BEARING AND STEERING DEVICE WITH THIS BEARING

A bearing with a plastics-containing inner ring and bent outer ring simplifies installation and reduces weight by eliminating the need for diameter expansion and O-rings, addressing complex machining and part count issues in steering devices.

DE102023208488B4Active Publication Date: 2025-07-17HL MANDO CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE102023208488
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2022-09-26
Filing Date
2023-09-04
Publication Date
2025-07-17
Estimated Expiration
2043-09-04

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing bearing assemblies for steering devices require complex machining processes and multiple parts, including the need for expanding the diameter of pillars and using O-rings for fixation, which complicates installation and assembly.

Method used

A bearing with an inner ring made of a plastics-containing material, an outer ring with bent portions and recesses, and a rolling body, designed to simplify installation by using an elastically deformable material that reduces the number of parts and weight, eliminating the need for diameter expansion and O-rings.

Benefits of technology

The bearing simplifies machining processes, reduces the number of parts, and facilitates assembly by using a lightweight, elastically deformable material, thereby enhancing installation efficiency and reducing weight in the steering device.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Warehouse (200), which includes: an inner ring (210) supporting an outer surface of a steering shaft (300) and comprising a plastic-containing material, the bearing (200) being arranged between the steering shaft (300) and an inner column (100); an outer ring (220), wherein at least a portion of an outer surface of the outer ring of the bearing (200) faces an inner surface of an inner column (100), and the inner column (100) covers at least a portion of the steering shaft (300); and a rolling body (230) rotatably arranged between the inner ring (210) and the outer ring (220), wherein a part on one side of the outer ring (220) of the bearing (200) which is supported on one end of the inner column (100) has a shape bent away from the inner ring (210) of the bearing (200), wherein the outer ring (220) of the bearing (200) comprises a plurality of stops (222) spaced apart from one another on one side of the outer ring (220) of the bearing (200), wherein the outer ring (220) of the bearing (200) has a plurality of recesses (221) formed between the plurality of stops (222), characterized by that the remaining part of the outer ring (220) facing the inner surface of the inner column (100) has a buffer part (224) having a smaller outer diameter than another part of the remaining part of the outer ring (220) between the plurality of recesses (221).
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Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a bearing according to the preamble of claim 1 and a steering device according to the preamble of claim 6 incorporating the same, and more particularly to a bearing that can simplify machining processes and reduce the number of parts and the weight of a steering device, and the steering device incorporating the same. BACKGROUND

[0002] A bearing is generally made of metal, and to install the bearing into a column, a process of expanding the diameter of a part of the column and inserting the bearing into the column is required.

[0003] In addition, it is necessary to install O-rings between the bearing and a shaft to fix the installation position of the bearing and ensure smooth coupling with the shaft, and a groove machining process is also required so that these O-rings can be installed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft.

[0004] As described above, the process of assembling the parts for the steering device may require complicated steps and parts for installing and assembling the bearing with a steering device.

[0005] For example, the generic publication DE 10 2020 215 345 A1 describes a bearing and a steering device including this bearing. A bearing is arranged between a steering shaft and an inner column that covers at least part of the steering shaft. The bearing comprises: an inner ring that supports an outer circumference of the steering shaft and that comprises an elastically deformable material, such as a plastic-containing material; an outer ring, at least a part of which faces an inner circumference of the inner column; and a rolling element that is rotatably arranged between the inner ring and the outer ring.

[0006] Further examples of bearings and steering devices are known from the publications US 2016 / 0 032 975 A1, KR 10 2 106 012 B1, and JP 2006- 312 965 A. DEMOLITION

[0007] The object is to provide a bearing that can simplify machining processes and reduce the number of parts, as well as a steering device that includes a bearing. This object is achieved by the features of the independent patent claims.

[0008] The invention particularly relates to a bearing for supporting the rotation between a steering shaft and an inner column surrounding at least a portion of the steering shaft, comprising an inner ring supporting an outer circumference of the steering shaft and formed from a plastics-containing material, an outer ring, at least a portion of which faces an inner circumference of the inner column, and a rolling body arranged between the inner ring and the outer ring.

