Worm and gear clearance compensation structure and automobile steering system

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of automobile steering systems, in particular to a worm and gear clearance compensation structure and an automobile steering system.The worm and gear clearance compensation structure comprises a shell internally provided with a worm, one end of the worm is fixedly sleeved with a self-aligning assembly, a limiting groove is formed in the shell, the self-aligning assembly is arranged in the limiting groove, and the worm and gear clearance compensation structure is arranged in the shell. The center adjusting assembly can slide in the limiting groove in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the worm, a screw hole communicated with the limiting groove is formed in the side wall of the shell, the extending direction of the screw hole is perpendicular to the axial direction of the worm, an elastic mechanism is installed in the screw hole, and the center adjusting assembly can slide in the limiting groove in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the worm. The elastic mechanism abuts against the outer wall of the aligning assembly and is used for applying acting force to the aligning assembly. The utility model has the beneficial effects that the clearance between the worm gear and the worm is accurately adjusted, and the steering hand feeling is optimized; the inner ring of the bearing is always parallel to the axis of the worm, so that the steering smoothness is improved; the elastic mechanism is convenient to install and replace.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of automobile steering systems, in particular to a worm gear clearance compensation structure and an automobile steering system. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of autonomous driving technology, dual-pinion electric power steering systems are increasingly being used in modern vehicle steering systems. This system combines the advantages of electric power steering and mechanical transmission to improve the driver's steering comfort and precision. In dual-pinion electric power steering systems, the backlash of the worm gear transmission mechanism is a key factor affecting the steering feel. Adding a backlash compensation mechanism at the worm gear connection improves the feel of the dual-pinion electric power steering system by adjusting the backlash of the worm gear and reduces the impact of backlash on steering feel.

[0003] One existing method for compensating worm gear clearance involves adding a beveled self-aligning wedge to the outer ring of the bearing. The ball head of the adjustment bolt contacts the self-aligning wedge, and the axial movement of the adjustment bolt pushes the self-aligning wedge into the bearing to adjust the worm gear clearance. This clearance compensation structure has the following disadvantages: 1) The contact surface between the slider and the bearing is small, resulting in uneven force on the outer ring of the bearing, which can easily cause the bearing to jam or even damage. 2) The worm is deflected by a certain angle due to the compressive force, causing the inner ring of the bearing to be non-parallel to the axial direction of the worm, resulting in a sense of jamming during rotation.

[0004] Another method of worm gear clearance compensation exists in the prior art, such as that described in patent number 201220146107.3, which includes a bearing directional seat and a directional floating clearance compensation block. The outer circle of the bearing directional seat is toothed, with a groove at one end and a boss with a guide hole at the other end. The directional floating clearance compensation block is mounted on the boss with the guide hole. The inner hole of the directional floating clearance compensation block fits over one end of the worm and is compressed by a spiral radial spring. This clearance compensation structure has the following disadvantages: 1) The contact surface between the slider and the bearing is small, and the outer ring of the bearing is unevenly stressed, which can easily cause the bearing to jam or even be damaged; 2) The worm is deflected by a certain angle due to the extrusion force, and the inner ring of the bearing is not parallel to the axial direction of the worm, resulting in a sense of jamming during rotation. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the utility model is to provide a worm gear clearance compensation structure and an automobile steering system to solve the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art.

[0006] The technical solution of the utility model for solving the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: a worm gear clearance compensation structure, comprising a shell with a worm installed inside, a centering assembly fixedly sleeved on one end of the worm, a limiting groove provided in the shell, the centering assembly arranged in the limiting groove, the centering assembly can slide in the limiting groove along an axial direction perpendicular to the worm, a screw hole connected to the limiting groove is provided on the side wall of the shell, the extension direction of the screw hole is perpendicular to the axial direction of the worm, an elastic mechanism is installed in the screw hole, the elastic mechanism abuts against the outer wall of the centering assembly to apply a force to the centering assembly.

[0007] The beneficial effects of the utility model are: the clearance between the worm gear and the worm can be accurately adjusted to optimize the steering feel; the inner ring of the bearing is always parallel to the axis of the worm, thereby improving the steering smoothness; and the elastic mechanism is easy to install and replace.

[0008] On the basis of the above technical solution, the present invention can also be improved as follows.

