Steering system and its clearance adjustment structure

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of vehicle steering, and provides a steering system and a gap adjusting structure, the gap adjusting structure comprising a structural body provided with a mounting hole, and an elastic piece and an elastic buffer piece arranged on the structural body. The mounting hole is used for mounting a rotating support arranged on a worm, the elastic piece and the elastic buffer piece are arranged in the mounting hole and abut against the rotating support, and the worm keeps engagement with a worm wheel under the elastic action of the elastic piece. The gap adjusting structure of the application sets the elastic piece and the buffer piece on the structural body, and makes the elastic piece and the buffer piece abut against the rotating support, and the worm keeps engagement with the worm wheel under the elastic action of the elastic piece. Therefore, the elastic piece can keep the worm in the abutting state with the worm wheel and keep a stable engagement relationship by continuously exerting the elastic force, real-time compensation of the gap is realized, and the operation reliability and accuracy of the steering system can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle steering technology, and in particular to a steering system and its clearance adjustment structure. Background Technology

[0002] In vehicle steering systems, electric power steering (EPS) is widely used due to its advantage of efficiently converting electrical energy into mechanical energy to assist the driver in steering. The main structure of an electric power steering system includes components such as a rack and pinion mechanism, a worm gear, and a motor. During steering, the reduction mechanism composed of the worm gear amplifies the torque of the motor, thereby providing sufficient thrust to the rack.

[0003] During the machining and assembly process, worm gears and worm shafts inevitably have certain manufacturing errors and assembly clearances. In addition, during long-term use, the tooth surfaces of worm gears and worm shafts will gradually wear due to friction, causing the initial assembly clearance to gradually increase, which will affect the handling reliability and driving comfort of the steering system. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, this application aims to propose a clearance adjustment mechanism to improve the handling reliability and driving comfort of the steering system.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this application is implemented as follows: A clearance adjustment structure is applied to a worm gear assembly of a steering system, comprising a structural body with mounting holes, and an elastic element and an elastic buffer element disposed on the structural body; The mounting hole is used to install a rotating support member on the worm. The elastic member and the elastic buffer member are disposed in the mounting hole and abut against the rotating support member. Under the elastic action of the elastic member, the worm maintains engagement with the worm wheel.

[0006] Furthermore, both the elastic element and the elastic buffer element are located on the side of the structural body away from the worm gear; and / or, The elastic buffer is provided on both opposite sides of the elastic element.

[0007] Furthermore, the elastic element includes an elastic sheet disposed on the structural body, the elastic sheet having a protruding portion in the middle; The protruding portion protrudes radially into the mounting hole and abuts against the rotating support.

[0008] Furthermore, the side wall of the structure body is provided with a clearance opening, and the protruding part is located at the clearance opening.

[0009] Furthermore, the elastic buffer is made of rubber and includes a plurality of first buffer ribs spaced circumferentially along the mounting hole, and a second buffer rib disposed between two adjacent first buffer ribs. Both the first buffer rib and the second buffer rib are located on the side wall of the structural body and protrude into the mounting hole.

[0010] Furthermore, the second buffer rib is a plurality of ribs spaced axially along the mounting hole; and / or, The first buffer rib extends axially along the mounting hole, and the second buffer rib extends circumferentially along the mounting hole.

[0011] Furthermore, a positioning protrusion is provided on one end face of the structural body, which is used to position the structural body on the carrier for mounting the worm gear assembly.

[0012] Furthermore, the elastic element is vulcanized and connected to the structural body; and / or, The elastic buffer is vulcanized and connected to the structural body.

[0013] Compared with related technologies, this application has the following advantages: (1) The clearance adjustment structure described in this application provides elastic elements and buffer elements on the structure body, and makes the elastic elements and buffer elements abut against the rotating support element. Under the elastic action of the elastic element, the worm maintains meshing with the worm wheel. Thus, by continuously applying elastic force, the elastic element can keep the worm in abutting state with the worm wheel and maintain a stable meshing relationship, thereby compensating for the clearance in real time and improving the operational reliability and accuracy of the steering system.

[0014] By abutting against the rotating support, the elastic buffer absorbs vibrations and impacts during steering, reduces abnormal noises, and improves driving comfort. At the same time, the elastic buffer also reduces rigid collisions between the worm gear and the structural body, lowering the risk of damage caused by impacts and indirectly extending the service life of the steering system.

[0015] (2) By placing both the elastic element and the elastic buffer on the side of the structure away from the worm wheel, the elastic element can apply an elastic force to the worm in the direction of meshing with the worm wheel, thus effectively ensuring the meshing between the worm and the worm wheel. Furthermore, by setting elastic buffers on both sides of the elastic element, vibration and impact can be buffered from both sides, effectively absorbing energy, reducing the transmission of vibration to the steering wheel, making the steering feel more comfortable, and further improving driving comfort.

