Intermediate shaft for vehicle steering device

Abstract

The utility model provides an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device, which is not only easy to assemble with a power steering device, but also can be mounted on various vehicles. Therefore, according to the utility model, the intermediate shaft for the vehicle steering device comprises a driving shaft, one end part of the driving shaft is connected with a steering shaft, and a first universal joint combination part is formed at the other end part of the driving shaft; a driven shaft, one end of which is connected to the power steering device and the other end of which forms a second universal joint coupling unit; and the double universal joint is connected with the first universal joint combination part and the second universal joint combination part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device, in particular to an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device with double universal joints. Background Art

[0002] Generally, a steering wheel constituting a steering device of the vehicle is arranged from a driver's seat to the front in a vehicle cabin.

[0003] The steering wheel is a structure for the driver to grasp and rotate to adjust the driving direction of the vehicle. That is, when the driver wants to adjust the driving direction of the vehicle to the left, he rotates the steering wheel to the left; when the driver wants to adjust the driving direction of the vehicle to the right, he rotates the steering wheel to the right.

[0004] The steering wheel is combined with the upper end of the steering shaft, and a power steering device for assisting the steering force of the steering wheel is set on the steering gear for moving the left and right side tie rods left and right. The lower end of the steering shaft is connected to the upper end of the power steering device through an intermediate shaft.

[0005] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing a steering device of a vehicle having an intermediate shaft according to the prior art.

[0006] Reference Figure 1 According to the prior art, the steering device of a vehicle is composed of a steering column 10 , a steering shaft 20 , an intermediate shaft 30 , a power steering device 40 and a steering gear 50 .

[0007] A bracket is provided at the outer periphery of the steering column 10, and the bracket is coupled to the vehicle body to support the steering column 10. The steering column 10 rotatably supports the steering shaft 20.

[0008] The steering shaft 20 vertically penetrates the steering column 10 . The upper end of the steering shaft 20 is disposed to protrude toward the upper end of the steering column 10 , and the lower end of the steering shaft 20 is disposed to protrude toward the lower end of the steering column 10 .

[0009] The steering wheel (not shown) is coupled to the upper end of the steering shaft 20 . The steering wheel is a wheel for the driver to grasp with his hands and rotate to the left or right to steer the vehicle.

[0010] The lower end of the steering shaft 20 is coupled to the intermediate shaft 30 via the first universal joint 34 . That is, the upper end of the intermediate shaft 30 is coupled to the lower end of the steering shaft 20 via the first universal joint 34 .

[0011] The lower end of the intermediate shaft 30 is coupled to the input shaft of the power steering device 40 . The input shaft of the power steering device 40 is disposed protruding toward the upper end of the power steering device 40 and can be coupled to the lower end of the intermediate shaft 30 .

[0012] The intermediate shaft 30 is composed of drive shafts 31 and 32 disposed on the steering shaft 20 side and a driven shaft 33 disposed on the power steering device 40 side. The drive shafts 31 and 32 and the driven shaft 33 are connected to each other via a second universal joint 35.

[0013] The drive shafts 31 and 32 are composed of two parts that can slide in the axial direction, and can change their length in the axial direction. That is, the drive shafts 31 and 32 are composed of a sliding tube 31 and a sliding shaft 32, and one end of the sliding shaft 32 is inserted into the inside of the sliding tube 31 and can slide in the axial direction. By sliding one end of the sliding shaft 32 in the sliding tube 31 in the axial direction, the drive shafts 31 and 32 can change their length in the axial direction while absorbing the vibration transmitted to the steering wheel.

[0014] The upper end of the sliding tube 31 is connected to the lower end of the steering shaft 20 through the first universal joint 34, the upper end of the sliding shaft 32 is inserted into the interior of the sliding tube 31 through the lower end of the sliding tube 31, the lower end of the sliding shaft 32 is connected to the upper end of the driven shaft 33 through the second universal joint 35, and the input shaft of the power steering device 40 is connected to the driven shaft 33 by inserting the lower end of the driven shaft 33 into the interior of the driven shaft 33.

[0015] A pinion shaft (not shown) is protrudingly arranged at the lower end of the power steering device 40. A pinion gear (not shown) is formed on the outer periphery of the pinion shaft. The pinion shaft is inserted into the housing 51 of the steering gear 50, and in this state, the pinion gear is meshed with a rack (not shown) formed on a rack rod 52, wherein the rack rod 52 is arranged inside the housing 51 of the steering gear 50 so as to be movable leftward and rightward.

[0016] The rack bar 52 is connected to the left and right ends of the pull rods 53 and 54. The pull rods 53 and 54 are composed of a left pull rod 53 and a right pull rod 54. The left pull rod 53 is connected to the steering knuckle of the left wheel, and the right pull rod 54 is connected to the steering knuckle of the right wheel.

[0017] When the pinion shaft rotates in one direction, the rack rod 52 moves linearly to the left, thereby the left tie rod 53 and the right tie rod 54 move linearly to the left, and rotate to the left to be connected to the steering knuckles of the left and right wheels respectively, thereby steering the left and right wheels to the left.

[0018] In addition, when the pinion shaft rotates in the other direction, the rack rod 52 moves linearly to the right, thereby the left tie rod 53 and the right tie rod 54 move linearly to the right, and the steering knuckles respectively connected to the left and right wheels are rotated to the right, thereby steering the left and right wheels to the right.

