Noise reduction worm and gear clearance compensation mechanism suitable for steering system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a noise reduction worm gear and worm clearance compensation mechanism suitable for a steering system, which comprises a shell, a worm gear is arranged in the shell, and a worm positioned on one side of the worm gear is mounted in the shell. The clearance between the worm gear and the worm is adjusted through the clearance compensation mechanism, the clearance change caused by long-time operation abrasion and temperature influence of the worm gear and the worm can be effectively compensated only by properly rotating the clearance compensation nut, the worm gear and the worm are always tightly meshed for transmission, and the abnormal sound caused by the existence of the clearance is reduced; meanwhile, a certain angle exists between the worm gear and the worm, and abrasion of the worm gear and the worm can be effectively reduced; in addition, the clearance compensation mechanism forms an obtuse angle with the worm gear on the side surface of the worm, and a damping gasket is arranged in the clearance compensation mechanism, so that abnormal sound generated in the clearance compensation mechanism is effectively improved; operation hand feeling is improved, and operation stability of an automobile steering system is guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of steering system technology, specifically to a noise-reducing worm gear backlash compensation mechanism suitable for steering systems. Background Technology

[0002] Automotive steering systems can be broadly categorized into mechanical steering systems and power steering systems. Mechanical steering systems rely entirely on the driver's hand strength for operation, while power steering systems use additional power to assist steering. They are further divided into hydraulic power steering systems and electric power steering systems. Mechanical steering systems primarily rely on the driver's physical strength as the steering energy source and consist of three parts: the steering control mechanism, the steering gear, and the steering transmission mechanism. The steering control mechanism includes the steering wheel, steering shaft, and steering column, which is responsible for transmitting the driver's steering force to the steering gear. The worm gear backlash compensation mechanism is one of the components of the steering system.

[0003] However, traditional worm gear backlash compensation mechanisms have the following drawbacks:

[0004] In traditional worm gear backlash compensation mechanisms, the worm gear wears down over time and the backlash changes due to temperature fluctuations, causing abnormal noise. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a noise reduction worm gear backlash compensation mechanism suitable for steering systems, in order to solve the problem of abnormal noise caused by long-term wear of the worm gear and worm gear and temperature-induced backlash changes during the operation of traditional worm gear backlash compensation mechanisms mentioned in the background art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a noise-reducing worm gear backlash compensation mechanism suitable for steering systems, comprising a housing, a worm gear disposed inside the housing, a worm gear mounted on one side of the worm gear inside the housing, a self-aligning bearing mounted at one end of the worm gear, a ball bearing mounted at the other end of the worm gear, a support sleeve disposed outside the ball bearing, and a backlash compensation mechanism penetrating the housing and the support sleeve mounted on the surface of the worm gear, the backlash compensation mechanism comprising a backlash compensation push rod and a backlash compensation nut, the bottom end of the backlash compensation push rod being connected to the middle part of the backlash compensation nut, and a fixed mounting bracket fixedly installed in the middle of the housing. The positioning piece has two symmetrically arranged mounting mechanisms fixedly installed on both sides of its bottom end. Each mounting mechanism includes a mounting frame and a limiting plate. A movable groove is opened on one side of the mounting frame. A screw is rotatably connected inside the mounting frame. A movable block that is slidably connected to the movable groove is threadedly connected to the middle of the screw. One side of the movable block is fixedly connected to one end of the limiting plate. A height shell is fixedly installed at the bottom end of the limiting plate. An mounting rod is slidably connected to the bottom end of the height shell. A suction cup is fixedly installed at the bottom end of the mounting rod. A spring shock absorber is fixedly installed between the height shell and the mounting rod. The large end bearing of the worm gear is a self-aligning bearing.

[0007] Preferably, a damping pad is installed at the connection between the gap compensation nut and the gap compensation top rod. A gap compensation spring is fixedly installed at one end of the damping pad. The end of the gap compensation spring away from the damping pad is fixedly connected to the end of the gap compensation top rod that is directly opposite to it. The lower end of the gap compensation top rod is slidably connected to the countersunk hole of the gap compensation nut, and the part of the gap compensation top rod inside the gap compensation nut is not circular.

