Steering device and steering system

Abstract

The steering device comprises a shaft rod, a fixing piece and a limiting assembly comprising a limiting piece, a first limiting groove extending in the axial direction is formed in the outer wall of the shaft rod, the fixing piece is roughly in a sleeve shape and sleeves the shaft rod, a second limiting groove is formed in the inner wall of the fixing piece, the limiting assembly is arranged between the shaft rod and the fixing piece in a sleeving mode, and the limiting assembly is arranged between the shaft rod and the fixing piece in a sleeving mode. The limiting pieces are arranged in the first limiting grooves and the second limiting grooves which correspond in the circumferential direction so as to allow the shaft rod to move relative to the fixing piece in the axial direction of the shaft rod and limit the shaft rod to rotate relative to the fixing piece. The limiting piece is arranged in the first limiting groove and the second limiting groove which correspond to each other in the circumferential direction, the limiting piece is limited in the circumferential direction of the shaft rod through the second limiting groove, the first limiting groove is limited in the circumferential direction of the shaft rod through the limiting piece, and therefore the shaft rod is allowed to move relative to the fixing piece in the axial direction; rotation of the shaft rod relative to the fixing piece is limited, the situation that transmission efficiency is reduced due to rotation of the shaft rod is reduced, and transmission stability is guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle technology, specifically to a steering device and steering system. Background Technology

[0002] The use of ball screw drives in the steering of vehicle front wheels is becoming increasingly widespread. In the vehicle steering system, the power assist motor is usually amplified through the ball screw drive mechanism to assist the driver in steering the vehicle. During operation, the rotational motion of the ball nut of the steering device is converted into the translational motion of the ball screw. However, the ball screw may generate a self-rotating torque during transmission, which reduces the transmission efficiency and affects the stability of the steering device. Utility Model Content

[0003] In order to overcome the problems existing in the prior art, the main objective of this application is to provide a steering device and steering system that can guarantee transmission efficiency and thus ensure transmission stability.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this application specifically adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] A steering device, comprising:

[0006] A shaft, wherein the outer wall of the shaft is provided with a first limiting groove extending axially;

[0007] The fastener is generally sleeve-shaped and is sleeved on the shaft, and the inner wall of the fastener is provided with a second limiting groove;

[0008] A limiting assembly including a limiting member is sleeved between the shaft and the fixing member. The limiting member is disposed in a first limiting groove and a second limiting groove corresponding in the circumferential direction to allow the shaft to move relative to the fixing member along its axial direction and to restrict the shaft from rotating relative to the fixing member.

[0009] In some embodiments, the limiting member is a rolling element, and the cross-sections of the first limiting groove and the second limiting groove have a profile consistent with the rolling surface of the rolling element.

[0010] In some embodiments, the fastener includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion. The first connecting portion has an opening, the second connecting portion is connected to the first connecting portion, and the second connecting portion has a receiving cavity. The receiving cavity has a second limiting groove, and the receiving cavity communicates with the opening. The radial dimension of the opening is smaller than the radial dimension of the shaft end side of the receiving cavity. The minimum radial dimensions of both the opening and the receiving cavity are larger than the radial dimension of the shaft.

[0011] In some embodiments, the limiting assembly further includes a retainer for holding the limiting member, the retainer being sleeved on the shaft and located within the receiving cavity, and the retainer having a through hole, the limiting member being disposed in the through hole.

[0012] In some embodiments, the outer peripheral surface of the retainer has a spherical profile, and the inner wall profile of the receiving cavity is adapted to the swing of the limiting assembly at a predetermined angle therein.

[0013] In some embodiments, the second limiting groove extends axially and has an arc-shaped axial section to allow the shaft sleeved within the limiting assembly to swing adaptively relative to the fixing member.

[0014] In some embodiments, the diameter of the shaft end of the second limiting groove is smaller than the diameter of the limiting component, and the maximum diameter of the second limiting groove is located at the axial middle position of the second limiting groove.

