Bearing for steering assembly

Abstract

To provide a bearing capable of inhibiting rattling between a worm gear and a worm wheel.SOLUTION: A bearing to be disposed between a housing and a rotating member includes at least one leaf spring element that provides a biasing force in a Y direction. The bearing has a first stiffness in the Y direction and a second stiffness in an X direction perpendicular to the Y direction, where the second stiffness is equal to or greater than the first stiffness. The bearing includes a metal substrate, and a low friction layer overlying at least one surface of the metal substrate and adapted to contact the rotating member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD This disclosure is directed to bearings and bearing assemblies, and in particular to steering assemblies. [Background technology]

[0002] Many vehicles use steering wheels to convert motion from the steering wheel to the wheels turning on the road. In some cases, the steering assembly is used to steer the vehicle. A power assist system for providing better vehicle performance by providing torque assist. To assist in this function, a power steering assembly is often used. The assist steering assembly is operatively connected to the electric motor. Worm gear and worm to transmit torque to the steering column or output shaft These assemblies incorporate foam wheels. When turning the steering wheel to the left or right, if there is a rattle between the worm gear and the worm wheel, This is a problem that is of particular concern to drivers. If the teeth do not always mesh correctly, noise is generated that can be heard by the driver. Inaccurate engagement can be caused by manufacturing tolerances, thermal changes in dimensions, distortion due to torsional loads, and wear during use. Therefore, there is a continuing need for improvements in steering assemblies in the industry. It is said that.

[0003] The present disclosure may be better understood by those skilled in the art by reference to the accompanying drawings, many of which are incorporated herein by reference. The features and advantages of the present invention may become apparent. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0004] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 includes a step-by-step manufacturing process. [Figure 2A] 1 is an illustration of materials that may be formed into a bearing, according to several embodiments. [Figure 2B] 1 is an illustration of a composite material that may be formed into a bearing, according to several embodiments. [Figure 2C] 1 is an illustration of a composite material that may be formed into a bearing, according to several embodiments. [Figure 2D] 1 is an illustration of a composite material that may be formed into a bearing, according to several embodiments. [Figure 2E] 1 is an illustration of a composite material that may be formed into a bearing, according to several embodiments. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a bearing according to several embodiments. [Figure 3B] FIG. 13 is an end view of a bearing within an assembly, according to several embodiments. [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a bearing according to several embodiments. [Figure 4B] FIG. 13 is an end view of a bearing within an assembly, according to several embodiments. [Figure 5A] 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a bearing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure for use in a steering assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 5B] 1 is a cross-sectional plan view of a bearing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure used in an exemplary steering assembly according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0005] The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items. Give instructions.

[0006] The following description, in conjunction with the figures, is provided to aid in understanding the teachings disclosed herein. The following description will focus on specific implementations and examples of the teachings. The refinements in the above are provided to assist in explaining the teachings and are not intended to limit the scope or applicability of the teachings. This should not be construed as a limitation on the possibilities, however, based on the teachings disclosed. Other embodiments may be used.

[0007] As used herein, "comprises" and "having" rising, including, containing, has, having The term "marketing" or other variations are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a method, article, or apparatus that has a list of functions does not necessarily However, the present disclosure does not limit the scope of the present disclosure to any other functions not specifically recited, or any such methods, articles, or may include features inherent in the device. Unless otherwise stated, "or" refers to an inclusive or rather than an exclusive or. For example, "A or B "The condition is that A is true (or exists) and B is false (or exists)." A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists). is satisfied by A being true (or existing) and by both A and B being true (or existing). do.

[0008] Also, "a" or "an" refers to any element or configuration described in this specification. are employed to describe the elements. This is merely for convenience and is not intended to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. This description is meant to give a "one" unless otherwise stated. "at least one" or "inclusive of the singular" should be read to include the plural, and vice versa. The same is true for the above. For example, when one item is described in this specification, Similarly, when multiple items are described herein, One item can stand in for multiple items.

[0009] All technical and scientific terms used herein are understood to be within the meaning of the appended claims unless otherwise defined. The terms have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. The methods and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting. In the present specification, many of the details regarding the specific materials and processing procedures are conventional and may vary from one bearing assembly to another. can be found in textbooks and other sources within the art of steering assemblies.

[0010] For purposes of illustration, FIG. 1 includes a diagram showing a step-by-step manufacturing process 10 for forming a bearing. The forming process 10 includes a first step 12 of providing a composite material including a material or substrate. The forming process 10 processes the ends of a material or composite to form a bearing. A second step 14 may further be included.

[0011] FIG. 2A illustrates a first step 12 of the forming process 10, a material 100 that can be formed into a bearing. 0. The bearing can include a substrate 119. In one embodiment, the substrate 119 is made of a low-metal According to a particular embodiment, the metal may be iron, copper, titanium, The metal may include tin, aluminum, alloys thereof, or another type of metal. The substrate 119 may at least partially comprise steel, such as stainless steel, carbon steel, or spring steel. For example, the substrate 119 can be at least partially comprised of stainless steel. Stainless steel may be annealed to 1 / 4 hard, 1 / 2 hard, 3 / 4 hard, or hard. Additionally, steel includes stainless steels containing chromium, nickel, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the substrate 119 may be a woven mesh or an expanded metal grid. The mesh fabric or expanded metal grid may be made of aluminum, steel, stainless steel, or The mesh fabric may comprise a metal or alloy such as stainless steel, bronze, etc. Alternatively, the mesh fabric may comprise a polymer In an alternative embodiment, substrate 119 does not include a mesh or grid. Furthermore, the base material 119 may have a Vickers Pyramid number hardness (VPN: V Wickers pyramid number hardness) is ≧375, ≧4 The VPN may also be ≦500, ≦425, or ≧450. The VPN may also be within the range of VPN values ​​described herein. In another aspect, the substrate 119 is In particular, the substrate 119 may be passivated. For example, the substrate 119 may be The substrate 119 may be passivated in accordance with ASTM standard A967. by at least one of the following: rolling, forging, extrusion, molding, sintering, rolling, or casting. It can be formed.

[0012] The thickness Ts of the base material 119 is about 50 microns to about 1000 microns, about 100 microns to about About 750 microns, about 350 microns to about 650 microns, about 10 microns to about 15 00 microns. In some embodiments, the substrate 119 is approximately 700-800 microns. In some embodiments, the substrate 119 may have a thickness Ts of about 950 to 1050 microns. The thickness Ts of the substrate 119 may be within the minimum and maximum values ​​mentioned above. It will be further understood that the thickness of the substrate 119 may be any value between 100 and 150 mm. That is, the thickness of the substrate 119 at a first location is different from the thickness at a second location along the substrate. The thickness of the substrate 119 may be non-uniform, i.e., the thickness of the substrate 119 may be equal to or greater than the thickness of the substrate 119. The thickness at one location may be different from the thickness at a second location.

[0013] FIG. 2B illustrates a first step 12 of the forming process 10 of a composite material 1 that may be formed into a bearing. 001, where composite material 1001 is a substitute for material 1000. FIG. 2B shows the layer-by-layer construction of the composite material 1001 of the bearing. In some embodiments, the composite material The material 1001 is attached to or overlaps the substrate 119 (described above). In a further specific embodiment, the composite material 1001 may include a substrate 1002 and a low friction layer 104. 119 and a plurality of low friction layers 104 overlying the substrate 119. As shown in FIG. Thus, the low friction layer 104 can be bonded to at least a portion of the substrate 119. The low friction layer 104 is formed on the surface of the substrate 119 so as to form an interface with another surface of another component. The low friction layer 104 may be bonded to the radially inner surface of the substrate 119. Alternatively, the low friction layer 104 may be bonded to a radially outer surface of the substrate 119. do.