[0009] Furthermore, the self-aligning assembly includes a slider and a spherical bearing. The slider is slidably arranged in the limit groove. The slider can slide in the limit groove along the axial direction perpendicular to the worm. The slider is provided with a mounting hole passing through the slider. The inner side wall of the mounting hole is provided with an arc-shaped groove matching the outer wall of the outer ring of the spherical bearing. The outer ring of the spherical bearing is arranged in the arc-shaped groove, and the elastic mechanism abuts against the outer wall of the slider.

[0010] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further scheme is that the outer diameter surface of the outer ring of the spherical bearing is spherical, which plays a role of centering by cooperating with the arc-shaped groove on the inner side of the slider. When the worm is tilted to a certain angle under the action of the elastic mechanism, the spherical bearing can rotate around the center of the ball at a certain angle, always ensuring that it is concentric with the axis of the worm, avoiding jamming in the steering feel.

[0011] Furthermore, the self-aligning assembly includes a slider and a self-aligning ball bearing. The slider is slidably arranged in the limit groove. The slider can slide in the limit groove along the axial direction perpendicular to the worm. The slider is provided with a mounting hole passing through the slider. The self-aligning ball bearing is fixedly installed in the mounting hole, and the elastic mechanism abuts against the outer wall of the slider.

[0012] The beneficial effect of adopting the above further scheme is that the outer ring raceway of the self-aligning ball bearing is spherical and has automatic self-aligning properties, which can compensate for errors caused by eccentricity and shaft deflection, and avoid the steering feel from being stuck when the worm is tilted to a certain angle under the action of the elastic mechanism.

[0013] Furthermore, the self-aligning ball bearing and the slider are fixedly connected by riveting or interference fit.

[0014] The beneficial effect of adopting the above further solution is: the self-aligning ball bearing and the slider are fixed by riveting or interference fit, thereby limiting the axial movement of the self-aligning ball bearing and ensuring the stability of the fixation of the two.

[0015] Furthermore, the elastic mechanism includes a top screw and a compression spring. The top screw is threadedly connected to the screw hole. The compression spring is arranged between the top screw and the outer wall of the centering component. The two ends of the compression spring respectively press against the top screw and the outer wall of the centering component.

[0016] The beneficial effect of adopting the above further scheme is: the elastic mechanism adopts a top screw and a compression spring, and by controlling the elastic coefficient and length of the compression spring, the radial position of the self-aligning component is controlled, thereby adjusting the size of the clearance between the worm gear and the worm, and adjusting the feel of the mechanism.

[0017] Furthermore, the shell is provided with an opening connected to one side of the limiting groove, the extension direction of the opening is the same as the axial direction of the centering assembly, and a sealing plug is fixed in the opening, one side of the sealing plug is in sliding contact with one side surface of the centering assembly, and the other side surface of the centering assembly is in sliding contact with the other side wall of the limiting groove.

[0018] The beneficial effect of adopting the above further solution is that the provision of the opening can facilitate the installation and removal of the self-aligning component, and at the same time, the provision of the sealing plug can achieve a waterproof effect.

[0019] Furthermore, a sealing ring is provided between the outer peripheral wall of the sealing plug and the inner wall of the opening.

[0020] The beneficial effect of adopting the above further solution is that the provision of the sealing ring can improve the waterproof effect of the sealing plug.

[0021] Furthermore, the sealing plug is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the opening via threads.

[0022] The beneficial effect of adopting the above further solution is that the sealing plug and the inner wall of the opening are connected by threads, which makes installation and disassembly easy.

[0023] Furthermore, a retaining groove is provided at the opening, and the retaining groove is provided on a side of the sealing plug away from the centering assembly. A retaining ring is provided in the retaining groove, and the retaining ring protrudes from the retaining groove and abuts against the side of the sealing plug away from the centering assembly.

[0024] The beneficial effect of adopting the above further solution is that the sealing plug is limited by the retaining ring, which can prevent the sealing plug from axially moving along the axial direction of the worm, thereby achieving axial limitation of the worm and facilitating installation and disassembly.

[0025] The utility model solves the above technical problem and further provides an automobile steering system, including the worm gear clearance compensation structure as described above.