[0019] On the other hand, recently, a double universal joint is also provided on the intermediate shaft.

[0020] For example, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0082178 (July 18, 2018; hereinafter referred to as “the prior art”) discloses a technology in which the double universal joint is provided on the intermediate shaft, namely, “aluminum universal joint for a steering column”.

[0021] The prior art is configured such that the double universal joint connects the driven shaft and the power steering device. However, when the intermediate shaft is manufactured by a different manufacturer than the power steering device, the prior art has a problem that it is not easy to connect the double universal joint arranged on the driven shaft of the intermediate shaft to the power steering device.

[0022] In addition, the prior art is to configure a spherical bearing on the double universal joint in order to configure the driven shaft at a predetermined angle with respect to the input shaft of the power steering device, but the rotation angle of the inner wheel of the spherical bearing is not large, which limits the bending angle of the driven shaft. Therefore, there is a problem that the types of vehicles on which the intermediate shaft can be installed are limited.

[0023] In addition, the prior art is to provide an inner shaft, a rubber bushing, an outer tube and a release sleeve in the sliding tube constituting the upper end of the intermediate shaft to attenuate the vibration transmitted from the wheel, but the driven shaft arranged close to the wheel is composed of a single shaft, so there is also a problem that it is impossible to prevent the vibration transmitted from the wheel from being transmitted to the intermediate shaft. Utility Model Content

[0024] (Problem to be solved)

[0025] The technical problem of the utility model is to provide an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device, in which a double universal joint is arranged between a driving shaft and a driven shaft, so that the intermediate shaft can be easily assembled with a power steering device. Moreover, the bending angle range of the intermediate shaft is increased, so that the intermediate shaft can be installed in various types of vehicles.

[0026] Another technical problem of the present invention is to provide an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device, which enables a driven shaft to have a vibration damping function, thereby fundamentally damping the vibration transmitted from the wheel to the intermediate shaft.

[0027] The technical issues of the present invention are not limited to the issues mentioned above, and other issues not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0028] (Methods to solve the problem)

[0029] In order to achieve the above-mentioned problem, the intermediate shaft for the vehicle steering device according to the utility model is composed of a driving shaft, a driven shaft and a double universal joint. One end of the driving shaft is connected to the steering shaft. A first universal joint joint is formed at the other end of the driving shaft. One end of the driven shaft is connected to the power steering device. A second universal joint joint is formed at the other end of the driven shaft. The double universal joint connects the first universal joint joint and the second universal joint joint.

[0030] The intermediate shaft for the vehicle steering device according to the utility model can also constitute a first shaft angle setting component and a second shaft angle setting component. The first shaft angle setting component can be combined with any one of the first universal joint joint and the second universal joint joint. The first shaft angle setting component can form a socket protruding in the axial direction. The socket can be arranged inside the double universal joint. The second shaft angle setting component can be combined with the other of the first universal joint joint and the second universal joint joint. The spherical ball part in the second shaft angle setting component can be formed protruding in the axial direction. The ball part is inserted into the socket and can be rotatably combined.

[0031] A bushing in contact with the ball portion may be disposed in the socket.

[0032] The double universal joint may be composed of a universal joint body, a first cross shaft, and a second cross shaft. A third universal joint joint may be formed at one end of the universal joint body. A fourth universal joint joint may be formed at the other end of the universal joint body. The first cross shaft may be formed in a cross shape. The first cross shaft rotatably connects the first universal joint joint and the third universal joint joint. The second cross shaft may be formed in a cross shape. The second cross shaft rotatably connects the second universal joint joint and the fourth universal joint joint. The socket may be arranged inside the universal joint body.

[0033] The drive shaft may be composed of a sliding tube and a sliding shaft. The sliding tube may extend in an axial direction. The sliding shaft may extend in an axial direction. One end of the sliding shaft is inserted into the sliding tube, and the sliding shaft is slidably coupled to the sliding tube in an axial direction. The first universal joint may be formed in any one of the sliding tube and the sliding shaft.

[0034] The driven shaft may be composed of an inner shaft, a rubber bushing, an outer tube and a release sleeve. One end of the inner shaft may be coupled to the power steering device. The rubber bushing may surround the outer periphery of the other end of the inner shaft. The outer tube may surround the outer periphery of the rubber bushing. The release sleeve may surround the outer periphery of the outer tube. The second universal joint joint may be formed on the release sleeve.

[0035] A plurality of first spline grooves in the shape of arcs extending in the axial direction can be formed on the outer circumference of the other end of the inner shaft at intervals in the circumferential direction. A plurality of first spline protrusions in the shape of arcs extending in the axial direction can be formed on the inner circumference of the rubber bushing, and the plurality of first spline protrusions are respectively combined with the plurality of first spline grooves. A plurality of second spline grooves in the shape of arcs extending in the axial direction can be formed on the outer circumference of the rubber bushing at positions corresponding to the plurality of first spline protrusions. A plurality of second spline protrusions in the shape of arcs extending in the axial direction can be formed on the inner circumference of the outer tube, and the plurality of second spline protrusions are respectively combined with the plurality of second spline grooves. At least one first planar portion extending in the axial direction can be formed on the outer circumference of the outer tube. At least one second planar portion can be formed in the axial direction on the inner circumference of the breakaway sleeve, and the second planar portion contacts the at least one first planar portion.