[0015] In some embodiments, the steering device further includes a housing having at least one limiting groove, and the fixing member further includes at least one reinforcing rib, the limiting groove cooperating with the reinforcing rib to restrict the fixing member from rotating relative to the housing.

[0016] In some embodiments, a plurality of first limiting grooves are provided, and the plurality of first limiting grooves are evenly distributed along the circumference of the shaft on the outer wall of the shaft. A plurality of second limiting grooves are provided, and the plurality of second limiting grooves are evenly distributed along the circumference of the fixing member on the inner wall of the fixing member. Each second limiting groove is respectively provided corresponding to each first limiting groove.

[0017] A steering system comprising the steering device described in any of the above claims, wherein the steering device's shaft is implemented by a ball screw structure.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the steering device provided in this application has at least the following advantages:

[0019] The outer wall of the shaft of this application is provided with a first limiting groove extending axially. The fixing member is sleeved on the shaft, and the inner wall of the fixing member is provided with a second limiting groove. The limiting member is disposed in the first limiting groove and the second limiting groove corresponding in the circumferential direction. The limiting member is limited in the circumferential direction of the shaft by the second limiting groove, so that the limiting member limits the first limiting groove in the circumferential direction of the shaft. This allows the shaft to move relative to the fixing member in its axial direction and restricts the rotation of the shaft relative to the fixing member. This reduces the situation where the transmission efficiency is reduced due to the rotation of the shaft, thereby ensuring the stability of the transmission. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the steering device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0021] Figure 2 An exploded view of the steering device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fixing component and shaft of the steering device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0023] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the steering device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional view of the steering device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of another state of the steering device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 7 A partial cross-sectional view of another state of the steering device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure label:

[0028] 1. Shaft; 11. First limiting groove;

[0029] 21. Fixing element; 210. Second limiting groove; 211. First connecting part; 211a. Opening; 212. Second connecting part; 212a. Receiving cavity; 213. Reinforcing rib;

[0030] 3. Limiting component; 31. Limiting element; 32. Cage; 320. Through hole. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0032] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance; unless otherwise specified or explained, the term "multiple" refers to two or more, and the term "various types" refers to two or more; the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, an integral connection, or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0033] In the description of this specification, it should be understood that the directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" used in the embodiments of this application are used to describe the angles shown in the accompanying drawings and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, in the context, it should also be understood that when it is mentioned that an element is connected "upper" or "lower" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element "upper" or "lower," or indirectly connected to the other element "upper" or "lower" through an intermediate element.

[0034] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the steering device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This is an exploded view of a steering device provided in an embodiment of this application. This embodiment discloses a steering device including a shaft 1, a fixing member 21, and a limiting assembly 3 including a limiting member 31. The outer wall of the shaft 1 has a first limiting groove 11 extending axially. The fixing member 21 is generally sleeve-shaped and is sleeved on the shaft 1. The inner wall of the fixing member 21 has a second limiting groove 210. The limiting assembly 3 is sleeved between the shaft 1 and the fixing member 21. The limiting member 31 is disposed within the first limiting groove 11 and the second limiting groove 210 corresponding in the circumferential direction, allowing the shaft 1 to move axially relative to the fixing member 21 and restricting the shaft 1 from rotating relative to the fixing member 21. The axial direction of the shaft 1 is... Figure 1 The X direction in the equation.

[0035] In this embodiment, the limiting member 31 is a rolling element. The cross-sections of the first limiting groove 11 and the second limiting groove 210 have profiles consistent with the rolling surface of the rolling element. This results in rolling friction between the shaft 1 and the limiting member 31, and between the limiting member 31 and the fixing member 21. This reduces the frictional force between the shaft 1 and the limiting member 31, and between the limiting member 31 and the fixing member 21, when the shaft 1 moves axially. Consequently, it reduces the wear of the shaft 1, increases its service life, and ensures the proper functioning of the steering device. In normal operation, preferably, the limiting member 31 is a sphere, and the cross-section of the first limiting groove 11 and the cross-section of the second limiting groove 210 are arc-shaped along the radial direction of the shaft 1. It can be understood that in other embodiments, the limiting member 31 can also be a cylinder, and the cross-section of the first limiting groove 11 and the cross-section of the second limiting groove 210 are square along the radial direction of the shaft 1. Alternatively, the limiting member 31 can also be a cone or a frustum, in which case the bottom surface of the first limiting groove 11 and the bottom surface of the second limiting groove 210 are inclined surfaces along the radial direction of the shaft 1.

