Integrated aluminum alloy ball sliding type steering intermediate shaft

Abstract

The utility model discloses an integrated aluminum alloy ball sliding type steering intermediate shaft, and relates to the technical field of automobile steering systems, the integrated aluminum alloy ball sliding type steering intermediate shaft comprises a first joint fork assembly, a second joint fork assembly and a sliding assembly, the first joint fork assembly comprises a joint fork pipe, and the second joint fork assembly comprises a joint fork shaft; the sliding assembly is arranged between the joint fork pipe and the joint fork shaft and used for enabling the joint fork shaft and the joint fork pipe to be connected in a sliding mode, the sliding assembly comprises a holder and balls arranged in the holder, and the joint fork pipe, the joint fork shaft and the balls are integrally cast through aluminum alloy. The steering intermediate shaft has the effect of improving the overall strength and impact resistance of the steering intermediate shaft.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of automobile steering systems, and in particular to an integrated aluminum alloy ball sliding steering intermediate shaft. Background Art

[0002] At present, the steering intermediate shaft is a transmission shaft arranged between the steering wheel and the steering gear of the car, which is used to transmit the force of the driver turning the steering wheel to the steering gear. Among them, the steel ball sliding steering intermediate shaft is favored by many automobile manufacturers due to its superior and reliable performance.

[0003] In the related art, the Chinese invention publication number CN106089970A discloses a rigid-structured steel ball and roller type lower drive shaft assembly, comprising a telescopic transmission device and an upper universal joint and a lower universal joint arranged at both ends of the telescopic transmission device, wherein a plurality of steel balls and steel ball retainers of the same specifications are provided between the lower drive shaft and the lower transmission sleeve, a first half steel ball groove adapted to the steel balls is provided on the lower drive shaft, and a second half steel ball groove adapted to the steel balls is provided on the lower transmission sleeve, and the steel balls are embedded in the first half steel ball groove and the second half steel ball groove.

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned related technologies, the universal joint fork and the drive shaft / tube are welded to form a yoke shaft and a yoke tube. When the universal joint fork and the drive shaft / tube are welded, pores or cracks are easily generated at the welding point, resulting in a reduction in the overall strength and impact resistance of the steering intermediate shaft. In addition, due to the high strength and hardness of the steel material itself, the steel ball has poor buffering performance when the steering intermediate shaft is impacted. Utility Model Content

[0005] In order to improve the overall strength and impact resistance of the steering intermediate shaft, the present application provides an integrated aluminum alloy ball sliding steering intermediate shaft.

[0006] The application provides an integrated aluminum alloy ball sliding steering intermediate shaft adopting the following technical solution:

[0007] An integrated aluminum alloy ball sliding steering intermediate shaft includes a first yoke assembly, a second yoke assembly, and a sliding assembly. The first yoke assembly includes a yoke tube, the second yoke assembly includes a yoke shaft, the sliding assembly is arranged between the yoke tube and the yoke shaft and is used to make the yoke shaft and the yoke tube slidingly connected. The sliding assembly includes a retaining frame and balls arranged in the retaining frame. The yoke tube, yoke shaft and balls are respectively cast from an integrated aluminum alloy.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, the yoke shaft and the yoke tube are cast from an integral aluminum alloy, thereby improving the overall strength, impact resistance and stability of the steering intermediate shaft, simplifying the manufacturing process of the yoke shaft and the yoke tube, reducing the overall mass of the steering intermediate shaft, and thus reducing the energy consumption of the vehicle; the ball is made of aluminum alloy, and since the aluminum alloy material itself has the property of absorbing energy, the cushioning performance of the steering intermediate shaft when it is subjected to impact is enhanced.

[0009] Optionally, one end of the yoke shaft is inserted into the yoke tube, and the end of the yoke shaft away from its own yoke is provided with a clamping ring, which is clamped on the yoke shaft and used to prevent the retaining frame from slipping off from the end of the yoke shaft away from its own yoke.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, one end of the yoke shaft is inserted into the yoke tube and cooperates with it, and a retaining ring is provided at the end of the yoke shaft away from its own yoke, which can effectively limit the position of the retaining frame and prevent it from accidentally detaching from the yoke shaft, thereby ensuring the stable operation of the sliding assembly while enhancing the reliability of the overall structure.