[0036] In the inner circumference of the release sleeve, arc-shaped grooves extending in the axial direction are formed at both ends of the at least one second flat portion.

[0037] A first coupling protrusion may be formed at the end of any one of the first universal joint coupling part and the second universal joint coupling part. A first coupling hole may be formed in the first shaft angle setting component, and the first coupling protrusion may be inserted and coupled in the first coupling hole. A second coupling protrusion may be formed at the end of the other of the first universal joint coupling part and the second universal joint coupling part. A second coupling hole may be formed in the second shaft angle setting component, and the second coupling protrusion may be inserted and coupled in the second coupling hole.

[0038] The bushing may be formed into a cylindrical shape with both ends open. A plurality of hook protrusions may be formed at one end of the bushing. The plurality of hook protrusions may be clamped in a hook groove formed on the inner circumferential surface of the socket. The plurality of hook protrusions may be formed to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. A plurality of snap protrusions may be formed at the other end of the bushing. The plurality of snap protrusions are formed at portions corresponding to the plurality of hook protrusions. The plurality of snap protrusions may be clamped at the front end of the socket. The plurality of snap protrusions may be formed to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0039] A notch groove may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the bushing in an axially extending manner. The notch groove may be formed at a portion corresponding to the plurality of locking protrusions.

[0040] Specific items of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0041] (Effect of utility model)

[0042] According to the intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device of the utility model, since the double universal joints are arranged between the driving shaft and the driven shaft, it has the effect of being easily assembled with the power steering device.

[0043] In addition, according to the intermediate shaft for the vehicle steering device of the utility model, since the ball portion of the second shaft angle setting component is inserted into the socket of the first shaft angle setting component and is rotatably coupled, the rotation angle range of the ball portion can be increased compared to the existing spherical bearing. Accordingly, the bending angle range of the driving shaft and the driven shaft becomes larger, and thus it can be installed in various types of vehicles.

[0044] In addition, according to the intermediate shaft for the vehicle steering device of the utility model, the driven shaft constituting the lower end is composed of an inner shaft, a rubber bushing, an outer tube and a release sleeve, so it also has the effect of fundamentally attenuating the vibration transmitted from the wheel to the intermediate shaft.

[0045] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a steering device of a vehicle having an intermediate shaft according to the prior art;

[0047] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device according to an embodiment of the utility model;

[0048] Figure 3 Yes Figure 2 The longitudinal section view shown in the figure except for the mounting bracket;

[0049] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 2 A cutaway stereogram of the internal structure of the double universal joint;

[0050] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Exploded stereogram of

[0051] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 2 A cutaway stereogram of the internal structure of the driven shaft;

[0052] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 A transverse cross-sectional view of a driven shaft;

[0053] Figure 8 As shown Figure 5 Figures of a bushing, (a) is a stereoscopic view of one side of the bushing, and (b) is a stereoscopic view of the other side of the bushing;

[0054] Fig. 9 It is shown Figure 4 A partially enlarged view of the connection between the center socket and the bushing.

[0055] (Explanation of Reference Numerals)

[0056] 1: Intermediate shaft 100: Drive shaft

[0057] 110: Sliding tube 115: First universal joint joint

[0058] 117: first coupling protrusion 120: sliding shaft

[0059] 200: driven shaft 210: inner shaft

[0060] 218: First spline groove 220: Rubber bushing

[0061] 228: First spline protrusion 229: Second spline groove

[0062] 230: Outer tube 238: Second spline protrusion

[0063] 239A, 239B: first plane portion 240: release sleeve

[0064] 245A, 245B: grooves 246: second universal joint joint

[0065] 247: second coupling protrusion 249A, 249B: second flat surface portion

[0066] 300: Double universal joint 310: Universal joint body

[0067] 315: third universal joint joint 316: fourth universal joint joint

[0068] 320: First cross axis 330: Second cross axis

[0069] 410: first axis angle setting component 412: socket

[0070] 412A: hook groove 415: bushing

[0071] 415A: hook protrusion 415B: buckle protrusion

[0072] 415C: notch groove 417: first coupling hole

[0073] 420: Second axis angle setting component 422: Ball portion

[0074] 427: Second binding hole DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0075] Referring to the accompanying drawings, an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device according to an embodiment of the present utility model is described. For reference, terms related to the downward direction refer to the Figure 2The up and down directions of the marks may also refer to the opposite directions. That is, the upper end of any structure may refer to one end, and the lower end may refer to the other end. Alternatively, the lower end of any structure may refer to one end, and the upper end may refer to the other end.

[0076] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device according to an embodiment of the utility model; Figure 3 Yes Figure 2 The longitudinal section view shown in the figure except for the mounting bracket;

[0077] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 According to an embodiment of the present utility model, an intermediate shaft 1 for a vehicle steering device may include: a driving shaft 100 , a driven shaft 200 and a double universal joint 300 .

[0078] The upper end of the driving shaft 100 can be connected to the lower end of the steering shaft. Here, the steering shaft has been described in the prior art, so the detailed description is omitted.

