Intermediate shaft of vehicle-mounted steering device

Abstract

The intermediate shaft of the vehicle-mounted steering device comprises a yoke tube, a first U-shaped component is arranged at one end of the yoke tube, and a hollow part is formed in the other end of the yoke tube in the axial direction; a cable, one end of which is provided with a second U-shaped member; and a first coupling provided at the other end of the cable and inserted and disposed in the hollow, whereby it is possible to partially utilize the structure of a steering device of an existing physical connection structure and to electrically and electronically control the steering motor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to an intermediate shaft of a steering apparatus for a vehicle, and more particularly to an intermediate shaft of a steering apparatus for a vehicle, which is arranged between a steering shaft and a steering gear in the steering apparatus.

[0002] On the other hand, this application is supported by the following national research and development projects.

[0003] [National Research and Development Project to Support Utility Models]

[0004] [Project ID] 0013843

[0005] [Project Number] P0013843

[0006] [Department Name] Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy of South Korea

[0007] [Name of Project Management (Professional) Organization] Korea Industrial Technology Agency

[0008] [Research Project Name] Commercial Vehicle Industry Innovation and Growth and Future-Oriented Industrial Ecosystem Construction Project

[0009] [Research Topic Name] Development of a 3500kgf-class Electric Compound Steering System (MDPS)

[0010] [Contribution rate] 1 / 1

[0011] [Project Execution Organization Name] DY ESSYS Co., Ltd.

[0012] [Study period] January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 Background Art

[0013] Generally, a steering wheel constituting a steering device of the vehicle is arranged in front of a driver's seat in a vehicle cabin.

[0014] The steering wheel is a structure that the driver holds and rotates by hand to adjust the direction of travel of the vehicle. That is, during the operation of the vehicle, if the vehicle's direction of travel needs to be adjusted to the left, the driver rotates the steering wheel to the left, and if the vehicle's direction of travel needs to be adjusted to the right, the driver rotates the steering wheel to the right.

[0015] In addition to the steering wheel, the steering device of the vehicle further includes a steering shaft having the steering wheel provided at an upper end thereof, an intermediate shaft having a lower end thereof connected to an upper end of the steering shaft via a universal joint, a steering motor connected to a lower end of the intermediate shaft via a universal joint, and a steering gear having a rack engaged with a pinion provided at a lower end of a rotating shaft of the steering motor.

[0016] The intermediate shaft is substantially formed in two parts, and the length thereof is changed along the axial direction. That is, the intermediate shaft is formed of a yoke tube and a yoke shaft, and the upper end of the yoke shaft is inserted into the inside of the lower end of the yoke tube and is provided in a manner that can slide along the axial direction. As the upper end of the yoke shaft slides along the axial direction in the lower end of the yoke tube, the length of the intermediate shaft is changed along the axial direction, and the vibration transmitted from the wheels to the steering wheel is absorbed.

[0017] The lower end of the yoke shaft is combined with the upper end of the rotating shaft of the steering motor via a universal joint. The pinion provided at the lower end of the rotating shaft of the steering motor is engaged with the rack, and the rack is disposed in the inside of the housing of the steering gear in a manner that can move left and right. The left and right lateral tie rods are combined with the knuckles of the left and right wheels, respectively.

[0018] In the case where the rotating shaft of the steering motor rotates in one direction, the rack moves linearly to the left, and thus the left and right lateral tie rods move linearly to the left, so that the knuckles combined with the left and right wheels, respectively, rotate to the left, thereby turning the left and right wheels to the left.

[0019] Also, in the case where the rotating shaft of the steering motor rotates in the other direction, the rack moves linearly to the right, and thus the left and right lateral tie rods move linearly to the right, so that the knuckles combined with the left and right wheels, respectively, rotate to the right, thereby turning the left and right wheels to the right.

[0020] On the other hand, as described above, the vehicle-mounted steering device has a structure in which the steering wheel is mechanically connected to the left and right wheels, but recently, with the development of electric and electronic devices, a steer-by-wire type steering device has been developed, in which the steering motor is formed as a separate structure from the upper structure in the structure of the vehicle-mounted steering device.

[0021] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0081772 (June 16, 2022) (hereinafter referred to as "prior art")

[0022] In the prior art, an angle sensor and a torque sensor are combined on one side of the steering shaft connected to the steering wheel. When the driver operates the steering wheel, the angle sensor and torque sensor that detect this transmit electrical signals to the electronic control device, causing the steering shaft motor and the pinion shaft motor to operate.

[0023] However, the conventional technology has a problem that the steering shaft and the pinion shaft motor are completely separated and thus the existing steering device having a physically connected structure cannot be used, and a steering device having a new structure needs to be constructed. Utility Model Content

[0024] Technical issues

[0025] The technical problem of the present invention is to provide an intermediate shaft of a vehicle-mounted steering device that can partially utilize the structure of a steering device with an existing physical connection structure and can also perform electrical and electronic control of a steering motor.

[0026] Another technical problem of the present invention is to provide an intermediate shaft of a vehicle-mounted steering device that can be adjusted in length to match the specifications of a vehicle model.

