A retaining ring positioner for a steering gear
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522453734.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-18
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-11-19
AI Technical Summary
现有限位方案多采用独立限位总成，其轴向尺寸偏大，面对转向器轴向布置空间紧张的车型往往难以安装；同时结构件数量多、结构复杂，带来制造与维护成本上升
[0020] (1) By setting an annular groove in the inner cavity of the steering housing and positioning the limit ring, fastener-free fixing is achieved, shortening the assembly cycle.
Smart Images
Figure CN224766823U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of rack and pinion steering technology, and in particular to a retaining ring limiting device for a steering gear. Background Technology
[0002] Rack and pinion steering systems require limiting stops under extreme steering conditions to prevent the steering mechanism from continuing to output power and causing impact or damage to the front axle and suspension components. Current limiting solutions mostly use independent limiting assemblies, which have relatively large axial dimensions and are often difficult to install on vehicles with limited space for the axial arrangement of the steering gear; at the same time, the large number of structural components and the complexity of the structure lead to increased manufacturing and maintenance costs.
[0003] On the other hand, when the rigid limiting component touches the limiting surface of the inner tie rod ball joint seat, the limiting force increases abruptly, and the impact load is easily transmitted to components such as tie rod, ball joint, and steering knuckle, inducing abnormal noise and accelerating wear; some technologies have insufficient positioning and anti-loosening measures in the housing, which are prone to loosening and producing abnormal noise after a period of use. Utility Model Content
[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this utility model provides a steering gear retaining ring limiting device. By setting a circumferential groove in the inner cavity of the steering housing and engaging the retaining ring, the device achieves rapid assembly and stable positioning of the limiting component, compressing the axial arrangement space. The buffer ring and the retaining ring are arranged opposite each other on the inner and outer sides within the same groove, forming a force path of "ball joint → retaining ring → buffer ring → housing," achieving elastic buffering and load transfer management at extreme positions. The hard limiting surface provided by the retaining ring and the elastic deformation of the buffer ring work together to achieve a transition from rigid limiting to flexible energy absorption, reducing the risk of impact and abnormal noise during extreme steering. The snap-fit connection between the retaining ring and the groove allows for a fixing method without additional fasteners, shortening the assembly cycle and reducing assembly complexity.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a retaining ring limiting device for a steering gear, applied to a rack and pinion steering gear. The steering gear includes a steering housing, a rack, and a steering inner tie rod ball joint seat connected to the end of the rack. The rack reciprocates axially within the steering housing, and the steering inner tie rod ball joint seat moves synchronously with the rack.
[0006] The inner cavity of the steering housing is provided with a slot in the circumferential direction;
[0007] The retaining ring limiting device includes a limiting retaining ring and a buffer ring;
[0008] The limiting retaining ring is fitted into the slot;
[0009] The buffer ring is disposed in the slot and located inside the limiting ring;
[0010] The buffer ring is limited on one side by the limiting ring and on the other side by the inner sidewall of the slot.
[0011] In the above technical solution, preferably, the limiting retaining ring has an open structure, and assembly holes are provided on both sides of the opening;
[0012] The outer diameter of the limiting retaining ring in its natural state is larger than the inner diameter of the steering housing, and it can enter the slot after being clamped and retracted by the assembly tool through the assembly hole. After the tool is released, the limiting retaining ring is locked into the slot.
[0013] In the above technical solution, preferably, the limiting retaining ring is a spring steel with an opening.
[0014] In the above technical solution, preferably, the assembly holes on both sides of the opening of the limiting retaining ring are round holes, which are used for the tool to be inserted for clamping and retraction.
[0015] In the above technical solution, preferably, the buffer ring is an annular rubber ring.
[0016] In the above technical solution, preferably, the sum of the axial heights of the limiting ring and the buffer ring is not greater than the axial height of the slot, so as to form an axial interference fit in the slot, so that the buffer ring is in a pre-compression state in the assembled state.
[0017] In the above technical solution, preferably, the limiting ring forms a limiting surface facing the inner cavity of the housing, and the steering inner tie rod ball joint contacts the limiting surface during extreme steering.
[0018] In the above technical solution, preferably, the inner steering tie rod ball joint pushes the limiting retaining ring inward to squeeze the buffer ring during extreme steering, until the compressive elastic force of the buffer ring is balanced with the thrust of the inner steering tie rod ball joint to form a limit.
[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0020] (1) By setting an annular groove in the inner cavity of the steering housing and positioning the limit ring, fastener-free fixing is achieved, shortening the assembly cycle.
[0021] (2) By arranging the buffer ring and the limiting ring in the same groove, and limiting the axial preload by the limiting ring and the inner side wall of the groove, a stable working stroke and long-term pressing and fixing are achieved, suppressing loosening and abnormal noise.
[0022] (3) Through the force path of “ball head seat → limiting surface → rubber buffer ring → shell”, elastic buffering and gradual load transfer at the extreme turning position are realized, reducing the impact peak and structural noise.