[0009] A region on one side of the outer ring is bent in a direction away from the inner ring and rests on one end of the inner column.

[0010] The outer ring includes a plurality of stops spaced apart from one another in an area on one side of the outer ring.

[0011] The outer ring further includes a plurality of recesses formed between the plurality of stops.

[0012] The inner ring may have a lubrication groove recessed in a portion of the inner peripheral surface of the inner ring to store lubricating grease.

[0013] A region on the other side of the outer ring may have extension projections that project beyond the inner ring in the longitudinal direction of the inner column.

[0014] The outer ring may have an outer ring support groove shaped to receive a portion of the rolling element.

[0015] The inner ring may have an inner ring support groove configured to receive another part of the rolling element.

[0016] A steering device according to the invention comprises: a steering shaft; an inner column receiving at least a part of the steering shaft therein; and a bearing, at least a part of which is arranged between the steering shaft and the inner column and which contains an elastically deformable material.

[0017] The inner column can run parallel to the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft.

[0018] The bearing includes: an inner ring arranged to face the steering shaft; an outer ring arranged to face an inner peripheral surface of the inner column; and a rolling element arranged between the inner ring and the outer ring.

[0019] A lubrication groove may be recessed on an inner peripheral surface of the inner ring to store lubricating grease.

[0020] A plurality of recesses are formed in a region of the outer ring in a direction parallel to the center axis of the outer ring, and the plurality of recesses are spaced apart from each other along a circumferential direction of the outer ring.

[0021] A portion between the plurality of recesses may be bent toward the outer circumferential direction of the outer ring and supported on the side of one end of the inner column.

[0022] The remaining area between the plurality of recesses may be arranged to face the inner peripheral surface of the inner column.

[0023] The outer ring, which is supported on the side of one end of the inner column, may protrude in the outer circumferential direction of the inner column.

[0024] In another region of the outer ring facing the inner circumference of the inner column, a buffer part having a smaller outer diameter than the remaining region between the plurality of recesses is formed.

[0025] The steering device described above may further comprise an outer column into which at least a part of the inner column is inserted; a feedback actuator that assists and supplies the steering force transmitted to the steering shaft; a housing in which the feedback actuator is arranged; and a flange arranged outside one side of the inner column and connected to the housing to provide an installation area of the feedback actuator.

[0026] A bent portion of the outer ring supporting the side of one end of the inner column may extend toward the flange.

[0027] At least one of the inner ring, outer ring and rolling element can be made of a plastic-containing material. BENEFICIAL EFFECTS

[0028] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a bearing and a steering device incorporating the same can simplify methods for installing and assembling the bearing and reduce the number of parts of the bearing.

[0029] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more components of a bearing may be formed from an elastically deformable material, such as a plastic, thereby effectively reducing the weight of the bearing and the steering device incorporating it. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a steering device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of part A of the Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of part B of the Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a bearing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 5 is a partial perspective view showing a bearing mounted with a steering device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily practice the present disclosure. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and are not limited to those set forth herein.

[0031] Please note that the drawings are schematic and not drawn to scale. The relative dimensions and proportions of parts of the drawings have been exaggerated or reduced in size for clarity and convenience; these dimensions are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to be limiting. In addition, like structures, elements, or parts shown in two or more drawings are designated by the same reference numerals, which are used to identify similar features.

[0032] The embodiments of the present disclosure particularly represent ideal embodiments of the present disclosure. Consequently, various variations of the figures are to be expected. Accordingly, the embodiments are not limited to particular shapes of the illustrated regions and may, for example, also include changes in shape due to manufacturing.

[0033] A bearing 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to 4.

[0034] As in Fig. 1, the bearing 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be installed in a steering device 101 having a steering shaft 300 and an inner column 100. However, the bearing 200 is not limited to being mounted in a specific location. The bearing 200 can support rotation between the steering shaft 300 and the inner column 100.

[0035] As in the Fig. 2 to 4, the bearing 200 comprises an inner ring 210, an outer ring 220 and a rolling element 230.