[0016] (3) By including the elastic plate on the main body of the structure, the structure is simple and easy to design and implement. By setting a protruding part in the middle of the elastic plate to abut against the rotating support, it can form a point or line contact with the rotating support, which helps to ensure that the elastic force acts more accurately in the direction of pushing the worm to mesh with the worm wheel, thereby effectively ensuring that the worm and the worm wheel maintain tight meshing, thus better compensating for the clearance.

[0017] (4) By setting a clearance opening on the side wall of the structure body and placing the protruding part at the clearance opening, the clearance opening can provide deformation space for the elastic plate. When the elastic plate is subjected to the reaction force of the rotating support, the area at the clearance opening can prevent the elastic plate from rigidly interfering with the structure body, ensuring that it can deform freely to store and release elastic potential energy, thereby stably outputting the elastic force that drives the worm gear to mesh with the worm wheel.

[0018] (5) By including multiple first buffer ribs spaced circumferentially along the mounting hole and a second buffer rib between two adjacent first buffer ribs, the second buffer rib can fill the gap between the first buffer ribs. This ensures that the rotating support is always in contact with either the first or second buffer rib, effectively preventing abnormal noise. Furthermore, the first and second buffer ribs can deform to their respective sides when pressed by the rotating support, avoiding local stress concentration caused by unidirectional compression in the overall annular structure, thus improving the support effect on the rotating support.

[0019] (6) By setting multiple second buffer ribs at axial intervals along the mounting holes, an axially layered buffer structure can be formed. When the rotating support moves axially, the second buffer ribs at different positions can contact and absorb energy in sequence, avoiding excessive deformation of a single buffer rib due to concentrated axial load. At the same time, it can also effectively disperse the axial pressure of the rotating support, preventing the elastic buffer from aging and failing due to long-term local pressure, and helping to extend the service life of the elastic buffer.

[0020] By extending the first buffer rib axially, radial vibration of the rotating support can be efficiently absorbed. By extending the second buffer rib circumferentially, energy can be absorbed through its own bending deformation, reducing circumferential friction noise, thereby effectively reducing abnormal noise.

[0021] (7) By setting positioning protrusions on the structure body, the structure body can be positioned on the carrier, and the structure body can be quickly fixed in the preset position, avoiding the worm shaft axis and worm wheel axis not being parallel or the center distance deviation caused by position offset during assembly.

[0022] (8) By vulcanizing the elastic element to the structural body, the production process can be simplified, and the relative displacement or detachment of the two due to force can be effectively prevented. This ensures that the elastic force of the elastic element is stably transmitted to the worm gear rotating support, while ensuring that the elastic buffer element is always in contact with the rotating support. Moreover, this clearance adjustment structure can be adapted to semi-enclosed shells without the need for sealing plug parts, saving material costs and reducing processing steps and costs. Vulcanizing the elastic buffer element to the structural body can improve the connection between the two, which is conducive to ensuring the elastic buffering effect of the elastic buffer element on the rotating support.

[0023] This application also proposes a steering system, including a housing, a worm gear assembly disposed in the housing, a rotational support sleeved on the worm in the worm gear assembly, and a clearance adjustment structure as described above.

[0024] Furthermore, the housing has a mounting cavity with an open end and a mounting groove communicating with the mounting cavity; The worm gear is disposed in the mounting cavity, the clearance adjustment structure is disposed at the sealing end of the mounting cavity, and the worm wheel in the worm gear assembly is disposed in the mounting groove.

[0025] The steering system described in this application, by incorporating the clearance adjustment structure as described above, can effectively avoid power transmission lag caused by clearance, thereby improving the operational reliability and accuracy of the steering system. Simultaneously, it can absorb vibrations and impacts during steering, thereby reducing abnormal noises and improving driving comfort.

[0026] Furthermore, by having a mounting cavity with one open end in the housing, it not only facilitates the insertion of the worm gear from the open end, but the sealed end also provides a stable mounting base for the clearance adjustment structure. Additionally, the sealed end eliminates the need for components such as sealing plugs, saving on material and manufacturing costs. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this application are used to explain this application and do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the gap adjustment structure described in the embodiments of this application from a first perspective; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the gap adjustment structure described in the embodiments of this application from a second perspective; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the gap adjustment structure described in the embodiments of this application from a third-person perspective; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the elastic element described in the embodiments of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the elastic buffer described in the embodiments of this application; Figure 6 This is an assembly diagram of the clearance adjustment structure and worm gear described in the embodiments of this application; Figure 7 This is an assembly diagram of the clearance adjustment structure and worm gear described in the embodiments of this application from another perspective; Figure 8 This is an assembly drawing of the housing, worm gear, bearing, and clearance adjustment structure described in the embodiments of this application; Figure 9 for Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure shown from another perspective; Figure 10 for Figure 9 Sectional view of line AA in the middle; Figure 11 for Figure 10 Enlarged view of section B; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the shell described in an embodiment of this application.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Structural body; 101. Mounting hole; 102. Positioning protrusion; 103. Clearance opening; 2. Elastic element; 201. Abutting part; 2011. Protruding part; 202. Connecting part; 3. Elastic buffer; 301. First buffer rib; 302. Second buffer rib; 4. Worm gear; 5. First bearing; 6. Housing; 601. Mounting cavity; 602. Mounting slot; 7. Second bearing; 8. Nuts. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the technical solution 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.