[0008] Preferably, the end of the clearance compensation rod away from the clearance compensation nut is connected to the side opposite the ball bearing. The surface of the housing is provided with a threaded hole. The clearance compensation nut is threadedly connected to the threaded hole. The clearance compensation mechanism is connected to the housing through an external thread structure and forms an obtuse angle with the worm gear.

[0009] Preferably, the worm wheel and the worm are meshed together, with one worm wheel and the worm meshing at a certain angle.

[0010] Preferably, positioning holes are provided at the four corners of the bottom of the positioning piece, and the user uses screws to fix the positioning piece through the positioning holes, thereby indirectly fixing the compensation mechanism.

[0011] Preferably, a driven bevel gear is fixedly mounted on the surface of the screw, and an active bevel gear is rotatably connected to one side of the inner wall of the mounting frame. A handle extending to the outside is fixedly mounted in the middle of the active bevel gear. The outer side of the active bevel gear meshes with the outer side of the driven bevel gear. The top of the mounting frame is fixedly connected to a positioning plate. When the user rotates the handle, the handle drives the active bevel gear to rotate, and the active bevel gear contacts the driven bevel gear. The driven bevel gear drives the screw to rotate. The thread on the surface of the screw matches the thread on the inner wall of the movable block. The movable block is limited by the movable groove that matches its shape and size, so the movable block slides along the screw to adjust the height of the suction cup. The suction cup has adsorption properties, and the suction cup adsorbs at the point of use to complete the installation of the mechanism. The suction cup compresses the spring shock absorber through the mounting rod, and the spring shock absorber weakens the vibration force.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: By adjusting the clearance of the worm gear through the clearance compensation mechanism, the clearance of the worm gear can be effectively compensated for by properly rotating the clearance compensation nut. This effectively compensates for the wear of the worm gear during long-term operation and the clearance changes caused by temperature, ensuring that the worm gear is always tightly meshed for transmission and reducing abnormal noise caused by the clearance. At the same time, the worm gear has a certain angle, which can effectively reduce the wear of the worm gear. Furthermore, the clearance compensation mechanism has an obtuse angle between the worm and the worm wheel on the side, and the clearance compensation mechanism is equipped with shock-absorbing pads inside, which can effectively improve the abnormal noise generated inside the clearance compensation mechanism. This also improves the handling feel and ensures the stability of the vehicle's steering system. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the present utility model;

[0014] Figure 2 This is one of the partial schematic diagrams of this utility model;

[0015] Figure 3 This is a second partial schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 4 This is a partial schematic diagram of the worm gear backlash compensation mechanism of this utility model;

[0017] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the gap compensation mechanism of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 6 This is a side view of the clearance compensation push rod of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the gap compensation mechanism of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 8This is a cross-sectional view of the installation mechanism of this utility model.

