presence of the features, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0060] Ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" cited in the present invention are merely identifiers and do not have any other meaning, such as a specific order. Moreover, for example, the term "first component" itself does not imply the existence of a "second component", and the term "second component" itself does not imply the existence of a "first component". It should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "inner", "outer" and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only and are not limiting.

[0061] Now, exemplary embodiments according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0062] The present application provides a buffer assembly 100 for a steering gear 10. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The steering gear 10 includes a housing 11, a lead screw assembly 13 and an inner tie rod ball housing 12. A buffer assembly 100 is disposed in the housing 11, and the lead screw assembly 13 penetrates the housing 11 and the buffer assembly 100. The inner tie rod ball housing 12 is connected to the end of the lead screw assembly 13.

[0063] Among them, the end of the buffer component 100 along the first direction D1 is used to abut against the shell 11 of the steering gear 10, and the end of the buffer component 100 along the second direction D2 is used to abut against the inner tie rod ball shell 12 of the steering gear 10. The first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are opposite to the central axis AX of the buffer component 100.

[0064] The buffer assembly 100 includes a rigid member 110 and an elastic member 120. The elastic member 120 is sleeved on the outside of the rigid member 110, and an end of the elastic member 120 along the first direction D1 protrudes from the rigid member 110 along the axial direction.

[0065] According to the buffer assembly 100 of the present application, when the steering gear 10 performs extreme steering, the elastic member 120 first bears the impact force to achieve buffering, and the rigid member 110 bears the impact force after the elastic member 120 is compressed. Such a combination can not only avoid abnormal impact noise, but also the rebound of the elastic member 120 is controlled within a smaller range, and the phenomenon of rebound hitting the hand will not occur.

[0066] The more specific structure of the buffer assembly 100 can be referred to Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 . A through hole 115 is provided in the middle of the rigid member 110 to allow the lead screw assembly 13 of the steering gear 10 to pass through the through hole 115. Preferably, the rigid member 110 is constructed in an annular shape. A weight-reducing slope 116 is provided on the inner side of the rigid member 110, and the radial dimension of the weight-reducing slope 116 is greater than the radial dimension of the through hole 115. In other words, the cross-sectional shape of the side wall of the through hole 115 and the weight-reducing slope 116 is roughly constructed in a trumpet shape to reduce the weight of the buffer assembly 100.

[0067] As an optional embodiment, a snap-in groove 113 is provided on the outer periphery of the rigid member 110, and a snap-in flange 125 is provided on the inner side of the elastic member 120, and the snap-in flange 125 is snap-fitted with the snap-in groove 113. The housing 11 has a first step portion 14 and a second step portion 15, and the first step portion 14 and the second step portion 15 are both substantially configured to protrude toward the inner cavity of the housing 11, and the buffer assembly 100 is limited between the first step portion 14 and the second step portion 15.

[0068] A boss 101 is formed at the end of the buffer assembly 100 along the second direction D2, and the boss 101 is used to abut against the inner tie rod ball shell 12. In addition, the elastic member 120 is arranged to surround the boss 101. More specifically, the elastic member 120 includes a main body portion 123 and a thin layer portion 124, and the thin layer portion 124 is located on the outside of the above-mentioned boss 101. The thin layer portion 124 surrounds the end of the rigid member 110 along the second direction D2 to form the above-mentioned boss 101. Preferably, the axial dimension of the boss 101 is less than or equal to 2 mm. As an optional embodiment, in order to make the boss 101 better bear the force and avoid the elastic member 120 from being sheared and damaged, the radial dimension of the boss 101 is preferably greater than the radial dimension of the abutment surface between the inner tie rod ball shell 12 and the buffer assembly 100. It is easy to understand that the maximum radial dimension of the boss 101 is smaller than the maximum radial dimension of the buffer assembly 100.

[0069] Continue to refer Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 . The elastic member 120 has a first elastic abutting surface 121 at the end along the first direction D1, and the first elastic abutting surface 121 is used to abut against the shell 11, specifically, the first elastic abutting surface 121 is used to abut against the first step portion 14. The main body 123 of the elastic member 120 has a second elastic abutting surface 122 at the end along the second direction D2, and the second elastic abutting surface 122 is also used to abut against the shell 11, specifically, the second elastic abutting surface 122 abuts against the second step portion 15. Among them, the first elastic abutting surface 121 is located at the end of the main body 123 along the second direction D2. In other words, the main body 123 of the elastic member 120 is limited between the first step portion 14 and the second step portion 15. The outer periphery of the elastic member 120 is preferably provided with a guide surface 128, and the distance from the guide surface 128 to the central axis AX of the buffer assembly 100 gradually decreases along the first direction D1. As a result, the assembly of the buffer assembly 100 is more convenient.