[0027] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and ordinary technicians can clearly understand other problems not mentioned through the following description.

[0028] Solutions to the Problem

[0029] To address the aforementioned issues, the intermediate shaft of the vehicle-mounted steering system of the present invention comprises a yoke tube, a cable, and a first coupling. A first U-shaped member is disposed at one end of the yoke tube. A hollow portion is formed along the axial direction at the other end of the yoke tube. A second U-shaped member is disposed at one end of the cable. The first coupling is disposed at the other end of the cable. The first coupling is inserted into the hollow portion.

[0030] The first coupling can be arranged in the hollow space so as to be movable in the axial direction.

[0031] At least one first flat surface may be formed on an inner circumferential surface of the yoke tube. At least one second flat surface may be formed on an outer circumferential surface of the first coupling so as to contact the at least one first flat surface.

[0032] The yoke tube may be formed with a plurality of sawtooth grooves on its inner circumferential surface, and the first coupling may be formed with a plurality of sawtooth protrusions on its outer circumferential surface to be respectively inserted into the plurality of sawtooth grooves.

[0033] A cylindrical cover may be combined with the other end of the yoke tube to prevent the first coupling from being separated from the hollow.

[0034] A thread may be formed on an inner circumferential surface of the cover, and the thread may be coupled to a thread formed on an outer circumferential surface of the other end portion of the yoke pipe.

[0035] A second coupling may be provided at one end of the cable. The second coupling may be coupled to a neck portion of the second U-shaped component.

[0036] When one end of the cable is inserted into the first inner groove formed on one side of the second coupling, and the other end of the second coupling is inserted into the second inner groove formed on one side of the neck of the second U-shaped component, the outer side of the neck of the second U-shaped component can be pressurized to the inside by a caulking tool, so that the one end of the cable, the other end of the second coupling and the neck of the second U-shaped component are caulked together.

[0037] When one end of the cable is inserted into the first inner groove formed on one side of the second coupling and the other end of the second coupling is inserted into the second inner groove formed on one side of the neck of the second U-shaped component, a pin can pass through the first pin coupling hole formed on both sides of the neck of the second U-shaped component in a manner connected to the second inner groove, the second pin coupling holes formed on both sides of the other end of the second coupling in a manner connected to the first inner groove, and the third pin coupling hole formed at one end of the cable, so as to be pin-coupled with one end of the cable, the other end of the second coupling and the neck of the second U-shaped component.

[0038] When one end of the cable is inserted into the first inner groove formed on one side of the second coupling and the other end of the second coupling is inserted into the second inner groove formed on one side of the neck of the second U-shaped component, a pin can pass through a first pin coupling hole formed on one side of the neck of the second U-shaped component in a manner connected to the second inner groove and a second pin coupling hole formed on one side of the other end of the second coupling in a manner connected to the first inner groove, so that the tip of the pin presses the outer peripheral surface of one end of the cable, so that it is pin-coupled with one end of the cable, the other end of the second coupling and the neck of the second U-shaped component.

[0039] Details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0040] Effect of utility model

[0041] The intermediate shaft of the vehicle-mounted steering device of the present invention includes a yoke tube and a cable connected to a hollow first coupling inserted into the yoke tube. Therefore, it has the effect of partially utilizing the structure of the steering device of the existing physical connection structure and performing electrical and electronic control of the steering motor.

[0042] Furthermore, the intermediate shaft of the vehicle-mounted steering device of the present invention enables the first coupling to move along the axial direction within the yoke tube to adjust the entire axial length of the intermediate shaft. Therefore, it also has the effect of being able to be set on various vehicle models after adjusting the length to match the specifications of the vehicle model.

[0043] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and a person skilled in the art can clearly understand other effects not mentioned from the description of the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view showing a vehicle-mounted steering device provided with an intermediate shaft of the vehicle-mounted steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 2 To express Figure 1 A perspective view of a state where the steering motor is separated from the steering gear is shown.

[0046] Figure 3 To express Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a structure in which the upper end portion of the cable is combined with the yoke tube is shown.

[0047] Figure 4 To express Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the structure in which the upper end portion of the cable is combined with the yoke tube,

[0048] Figure 5 To express Figure 1 The diagram of the lid shown, Figure 5 Part (a) is a bottom-up stereogram. Figure 5 Part (b) is a top view.

[0049] Figure 6 To express Figure 1 A longitudinal sectional view of an embodiment of a structure in which the lower end portion of the cable is combined with the neck portion of the second U-shaped member,

[0050] Figure 7 To express Figure 1A longitudinal sectional view of another embodiment of the structure in which the lower end portion of the cable is combined with the neck portion of the second U-shaped member,

[0051] Figure 8 To express Figure 1 A longitudinal sectional view of another embodiment of the structure in which the lower end portion of the cable is combined with the neck portion of the second U-shaped member is shown.