[0079] A first universal joint 115 may be formed at the lower end of the drive shaft 100. The first universal joint 115 may be formed to protrude in the axial direction at the lower end of the drive shaft 100. The first universal joint 115 may be composed of a pair of first universal joints 115 spaced apart from each other and arranged facing each other.

[0080] A fifth universal joint 125 may be formed at the upper end of the drive shaft 100. The fifth universal joint 125 may be connected to the lower end of the steering shaft through the universal joint 130. The fifth universal joint 125 may be formed to protrude in the axial direction at the upper end of the drive shaft 100. The fifth universal joint 125 may be composed of a pair of fifth universal joints 125 spaced apart from each other and arranged facing each other.

[0081] The drive shaft 100 can change its length in the axial direction. That is, the drive shaft 100 may include a sliding tube 110 and a sliding shaft 120. The sliding tube 110 and the sliding shaft 120 can extend in the axial direction. The sliding tube 110 and the sliding shaft 120 are slidably coupled to each other in the axial direction, and can change their length in the axial direction.

[0082] The sliding tube 110 may be arranged at the lower side of the sliding shaft 120. The sliding shaft 120 may be arranged at the upper side of the sliding tube 110. However, the positions of the sliding tube 110 and the sliding shaft 120 may be interchanged. That is, the sliding tube 110 may be arranged at a higher side than the sliding shaft 120. In the case where the sliding tube 110 is arranged at a higher side than the sliding shaft 120, the first universal joint joint 115 may be formed at the lower end of the sliding shaft 120. That is, the first universal joint joint 115 may be a structure formed at any one of the sliding tube 110 and the sliding shaft 120 and rotatably coupled to the double universal joint 300, and the fifth universal joint joint 125 may be a structure formed at the other of the sliding tube 110 and the sliding shaft 120 and coupled to the lower end of the steering shaft through the universal joint 130.

[0083] The lower end of the sliding shaft 120 can be inserted into the sliding tube 110 through a groove formed at the upper end of the sliding tube 110, and the sliding shaft 120 can be slidably coupled to the sliding tube 110 in the axial direction. A spline may be formed on the outer periphery of the portion of the sliding shaft 120 inserted into the sliding tube 110, and a spline may be formed on the inner periphery of the sliding tube 110 to couple with the spline formed on the outer periphery of the sliding shaft 120.

[0084] The upper end of the sliding tube 110 may be covered with a dust cover 140. The sliding shaft 120 may pass through the dust cover 140. The dust cover 140 may prevent foreign matter including dust from entering the sliding tube 110. A slot for engaging the dust cover 140 may be formed at the upper end of the sliding tube 110.

[0085] An assembly bracket 150 may be provided on the outer periphery of the sliding tube 110. The assembly bracket 150 is provided on the vehicle body and can support the sliding tube 110, whereby the intermediate shaft 1 for a vehicle steering device according to an embodiment of the utility model can be supported by the vehicle body. Bearings may be provided on the inner periphery of each of the upper and lower parts of the assembly bracket 150, and the bearings may rotatably support the sliding tube 110.

[0086] The lower end of the driven shaft 200 may be connected to a power steering device. Here, the power steering device has been described in the prior art, so a detailed description is omitted. An input shaft of the power steering device may be formed protrudingly on the upper side of the power steering device, and the protruding input shaft is inserted into a fastening groove 212 (see FIG. 21 ) formed at the lower end of the driven shaft 200. Figure 6 ), and then the lower end of the driven shaft 200 is formed through a fastening hole 214 (refer to Figure 6 ) can be combined with the lower end of the driven shaft 200. When the fastening member is fastened to the fastening hole 214, in order to enable the lower end of the driven shaft 200 to firmly surround the input shaft of the power steering device, it is preferred that a cutout groove 216 leading to the fastening groove 212 is formed in the driven shaft 200 near the outer periphery where the fastening hole 214 is formed (see Figure 6 ).

[0087] A second universal joint 246 may be formed at the upper end of the driven shaft 200. The second universal joint 246 may be formed to protrude in the axial direction at the upper end of the driven shaft 200. The second universal joint 246 may be composed of a pair of second universal joints 246 spaced apart from each other and arranged facing each other.

[0088] The double universal joint 300 can connect the first universal joint joint portion 115 and the second universal joint joint portion 246. The first universal joint joint portion 115 is rotatably coupled to the upper end side of the double universal joint 300, whereby the drive shaft 100 is rotatably coupled to the double universal joint 300. The second universal joint joint portion 246 is rotatably coupled to the lower end side of the double universal joint 300, whereby the driven shaft 200 is rotatably coupled to the double universal joint 300.

[0089] Since the double universal joint 300 is arranged between the driving shaft 100 and the driven shaft 200, compared with the case where the double universal joint 300 is arranged at the lower end of the driven shaft 200, there is no need to combine the double universal joint 300 with the power steering device. Therefore, the intermediate shaft 1 for the vehicle steering device according to the embodiment of the utility model can be easily assembled with the power steering device.

[0090] On the other hand, the first axis angle setting member 410 may be coupled to the first universal joint joint 115, and the second axis angle setting member 420 may be coupled to the second universal joint joint 246. However, the positions of the first axis angle setting member 410 and the second axis angle setting member 420 may be interchanged. That is, the first axis angle setting member 410 may be coupled to any one of the first universal joint joint 115 and the second universal joint joint 246, and the second axis angle setting member 420 may be coupled to the other one of the first universal joint joint 115 and the second universal joint joint 246.