[0036] In this embodiment, the outer wall of the shaft 1 is provided with a first limiting groove 11 extending axially. The fixing member 21 is sleeved on the shaft 1, and the inner wall of the fixing member 21 is provided with a second limiting groove 210. The limiting member 31 is disposed in the first limiting groove 11 and the second limiting groove 210 corresponding in the circumferential direction. The limiting member 31 is limited in the circumferential direction of the shaft 1 by the second limiting groove 210, so that the limiting member 31 limits the first limiting groove 11 in the circumferential direction of the shaft 1. This allows the shaft 1 to move relative to the fixing member 21 in its axial direction and restricts the rotation of the shaft 1 relative to the fixing member 21, reducing the situation where the transmission efficiency is reduced due to the rotation of the shaft 1, thereby ensuring the stability of the transmission.

[0037] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fixing component and shaft of the steering device provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a steering device provided in an embodiment of this application. The fixing member 21 includes a first connecting portion 211, a second connecting portion 212, and at least one reinforcing rib 213. The first connecting portion 211 has an opening 211a. The second connecting portion 212 is connected to the first connecting portion 211 and has a receiving cavity 212a communicating with the opening 211a. The inner wall of the receiving cavity 212a has a second limiting groove 210. The shaft 1 passes through the opening 211a and the receiving cavity 212a.

[0038] The radial dimension D1 of the opening 211a is smaller than the radial dimension D2 of the shaft end side of the receiving cavity 212a to reduce the possibility of the limiting component 3 disengaging from the opening. The minimum radial dimension of both the opening 211a and the receiving cavity 212a is larger than the radial dimension D3 of the shaft 1, so that there is a gap between the outer surface of the shaft 1 and the inner surface of the opening 211a, and between the outer surface of the shaft 1 and the inner surface of the receiving cavity 212a. This allows the shaft 1 to contact the fixing component 21 only through the limiting component 31, thereby reducing the contact area between the shaft 1 and the fixing component 21. This reduces wear caused by friction between the shaft 1 and the fixing component 21, improves the service life of the shaft 1, and ensures the normal operation of the shaft 1.

[0039] One end of the reinforcing rib 213 is connected to the first connecting part 211, and the other end of the reinforcing rib 213 is connected to the second connecting part 212 to improve the strength of the fixing member 21, thereby ensuring the stability of the steering device. Furthermore, the housing is provided with at least one limiting groove, and the reinforcing rib 213 cooperates with the limiting groove to restrict the rotation of the fixing member 21 relative to the housing, thereby ensuring the stability and reliability of the steering device's transmission.

[0040] In this embodiment, the first connecting part 211 and the second connecting part 212 are integrally formed, which is convenient for manufacturing. It can be understood that in other embodiments, the first connecting part 211 and the second connecting part 212 may also be separate structures.

[0041] In this embodiment, three reinforcing ribs 213 are provided to further increase the strength of the fixing member 21. The three reinforcing ribs 213 are evenly spaced along the circumference of the fixing member 21 to enhance the restriction on the rotation of the fixing member 21, thereby further ensuring the stability and reliability of the steering device transmission. It can be understood that in other embodiments, the number of reinforcing ribs 213 can be set as needed.

[0042] In this embodiment, the fixing member 21 includes a reinforcing rib 213, and the housing is provided with a limiting groove. The fixing member 21 is restricted from rotating by the cooperation of the reinforcing rib 213 and the limiting groove. It can be understood that in other embodiments, the fixing member 21 and the housing can also be limited by other means. For example, the fixing member 21 is provided with a groove, and the housing is provided with a protrusion. The groove and the protrusion cooperate to restrict the rotation of the fixing member 21.

