Sealing valve system of an electric power steering

Abstract

Aggregate arrangement (10) for a power steering system, comprising: a motor housing (20) having a motor housing wall (30) extending between a first end of the motor housing (20) and a second end of the motor housing (20) along a first axis (38), the motor housing (20) having an end cap (32) disposed at the first end of the motor housing (20), the end cap (32) defining a projection (50) extending from the end cap (32) along the first axis (38), the projection (50) having a first portion (60) defining a first opening (64) extending along the first axis (38) and a second portion (62) extending from the first portion (60), the second portion (62) defining a second opening (68) extending along a second axis (66); and a valve assembly (24) configured to be disposed within the second opening (68), the valve assembly (24) having a selectively movable member (142) including an open position to permit flow of a fluid therethrough before and after a leak test and a closed position to prevent flow of the fluid therethrough during the leak test.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Vehicle power steering systems may include various mechanical, electrical, and / or hydraulic components that may interact to move a rack or other component, resulting in the pivoting or turning of at least one steerable vehicle wheel. Various sealing components may be provided within the power steering system to prevent the ingress of foreign matter that may impair the performance of the power steering system. The sealing components of the power steering system may be leak tested prior to installation of the power steering system in a vehicle. Various connectors may be attached to a power steering system component to facilitate leak testing. The various connectors increase the complexity of the power steering system components. DE 10 2011 080 213 A1 describes a fuel pump. US 2009 / 0155101 A1 describes a motor-driven compressor. US 2014 / 0205478 A1 describes an electric compressor. US 5 715 568 A describes a vacuum apparatus.

[0002] The invention is based on the object of providing an assembly and a motor housing with an assembly for a power steering system that can be tested for leaks in a better, particularly simpler, manner. The subject matter of the independent claims is intended to achieve this object. SUMMARY

[0003] According to the invention, an assembly for a power steering system is provided. The assembly includes a motor housing and a valve assembly. The motor housing has a motor housing wall extending between a first end of the motor housing and a second end of the motor housing along a first axis. The motor housing has an end cap disposed at the first end of the motor housing. The end cap defines a projection extending from the end cap along the first axis. The projection has a first portion defining a first opening extending along the first axis and a second portion extending from the first portion, the second portion defining a second opening extending along a second axis.The valve assembly is arranged to be disposed within the second opening, the valve assembly having a selectively movable member including an open position to allow flow of a fluid therethrough before and after a leak test and a closed position to prevent flow of the fluid therethrough during the leak test.

[0004] Another subject of the invention is a motor housing with an assembly for a power steering system. The motor housing includes a motor housing wall and an end cap. The motor housing wall extends along a first axis between a first end of the motor housing and a second end of the motor housing. The end cap is disposed at the first end of the motor housing. The end cap defines a projection having a first portion extending along the first axis and a second portion extending along a second axis offset from the first axis.The second portion is adapted to receive a valve assembly, the valve assembly having a selectively movable member including an open position to permit flow of a fluid therethrough before and after a leak test and a closed position to prevent flow of the fluid therethrough during the leak test.

[0005] These and other advantages and features will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The subject matter considered to be the present disclosure is specifically disclosed and separately claimed in the claims at the end of the specification. The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. Figure 1 is a view of an assembly and a partial view of a gearbox or mechanism housing of an electric power steering system; Fig. Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of an engine casing of the unit; Fig. 3 is a partial perspective view of an engine casing of the unit; and Fig. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the unit and gearbox housing or mechanical housing of the electric power steering system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] Referring now to the figures, in which the present disclosure is described with reference to particular embodiments, without limiting the same, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the present disclosure that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be highlighted or minimized to show details of particular components. Specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are therefore not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art how to variously apply the present disclosure.

[0008] Vehicles may be equipped with a power steering system arranged to turn or pivot at least one vehicle wheel in response to the rotation of a steering wheel or to commands or signals provided by an autonomous driving assistance system. The power steering system may be an electric power steering system including a power steering or power unit assembly 10, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4 shown.

