Adjusting mechanism, diverter and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of adjusting mechanism, steering gear and vehicle, it is related to automobile field, adjusting mechanism includes eccentric adjusting part and elastic sleeve, eccentric adjusting part has outer circle contour, and there is eccentricity between the central axis of eccentric adjusting part inner hole and the central axis of outer circle contour, eccentric adjusting part is configured as rotatable around the central axis of its outer circle contour;By rotating eccentric adjusting part, and by eccentricity changes the center distance of rack and pinion, to eliminate meshing clearance. By the eccentric structure setting of eccentric adjusting part, it can adjust the center distance between gear and rack in the process of rotation, to eliminate meshing clearance. By elastic sleeve being extruded when eccentric adjusting part adjusts rotating position, pre-tightening force is provided to the meshing of gear and rack, to compensate meshing clearance after long-term meshing wear, realize dynamic compensation;Elastic sleeve can also provide good buffering and damping effect when bearing impact vibration, and also can reduce noise.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive technology, and in particular to an adjustment mechanism, a steering system, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] As the automotive market develops, people's demands for passenger vehicle comfort are increasing, and they are becoming more sensitive to abnormal noises produced when the vehicle changes direction or goes over bumpy roads. With long-term driving, the various components of the steering system will experience wear due to relative movement, and the gaps between the components will also increase. Therefore, it is easy to generate abnormal noises, and it may even reduce the performance of the steering system, affecting the overall performance of the vehicle and the driver's driving comfort.

[0003] In P-EPS (Pinner Pulley Electric Power Steering) and DP-EPS (Dual Pinion Pulley Electric Power Steering), to eliminate the meshing backlash between the rack and pinion and compensate for the backlash caused by long-term wear, a common approach is to use a meshing backlash adjustment mechanism and steering gear for rack and pinion steering systems, as disclosed in patent CN106641184A. This mechanism includes a pressure block liner, a pressure block, a diaphragm spring, a locking nut, a locking nut plug, a first O-ring, and a second O-ring. By using a combination of O-rings and a diaphragm spring, the rack and pinion are pre-tensioned. Based on the characteristic that the stiffness of the diaphragm spring increases with the amount of deformation, the pre-tension force is maintained after durability, preventing the backlash between the rack and pinion from increasing and causing abnormal noise. However, this adjustment mechanism has the problems of complex structure and a large number of parts, which not only leads to high manufacturing costs but also increases the overall weight, hindering the achievement of vehicle lightweighting goals. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the present invention proposes an adjustment mechanism, a steering gear and a vehicle, which can solve the problems of high manufacturing cost and large overall weight caused by the complex structure and large number of parts of the existing adjustment mechanism.

[0005] The technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows: This utility model provides an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the meshing clearance between a gear and a rack. The adjustment mechanism is configured to be assembled inside a housing, and the gear and the rack mesh within the housing. The adjustment mechanism includes an eccentric adjustment element and an elastic sleeve, wherein: The eccentric adjustment member has an outer circular profile and an inner hole that extends through the eccentric adjustment member. The inner hole is used to cooperate with the rack to support and position the rack. There is an eccentricity between the central axis of the inner hole and the central axis of the outer circular profile. The eccentric adjustment member is configured to rotate about the central axis of its outer circular profile. The elastic sleeve is fitted onto the outer circular contour and pressed into the housing.

[0006] Based on the above technical solutions, preferably, the eccentricity ranges from 1mm to 2mm.

[0007] Based on the above technical solutions, preferably, one end of the eccentric adjustment component is provided with a slot for cooperating with the assembly tool.

[0008] Based on the above technical solutions, preferably, one end of the eccentric adjustment member is provided with a step, and the step and the outer circular contour provide axial and radial positioning for the elastic sleeve.

[0009] More preferably, the elastic sleeve is an elastic element that can eliminate the engagement gap and maintain preload through its radial elastic deformation and elastic restoring force.