[0026] The beneficial effects of adopting the above scheme are: precise adjustment of the clearance between the worm gear and the worm gear to optimize the steering feel; the inner ring of the bearing is always parallel to the worm axis to improve the steering smoothness; the elastic mechanism is easy to install and replace. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the first embodiment of the present utility model;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of the second embodiment of the present utility model;

[0029] In the accompanying drawings, the components represented by the reference numerals are as follows:

[0030] 1. Retaining ring; 2. Sealing ring; 3. Housing; 4. Slider; 5. Spherical bearing; 6. Worm; 7. Compression spring; 8. Top screw; 9. Sealing plug; 10. Limit groove; 11. Screw hole; 12. Arc groove; 13. Opening; 14. Self-aligning ball bearing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The principles and features of the present invention are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The examples given are only used to explain the present invention and are not used to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment includes a shell 3 with a worm 6 installed inside, a centering assembly is fixedly sleeved on one end of the worm 6, a limiting groove 10 is provided in the shell 3, and the centering assembly is arranged in the limiting groove 10. The centering assembly can slide in the limiting groove 10 along an axial direction perpendicular to the worm 6, and a screw hole 11 connected to the limiting groove 10 is provided on the side wall of the shell 3. The extension direction of the screw hole 11 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the worm 6, and an elastic mechanism is installed in the screw hole 11, which abuts against the outer wall of the centering assembly to apply a force to the centering assembly.

[0034] In this embodiment, the shell 3 is provided with an opening 13 which is connected to one side of the limiting groove 10. The extension direction of the opening 13 is the same as the axial direction of the centering component. A sealing plug 9 is fixed in the opening 13. The sealing plug 9 is preferably made of plastic. One side of the sealing plug 9 is in sliding contact with one side of the centering component, and the other side of the centering component is in sliding contact with the other side wall of the limiting groove 10. The setting of the opening 13 can facilitate the installation and disassembly of the centering component, and at the same time, the setting of the sealing plug 9 can play a waterproof role.

[0035] In order to improve the waterproof effect of the sealing plug 9, a sealing ring 2 is provided between the outer peripheral wall of the sealing plug 9 and the inner wall of the opening 13. Specifically, a sealing ring groove is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the sealing plug 9, and the sealing ring 2 is sleeved in the sealing ring groove, and the sealing ring 2 protrudes out of the sealing ring groove and abuts against the inner wall of the opening 13. The number of the sealing ring grooves and the sealing ring 2 can be set according to actual needs.

[0036] In this embodiment, a retaining groove is provided at the opening 13, and the retaining groove is provided on the side of the sealing plug 9 away from the centering assembly. A retaining ring 1 is provided in the retaining groove, and the retaining ring 1 protrudes from the retaining groove and abuts the side of the sealing plug 9 away from the centering assembly. The retaining ring 1 limits the sealing plug 9 and prevents the sealing plug 9 from axially moving along the axial direction of the worm 6, thereby realizing axial limitation of the worm 6 and convenient installation and disassembly.

[0037] In addition, in other embodiments of the present invention, the sealing plug 9 and the inner wall of the opening 13 can also be fixedly connected by threads. The sealing plug 9 and the inner wall of the opening 13 are connected by threads, which makes installation and disassembly convenient.

[0038] In this embodiment, the elastic mechanism includes a top screw 8 and a compression spring 7. The top screw 8 is threadedly connected to the screw hole 11. The compression spring 7 is arranged between the top screw 8 and the outer wall of the centering component. The two ends of the compression spring 7 respectively press against the top screw 8 and the outer wall of the centering component. The elastic mechanism adopts the top screw 8 and the compression spring 7. By controlling the elastic coefficient and length of the compression spring 7, the radial position of the centering component is controlled, thereby adjusting the size of the clearance between the worm gear and the worm, and adjusting the feel of the mechanism.

[0039] In this embodiment, the centering assembly includes a slider 4 and a spherical bearing 5. The slider 4 is slidably arranged in the limit groove 10. The slider 4 can slide in the limit groove 10 along the axial direction perpendicular to the worm 6. The slider 4 is provided with a mounting hole that passes through the slider 4. The inner side wall of the mounting hole is provided with an arc-shaped groove 12 that matches the outer wall of the outer ring of the spherical bearing 5. The outer ring of the spherical bearing 5 is arranged in the arc-shaped groove 12. The elastic mechanism abuts against the outer wall of the slider 4. The outer diameter surface of the outer ring of the spherical bearing 5 is spherical, and it plays a centering role by cooperating with the arc-shaped groove 12 on the inner side of the slider 4. The front end of the worm 6 is matched with the inner ring of the spherical bearing 5. When the worm 6 tilts a certain angle under the action of the elastic mechanism, the spherical bearing 5 can rotate around the center of the ball by a certain angle, always ensuring that it is concentric with the axis of the worm 6, thereby avoiding jamming in the steering feel.