[0030] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other.

[0031] Furthermore, it should be noted that in the description of this application, if terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," or "outer" appear, indicating orientation or positional relationship, these are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application. In addition, if terms such as "first" or "second" appear, they are also used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0032] Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly defined, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "connector" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application in light of the specific circumstances.

[0033] In this application, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0034] The present application will now be described in detail through exemplary embodiments. However, it should be understood that, without further description, elements, structures, and features in one embodiment may be advantageously incorporated into other embodiments.

[0035] An embodiment of the first aspect of this application provides a clearance adjustment structure to improve the handling reliability and driving comfort of the steering system.

[0036] The working principle of an electric power steering system is that the motor transmits kinetic energy to the gears through a worm gear assembly. The rotation of the gears drives the rack to move left and right, thus converting the rotational motion of the motor into the linear motion of the rack. However, during the machining and assembly process, certain manufacturing errors and assembly clearances are unavoidable in the worm gear and worm 4. Furthermore, over long-term use, the tooth surfaces of the worm gear and worm 4 will gradually wear due to friction, causing the initial assembly clearance to gradually increase.

[0037] The gap between the worm gear and worm 4 prevents steering commands from being transmitted to the rack in a timely manner, causing steering delay and affecting driving control. Simultaneously, the gap also reduces the linear motion accuracy of the rack, affecting the accuracy and reliability of vehicle steering. Furthermore, the gap adjustment mechanism in related technologies is prone to generating abnormal noise during reversal between the worm gear and worm 4, which also affects driving comfort.

[0038] In view of this, in order to overcome the shortcomings of related technologies, the clearance adjustment structure of this embodiment is applied to the worm gear assembly of the steering system, and combined with... Figures 1 to 11 As shown, in terms of overall design, the gap adjustment structure includes a structural body 1 with mounting holes 101, and an elastic element 2 and an elastic buffer element 3 disposed on the structural body 1.

[0039] The mounting hole 101 is used to install the rotating support member on the worm 4. The elastic member 2 and the elastic buffer member 3 are provided in the mounting hole 101 and abut against the rotating support member. Under the elastic action of the elastic member 2, the worm 4 maintains the meshing between itself and the worm wheel.

[0040] Therefore, by setting an elastic element 2 and a buffer element on the structural body 1, and ensuring that the elastic element 2 and the buffer element abut against the rotating support element, and under the elastic action of the elastic element 2, the worm 4 maintains engagement with the worm wheel. The elastic element 2, by continuously applying elastic force, ensures that the worm 4 always maintains abutment against the worm wheel, thus maintaining a stable meshing relationship and compensating for clearance in real time. This effectively avoids problems such as power transmission lag caused by clearance, thereby improving the operational reliability and accuracy of the steering system.

[0041] By abutting against the rotating support member, the elastic buffer 3 absorbs vibrations and impacts during steering. When the vehicle is traveling on a bumpy road, the impact force from the road surface is transmitted to the worm gear through the steering mechanism. At this time, the elastic buffer can buffer this instantaneous load through its own deformation, reducing the transmission of vibration to the steering wheel and reducing abnormal noise, thus improving driving comfort. At the same time, the setting of the elastic buffer 3 can also reduce the rigid collision between the worm gear 4 and the structural body 1, reducing the risk of damage caused by impact, and indirectly extending the service life of the steering system.

[0042] Traditional fixed structures cannot cope with the long-term wear of worm gears, while this structure, through the continuous pressure of the elastic element, allows the worm to gradually move as wear increases, always maintaining the meshing clearance within a reasonable range. This reduces additional friction and impact wear on the tooth surfaces caused by excessive clearance. This adaptive adjustment capability effectively reduces the wear rate of the worm gear, indirectly extending the service life of the entire steering system.

[0043] Based on the above overview, specifically, the main structure of the steering system in the relevant technology consists of core components such as a gear and rack, a worm gear assembly, and a motor. Among them, the reduction mechanism composed of the worm gear assembly plays a crucial role in amplifying the motor's rotational torque, providing sufficient thrust to the rack. Its working principle is that the kinetic energy output by the motor is transmitted to the gear through the worm gear 4. The rotation of the gear drives the rack to perform left and right linear motion, ultimately achieving an efficient conversion of the motor's rotational motion into the rack's linear motion.

[0044] In specific implementation, the worm gear 4 can be rotatably mounted in the steering system housing 6 via a rotating support member, which can be a bearing located at the end of the worm gear 4 that meshes with the worm wheel. For clarity, this bearing will be referred to as the "first bearing" here. The inner ring of the first bearing 5 can be press-fitted to the worm gear 4 to achieve a secure connection. Correspondingly, the worm wheel can also be rotatably mounted in the housing 6, and its specific structure and installation method can refer to existing technologies.

