A dust cap structure for automotive steering gear

Abstract

This utility model discloses a dust cap structure for automotive steering gear, relating to the field of automotive parts technology. The dust cap is a one-piece molded flexible component, generally corrugated tubular in shape. The wall of the dust cap has a composite structure, consisting of an inner main sealing layer and a reinforcing fiber cloth layer tightly bonded to the outer layer. The dust cap has a large-end interface and a small-end interface at both ends, and a bending section in the middle. One end of the bending section connects to the large-end interface, and the other end connects to the small-end interface. This utility model, through the design of an inner rubber layer covered with a reinforcing fiber cloth layer, achieves enhanced strength and fatigue resistance of the dust cap. The fiber cloth layer effectively disperses bending stress, avoiding stress concentration, making the dust cap less prone to cracking under frequent bending conditions. This greatly improves the overall tensile strength and tear resistance of the dust cap, extending its service life.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive parts technology, specifically to a dust cap structure for automotive steering systems. Background Technology

[0002] Dust caps are key sealing components in automotive steering systems. They are typically installed between the end of the steering gear and the steering tie rod. Their main function is to prevent external contaminants such as dust, mud, and moisture from entering the steering gear, protecting precision components such as ball joints and racks from corrosion and wear, and ensuring the sensitivity, reliability, and durability of the steering system.

[0003] Existing dust caps for automotive steering systems are mostly made of a single rubber material and molded in one piece, resulting in a simple structure. However, under the frequent left and right turns of the steering wheels and bumpy road conditions, the dust caps need to undergo large-angle and high-frequency reciprocating bending movements, which leads to fatigue cracks, aging and hardening, permanent deformation, and even breakage of traditional dust caps. This causes the dust caps to lose their sealing and dustproof properties, and they fail to play a dustproof role for the steering system. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a dust cap structure for automotive steering gear, so as to solve the technical problem of poor fatigue resistance of dust caps mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a dust cap structure for an automotive steering gear, comprising a dust cap, wherein the dust cap is an integrally molded flexible part, and the whole is in the shape of a corrugated tube. The wall of the dust cap is a composite structure, which consists of an inner main sealing layer and a reinforcing fiber cloth layer tightly covered outside the inner layer. The two ends of the dust cap are respectively provided with a large end interface and a small end interface, and the middle part of the dust cap is provided with a bending part. One end of the bending part is connected to the large end interface, and the other end of the bending part is connected to the small end interface.

[0006] Preferably, the large-end interface is tightly press-fitted with the car steering gear housing, and a large-end annular clamp groove is installed on the outer wall of the large-end interface. Two large-end sealing lips are provided on the inner walls of the large-end interface on both sides of the large-end annular clamp groove.

[0007] Preferably, the small end interface is tightly interference-fitted with the vehicle steering tie rod, and a small end annular clamp groove is installed on the outer wall of the small end interface. Two small end sealing lips are provided on the inner wall of the small end interface on both sides of the small end annular clamp groove.

[0008] Preferably, each crest and trough of the bend is provided with an annular reinforcing rib that surrounds it.

[0009] Preferably, the inner main sealing layer of the dust cap is made of elastic rubber, and the outer reinforcing fiber cloth layer is made of nylon fiber woven fabric. The inner main sealing layer and the outer reinforcing fiber cloth layer are composite molded through a vulcanization process.

[0010] Preferably, metal fastening rings are embedded in both the large-end annular clamp groove and the small-end annular clamp groove.

[0011] Preferably, the annular reinforcing rib is integrally formed with the dust cap, and the cross-section of the annular reinforcing rib is trapezoidal.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0013] 1. This utility model achieves high strength and fatigue resistance of the dust cap by designing an inner rubber layer and an outer reinforcing fiber cloth layer. The fiber cloth layer can effectively disperse bending stress and avoid stress concentration, making the dust cap less prone to cracking under frequent bending conditions. This greatly improves the overall tensile strength and tear resistance of the dust cap and extends its service life.

[0014] 2. This utility model achieves excellent sealing performance of the dust cap by setting a large end sealing lip and a small end sealing lip. Together with the annular clamp, it forms a multi-level sealing barrier, effectively preventing pollutants from entering from the interface, enhancing contact pressure, and maintaining a good sealing effect even if the material ages slightly. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a front view structural diagram of the present utility model;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a front structural diagram of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the inner and outer layer composite structure of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the bending section structure of this utility model.