[0021] In the diagram: 1. Housing; 2. Worm gear; 3. Support sleeve; 4. Ball bearing; 5. Worm; 6. Self-aligning bearing; 7. Clearance compensation mechanism; 71. Clearance compensation nut; 72. Shock-absorbing pad; 73. Clearance compensation spring; 74. Clearance compensation push rod; 8. Threaded hole; 9. Positioning plate; 10. Positioning hole; 11. Mounting mechanism; 1101. Mounting frame; 1102. Handle; 1103. Driving bevel helical gear; 1104. Driven bevel helical gear; 1105. Screw; 1106. Movable block; 1107. Movable groove; 1108. Limiting plate; 1109. Height shell; 1110. Spring shock absorber; 1111. Mounting rod; 1112. Suction cup. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0023] Please see Figure 1-8 This utility model provides a noise reduction worm gear backlash compensation mechanism suitable for steering systems, including a housing 1. A worm gear 2 is disposed inside the housing 1. A worm 5 is installed inside the housing 1, located on one side of the worm gear 2. A self-aligning bearing 6 is installed at one end of the worm 5, and a ball bearing 4 is installed at the other end. A support sleeve 3 is provided on the outer side of the ball bearing 4. A backlash compensation mechanism 7 is installed on the surface of the worm 5, penetrating the housing 1 and the support sleeve 3. The backlash compensation mechanism 7 includes a backlash compensation push rod 74 and a backlash compensation nut 71. The bottom end of the backlash compensation push rod 74 is connected to the middle of the backlash compensation nut 71. A positioning plate 9 is fixedly installed in the middle of the housing 1. Two symmetrically arranged mounting mechanisms 11 are fixedly installed on both sides of the bottom end of the positioning plate 9. Each mounting mechanism 11 includes a mounting frame 1101 and a limiting plate 1108. A movable groove 1107 is provided on one side of the mounting frame 1101. A screw 1105 is rotatably connected inside the mounting frame 1101. A movable block 1106 is threadedly connected to the middle of the screw 1105 and slidably connected to the movable groove 1107. One side of the movable block 1106 is fixedly connected to one end of the limiting plate 1108. A height shell 1109 is fixedly installed at the bottom end of the limiting plate 1108. An installation rod 1111 is slidably connected to the bottom end of the height shell 1109. A suction cup 1112 is fixedly installed at the bottom end of the installation rod 1111. A spring shock absorber 1110 is fixedly installed between the height shell 1109 and the installation rod 1111. The large end bearing of the worm gear 5 is a self-aligning bearing 6.

[0024] A damping pad 72 is installed at the connection between the gap compensation nut 71 and the gap compensation rod 74. A gap compensation spring 73 is fixedly installed at one end of the damping pad 72. The end of the gap compensation spring 73 away from the damping pad 72 is fixedly connected to the end of the gap compensation rod 74 that is directly opposite to it. The lower end of the gap compensation rod 74 is slidably connected to the countersunk hole of the gap compensation nut 71. The part of the gap compensation rod 74 inside the gap compensation nut 71 is not circular.

[0025] The end of the clearance compensation rod 74 away from the clearance compensation nut 71 is connected to the side opposite to the ball bearing 4. A threaded hole 8 is provided on the surface of the housing 1. The clearance compensation nut 71 is threadedly connected to the threaded hole 8. The clearance compensation mechanism 7 is connected to the housing 1 through an external thread structure and forms an obtuse angle with the worm gear 2.

[0026] The worm gear 2 is meshed with the worm 5, and the worm gear 2 and the worm 5 mesh with each other at a certain angle.

[0027] Positioning holes 10 are provided at the four corners of the bottom of the positioning piece 9. The user uses screws to fix the positioning piece 9 through the positioning holes 10, thereby indirectly fixing the gap compensation mechanism 7.

[0028] A driven bevel gear 1104 is fixedly mounted on the surface of the screw 1105. A driving bevel gear 1103 is rotatably connected to one side of the inner wall of the mounting frame 1101. A handle 1102 extending to the outside is fixedly mounted in the middle of the driving bevel gear 1103. The outer side of the driving bevel gear 1103 meshes with the outer side of the driven bevel gear 1104. The top of the mounting frame 1101 is fixedly connected to the positioning piece 9. When the user rotates the handle 1102, the handle 1102 drives the driving bevel gear 1103 to rotate, and the driving bevel gear 1103 contacts the driven bevel gear 1104. Wheel 1104 drives screw 1105 to rotate. The thread on the surface of screw 1105 matches the thread on the inner wall of movable block 1106. Movable block 1106 is limited by movable groove 1107 that matches its shape and size. Therefore, movable block 1106 slides along screw 1105 to adjust the height of suction cup 1112. Suction cup 1112 has adsorption properties. Suction cup 1112 adsorbs at the place of use to complete the installation of the mechanism. When the installation mechanism 11 is selected to fix the mechanism, suction cup 1112 squeezes spring damper 1110 through installation rod 1111. Spring damper 1110 weakens the vibration force.