[0045] In some exemplary embodiments, both the elastic element 2 and the elastic buffer element 3 are located on the side of the structural body 1 away from the worm wheel. This arrangement allows the elastic element 2 to apply an elastic force to the worm 4 in the direction of meshing with the worm wheel, effectively ensuring the meshing between the worm 4 and the worm wheel. Simultaneously, the elastic buffer element 3 ensures that it consistently generates a buffering force on the worm 4 towards the worm wheel. By providing elastic buffer elements 3 on both sides of the elastic element 2, vibrations and impacts can be buffered from both sides. When the worm 4 is subjected to forces from different directions, both elastic buffer elements 3 can function, effectively absorbing energy, reducing vibration transmission to the steering wheel, making steering feel more comfortable, and further improving driving comfort. In specific implementations, based on... Figure 10 and Figure 11 In the shown configuration, to better fit the first bearing 5, the structural body 1 is specifically annular and can be made of nylon or other plastics. The worm gear is specifically positioned above the worm 4, and the elastic element 2 is correspondingly positioned below the worm 4. Through this arrangement, the elastic element 2 can apply an upward elastic force to the worm 4, ensuring that the worm 4 always presses against the worm gear upwards, thereby maintaining stable meshing between the two. Simultaneously, this corresponding upper and lower arrangement effectively avoids the worm 4 being subjected to tilting support forces, preventing it from deflecting and thus effectively reducing the risk of jamming with the worm gear. Furthermore, from... Figure 7 As shown, the elastic buffer 3 is specifically located at the lower part of the structural body 1 so as to generate an upward supporting force on the rotating support.

[0046] In some exemplary embodiments, elastic buffers 3 are provided on both opposite sides of the elastic member 2. Here, by having elastic buffers 3 on both sides of the elastic member 2, vibrations and impacts can be buffered from two directions. When the worm gear 4 is subjected to forces from different directions, the elastic buffers 3 on both sides can function to effectively absorb energy, reduce the transmission of vibrations to the steering wheel, and make the steering feel more comfortable.

[0047] In specific implementation, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 7 As shown, each side of the elastic buffer 3 is provided on the main body 1 and is symmetrically arranged with respect to the elastic member 2. This design allows the symmetrically arranged elastic buffer 3 to form a symmetrical constraint on the rotating support, so that when the rotating support is subjected to force (such as vibration, impact or working load), the elastic buffer 3 on both sides can evenly distribute the force, avoiding the displacement, deformation or failure of the rotating support due to excessive force on one side, thereby ensuring the stable operation of the overall structure.

[0048] In some exemplary embodiments, the elastic element 2 includes an elastic sheet disposed on the structural body 1, with a protruding portion 2011 in the middle of the elastic sheet. The protruding portion 2011 protrudes radially into the mounting hole 101 and abuts against the rotating support member. Here, by providing a protruding portion 2011 in the middle of the elastic sheet that protrudes radially into the mounting hole 101, the protruding portion 2011 can directly form point or line contact with the rotating support member of the worm 4, ensuring that the elastic force acts well in the radial direction of the rotating support member (i.e., the direction that pushes the worm 4 towards meshing with the worm wheel). This directional force application method effectively avoids the dispersion of elastic force, efficiently pushes the worm 4 to maintain tight meshing with the worm wheel, and helps to enhance the accuracy of compensation for manufacturing errors and wear clearances.

[0049] This effectively avoids the dispersion of elastic force, efficiently drives the worm gear 4 to maintain a tight meshing with the worm wheel, and enhances the compensation effect for manufacturing errors and wear gaps. Moreover, compared with integral elastic components 2 such as springs, the protruding part 2011 of the elastic plate can concentrate elastic potential energy and generate sufficient thrust within a small deformation range, making it particularly suitable for steering systems with tight space requirements.

[0050] Furthermore, the elastic sheet itself is thin and lightweight, saving installation space compared to other elastic components such as coil springs. Its centrally protruding design allows for seamless contact with the rotating support without requiring additional complex structures, reducing the overall size of the clearance adjustment structure and adapting to the compact installation environment around the worm gear assembly in steering systems. In addition, the elastic sheet can be mass-produced through processes such as stamping, resulting in a simple structure, low manufacturing cost, and ease of industrial production.

[0051] In specific implementation, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the elastic plate includes a central abutment portion 201 and connecting portions 202 on two opposite sides of the abutment portion 201. A protruding portion 2011 is provided on the abutment portion 201 and abuts against the rotating support member, while the connecting portions 202 on both sides are connected to the structural body 1. This structure can form a cantilever beam structure with fixed ends and load-bearing in the middle, facilitating deformation of the abutment portion 201 and effectively ensuring that the elastic force direction is always along a predetermined radial direction (such as pushing the worm 4 towards the worm gear meshing direction), thus guaranteeing meshing stability.