[0010] Based on the above technical solutions, preferably, the outer circular contour is provided with an anti-slip structure, which is used to increase the coefficient of friction between it and the elastic sleeve.

[0011] More preferably, the anti-slip structure includes stripes or knurling.

[0012] This utility model also provides a steering gear, including a housing and two sets of adjustment mechanisms as described above disposed within the housing. The steering gear has a manual end and an assist end, and gears are provided at both the manual end and the assist end. The gears are rotatably disposed within the housing. A rack is also provided within the housing, and the two ends of the rack mesh with the two gears respectively. The two sets of adjustment mechanisms cooperate with the two ends of the rack respectively.

[0013] Based on the above technical solution, preferably, two mounting holes are provided in the housing, and two elastic sleeves of the two sets of adjustment mechanisms are respectively pressed into the two mounting holes. An elastic retaining ring for axially limiting the adjustment mechanism is also provided in the housing.

[0014] This utility model also provides a vehicle including the aforementioned steering system.

[0015] The adjustment mechanism, steering gear, and vehicle of this utility model have the following advantages over the prior art: (1) By setting the eccentric structure of the eccentric adjustment component, the center distance between the gear and the rack can be adjusted during rotation, thereby eliminating the meshing clearance; the elastic sleeve is squeezed when the eccentric adjustment component adjusts the rotation position, thereby providing a preload force for the meshing of the gear and the rack. After the gear and rack wear due to long-term meshing, the elastic sleeve releases the preload force to compensate for the meshing clearance, thus achieving dynamic compensation; in addition, the elastic sleeve can also provide a good buffer and vibration reduction effect when subjected to impact vibration, and can also reduce noise; by combining the eccentric adjustment component and the elastic sleeve, the number of parts is reduced, reducing material costs and processing complexity, while also reducing the overall weight of the adjustment mechanism, effectively solving the problems of high cost and complicated assembly caused by traditional multi-part structures; (2) The step setting can limit the axial and radial position of the elastic sleeve, preventing it from moving axially during the pressing into the housing or long-term operation, thereby ensuring the integrity and stability of the adjustment mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an adjustment mechanism according to the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of section A in the middle; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the eccentric adjustment component in an adjustment mechanism according to the present invention; Figure 4 for Figure 3 Sectional view in the MM direction; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the elastic sleeve in the adjustment mechanism of this utility model; Figure 6 for Figure 5 Cross-sectional view along the NN direction; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a steering device according to the present invention; Figure 8 for Figure 7 Cross-sectional view along the PP direction.

[0018] Figure label: 1. Gear; 2. Rack; 3. Housing; 31. Mounting hole; 4. Eccentric adjustment component; 41. Outer circle contour; 42. Inner hole; 43. Groove; 44. Step; 5. Elastic sleeve; 6. Hand force end; 7. Assist end; 8. Elastic retaining ring; e. Eccentricity. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments of this utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0020] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this utility model provides an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the meshing clearance between gear 1 and rack 2. The adjustment mechanism is configured to be assembled inside a housing 3, and gear 1 and rack 2 mesh within the housing 3. The adjustment mechanism includes an eccentric adjustment member 4 and an elastic sleeve 5. The eccentric adjustment member 4 has an outer circular profile 41 and an inner hole 42 extending through it. The inner hole 42 is used to cooperate with rack 2 to support and position rack 2. There is an eccentricity e between the central axis of the inner hole 42 and the central axis of the outer circular profile 41. The eccentric adjustment member 4 is configured to rotate around the central axis of its outer circular profile 41. The elastic sleeve 5 is sleeved on the outer circular profile 41 and pressed into the housing 3. By rotating the eccentric adjustment member 4 and changing the center distance between rack 2 and gear 1 by the eccentricity e, the meshing clearance is eliminated.