[0043] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the anti-rotation assembly 2 also includes a retainer 32 for holding the limiting ball, which is the limiting element 31. The retainer 32 is sleeved on the shaft 1 and located in the receiving cavity 212a. The retainer 32 has a through hole 320, which is correspondingly provided with the first limiting groove 11 and the second limiting groove 210. The diameter of the through hole 320 is smaller than the diameter of the cross section of the limiting element 31. The limiting element 31 is sealed in the through hole 320. The retainer 32 is used to constrain the limiting element 31 to ensure the stability and reliability of the limiting element 31 during movement.

[0044] Reference Figures 4-7 As shown, Figure 5 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the steering device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of another state of the steering device provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 7 This is a partial cross-sectional view of another state of the steering device provided in an embodiment of this application. The second limiting groove 210 extends axially and has an arc-shaped axial section to allow the shaft 1, which is fitted inside the limiting assembly 3, to swing adaptively relative to the fixing member 21.

[0045] The outer peripheral surface of the retainer 32 has a spherical surface with a spherical profile, and the inner wall profile of the receiving cavity 212a is adapted to the swing of the limiting component 3 at a predetermined angle therein.

[0046] During installation, first tilt the retainer 32 at a certain angle, then place the retainer 32 in the receiving cavity 212a, and align the through hole 320 on the retainer 32 with the second limiting groove 210. Inside the receiving cavity 212a, the retainer 32 returns to its normal position, and then rotates the retainer 32 by a preset angle to expose the through hole 320 on the retainer 32, so that the limiting member 31 can be placed in the through hole 320. After the limiting member 31 is placed in all the through holes 320 on the retainer 32, the shaft 1 is axially inserted through the center of the retainer 32 to complete the installation of the steering device.

[0047] When the shaft 1 is subjected to radial force, the shaft 1 and the retainer 32 can swing around the center of the ball of the limiting member 31 in a clockwise direction A or a counterclockwise direction B, realizing adaptive adjustment of the bending of the shaft 1. This reduces the damage caused by radial force compression of the shaft 1, thereby ensuring the transmission efficiency and stability of the shaft 1. Furthermore, the inner wall of the opening 211a limits the swing of the shaft 1 radially, reducing the excessive swing amplitude of the shaft 1 and ensuring the normal operation of the steering device.

[0048] In this embodiment, multiple through holes 320 are provided, and the multiple through holes 320 are evenly distributed at intervals along the circumference of the retainer 32. Multiple first limiting grooves 11 are provided, and the multiple first limiting grooves 11 are evenly distributed along the circumference of the shaft 1 on the outer wall of the shaft 1. Multiple second limiting grooves 210 are provided, and the multiple second limiting grooves 210 are evenly distributed along the circumference of the fixing member 21 on the inner wall of the fixing member 21. Each second limiting groove 210, each through hole 320, and each first limiting groove 11 are respectively provided, which ensures the uniformity of the radial force on the shaft 1 and enhances the limiting force on the rotation of the shaft 1, further improving the stability and reliability of the shaft 1 transmission.

[0049] In this embodiment, the radial dimension D2 of the axial end side of the receiving cavity 212a is smaller than the maximum diameter D4 of the retainer 32. The maximum diameter D4 of the retainer 32 is located at the axial midpoint of the retainer 32 to reduce the possibility of the retainer 32 falling out of the receiving cavity 212a, thereby ensuring the stability and reliability of the steering device. Therefore, during installation, the retainer 32 needs to be tilted at a certain angle so that the size of the retainer 32 is smaller than or equal to the radial dimension D2 of the axial end side of the receiving cavity 212a, so that the retainer 32 can be installed and will not fall out of the receiving cavity 212a after being straightened.