[0029] Example 1: The user uses screws to fix the positioning piece 9 through the positioning hole 10, indirectly fixing the gap compensation mechanism 7. When the vehicle turns, the motor transmits the power to the worm wheel 2 through the worm 5. The gap compensation nut 71 and the gap compensation spring 73 cause the gap compensation push rod 74 to press against the outer ring of the worm 5 and the ball bearing 4, compensating for the gap between the worm wheel 2 and the worm 5. When the motor starts to provide power transmission, the worm wheel 2 and the worm 5 are at a certain angle, increasing the contact area between them and reducing wear. At the same time, the worm wheel 2 exerts a normal force on the worm 5, which acts on the gap compensation mechanism 7. The gap compensation mechanism 7 is at an obtuse angle with the worm wheel 2, which weakens the normal force transmitted from the worm 5. If this force is greater than the elastic force of the gap compensation spring 73, when the gap compensation push rod 74 contacts the damping pad 72, the damping pad 72 acts as a buffer, absorbing the impact force of the worm 5 and the ball bearing 4 on the support sleeve 3. At the same time, the part of the gap compensation push rod 74 inside the gap compensation nut 71 is not circular to prevent jamming due to small gaps.

[0030] When the clearance between worm gear 2 and worm 5 is compensated, and the impact of worm 5 and ball bearing 4 on support sleeve 3 is buffered, the meshing noise and reversing noise of the transmission mechanism can be effectively solved. While ensuring smooth transmission of the assist torque, good NVH performance is achieved. Worm gear 2 and worm 5 mesh with each other at a certain angle inside housing 1, providing a larger contact area than vertical movement, effectively reducing mutual wear between worm gear 2 and worm 5. The radial dimension of self-aligning bearing 6 is larger than that of ball bearing 4, allowing ball bearing 4 to self-adjust appropriately through the adjustment of clearance compensation mechanism 7. Clearance compensation mechanism 7 is at an obtuse angle to worm gear 2. To a certain extent, the force transmitted from the worm gear 5 to the clearance compensation mechanism 7 is reduced, improving abnormal noise. The clearance compensation push rod 74 in the clearance compensation mechanism 7 is not circular inside the clearance compensation nut 71, leaving a certain gap. This effectively prevents the clearance compensation push rod 74 from getting stuck in the clearance compensation nut 71 due to a small gap. The damping pad 72 is composed of two materials: HNBR in contact with the countersunk hole of the clearance compensation nut 71, and POM in contact with the clearance compensation spring 73. Therefore, the entire damping pad 72 not only has high strength and rigidity but also good wear resistance, effectively preventing metallic collision and metallic friction noise generated inside the clearance adjustment assembly. The worm wheel 2 is made of nylon, the support sleeve 3 is made of plastic, the shock-absorbing pad 72 is made of composite material, while the ball bearing 4, self-aligning bearing 6, and worm 5 are made of alloy material. This distinguishes the materials used in the entire worm wheel 2 and worm 5 from those used in the clearance compensation mechanism 7. This allows for effective control of resonance caused by material selection and vibration transmitted through bumpy roads through frequency misalignment suppression. The outer side of the ball bearing 4 mates with the inner end face of the support sleeve 3, and the outer end face of the support sleeve 3 mates with the housing 1, ensuring a tight connection between the ball bearing 4, the support sleeve 3, and the housing 1. This not only effectively supports the worm 5 but also absorbs the oscillating impact of the worm 5 within a certain range, effectively improving NVH performance. The housing 3 has a through hole for the upper end of the clearance compensation rod 74 to pass through. The clearance compensation rod 74 applies the force generated by the clearance compensation spring 73 to the ball bearing 4 through the through hole. This facilitates the fixing of the clearance adjustment component installation position and ensures that the clearance compensation spring 73 can provide a stable force to the ball bearing 4 in the radial direction. One end of the housing 1 is provided with a threaded hole 8 that communicates with the right end of the worm gear 5. The clearance compensation nut 71 is screwed into the threaded hole 8, and through the shock-absorbing pad 72 and the clearance compensation spring 73, one end of the clearance compensation rod 74 abuts against the ball bearing 4 to compensate for the clearance between the worm gear 2 and the worm gear 5. The depth of its thread screwing can be adjusted to adjust the initial clamping force.