[0011] Optionally, a sealing assembly is provided at one end of the yoke tube away from the yoke itself, for preventing the yoke shaft from sliding out of the yoke tube and preventing the lubricating oil in the yoke tube from leaking.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, the sealing assembly arranged at the end of the yoke tube away from the yoke itself can not only effectively prevent the axial separation of the yoke shaft during the sliding process, but also prevent the leakage of lubricating oil inside the yoke tube, thereby ensuring the stability of the steering intermediate shaft during operation and the normal operation of the lubrication system, and extending the service life; at the same time, it also helps to prevent external dust and impurities from entering the interior of the yoke tube, further improving the reliability of the steering intermediate shaft.

[0013] Optionally, the sealing assembly includes a first sealing cover, which covers the opening of the yoke tube at one end away from the yoke itself, and the end of the first sealing cover is provided with a through hole only for the yoke shaft to pass through.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, the setting of the first sealing cover can effectively prevent the yoke shaft from sliding out of the yoke tube during the sliding process, while ensuring the sealing performance inside the yoke tube and preventing external dust and impurities from entering the inside of the yoke tube, thereby making the steering intermediate shaft more stable and reliable during operation.

[0015] Optionally, the sealing assembly includes a second sealing cover, an oil inlet nozzle and an oil outlet nozzle. The second sealing cover covers the opening at the end of the yoke tube away from its own yoke. The end of the second sealing cover is provided with a through hole for only the yoke shaft to pass through. The oil inlet nozzle and the oil outlet nozzle are arranged at the end of the second sealing cover and are connected to the inner cavity of the yoke tube.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, the setting of the second sealing cover can effectively prevent the yoke shaft from sliding out of the yoke tube during the sliding process, while ensuring the sealing performance inside the yoke tube and preventing external dust and impurities from entering the inside of the yoke tube, thereby making the steering intermediate shaft more stable and reliable during operation; the setting of the oil inlet and outlet nozzles facilitates the addition and replacement of lubricating oil in the yoke tube, further improving the maintenance convenience and service life of the steering intermediate shaft.

[0017] Optionally, the inner wall of the yoke tube at one end away from its own yoke has multiple rows of first ball slides evenly distributed in the circumferential direction, and the first ball slides extend along the axis of the yoke tube. The outer wall of the yoke shaft at one end away from its own yoke has multiple rows of second ball slides evenly distributed in the circumferential direction, and the second ball slides extend along the axis of the yoke shaft. The balls are embedded in the first ball slides and the second ball slides.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, the sliding between the yoke tube and the yoke shaft becomes smoother, thereby improving the overall stability of the steering intermediate shaft; at the same time, the design of the first ball slideway and the second ball slideway enables the balls to slide smoothly between the two, reducing the friction resistance during the sliding process and further extending the service life of the steering intermediate shaft; in addition, the evenly distributed ball slideways can also disperse the load during the sliding process, thereby enhancing the load-bearing capacity of the steering intermediate shaft.

[0019] Optionally, the retaining frame has a plurality of circular holes evenly distributed along the direction of the second ball slideway for the balls to pass through.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, the circular holes on the retaining frame can evenly space adjacent balls and evenly distribute the load during the sliding process, thereby improving the overall stability and durability of the sliding assembly.

[0021] Optionally, the yoke shaft includes a yoke connecting portion, a crush energy absorbing portion and a yoke shaft connecting portion connected in sequence, and a wall thickness of the crush energy absorbing portion is smaller than a wall thickness of the yoke connecting portion and the yoke shaft connecting portion.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, the yoke shaft is provided with a crush energy absorbing portion with a reduced wall thickness. While ensuring the strength and rigidity of the yoke shaft during normal driving, the crush energy absorbing portion can absorb the collision energy through its own crush deformation when the vehicle collides, thereby reducing the impact force transmitted to other parts of the vehicle and further improving vehicle safety.