[0040] Example 2

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment includes a shell 3 with a worm 6 installed inside, a centering assembly is fixedly sleeved on one end of the worm 6, a limiting groove 10 is provided in the shell 3, and the centering assembly is arranged in the limiting groove 10. The centering assembly can slide in the limiting groove 10 along an axial direction perpendicular to the worm 6, and a screw hole 11 connected to the limiting groove 10 is provided on the side wall of the shell 3. The extension direction of the screw hole 11 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the worm 6, and an elastic mechanism is installed in the screw hole 11, which abuts against the outer wall of the centering assembly to apply a force to the centering assembly.

[0042] In this embodiment, the shell 3 is provided with an opening 13 which is connected to one side of the limiting groove 10. The extension direction of the opening 13 is the same as the axial direction of the centering component. A sealing plug 9 is fixed in the opening 13. The sealing plug 9 is preferably made of plastic. One side of the sealing plug 9 is in sliding contact with one side of the centering component, and the other side of the centering component is in sliding contact with the other side wall of the limiting groove 10. The setting of the opening 13 can facilitate the installation and disassembly of the centering component, and at the same time, the setting of the sealing plug 9 can play a waterproof role.

[0043] In order to improve the waterproof effect of the sealing plug 9, a sealing ring 2 is provided between the outer peripheral wall of the sealing plug 9 and the inner wall of the opening 13. Specifically, a sealing ring groove is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the sealing plug 9, and the sealing ring 2 is sleeved in the sealing ring groove, and the sealing ring 2 protrudes out of the sealing ring groove and abuts against the inner wall of the opening 13. The number of the sealing ring grooves and the sealing ring 2 can be set according to actual needs.

[0044] In this embodiment, a retaining groove is provided at the opening 13, and the retaining groove is provided on the side of the sealing plug 9 away from the centering assembly. A retaining ring 1 is provided in the retaining groove, and the retaining ring 1 protrudes from the retaining groove and abuts the side of the sealing plug 9 away from the centering assembly. The retaining ring 1 limits the sealing plug 9 and prevents the sealing plug 9 from axially moving along the axial direction of the worm 6, thereby realizing axial limitation of the worm 6 and convenient installation and disassembly.

[0045] In addition, in other embodiments of the present invention, the sealing plug 9 and the inner wall of the opening 13 can also be fixedly connected by threads. The sealing plug 9 and the inner wall of the opening 13 are connected by threads, which makes installation and disassembly convenient.

[0046] In this embodiment, the elastic mechanism includes a top screw 8 and a compression spring 7. The top screw 8 is threadedly connected to the screw hole 11. The compression spring 7 is arranged between the top screw 8 and the outer wall of the centering component. The two ends of the compression spring 7 respectively press against the top screw 8 and the outer wall of the centering component. The elastic mechanism adopts the top screw 8 and the compression spring 7. By controlling the elastic coefficient and length of the compression spring 7, the radial position of the centering component is controlled, thereby adjusting the size of the clearance between the worm gear and the worm, and adjusting the feel of the mechanism.

[0047] In this embodiment, the self-aligning component includes a slider 4 and a self-aligning ball bearing 14. The slider 4 is slidably arranged in the limit groove 10. The slider 4 can slide in the limit groove 10 along the axial direction perpendicular to the worm 6. The slider 4 is provided with a mounting hole passing through the slider 4. The self-aligning ball bearing 14 is fixedly installed in the mounting hole. The elastic mechanism abuts against the outer wall of the slider 4. The outer ring raceway of the self-aligning ball bearing 14 is spherical and has automatic self-alignment. It can compensate for errors caused by eccentricity and shaft deflection, and avoid the steering feel of the worm 6 from being stuck when it is tilted to a certain angle under the action of the elastic mechanism.

[0048] In order to ensure that the self-aligning ball bearing 14 and the slider 4 are fixed, thereby limiting the axial movement of the self-aligning ball bearing 14 and ensuring the stability of the fixation of the two, the self-aligning ball bearing 14 and the slider 4 are fixedly connected by riveting or interference fit.

[0049] Example 3

[0050] This embodiment discloses an automobile steering system, including the worm gear clearance compensation structure as described above.