[0036] The inner ring 210 supports an outer periphery of the steering shaft 300. In particular, the inner ring 210 may have a cavity or a hollow center to accommodate or support the steering shaft 300 to be inserted therein. The inner periphery of the inner ring 210 is arranged to face the outer periphery of the steering shaft 300.

[0037] The inner ring 210 is formed, but not exclusively, from a plastic-containing material or another flexible or elastically deformable material. Therefore, the inner ring 210 can be elastically deformed by an external force acting on it during assembly of the steering device 101.

[0038] At least a portion of the outer ring 220 is arranged to face the inner periphery of the inner column 100. In particular, at least a portion of the outer periphery of the outer ring 220 may be arranged to face the inner periphery of the inner column 100. Furthermore, the outer ring 220 may be positioned or arranged closer to the inner column 100 than the inner ring 210.

[0039] The rolling element 230 is rollably or rotatably disposed between the inner ring 210 and the outer ring 220 to support rotation between the rolling element 230 and the inner ring 210. In particular, the rolling element 230 may be spherically or cylindrically shaped to support relative rotational movement between the inner ring 210 and the outer ring 220.

[0040] Since the inner ring 210 of the bearing 200 contains plastic, this configuration makes it possible to facilitate the coupling between the inner column 100 and the steering shaft 300 of the steering device 101. In other words, the bearing 200 comprises an elastically deformable material and can therefore be easily coupled to the steering shaft 300 and the inner column 100.

[0041] In addition, a portion on one side of the outer ring 220 is bent in a direction away from the inner ring 210.

[0042] A part formed on one side of the outer ring 220 has a shape that is bent in a direction away from the outer circumferential direction of the inner ring 210 (e.g., an outwardly projecting protrusion).

[0043] Furthermore, the curved shape part formed on one side of the outer ring 220 is supported by or in contact with one end of the inner column 100. The outer ring 220 includes a plurality of stoppers 222 spaced apart from each other and curved in an outer circumferential direction.

[0044] That is, the plurality of stops 222 may allow the outer ring 220 to be firmly supported or held at one end of the inner column 100.

[0045] Accordingly, the bearing 200 can effectively and stably support the rotation between the inner column 100 and the steering shaft 300 (e.g., the rotation of the steering shaft 300 with respect to the steering shaft 300) without changing its position.

[0046] Furthermore, with the plurality of stoppers 222 included in the bearing 200, the bearing 200 can be effectively installed into the inner column 100 without expanding or enlarging the diameter of the inner column 100 for the installation space of the bearing 200, and its installation position can be supported by the inner column 100.

[0047] The outer ring 220 further includes a plurality of recesses 221. The plurality of recesses 221 are formed between the plurality of stops 222 of the bearing 200.

[0048] The recesses 221 may be provided on one side of the outer ring 220. The recesses 221 may be shaped such that the outer ring 220 may have an open end, and they may be formed along a direction of the outer ring 220. For example, the recesses 221 may be formed in the longitudinal direction (e.g., an axial direction) of the outer ring 220 (in a direction parallel to the longitudinal or axial direction of the inner column 100).

[0049] Furthermore, the outer ring 220 may have a plurality of recesses 221, and the plurality of recesses 221 may be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the outer ring 220. That is, the recesses 221 may be formed in a direction parallel or coaxial with the central axis of the outer ring 220, and the plurality of recesses 221 may be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the outer ring 220. The plurality of recesses 221 may be radially spaced apart from each other on the outer ring 220.

[0050] A member formed on one side of the outer ring 220, in which the plurality of recesses 221 are formed, is bent and supported on or by one end of the inner column 100. That is, the stoppers 222 may be formed on or on one side of the outer ring 220 in which the recesses 221 are formed so as to be spaced apart from each other.

[0051] The remaining part (which is not bent) formed on one side of the outer ring 220 with the plurality of recesses 221 is arranged to face the inner column 100. Specifically, the remaining part (which is not bent) of one side of the outer ring 220 is adjacent to the plurality of stoppers 222 and is arranged to face the inner peripheral surface of the inner column 100.