[0014] In some embodiments, the low friction layer 104 can include a low friction material. For example, polyketone, polyaramid, polyphenylene sulfide, polyethersulfone , polyphenylene sulfone, polyamide-imide, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, fluoropoly mer, polybenzimidazole, polyacetal, polybutylene terephthalate (PB T), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (Pi), polyether ether Mido, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyethylene (PE), polysulfone , polyamide (PA), polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyurethane, polyester, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), or any combination thereof. In one example, the low friction layer 104 may comprise a polymer. EK), Polyether ketone, Polyether ketone ketone, Polyether ketone Polyketones, such as ethers, ketones, their derivatives, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the low friction layer 104 may include ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. The low friction layer 104 is made of fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polytetrafluoroethylene Polyvinylidene fluoride (PTFE), Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), Perfluoroalkoxy Polyfluoroethylene (PFA), terpolymers of tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene, and and polyvinylidene fluoride (THV), polytrifluoromonochloroethylene (PCTFE), ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE), or ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene The low friction layer 1 may include a fluoropolymer, including ethylene-co-ethylene (ECTFE). 04 is lithium soap, graphite, boron nitride, molybdenum disulfide, tungsten disulfide Stainless steel, polytetrafluoroethylene, carbonitride, tungsten carbide, or diamond Diamond-like carbon, metals (aluminum, zinc, copper, magnesium, tin, titanium, tungsten Iron, bronze, steel, spring steel, stainless steel, etc.), alloys (including those metals listed), cations Solid base materials containing anodized metals (including those listed) or any combination thereof. According to certain embodiments, fluoropolymers may be used. In one embodiment, low friction Layer 104 may include a woven mesh or an expanded metal grid. Expanded metal grids are made of metals or alloys such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, bronze, etc. Alternatively, the woven mesh may be a polymeric woven mesh. In an embodiment, low friction layer 104 may not include a mesh or grid.

[0015] In some embodiments, the low friction layer 104 may be made of glass, carbon fiber, silicone, PEEK, Aromatic polyester, carbon particles, bronze, fluoropolymer, thermoplastic filler, alumina oxide Aluminum, polyamide-imide (PAI), PPS, polyphenylene sulfone (PPS O2), LCP, molybdenum disulfide, tungsten disulfide, graphite, graphene, Fillers containing expanded graphite, boron nitride, talc, calcium fluoride, or any combination thereof The filler may further include alumina, silica, titanium dioxide, calcium fluoride, etc. Calcium, boron nitride, mica, wollastonite, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, zirconia Fillers may include cellulose acetate, carbon black, pigments, or any combination thereof. The filling may be in the form of beads, fibers, powder, mesh, or any combination thereof. The agent may be at least 15 wt%, 20 wt%, 25 wt%, or even 3 wt% of the total weight of the low friction layer. 0 wt%, or at least 10 wt% would be fine.

[0016] In some embodiments, the low friction layer 104 can include a vibration damping material. Isoprene, synthetic polyisoprene, polybutadiene, chloroprene rubber, butyl rubber , styrene-butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, ethylene-propylene rubber, epitaxial Polyoxyethylene rubber, polyacrylic rubber, silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber Fluoro elastomers, perfluoro elastomers, polyether block amides, Bitumen, polyethylene, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, ethyl vinyl acetate (EV A) EVA foam, low density polyethylene foam, nitrile rubber foam, polychloroprene foam Polyethylene foam, polyimide foam, polypropylene foam, polyurethane foam, polystyrene Polyurethane foam, polyvinyl chloride foam, silicone foam, foam rubber, polyurethane foam, XPS foam, epoxy foam, phenolic foam, or any combination thereof. The vibration-damping layer 104 can be made of lithium soap, latex, graphite, nitride, or the like. Iosulfur, molybdenum disulfide, tungsten disulfide, polytetrafluoroethylene, carbon Nitrides, tungsten carbide, or diamond-like carbon, metals (aluminum, zinc, copper, Magnesium, tin, platinum, titanium, tungsten, iron, bronze, steel, spring steel, stainless steel Steel, etc.), alloys (including the metals listed), anodized metals (including the metals listed) or The solid base material may include any combination thereof.

[0017] In one embodiment, the thickness TSL of the low friction layer 104 is between about 10 microns and about 350 microns. About 30 microns to about 300 microns, about 40 microns to about 250 microns, etc. In some embodiments, the low friction layer 104 may be about 50 to about 500 microns thick. The low friction layer 104 may have a thickness TSL of 300 microns. It will be further understood that the thickness of the low friction layer 104 may be any value between the minimum and maximum values ​​set forth above. The thickness may be uniform, i.e., the thickness of the low friction layer 104 at the first location is The thickness of the low friction layer 104 may be non-uniform. i.e., the thickness at a first location is different from the thickness at a second location along the It can be understood that the different low friction layers 104 can have different thicknesses. 04 may overlap one or both of the major surfaces of the substrate 119 as shown. 9 may be at least partially encapsulated by the low friction layer 104. 04 may cover at least a portion of the substrate 119.

[0018] FIG. 2C illustrates a first step 12 of the forming process 10 of a composite material 1 that may be formed into a bearing. 1002, in which composite material 1002 is an alternative to materials 1000 and 1001. To this end, FIG. 2C shows the layer-by-layer construction of the bearing composite 1002. According to this, the composite material 1002 includes at least one layer capable of bonding the low friction layer 104 to the substrate 119. 2B, except that it may also include an adhesive layer 121. In another alternative embodiment, the substrate may be a solid component, a woven mesh, or an expanded metal grid. At least one adhesive layer 119 is included between the low friction layer 104 and the substrate 119. It can be embedded between 21.

[0019] The adhesive layer 121 may be made of, but is not limited to, fluoropolymers, epoxy resins, polyimides, Resins, Polyether / Polyamide Copolymers, Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, Ethylene Tetraethylorthonitrile Perfluoroethylene (ETFE), ETFE copolymer, perfluoroalkoxy (PF A), or any combination thereof. In addition, the adhesive may include -C=O, -COR, -COH, -COOH, -CO OR, -CF2=CF-OR, or any combination thereof R may comprise a cyclic organic group containing 1 to 20 carbon atoms or It is a linear organic group. In addition, the adhesive may include a copolymer.

[0020] The adhesive layer 121 may include carbon fillers, carbon fibers, carbon particles, graphite, or bronze, Metal fillers such as aluminum and other metals, their alloys, or metal oxide fillers , metal coated carbon fillers, metal coated polymer fillers, or any combination thereof. Functional and / or non-functional filler particles may be added.

[0021] In one embodiment, the hot melt adhesive has a melting temperature of 250° C. or less, such as 220° C. or less. In another example, the adhesive may decompose at temperatures above 200°C, such as above 220°C. In a further embodiment, the melting temperature of the hot melt adhesive may be greater than 250° C. The temperature can be higher than 300° C. The thickness TAL of the adhesive layer 121 is about 10 microns to about 5 0 microns, about 20 microns to about 40 microns, about 1 micron to about 80 microns, etc. In some embodiments, adhesive layer 121 has a thickness TAL of about 3 to 20 microns. In some embodiments, adhesive layer 121 may have a thickness TAL of about 10 to 60 microns. The thickness TAL of the adhesive layer 121 may be any value between the minimum and maximum values ​​mentioned above. It will be further appreciated that the thickness of adhesive layer 121 may be uniform, i.e. The thickness of adhesive layer 121 at a first location is equal to the thickness at a second location along the adhesive layer. The thickness of the adhesive layer 121 may be non-uniform, i.e., the thickness of the adhesive layer 121 may be may have a different thickness at a first location along the length than at a second location along the length.

[0022] FIG. 2D illustrates a composite material 10 that may be formed into a bearing in a first step 12 of the forming process 10. 03, in which composite material 1003 is a substitute for materials 1000, 1001, and 1002. For illustrative purposes, FIG. 2D shows a layer-by-layer construction of the bearing composite material 1003. According to an embodiment, the composite material 1003 comprises at least one corrosion protection layer 103 and 105, and an adhesion promoter layer 127 and an epoxy layer 119 that can bond to the substrate 119 and the low friction layer 104. 2C, except that the composite material 100 may also include a corrosion resistant coating layer 125, which may include It may be similar to 2.

[0023] The substrate 119 is treated with a corrosion-resistant coating to prevent corrosion of the composite material 1003 prior to processing. The layer 103 may be coated with a corrosion protection layer 103 and a corrosion protection layer 105 comprising a functional layer. The layers 103, 105, and 107 may each have a thickness of about 7 to 15 microns. The layers 103 and 105 may be of zinc phosphate, iron, malic acid, or the like. or any combination thereof, or a corrosion inhibitor comprising a nanoceramic layer. In addition, layers 103 and 105 can be made of a passivated surface, commercially available zinc ( Corrosion-resistant materials, including mechanical / chemically reactive (electrochemical) coatings or zinc-nickel coatings, or Layer 107 may include any combination of functional silanes, nanoscale silanes, and the like. Orthosilane based primers, hydrolyzed silanes, organosilane adhesion promoters, solvent / water based The corrosion protection layers 103 and 105 may be removed or removed during processing. can be preserved.