[0019] In the diagram: 1. Dust cap; 2. Large end interface; 3. Small end interface; 4. Bending section; 5. Large end annular clamp groove; 6. Small end annular clamp groove; 7. Large end sealing lip; 8. Small end sealing lip; 9. Metal fastening ring; 10. Crest; 11. Trough; 12. Main sealing layer; 13. Reinforcing fiber cloth layer; 14. Annular reinforcing rib. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0021] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", "front end", "rear end", "both ends", "one end", "the other end", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0022] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "equipped with," "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0023] Example 1: Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 A dust cap structure for an automotive steering gear includes a dust cap 1, which is a one-piece molded flexible part with an overall corrugated tube shape. The wall of the dust cap 1 has a composite structure, which consists of an inner main sealing layer 12 and a reinforcing fiber cloth layer 13 tightly covering the outer layer. The dust cap 1 has a large end interface 2 and a small end interface 3 at its two ends, and a bending part 4 in the middle. One end of the bending part 4 is connected to the large end interface 2, and the other end of the bending part 4 is connected to the small end interface 3.

[0024] The large end interface 2 is tightly press-fitted with the car steering gear housing. A large end annular clamp groove 5 is installed on the outer wall of the large end interface 2. Two large end sealing lips 7 are provided on the inner wall of the large end interface 2 on both sides of the large end annular clamp groove 5.

[0025] The small end interface 3 is tightly interference-fitted with the car steering tie rod. A small end annular clamp groove 6 is installed on the outer wall of the small end interface 3. Two small end sealing lips 8 are provided on the inner wall of the small end interface 3 on both sides of the small end annular clamp groove 6.

[0026] Each crest 10 and trough 11 of the bending portion 4 is provided with an annular reinforcing rib 14 that surrounds it.

[0027] The inner main sealing layer 12 of the dust cap 1 is elastic rubber, and the outer reinforcing fiber cloth layer 13 is nylon fiber woven fabric. The inner main sealing layer 12 and the outer reinforcing fiber cloth layer 13 are composite molded by vulcanization process.

[0028] Metal fastening rings 9 are embedded in both the large-end annular clamp groove 5 and the small-end annular clamp groove 6.

[0029] Furthermore, the dust cap structure for automotive steering systems of this utility model has excellent comprehensive performance. The dust cap 1 adopts a corrugated tubular design as a whole, and its wall has a composite structure. The inner layer is the main sealing layer 12, and the outer layer is the reinforcing fiber cloth layer 13. The two are tightly bonded together through a vulcanization process. The inner main sealing layer 12 is made of nitrile rubber with excellent elasticity and oil resistance, which can effectively adapt to the frequent deformation during the operation of the steering system, while maintaining long-lasting sealing performance. The outer reinforcing fiber cloth layer 13 is made of high-strength nylon fiber woven fabric. Its fiber mesh structure can evenly disperse the stress generated by the dust cap 1 during bending, significantly reducing stress concentration, thereby greatly improving the tensile strength and tear resistance of the dust cap 1.

[0030] The dust cap 1 has a large end interface 2 and a small end interface 3 at both ends. The large end interface 2 achieves a preliminary seal with the car steering gear housing through an interference fit. The large end annular clamp groove 5 on its outer wall has a metal fastening ring 9 embedded in it. After being fastened by the external clamp, it forms a mechanical lock to ensure that the connection is firm and will not loosen. The two large end sealing lips 7 set on the inner wall of the large end interface 2 further enhance the sealing effect, forming a multi-level sealing barrier to effectively prevent external pollutants from entering. The small end interface 3 also uses an interference fit to connect with the steering tie rod. The design of the small end annular clamp groove 6 on the outer wall and the built-in metal fastening ring 9 enables it to withstand greater vibration and impact loads, while the two small end sealing lips 8 on the inner wall ensure the reliability of dynamic sealing.

[0031] The bending section 4 in the middle adopts a corrugated structure with alternating peaks 10 and troughs 11. Each peak 10 and trough 11 is provided with annular reinforcing ribs 14. These annular reinforcing ribs 14 improve the structural rigidity by increasing the local cross-sectional thickness, so that the dust cap 1 maintains shape stability during frequent bending and delays the generation of fatigue cracks.

[0032] The entire dust cap 1 can adapt to large-angle and high-frequency reciprocating motions during steering system operation, while maintaining excellent sealing performance and durability, making it especially suitable for commercial vehicles and off-road vehicles under harsh working conditions.

[0033] Example 2: Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 A dust cap structure for an automotive steering gear includes a dust cap 1, which is a one-piece molded flexible part with an overall corrugated tube shape. The wall of the dust cap 1 has a composite structure, which consists of an inner main sealing layer 12 and a reinforcing fiber cloth layer 13 tightly covering the outer layer. The dust cap 1 has a large end interface 2 and a small end interface 3 at its two ends, and a bending part 4 in the middle. One end of the bending part 4 is connected to the large end interface 2, and the other end of the bending part 4 is connected to the small end interface 3.