[0052] Therefore, since the plurality of recesses 221 are formed between the plurality of stoppers 222 of the bearing 200, it is possible to prevent deformation of the outer ring 220 when the stoppers 222 are bent and to provide a space that allows elastic deformation of the outer ring 220 through the plurality of recesses 221. Accordingly, this space formed by the plurality of recesses 221 can allow elastic deformation of the bearing 200 when the bearing 200 is assembled with other components of the steering device 101, thereby facilitating the assembly of the steering device 101. That is, the plurality of recesses 221 can provide a space that allows the plurality of stoppers 222 to be deformed in the circumferential direction.

[0053] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner ring 210 may have a groove 211 for lubrication, as shown in the Fig. 2 to 4.

[0054] The lubrication groove 211 may be formed to be recessed in a portion of the inner peripheral surface of the inner ring 210 to store a lubricant such as grease between the steering shaft 300 and the inner ring 210.

[0055] The lubrication groove 211 may be formed on a part of the inner peripheral surface of the inner ring 210 so that the other part of the inner peripheral surface of the inner ring 210 can maintain contact with the steering shaft 300 and effectively assist the rotation of the steering shaft 300. Specifically, the lubrication groove 211 may be shaped to be recessed along the circumferential direction of the inner ring 210.

[0056] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the lubrication groove 211 capable of storing grease in the inner ring 210 of the bearing 200, instead of a component such as an O-ring provided to maintain the contact force between the bearing and the steering shaft, can effectively maintain the rotation transmission between the inner ring 210 and the steering shaft 300 and effectively prevent damage due to breakage of the bearing 200.

[0057] Furthermore, an embodiment of the present disclosure can eliminate the need for machining an installation groove on the surface of the steering shaft for installing the above-mentioned O-ring by using the bearing 200.

[0058] The outer ring 220 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include extension projections 223.

[0059] The extension projections 223 may protrude beyond the inner ring 210 on the other side of the outer ring 220, which is arranged between the inner column 100 and the steering shaft 300. Specifically, the extension projections 223 of the outer ring 220 may extend further than one end of the inner ring 210 in an axial direction on the other side of the outer ring 220, which is opposite to a side of the outer ring 220 on which the recesses 221 and the stoppers 222 are formed.

[0060] The extension protrusions 223 may extend from the other side of the outer ring 220. In particular, the extension protrusions 223 may protrude and extend from the other side of the outer ring 220 and be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the outer ring 220.

[0061] In particular, the extension projections 223, as shown in the Fig. 2 to 4, extend outward and protrude in the outer circumferential direction of the outer ring 220, so that a part of the other side of the outer ring 220 is inclined.

[0062] Accordingly, the outer peripheral surface of the extension protrusions 223 can press and support the inner peripheral surface of the inner column 100. That is, the extension protrusions 223 can effectively maintain the contact between the inner column 100 and the bearing 200.

[0063] The plurality of spaced-apart extension projections 223 can be deformed and joined together when the outer ring 220 is assembled with the inner column 100, and can effectively maintain contact with the inner peripheral surface of the inner column 100.

[0064] The outer ring 220 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an outer ring support groove 225.

[0065] The outer ring support groove 225 may be concavely shaped to receive a portion of the rolling element 230. Specifically, the outer ring support groove 225 may be concavely formed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring 220 to receive a portion of the rolling element 230 and allow rotation of the rolling element 230 therein. That is, the outer ring support groove 225 may provide a movement space for the rolling element 230, allowing the rolling element 230 to rotate in the outer ring support groove 225.

[0066] The inner ring 210 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an inner ring support groove 212.

[0067] The inner ring support groove 212 may be shaped to receive another portion of the rolling element 230. Furthermore, the inner ring support groove 212 may provide a movement space for the rolling element 230 so that the rolling element 230 may be rotatable in the inner ring support groove 212.

[0068] The outer ring support groove 225 and the inner ring support groove 212 may be shaped such that the rolling element 230 cannot be separated from the inner ring 210 and the outer ring 220.

[0069] The outer ring 220 of the bearing 200 includes a buffer part 224, as shown in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shown.

[0070] The buffer part 224 is formed on the outer ring 220 where the recesses 221 are not formed. Furthermore, the buffer part 224 is formed between one side and the other of the outer ring 220 to have a smaller outer diameter than the remaining part in which the recesses 221 of the outer ring 220 are formed, and is arranged to face the inner periphery of the inner column 100.