[0052] Description of Reference Signs

[0053] 300: Intermediate shaft 310: Yoke tube

[0054] 311: First flat surface 312: Sawtooth groove

[0055] 315: Hollow 320: Cable

[0056] 320A: Third pin coupling hole 331: First U-shaped component

[0057] 341: Second U-shaped component 341A: First pin coupling hole

[0058] 345: Second inner groove 348: Neck

[0059] 350: Cover 355: Thread

[0060] 360: First coupling 361: Second flat surface

[0061] 362: Serrations 370: Second coupling

[0062] 370A: Second pin coupling hole 375: First inner groove

[0063] 380, 390: Sales DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] Hereinafter, an intermediate shaft of a vehicle-mounted steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0065] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view showing a vehicle-mounted steering device provided with an intermediate shaft of the vehicle-mounted steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 To express Figure 1 A perspective view showing a state where the steering motor is separated from the steering gear.

[0066] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The vehicle steering device 1 provided with the intermediate shaft 300 of the vehicle steering device according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a steering column 100 , a steering shaft 200 , an intermediate shaft 300 , a steering motor 400 and a steering gear 500 .

[0067] A mounting bracket may be provided on the outer periphery of the steering column 100, and the mounting bracket may be combined with the vehicle body to support the steering column 100. The steering column 100 may rotatably support the steering shaft 200.

[0068] The steering shaft 200 may vertically penetrate the steering column 100 . The upper end portion of the steering shaft 200 may protrude from the upper end of the steering column 100 , and the lower end portion of the steering shaft 200 may protrude from the lower end of the steering column 100 .

[0069] A steering wheel (not shown) may be coupled to an upper end portion of the steering shaft 200 , and a driver may manually hold the steering wheel and rotate it to the left or right to steer the wheels of the vehicle.

[0070] The lower end portion of the steering shaft 200 may be coupled to the upper end portion of the intermediate shaft 300 via the first universal joint 330 . That is, the upper end portion of the intermediate shaft 300 may be coupled to the lower end portion of the steering shaft 200 via the first universal joint 330 .

[0071] The lower end of the intermediate shaft 300 may be coupled to the input shaft 420 of the steering motor 400 via the second universal joint 340. Specifically, the upper end of the input shaft 420 of the steering motor 400 may protrude toward the upper end of the steering motor 400 and be coupled to the lower end of the intermediate shaft 300 via the second universal joint 340.

[0072] The specific structure of the intermediate shaft 300 will be described later. First, the steering motor 400 and the steering gear 500 will be described.

[0073] A pinion shaft 440 may be protruding from the lower end of the steering motor 400. A pinion gear 441 may be formed on the outer periphery of the pinion shaft 440. The pinion shaft 440 may be inserted into the housing 510 of the steering gear 500. In this state, the pinion gear 441 may mesh with a rack (not shown) formed on a rack 520 that is disposed inside the housing 510 of the steering gear 500 so as to be movable left and right.

[0074] Tie rods 530 and 540 may be coupled to the left and right ends of the rack 520. The tie rods 530 and 540 may include a left tie rod 530 connected to the knuckle of the left wheel and a right tie rod 540 connected to the knuckle of the right wheel.

[0075] When the pinion shaft 440 rotates in one direction with the help of the driving force of the steering motor 400, the rack 520 can move linearly to the left, thereby causing the left side tie rod 530 and the right side tie rod 540 to move linearly to the left and rotate the knuckles respectively connected to the left and right wheels to the left, so that the left and right wheels turn toward the left.

[0076] Furthermore, when the pinion shaft 440 rotates in the other direction with the help of the driving force of the steering motor 400, the rack 520 can move linearly to the right, thereby causing the left tie rod 530 and the right tie rod 540 to move linearly to the right and rotate the knuckles respectively connected to the left and right wheels to the right, so that the left and right wheels turn toward the right.

[0077] The steering motor 400 can be an electric motor driven by electrical energy. The steering motor 400 can have a hollow rotating shaft. The steering motor 400 can also be provided with a speed reducer 430 that reduces the rotational speed of the rotating shaft of the steering motor 400 and outputs the speed. The hollow portion of the rotating shaft of the steering motor 400 can be formed long in the axial direction. The rotating shaft of the steering motor 400 can be formed long in the vertical direction. The hollow portion of the rotating shaft of the steering motor 400 can be formed long in the vertical direction.

[0078] The input shaft 420 may pass through the hollow portion of the rotating shaft of the steering motor 400 . The input shaft 420 may be formed to be elongated vertically. The upper end portion of the input shaft 420 may protrude toward the upper end of the steering motor 400 .

[0079] The upper and lower ends of the input shaft 420 may be rotatably coupled to the interior of the housing of the steering motor 400 via bearings.

[0080] When the input shaft 420 is disposed so as to penetrate the rotating shaft of the steering motor 400, the rotating shaft of the steering motor 400 and the input shaft 420 can rotate independently. Specifically, the input shaft 420 can axially penetrate the hollow portion of the rotating shaft of the steering motor 400 and can rotate circumferentially relative to the rotating shaft of the steering motor 400.