[0023] Optionally, the first yoke assembly also includes a first yoke and a first cross bearing, and the second yoke assembly also includes a second yoke and a second cross bearing, the first yoke is connected to the end of the yoke tube close to its own yoke through the first cross bearing, and the second yoke is connected to the end of the yoke shaft close to its own yoke through the second cross bearing.

[0024] By adopting the above technical solution and using the first cross bearing and the second cross bearing, the yoke shaft and the yoke tube are slidingly connected and can rotate at the same time so that the steering force of the first yoke is stably transmitted to the second yoke, ensuring the integrity of the steering system.

[0025] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0026] 1. The yoke shaft and yoke tube are cast from an integrated aluminum alloy, which improves the overall strength, impact resistance, and stability of the steering intermediate shaft. This simplifies the manufacturing process of the yoke shaft and yoke tube, reduces the overall weight of the steering intermediate shaft, and thus reduces vehicle energy consumption. The balls are made of aluminum alloy, which has the inherent energy-absorbing properties of aluminum alloy, thus enhancing the cushioning performance of the steering intermediate shaft when subjected to impact.

[0027] 2. The seal assembly, located on the end of the yoke tube facing away from the yoke itself, not only effectively prevents the yoke shaft from axially disengaging during sliding, but also prevents lubricant leakage from the yoke tube, thereby ensuring the stability of the steering intermediate shaft during operation and the normal operation of the lubrication system, extending its service life. It also helps prevent external dust and impurities from entering the yoke tube, further improving the reliability of the steering intermediate shaft.

[0028] 3. The second sealing cover effectively prevents the yoke shaft from sliding out of the yoke tube during slipping, while ensuring the sealing performance of the yoke tube and preventing external dust and impurities from entering the yoke tube, thereby ensuring smoother and more reliable operation of the steering intermediate shaft. The provision of oil inlet and outlet nozzles facilitates the addition and replacement of lubricating oil in the yoke tube, further improving the maintenance convenience and service life of the steering intermediate shaft.

[0029] 4. The yoke shaft is equipped with a crush energy-absorbing part with reduced wall thickness. While ensuring the strength and rigidity of the yoke shaft during normal driving, it can absorb the collision energy through the crush energy-absorbing part's own crush deformation when the vehicle collides, thereby reducing the impact force transmitted to other parts of the vehicle and further improving vehicle safety. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of Example 1 of the present application.

[0031] Figure 2This is an exploded view of Example 1 of the present application.

[0032] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of Example 2 of the present application.

[0033] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A partial enlarged view of part A.

[0034] Explanation of the accompanying drawings: 1. First yoke assembly; 11. Yaw tube; 111. Yaw connecting part; 112. Crumpling energy absorption part; 113. Yaw shaft connecting part; 12. First yoke; 13. First cross bearing; 2. Second yoke assembly; 21. Yaw shaft; 22. Second yoke; 23. Second cross bearing; 3. Sliding assembly; 31. Retaining frame; 32. Ball; 4. Snap ring; 5. Sealing assembly; 51. First sealing cover; 52. Second sealing cover; 53. Oil inlet nozzle; 54. Oil outlet nozzle; 6. First ball slide; 7. Second ball slide; 8. Snap ring groove. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The following is combined with Figure 1-4 This application is described in further detail.

[0036] The embodiment of the present application discloses an integrated aluminum alloy ball sliding steering intermediate shaft.

[0037] Example 1

[0038] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The one-piece aluminum alloy ball sliding steering intermediate shaft includes a first yoke assembly 1, a second yoke assembly 2 and a sliding assembly 3 for slidingly connecting the first yoke assembly 1 and the second yoke assembly 2. In this embodiment, the first yoke assembly 1 includes a yoke tube 11, a first yoke 12 and a first cross bearing 13. The first yoke 12 is rotatably connected to the end of the yoke tube 11 close to its own yoke through the first cross bearing 13. The end of the first yoke 12 away from the first cross bearing 13 is provided with a first clamping hole for connecting to the steering column of the automobile; the second yoke assembly 2 includes a yoke shaft 21, a second yoke 22 and a second cross bearing 23. The second yoke 22 is rotatably connected to the end of the yoke shaft 21 close to its own yoke through the second cross bearing 23. The end of the second yoke 22 away from the cross bearing is provided with a second clamping hole for connecting to the steering shaft of the automobile.