[0024] As previously mentioned, the composite material 1003 may further include a corrosion resistant coating 125. The thickness of 25 is about 1 to 50 microns, such as about 5 to 20 microns, about 7 to 15 microns, etc. The corrosion resistant coating 125 may include an adhesion promoter layer 127 and an epoxy layer 129. The adhesion promoter 127 may be zinc phosphate, iron, manganese, tin, or any of these. The adhesion promoter layer 1 may include a corrosion inhibitor, which may include a combination of a nanoceramic layer and a corrosion inhibitor. 27 is a composite of functional silanes, nanoscale silane-based layers, hydrolyzed silanes, and organosilanes. Silane Adhesion Promoters, Solvent / Water Based Silane Primers, Chlorinated Polyolefins, Passivation Surface treated with zinc (mechanical / chemical electrochemical) coating or zinc-nickel The adhesion promoter layer 1 may include a corrosion inhibitor, including a coating, a fluorine-containing coating, or any combination thereof. 27 Spray coating, electroplating, dip and spin coating, electrostatic coating, flow coating, roll coating , knife coating, coil coating, and the like.

[0025] Epoxy layer 129 can be heat cured epoxy, UV cured epoxy, IR cured epoxy, electronic bi The corrosion inhibitor may be a heat-cured epoxy, a radiation-cured epoxy, or an air-cured epoxy. Furthermore, the epoxy layer 129 may be made of polyglycidyl ether, diglycidyl ether, biglycidyl ether, Sphenol A, bisphenol F, oxirane, oxacyclopropane, ethyleneoxy Cid, 1,2-epoxypropane, 2-methyloxirane, 9,10-epoxy-9,1 0-dihydroanthracene, or any combination thereof. The epoxy layer 129 may further include a hardener. The hardener may be an amine, an acid anhydride, or the like. Phenol-novolac-poly[N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)maleimide] (P Phenol-novolac hardeners such as HPMI, resole-phenol-formaldehyde Hydride, aliphatic amine compounds, polycarbonic anhydrides, polyacrylates, isocyanates Cr-based curing agents such as chrome, polyurethane coatings, boron trifluoride amine complexes, and chromium In general, the acid anhydride may comprise an acid anhydride, a polyamide, or any combination thereof. The compound may conform to the chemical formula RC=OOC=O-R', where R is as described above. The amine may be monoethylamine, diethylenetriamine, Aliphatic amines such as triethylenetetraamine, cyclic aliphatic amines, cycloaliphatic amines Alicyclic compounds such as amines, amidoamines, polyamides, dicyandiamide, and imidazole derivatives The amines may include, for example, amines, aromatic amines, or any combination thereof. The amine is a primary amine, secondary amine, or tertiary amine conforming to the chemical formula R1R2R3N. and R can be CXHYXZAU as described above. The layer 129 may be made of carbon filler, carbon fiber, carbon particles, graphite, bronze, aluminum, and other metal fillers and their alloys, metal oxide fillers, metal coated carbon fillers additives for improving electrical conductivity, such as fillers, metal-coated polymer fillers, or any combination thereof; The epoxy coating may contain conductive fillers that allow electrical current to pass through the epoxy coating. The electrical conductivity of the composite material may be improved compared to a composite material without the conductive filler. In examples, the epoxy layer 129 may be spray painted, electrodeposited, dip-spin painted, electrostatically coated, It can be applied by flow coating, roll coating, knife coating, coil coating, etc. The oxidizing layer 129 may be heat cured, UV cured, IR cured, electron beam cured, radiation cured, or any of the above. The curing may be achieved by increasing the temperature of the components, such as the low friction layer 104, the adhesive layer 105, or any combination thereof. Above the decomposition temperature of either the adhesive layer 121, the substrate 119, or the adhesion promoter layer 127, It is preferable that the epoxy be able to achieve this without increasing the temperature to about 200°C. It can be cured at below 50°C, and even below about 200°C.

[0026] FIG. 2E illustrates a composite material 10 that may be formed into a bearing in a first step 12 of the forming process 10. 1004 includes an illustration of an alternative embodiment of composite material 1004 made of materials 1000, 1001, 1002, , and is an alternative to 1003. According to this particular embodiment, composite material 1004 is The composite material 1002 is attached to the substrate 119 by a plurality of adhesive layers 1121, 1121'. 2C, except that the substrate 1102 may include a plurality of low friction layers 1104, 1104' coupled to the substrate 1102. The composite material 1001 shown in FIG. 2D may be similar to the composite material 1000 shown in FIG. Any of the following (i.e., corrosion protection layers 1704, 1705, and 1708, or adhesion promoters) may be used: a corrosion-resistant layer 1125, which may include an accelerator layer 1127 and / or an epoxy layer 1129; It may be included between any of the layers shown in FIG. 2E in any orientation or stacking. can be understood.

[0027] In some embodiments, the material or composite 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004 is a specific thickness T B According to a particular embodiment, the material or composite 1 Thickness T of 000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004 B is at least about 0.1m m, about 0.2 mm, about 0.5 mm, or about 0.8 mm, or even at least about 1.5 mm According to yet another embodiment, the materials or composites 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004 T B The size ranges from about 2 mm to about 1.5 mm or even about 1.0 mm. mm or less. Materials or composite materials 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004 Thickness T B may be in a range between any of the minimum and maximum values ​​mentioned above. It will be understood that the materials or composites 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004 Thickness T B It is further noted that t can be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values ​​mentioned above. It will be understood that the materials or composites 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004 Thickness T B It can also be understood that the thickness of the material or composite 10 may vary along its circumference. Thickness T of 00, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004 B varies along the circumference It may also be understood that the thickness may vary across materials or composites.

[0028] In one embodiment, following step 12 of FIG. 1, materials or composites 1000, 1001, Each of the layers above 1002, 1003, 1004 may be any of the layers described above. In this way, the film is wound and arranged, peeled off from the wound film, and subjected to high temperature (heating or cooling) pressing or rolling. ), by pressure, by adhesive, or any combination thereof. Of the layers of materials or composites 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, and 1004, any of which may be at least partially overlapping one another, as described above. The materials or composites 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1 Any of the layers on 004 may be deposited by, for example, physical deposition or vapor deposition, as described above. Coating methods such as deposition, spraying, plating, powder coating, or other chemical or electrochemical techniques In certain embodiments, the low friction layer 104 may be applied together using a coating technique, such as by extrusion. The low friction layer 104 may be applied by a roll-to-roll coating process, including a roll-to-roll coating. The material is heated to a molten or semi-molten state and passed through a slot die onto the major surface of the substrate 119. In one embodiment, the materials or composites 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004 may be a single integral strip of material.

[0029] In another embodiment, following step 12 of FIG. , 1002, 1003, 1004, any of the layers above may be, as described above, For example, physical or vapor deposition, spraying, plating, powder coating, or other chemical or The low friction layer 1 may be applied by a coating technique such as electrochemical techniques. 04 may be applied by a roll-to-roll coating process, including, for example, extrusion coating. The low friction layer 104 is heated to a molten or semi-molten state and passed through a slot die onto the substrate. In another embodiment, the low friction layer 104 may be cast or molded. It can be typed.

[0030] In one embodiment, the low friction layer 104 or any layer may be a melt adhesive layer to form a laminate. 121 may be used to adhere to the substrate 119. In one embodiment, the material or composite 1000 , 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, any of the intervening or protruding layers It is possible to form an intermediate material, for example a laminate, which is a strip from which a bearing can be formed. The cutting of intermediate pieces may be performed using stamps, presses, punches or saws. The intermediate material may include a groove or may be otherwise machined. A cut edge including an exposed portion can be produced.

[0031] In one embodiment, following the second step 14 of FIG. 1, (material or composite material 1000, 1 The blank (formed from 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004) is a laminate strip or a semi-finished product. The end of the workpiece can be treated to form a bearing. It may be formed by pressing, punching, sawing, rolling, flanging, deep drawing, or by another method. Semi-finished bearings may be machined in a forming and molding process after they have been formed. It may be cleaned to remove any lubricants and oils used in the process. Thus, the exposed surface of the load-bearing substrate may be prepared for application of the coating by cleaning. Cleaning may include chemical cleaning using solvents and / or mechanical cleaning, such as ultrasonic cleaning. do.