[0070] The end of the rigid member 110 along the first direction D1 has a first rigid abutting surface 111, and the first rigid abutting surface 111 is used to abut against the housing 11 when the elastic member 120 is compressed. The end of the rigid member 110 along the second direction D2 has a second rigid abutting surface 112, and the second rigid abutting surface 112 is used to abut against the inner tie rod ball shell 12. The second rigid abutting surface 112 forms the end surface of the above-mentioned boss 101.

[0071] The second rigid abutting surface 112 is further away from the end of the rigid member 110 along the first direction D1 than the second elastic abutting surface 122, and the second rigid abutting surface 112 is located radially inward of the first elastic abutting surface 121, so that the end of the buffer assembly 100 along the second direction D2 forms the above-mentioned boss 101. The axial dimension of the above-mentioned boss 101 can also be understood as: the distance between the second rigid abutting surface 112 and the second elastic abutting surface 122 is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 2 mm.

[0072] The first elastic abutting surface 121 and the first rigid abutting surface 111 have a spacing in the axial direction. Preferably, the distance between the first elastic abutting surface 121 and the first rigid abutting surface 111 is 0.5-1.5 mm. For example, the distance between the first elastic abutting surface 121 and the first rigid abutting surface 111 can be 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm. More preferably, the distance between the first elastic abutting surface 121 and the first rigid abutting surface 111 can be 1.0 mm.

[0073] Therefore, when the second rigid abutting surface 112 is subjected to a relatively small extrusion force from the inner tie rod ball shell 12, for example, when the second rigid abutting surface 112 is subjected to a force less than 6000N, the elastic member 120 bears the extrusion force alone. When the second rigid abutting surface 112 is subjected to a relatively large extrusion force from the inner tie rod ball shell 12, for example, when the second rigid abutting surface 112 is subjected to a force greater than 6000N, the elastic member 120 bears the extrusion force first, and when the elastic member 120 is deformed until the first rigid abutting surface 111 abuts against the first step portion 14, the elastic member 120 and the rigid member 110 jointly bear the extrusion force, and finally the rigid member 110 performs hard limiting. With such a combined design, the buffer assembly 100 can not only provide elastic buffering, but also bear relatively large extrusion force without causing the elastic member 120 to be shear-damaged due to excessive pressure.

[0074] As an optional implementation, refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The end of the elastic member 120 along the first direction D1 is provided with an air-avoiding gap 127. Preferably, a plurality of air-avoiding gaps 127 are evenly arranged around the central axis AX. The arrangement of the air-avoiding gaps 127 allows the elastic member 120 to be filled and deformed toward the position of the air-avoiding gaps 127 when being squeezed. In other words, the air-avoiding gaps 127 provide deformation space for the elastic member 120, further preventing the elastic member 120 from being squeezed and damaged.

[0075] As an optional embodiment, in order to prevent the elastic member 120 from interfering with the rigid member 110 and being damaged by shearing when the end of the elastic member 120 is squeezed and deformed, the end of the elastic member 120 along the first direction D1 preferably also has a first avoidance surface 126. The first avoidance surface 126 is connected to the first elastic abutment surface 121 and is inclined relative to the first elastic abutment surface 121, and the distance of the first avoidance surface 126 relative to the central axis AX gradually decreases along the second direction D2. Furthermore, the rigid member 110 has a second avoidance surface 114 at the end along the first direction D1, and the second avoidance surface 114 is connected to the first rigid abutment surface 111 and is inclined relative to the first rigid abutment surface 111, and the distance of the second avoidance surface 114 relative to the central axis AX gradually increases along the second direction D2. Preferably, in the illustrated embodiment, the first avoidance surface 126 is connected to the second avoidance surface 114. Thus, an escape gap is formed between the first escape surface 126 and the second escape surface 114 to prevent the elastic member 120 from being damaged and dropping debris therein to contaminate the grease of the screw assembly 13 and cause abnormal noise.

[0076] A second aspect of the present application provides a steering gear 10 , which includes the buffer assembly 100 of the first aspect described above.

[0077] According to the steering gear 10 of the present application, no abnormal noise or rebound and hitting phenomenon occurs when the steering gear 10 is rotated to the extreme position.