[0052] In some exemplary embodiments, a clearance opening 103 is provided on the side wall of the structural body 1, and the protruding portion 2011 is located at the clearance opening 103. By providing the clearance opening 103, a clearance area is reserved for the deformation of the protruding portion 2011. When the elastic sheet bends or expands under the reaction force of the first bearing 5, the clearance opening 103 can prevent the protruding portion 2011 from rigidly interfering with the side wall of the structural body 1, ensuring that it can deform freely to store and release elastic potential energy, thereby stabilizing the output elastic force and ensuring the compensation effect on the clearance of the worm gear 4.

[0053] Furthermore, due to the dense internal components of the steering system, the clearance opening 103 on the side wall of the structural body 1 can utilize the redundant space of the side wall to install the elastic plate, eliminating the need to open up additional installation areas inside the mounting hole 101 or other parts of the structural body 1, thereby saving overall space and making the clearance adjustment structure more adaptable to the compact assembly environment.

[0054] In specific implementation, such as Figure 2 As shown, for example, the clearance 103 can be configured as an arc extending circumferentially along the structure body 1, and the projection of the abutment portion 201 in the radial direction of the structure body 1 is located within the clearance 103, so as to allow the elastic member 2 to deform sufficiently. That is, the length of the clearance 103 is greater than the length of the abutment portion 201, and the width of the clearance 103 is also greater than the width of the abutment portion 201.

[0055] It should be noted that the shapes of the elastic element 2 and the clearance opening 103 are not limited to those shown in the figure, and can be adjusted accordingly according to design requirements.

[0056] In some exemplary embodiments, the elastic buffer 3 is made of rubber and includes a plurality of first buffer ribs 301 spaced circumferentially along the mounting hole 101, and a second buffer rib 302 disposed between two adjacent first buffer ribs 301. Furthermore, both the first buffer ribs 301 and the second buffer ribs 302 are disposed on the sidewall of the structural body 1 and protrude into the mounting hole 101.

[0057] Here, by including multiple first buffer ribs 301 and second buffer ribs 302 disposed between adjacent first buffer ribs 301, the second buffer ribs 302 can fill the gaps between the first buffer ribs 301, thus forming a continuous circumferential contact with the rotating support. Therefore, regardless of the radial direction of the slight displacement of the rotating support, it can contact either the first buffer rib 301 or the second buffer rib 302, preventing a brief separation of contact between the rotating support and the elastic buffer 3 followed by a re-collision. This effectively buffers vibration impacts and reduces abnormal noise.

[0058] Furthermore, the first buffer rib 301 and the second buffer rib 302 protrude into the mounting hole 101 and abut against the rotating support. The multiple spaced ribs can adapt to the arc-shaped surface of the outer ring of the rotating support, forming multi-point contact rather than surface contact. This design can ensure the stable support of the first buffer rib 301 and the second buffer rib 302 for the rotating support, and reduce local pressure by dispersing the contact points, avoiding permanent deformation of the first buffer rib 301 and the second buffer rib 302 due to long-term compression, and extending the service life of the elastic buffer 3.

[0059] Furthermore, the elastic buffer 3 is made of rubber, and the strip-shaped structure of the first buffer rib 301 and the second buffer rib 302 can deform to both sides (such as in the direction of the gap between adjacent ribs) when subjected to force. This effectively avoids the problem of local stress concentration caused by unidirectional compression of the overall ring structure, and avoids the restriction of deformation due to mutual compression of the buffer ribs when subjected to force, ensuring that it can fully exert its elastic buffering effect. As a result, fatigue damage caused by excessive local stretching or compression of the elastic buffer 3 can be reduced, while ensuring that the reaction force on the rotating support is more balanced, thereby improving the support stability. Moreover, the vibration during worm gear meshing and the friction noise from the rotation of the rotating support can be transmitted through rigid contact and generate noise. The elastic buffer 3, with its rubber support, can absorb vibration energy through elastic contact, reducing solid-borne sound transmission; at the same time, the spaced ribs can avoid large-area rigid friction with the rotating support, further reducing operating noise and improving driving quietness.

[0060] In some exemplary embodiments, multiple second buffer ribs 302 are spaced apart axially along the mounting hole 101. This arrangement forms an axially layered buffer structure, allowing the second buffer ribs 302 at different positions to sequentially contact and absorb energy as the rotating support moves axially, preventing excessive deformation of a single buffer rib due to concentrated axial load. If the rotating support moves slightly to one side axially, it first contacts the second buffer rib 302 on that side, whose deformation absorbs part of the force. If the displacement increases, adjacent second buffer ribs 302 further absorb the force. This step-by-step buffering reduces the impact of axial impact force on the structural body 1, while also reducing rigid collisions between the rotating support and the sidewall of the mounting hole 101, thus lowering the risk of abnormal noise.

[0061] Furthermore, the multiple axially spaced second buffer ribs 302 form multi-point contact with the axial surface of the rotating support, which can create a more uniform constraint on the rotating support in the axial direction. Compared with a single axial second buffer rib 302, this design can disperse the axial pressure on the rotating support, prevent the rubber from aging and failing due to long-term local pressure, and extend the service life of the elastic buffer 3.