[0032] FIG. 3A illustrates, according to various embodiments, a material or composite 1000 as described above. , 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004. The bearing 300 may include a semi-annular band 302. The semi-annular band 302 may include a , as described above, is formed from a blank that is curved in an arc about a central axis 390. The bearing 300 and / or the semi-annular band 302 may include a first shaft end 320 and a second shaft end 322. The bearing 300 and / or semi-annular band 302 may have an inner surface 330 and an outer surface 322. The bearing 300 and / or the semi-annular band 302 may have a first circumferential end surface 332. The first circumferential end 334 and the second circumferential end 336 may have an axial gap 338. The inner surface 330 of the bearing 300 and the second circumferential end 336 may be bridged. and / or the semi-annular band 302 may have a low friction layer that conforms to the shape of the semi-annular band 302; The substrate may be a material or composite 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, 1005, 1006, 1007, 1008, 1009, 11001, 1102, 1103, 1104, 1105, 1106, 1107, 1108, 1109, 120 003, 1004 to form an outer surface 432. Alternatively, or in addition, , the outer surface 332 of the bearing 300 may have a low friction layer that conforms to the shape of the semi-annular band 302; The substrate may be a material or composite 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, 1005, 1006, 1007, 1008, 1009, 11001, 1102, 1103, 1104, 1105, 1106, 1107, 1108, 1109, 120 003, 1004 to form an inner surface 130. In another embodiment, the low friction layer is , may be laminated on both sides of the bearing 300 and / or the semi-annular band 302.

[0033] In some embodiments, the bearing 300 may overlap the rotating member 370. 3, an axial gap 338 is defined between the first circumferential end 334 and the second circumferential end 336. , the bearing 300 may overlap the circumference of the rotating member 370 less than 360 degrees. In some embodiments, the bearing 300 can extend at least 120 degrees around the rotating member 370. 150 degrees, 180 degrees, 210 degrees, 240 degrees, 270 degrees, 300 degrees, 330 degrees, etc. In some embodiments, the bearing 300 is attached to the rotating member 370 at an inner 300 degrees or less, 270 degrees or less, 240 degrees or less, 210 degrees or less of the circumference of the steering member 104 345 degrees or less, 180 degrees or less, 150 degrees or less, 119 degrees or less, etc., can overlap only when the angle is 345 degrees or less. In some embodiments, the bearing 300 rotates about 180 degrees to 300 degrees around the rotating member 370. May overlap.

[0034] In some embodiments, the bearing 300 may include a radially inwardly extending groove 330 extending from the inner surface 330 of the bearing 300. The surface 302 may have a plurality of spaced apart projections 308 (e.g., wavy) extending therefrom. In the example, the protrusions 308 extend around the entire circumference of the semi-annular band 302 . The projections 308 extend radially from the semi-annular band 302 and may be in mating configuration. The element may be adapted to contact and reinforce the stiffness in the opposing direction. For example, FIG. According to several embodiments, the material or composite 1000, 100 may be used as described above. Bearing 300 inside the assembly formed from blanks 1, 1002, 1003, 1004 3, the projection 308 extends radially inwardly to the outer periphery of the assembly 3000. The inner rotating member 370 contacts the inner bore 385 of the member or housing 380. 390 may be the central axis of the inner rotating member 370 as shown. Pressing from materials or composite materials 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004 (e.g., pressing using a suitably shaped die, rotary corrugation) Returning to FIG. 3A, at least one of the semi-annular bands 302 of the bearing 300 above or below the projection 308 At each of the axial ends 320, 322, a flat rim 310 is provided around the material or composite. Each projection 308 also extends through the irregular portion 302 of the semi-annular band 302 of the bearing 300. 9, and portion 309 is in contact with rim 310. The projections 308 may be formed and circumferentially spaced apart between the first pair of adjacent projections 308. The wave pattern 308 is a wave pattern commonly used in conventional bearings. In another embodiment, the protrusion 308 may include a polygonal cut-out extending from the central axis 390. The surface may be a surface.

[0035] The protrusion 308 may include at least one polygonal angle. For example, the protrusion 308 may be a semi-ring. In yet another embodiment, the protrusions 302 may include triangular or quadrilateral shapes extending from the protruding band 302. At least one of the projections 408 may have an arcuate portion and a polygonal portion. In an embodiment, the protrusion 408 may have a semicircular cross-section from the central axis 390. The projections 308 may have a variable cross-section from a central axis 390. In one embodiment, the sac of the projections 308 At least two of the first and second electrodes may have the same geometric shape or size as each other. In an example, all of the protrusions 308 may have the same geometric shape or size as one another. In an embodiment, at least one of the protrusions 308 has a different geometric shape or configuration than the other protrusions. In a further embodiment, all of the protrusions 308 may have different geometries. The shape or size of the target object may be any desired geometric shape or size.

[0036] In some embodiments, as best shown in FIG. 3B, radially extending projections 3 08 (or the corrugations as described above) along the X direction (of the inner rotating member 370 390) or adjacent to the axis X In addition, the stiffness in the radial direction is increased, as best shown in FIG. 3B. The existing protrusions 308 (or corrugations as described above) are aligned along the Y direction (inner rotation 370. The member 370 may be arranged on or adjacent to an axis generally perpendicular to the central axis 390 of the member 370. 370. The rotatable member 370 may be provided with a y-axis ...

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, at least one of the protrusions 308 is a pair of balls. A circumferential width W defined between the bases 315a and 315b. P and the radial height H P and , a radially extending circumferential ridge 313 having a vertex 31 within its circumferential width. 7 and then lowered, and is axially restrained by a pair of shoulders 311. The apex 317 of at least one protrusion 308 may be rounded or squared. and an axial end of each ridge may terminate in a shoulder 311. The shoulder 311 of each protrusion 308 may be tapered.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the protrusion 308 has a radial height H P This may include For the embodiment described herein, as best seen in FIG. 3B, the radius of the protrusion 308 Directional height H P The shapeless region 3 of the semi-annular band 302 extends from the apex 317 of the protrusion 308 to the According to a particular embodiment, the radial height H of the protrusion 308 is P teeth , at least about 0.1 mm, about 0.2 mm, about 0.3 mm, or about 0.4 mm, or even According to yet another embodiment, the radial height of the protrusion 308 may be at least about 0.5 mm. SA P 8mm or less, 6mm or less, 5mm or less, 3mm or less, 1mm or less, 0.9mm In some embodiments, the thickness may be about 10 mm or less, such as about 0.8 mm or less, or even about 10 mm or less. Circumferential height H of protrusion 308 P The protrusion may be at least about 0.1 mm to about 1.5 mm. Circumferential height H of start 308 P is within any minimum and maximum values ​​mentioned above It will be understood that the circumferential height H of the projection 308 may be P can be any of the above mentioned It will be further understood that the radius of the projection 308 may be any value between the minimum and maximum values. Height H P may vary around its circumference and across multiple bearings. can also be understood.