[0078] A third aspect of the present application provides a vehicle, which includes the buffer assembly 100 of the first aspect or the steering gear 10 of the second aspect.

[0079] According to the vehicle of the utility model, the driver has a good driving experience.

[0080] Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those generally understood by those skilled in the art of the present invention. The terms used herein are only for describing specific implementation purposes and are not intended to limit the present invention. The features described herein in one embodiment may be applied to another embodiment alone or in combination with other features, unless the feature is not applicable or otherwise specified in the other embodiment.

[0081] The present invention has been described through the above-mentioned embodiments, but it should be understood that the above-mentioned embodiments are only for the purpose of example and explanation, and the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. According to the teachings of the present invention, more variations and modifications can be made, and these variations and modifications all fall within the scope of protection required by the present invention.

Claims

1. A buffer assembly for a steering gear, characterized in that: The end of the buffer assembly along the first direction is used to abut against the housing of the steering gear, and the end of the buffer assembly along the second direction is used to abut against the inner tie rod ball shell of the steering gear, the first direction and the second direction are opposite along the central axis of the buffer assembly, and the buffer assembly includes: Rigid parts; and An elastic member, wherein the elastic member is sleeved on the outer side of the rigid member; Wherein, the end portion of the elastic member along the first direction protrudes axially from the rigid member.

2. The buffer assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic member has a first elastic abutment surface at the end along the first direction, and the first elastic abutment surface is used to abut against the shell. The rigid member has a first rigid abutment surface at the end along the first direction, and the first rigid abutment surface is used to abut against the shell when the elastic member is compressed. The first elastic abutment surface and the first rigid abutment surface have a spacing along the axial direction.

3. The buffer assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The distance between the first elastic abutting surface and the first rigid abutting surface is 0.5-1.5 mm.

4. The buffer assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The end of the buffer assembly along the second direction is provided with a boss, and the boss is used to abut against the inner tie rod ball shell of the steering gear. The elastic member includes a main body and a thin layer portion, and the thin layer portion surrounds the rigid member to form the boss. The end of the rigid member along the second direction has a second rigid abutment surface, and the second rigid abutment surface forms the end face of the boss.

5. The buffer assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The axial dimension of the boss is less than or equal to 2 mm.

6. The buffer assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The radial dimension of the boss is greater than the radial dimension of the abutting surface between the inner tie rod ball shell and the buffer assembly.

7. The buffer assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The shell has a first step portion and a second step portion, wherein the first elastic abutting surface abuts against the first step portion, the end of the main body of the elastic member along the second direction has a second elastic abutting surface, the second elastic abutting surface abuts against the second step portion, and the main body is limited between the first step portion and the second step portion.

8. The buffer assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: A guide surface is provided on the outer periphery of the elastic member, and the distance from the guide surface to the central axis of the buffer assembly gradually decreases along the first direction.

9. The buffer assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: An end portion of the elastic member along the first direction is provided with a gap for avoiding air.

10. The buffer assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that: The plurality of air avoidance gaps are evenly arranged around the central axis.

11. The buffer assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: A clamping groove is arranged on the outer periphery of the rigid component, and a clamping flange is arranged on the inner side of the elastic component, and the clamping flange is clamped in a matching manner with the clamping groove.

12. The buffer assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The end of the elastic member along the first direction also has a first avoidance surface, the first avoidance surface is connected to the first elastic abutment surface and is inclined relative to the first elastic abutment surface, and the distance of the first avoidance surface relative to the central axis gradually decreases along the second direction; The end of the rigid part along the first direction has a second avoidance surface, the second avoidance surface is connected to the first rigid abutment surface and is inclined relative to the first rigid abutment surface, and the distance of the second avoidance surface relative to the central axis gradually increases along the second direction.

13. The buffer assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that: The first avoidance surface is connected to the second avoidance surface.

14. The buffer assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: A through hole is opened in the middle of the rigid part to allow the screw assembly of the steering gear to pass through, and a weight-reducing inclined surface is arranged on the inner side of the rigid part, and the radial dimension of the weight-reducing inclined surface is larger than the radial dimension of the through hole.

15. A steering gear, characterized in that: include: A housing, wherein a buffer assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14 is arranged in the housing; A lead screw assembly, the lead screw assembly passing through the housing and the buffer assembly; An inner tie rod ball shell is connected to the end of the lead screw assembly.

16. A vehicle, characterized in that: include: The buffer assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14; or A steering gear according to claim 15.

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