[0023] (4) By opening the limiting retaining ring and setting assembly holes on both sides of the opening, the assembly method of clamping and shrinking into the groove is realized, which solves the installation problem of limited inner cavity channel and improves the on-site assemblability.
[0024] (5) By using spring steel material for the limit retaining ring and positioning it by clamping, elastic clamping and fatigue resistance are achieved, thus improving service life and reliability.
[0025] (6) By limiting the sum of the axial heights of the “limiting ring + rubber buffer ring” to not exceed the axial height of the slot, geometric constraints are achieved to avoid assembly interference and ensure the clamping state.
[0026] (7) By forming a limiting surface on the side of the retaining ring facing the inner cavity of the housing and contacting the ball joint of the steering tie rod, the limit steering position is clearly defined, which improves the repeatability of the limit and the consistency of the steering.
[0027] (8) By using the two modular structures of limit ring and rubber buffer ring, the platform can be reused and retrofitted, reducing the types of spare parts and inventory costs.
[0028] (9) Through the combination of clamping, axial preloading and step surface limiting anti-loosening mechanism, stable positioning under long-term working conditions is achieved, reducing the frequency of maintenance.
[0029] (10) Through compact axial arrangement and built-in limiting, the arrangement is realized in the scenario where the axial space of the housing is limited, which improves the integration and adaptability of the whole machine. Attached Figure Description
[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a steering gear retaining ring limiting device disclosed in one embodiment of the present utility model;
[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the card slot structure disclosed in one embodiment of the present utility model;
[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the limiting retaining ring disclosed in one embodiment of the present utility model;
[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a buffer ring disclosed in one embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] In the diagram, the correspondence between the components and the reference numerals is as follows:
[0035] 1. Limiting ring, 2. Buffer ring, 3. Steering housing, 4. Rack, 5. Steering inner tie rod ball joint seat, 6. Slot, 7. Opening, 8. Assembly hole. Detailed Implementation
[0036] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0037] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings:
[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, a retaining ring limiting device for a steering gear according to the present invention is applied to a rack and pinion steering gear. The steering gear includes a steering housing 3, a rack 4, and a steering inner tie rod ball joint seat 5 connected to the end of the rack 4. The rack 4 reciprocates axially within the steering housing 3, and the steering inner tie rod ball joint seat 5 moves synchronously with the rack 4.
[0039] The inner cavity of the steering housing 3 is provided with a slot 6 in the circumferential direction;
[0040] The retaining ring limiting device includes a retaining ring 1 and a buffer ring 2;
[0041] The limit retaining ring 1 is fitted into the slot 6;
[0042] The buffer ring 2 is set in the slot 6 and located inside the limiting ring 1;
[0043] Among them, the buffer ring 2 is limited on one side by the limiting ring 1 and on the other side by the inner sidewall of the slot 6.
[0044] In this embodiment, by setting a circumferential groove 6 in the inner cavity of the steering housing 3 and engaging the retaining ring 1, the fast assembly and stable positioning of the limiting component are achieved, compressing the axial arrangement space. The buffer ring 2 and the retaining ring 1 are arranged opposite each other on the inner and outer sides of the same groove 6, forming a force path of "ball joint → retaining ring → buffer ring 2 → housing", which realizes elastic buffering and load transfer management at the extreme position. The hard limiting surface provided by the retaining ring 1 and the elastic deformation of the buffer ring 2 work together to realize the transition from rigid limiting to flexible energy absorption, reducing the risk of impact and abnormal noise during extreme steering. The engaging connection between the retaining ring and the groove 6 realizes a fixing method without additional fasteners, shortening the assembly cycle and reducing the assembly complexity.
[0045] like Figure 2As shown, specifically, a circumferential groove 6 is machined inside the steering housing 3 of the rack and pinion steering gear 4. The groove 6 is used to install a limiting component. The limiting retaining ring 1 is fixedly fitted into the groove 6, and the buffer ring 2 is placed in the same groove 6 and located inside the limiting retaining ring 1. The buffer ring 2 is axially limited on one side by the limiting retaining ring 1, and on the other side by the axial inner wall / step surface of the groove 6. Through the above structure, at the extreme steering position, the axial force is transmitted to the steering housing 3 by the steering tie rod ball joint 5 via the limiting retaining ring 1 and the buffer ring 2.
[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, in the above embodiment, preferably, the limiting ring 1 has an open structure, and assembly holes 8 are provided on both sides of the opening 7.
[0047] The outer diameter of the limiting ring 1 in its natural state is larger than the inner diameter of the steering housing 3, and it can enter the slot 6 after being clamped by the assembly tool (not shown in the figure) through the assembly hole 8 and the retractable opening 7. After the tool is released, the limiting ring 1 is inserted into the slot 6.