[0071] The buffer member 224 may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring 220, spaced from the recesses 221. Furthermore, the buffer member 224 may have a smaller outer diameter than the inner diameter of the inner column 100 to facilitate the assembly of the inner side of the inner column 100 and the front surface of the outer ring 220 when they come into contact with each other.

[0072] Specifically, the buffer part 224 may be formed to be recessed into a part of the outer ring 220 where the recesses 221 are not formed. The buffer part 224 may be spaced apart from the inner peripheral surface of the inner column 100 and may provide a space that allows the other part of the outer ring 220 to press against the inner peripheral surface of the inner column 100 or allows the bearing 200 to be deformable when the bearing 200 is inserted into the inner column 100. That is, the buffer part 224 may provide a space in which the bearing 200 can be elastically deformed.

[0073] As in Fig. 3, for example, the central part of the outer ring 220 in which the buffer part 224 is formed may be shaped to have a greater thickness than one side of the outer ring 220 in which the stoppers 222 are formed or the other side of the outer ring in which the extension projections 223 are formed.

[0074] The center of the buffer portion 224 may be located closer to an end of the inner column 100 than the center of the lubrication groove 211 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0075] The center of the buffer part 224, which has the smallest outer diameter on the outer surface of the outer ring 220, may be located closer to one end of the inner column 100 than the center of the lubrication groove 211, which has the largest inner diameter on the inner surface of the inner ring 210.

[0076] The rolling body 230 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be arranged between a region closer to an end of the inner column 100 within the buffer part 224 and a region farther from an end of the inner column 100 within the lubrication groove 211.

[0077] As in Fig. 3, the rolling body 230 may be disposed between a region closer to an end of the inner column 100 within the buffer portion 224 formed on the outer ring 220 and a region farther from an end of the inner column 100 within the lubrication groove 211.

[0078] Therefore, the rolling body 230 allows the inner ring 210 to effectively maintain contact with the steering shaft 300 and allows the outer ring 220 to be effectively supported on the inner column 100 to effectively support the relative rotation between the inner ring 210 and the outer ring 220.

[0079] At least one of the inner ring 210, the outer ring 220 and the rolling element 230 of the bearing 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be made, for example but not exclusively, from a plastic-containing material.

[0080] The plastic bearing 200 can reduce the weight compared to a metallic bearing and effectively reduce the complexity of a process associated with installing the bearing 200 compared to a process of assembling a metallic bearing.

[0081] For example, the inner ring 210, the outer ring 220 and the rolling element 230 of the bearing 200 may be made of a plastic-containing material, thereby reducing the weight of the bearing 200.

[0082] With this configuration, the bearing 200 can be incorporated into the steering device 101 with a reduced weight according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] Furthermore, the bearing 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may not require a process of expanding or increasing the diameter of the inner column for installation of the bearing.

[0084] Since the bearing 200 is supported at one end of the inner column 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the inner column 100 moves in the longitudinal or axial direction, the bearing 200 can be prevented from being displaced from the installed position and the assembly of the bearing 200 into the inner column 100 is facilitated.

[0085] Next, a steering device 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to 5.

[0086] As in Fig. 1, a steering device 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a steering shaft 300, an inner column 100, and a bearing 200.

[0087] The steering shaft 300 can transmit steering force so that the direction of the wheels of a vehicle can be controlled based on steering information, inputs, or manipulations of the driver operating a steering wheel.

[0088] At least a part of the steering shaft 300 is inserted into the inner column 100.

[0089] At least a portion of the bearing 200 is disposed between the steering shaft 300 and the inner column 100. Furthermore, the bearing 200 comprises an elastically deformable material. In particular, the bearing 200 may have an elastic force that can be recovered after deformation in response to a specific external force.

[0090] In the steering device 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to facilitate the assembly of the bearing 200 with the steering device 101 because the bearing 200 includes an elastically deformable material.

[0091] The bearing 200 of the steering device 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may have the same configuration as the bearing 200 of the above-described embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] In addition, the inner column 100 of the steering device 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft 300 or coaxial with the steering shaft 300.