[0021] During assembly, the eccentric adjustment component 4 is configured to rotate within the elastic sleeve 5 about the central axis of its outer circular contour 41. When the operator rotates the eccentric adjustment component 4, due to the eccentricity e, the rack 2 supported by the inner hole 42 of the eccentric adjustment component 4 will move relative to the gear 1, thereby adjusting the center distance between the gear 1 and the rack 2, thus eliminating the meshing clearance caused by wear or manufacturing tolerances. This eccentric adjustment method avoids the tedious process of multiple trial assembly and disassembly required by traditional shim adjustments, achieving precise and rapid adjustment and greatly improving assembly and maintenance efficiency.

[0022] Furthermore, since the elastic sleeve 5 is press-fitted into the housing 3, it generates a meshing preload force on the gear 1 and rack 2. After long-term meshing of the gear 1 and rack 2 leads to wear and the creation of gaps, the elastic sleeve 5 can compensate for these gaps through elastic recovery, achieving automatic compensation. Additionally, because the meshing preload force is provided through the elastic sleeve 5, it also provides excellent buffering and vibration damping when the structure is subjected to impact vibrations, while simultaneously reducing noise.

[0023] The adjustment mechanism provided in this embodiment combines the eccentric adjustment component 4 with the elastic sleeve 5. It has fewer parts, which reduces material costs and processing complexity. At the same time, it reduces the overall weight of the adjustment mechanism and effectively solves the problems of high cost and complicated assembly caused by traditional multi-part structures.

[0024] The eccentric adjustment component 4 can be an eccentric bushing or an eccentric wheel, etc. In this embodiment, the eccentric adjustment component 4 is an eccentric bushing. The elastic sleeve 5 includes a rubber sleeve or a silicone sleeve, etc. In this embodiment, the elastic sleeve 5 is a rubber sleeve.

[0025] In some embodiments, the eccentricity e ranges from 1 mm to 2 mm, that is, the eccentricity e can be 1 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.7 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.9 mm, or 2 mm. This range of eccentricity e provides sufficient adjustment range while ensuring transmission smoothness and structural strength. If the eccentricity e is too small, that is, less than 1 mm, it may result in insufficient adjustment margin, failing to effectively compensate for wear; while if the eccentricity e is too large, that is, greater than 2 mm, it may cause uneven movement of the rack 2 or lead to uneven distribution of contact stress on the tooth surface.

[0026] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in some embodiments, to facilitate the rotation of the eccentric adjustment member 4, one end of the eccentric adjustment member 4 is provided with a slot 43 for engaging with an assembly tool. This slot 43 can be a slotted groove, a Phillips head slot, an internal hexagonal hole, or other shapes that match general-purpose tools. This allows the operator to easily rotate the eccentric adjustment member 4 using general-purpose tools such as screwdrivers or hex wrenches, without the need for additional specialized tools. This significantly reduces the cost of adjustment tools and also facilitates subsequent adjustments or maintenance.

[0027] Optionally, at least two slots 43 are evenly spaced around the eccentric adjustment member 4. The two slots 43 can be subjected to force symmetrically at the same time, ensuring the balance of torque and effectively avoiding problems such as tilting or jamming caused by uneven force during the rotation of the eccentric adjustment member 4.

[0028] In some embodiments, one end of the eccentric adjustment member 4 is provided with a step 44, and the step 44 and the outer circular contour 41 provide axial and radial positioning for the elastic sleeve 5. The step 44 restricts the axial and radial position of the elastic sleeve 5, preventing axial movement during pressing into the housing 3 or during long-term operation, thereby ensuring the integrity and stability of the adjustment mechanism.