[0081] The steering motor 400 may include a motor housing with upper and lower openings, and a motor cover for covering the upper end of the motor housing. The motor housing and the motor cover may define the exterior of the steering motor 400. The motor housing may be cylindrical with upper and lower openings, and the motor cover may be cylindrical with a lower opening, thereby covering the upper end of the motor housing. The upper end of the motor housing and the lower end of the motor cover may be secured together using a plurality of bolts.

[0082] The upper end portion of the input shaft 420 may pass through the center of the motor cover of the steering motor 400 and may be protruded toward the upper side of the steering motor 400 .

[0083] The decelerator 430 can be combined with the lower end of the housing of the steering motor 400. The lower end portion of the input shaft 420 can be protrusively disposed at the lower end of the decelerator 430.

[0084] The decelerator 430 can include a decelerator housing having upper and lower ends respectively opened, and a decelerator cover for covering the lower end of the opened decelerator housing. The decelerator housing and the decelerator cover can form the appearance of the decelerator 430. The decelerator housing can be formed in a cylindrical shape having upper and lower ends respectively opened, and the decelerator cover can be formed in a cylindrical shape having an upper end opened, thereby covering the lower end of the opened decelerator housing. The decelerator housing and the decelerator cover can be fastened by a plurality of bolts.

[0085] Also, the lower end of the opened motor housing and the upper end of the opened decelerator housing can be disposed in contact with each other. The lower end portion of the motor housing and the decelerator housing can be fastened by a plurality of bolts.

[0086] The lower end portion of the input shaft 420 can be protrusively disposed to the lower side of the decelerator 430 through the center of the decelerator cover of the decelerator 430.

[0087] The decelerator 430 can reduce the rotational speed of the rotational shaft of the steering motor 400 and transmit it to the input shaft 420. The decelerator 430 can reduce the rotational speed of the rotational shaft of the steering motor 400 by a plurality of gears disposed inside and transmit it to the input shaft 420. The plurality of gears can be planetary gears or harmonic gears.

[0088] The plurality of gears can include a sun gear (not shown) combined with the outer circumference of the rotational shaft of the steering motor 400 and having gear teeth formed on the outer circumference, a ring gear (not shown) combined with the inner side of the decelerator housing and having gear teeth formed on the inner circumference, a plurality of planetary gears (not shown) disposed between the sun gear and the ring gear, and a carrier (not shown) for connecting the plurality of planetary gears.

[0089] The plurality of planetary gears can be disposed apart from each other along the outer circumference of the sun gear. The ring gear can be fixed to the inner side of the decelerator housing to prevent rotation in the circumferential direction. Gear teeth can be formed on the outer circumference of each of the plurality of planetary gears, and the gear teeth formed on the outer circumference of each of the plurality of planetary gears can be engaged with the gear teeth of the sun gear and the gear teeth of the ring gear. The carrier can be combined with the plurality of planetary gears and can be combined with the outer circumference of the input shaft 420.

[0090] Therefore, when the rotation shaft of the steering motor 400 rotates, the sun gear can rotate in the same direction as the rotation shaft, thereby causing the multiple planetary gears to rotate in the opposite direction of the sun gear. Since the carriers are coupled to the multiple planetary gears, when the multiple planetary gears rotate, they can rotate in the same direction as the multiple planetary gears, thereby rotating the input shaft 420.

[0091] A pinion 441 may be formed on the outer periphery of the pinion shaft 440. The pinion 441 may mesh with a rack of a rack 520 provided inside the housing 510 of the steering gear 500 so as to be linearly movable in the left-right direction.

[0092] The lower end of input shaft 420 and the upper end of pinion shaft 440 can be coupled together via a coupling pin. Specifically, the coupling pin couples the upper end of pinion shaft 440 to the lower end of input shaft 420, which protrudes from the lower end of speed reducer 430. This allows pinion shaft 440 to be easily coupled to input shaft 420 outside of steering motor 400 and speed reducer 430.

[0093] A groove may be formed along the axial direction at the upper end of the pinion shaft 440, and the diameter of the input shaft 420 may be formed smaller than the remaining portion at the lower end of the input shaft 420, thereby allowing the lower end of the input shaft 420 to be inserted into the groove formed at the upper end of the pinion shaft 440. Conversely, a groove may be formed along the axial direction at the lower end of the input shaft 420, and in this case, the diameter of the upper end of the pinion shaft 440 may be formed smaller than the remaining portion, thereby allowing the lower end of the input shaft 420 to be inserted into the groove formed at the lower end of the input shaft 420.

[0094] A coupling pin hole, into which the coupling pin is inserted for coupling, may be formed at the lower end of the input shaft 420 and the upper end of the pinion shaft 440. The coupling pin hole may be formed such that the outer circumference of the lower end of the input shaft 420 communicates with the outer circumference of the upper end of the pinion shaft 440 along a radial direction.

[0095] That is, the operator can insert the groove formed at the upper end of the pinion shaft 440 into the lower end of the input shaft 420, insert the coupling pin into each of the coupling pin coupling holes, and couple the upper end of the pinion shaft 440 with the lower end of the input shaft 420.