[0091] like Figure 2 As shown, the driving shaft 100 and the driven shaft 200 can be arranged at a predetermined bending angle when installed in a vehicle. The first shaft angle setting member 410 and the second shaft angle setting member 420 can keep the driving shaft 100 and the driven shaft 200 at an accurate bending angle.

[0092] In particular, in this embodiment, a socket 412 is formed in the first shaft angle setting component 410, and a spherical ball portion 422 is formed in the second shaft angle setting component 420. The ball portion 422 is inserted into the socket 412 and is rotatably coupled, which can increase the rotation angle range of the ball portion 422, and thereby increase the bending angle range of the drive shaft 100 and the driven shaft 200. Therefore, the intermediate shaft 1 for a vehicle steering device according to an embodiment of the utility model can be installed in various types of vehicles.

[0093] The double universal joint 300 , the first axis angle setting component 410 , and the second axis angle setting component 420 will be described in detail below.

[0094] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 2 A cutaway stereogram of the internal structure of the double universal joint; Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Exploded three-dimensional diagram.

[0095] Reference Figures 2 to 5 The double universal joint 300 may include: a universal joint body 310 , a first cross axis 320 and a second cross axis 330 .

[0096] A third universal joint connection part 315 may be formed at the upper end of the universal joint body 310. The third universal joint connection part 315 may be formed to protrude in the axial direction at the upper end of the universal joint body 310. The third universal joint connection part 315 may be composed of a pair of third universal joint connection parts 315 spaced apart from each other and arranged facing each other.

[0097] A fourth universal joint connection part 316 may be formed at the lower end of the universal joint body 310. The fourth universal joint connection part 316 may be formed to protrude in the axial direction at the lower end of the universal joint body 310. The fourth universal joint connection part 316 may be composed of a pair of fourth universal joint connection parts 316 spaced apart from each other and arranged facing each other.

[0098] The first cross shaft 320 may be formed in a cross shape. The first cross shaft 320 is rotatably connected to the first universal joint joint 115 and the third universal joint joint 315, wherein the first universal joint joint 115 is formed at the lower end of the drive shaft 100 and the third universal joint joint 315 is formed at the upper end of the universal joint body 310. The first cross shaft 320 is rotatably connected to the first universal joint joint 115 and the third universal joint joint 315, wherein the first universal joint joint 115 is formed at the lower end of the sliding tube 110 and the third universal joint joint 315 is formed at the upper end of the universal joint body 310. Holes to which the first cross shaft 320 is rotatably connected may be formed in the first universal joint joint 115 and the third universal joint joint 315.

[0099] The second cross shaft 330 may be formed in the same structure as the first cross shaft 320. That is, the second cross shaft 330 may be formed in a cross shape. The second cross shaft 330 rotatably connects the second universal joint connection part 246 and the fourth universal joint connection part 316, wherein the second universal joint connection part 246 is formed at the upper end of the driven shaft 200 and the fourth universal joint connection part 316 is formed at the lower end of the universal joint body 310. A hole rotatably connected to the second cross shaft 330 may be formed in the second universal joint connection part 246 and the fourth universal joint connection part 316.

[0100] A first coupling protrusion 117 may be formed at the end of the first universal joint coupling part 115, and a first coupling hole 417 into which the first coupling protrusion 117 is inserted and coupled may be formed in the first shaft angle setting component 410. A second coupling protrusion 247 may be formed at the end of the second universal joint coupling part 246, and a second coupling hole 427 into which the second coupling protrusion 247 is inserted and coupled may be formed in the second shaft angle setting component 420. However, since the first shaft angle setting component 410 and the second shaft angle setting component 420 are disposed at positions interchangeable with each other, the first coupling protrusion 117 may be formed at the end of any one of the first universal joint coupling part 115 and the second universal joint coupling part 246, and the second coupling protrusion 247 may be formed at the end of the other of the first universal joint coupling part 115 and the second universal joint coupling part 246. The first shaft angle setting component 410 may be coupled to the first universal joint coupling part 115 by inserting and coupling the first coupling protrusion 117 to the first coupling hole 417. The second shaft angle setting member 420 may be coupled to the second universal joint coupling portion 246 by inserting and coupling the second coupling protrusion 247 into the second coupling hole 427 .

[0101] The first axis angle setting component 410 may be formed with a socket 412 protruding in the axis direction. The first axis angle setting component 410 may be formed in a plate shape, the socket 412 may be formed protruding at the center of one surface of the first axis angle setting component 410, and the first coupling holes 417 may be formed at both ends of the first axis angle setting component 410. The socket 412 may be arranged between the first coupling holes 417 formed at both ends of the first axis angle setting component 410. The socket 412 may be arranged inside the double universal joint 300. The socket 412 may be arranged inside the universal joint body 310.

[0102] The second axis angle setting component 420 may be formed with a spherical ball portion 422 protruding in the axis direction. The second axis angle setting component 420 may be formed in a plate shape, the ball portion 422 may be protruding from the center of one surface of the second axis angle setting component 420, and the second coupling holes 427 may be formed at both ends of the second axis angle setting component 420. The ball portion 422 may be arranged between the second coupling holes 427 formed at both ends of the second axis angle setting component 420. The ball portion 422 may be arranged inside the double universal joint 300. The ball portion 422 may be arranged inside the universal joint body 310. The ball portion 422 is inserted into the socket 412 of the first axis angle setting component 410 and is rotatably coupled.