[0031] Example 2: When the installation mechanism 11 is used to fix the mechanism, the user turns the handle 1102, which drives the active bevel gear 1103 to rotate. The active bevel gear 1103 contacts the driven bevel gear 1104, and the driven bevel gear 1104 drives the screw 1105 to rotate. The thread on the surface of the screw 1105 matches the thread on the inner wall of the movable block 1106. The movable block 1106 is limited by the movable groove 1107 that matches its shape and size, so the movable block 1106 slides along the screw 1105 to adjust the height of the suction cup 1112. The suction cup 1112 has adsorption properties. The suction cup 1112 adsorbs at the place of use to complete the installation of the mechanism. The suction cup 1112 compresses the spring shock absorber 1110 through the installation rod 1111, and the spring shock absorber 1110 weakens the vibration force.

[0032] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A noise-reducing worm gear backlash compensation mechanism suitable for steering systems, comprising a housing (1), characterized in that: The housing (1) is provided with a worm gear (2) inside. A worm (5) located on one side of the worm gear (2) is installed inside the housing (1). A self-aligning bearing (6) is installed at one end of the worm (5), and a ball bearing (4) is installed at the other end of the worm (5). A support sleeve (3) is provided on the outside of the ball bearing (4). A clearance compensation mechanism (7) penetrating the housing (1) and the support sleeve (3) is installed on the surface of the worm (5). The clearance compensation mechanism (7) includes a clearance compensation top rod (74) and a clearance compensation nut (71). The bottom end of the clearance compensation top rod (74) is connected to the middle part of the clearance compensation nut (71). A positioning plate (9) is fixedly installed in the middle part of the housing (1). Two symmetrically arranged mounting mechanisms (11) are fixedly installed on both sides of the bottom end of the positioning plate (9). The two mounting mechanisms (11) Each includes a mounting frame (1101) and a limiting plate (1108). A movable groove (1107) is provided on one side of the mounting frame (1101). A screw (1105) is rotatably connected inside the mounting frame (1101). A movable block (1106) is threadedly connected to the middle of the screw (1105) and slidably connected to the movable groove (1107). One side of the movable block (1106) is fixedly connected to one end of the limiting plate (1108). A height shell (1109) is fixedly installed at the bottom end of the limiting plate (1108). An installation rod (1111) is slidably connected to the bottom end of the height shell (1109). A suction cup (1112) is fixedly installed at the bottom end of the installation rod (1111). A spring shock absorber (1110) is fixedly installed between the height shell (1109) and the installation rod (1111).

2. The noise-reducing worm gear backlash compensation mechanism for steering systems according to claim 1, characterized in that: A damping pad (72) is installed at the connection between the gap compensation nut (71) and the gap compensation rod (74). A gap compensation spring (73) is fixedly installed at one end of the damping pad (72). The end of the gap compensation spring (73) away from the damping pad (72) is fixedly connected to the end of the gap compensation rod (74) facing it.

3. The noise-reducing worm gear backlash compensation mechanism for steering systems according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end of the gap compensation rod (74) away from the gap compensation nut (71) is connected to the side opposite to the ball bearing (4). The surface of the housing (1) is provided with a threaded hole (8), and the gap compensation nut (71) is threadedly connected to the threaded hole (8).

4. The noise-reducing worm gear backlash compensation mechanism for steering systems according to claim 1, characterized in that: The worm wheel (2) is meshed with the worm (5).

5. A noise-reducing worm gear backlash compensation mechanism for steering systems according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning piece (9) has positioning holes (10) at all four corners of its bottom end.

6. A noise-reducing worm gear backlash compensation mechanism for steering systems according to claim 1, characterized in that: A driven bevel gear (1104) is fixedly mounted on the surface of the screw (1105). An active bevel gear (1103) is rotatably connected to one side of the inner wall of the mounting frame (1101). A handle (1102) extending to the outside is fixedly mounted in the middle of the active bevel gear (1103). The outer side of the active bevel gear (1103) meshes with the outer side of the driven bevel gear (1104). The top of the mounting frame (1101) is fixedly connected to the positioning piece (9).

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