[0062] In some exemplary embodiments, the first buffer rib 301 extends axially along the mounting hole 101, and the second buffer rib 302 extends circumferentially along the mounting hole 101. By making the first buffer rib 301 extend axially, its length direction covers the axial range of the rotating support, which can efficiently absorb the radial vibration of the rotating support. When the rotating support undergoes radial displacement in the left and right directions due to rotation, the axially extended first buffer rib 301 can disperse the force through overall deformation, avoiding local breakage.

[0063] Extending the second buffer rib 302 circumferentially can adapt to the circumferential rotation trend of the rotating support. When the rotating support causes slight circumferential swaying due to rotation, the circumferentially extended second buffer rib 302 can absorb energy through its own bending deformation, reduce circumferential friction noise, and thus better reduce abnormal noise.

[0064] Furthermore, the axially extending first buffer rib 301 is relatively long, allowing it to withstand a large radial force through overall elastic deformation and making it less prone to damage due to localized stress concentration. The circumferentially extending second buffer rib 302 is more flexible; its short and wide shape is suitable for absorbing high-frequency micro-vibrations, and its circumferential extension direction complements the gap between the adjacent first buffer ribs 301, preventing mutual interference between the two during deformation.

[0065] This combined structure ensures the structural strength of the elastic buffer 3 while improving its adaptability to vibrations of different frequencies and directions. Regardless of whether the bearing experiences minute radial, axial, or circumferential displacements, the corresponding buffer ribs in the extending direction can respond promptly, preventing increased clearance due to "contact failure."

[0066] In specific implementation, for example Figure 5 As shown, the first buffer ribs 301 can be configured as two circumferentially spaced ribs along the structure body 1, while the second buffer ribs 302 can be configured as two axially spaced ribs along the structure body 1. Moreover, the two ends of the first buffer ribs 301 are convex outward relative to the corresponding second buffer ribs 302, so as to provide sufficient deformation space for the second buffer ribs 302.

[0067] It should be noted that, in addition to providing two first buffer ribs 301, other numbers of first buffer ribs 301 can also be provided, such as three or four. Similarly, in addition to providing two second buffer ribs 302, other numbers of second buffer ribs 302 can also be provided, such as one, three, or four.

[0068] In some exemplary embodiments, the elastic element 2 is vulcanized and connected to the structural body 1. This design simplifies the manufacturing process, effectively prevents relative displacement or detachment due to stress, ensures the stable transmission of the elastic force of the elastic element 2 to the rotating support of the worm gear 4, and guarantees that the elastic buffer 3 always abuts against the rotating support. Furthermore, this clearance adjustment structure can be adapted to fit the semi-enclosed housing 6, eliminating the need for sealing plugs, thus saving material costs, reducing processing steps, and lowering overall costs.

[0069] It should be noted that, in addition to vulcanizing the elastic element 2 to the structural body 1, the two can be connected by bonding or other methods.

[0070] In some exemplary embodiments, the elastic buffer 3 is vulcanized and connected to the structural body 1. This design improves the connection strength between the two, ensuring the elastic buffer 3 effectively cushions the rotating support and reduces abnormal noise.

[0071] In practice, the elastic element 2 can be integrally manufactured by fixing it with a mold during the vulcanization process of the structural body 1. After the structural body 1 is vulcanized, elastic buffer elements 3 are vulcanized on its inner wall and on both sides of the elastic element 2 to absorb excess vibration and ensure the static operation of the worm gear 4.

[0072] It should be noted that, in addition to vulcanizing the elastic buffer 3 to the structural body 1, the two can be connected by bonding or other methods.

[0073] In some exemplary embodiments, a positioning protrusion 102 is provided on one end face of the structural body 1. The positioning protrusion 102 is used to position the structural body 1 on the carrier for mounting the worm gear assembly. By providing the positioning protrusion 102 on the structural body 1 to position the structural body 1 on the carrier, the structural body 1 can be quickly fixed in a preset position, avoiding misalignment of the worm gear 4 axis with the worm wheel axis or center distance deviation during assembly due to positional offset.

[0074] Furthermore, the positioning protrusion 102 enhances the connection strength between the structural body 1 and the carrier through its convex-concave fit, restricting the radial, axial, or circumferential displacement freedom of the structural body 1. This makes the entire gap adjustment structure a rigid whole, effectively reducing positional displacement caused by vibration or stress, and indirectly ensuring the stable function of the elastic element 2 and the elastic buffer element 3. In addition, the positioning protrusion 102 can also share some of the assembly stress, preventing bolts from loosening due to long-term shear force and extending the service life of the connection structure.

[0075] In specific implementation, for example, it can be like this Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the positioning protrusion 102 is positioned corresponding to the clearance opening 103 and protrudes circumferentially along the structural body 1. This design reduces the impact of the clearance opening 103 on the strength of the structural body 1. Furthermore, the positioning protrusion 102 can be specifically rectangular to facilitate manufacturing. Of course, it is feasible to position the positioning protrusion 102 in other locations or with other shapes.