[0103] When the bending angles of the driving shaft 100 and the driven shaft 200 are changed, the ball portion 422 rotates in the socket 412 , thereby accurately setting the bending angles of the driving shaft 100 and the driven shaft 200 .

[0104] A bushing 415 in contact with the ball portion 422 may be disposed in the socket 412. The bushing 415 may be formed of plastic. The bushing 415 may be formed of a material different from that of the first shaft angle setting member 410, and may be formed integrally with the socket 412 by double injection molding with the first shaft angle setting member 410. The bushing 415 is used to prevent noise when the ball portion 422 rotates. For the specific structure of the bushing 415, please refer to Figure 8 and Fig. 9 This will be described later.

[0105] On the other hand, the intermediate shaft 1 for a vehicle steering device according to the embodiment of the present invention is configured so that the driven shaft 200 has a vibration damping function in order to damp the vibration transmitted from the wheel at the portion closest to the wheel. The driven shaft 200 will be described in detail below.

[0106] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 2 A cutaway stereogram of the internal structure of the driven shaft; Figure 7 yes Figure 2 Transverse section of the driven shaft.

[0107] Reference Figures 5 to 7 The driven shaft 200 may include: an inner shaft 210 , a rubber bushing 220 , an outer tube 230 and a release sleeve 240 .

[0108] The lower end of the inner shaft 210 can be coupled to the input shaft of the power steering device. The lower end of the inner shaft 210 can be formed with the fastening groove 212, the fastening hole 214 and the cutout hole 216 as described above to be coupled to the input shaft of the power steering device.

[0109] The upper end portion of the inner shaft 210 may be inserted into the rubber bushing 220 . That is, the rubber bushing 220 may surround the outer circumference of the upper end portion of the inner shaft 210 .

[0110] The outer tube 230 may surround the outer circumference of the rubber bushing 220. The rubber bushing 220 is disposed between the outer circumference of the upper end of the inner shaft 210 and the inner circumference of the outer tube 230, and may absorb vibration transmitted from the wheel, thereby the driven shaft 200 may attenuate the vibration transmitted from the wheel.

[0111] The release sleeve 240 is disposed at the upper end of the inner shaft 210 and can surround the outer circumference of the outer tube 230. The release sleeve 240 is caulked and coupled to the groove formed on the outer circumference of the inner shaft 210 to prevent the rubber bushing 220 and the outer tube 230 from being separated from the inner shaft 210. The second universal joint 246 mentioned above can be formed at the upper end of the release sleeve 240.

[0112] A plurality of first spline grooves 218 extending in the axial direction may be formed at intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer circumference of the upper end portion of the inner shaft 210. The plurality of first spline grooves 218 may be formed in an arc shape. The plurality of first spline grooves 218 may be formed as 6 first spline grooves 218. The outer circumference of the upper end portion of the inner shaft 210 is such that the portion other than the plurality of first spline grooves 218 may be formed in an arc shape that is curved in the opposite direction to the plurality of first spline grooves 218.

[0113] A plurality of first spline protrusions 228 may be formed on the inner circumference of the rubber bushing 220 in an axial direction, and the plurality of first spline protrusions 228 may be respectively combined with the plurality of first spline grooves 218. The plurality of first spline protrusions 228 may be formed in an arc shape. The plurality of first spline protrusions 228 may be formed spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The plurality of first spline protrusions 228 may be formed as 6 first spline protrusions 228. The inner circumference of the rubber bushing 220 is such that the portion other than the plurality of first spline protrusions 228 may be formed in an arc shape bent in a direction opposite to the plurality of first spline protrusions 228.

[0114] A plurality of second spline grooves 229 extending in the axial direction may be formed on the outer periphery of the rubber bushing 220. The plurality of second spline grooves 229 may be formed in an arc shape. The plurality of second spline grooves 229 may be formed spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The plurality of second spline grooves 229 may be formed at positions corresponding to the plurality of first spline protrusions 228 formed on the inner periphery of the rubber bushing 220, respectively. The plurality of second spline grooves 229 may be formed as 6 second spline grooves 229. The outer periphery of the rubber bushing 220 is such that the portion other than the plurality of second spline grooves 229 may be formed in an arc shape bent in a direction opposite to the plurality of second spline grooves 229.

[0115] A plurality of second spline protrusions 238 may be formed extending in the axial direction on the inner circumference of the outer tube 230, and the plurality of second spline protrusions 238 are respectively combined with the plurality of second spline grooves 229. The plurality of second spline protrusions 238 may be formed in an arc shape. The plurality of second spline protrusions 238 may be formed spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The plurality of second spline protrusions 238 may be formed as 6 second spline protrusions 238. The inner circumference of the outer tube 230 is such that the portion other than the plurality of second spline protrusions 238 may be formed in an arc shape bent in the opposite direction to the plurality of second spline protrusions 238.