[0034] The large end interface 2 is tightly press-fitted with the car steering gear housing. A large end annular clamp groove 5 is installed on the outer wall of the large end interface 2. Two large end sealing lips 7 are provided on the inner wall of the large end interface 2 on both sides of the large end annular clamp groove 5.

[0035] The small end interface 3 is tightly interference-fitted with the car steering tie rod. A small end annular clamp groove 6 is installed on the outer wall of the small end interface 3. Two small end sealing lips 8 are provided on the inner wall of the small end interface 3 on both sides of the small end annular clamp groove 6.

[0036] Each crest 10 and trough 11 of the bending portion 4 is provided with an annular reinforcing rib 14 that surrounds it.

[0037] Metal fastening rings 9 are embedded in both the large-end annular clamp groove 5 and the small-end annular clamp groove 6.

[0038] The annular reinforcing rib 14 is integrally formed with the dust cap 1, and the cross-section of the annular reinforcing rib 14 is trapezoidal.

[0039] Furthermore, in actual assembly, the dust cap structure of this utility model demonstrates high practicality and reliability. The fit between the large end interface 2 and the steering gear housing adopts a precisely designed interference fit to ensure that a preliminary seal is formed immediately after installation. The large end annular clamp groove 5 on the outer wall of the large end interface 2 is designed with standardized dimensions, which can perfectly match universal metal clamps. The metal fastening ring 9 embedded in the groove not only enhances the structural strength of the clamp groove, but also avoids damage to the rubber material due to excessive compression during tightening. The two large end sealing lips 7 adopt different lip angles and thicknesses. The first lip... The first lip is softer and used to initially scrape away contaminants and form a flexible seal, while the second lip is harder and provides the main sealing pressure. The two work together to form double protection. The connection between the small end interface 3 and the steering tie rod is also achieved through an interference fit. The small end annular clamp groove 6 on its outer wall is also embedded with a metal fastening ring 9. During installation, radial pressure is applied through the clamp to make the small end interface 3 tightly cover the tie rod surface, preventing circumferential rotation and axial displacement. The two small end sealing lips 8 on the inner wall of the small end interface 3 adopt an asymmetrical design, which can better adapt to the dynamic movement of the tie rod and maintain continuous contact of the sealing surface.

[0040] The corrugated structure of the bending section 4 has been optimized and calculated so that the curvature radii of the crests 10 and troughs 11 match the overall length of the dust cap 1, ensuring uniform stress distribution during bending. The annular reinforcing ribs 14 set at the crests 10 and troughs 11 adopt a trapezoidal cross-section design. This shape can provide the maximum structural reinforcement effect without excessively increasing the amount of material used, while avoiding wrinkles during bending.

[0041] The reinforcing fiber cloth layer 13 completely covers the outside of the main sealing layer 12, which not only improves the overall mechanical strength, but also protects the rubber layer from external scratches and ozone aging. The dust cap 1 has excellent oil resistance, temperature resistance and aging resistance, which can effectively extend the maintenance cycle of the steering system.

[0042] Example 3: Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 A dust cap structure for an automotive steering gear includes a dust cap 1, which is a one-piece molded flexible part with an overall corrugated tube shape. The wall of the dust cap 1 has a composite structure, which consists of an inner main sealing layer 12 and a reinforcing fiber cloth layer 13 tightly covering the outer layer. The dust cap 1 has a large end interface 2 and a small end interface 3 at its two ends, and a bending part 4 in the middle. One end of the bending part 4 is connected to the large end interface 2, and the other end of the bending part 4 is connected to the small end interface 3.

[0043] The large end interface 2 is tightly press-fitted with the car steering gear housing. A large end annular clamp groove 5 is installed on the outer wall of the large end interface 2. Two large end sealing lips 7 are provided on the inner wall of the large end interface 2 on both sides of the large end annular clamp groove 5.

[0044] The small end interface 3 is tightly interference-fitted with the car steering tie rod. A small end annular clamp groove 6 is installed on the outer wall of the small end interface 3. Two small end sealing lips 8 are provided on the inner wall of the small end interface 3 on both sides of the small end annular clamp groove 6.

[0045] Each crest 10 and trough 11 of the bending portion 4 is provided with an annular reinforcing rib 14 that surrounds it.

[0046] The inner main sealing layer 12 of the dust cap 1 is elastic rubber, and the outer reinforcing fiber cloth layer 13 is nylon fiber woven fabric. The inner main sealing layer 12 and the outer reinforcing fiber cloth layer 13 are composite molded by vulcanization process.

[0047] Metal fastening rings 9 are embedded in both the large-end annular clamp groove 5 and the small-end annular clamp groove 6.