[0039] The projection 308 has a circumferential width W P For the purposes of the embodiment described herein, FIG. As best shown in FIG. 1A, the circumferential width W of the projection 308 P adjacent to the protrusion 308 , from the end of one shapeless portion 309 to the opposite shapeless portion in the circumferential direction of the protrusion 308 According to one particular embodiment, the circumferential width of the protrusion 308 is W P is at least about 0.1 mm, about 0.2 mm, about 0.3 mm, or about 0.4 mm, According to yet another embodiment, the circumferential length of the projection 308 is at least about 0.5 mm. Width W P Approximately 15mm or less, 10mm or less, 5mm or less, 1mm or less, 0.9mm or less In some embodiments, the projection may be less than about 20 mm, such as less than about 0.8 mm, or even less than about 0.8 mm. Circumferential width W of start 308 P The protrusion 308 may have a width of at least about 1 mm to about 10 mm. Circumferential width W P may be within any of the minimum and maximum values ​​mentioned above. It will be understood that the circumferential width W of the projection 308 P are any minimum and maximum values ​​mentioned above It will be further understood that the circumferential width W of the projection 308 may be any value between P teeth, It can also be appreciated that it can vary around the circumference and across multiple bearings. The circumferential width W of the plurality of projections 308 around the semi-annular band 302 P The ratio is 1: It can be 1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, or 5:1.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the bearing 300 includes at least one leaf spring element 340. In some embodiments, the bearing 300 may include radially extending projections 308 and At least one spring element 340 is disposed about a partial circumference of the semi-annular band 302. Further, the radially extending projections 308 and the at least one spring element 340 may Alternatively, the bearing 300 may be disposed around a partial circumference of the semi-annular band 302. In some embodiments, the leaf spring element 340 is inserted into the notch 303 of the semi-annular band 302. At least one finger 340 may take the form of a cantilevered finger formed by A bearing 300 is coupled along a first side (i.e., at a proximal end) of an annular band 302. 3A by dashed line 341, from the semi-annular band 302. At least one finger 340 extends radially. In some embodiments, the fingers may be rotated in the X direction (the inner rotating member 370). (generally horizontal to the central axis 390) The semi-annular band may extend around a portion of the circumference of the semi-annular band at various locations, including the In an embodiment, at least one of the fingers 340 has a straight profile or an arcuate profile. The finger 340 may have at least one generally straight end and a and / or at least one generally arcuate end. At least one of the fingers 340 may have a polygonal profile. For example, the fingers 340 may include at least one polygonal shape. In yet another embodiment, the fingers 340 may include a triangular or quadrilateral shape extending from the At least one of the edges may have an arcuate portion and a polygonal portion. At least two of the rings 340 may have the same geometric shape or size as one another. In a further embodiment, all of the fingers 340 have the same geometric shape or size as one another. In another embodiment, at least two of the fingers 340 may have different In a further embodiment, all of the fingers 340 may have any geometric shape or size. , may have different geometric shapes or sizes from each other.

[0041] Each finger 340 defines a radially innermost surface 342 and a radially outermost surface 344. The finger 340 may have a connecting portion 343. The best fit line of the finger 340 may be centered on a central axis 390. In certain embodiments, each finger 340 can be inclined relative to a proximal end (341 ) at an end or distal end 346 extending radially inward from the radially opposite innermost surface 342 of the The end portion 346 may further include a radially innermost portion 342 extending from the connecting portion 343. In one embodiment, the outer surface of the end 346 may extend to the opposite side of the connecting portion 343. The inner side of the groove may be radially terminated.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the fingers 340 have a radial height H F may have For the embodiment described herein, finger 34 is shown best in FIG. Radial height H of 0 F The finger 340 has a semi-annular band extending from its radially innermost surface 342. 302 to the shapeless region 309. Radial height H of 340 F is at least about 0.1 mm, about 0.2 mm, about 0.3 mm 0.4 mm, or even at least about 0.5 mm. For example, the radial height H of the finger 340 F 8mm or less, 6mm or less, 5mm or less, 3 mm or less, 1 mm or less, 0.9 mm or less, and even about 0.8 mm or less, etc. In some embodiments, the circumferential height H of the fingers 340 may be less than 1 mm. F At least The circumferential height H of the finger 340 may be about 0.1 mm to about 1.5 mm. F is as mentioned above. It will be appreciated that the range may be within any minimum and maximum values ​​set forth above. Circumferential height H F can be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values ​​mentioned above It will be further understood that the radial height H of the finger 340 F along its perimeter It will be appreciated that this may vary and may vary across bearings.

[0043] The finger 340 has a circumferential width W F For the purposes of the embodiments described herein, As best seen in FIG. 3A, the circumferential width W of the fingers 340 F Finger 34 0, from the end of one of the non-shaped portions 309 adjacent to the circumferentially opposite ends of the fingers 340. According to a particular embodiment, the distance to the side of the finger 3 is the distance to the side of the finger 3. Circumferential width W of 40 F is at least about 0.1 mm, about 0.2 mm, about 0.3 mm, or According to yet another embodiment, the thickness of the gap may be at least about 0.4 mm, or even at least about 0.5 mm. Circumferential width W of finger 340 F is approximately 15mm or less, 10mm or less, 5mm or less, 1 It may be about 20 mm or less, such as about 10 mm or less, 0.9 mm or less, or even about 0.8 mm or less. In some embodiments, the circumferential width W of the finger 340 F is at least about 1 mm to about 1 0 mm. The circumferential width W of the finger 340 F is the sum of any minimum and maximum values ​​mentioned above. It will be appreciated that the circumferential width W of the fingers 340 may be in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm. F teeth, It will be further understood that the value may be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values ​​noted above. Circumferential width W of finger 340 F can vary around its circumference and can be applied to multiple bearings. It may also be understood that the number of fingers around the semi-annular band 302 may vary. Circumferential width W of 340 F The ratio is 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, or 5:1 is fine.

[0044] FIG. 4A illustrates, according to various embodiments, a material or composite 1000 as described above. , 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a bearing 400. The bearing 400 may include a semi-annular band 402. The semi-annular band 402 may include: As explained above, the slit is formed from a blank that is curved in an arc about a central axis 490. In some embodiments, the bearing 400 may have a generally arcuate shape. The bearing 400 and / or the semi-annular band 402 may include , a first axial end 420 and a second axial end 422. The bearing 302 may have an inner surface 430 and an outer surface 432. The semi-annular band 402 may have a low friction layer that conforms to the shape of the semi-annular band 402 and / or The materials are the composite materials 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, 1005, 1006, 1007, 1008, 1009, 11001, 1102, 1103, 1104, 1105, 1106, 1107, 1108, 1109, 1200, 004 to form an outer surface 432. Alternatively, or in addition, the bearing 40 The outer surface 432 of the semi-annular band 402 may have a low friction layer that conforms to the shape of the semi-annular band 402 and the substrate may be As explained above, composite materials 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, and 1004 are In another embodiment, the low friction layer is formed on the bearing 400 and / or the inner surface 430 formed from the Or it may be laminated to both sides of the semi-annular band 402 .

[0045] The bearing 400 and / or the annular band 402 may include at least one leaf spring element 440. At least one leaf spring element 440 is adapted to contact the mating component. For example, FIG. 4B illustrates a material or composite 1000, 1000 as described above. Bearing 400 inside the assembly formed from blanks 1, 1002, 1003, 1004 4000, in which a plurality of leaf spring elements 440, 440' are shown at an outer portion of the assembly 4000. The central shaft 440 contacts the inner rotating member 470 inside the hole 485 of the housing 480. 90 may be the central axis of the inner rotating member 470 as shown. Each leaf spring element 440, 440' is connected to the inner portion 410 and at least one In some embodiments, each leaf spring element 44 may include an outer portion 412. 0, 440' includes a plurality of outer portions 412a, 412b, 412a', 412b'. In some embodiments, each leaf spring element 440, 440' may include a plurality of leaf springs. The first bridge portion 421a, 421b, 421a', 421b' may be included. The leaf spring element 440 includes a first bridge portion 421a and a second bridge portion 421b. The second leaf spring element 440' is connected to the first bridge portion 421a' and the second bridge portion 421b'. In some embodiments, the first and second bridge portions 421a and 421b may include , 421b, 421a', 421b' are axial notches 425a, 425b, 425a' , 425b'. The first leaf spring element 440 and the second leaf spring element 440′ are arranged in the Z direction ( 90) to be coupled to each other. , 425a', 425b' connect the first bridge portion 421a, 421b to the second bridge portion 421b. The axial length of the bearing 400 is shortened by overlapping the edge portions 421a' and 421b' with each other. In some embodiments, the bridge portions 421a, 421b, 421a', 421b' are first circumferential ends of respective leaf spring elements 440, 440' The first circumferential end 415, 415' and the second circumferential end 417, 417' may be disposed at the first circumferential end 415, 415'. In the illustrated embodiment, the bridge portions 421a, 421b, 421a', 421b' are the inner portions 410, 410′ are attached to a plurality of outer portions 412a of respective leaf spring elements 440, 440′. , 412b, 412a', 412b'. In some embodiments, the bridge portion Minutes 421a, 421b, 421a', 421b' are outer portions 412a, 412b, 41 2a', 412b' are the inner portions 410, 410' of the respective leaf spring elements 440, 440'. ', and at least one folded end 411a, 41 In some embodiments, each leaf spring element is formed as follows: The elements 440 and 440' are formed with two folded ends 411a, 411b, 411a', and 411b'. In some embodiments, the folded ends 411a, 411b, 411a ', 411b' form axial boundaries 419a, 419b, 419a', 419b' and each leaf spring element 440, 440' may be axially coupled to form bearing 400. .