[0116] At least one first plane portion 239A, 239B extending in the axial direction may be formed on the outer circumference of the outer tube 230. In the present embodiment, the first plane portions 239A, 239B are formed by a pair of first plane portions 239A, 239B arranged on opposite sides to each other, but at least one of the first plane portions 239A, 239B may be formed. At least one first plane portion 239A, 239B may include a first-first plane portion 239A and a first-second plane portion 239B, wherein the first-second plane portion 239B is arranged on the opposite side of the first-first plane portion 239A. The outer circumference of the outer tube 230 is such that the portion other than the at least one first plane portion 239A, 239B may be formed in a protruding arc shape.

[0117] At least one second plane portion 249A, 249B can be formed by extending in the axial direction on the inner periphery of the release sleeve 240, and the at least one second plane portion 249A, 249B contacts with at least one first plane portion 239A, 239B. In the present embodiment, the second plane portions 249A, 249B are formed by a pair of second plane portions 249A, 249B arranged on opposite sides to each other, but at least one second plane portion 249A, 249B can be formed at a position corresponding to at least one first plane portion 239A, 239B. At least one second plane portion 249A, 249B may include a second-first plane portion 249A and a second-second plane portion 249B, the second-first plane portion 249A contacts with the first-first plane portion 239A, and the second-second plane portion 249B is arranged on the opposite side of the second-first plane portion 249A and contacts with the first-second plane portion 239B. The inner circumference of the release sleeve 240 may be formed into a concave arc shape except for at least one second plane portion 249A, 249B.

[0118] If spline grooves spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction are formed on the outer circumference of the outer tube 230, and spline protrusions respectively inserted into the plurality of spline grooves are formed on the inner circumference of the detachment sleeve 240, the thickness of the outer tube 230 becomes thinner, which may reduce the durability. Therefore, in the present embodiment, at least one first plane portion 239A, 239B is formed on the outer circumference of the outer tube 230, and at least one second plane portion 249A, 249B in contact with the at least one first plane portion 239A, 239B is formed on the inner circumference of the detachment sleeve 240, thereby ensuring a sufficient thickness of the outer tube 230 and improving the durability.

[0119] On the other hand, in the inner circumference of the detachment sleeve 240, arc-shaped grooves 245A and 245B extending in the axial direction may be formed at both ends of at least one second plane portion 249A and 249B. The grooves 245A and 245B are to prevent at least one of the outer tube 230 and the detachment sleeve 240 from being damaged while the diameter changes due to temperature. The grooves 245A and 245B may include a first groove 245A and a second groove 245B, wherein the first groove 245A is formed at both ends of the second-first plane portion 249A, and the second groove 245B is formed at both ends of the second-second plane portion 249B.

[0120] Figure 8 As shown Figure 5 Figures of a bushing, (a) is a stereoscopic view of one side of the bushing, and (b) is a stereoscopic view of the other side of the bushing; Fig. 9 It is shown Figure 4 A partially enlarged view of the connection between the center socket and the bushing.

[0121] Reference Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , the bushing 415 may be formed into a cylindrical shape with both ends opened.

[0122] A plurality of hook protrusions 415A may be formed at one end of the bushing 415. The plurality of hook protrusions 415A may be caught in hook grooves 412A formed on the inner circumferential surface of the insertion port 412. The plurality of hook protrusions 415A may be formed to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0123] A plurality of snap protrusions 415B may be formed at the other end of the bushing 415. The plurality of snap protrusions 415B may be formed at portions corresponding to the plurality of hook protrusions 415A. The plurality of snap protrusions 415B may be snapped at the front end of the socket 412. The front end inner circumferential surface of the socket 412 may be formed as an inclined surface, and portions of the plurality of snap protrusions 415B that are snapped at the inclined surface formed at the front end inner circumferential surface of the socket 412 may be formed as an inclined surface. The plurality of snap protrusions 415B may be formed to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0124] A notch groove 415C can be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the bushing 415 in an axially extending manner. The notch groove 415C can be formed in a portion corresponding to the plurality of snap protrusions 415B. The notch groove 415C can be formed in a portion corresponding to between the plurality of hook protrusions 415A. When the ball portion 422 rotates in a state of being in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the bushing 415, the notch groove 415C can cause the bushing 415 to be slightly elastically deformed. In the present embodiment, the notch groove 415C is formed as a pair of notch grooves 415C in the portion corresponding to the plurality of snap protrusions 415B, but at least one notch groove 415C can be formed in the portion corresponding to the plurality of snap protrusions 415B.

[0125] As described above, the intermediate shaft 1 for a vehicle steering device according to the embodiment of the present invention can be easily assembled with a power steering device because the double universal joint 300 is disposed between the drive shaft 100 and the driven shaft 200 .

[0126] In addition, according to the embodiment of the utility model, the intermediate shaft 1 for the vehicle steering device is, since the ball portion 422 of the second shaft angle setting component 420 is inserted into the socket 412 of the first shaft angle setting component 410 and is rotatably coupled, the range of the rotation angle of the ball portion 422 can be increased compared to the existing spherical bearing, and accordingly the bending angle range of the drive shaft 100 and the driven shaft 200 becomes larger, so it can be installed in various types of vehicles.

[0127] In addition, according to the intermediate shaft 1 for the vehicle steering device of the embodiment of the utility model, since the driven shaft 200 constituting the lower end is composed of the inner shaft 210, the rubber bushing 220, the outer tube 230 and the release sleeve 240, the vibration transmitted from the wheel to the intermediate shaft 1 can be fundamentally attenuated.