[0093] The inner column 100 may have a constant inner diameter and be arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft 300 or coaxial with the steering shaft 300. In particular, the bearing 200 of the steering device 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be elastically deformed and therefore does not require a diameter-expanded portion for installing the bearing into the inner column or a process for creating an installation area.

[0094] The steering device 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an outer column 400, a feedback actuator 500, a housing 600, and a flange 610.

[0095] The outer column 400 can slidably support the inner column 100. Furthermore, at least a portion of the inner columns 100 can be inserted into the outer column 400. That is, the inner column 100 can be moved by the outer column 400 in an expansion or contraction direction.

[0096] The feedback actuator 500 can provide power or auxiliary torque to assist the steering force transmitted to the steering shaft 300. In particular, the feedback actuator 500 can assist and provide the steering force according to the current vehicle speed or the steering angle information provided or input by the driver so that the vehicle can be steered.

[0097] The feedback actuator 500 may be housed in the housing 600. The housing 600 may, for example, support a motor of the feedback actuator 500 and be installed to transmit power between the motor of the feedback actuator 500 and the steering shaft 300.

[0098] The flange 610 may be connected to the housing 600 and form an installation area or space for the feedback actuator 500. The flange 610 may be located outside one side of the inner column 100. In particular, the flange 610 may provide an installation space for gears inside the housing 600 and may be installed after the gear installation is complete.

[0099] Furthermore, a flange bore 611 may be formed in the flange 610, through which the inner column 100 and the steering shaft 300 protruding from the interior of the inner column 100 can be passed. One end of the inner column 100 can be inserted into the flange bore 611 of the flange 610 and supported there.

[0100] For example, one end of the inner column 100 may be arranged or positioned near the feedback actuator 500, and the other end of the inner column 100 may be arranged or positioned within the outer column 400.

[0101] In addition, as described in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 5, a bent portion of the outer ring 220 may extend toward the flange 610 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0102] The stops 222 formed by the bent portion of the outer ring 220 may support one end of the inner column 100, and one end of the stops 222 may extend toward the flange 610. Specifically, one end of each stop 222 may be passed through the flange bore 611 of the flange 610 to be disposed within the flange 610. The outer diameter of the other side of the outer ring 220 connecting one end of each of the plurality of bent stops 222 may be larger than the inner diameter of the flange bore 611 of the flange 610.

[0103] In this way, one end of each of the stops 222 can be effectively and stably supported not only on the side of one end of the inner column 100 but also on the flange 610.

[0104] The steering shaft 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an inner shaft 310 and an outer shaft 320.

[0105] One side of the inner shaft 310 may be connected directly or indirectly to the steering wheel. Furthermore, the inner shaft 310 may receive the steering force provided by the feedback actuator 500. In particular, one side of the inner shaft 310 may be arranged to extend through the housing 600.

[0106] At least a portion of the inner shaft 310 may be arranged to be inserted into the outer shaft 320. The outer shaft 320 may support the inner shaft 310 in an extendable or contractible manner and may be shaped to receive the rotational force of the inner shaft 310.

[0107] The steering device 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a torsion bar 700.

[0108] The torsion bar 700 may be installed inside the inner shaft 310 to detect the rotational force of the inner shaft 310.

[0109] In particular, the steering shaft 300 supported by the bearing 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be located in a region outside the inner shaft 310 in which the torsion bar 700 is installed.

[0110] With this configuration, in the steering device 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to efficiently install the bearing 200 in the inner column 100 because the bearing 200 is formed from a plastic material and can be elastically deformed.

[0111] The bearing 200 made of a plastic-containing material can reduce the weight of the steering device 101 compared to a metal bearing.

[0112] Furthermore, the steering device 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be easily assembled with the inner column 100 and the steering shaft 300, thereby eliminating a process of expanding or enlarging the diameter of the inner column for installing the bearing and reducing the number of parts such as O-rings, etc., for installation.

[0113] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can understand that the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features.