[0096] A reducer mounting portion 511 may be formed on the housing 510 of the steering gear 500, and threads may be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the reducer mounting portion 511. Furthermore, threads are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the portion of the housing of the reducer 430 that is inserted into the reducer mounting portion 511, and are threadedly engaged with the threads formed on the inner circumferential surface of the reducer mounting portion 511. Thus, the reducer 430 can be mounted on the reducer mounting portion 511 of the steering gear 500 without an additional bracket.

[0097] Hereinafter, the intermediate shaft 300 of the vehicle-mounted steering device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0098] Intermediate shaft 300 may include a yoke tube 310 and a cable 320. The yoke tube 310 may form the upper portion of the intermediate shaft 300, and the cable 320 may form the lower portion of the intermediate shaft 300. However, the positions of the yoke tube 310 and the cable 320 may be reversed. That is, the yoke tube 310 may form the lower portion of the intermediate shaft 300, and the cable 320 may form the upper portion of the intermediate shaft 300.

[0099] When the yoke tube 310 forms the upper part of the intermediate shaft 300 and the cable 320 forms the lower part of the intermediate shaft 300, a first U-shaped component 331 may be arranged at the upper end of the yoke tube 310, a hollow 315 may be formed at the lower end of the yoke tube 310, and a second U-shaped component 341 may be arranged at the lower end of the cable 320, and a first coupling 360 may be provided at the upper end of the cable 320.

[0100] When the yoke tube 310 forms the lower part of the intermediate shaft 300 and the cable 320 forms the upper part of the intermediate shaft 300, a first U-shaped component 331 may be arranged at the lower end of the yoke tube 310, a hollow 315 may be formed at the upper end of the yoke tube 310, a second U-shaped component 341 may be arranged at the upper end of the cable 320, and a first coupling 360 may be provided at the lower end of the cable 320.

[0101] The following description assumes that the yoke tube 310 forms the upper portion of the intermediate shaft 300, and the cable 320 forms the lower portion of the intermediate shaft 300. Furthermore, the upper end of the yoke tube 310 may refer to one end of the yoke tube 310, and the lower end of the yoke tube 310 may refer to the other end of the yoke tube 310. Furthermore, the lower end of the cable 320 may refer to one end of the cable 320, and the upper end of the cable 320 may refer to the other end of the cable 320. Furthermore, the upper surface of the second coupling 370 may refer to one surface of the second coupling 370, and the lower end of the second coupling 370 may refer to the other end of the second coupling 370. Furthermore, the upper surface of the neck portion 348 of the second U-shaped member 341 may refer to one surface of the neck portion 348 of the second U-shaped member 341.

[0102] The upper end portion of the yoke tube 310 may be connected to the steering shaft 200 via a first universal joint 330 .

[0103] The first universal joint 330 may include a first U-shaped component 331 , a third U-shaped component 332 , and a first cross-shaped connecting component 333 .

[0104] The first U-shaped member 331 may be disposed at the upper end of the yoke tube 310. The neck portion of the first U-shaped member 331 may be coupled to the upper end of the yoke tube 310. For example, the upper end of the yoke tube 310 may be inserted into a groove formed at the lower end of the neck portion of the first U-shaped member 331 to achieve coupling.

[0105] The third U-shaped member 332 may be disposed at the lower end of the steering shaft 200. The neck portion of the third U-shaped member 332 may be coupled to the lower end of the steering shaft 200. For example, the lower end of the steering shaft 200 may be inserted into a groove formed at the upper end of the neck portion of the third U-shaped member 332 to achieve coupling.

[0106] The first cross-shaped connecting member 333 can be formed into a shape in which two first straight lines are arranged in a mutually intersecting manner. Bearings provided at both ends of one of the two first straight lines can be inserted into holes formed in the mutually open side portions of the first U-shaped member 331, so that the first U-shaped member 331 is rotatably coupled to the first cross-shaped connecting member 333. Bearings provided at both ends of the other of the two first straight lines can be inserted into holes formed in the mutually open side portions of the third U-shaped member 332, so that the third U-shaped member 332 is rotatably coupled to the first cross-shaped connecting member 333.

[0107] A hollow 315 may be formed along the axial direction at the lower end of the yoke tube 310 (see Figure 3 and Figure 4 The upper end of the cable 320 may be inserted into the hollow 315 of the yoke tube 310 through the lower end of the yoke tube 310 .

[0108] The lower end of the cable 320 can be coupled to the steering motor 400 via the second universal joint 340. The cable 320 can be a control cable for controlling the steering motor 400, but is not required to control the steering motor 400. For example, the cable 320 can also be a simple cable that can wrap around the intermediate shaft 300.

[0109] The second universal joint 340 may include a second U-shaped component 341 , a fourth U-shaped component 342 , and a second cross-shaped connecting component 343 .

[0110] The second U-shaped member 341 can be disposed at the lower end of the cable 320. The neck 348 of the second U-shaped member 341 (see Figures 6 to 8) can be combined with the lower end of the cable 320. For example, the lower end of the cable 320 can be inserted into a groove formed at the upper end of the neck 348 of the second U-shaped member 341 to achieve the combination.