[0009] The power pack assembly 10 is arranged to provide an auxiliary load or force to the rack or other movable component for steering or pivoting at least one vehicle wheel. With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 4, the unit arrangement 10 includes a motor housing 20, a gear housing or a mechanical housing 22 connected to the motor housing 20 and a valve arrangement 24.

[0010] The motor housing 20 includes a motor housing wall 30 and an end cap 32, as shown in Fig. 2-4. The motor housing wall 30 extends between a first end 34 of the motor housing and a second end 36 of the motor housing along a first axis 38. The end cap 32 and the motor housing wall 30 define an interior 40 of the motor housing 20. A motor, such as an electric motor, is arranged to be disposed within the interior 40 of the motor housing 20, as shown in Fig. 4 shown.

[0011] At the second end 36 of the motor housing, a cover 42 is arranged, as in Fig. 1. At least one electrical connector may extend from or at least partially through the cover 42, which is operatively connected to the motor housing 20 to provide electrical and signaling connection to the motor disposed within the motor housing.

[0012] With reference to Fig. 2-4, the end cap 32 is disposed at the first end 34 of the motor housing. The end cap 32 defines a projection 50 and at least one retaining ring 52. The projection 50 extends from the end cap 32.

[0013] The projection 50 includes a first portion 60 and a second portion 62. The first portion 60 extends from the end cap 32 along the first axis 38. The first portion 60 defines a first opening 64 that extends along the first axis 38.

[0014] The second portion 62 extends from the end cap 32 along a second axis 66 that is offset from the first axis 38. The second axis 66 is parallel to and radially offset from the first axis 38. The second portion 62 extends from or is operatively connected to the first portion 60. In other words, the second portion 62 extends axially and radially from the first portion 60 with respect to the first axis 38.

[0015] The second portion 62 defines a second opening 68 extending along the second axis 66 between a first end surface 70 of the second portion 62 and a second end surface 72 of the second portion 62. The first end surface 70 may be a planar surface extending above or between end surfaces of the first portion 60 and the second portion 62. The second end surface 72 may be a planar surface opposite the first end surface 70 and disposed within the interior space 40 of the motor housing 20. In at least one embodiment, the second end surface 72 may be a depressed surface or a countersunk surface of the motor housing 20.

[0016] The second portion 62 includes a first retention feature 80 disposed within the second opening 68 and located between the first end surface 70 and the second end surface 72. The first retention feature 80 extends toward the second axis 66. In at least one embodiment, a second retention feature may be axially spaced from the first retention feature 80 along the second axis 66. The second retention feature may be disposed within the second opening 68 and is located proximate the second end surface 72. The second retention feature extends toward the second axis 66. The first retention feature 80 and / or the second retention feature are arranged to engage a portion of the valve assembly 24 to at least partially retain the valve assembly 24 within the second opening 68.

[0017] With reference to Fig. 4, the second portion 62 defines a threaded region 90 extending between the first end surface 70 and the first retention feature 80. The second portion 62 may also define a non-threaded region 92 extending between the first retention feature 80 and the second retention feature. The second portion 62 may further define a second threaded region defined at least partially by the second retention feature and extending from an axial end of the second retention feature and the second end surface 72.

[0018] The second opening 68 of the second portion 62 has a first diameter D1 located between the first end surface 70 and the first retaining feature 80. The second opening 68 of the second portion 62 has a second diameter D2 located between the first retaining feature 80 and the second end surface 72. The second diameter D2 is smaller than the first diameter D1.

[0019] With reference to Fig. 2-4, the at least one retaining ring 52 is disposed at least partially around the projection 50. A second retaining ring 100 is disposed around the at least one retaining ring 52, and a first sealing groove 102 is defined between the at least one retaining ring 52 and the second retaining ring 100. A mounting flange may extend from the motor housing wall 30.

[0020] With reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, a vent 110 may be defined by, disposed on, or disposed within a surface of the end cap 32 of the motor housing 20. The vent 110 is disposed on a surface of the end cap 32 that extends between the projection 50 and the at least one retaining ring 52. The vent 110 is offset from the first opening 64 and the second opening 68. The vent 110 allows portions of the power pack assembly 10 to vent gases or the like to the mechanism housing 22.