[0048] Specifically, the limiting retaining ring 1 adopts an open design with mounting holes 8 on both sides of the opening 7. During assembly, needle-nose pliers are used as tools to insert into the two mounting holes 8, clamping and retracting the limiting retaining ring 1 so that it can pass through the channel inside the steering housing 3 and reach the slot 6 position; after releasing the needle-nose pliers, the limiting retaining ring 1 naturally opens under the elastic recovery action and is locked into the slot 6 to complete the positioning.
[0049] In the above embodiments, preferably, the limiting retaining ring 1 is a spring steel with an opening 7, which can obtain the required elastic clamping and impact resistance strength, and is compatible with the open structure and assembly hole form.
[0050] In the above embodiment, preferably, the mounting holes 8 on both sides of the limiting ring opening 7 are round holes for tool insertion, and the limiting ring opening 7 is clamped and retracted by the tool fitting.
[0051] like Figure 4 As shown, in the above embodiment, preferably, the buffer ring 2 is an annular rubber ring. During the implementation process, the rubber ring is placed into the slot 6 of the steering housing 3, so that it is in a flat state and fits well with the axial inner sidewall / step surface of the slot 6, preventing the rubber ring from curling. During operation, it undergoes controlled elastic compression, thereby working in coordination with the limiting ring 1 in the mechanical path.
[0052] In the above embodiments, preferably, the sum of the axial heights of the limiting retaining ring 1 and the buffer ring 2 is not greater than the axial height of the slot 6, so as to form an axial interference fit in the slot 6, so that the buffer ring 2 is in a pre-compression state in the assembled state.
[0053] During implementation, after assembly, the limiting ring 1 and the buffer ring 2 form a pre-compression state in the slot 6 with an axial interference fit. This pre-compression comes from the elastic recovery of the limiting ring 1 after it is installed and the elastic compression of the buffer ring 2. The assembled state can obtain the ability to compress and fix and prevent loosening.
[0054] In the above embodiment, preferably, the limiting ring 1 forms a limiting surface facing the inner cavity of the housing, and the steering inner tie rod ball joint 5 contacts the limiting surface during extreme steering. When the steering angle approaches the limit position, the steering inner tie rod ball joint 5 first contacts the limiting surface and is limited by the limiting surface.
[0055] In the above embodiment, preferably, during extreme steering, the inner tie rod ball joint seat 5 pushes the limiting retaining ring 1 inward to compress the buffer ring 2 until the compression elastic force of the buffer ring 2 is balanced with the thrust of the inner tie rod ball joint seat 5 to form a limit.
[0056] During implementation, as the steering continues towards its limit, the inner tie rod ball joint 5 pushes the limiting retaining ring 1, causing it to compress the buffer ring 2 inward. The compressive force generated by the buffer ring 2 increases with the amount of compression. When the compressive elastic force of the buffer ring 2 reaches equilibrium with the thrust from the inner tie rod ball joint 5, the inner tie rod ball joint 5 stops moving further inward. This process realizes the synergistic working mechanism of limiting and elastic buffering.
[0057] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A retaining ring limiting device for a steering gear, applied to a rack and pinion steering gear, the steering gear including a steering housing, a rack, and a steering inner tie rod ball joint seat connected to the end of the rack, the rack reciprocating axially within the steering housing, and the steering inner tie rod ball joint seat moving synchronously with the rack; Its features are, The inner cavity of the steering housing is provided with a slot in the circumferential direction; The retaining ring limiting device includes a limiting retaining ring and a buffer ring; The limiting retaining ring is fitted into the slot; The buffer ring is disposed in the slot and located inside the limiting ring; The buffer ring is limited on one side by the limiting ring and on the other side by the inner sidewall of the slot.
2. The retaining ring limiting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting retaining ring has an open structure, and mounting holes are provided on both sides of the opening; The outer diameter of the limiting retaining ring in its natural state is larger than the inner diameter of the steering housing, and it can enter the slot after being clamped and retracted by the assembly tool through the assembly hole. After the tool is released, the limiting retaining ring is locked into the slot.
3. The retaining ring limiting device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The limiting retaining ring is made of spring steel with an opening.
4. The retaining ring limiting device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mounting holes on both sides of the opening of the limiting retaining ring are round holes, which are used for inserting the tool to clamp and retract.
5. The retaining ring limiting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The buffer ring is a ring-shaped rubber ring.
6. The steering gear retaining ring limiting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sum of the axial heights of the limiting retaining ring and the buffer ring is not greater than the axial height of the slot, so as to form an axial interference fit in the slot, so that the buffer ring is in a pre-compression state when assembled.
7. The retaining ring limiting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting ring forms a limiting surface facing the inner cavity of the housing, and the ball joint of the steering inner tie rod contacts the limiting surface during extreme steering.
8. The retaining ring limiting device according to claim 7, characterized in that, During extreme steering maneuvers, the inner tie rod ball joint pushes the limiting retaining ring inward to compress the buffer ring until the compressive elastic force of the buffer ring balances the thrust of the inner tie rod ball joint, thus forming a limit.