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, each leaf spring element 440, 440′ has a The bridge portions 421a, 421b, 421a', 421b of the leaf spring elements 440, 440' 1b', the circumference length CL of the inner portion 410, 410' IP , C.L. IP ' can be included As best shown in FIG. 4B, first bridge portions 421a, 421a′ and At least one of the second bridge portions 421b, 421b' is in the X direction (the inner On an axis along a direction generally parallel to the central axis 490 of the rolling member 470 The first bridge portion 421a, 421a′ and the second bridge portion 421b may be disposed adjacent to each other. The stiffness of 421b and 421b' along the X direction is enhanced. The inner portions 410, 410' of the plurality of leaf spring elements 440, 440' are joined together to form a Circumference length CL IP , C.L. IP ', which collectively overlaps the entire circumference of the rotating member 470 It is possible.

[0047] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 4A, the bearings 300, 400 may include: The outer radius OR from the central axis 390, 490 to the outer surface 332, 432 may be: ≧1mm, ≧5mm, ≧10mm, ≧15mm, or ≧20mm, etc., ≧.5mm OR is ≦40mm, ≦35mm, ≦30mm, ≦20mm, ≦15mm, ≦10 In some embodiments, the bearing 300 may be ≦45 mm, such as ≦5 mm. The outer radius OR of the bearing 300 may be at least about 1 mm to about 10 mm. It is understood that the outer radius OR of the It will be understood that the outer radius OR of the bearings 300, 400 may be any of the minimum and maximum values ​​mentioned above. It will be further understood that the outer radius O of the bearings 300, 400 may be any value between It is also understood that R may vary along its circumference and across multiple bearings. The ratio of the outer radii OR of the bearings 300, 400 is 1:1, 2:1, 3:1 , 4:1, or 5:1.

[0048] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 4A, the bearings 300, 400 may include: The inner radius IR from the central axis 390, 490 to the inner surface 330, 430 may be: ≧5mm, ≧7.5mm, ≧10mm, ≧15mm, or ≧20mm, etc. The inner radius IR may be ≦15 mm, ≦10 mm, ≦7.5 mm, ≦5 mm, or ≦1 In some embodiments, the inner half of the bearing 300, 400 may be ≦20 mm, such as ≦20 mm. The diameter IR may be at least about 1 mm to about 10 mm. It will be appreciated that may be within any of the minimum and maximum ranges noted above. The inner radius IR of the receiver 300, 400 can be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values ​​mentioned above. It will be further appreciated that the inner radius IR of the bearings 300, 400 may be equal to the circumference of the bearing 300, 400. It can also be appreciated that the rotational speed can vary along the axis and across multiple bearings. The ratio of the inner radius IR for the receivers 300 and 400 is 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, or 5:1 is fine.

[0049] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 4A, the bearings 300, 400 may include: The first shaft end 320, 420 and the second shaft end 322, 422 may have a length L between them. L is ≧5mm, ≧7.5mm, ≧10mm, ≧15mm, or ≧20mm, etc., ≧1m The length L may be ≦15 mm, ≦10 mm, ≦7.5 mm, ≦5 mm, or ≦1 In some embodiments, the length L of the bearings 300, 400 may be ≦20 mm, such as ≦20 mm. The length L of the bearings 300 and 400 may be at least about 1 mm to about 10 mm. It will be appreciated that the bearings 300, 400 may be within any minimum and maximum range set forth above. It should be noted that the length L of the 00 can be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values ​​mentioned above. It will be further understood that the length L of the bearings 300, 400 may vary along their circumference and may be It can also be understood that the number of bearings can vary across the plurality of bearings 300, 400. The ratio of lengths L may be 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, or 5:1.

[0050] In certain embodiments, the bearings 300, 400 described herein are configured to rotate in the X direction (the inner rotating part) High rigidity in the direction generally horizontal to the central axis 390, 490 of the material 370, 470 y direction (relative to the central axis 390, 490 of the inner rotating member 370, 470) In this regard, the assembly provides low stiffness in the direction perpendicular to the bearings 300, 400. The inner rotating member 370 can support a normal load while also supporting a higher load. In one embodiment, at least one of the plates of the bearings 300, 400 is The spring elements 340, 440 are generally spaced apart from the central axes 390, 490 of the rotating members 370, 470. A biasing force may be provided in the vertical Y direction, and the bearings 300, 400 have a first stiffness in the Y direction. S1 and the first horizontal X-direction from the central axis 390, 490 of the rotating member 370, 470 In one embodiment, S2 ≧ 1.2S1, S2 ≧ S2≧1.1S1, such as 1.5S1, S2≧2S1, S2≧3S1, or S2≧10S1 It is.

[0051] In certain embodiments, the bearings 300, 400 described herein have a first extension in the Y direction. The first spring constant S1 may provide a spring constant S2 for the rotating members 370, 470. The spring constant may be set to apply a force of 1 to 50 N to the bearings 300 and 400. The spring constant S1 may be 10 to 500 N / mm.

[0052] In certain embodiments, the bearings 300, 400 described herein have a second extension in the Y direction. The second spring constant S2 may provide a spring constant S2 for the rotating members 370, 470. The spring constant may be set to apply a force of 400 to 800 N to the bearings 300 and 400. The second spring constant S2 may be 100 to 10,000 N / mm.

[0053] As set forth above, bearings according to embodiments herein may be used in assemblies. For example, according to some embodiments, the assembly may be a steering assembly for a vehicle. The motor assembly may include a stator and a rotor, and a drive mechanism operable relative to the rotor. an input shaft adapted to rotate together with a steering column; The output shaft associated with the torque sensor and the output generated by the torque sensor are described in detail below. a torque converter that converts a torque from the input shaft to the output shaft in response to a torque measurement on the input shaft; and a transmission adapted to transmit the increased torque. When the vehicle is turned, the torque applied to the output shaft is increased, thus making it easier to steer the vehicle. Steering assemblies such as these provide a torque assist that assists the steering of the steering wheel. power shaft (usually a worm with wheels on the input and output shafts) or A worm gear and a worm wheel are used to transmit torque to the steering column. An example of this would be a power steering system.

[0054] 5A-5B show an example steering assembly 5000 that may be used in accordance with several embodiments. FIG. 5A shows a bearing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5B includes a side cross-sectional view of a bearing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure for use in the body 5000. According to the embodiment of the present specification, which is used in the exemplary steering assembly 5000 according to the embodiment, In some embodiments, the steering assembly 500 includes a bearing. , may be a power-assisted steering assembly and may include a sound-proofing device. See FIG. 5A Thus, the steering assembly 5000 may include a housing 510. 500 includes an output shaft 514 operatively connected to the steering column shaft. The motor 512 may further include a stator and a rotor for applying torque to the rotor. The motor 512 may include a rotor (not shown). One end of the input shaft 516 (or the inner rotating member described above) may be 510 and into the internal cavity 519 of the housing 510. The motor 512 may be supported by an input shaft 516 (or an inner rotating part 516) and adapted to rotate the input shaft 516. The input shaft 516 is connected to a rotor inside the electric motor 512 adjacent to a first bearing element 520. The other end of the input shaft 516 may be connected to a second opening on the opposite side of the housing 510. The first shaft may extend through the port to the first opening and be supported by the second bearing element 522. The receiving element 520 and the second bearing element 722 are disposed within the cavity 519 of the housing 510. 519 and may contact the housing 510 on the side of the cavity 519. The first bearing element 520 and the second bearing element 522 support a rotating member (input shaft 516 ) and the housing 510. The input shaft 516 may be A worm wheel 5000 may be operably connected to an output shaft 514 of the body 5000. The rotor is disposed between two bearing elements 520 and 522 adapted to be in contact with and engaged with the rotor 40. The worm gear 530 and the worm wheel 540 may include The worm gear 530 can be engaged using teeth 532, 542 provided on each of the worm gears. The electric motor 512 rotates between the teeth 532 of the worm gear 530 and the teeth 542 of the worm wheel 540. By rotating the worm wheel 540 based on the engagement with the internal shaft 5 16, i.e., with the rotating member. A steering shaft 514 (or a steering shaft operably connected to the output shaft 514) The output from a torque sensor 550 adapted to measure the torque of the electronic control The torque generated by the electric motor 512 is then passed to the ECU 555. Then, to assist the driver of the vehicle, the motor 512 generates a motor drive signal. , which transmits torque from the input shaft 516 to the output shaft 514 via the motor rotor. do.