[0029] Optionally, the elastic sleeve 5 is an elastic element capable of eliminating the meshing gap and maintaining preload through its radial elastic deformation and elastic restoring force. When the adjusting mechanism is pressed into the housing 3, the elastic sleeve 5 is radially compressed, thereby forming an elastic restoring force. The radial elastic deformation of the elastic sleeve 5 ensures a stable compensation effect for the meshing gap and the gap caused by wear. The elastic restoring force causes the eccentric adjusting member 4 to always have a tendency to drive the rack 2 closer to the gear 1, thereby eliminating the meshing gap in real time during the meshing process of the gear 1 and rack 2. When the gear 1 and rack 2 experience slight wear in subsequent use, the elastic restoring force can also automatically drive the eccentric adjusting member 4 to move, compensating for the gap caused by wear and maintaining preload.

[0030] In some embodiments, an anti-slip structure is provided on the outer circular contour 41, which increases the coefficient of friction between the outer circular contour 41 and the elastic sleeve 5. By increasing the static friction coefficient between the outer circular contour 41 and the inner wall of the elastic sleeve 5, the anti-slip structure fixes the position of the eccentric adjustment member 4. After the position of the eccentric adjustment member 4 relative to the elastic sleeve 5 is adjusted, the eccentric adjustment member 4 will form a self-locking mechanism under the elastic preload of the elastic sleeve 5, effectively preventing the eccentric adjustment member 4 from rotating due to impact vibration and ensuring that the rack 2 does not deviate from the gear 1 to form a gap. Optionally, the anti-slip structure includes stripes or knurling.

[0031] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown above, this application embodiment provides an adjustment mechanism. First, the elastic sleeve 5 is fitted onto the eccentric adjustment member 4 and confined to the step 44 of the eccentric adjustment member 4. Then, the elastic sleeve 5 is pressed into the housing 3, and the inner hole 42 of the eccentric adjustment member 4 is engaged with the rack 2, providing support and positioning for the rack 2. Simultaneously, the eccentricity e of the eccentric adjustment member 4 needs to be positioned closer to the gear 1 to ensure the rack 2 has sufficient movement for smooth assembly. Then, a tool is used to engage with the slot 43 on the eccentric adjustment member 4. By rotating the tool, the eccentric adjustment member 4 is driven to rotate relative to the elastic sleeve 5. Due to the eccentricity e, the rack 2 is pressed against the gear 1. By controlling the amount of rotation of the eccentric adjustment member 4, the center distance between the rack 2 and the gear 1 is adjusted, which can eliminate the meshing gap between the gear 1 and the rack 2 and achieve better meshing performance. After the eccentric adjustment component 4 is positioned correctly, the side of the elastic sleeve 5 furthest from the rack 2 is compressed, generating a preload force on the gear 1 and rack 2. Under long-term transmission between the gear 1 and rack 2, this preload force can compensate for the clearance caused by meshing wear. In addition, due to the excellent elasticity of the elastic sleeve 5, it can also provide good buffering and vibration reduction when subjected to impact vibration, while reducing noise.

[0032] like Figures 1 to 8As shown, this utility model also provides a steering gear, including a housing 3 and two sets of adjustment mechanisms as described above disposed within the housing 3. The steering gear has a manual end 6 and a power assist end 7, both of which are provided with gears 1. The gears 1 are rotatably disposed within the housing 3. A rack 2 is also provided within the housing 3, with both ends of the rack 2 meshing with the two gears 1 respectively. The two sets of adjustment mechanisms cooperate with the two ends of the rack 2 respectively. By setting up the two sets of adjustment mechanisms, the meshing pairs of the two gears 1 and rack 2 inside the steering gear can be adjusted independently, thereby ensuring that the steering gear can achieve near-zero backlash transmission in both manual steering mode and power steering mode, improving steering feel and eliminating abnormal noise caused by meshing backlash.

[0033] In some embodiments, the housing 3 has two mounting holes 31, and the two elastic sleeves 5 of the two sets of adjustment mechanisms are respectively press-fitted into the two mounting holes 31. The housing 3 is also provided with an elastic retaining ring 8 for axially limiting the adjustment mechanism. The two elastic sleeves 5 of the two sets of adjustment mechanisms are respectively press-fitted into the two mounting holes 31 with an interference fit. The mounting holes 31 are provided to position the elastic sleeves 5, ensuring the installation position of the adjustment mechanism within the housing 3. The elastic retaining ring 8 is used to limit the axial position of the adjustment mechanism, effectively resisting the impact that may be caused by the axial movement of the rack 2, and ensuring the adjustment effect of the meshing clearance.