[0048] Furthermore, under extreme working conditions, the dust cap structure of this utility model still possesses excellent durability and environmental adaptability. The composite layer structure of the dust cap 1 ensures its performance stability in high and low temperature environments. The inner main sealing layer 12 is made of hydrogenated nitrile rubber, which allows it to maintain elasticity at a temperature of 150°C. The outer reinforcing fiber cloth layer 13 provides additional dimensional stability, preventing sealing failure caused by thermal expansion and contraction. The interface bonding strength between the main sealing layer 12 and the reinforcing fiber cloth layer 13 has been specially treated to ensure that no delamination occurs during repeated bending. The design of the bending part 4 has been optimized through finite element analysis. The annular reinforcing ribs 14 at the crests 10 and troughs 11 can effectively suppress radial deformation during bending and maintain the consistency of the corrugated shape, thereby avoiding excessive local stress. The double sealing lip design of the large end interface 2 and the small end interface 3 can maintain effective sealing contact even if the lips are slightly worn. The fixing of the large end interface 2 and the anti-torsion design of the small end interface 3 are achieved through the cooperation of the large end annular clamp groove 5 and the small end annular clamp groove 6 with the metal fastening ring 9.

[0049] The entire dust cap 1 did not show any cracks, damage or permanent deformation under long-term use and still maintained excellent sealing performance. This improved durability is mainly due to the design of the composite structure. The reinforcing fiber cloth layer 13 bears most of the tensile stress, while the main sealing layer 12 focuses on providing sealing and flexibility. The synergistic effect of the two makes the overall life of the dust cap 1 significantly longer than that of traditional products, greatly reducing the maintenance cost and failure risk of vehicle steering.

[0050] Working principle: During operation, the dust cap 1 flexibly expands and contracts with the movement of the steering tie rod through its corrugated tubular bending section 4. The composite structure of the dust cap 1 wall works synergistically: the outer reinforcing fiber cloth layer 13 bears the main stress and prevents tearing; the inner main sealing layer 12 maintains elasticity and ensures rapid recovery after deformation; the large-end sealing lip 7 and small-end sealing lip 8 set at the large-end interface 2 and small-end interface 3 form multiple sealing barriers to effectively block external pollutants; the annular reinforcing ribs 14 set at the crests 10 and troughs 11 enhance the rigidity of key parts and prevent excessive bending; the large-end annular clamp groove 5 and small-end annular clamp groove 6 are secured by metal fastening rings 9 to ensure a tight seal. Throughout the entire operation, the dust cap 1 maintains good sealing performance, effectively preventing dust, mud, and moisture from entering the steering gear, protecting precision components such as the ball joint pin and rack, and ensuring the normal operation and long-term use of the steering system.

[0051] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that it can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of this invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, it is intended that all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims be included within this invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A dust cap structure for an automotive steering gear, characterized in that: Includes a dust cap (1), which is a flexible part integrally formed and has a corrugated tube shape. The wall of the dust cap (1) is a composite structure, which consists of an inner main sealing layer (12) and a reinforcing fiber cloth layer (13) tightly covered outside the inner layer. The dust cap (1) is provided with a large end interface (2) and a small end interface (3) at both ends. The middle part of the dust cap (1) is provided with a bending part (4). One end of the bending part (4) is connected to the large end interface (2), and the other end of the bending part (4) is connected to the small end interface (3).

2. The dust cap structure for a steering gear of an automobile according to claim 1, characterized in that: The large end interface (2) is tightly press-fitted with the car steering gear housing. A large end annular clamp groove (5) is installed on the outer wall of the large end interface (2). Two large end sealing lips (7) are provided on the inner wall of the large end interface (2) on both sides of the large end annular clamp groove (5).

3. The dust cap structure for a steering gear of an automobile according to claim 1, characterized in that: The small end interface (3) is tightly interference-fitted with the car steering tie rod. A small end annular clamp groove (6) is installed on the outer wall of the small end interface (3). Two small end sealing lips (8) are provided on the inner wall of the small end interface (3) on both sides of the small end annular clamp groove (6).

4. The dust cap structure for a steering gear of an automobile according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each crest (10) and trough (11) of the bending portion (4) is provided with an annular reinforcing rib (14) that surrounds it.

5. The dust cap structure for a steering gear of an automobile according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner main sealing layer (12) of the dust cap (1) is elastic rubber, and the outer reinforcing fiber cloth layer (13) is nylon fiber woven fabric. The inner main sealing layer (12) and the outer reinforcing fiber cloth layer (13) are composite molded by vulcanization process.

6. The dust cap structure for a steering gear of an automobile according to claim 2, characterized in that: Metal fastening rings (9) are embedded in both the large-end annular clamp groove (5) and the small-end annular clamp groove (6).

7. The dust cap structure for a steering gear of an automobile according to claim 4, characterized in that: The annular reinforcing rib (14) is integrally formed with the dust cap (1), and the cross-section of the annular reinforcing rib (14) is trapezoidal.

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