[0021] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 4, the mechanism housing 22 is configured to be operatively connected to the end cap 32 of the motor housing 20. The mechanism housing 22 includes a mechanism housing wall 120 extending between a first mechanism housing end 122 and a second mechanism housing end 124 along the first axis 38.

[0022] The first end 122 of the mechanism housing is configured to engage the end cap 32 of the motor housing 20. The first end 122 of the mechanism housing is provided with a tab 126 extending toward the first axis 38 and the projection 50. The tab 126 also engages the end cap 32. The projection 50 of the motor housing 20 extends into an interior of the mechanism housing 22, and the tab 126 is disposed around the projection 50.

[0023] The mechanism housing 22 includes an end wall 130 disposed at the second end 124 of the mechanism housing. The end wall 130 defines an end wall opening 132 extending through the end wall 130. The end wall opening 132 is proximally aligned with the second opening 68 along the second axis 66. A sealing element may be disposed within the end wall opening 132 to seal the end wall opening 132.

[0024] With reference to Fig. 2-4, the valve assembly 24 is arranged to be disposed within the second opening 68 of the second portion 62. The valve assembly 24 is at least partially retained within the second opening 68 by the threaded portion 90 and / or at least one of the first retention features 80 and / or the second retention features. At least a portion of the valve assembly 24 extends at least partially into the interior space 40 of the motor housing 20.

[0025] The valve assembly 24 is disposed within a portion of the power pack assembly 10 to eliminate any potential external leaks through the valve assembly 24. The valve assembly 24 provides a sealing solution that is robust against water, air, dirt, and varying pressure and temperature conditions.

[0026] The valve assembly 24 may be a spring-loaded, mechanically actuated, self-closing valve having a valve body 140 that engages the first retention feature 80 and / or the second retention feature of the second portion 62. A member 142 is movably disposed within the valve body 140 and movable between a closed and an open position. The member 142 may be a spring-loaded member having an end disposed generally flush with the first end surface 70 of the projection 50. The member 142 is biased toward a closed position by a biasing member to prevent foreign objects from entering the interior of the motor housing 20 before and after assembly of the motor housing 20 to the mechanical housing 22 of the power unit assembly 10.

[0027] With reference to Fig. 2, the valve assembly 24, disposed within the second portion 62 of the projection 50 of the motor housing 20, enables a leak test of the motor housing 20 separately from the mechanism housing 22. The element 142 of the valve assembly 24 can be actuated to allow fluid flow into the motor housing 20 so that the motor housing 20 can be tested for leaks. The element 142 of the valve assembly 24 can then be actuated to allow the fluid flow to exit the motor housing 20 after the leak test is completed.

[0028] With reference to Fig.2-4, the valve assembly 24, disposed within the second portion 62 of the boss 50 of the motor housing 20, enables the motor housing 20 to be leak tested while mounted to the mechanical housing 22 so that the power pack assembly 10 can be pressure tested or leak tested as a whole. The end wall opening 132 of the end wall 130 of the mechanical housing 22 serves as a port that allows a device or actuator to pass through the mechanical housing 22 and actuate the element 142 of the valve assembly 24 to allow fluid flow through and into the mechanical housing 22 and into the motor housing 20 to leak test the power pack assembly 10. The element 142 of the valve assembly 24 can then be actuated to allow fluid flow to exit the motor housing 20 upon completion of the leak test.This configuration makes it possible to test the entire assembly 10 for leaks without having to perform a separate leak test on the motor housing 20. Furthermore, in this configuration, other sealing elements within the assembly 10 can also be tested for leaks.

[0029] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Rather, the present disclosure may be modified to include any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, or equivalent arrangements not previously described that are consistent with the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, although various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it should be understood that aspects of the present disclosure may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the present disclosure should not be considered limited by the foregoing description.