[0039] The sliding assembly 3 includes a retainer 31 sleeved around the outer periphery of the yoke shaft 21 and balls 32 disposed within the retainer 31. Preferably, the yoke tube 11, yoke shaft 21, and balls 32 are each cast from a one-piece aluminum alloy to improve the overall strength, impact resistance, and stability of the steering intermediate shaft, reduce the overall weight of the steering intermediate shaft, and simplify the manufacturing process of the yoke shaft 21 and yoke tube 11. In other embodiments, the first yoke 12 and the second yoke 22 may each be cast from a one-piece aluminum alloy. In addition to aluminum alloy, the casting material may also be a magnesium alloy, a magnesium-aluminum alloy, or a titanium alloy.

[0040] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, a snap ring groove 8 is defined on the outer periphery of the end of the yoke shaft 21 that faces away from the yoke. A snap ring 4 is secured within the snap ring groove 8 to prevent the retainer 31 from sliding off the end of the yoke shaft 21 that faces away from the yoke. The outer diameter of the snap ring 4 is larger than the inner diameter of the retainer 31 and smaller than the outer diameter of the retainer 31. The snap ring 4 is entirely made of spring steel. Six second ball slideways 7 are evenly distributed along the circumferential direction on the outer wall of the end of the yoke shaft 21 that faces away from the yoke. The second ball slideways 7 extend along the axis of the yoke shaft 21. The cross-section of the second ball slideway 7 is an arc shape that matches the diameter of the ball 32. The ball 32 is embedded in the second ball slideway 7 and slides or rolls along the second ball slideway 7. In other embodiments, the number of slideways can be five or seven. The snap ring 4 can be made of ABS engineering plastic. The cross-section of the second ball slideway 7 is triangular or rectangular.

[0041] Preferably, the retaining frame 31 has five circular holes for the balls 32 to pass through evenly distributed along the direction of the second ball slide 7 of each odd-numbered column, and the retaining frame 31 has six circular holes for the balls 32 to pass through evenly distributed along the direction of the second ball slide 7 of each even-numbered column. The circular holes on the second ball slide 7 of the odd-numbered columns on the retaining frame 31 and the circular holes on the second ball slide 7 of the even-numbered columns on the retaining frame 31 are staggered along the axial direction of the yoke shaft 21.

[0042] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2In this embodiment, the yoke tube 11 includes a yoke connecting portion 111, a crush energy absorbing portion 112 and a yoke shaft connecting portion 113 connected in sequence. The wall thickness of the crush energy absorbing portion 112 is smaller than the wall thickness of the yoke connecting portion 111 and the yoke shaft connecting portion 113. When the yoke tube 11 is subjected to a large impact along the axial direction, the crush energy absorbing portion 112 is first crushed to absorb energy. The end of the yoke shaft 21 away from its own yoke is inserted into the yoke shaft connecting portion 113. Six rows of first ball slides 6 are evenly distributed on the inner wall of the yoke shaft connecting portion 113 in the circumferential direction. The shape and size of the cross section of the first ball slide 6 are the same as those of the cross section of the second ball slide 7. The first ball slide 6 extends along the axial direction of the yoke shaft 21. The part of the ball 32 away from the second slide is embedded in the first ball slide 6 and slides or rolls along the first ball slide 6.