[0111] The fourth U-shaped member 342 can be disposed at the upper end of the steering motor 400. The neck of the fourth U-shaped member 342 can be combined with the upper end of the steering motor 400. For example, the input shaft 420 protruding from the upper end of the steering motor 400 can be inserted into a groove formed at the lower end of the neck of the fourth U-shaped member 342 to achieve the combination.

[0112] The second cross-shaped connecting member 343 can be formed in a shape in which two second straight lines are disposed in a manner of crossing each other. Bearings disposed at both ends of one of the two second straight lines can be inserted into holes formed at both sides of the second U-shaped member 341 which are opened away from each other, so that the second U-shaped member 341 is combined with the second cross-shaped connecting member 343 in a manner of being rotatable, and bearings disposed at both ends of the other of the two second straight lines are inserted into holes formed at both sides of the fourth U-shaped member 342 which are opened away from each other, so that the fourth U-shaped member 342 is combined with the second cross-shaped connecting member 343 in a manner of being rotatable.

[0113] Figure 3 To show Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a structure in which the upper end of the cable is combined with the yoke tube.

[0114] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 3 A first coupling 360 can be provided at the upper end of the cable 320. The first coupling 360 can be formed in a short bar shape. After the upper end of the cable 320 is inserted into a groove formed at the center of the lower end of the first coupling 360, the outer side of the first coupling 360 is pressurized, so that the upper end of the cable 320 and the first coupling 360 are caulked and combined.

[0115] The first coupling 360 can be inserted into the hollow 315 formed at the lower end of the yoke tube 310. The first coupling 360 can move in the axial direction within the hollow 315 of the yoke tube 310. However, it is not problematic even if the first coupling 360 is disposed in a manner of not moving in the axial direction within the hollow 315 of the yoke tube 310.

[0116] At least one first flat surface 311 can be formed at the inner circumferential surface of the yoke tube 310. Also, at least one second flat surface 361 which contacts the at least one first flat surface 311 can be formed at the outer circumferential surface of the first coupling 360.

[0117] The inner circumferential shape of the hollow space 315 of the yoke tube 310 can be the same as the outer circumferential shape of the first coupling 360. The number of first flat portions 311 and second flat portions 361 can be the same. However, the inner circumferential shape of the hollow space 315 of the yoke tube 310 does not necessarily have to be the same as the outer circumferential shape of the first coupling 360. As long as the first coupling 360 cannot rotate circumferentially relative to the yoke tube 310 when the first coupling 360 is inserted into the hollow space 315, the inner circumferential shape of the hollow space 315 of the yoke tube 310 and the outer circumferential shape of the first coupling 360 can be varied in various ways. In this embodiment, although the first coupling 360 is formed as an octagon with six second flat portions 361 formed on the outer circumferential surface, it is sufficient that at least one second flat portion 361 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first coupling 360.

[0118] Figure 4 To express Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the structure in which the upper end portion of the cable is combined with the yoke tube is shown.

[0119] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 4 A plurality of sawtooth grooves 312 may be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the yoke tube 310 . Also, a plurality of sawtooth protrusions 362 may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first coupling 360 to be inserted into the plurality of sawtooth grooves 312 , respectively.

[0120] The plurality of serrations 312 may be formed long along the axial direction of the yoke tube 310 and may be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the yoke tube 310. Furthermore, the plurality of serrations 362 may be formed long along the axial direction of the first coupling 360 and may be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the first coupling 360.

[0121] Figure 5 To express Figure 1 The diagram of the lid shown, Figure 5 Part (a) is a bottom-up stereogram. Figure 5 Part (b) is a top view stereogram.

[0122] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 5 A cylindrical cover 350 may be coupled to the lower end of the yoke tube 310. After the first coupling 360 provided at the upper end of the cable 320 is inserted into the hollow 315 disposed in the yoke tube 310, the cover 350 may be coupled to the lower end of the yoke tube 310 to prevent the first coupling 360 inserted into the hollow 315 disposed in the yoke tube 310 from being separated from the hollow 315.

[0123] A thread 355 for coupling with a thread formed on the outer surface of the lower end of the yoke tube 310 can be formed on the inner surface of the cover 350, whereby the operator can cover the cover 350 on the outer surface of the lower end of the yoke tube 310 at the lower end of the yoke tube 310 and rotate it to couple with the lower end of the yoke tube 310.

[0124] The upper surface of the cover 350 may be open, and a through hole 351 may be formed on the lower surface of the cover 350 for the cable 320 to pass through. Preferably, the diameter of the through hole 351 may be formed to be larger than the diameter of the cable 320 and smaller than the highest outer diameter of the first coupling 360 to prevent the first coupling 360 from being separated from the hollow 315 of the yoke tube 310. Of course, preferably, the diameter of the through hole 351 is formed to be smaller than the diameter of the second coupling 370 (see Figures 6 to 8 That is, preferably, the first coupling 360 and the second coupling 370 should not be able to pass through the through hole 351 of the cover 350.