[0055] The first bearing element 520 is fixed to the housing 510, as best seen in FIG. 5B. The first bearing 516 may be pivoted about the input shaft 516. The element 520 is adapted to accommodate the radial movement of the shaft 516 as it passes through the first bearing element 520. The first bearing element 520 is a bearing element that is generally used in the bearing technology. By way of non-limiting example, the first bearing element 520 may include any component that is The ball or roller bearing cartridge may be an inner bearing that cooperates with the input shaft 516. an outer bearing race spaced about the inner bearing race; A bearing is provided therebetween. A ball bearing is exemplary and may be selected based on the designer of the first bearing element 520. Any known bearing assembly that meets the tolerance and load-bearing requirements set forth herein may be used. obtain.

[0056] The second bearing element 522 may include multiple components. The second bearing element 522 may include multiple shafts. According to embodiments disclosed herein, the shaft 500 may include a bearing. As shown in FIG. 5A, the shaft 500 can support the 5B. Alternatively, the bearing 500A shown in FIG. As such, the shaft 500 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 4A-4B and described above. The second bearing element 522 can support the bearing 500A, 500B. The shaft 516 may be supported by the shaft 516 in a manner similar to the rotating members described above. The hub 550 is operable to bias the bearings 500A, 500B against the input shaft 516. The shaft 550 may be operably coupled to the housing 510 and may include bearings 552, 554, 556, 558, 559, 560, 561, 562, 563, 564, 565, 566, 567, 568, 569, 570, 571, 572, 573, 574, 57 500A, 500B against the input shaft 516. The teeth 532 of the worm gear 530 are supported by the bearings 500A and 500B. 540, and the worm wheel 540 (manufactured by size and position variations (due to tooth differences), and over a range of temperatures and tooth wear conditions The flank of the worm gear tooth 532 and the flank of the worm wheel (there is a precise clearance between the flank of the tooth 542 of the roller) The amount of force depends on how the bearings 500A, 500B are configured.

[0057] This meshing is done by rotating the worm wheel 540 to prevent rattling noise during operation. The torque is maintained over a range of torque values ​​measured at In some exemplary embodiments, the worm gear 530 may be To maintain meshing with the worm wheel 540, the torque is 0.5 to 50 Nm. It may be necessary to apply a radial force of 1-50N to the wheel 540.

[0058] The components of the steering assemblies disclosed herein may be made of metal, polymer, or other suitable materials. The metal may be a single metal, such as aluminum, or a combination of steel, aluminum, The polymer may be a thermoplastic polymer. The polymer may be a polyamide thermoplastic. Additionally, the thermoplastic may be a polyoxymethylene In addition, the thermoplastic polymer may be high density polyethylene (HDPE). The steering assembly components may be die cast. Can be made from alloys or injection molded plastics using molding or pultrusion techniques .

[0059] Various embodiments of the present disclosure eliminate additional parts, reduce installation and manufacturing time, and simplify assembly. Eliminate or reduce noise, harshness and vibration while making the body easier to use. More specifically, the present invention provides a bearing that can improve torque and tolerance performance. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the bearings can provide better tolerance and torque performance, resulting in improved noise reduction. Worm gear teeth and worm wheel teeth in devices and steering assemblies Improved contact and engagement with the steering assembly and gears, reducing rattle / noise. Vehicle performance is improved. This can mitigate and / or compensate for component wear and reduce assembly To make the performance of a structure and a vehicle more stable over its service life.

[0060] The subject matter disclosed above should be considered as illustrative and not limiting, and the accompanying patents, patent applications, and The appended claims are intended to cover such modifications, enhancements, and other aspects that fall within the true scope of the invention. It is intended that all of the embodiments be covered. Thus, the scope of the present invention extends to The broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents is as provided by law. The present invention should be determined to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law and should not be limited by the foregoing detailed description. It is not intended to be limited or restrictive.

[0061] Additionally, in the foregoing detailed description, various features have been simplified to streamline the disclosure. may be grouped together or described in one embodiment. An embodiment may require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, this should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention to provide a method for testing a particular embodiment of the present invention. As the scope of the present invention reflects, the subject matter of the invention encompasses any of the disclosed embodiments. Therefore, the following claims are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Each claim is incorporated in the Detailed Description and defines separately claimed subject matter. Become independent as a being.

[0062] Various aspects and embodiments are possible. Some of these aspects and embodiments are described below. Those skilled in the art will recognize, after reading this specification, that these aspects and embodiments are merely examples. It will be understood that the present invention is not limited to the scope of the present invention. This may be according to any one or more of the embodiments listed below.

[0063] Example 1: A bearing for placement between a housing and a rotating member, biased in the Y direction and the bearing has a first stiffness S1 in the Y direction. and a second stiffness S2 in an X direction perpendicular to the Y direction, where S2≧S1; A bearing is provided on the metal substrate and overlies at least one surface of the metal substrate and is adapted to contact the rotating member. and a low friction layer adapted to said bearing.

[0064] Example 2: A bearing for placement between a housing and a rotating member, biased in the Y direction. and the bearing has a first stiffness S1 in the Y direction. and a second stiffness S2 in an X direction perpendicular to the Y direction, where S2≧S1; The bearing comprises: 1) a plurality of leaf spring elements and a plurality of radially extending projections; or 2) a plurality of radially extending projections. An inner portion, a radially outer portion, and a bridge connecting the radially inner portion and the radially outer portion. A plurality of leaf spring elements having ridge portions, the bridge portion being at least one leaf spring The element has a radially inner portion and an outer portion disposed at a circumferential end thereof. The bearing further comprises a plurality of leaf spring elements folded over the side portions.

[0065] Example 3: An assembly comprising a housing, a rotating member, and a housing and a rotating member at least one leaf spring element provided in the bearing and providing a biasing force in the Y direction; The bearing has a first stiffness S1 in the Y direction and a second stiffness S2 in the X direction perpendicular to the Y direction. S2, where S2≧S1, and the bearing comprises a metal substrate and at least one of the metal substrates. a low friction layer overlying one surface of the bearing and adapted to contact a rotating member; An assembly having

[0066] Example 4: Housing, rotating member, and bearing disposed between the housing and the rotating member and wherein the bearing comprises at least one plate spring that provides a biasing force in the Y direction. The bearing has a first stiffness S1 in the Y direction and a second stiffness S2 in the X direction perpendicular to the Y direction. and a stiffness S2 of 1) ... or 2) a plurality of projections extending in a radial direction, the plurality of projections having a radially inner portion, a radially outer portion, and a radial A plurality of leaf spring elements having bridge portions connecting radially inner portions and radially outer portions. wherein the bridge portion is disposed at a circumferential end of the at least one leaf spring element; The radially inner and outer portions are folded over each other such that the outer portion overlaps the inner portion. The assembly further comprises a plurality of leaf spring elements.

[0067] Example 5: S2≧1.2S1, S2≧1.5S1, S2≧2S1, or S2≧3S1 The bearing or assembly according to any one of the first to fourth embodiments, wherein S2≧1.1S1. body.

[0068] Example 6: A bearing has a first spring constant SR1 of 10 to 500 and a second spring constant SR2 of 100 to 10 in the Y direction. 5. The spring according to claim 1, further comprising a second spring constant SR2 of 000. Bearing or assembly.

[0069] Example 7: A bearing includes a semi-annular band having a plurality of radially extending projections, and a semi-annular band. and at least one leaf spring element disposed about a partial periphery of the band. A bearing or assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 6.

[0070] Example 8: Radially extending projections are arranged on or adjacent to an axis along the X direction. 8. The shaft of claim 7, having corrugations disposed thereon, the corrugations enhancing stiffness along the X-direction. Receiver or assembly.

[0071] Example 9: Radially extending protrusions are arranged on or adjacent to an axis along the Y direction. a radially extending protrusion having corrugations disposed thereon and limiting the Y-direction movement of the rotating member; 9. A bearing or assembly according to embodiment 7 or 8.

[0072] Example 10: The corrugations are in contact with the semi-annular band around the entire circumference of the semi-annular band. 10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the semi-annular band is integral with the semi-annular band so as to be continuous with the semi-annular band. Bearing or assembly.