[0034] In summary, this steering gear adjusts the meshing clearance between gear 1 and rack 2 using the aforementioned adjustment mechanism, eliminating the need for machining the threaded holes and related structural surfaces conventionally used for mounting and fixing the rack clamping block on the steering gear housing 3. Furthermore, the boss structure originally designed on the housing 3 to accommodate the rack clamping block and bolt heads is thus eliminated, reducing machining time, removing redundant material, and achieving a lightweight design. In addition, eliminating the rack clamping block in the steering gear fundamentally eliminates the leakage risk at the mating surface between the rack clamping block and the housing 3, improving the steering gear's sealing reliability and operational stability.

[0035] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, this utility model also provides a vehicle including the aforementioned steering gear. Because the steering gear employs the aforementioned adjustment mechanism to adjust and adaptively compensate for the meshing clearance of gear 1 and rack 2, the steering wheel play is minimized, resulting in a more direct and precise steering response. Simultaneously, the noise and vibration levels of the steering system are significantly reduced, providing a comfortable driving experience for passengers.

[0036] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An adjustment mechanism, characterized in that, For adjusting the meshing clearance between the gear (1) and the rack (2), the adjusting mechanism is configured to be assembled inside the housing (3), and the gear (1) and the rack (2) mesh within the housing (3). The adjusting mechanism includes an eccentric adjusting element (4) and an elastic sleeve (5), wherein: The eccentric adjustment member (4) has an outer circular profile (41), and an inner hole (42) is provided through the eccentric adjustment member (4). The inner hole (42) is used to cooperate with the rack (2) to support and position the rack (2). There is an eccentricity (e) between the central axis of the inner hole (42) and the central axis of the outer circular profile (41). The eccentric adjustment member (4) is configured to rotate about the central axis of its outer circular profile (41). The elastic sleeve (5) is fitted onto the outer circular contour (41) and pressed into the housing (3).

2. The adjustment mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The eccentricity (e) ranges from 1 mm to 2 mm.

3. The adjustment mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the eccentric adjustment member (4) is provided with a slot (43) for cooperating with the assembly tool.

4. The adjustment mechanism as described in claim 3, characterized in that: One end of the eccentric adjustment member (4) is provided with a step (44), and the step (44) and the outer circular contour (41) provide axial and radial positioning for the elastic sleeve (5).

5. The adjustment mechanism as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The elastic sleeve (5) is an elastic element that can eliminate the meshing gap and maintain preload through its radial elastic deformation and elastic restoring force.

6. The adjustment mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: An anti-slip structure is provided on the outer circular contour (41), which is used to increase the coefficient of friction between it and the elastic sleeve (5).

7. The adjustment mechanism as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The anti-slip structure includes stripes or knurling.

8. A steering system, characterized in that: The steering gear includes a housing (3) and two sets of adjustment mechanisms as described in any one of claims 1-7 disposed within the housing (3). The steering gear has a manual end (6) and an assist end (7). A gear (1) is provided at both the manual end (6) and the assist end (7). The gear (1) is rotatably disposed within the housing (3). A rack (2) is also provided within the housing (3). The two ends of the rack (2) mesh with the two gears (1) respectively. The two sets of adjustment mechanisms are respectively engaged with the two ends of the rack (2).

9. The steering system as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The housing (3) has two mounting holes (31) and two elastic sleeves (5) of the two sets of adjustment mechanisms are respectively pressed into the two mounting holes (31). The housing (3) is also provided with an elastic retaining ring (8) for axially limiting the adjustment mechanism.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that: Includes the steering gear as described in claim 8 or 9.

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