[0125] Preferably, after the operator passes the cable 320 through the through hole 351 of the cover 350 , the operator couples the first coupling 360 to the upper end of the cable 320 and couples the second coupling 370 to the lower end of the cable 320 .

[0126] Figure 6 To express Figure 1 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a structure in which the lower end portion of the cable is combined with the neck portion of the second U-shaped member is shown.

[0127] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 6 A second coupling 370 may be provided at the lower end of the cable 320 . The second coupling 370 may be coupled to the neck 348 of the second U-shaped component 341 in the second universal joint 340 .

[0128] A first inner groove 375 may be formed on the upper surface of the second coupling 370, and a second inner groove 345 may be formed on the upper surface of the neck portion 348 of the second U-shaped member 341. With the lower end portion of the cable 320 inserted into the first inner groove 375 formed on the upper surface of the second coupling 370, and the lower end portion of the second coupling 370 inserted into the second inner groove 345 formed on the upper surface of the neck portion 348 of the second U-shaped member 341, the outer side of the neck portion 348 of the second U-shaped member 341 is pressed inward by a caulking tool, thereby caulking the lower end portion of the cable 320, the lower end portion of the second coupling 370, and the neck portion 348 of the second U-shaped member 341 together.

[0129] Figure 7 To express Figure 1A longitudinal cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the structure in which the lower end portion of the cable is combined with the neck portion of the second U-shaped member is shown.

[0130] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 7 First pin engaging holes 341A are formed on both sides of the neck portion 348 of the second U-shaped member 341 so as to communicate with the second inner groove 345. Second pin engaging holes 370A are formed on both sides of the lower end portion of the second coupling 370 so as to communicate with the first inner groove 375. In addition, a third pin engaging hole 320A may be formed at the lower end portion of the cable 320. The first pin engaging hole 341A, the second pin engaging hole 370A, and the third pin engaging hole 320A may be coupled together using a linear pin 380.

[0131] Specifically, when the lower end of the cable 320 is inserted into the first inner groove 375 formed on the upper surface of the second coupling 370, and the lower end of the second coupling 370 is inserted into the second inner groove 345 formed on the upper surface of the neck 348 of the second U-shaped component 341, the pin 380 can penetrate the first pin coupling hole 341A formed on both sides of the neck 348 of the second U-shaped component 341 in a manner that is connected to the second inner groove 345, the second pin coupling hole 370A formed on both sides of the lower end of the second coupling 370 in a manner that is connected to the first inner groove 375, and the third pin coupling hole 320A formed at the lower end of the cable 320, so that the lower end of the cable 320, the lower end of the second coupling 370 and the neck 348 of the second U-shaped component 341 are pin-coupled.

[0132] Figure 8 To express Figure 1 A longitudinal sectional view of another embodiment of the structure in which the lower end portion of the cable is combined with the neck portion of the second U-shaped member is shown.

[0133] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 8 The first pin coupling hole 341A can be formed on one side of the neck portion 348 of the second U-shaped member 341 in a manner communicating with the second inner groove 345, and the second pin coupling hole 370A can be formed on one side of the lower end portion of the second coupling 370 in a manner communicating with the first inner groove 375. The first pin coupling hole 341A and the second pin coupling hole 370A can be coupled by means of a linear pin 390. The pin 390 can be formed to be shorter than Figure 7 The pin 380 is shown short.

[0134] When the lower end of the cable 320 is inserted into the first inner groove 375 formed on the upper surface of the second coupling 370, and the lower end of the second coupling 370 is inserted into the second inner groove 345 formed on the upper surface of the neck 348 of the second U-shaped component 341, the pin 390 can pass through the first pin coupling hole 341A formed on one side of the neck 348 of the second U-shaped component 341 in a manner that is connected to the second inner groove 345, and the second pin coupling hole 370A formed on one side of the lower end of the second coupling 370 in a manner that is connected to the first inner groove 375, so that the end of the pin 390 pressurizes the outer peripheral surface of the lower end of the cable 320, so that the lower end of the cable 320, the lower end of the second coupling 370 and the neck 348 of the second U-shaped component 341 are pin-coupled.

[0135] On the other hand, refer to Figures 6 to 8 A first press-fit portion 328 may be formed at the lower end of the cable 320, and a second press-fit portion 378 may be formed at the second coupling 370. Figure 3 The outer circumference of the first coupling 360 shown in FIG. 3 may be formed in an angular shape (e.g., an octagon). The outer circumference of the first press-in portion 328 may be pressed into the inner circumference of the second press-in portion 378, and the inner circumference of the second press-in portion 378, into which the outer circumference of the first press-in portion 328 is pressed, may be formed in an angular shape corresponding to the outer circumference of the first press-in portion 328.

[0136] And, as Figure 3 The hollow space 315 of the yoke tube 310 is shaped as shown, and the inner circumferential surface of the neck portion 348 of the second U-shaped member 341 can be formed into an angular shape (e.g., an octagon). The outer circumferential surface of the second press-fit portion 378 can be pressed into the inner circumferential surface of the neck portion 348, and the outer circumferential surface of the second press-fit portion 378 pressed into the inner circumferential surface of the neck portion 348 can be formed into an angular shape corresponding to the inner circumferential surface shape of the neck portion 348.