[0051] The utility model can adjust the gap between the worm gear and the worm, change the thrust size in the no-load state, and optimize the steering feel; solve the problem that the worm 6 is tilted by the preload force of the compression spring 7, and the inner ring of the bearing and the axis of the worm 6 are not concentric, ensure that the inner ring of the bearing is always parallel to the axis of the worm 6, and improve the steering smoothness; the structure is convenient for replacing the compression spring 7, and the compression spring 7 with different elastic coefficients can be replaced in time according to the required preload force; while limiting the axial displacement of the bearing, the utility model can rotate around the center of the sphere by a certain angle to ensure that the inner ring of the bearing is always parallel to the axis of the worm 6; the radial pressure of the worm 6 is applied to the compression spring 7 to achieve the engagement of the worm gear and the worm.

[0052] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "length", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "inside", "outside", "peripheral", "circumferential" and the like indicating orientations or positional relationships are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the system or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0053] In the description of the present invention, “a plurality of” means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise clearly defined.

[0054] In this utility model, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," "connect," "fixed," etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection, electrical connection; direct connection, or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; internal communication between two components, or interaction between two components, unless otherwise specified. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this utility model based on specific circumstances.

[0055] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification and features of different embodiments or examples without contradiction.

[0056] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A worm gear clearance compensation structure, characterized in that: The invention comprises a housing (3) in which a worm (6) is installed, a centering assembly is fixedly sleeved on one end of the worm (6), a limiting groove (10) is provided in the housing (3), the centering assembly is arranged in the limiting groove (10), and the centering assembly can slide in the limiting groove (10) along an axial direction perpendicular to the worm (6), a screw hole (11) connected to the limiting groove (10) is provided on the side wall of the housing (3), the extension direction of the screw hole (11) is perpendicular to the axial direction of the worm (6), an elastic mechanism is installed in the screw hole (11), and the elastic mechanism abuts against the outer wall of the centering assembly to apply a force to the centering assembly; The shell (3) is provided with an opening (13) which is in communication with one side of the limiting groove (10); the extension direction of the opening (13) is the same as the axial direction of the centering component; a sealing plug (9) is fixedly provided in the opening (13); one side of the sealing plug (9) is in sliding contact with one side of the centering component; and the other side of the centering component is in sliding contact with the other side wall of the limiting groove (10).

2. The worm gear clearance compensation structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The centering assembly includes a slider (4) and a spherical bearing (5), wherein the slider (4) is slidably arranged in the limiting groove (10), and the slider (4) can slide in the limiting groove (10) along the axial direction perpendicular to the worm (6), and the slider (4) is provided with a mounting hole passing through the slider (4), and the inner side wall of the mounting hole is provided with an arc-shaped groove (12) matching the outer wall of the outer ring of the spherical bearing (5), and the outer ring of the spherical bearing (5) is arranged in the arc-shaped groove (12), and the elastic mechanism abuts against the outer wall of the slider (4).

3. The worm gear clearance compensation structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The self-aligning assembly comprises a slider (4) and a self-aligning ball bearing (14); the slider (4) is slidably arranged in the limiting groove (10); the slider (4) can slide in the limiting groove (10) along an axial direction perpendicular to the worm (6); a mounting hole penetrating the slider (4) is provided on the slider (4); the self-aligning ball bearing (14) is fixedly installed in the mounting hole; and the elastic mechanism abuts against the outer wall of the slider (4).

4. The worm gear clearance compensation structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The self-aligning ball bearing (14) and the slider (4) are fixedly connected by riveting or interference fitting.

5. The worm gear clearance compensation structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic mechanism comprises a top screw (8) and a compression spring (7), wherein the top screw (8) is threadedly connected in the screw hole (11), and the compression spring (7) is arranged between the top screw (8) and the outer wall of the centering component, and the two ends of the compression spring (7) respectively press against the top screw (8) and the outer wall of the centering component.

6. A worm gear clearance compensation structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: A sealing ring (2) is provided between the outer peripheral wall of the sealing plug (9) and the inner wall of the opening (13).

7. A worm gear clearance compensation structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The sealing plug (9) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the opening (13) via threads.

8. The worm gear clearance compensation structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: A retaining groove is provided at the opening (13), and the retaining groove is provided on a side of the sealing plug (9) away from the centering assembly. A retaining ring (1) is provided in the retaining groove, and the retaining ring (1) protrudes from the retaining groove and abuts against the side of the sealing plug (9) away from the centering assembly.

9. An automobile steering system, characterized in that: It comprises the worm gear clearance compensation structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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