Claims

[1] Unit arrangement (10) for a power steering system, comprising: a motor housing (20) having a motor housing wall (30) extending between a first end of the motor housing (20) and a second end of the motor housing (20) along a first axis (38), the motor housing (20) having an end cap (32) disposed at the first end of the motor housing (20), the end cap (32) defining a projection (50) extending from the end cap (32) along the first axis (38), the projection (50) having a first portion (60) defining a first opening (64) extending along the first axis (38) and a second portion (62) extending from the first portion (60), the second portion (62) defining a second opening (68) extending along a second axis (66); and a valve assembly (24) configured to be disposed within the second opening (68), the valve assembly (24) having a selectively movable member (142) including an open position to permit flow of a fluid therethrough before and after a leak test and a closed position to prevent flow of the fluid therethrough during the leak test. [2] The aggregate assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the second axis (66) is arranged parallel to and offset from the first axis (38). [3] The aggregate assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the end cap (32) and the motor housing wall (30) define an interior space (40) of the motor housing (20). [4] Aggregate arrangement (10) according to claim 3, wherein the valve arrangement (24) extends at least partially into the interior space (40). [5] The aggregate assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the second opening (68) extends from a first end surface (70) of the second portion (62) to a second end surface (72) of the second portion (62). [6] The aggregate assembly (10) of claim 5, wherein the second portion (62) includes a retaining feature (80) disposed within the second opening (68). [7] The aggregate assembly (10) of claim 6, wherein the retaining feature (80) is disposed between the first end surface (70) and the second end surface (72). [8] The aggregate assembly (10) of claim 6, wherein the second opening (68) has a first diameter disposed between the first end surface (70) and the retaining feature (80). [9] The aggregate assembly (10) of claim 8, wherein the second opening (68) has a second diameter disposed between the retaining feature (80) and the second end surface (72), the second diameter being smaller than the first diameter. [10] The aggregate assembly (10) of claim 1, further comprising a vent (110) disposed on the end cap (32). [11] The aggregate assembly (10) of claim 10, wherein the vent (110) is disposed between the projection (50) and a first retaining ring extending from the end cap (32). [12] The power pack assembly (10) of claim 1, further comprising a mechanism housing (22) configured to be operatively connected to the motor housing (20), the mechanism housing (22) having a mechanism housing wall (22) extending between a first end of the mechanism housing (22) and a second end of the mechanism housing (22) along the first axis (38), the mechanism housing (22) having an end wall disposed at the second end of the mechanism housing (22), the end wall defining an end wall opening (132). [13] The aggregate assembly (10) of claim 12, wherein the end wall opening (132) is proximally aligned with a second opening (68). [14] Motor housing (20) provided with an assembly (10) for a power steering system, comprising: a motor housing wall (30) extending along a first axis (38) between a first end of the motor housing (20) and a second end of the motor housing (20); and an end cap (32) disposed at the first end of the motor housing (20), the end cap (32) defining a projection (50) having a first portion (60) extending along the first axis (38) and a second portion (62) extending along a second axis (66) offset from the first axis (38), the second portion (62) being configured to receive a valve assembly (24), the valve assembly (24) having a selectively movable member (142) having an open position to permit flow of fluid therethrough before and after a leak test and a closed position to prevent flow of fluid therethrough during the leak test. [15] The motor housing (20) of claim 14, wherein the end cap (32) defines a first retaining ring disposed at least partially around the projection (50). [16] The motor housing (20) of claim 15, wherein the end cap (32) defines a vent (110) disposed between the projection (50) and the retaining ring (52, 100). [17] The motor housing (20) of claim 14, wherein the second portion (62) defines a second opening (68) extending along the second axis (66) between a first end surface (70) of the second portion (62) and a second end surface (72) of the second portion (62). [18] The motor housing (20) of claim 17, wherein the second portion (62) defines a threaded region (90) extending between the first end surface (70) and a first retention feature (80). [19] The motor housing (20) of claim 18, wherein the second portion (62) defines a non-threaded region (92) extending between the first retention feature (80) and a second retention feature disposed proximate the second end surface (72). [20] The motor housing (20) of claim 19, wherein the first retaining feature (80) and / or the second retaining feature engages a portion of the valve assembly (24).

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