[0137] Furthermore, preferably, the upper end portion of the cable 320 which is the portion inserted into the first coupling 360 to achieve coupling and the lower end portion of the cable 320 which is the portion inserted into the second coupling 370 to achieve coupling should be hot pressed so that the crimped cross-section is quadrilateral and, preferably, is formed of twisted braided steel wire having a torsional rigidity above a set value.

[0138] As described above, the intermediate shaft 300 of the vehicle-mounted steering device of the embodiment of the utility model includes: a yoke tube 310; and a cable 320, which is connected to the first coupling 360 inserted into the hollow space 315 configured in the yoke tube 310. Therefore, the structure of the steering device with an existing physical connection structure can be partially utilized, and the electrical and electronic control of the steering motor 400 can be performed.

[0139] Furthermore, the intermediate shaft 300 of the vehicle-mounted steering device of the embodiment of the present invention enables the first coupling 360 to move along the axial direction within the yoke tube 310 to adjust the entire axial length of the intermediate shaft 300. Therefore, the length can be adjusted to match the specifications of the vehicle model and then installed in various vehicle models.

[0140] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without changing its technical concept or essential features. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. It should be explained that the scope of the present invention should be indicated by the claims, not the content of the present invention, and that the meaning and scope of the claims and all variations or modifications derived from their equivalent concepts should be included in the scope of the present invention.

[0141] Industrial applicability

[0142] The utility model provides an intermediate shaft of a vehicle-mounted steering device which can partially utilize the structure of a steering device of an existing physical connection structure and can perform electrical and electronic control of a steering motor.

Claims

1. An intermediate shaft of a vehicle-mounted steering device, characterized in that: include: a yoke tube, wherein a first U-shaped member is disposed at one end of the yoke tube and a hollow portion is formed along the axial direction at the other end of the yoke tube; a cable having a second U-shaped member disposed at one end thereof; and The first coupling is provided at the other end of the cable and is inserted into the hollow.

2. The intermediate shaft of the vehicle-mounted steering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first coupling is arranged in the hollow space so as to be movable in the axial direction.

3. The intermediate shaft of the vehicle-mounted steering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one second flat surface portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first coupling, and the at least one second flat surface portion is in contact with at least one first flat surface portion formed on the inner peripheral surface of the yoke tube.

4. The intermediate shaft of the vehicle-mounted steering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of serrations are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first coupling, and the plurality of serrations are respectively inserted into a plurality of serration grooves formed on the inner peripheral surface of the yoke pipe.

5. The intermediate shaft of the vehicle-mounted steering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The invention further comprises a cylindrical cover, which is combined with the other end of the yoke tube to prevent the first coupling from being separated from the hollow.

6. The intermediate shaft of the vehicle-mounted steering device according to claim 5, characterized in that: A thread is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cover, and the thread is engaged with a thread formed on the outer peripheral surface of the other end portion of the yoke pipe.

7. The intermediate shaft of the vehicle-mounted steering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The utility model further comprises a second coupling, which is arranged at one end of the cable and combined with the neck of the second U-shaped component.

8. The intermediate shaft of the vehicle-mounted steering device according to claim 7, characterized in that: When one end of the cable is inserted into the first inner groove formed on one side of the second coupling, and the other end of the second coupling is inserted into the second inner groove formed on one side of the neck of the second U-shaped component, the outer side of the neck of the second U-shaped component is pressurized inward by a caulking tool, so that one end of the cable, the other end of the second coupling and the neck of the second U-shaped component are caulked together.

9. The intermediate shaft of the vehicle-mounted steering device according to claim 7, characterized in that: When one end of the cable is inserted into the first inner groove formed on one side of the second coupling and the other end of the second coupling is inserted into the second inner groove formed on one side of the neck of the second U-shaped component, a pin passes through the first pin coupling hole formed on both sides of the neck of the second U-shaped component in a manner connected to the second inner groove, the second pin coupling holes formed on both sides of the other end of the second coupling in a manner connected to the first inner groove, and the third pin coupling hole formed at one end of the cable, so that the one end of the cable, the other end of the second coupling and the neck of the second U-shaped component are pin-coupled.

10. The intermediate shaft of the vehicle-mounted steering device according to claim 7, characterized in that: When one end of the cable is inserted into the first inner groove formed on one side of the second coupling and the other end of the second coupling is inserted into the second inner groove formed on one side of the neck of the second U-shaped component, a pin passes through a first pin coupling hole formed on one side of the neck of the second U-shaped component in a manner connected to the second inner groove and a second pin coupling hole formed on one side of the other end of the second coupling in a manner connected to the first inner groove, so that the tip of the pin presses the outer peripheral surface of one end of the cable, so that it is pin-coupled with the one end of the cable, the other end of the second coupling and the neck of the second U-shaped component.

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