[0050] In this embodiment, the shaft end diameter D5 of the second limiting groove 210 is smaller than the diameter D6 of the limiting component 3 (i.e., the maximum diameter of the limiting component 31 assembled on the retainer 32) to reduce the possibility of the limiting component 3 falling off the receiving cavity 212a, thus ensuring the stability and reliability of the steering device. The maximum diameter of the second limiting groove 210 is located at the axial middle position of the second limiting groove 210.

[0051] Continue to refer to Figures 4-7 As shown, when installing the limiting member 31, the retainer 32 needs to be tilted at a preset first angle to expose the through hole 320 for installing the limiting member 31. The preset first angle is the angle between the radial extension line of the axial midpoint of the retainer 32 when it is not tilted and the radial extension line of the axial midpoint of the retainer 32 when it is tilted, in the same plane. When the shaft 1 is subjected to radial force and bends radially until it abuts against the inner wall of the opening 211a, the shaft 1 bends at a preset second angle b. The preset second angle b is the angle between the axis of the shaft 1 when it is not bent and the axis when it is bent. The minimum preset first angle is greater than the preset second angle b. The minimum preset first angle is the minimum tilt angle at which the retainer 32 can install the limiting member 31, that is, the angle at which the through hole 320 is just fully exposed. This reduces the possibility of the retainer 32 and the limiting member 31 falling out of the receiving cavity 212a of the fixing member 21 when the shaft 1 is subjected to radial force and bends radially. This ensures the stability and reliability of the steering device.

[0052] Based on this embodiment, a steering system is also disclosed, which includes the steering device of any of the above embodiments, wherein the shaft 1 of the steering device is realized by a ball screw structure.

[0053] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A steering device, characterized in that, include: A shaft, wherein the outer wall of the shaft is provided with a first limiting groove extending axially; The fastener is generally sleeve-shaped and is sleeved on the shaft, and the inner wall of the fastener is provided with a second limiting groove; A limiting assembly including a limiting member is sleeved between the shaft and the fixing member. The limiting member is disposed in a first limiting groove and a second limiting groove corresponding in the circumferential direction to allow the shaft to move relative to the fixing member along its axial direction and to restrict the shaft from rotating relative to the fixing member.

2. The steering device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting member is a rolling element, and the cross-sections of the first limiting groove and the second limiting groove have a profile consistent with the rolling surface of the rolling element.

3. The steering device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fastener includes a first connecting part and a second connecting part. The first connecting part has an opening, and the second connecting part is connected to the first connecting part. The second connecting part has a receiving cavity, and the receiving cavity has a second limiting groove. The receiving cavity communicates with the opening. The radial dimension of the opening is smaller than the radial dimension of the shaft end side of the receiving cavity. The minimum radial dimensions of both the opening and the receiving cavity are larger than the radial dimension of the shaft.

4. The steering device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The limiting assembly further includes a retainer for holding the limiting member. The retainer is sleeved on the shaft and located in the receiving cavity, and the retainer has a through hole, with the limiting member disposed in the through hole.

5. The steering device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer peripheral surface of the retainer has a spherical profile, and the inner wall profile of the receiving cavity is adapted to the swing of the limiting assembly at a predetermined angle therein.

6. The steering device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second limiting groove extends axially and has an arc-shaped axial section to allow the shaft passing through the limiting assembly to swing adaptively relative to the fixing member.

7. The steering device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter of the shaft end of the second limiting groove is smaller than the diameter of the limiting component, and the maximum diameter of the second limiting groove is located at the axial middle position of the second limiting groove.

8. The steering device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The steering device further includes a housing, the housing having at least one limiting groove, and the fixing member further includes at least one reinforcing rib, the limiting groove cooperating with the reinforcing rib to restrict the fixing member from rotating relative to the housing.

9. The steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The first limiting groove is provided in multiple ways, and the multiple first limiting grooves are evenly distributed on the outer wall of the shaft along the circumference of the shaft. The second limiting groove is provided in multiple ways, and the multiple second limiting grooves are evenly distributed on the inner wall of the fixing member along the circumference of the fixing member.

10. A steering system, characterized in that, The steering device includes the steering device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the shaft of the steering device is realized by a ball screw structure.

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