[0043] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, a sealing assembly 5 is provided at the end of the yoke shaft connection portion 113 facing away from the crush energy absorbing portion 112 to prevent the yoke shaft 21 and the sliding assembly from sliding out of the yoke tube 11 and to prevent leakage of lubricating oil within the yoke tube 11. The sealing assembly 5 includes a first sealing cover 51, which is made of aluminum alloy. The first sealing cover 51 covers the opening at the end of the yoke shaft connection portion 113 facing away from the crush energy absorbing portion 112 and is sealingly threadedly connected to the yoke shaft connection portion 113. A through hole is defined at the end of the first sealing cover 51, through which only the yoke shaft 21 passes. An elastic sealing ring is provided in the through hole to ensure that the yoke shaft 21 is sealed and in contact with the first sealing cover 51 when passing through the through hole. In other embodiments, the first sealing cover 51 may also be made of magnesium alloy, magnesium-aluminum alloy, or titanium alloy. The first sealing cover 51 is sealingly welded to the end of the yoke shaft connection portion 113 facing away from the crush energy absorbing portion 112.

[0044] The implementation principle of Example 1 is as follows: the yoke shaft 21 and the yoke tube 11 are respectively cast from an integral aluminum alloy, which can improve the overall strength, impact resistance and stability of the steering intermediate shaft, simplify the manufacturing process of the yoke shaft 21 and the yoke tube 11, and reduce the overall weight of the steering intermediate shaft, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the vehicle; the ball bearings 32 made of aluminum alloy have good cushioning performance and can play a cushioning role when the steering intermediate shaft is impacted; the sliding assembly 3 not only enables the yoke shaft 21 to be slidably connected to the yoke tube 11, but also enables the yoke tube 11 to rotate together when the yoke shaft 21 rotates axially, or drives the yoke shaft 21 to rotate together when the yoke tube 11 rotates axially, thereby transmitting the steering force of the vehicle steering sleeve to the vehicle steering shaft; in addition, the snap ring 4 is engaged in the snap ring groove 8 to prevent the sliding assembly 3 from slipping off the yoke shaft 21, and the sealing assembly 5 can prevent the yoke shaft 21 from slipping off the yoke tube 11 and prevent the lubricating oil in the yoke tube 11 from leaking.

[0045] Example 2

[0046] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The difference between this embodiment 2 and embodiment 1 is that the sealing assembly 5 includes a second sealing cover 52 , an oil inlet nozzle 53 and an oil outlet nozzle 54 .

[0047] In this embodiment, the second sealing cover 52 is made of aluminum alloy. The second sealing cover 52 covers the opening at the end of the yoke shaft connection portion 113 facing away from the crush energy absorbing portion 112 and is sealed and threadedly connected to the yoke shaft connection portion 113. A through hole is defined at the end of the second sealing cover 52 for the yoke shaft 21 to pass through. An elastic sealing ring is disposed within the through hole to ensure that the yoke shaft 21 is sealed and in contact with the second sealing cover 52 when passing through the through hole. The oil inlet nozzle 53 and the oil outlet nozzle 54 are disposed at the end of the second sealing cover 52 and communicate with the inner cavity of the yoke tube 11. In other embodiments, the second sealing cover 52 may also be made of magnesium alloy, magnesium-aluminum alloy, or titanium alloy. The second sealing cover 52 is sealed and welded to the end of the yoke shaft connection portion 113 facing away from the crush energy absorbing portion 112. The oil inlet nozzle 53 and the oil outlet nozzle 54 may also be disposed on the side of the second sealing cover 52.

[0048] The advantages of this embodiment 2 over embodiment 1 are that new lubricating oil can be added to the yoke tube 11 through the oil inlet nozzle 53 and the old lubricating oil in the yoke tube 11 can be discharged from the oil outlet nozzle 54. The lubricating oil in the yoke tube 11 can be replaced without disassembling components such as the yoke shaft 21 and the yoke tube 11, making the maintenance of the steering intermediate shaft simpler and more efficient.