[0076] It is worth noting that, regarding the gap adjustment structure of this embodiment, based on the above exemplary implementations, in specific implementation, as a preferred embodiment, it is still composed of... Figures 1 to 11 As shown, this clearance adjustment structure is applied to the worm gear assembly of a steering system and includes a structural body 1 with a mounting hole 101, and an elastic element 2 and an elastic buffer element 3 disposed on the structural body 1. The mounting hole 101 is used to mount a bearing disposed on the worm 4. The elastic element 2 and the elastic buffer element 3 are disposed in the mounting hole 101 and abut against the first bearing 5. Under the elastic action of the elastic element 2, the worm 4 maintains engagement with the worm gear.

[0077] Both the elastic element 2 and the elastic buffer element 3 are located on the side of the structural body 1 away from the worm gear and are vulcanized and connected to the structural body 1. An elastic buffer element 3 is provided on each of the two opposite sides of the elastic element 2. Furthermore, the elastic element 2 includes an elastic sheet on the structural body 1, which includes an abutting portion 201 with a protruding portion 2011 and connecting portions 202 on both sides of the abutting portion 201. The protruding portion 2011 protrudes radially into the mounting hole 101 and abuts against the first bearing 5. Additionally, a clearance opening 103 is provided on the side wall of the structural body 1, and the elastic sheet is located at the clearance opening 103.

[0078] The elastic buffer 3 is made of rubber and includes two first buffer ribs 301 spaced circumferentially along the mounting hole 101, and two second buffer ribs 302 located between adjacent first buffer ribs 301. The first buffer ribs 301 extend axially along the mounting hole 101, and the second buffer ribs 302 extend circumferentially along the mounting hole 101. Additionally, a positioning protrusion 102 is provided on one end face of the structural body 1 for positioning the structural body 1 on the steering system housing 6.

[0079] In the above preferred embodiments, the specific settings and arrangements of the structural body 1, elastic element 2, and elastic buffer element 3 can still be referred to the descriptions in the above exemplary embodiments. Furthermore, in this preferred embodiment, the beneficial effects brought about by the design of the structural body 1, elastic element 2, and elastic buffer element 3 can also be referred to the descriptions in the above exemplary embodiments.

[0080] The clearance adjustment structure in this embodiment adopts the above design. When the worm 4 drives the first bearing 5 to swing radially, the elastic element 2 can achieve radial support for the first bearing 5 through deformation, thereby counteracting the radial force of the worm 4. Moreover, after the worm wheel wears, it can also compensate for the clearance, ensuring the correct meshing of the worm wheel and worm 4. Furthermore, the contact between the elastic buffer 3 and the first bearing 5 can also reduce abnormal noise.

[0081] Therefore, the clearance adjustment structure in this embodiment ensures that the worm 4 remains in contact with the worm wheel, maintaining a stable meshing relationship and compensating for clearance in real time, thereby improving the operational reliability and accuracy of the steering system. Simultaneously, the elastic buffer 3, in contact with the first bearing 5, absorbs vibrations and impacts during steering and reduces abnormal noises, thus improving driving comfort.

[0082] An embodiment of the second aspect of this application provides a steering system, including a housing 6, a worm gear assembly disposed in the housing 6, a rotational support member sleeved on the worm 4 in the worm gear assembly, and the clearance adjustment structure described above.

[0083] In some exemplary embodiments, the housing 6 has a mounting cavity 601 with one open end and a mounting groove 602 communicating with the mounting cavity 601. The worm gear 4 is disposed within the mounting cavity 601, the clearance adjustment structure is disposed at the sealing end of the mounting cavity 601, and the worm wheel in the worm gear assembly is disposed within the mounting groove 602. Here, by having the housing 6 have a mounting cavity 601 with one open end, it is not only convenient for the worm gear 4 to be installed from the open end, but the sealing end also provides a stable mounting base for the clearance adjustment structure. Furthermore, the sealing end can eliminate the need for parts such as sealing plugs, saving material and processing costs.

[0084] Furthermore, the clearance adjustment structure is installed at the sealing end of the mounting cavity 601. The housing 6 at the sealing end can withstand the reaction force of the elastic element 2 (when the elastic element 2 pushes the worm, the reaction force is transmitted to the sealing end through the structural body 1), which can effectively prevent the housing 6 from deforming due to force, ensuring that the elastic force acts stably on the worm and guaranteeing the clearance compensation effect. At the same time, the sealing end restricts the axial displacement of the worm, and together with the radial constraint of the rotating support, the worm only rotates during operation, reducing the worm gear meshing offset caused by axial movement, which is beneficial to improving transmission accuracy.

[0085] In specific implementation, combined with Figure 8 middle Figure 11 As shown, the mounting cavity 601 is specifically cylindrical, and the mounting groove 602 is circular and adapted to the worm gear. Both ends of the worm 4 are respectively provided with a first bearing 5 and a second bearing 7, with the first bearing 5 located at the end of the worm 4 that meshes with the worm gear, and its outer diameter being smaller than that of the second bearing 7. The first bearing 5 is located at the sealing end of the mounting cavity 601 and is press-fitted to the worm 4. The second bearing 7 is on the housing 6, and its axial displacement is limited by a nut 8 screwed onto the worm 4.