[0073] Example 11: At least one leaf spring element has radially extending fingers and is semi-circular. The radially extending fingers are cantilevered, and the radially extending fingers are Example 7 having a proximal end connected to the annular band and a distal end opposite the proximal end. A bearing or assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

[0074] Example 12: The semi-annular band overlaps the circumference of the rotating member by 180° to 300°. 12. A bearing or assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

[0075] Example 13: At least one of the leaf spring elements has a radially inner portion, a radially outer portion a bridge portion connecting the radially inner portion and the radially outer portion, The edge portion is disposed at a circumferential end of the at least one leaf spring element and is radially inwardly The inner portion and the outer portion are folded over each other such that the outer portion overlaps the inner portion. 13. A bearing or assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

[0076] Example 14: At least one leaf spring element includes a first leaf spring element and a second leaf spring element. The first leaf spring element and the second leaf spring element are joined together to collectively extend around the entire circumference of the rotating member. 14. The bearing or assembly of claim 13, overlapping.

[0077] Example 15: A method for manufacturing a spring comprising the steps of: The first and second bridge portions of each of the first and second leaf spring elements are oriented along an axis along the X direction. or disposed adjacent to this axis, and the first and second bridge portions are aligned along the X direction. 15. The bearing or assembly of claim 13 or 14, further enhancing stiffness.

[0078] Example 16: A method for manufacturing a bridge having first and second bridge portions with complementary axial notches The notch is formed in the Z direction so that the first bridge portion and the second bridge portion overlap each other. The spring is adapted to couple the first leaf spring element and the second leaf spring element to each other in the 16. The bearing or assembly of embodiment 15, wherein the notch shortens the axial length of the bearing.

[0079] Example 17: The method according to any one of Examples 3 to 1, wherein the rotating member has a worm gear having a plurality of teeth. 6. An assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

[0080] Example 18: A worm gear having a plurality of teeth adapted to mesh with the teeth of a worm gear. The assembly of example 17, further comprising a spring wheel.

[0081] Example 19: The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 18, wherein the low friction layer comprises a polymer. A bearing or assembly mounted on the bearing.

[0082] Example 20: The low friction layer is made of polyketone, polyaramid, polyimide, polyetherimide Polyamide-imide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyphenylene sulfone, fluoropoly Examples include mers, polybenzimidazoles, derivatives thereof, or combinations thereof. 20. A bearing or assembly as claimed in claim 19.

[0083] Example 21: Any one of Examples 1 to 20, wherein the substrate comprises a metal or an alloy thereof A bearing or assembly as described in claim 1.

[0084] Example 22: A bearing or assembly as described in Example 21, wherein the substrate comprises stainless steel or spring steel. Three-dimensional.

[0085] Example 23: Examples 1 to 22, in which the assembly has a soundproof assembly for a steering assembly 13. A bearing or assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

[0086] Not all of the features described above are required, but some of the specific features may be It is understood that one or more features may be provided in addition to those described, and that such features are not required. Additionally, the order in which the features are described does not necessarily represent the order in which the features are introduced. It's not a matter of order.

[0087] Certain features described herein in the context of individual embodiments for clarity may also be implemented. In one embodiment, the invention may be provided in combination. Conversely, for the sake of brevity, the context of one embodiment may be provided in combination. The various features described in may be provided separately or in any subcombination.

[0088] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with respect to specific embodiments. However, these benefits, advantages, and solutions to problems, as well as any benefits, advantages, or Any feature that may bring about a solution or make it clearer is included in the claims. shall not be construed as a critical, necessary, or essential feature of any or all of the It's not good.

[0089] The specification and illustrations of the embodiments set forth herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The specification and illustrations are intended to provide an understanding of the use of the structures or methods described herein. It is intended to serve as a comprehensive and comprehensive description of all the elements and functions of the device or system used. It is not intended that the individual embodiments be taken in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be presented separately. or any subcombination thereof. A reference to includes every value within that range, inclusive of the endpoints of the referenced range. Many other examples may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art only after reading this disclosure. Structural, logical substitutions, or any modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Other embodiments may be used and derived from this disclosure, as may be made. As such, this disclosure should be regarded as illustrative and not limiting.

Claims

1. 1. A bearing for disposition between a housing and a rotating member, comprising: At least one leaf spring element provides a biasing force in the Y direction, and the bearing First stiffness S in the direction １ and a second stiffness S in the X direction perpendicular to the Y direction. ２ and S ２ ≧S １ and the bearing comprises a metal substrate and a low-temperature insulating material covering at least one surface of the metal substrate. a friction layer, the friction layer being adapted to contact the rotating member; and

2. 1. A bearing for disposition between a housing and a rotating member, comprising: At least one leaf spring element provides a biasing force in the Y direction, and the bearing First stiffness S in the direction １ and a second stiffness S in the X direction perpendicular to the Y direction. ２ and S ２ ≧S １ and the bearing is 1) a plurality of leaf spring elements and a plurality of radially extending protrusions; or 2) a radially inner portion, a radially outer portion, and a radially inner portion and a radially outer portion a plurality of leaf spring elements having outer portions and a bridge portion connecting the outer portions, the bridge portion a radially inner portion and a radially inner portion located at a circumferential end of the at least one leaf spring element; and the radially outer portion is folded over so that the outer portion covers the inner portion. Multiple leaf spring elements The bearing further comprises:

3. 1. An assembly comprising: Housing and A rotating member; A bearing disposed between the housing and the rotating member, At least one leaf spring element providing a biasing force in the Y direction, First stiffness in the direction S １ and a second stiffness S in the X direction perpendicular to the Y direction. ２ and S ２ ≧ S １ The bearing comprises a metal substrate and a low-friction coating covering at least one surface of the metal substrate. a low friction layer adapted to contact the rotating member; An assembly having:

4. S ２ ≧1.2S １ , S ２ ≧1.5S １ , S ２ ≧2S １ , S ２ ≧3S １ , or S ２ ≧10 S １ As such, S ２ ≧1.1S １ According to any one of claims 1 to 3, A bearing or assembly as described above.

5. The bearing has a first spring constant SR in the range of 10 to 500. １ and 100 in the Y direction. A second spring constant SR in the range of 10,000 ２ Any of claims 1 to 4, A bearing or assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

6. The bearing includes a semi-annular band having a plurality of radially extending projections; and the at least one leaf spring element disposed about a partial periphery of the at least one leaf spring element. A bearing or assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The radially extending projection is at or adjacent to an axis along the X direction.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: forming a first end of the first plate having corrugations arranged in a first direction such that the corrugations enhance stiffness along the X-direction. A bearing or assembly as described above.

8. A radially extending protrusion is disposed at or adjacent to an axis along the Y direction. The radially extending projections have corrugations disposed thereon, and the radially extending projections serve to restrict the movement of the rotating member in the Y direction.

7. A bearing or assembly as claimed in claim 6.

9. The corrugations are connected to the semi-annular band around the entire circumference of the semi-annular band.

9. The bearing or device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the semi-annular band is integral with the semi-annular band so as to be connected to the bearing or device. is an assembly.

10. The at least one leaf spring element has a radially extending finger, the radially extending fingers are cantilevered and the radially extending fingers are cantilevered along the semi-annular 7. The device of claim 6, having a proximal end connected to the band and a distal end opposite the proximal end.

10. A bearing or assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. 7. The semi-annular band covers between 180° and 300° of the circumference of the rotating member. A bearing or assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. At least one of the leaf spring elements has a radially inner portion and a radially outer portion. a bridge portion connecting the radially inner portion and the radially outer portion, a radially inner edge portion located at a circumferential end of the at least one leaf spring element; The side portions and the radially outer portion are folded over such that the outer portion covers the inner portion.

12. A bearing or assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein

13. The at least one leaf spring element includes a first leaf spring element and a second leaf spring element. The first leaf spring element and the second leaf spring element are arranged to jointly cover the entire circumference of the rotating member.

13. A bearing or assembly as claimed in claim 12, which mates as follows:

14. The first and second leaf spring elements each have a first and second bridge portion, The first and second bridge portions of each of the first and second leaf spring elements are aligned along the X direction. the first and second bridge portions being disposed at or adjacent to an axis of the 14. A bearing or assembly as claimed in claim 12 or 13 providing enhanced stiffness along the X direction.

15. The first and second bridge portions have complementary axial notches, the notches The first bridge portion and the second bridge portion are disposed so as to cover each other. the notch is adapted to couple the first leaf spring element and the second leaf spring element together in the Z direction; The shaft according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the axial length of the bearing is shortened. Receiver or assembly.

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