[0049] The above are all preferred embodiments of the present application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, any equivalent changes made based on the structure, shape, and principle of the present application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. An integrated aluminum alloy ball sliding steering intermediate shaft, characterized by: The invention comprises a first yoke assembly (1), a second yoke assembly (2) and a sliding assembly (3), wherein the first yoke assembly (1) comprises a yoke tube (11), the second yoke assembly (2) comprises a yoke shaft (21), the sliding assembly (3) is arranged between the yoke tube (11) and the yoke shaft (21) and is used to make the yoke tube (11) and the yoke shaft (21) slidingly connected, the sliding assembly (3) comprises a retaining frame (31) sleeved on the outer periphery of the yoke shaft (21) and a ball (32) arranged in the retaining frame (31), and the yoke tube (11), the yoke shaft (21) and the ball (32) are respectively cast from an integral aluminum alloy.

2. The integrated aluminum alloy ball sliding steering intermediate shaft according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the yoke shaft (21) is inserted into the yoke tube (11), and the end of the yoke shaft (21) that is away from the yoke itself is provided with a clamping ring (4), and the clamping ring (4) is clamped on the yoke shaft (21) and is used to prevent the retaining frame (31) from sliding off the end of the yoke shaft (21) that is away from the yoke itself.

3. The integrated aluminum alloy ball sliding steering intermediate shaft according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end of the yoke tube (11) facing away from the yoke itself is provided with a sealing assembly (5) for preventing the yoke shaft (21) from sliding out of the yoke tube (11) and preventing lubricating oil in the yoke tube (11) from leaking.

4. The integrated aluminum alloy ball sliding steering intermediate shaft according to claim 3, characterized in that: The sealing assembly (5) comprises a first sealing cover (51), the first sealing cover (51) covering the opening of the yoke tube (11) at one end away from the yoke itself, and a through hole is provided at the end of the first sealing cover (51) for only the yoke shaft (21) to pass through.

5. The integrated aluminum alloy ball sliding steering intermediate shaft according to claim 3, characterized in that: The sealing assembly (5) includes a second sealing cover (52), an oil inlet nozzle (53) and an oil outlet nozzle (54). The second sealing cover (52) is engaged with the opening of the end of the yoke tube (11) away from the yoke itself. The end of the second sealing cover (52) is provided with a through hole for only the yoke shaft (21) to pass through. The oil inlet nozzle (53) and the oil outlet nozzle (54) are arranged at the end of the second sealing cover (52) and are connected to the inner cavity of the yoke tube (11).

6. The integrated aluminum alloy ball sliding steering intermediate shaft according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the yoke tube (11) at one end away from the yoke itself is uniformly distributed with multiple rows of first ball slides (6) along the circumferential direction, and the first ball slides (6) extend along the axial direction of the yoke tube (11). The outer wall of the yoke shaft (21) at one end away from the yoke itself is uniformly distributed with the same number of second ball slides (7) as the number of rows of the first ball slides (6) along the circumferential direction, and the second ball slides (7) extend along the axial direction of the yoke shaft (21). The balls (32) are slidably embedded in the first ball slides (6) and the second ball slides (7).

7. The integrated aluminum alloy ball sliding steering intermediate shaft according to claim 6, characterized in that: The retaining frame (31) has a plurality of circular holes evenly distributed along the direction of the second ball slideway (7) for the balls (32) to pass through.

8. The integrated aluminum alloy ball sliding steering intermediate shaft according to claim 1, characterized in that: The yoke shaft (21) comprises a yoke connecting portion (111), a collapse energy absorbing portion (112), and a yoke shaft connecting portion (113) connected in sequence, wherein the wall thickness of the collapse energy absorbing portion (112) is smaller than the wall thickness of the yoke connecting portion (111) and the yoke shaft connecting portion (113).

9. The integrated aluminum alloy ball sliding steering intermediate shaft according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first yoke assembly (1) further comprises a first yoke (12) and a first cross bearing (13), and the second yoke assembly (2) further comprises a second yoke (22) and a second cross bearing (23), wherein the first yoke (12) is connected to an end of the yoke tube (11) close to its own yoke via the first cross bearing (13), and the second yoke (22) is connected to an end of the yoke shaft (21) close to its own yoke via the second cross bearing (23).

Images