[0114] Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is defined not by the detailed description, but by the appended claims and their equivalents, and the meaning and scope of the claims, as well as all changes or modifications arising from their equivalents, should be construed as being included within the scope of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE MAIN ELEMENTS 100 interior column 101 Steering device 200 warehouses 210 inner ring 211 Lubrication groove 212 inner ring support groove 220 outer ring 221 recesses 222 characters 223 extension projections 224 Buffer part 225 Support groove of the outer ring 230 rolling elements 300 steering shaft 400 external column 500 feedback actuator 600 housings 610 flange

Claims

[1] Warehouse (200), which includes: an inner ring (210) supporting an outer surface of a steering shaft (300) and comprising a plastic-containing material, the bearing (200) being arranged between the steering shaft (300) and an inner column (100); an outer ring (220), wherein at least a portion of an outer surface of the outer ring of the bearing (200) faces an inner surface of an inner column (100), and the inner column (100) covers at least a portion of the steering shaft (300); and a rolling body (230) rotatably arranged between the inner ring (210) and the outer ring (220), wherein a part on one side of the outer ring (220) of the bearing (200) which is supported on one end of the inner column (100) has a shape bent away from the inner ring (210) of the bearing (200), wherein the outer ring (220) of the bearing (200) comprises a plurality of stops (222) spaced apart from one another on one side of the outer ring (220) of the bearing (200), wherein the outer ring (220) of the bearing (200) has a plurality of recesses (221) formed between the plurality of stops (222), characterized by , that the remaining part of the outer ring (220) facing the inner surface of the inner column (100) has a buffer part (224) having a smaller outer diameter than another part of the remaining part of the outer ring (220) between the plurality of recesses (221). [2] Bearing (200) according to claim 1, wherein the inner ring (210) of the bearing (200) has a groove (211) recessed from the inner surface of the inner ring (210) to provide a space for lubricant. [3] The bearing (200) according to claim 1, wherein a part on another side of the outer ring (220) of the bearing (200) has projections (223) projecting further than the inner ring (210) in an axial direction of the inner column (100). [4] Bearing (200) according to claim 1, wherein the outer ring (220) of the bearing (200) has an outer ring support groove (225) which is designed to receive a part of the rolling body (230). [5] Bearing (200) according to claim 4, wherein the inner ring (210) of the bearing (200) has an inner ring support groove (212) which is designed to receive another part of the rolling body (230). [6] Steering device (101) comprising: a steering shaft (300); an inner column (100) which receives at least a portion of the steering shaft (300) in the inner column (100); and a bearing (200) comprising an elastically deformable material, wherein at least a part of the bearing (200) is arranged between the steering shaft (300) and the inner column (100), wherein the bearing (200) comprises: an inner ring (210) facing an outer surface of the steering shaft (300), an outer ring (220) facing an inner surface of the inner column (100); and a rolling body (230) rotatably arranged between the inner ring (210) and the outer ring (220), wherein the outer ring (220) of the bearing (200) has a plurality of recesses (221) formed in a direction parallel to a central axis of the outer ring (220) of the bearing (200), and the plurality of recesses (221) are spaced apart from one another along a circumferential direction of the outer ring (220) of the bearing (200), characterized by , that the remaining part of the outer ring (220) facing the inner surface of the inner column (100) has a buffer part (224) having a smaller outer diameter than another part of the remaining part of the outer ring (220) between the plurality of recesses (221). [7] The steering device according to claim 6, wherein the inner ring (210) has a groove (211) formed to be recessed from an inner surface of the inner ring (210) of the bearing (200) to provide a space for lubricant. [8] The steering device according to claim 6, wherein a part of the outer ring (220) is bent outward between the plurality of recesses (221) and supported at one end of the inner column (100). [9] Steering device according to claim 8, further comprising: an outer column (400) into which at least a part of the inner column (100) is inserted; a feedback actuator (500) configured to generate a force that is transmitted to the steering shaft (300); a housing (600) accommodating the feedback actuator (500); and a flange (610) disposed outside the inner column (100) and connected to the housing (600) to form a space for receiving the feedback actuator (500). [10] The steering device according to claim 9, wherein the bent part of the outer ring (220) of the bearing (200) supporting the one end of the inner column (100) extends toward the flange (610).

Citation Information

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