[0128] A person with common knowledge in the technical field to which the utility model belongs may understand that the utility model may be implemented in other specific forms without changing its technical ideas or essential features. Therefore, the embodiments described above should only be understood as being exemplary in all aspects and not restrictive. The scope of the utility model should be interpreted as being embodied in the claims compared to the above detailed description, and all changes or deformations derived from the meaning, scope and equivalent concepts of the claims are included in the scope of the utility model.

[0129] Industrial Applicability

[0130] The utility model provides an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device. Double universal joints are arranged between a driving shaft and a driven shaft, and the intermediate shaft can be easily assembled with a power steering device. Moreover, the bending angle range of the intermediate shaft is increased, so the intermediate shaft can be installed in various types of vehicles.

Claims

1. An intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device, characterized in that include: A drive shaft, one end of which is connected to the steering shaft and the other end of which forms a first universal joint; A driven shaft, one end of which is connected to the power steering device and the other end of which forms a second universal joint joint; A double universal joint connecting the first universal joint joint and the second universal joint joint; A first axis angle setting component is coupled to any one of the first universal joint coupling portion and the second universal joint coupling portion, and a socket disposed inside the double universal joint is formed to protrude in an axis direction; and The second axis angle setting member is coupled to the other of the first universal joint coupling part and the second universal joint coupling part, and has a ball portion protruding in the axis direction to form a spherical shape. The ball portion is inserted into the socket and rotatably coupled.

2. The intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first universal joint joint is rotatably connected to the upper end side of the double universal joint, the drive shaft is rotatably connected to the double universal joint, the second universal joint joint is rotatably connected to the lower end side of the double universal joint, and accordingly the driven shaft is rotatably connected to the double universal joint; a socket is formed in the first shaft angle setting component, and a spherical ball portion is formed in the second shaft angle setting component.

3. The intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device according to claim 2, characterized in that: Also includes: The bushing is disposed in the socket and contacts the ball portion.

4. The intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The double universal joint comprises: A universal joint body having a third universal joint joint portion formed at one end and a fourth universal joint joint portion formed at the other end; a first cross shaft formed in a cross shape and rotatably connecting the first universal joint joint portion and the third universal joint joint portion; and A second cross shaft is formed in a cross shape and rotatably connects the second universal joint joint portion and the fourth universal joint joint portion; The socket is arranged inside the universal joint body.

5. The intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drive shaft comprises: A sliding tube extending in an axial direction; A sliding shaft extending in an axial direction, one end of which is inserted into the sliding tube and slidably coupled in the axial direction; The first universal joint is formed in any one of the sliding tube and the sliding shaft.

6. The intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driven shaft comprises: an inner shaft, one end of which is coupled to the power steering device; A rubber bushing surrounding the outer circumference of the other end of the inner shaft; an outer tube surrounding the outer circumference of the rubber bushing; and The breakaway sleeve surrounds the outer circumference of the outer tube and forms the second universal joint joint portion.

7. The intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device according to claim 6, characterized in that: A plurality of arc-shaped first spline grooves extending in the axial direction are formed on the outer circumference of the other end of the inner shaft at intervals in the circumferential direction, and a plurality of arc-shaped first spline protrusions extending in the axial direction are formed on the inner circumference of the rubber bushing, and the plurality of first spline protrusions are respectively combined with the plurality of first spline grooves; A plurality of arc-shaped second spline grooves extending in the axial direction are formed on the outer circumference of the rubber bush at positions corresponding to the plurality of first spline protrusions respectively; A plurality of second spline protrusions extending in an axial direction and having an arc shape are formed on the inner circumference of the outer tube, and the plurality of second spline protrusions are respectively combined with the plurality of second spline grooves; At least one first plane portion extending in an axial direction is formed on the outer periphery of the outer tube; At least one second plane portion is formed on the inner periphery of the release sleeve and extends in the axial direction, and the second plane portion is in contact with the at least one first plane portion.

8. The intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device according to claim 7, characterized in that: In the inner circumference of the release sleeve, arc-shaped grooves extending in the axial direction are further formed at both ends of the at least one second planar portion.

9. The intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device according to claim 2, characterized in that: forming a first coupling protrusion at a distal end of any one of the first universal joint coupling portion and the second universal joint coupling portion; A first coupling hole is formed in the first shaft angle setting component, and the first coupling protrusion is inserted into and coupled to the first coupling hole; forming a second coupling protrusion at a distal end of the other of the first universal joint coupling portion and the second universal joint coupling portion; A second coupling hole is formed in the second shaft angle setting member, and the second coupling protrusion is inserted into and coupled to the second coupling hole.

10. The intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The bushing is formed into a cylindrical shape with both ends open, and a plurality of hook protrusions are formed at one end at intervals from each other in the circumferential direction, and the plurality of hook protrusions are clamped in hook grooves formed on the inner circumferential surface of the socket, and a plurality of snap protrusions are formed at the other end in portions corresponding to the plurality of hook protrusions at intervals from each other in the circumferential direction, and the plurality of snap protrusions are clamped in the front end of the socket.

11. The intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device according to claim 10, characterized in that: A notch groove is formed in the outer peripheral surface of the bushing at a portion corresponding to the plurality of locking protrusions and extending in the axial direction.

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