[0086] Therefore, when assembling the worm gear assembly and clearance adjustment structure into the housing 6, based on Figure 10 As shown in the diagram, first, the housing 6 is fixed, and then the clearance adjustment structure is pressed into place from right to left using a tooling. Next, the first bearing 5 is pressed onto the left end of the worm 4. Finally, the assembled worm 4 and the first bearing 5 are installed onto the housing 6 from right to left, so that the first bearing 5 is fully inserted into the mounting hole 101. The radial limiting of the worm 4 is achieved by the combined action of the first bearing 5 and the clearance adjustment structure on the housing 6, and then the second bearing 7 at the right end of the worm 4 is fixed between the housing 6 and the nut 8 to achieve axial limiting.

[0087] It should be noted that this embodiment only illustrates the mating structure between the worm gear 4 and the housing 6, while the other structures of the steering system can refer to the existing technology and will not be described in detail here.

[0088] During the operation of the steering system, the worm 4 is driven by the motor to rotate around its own axis, and its helical teeth drive the worm wheel to rotate. In the meshing position, the worm 4 generates an axial force along its axis and a radial force away from the worm wheel. The radial force causes elastic deformation of the worm 4 or worm wheel, leading to an increase in meshing clearance, increased friction loss, and ultimately, meshing failure. At this point, the clearance adjustment structure can adjust the clearance between the worm wheel and worm 4 to ensure proper meshing of the worm 4 and worm wheel, thereby ensuring transmission efficiency and accuracy. Furthermore, it can reduce errors during transmission, decrease friction and wear, and extend the service life of the worm wheel and worm 4.

[0089] The steering system of this embodiment, by setting the clearance adjustment structure as described above, can improve the operational reliability and accuracy of the steering system. Simultaneously, it can absorb vibrations and impacts during steering, thereby reducing abnormal noises and improving driving comfort. Furthermore, the sealing end of the housing 6 can eliminate the need for components such as sealing plugs, allowing for a semi-enclosed housing 6, thus saving material and processing costs.

[0090] The above are merely some embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. The technical features or structures in the foregoing different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined to form other specific technical solutions as needed. For those skilled in the art, this application can have various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principle of this application should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A clearance adjustment structure applied to a worm gear assembly in a steering system, characterized in that: It includes a structural body (1) with mounting holes (101), and an elastic element (2) and an elastic buffer element (3) provided on the structural body (1). The mounting hole (101) is used to install a rotating support on the worm (4). The elastic element (2) and the elastic buffer (3) are located in the mounting hole (101) and abut against the rotating support. Under the elastic action of the elastic element (2), the worm (4) maintains meshing with the worm wheel.

2. The gap adjustment structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the elastic element (2) and the elastic buffer element (3) are located on the side of the structural body (1) away from the worm gear; and / or, The elastic buffer (3) is provided on both opposite sides of the elastic element (2).

3. The gap adjustment structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic element (2) includes an elastic sheet disposed on the structural body (1), and the elastic sheet has a protruding portion (2011) in the middle. The protruding portion (2011) protrudes radially into the mounting hole (101) and abuts against the rotating support.

4. The gap adjustment structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The structure body (1) has a clearance opening (103) on its side wall, and the protruding part (2011) is located at the clearance opening (103).

5. The gap adjustment structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic buffer (3) is made of rubber and includes a plurality of first buffer ribs (301) spaced circumferentially along the mounting hole (101), and a second buffer rib (302) disposed between two adjacent first buffer ribs (301). The first buffer rib (301) and the second buffer rib (302) are both provided on the side wall of the structure body (1) and protrude into the mounting hole (101).

6. The gap adjustment structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The second buffer rib (302) is a plurality of ribs spaced axially along the mounting hole (101); and / or, The first buffer rib (301) extends axially along the mounting hole (101), and the second buffer rib (302) extends circumferentially along the mounting hole (101).

7. The gap adjustment structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The structural body (1) has a positioning protrusion (102) on one end face, which is used to position the structural body (1) on the carrier for mounting the worm gear assembly.

8. The gap adjustment structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The elastic element (2) is vulcanized to the structural body (1); and / or, The elastic buffer (3) is vulcanized and connected to the structural body (1).

9. A steering system, characterized in that: It includes a housing (6), a worm gear assembly disposed in the housing (6), a rotating support member sleeved on the worm (4) in the worm gear assembly, and a clearance adjustment structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The steering system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The housing (6) has a mounting cavity (601) with an open end, and a mounting groove (602) communicating with the mounting cavity (601). The worm (4) is located in the mounting cavity (601), the clearance adjustment structure is located at the sealing end of the mounting cavity (601), and the worm wheel in the worm wheel assembly is located in the mounting groove (602).

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