Steering gear

Abstract

To provide a steering device that is more simply configured.SOLUTION: A steering device includes: a rack housing including a first housing and a second housing; and a motor with a first portion on a first side in an axial direction and a second portion on the other side in the axial direction, which are fixed to the rack housing. The first housing includes a first flange, and the second housing includes a second flange fixed to the first flange. The second portion of the motor is fixed to the first flange and the second flange.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a steering device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a steering device. The steering device includes a rack housing, a motor, and a mounting bracket. The rack housing extends in the vehicle width direction, and a flange is provided at an end portion. The motor extends along the rack housing. That is, the axial direction of the motor is along the vehicle width direction. Since the motor vibrates during operation, one end and the other end in the axial direction of the motor may be fixed. In Patent Document 1, one end in the axial direction of the motor is fixed to the flange of the rack housing, and the other end in the axial direction of the motor is fixed to the side surface of the rack housing via the mounting bracket.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In Patent Document 1, as described above, the other end in the axial direction of the motor is fixed to the side surface of the rack housing via the mounting bracket. Thus, in Patent Document 1, a separate mounting member is required to fix the other end in the axial direction of the motor to the rack housing, and the structure of the steering device may become complicated.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a steering device having a simpler structure.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above object, a steering device according to one aspect includes a rack housing having a first housing and a second housing extending in a first direction, and a motor having a first portion on one axial side and a second portion on the other axial side fixed to the rack housing. The first housing is disposed on one side of the rack housing in the first direction, and a first flange is provided at an end on the other side of the first direction. The second housing is disposed adjacent to the first housing on the other side of the first direction, and has a second flange provided at an end on one side of the first direction and fixed to the first flange. The second portion of the motor is fixed to the first flange and the second flange.

[0007] As described above, in the steering device of Patent Document 1, since the other axial end of the motor is fixed to the side surface of the rack housing via the mounting bracket, the structure of the steering device becomes complicated.

[0008] The rack housing according to the present disclosure has two first housings and second housings, and the first flange and the second flange are fixed. And the second portion of the motor is fixed to the first flange and the second flange.

[0009] Thus, according to the present disclosure, the other axial side of the motor is fixed by effectively using the already installed first flange and second flange. That is, in Patent Document 1, a separate mounting bracket for fixing the motor is required, but in the present disclosure, since no separate parts are required, according to the present disclosure, a steering device with a simpler structure can be provided.

[0010] As a desirable aspect, the second portion of the motor is fixed to the first flange and the second flange via one fixing member.

[0011] Thus, in the present disclosure, the fixing member for fixing the second part and the fixing member for fixing the first flange and the second flange are made common. Therefore, according to the present disclosure, a steering device with a simpler structure can be provided.

[0012] As a desirable aspect, the second part of the motor is a pair of third flanges and fourth flanges protruding from the motor, and the third flange and the fourth flange are arranged on one side in the first direction of the first flange. A shim plate is arranged in the gap between the first flange and the fourth flange.

[0013] Also, the second part of the motor is a pair of third flanges and fourth flanges protruding from the motor, and the third flange and the fourth flange are arranged on the other side in the first direction of the second flange. A shim plate is arranged in the gap between the second flange and the third flange.

[0014] According to these, even when there is a gap between the first flange and the fourth flange or between the second flange and the third flange, it is possible to reduce the gap by inserting a shim plate into the gap.

[0015] If there is a gap between the motor flange and the first flange or the second flange, the force with which the motor flange and the first flange or the second flange are fixed via the fixing member may decrease. However, since the gap becomes smaller by inserting the shim plate into the gap, a decrease in the force fixed by the fixing member is suppressed.

[0016] Desirably, the motor includes a motor body having a stator and a rotor, and a controller that supplies power to at least one of the stator and the rotor. The motor flange has a third flange provided on the motor body and a fourth flange provided on the controller. The third flange and the fourth flange are fixed to the first flange and the second flange via a bracket. One end of the bracket is fastened to the third flange and the fourth flange via a first fastening member, and the other end of the bracket is fastened to the first flange and the second flange via a second fastening member.

[0017] In this way, even when using a bracket, it is possible to fix the other side in the axial direction of the motor to the rack housing by effectively utilizing the already installed first flange and second flange. Note that the first fastening member is used when fastening the third flange and the fourth flange to each other, and the second fastening member is used when fastening the first flange and the second flange to each other. Therefore, there is no need to add a new fastening member.

[0018] Desirably, the motor includes a motor body having a stator and a rotor, a controller that supplies power to at least one of the stator and the rotor, and a cover that closes an opening provided in the controller. The motor flange has a fifth flange provided on the controller and a sixth flange provided on the cover. The fifth flange and the sixth flange are fixed to the first flange and the second flange. According to this, it is possible to fix the other side in the axial direction of the motor to the rack housing by effectively utilizing the already installed first flange and second flange.

Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the present disclosure, a steering device with a simpler structure can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited by the content described in the following embodiments. Further, the constituent elements described below include those that can be easily assumed by those skilled in the art and substantially identical ones. Furthermore, the constituent elements described below can be combined as appropriate. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts of the structure, and the description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, the XYZ orthogonal coordinates will be described. The direction along the X-axis is referred to as the X direction. The X direction is, for example, the vehicle width direction of a vehicle. The X1 side is opposite to the X2 side. The X1 side is, for example, the left side in the vehicle width direction, and the X2 side is, for example, the right side in the vehicle width direction. The Y axis is orthogonal to the X axis. The direction along the Y axis is referred to as the Y direction. The Y direction is, for example, the front-rear direction of a vehicle. The Y1 side is opposite to the Y2 side. The Y1 side is, for example, the rear side of the vehicle, and the Y2 side is, for example, the front side of the vehicle. The Z axis is orthogonal to the X axis and the Y axis. The direction along the Z axis is referred to as the Z direction. The Z direction is, for example, the vertical direction of a vehicle. The Z1 side is opposite to the Z2 side. The Z1 side is, for example, the upper side in the vertical direction, and the Z2 side is, for example, the lower side in the vertical direction. Note that the X direction is also referred to as the first direction, the X1 side is also referred to as one side of the first direction, and the X2 side is also referred to as the other side of the first direction.

[0022] [First Embodiment] First, the electric power steering device according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the electric power steering device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the steering device according to the first embodiment.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the electric power steering device 80 includes a steering wheel 81, a first steering shaft 82, a second steering shaft 83, a steering device 100, and a tie rod 86. The electric power steering device 80 of the present embodiment is, for example, a so-called dual pinion type steering device. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the steering device 100 includes a steering pinion shaft 84, a rack shaft 85, an assist pinion shaft 1, a worm wheel 2, a worm shaft 3, a motor 110, and a rack housing 4.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the steering wheel 81 is connected to a first steering shaft 82, and the first steering shaft 82 is connected to a second steering shaft 83 via a universal joint 821. The second steering shaft 83 is connected to a steering pinion shaft 84 via a universal joint 831. A pinion tooth 841 is formed on the outer periphery of the lower end portion of the steering pinion shaft 84.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rack shaft 85 extends in the X direction. In other words, the central axis AX1 of the rack shaft 85 extends in the X direction. That is, the rack shaft 85 extends in the axial direction of the central axis AX1 and is translatable along the direction along the central axis AX. The X direction is, for example, the vehicle width direction. Rack teeth 851 are provided on the outer periphery of the X2 side of the portion of the rack shaft 85, and rack teeth 852 are provided on the outer periphery of the X1 side of the portion of the rack shaft 85. The rack teeth 851 mesh with the pinion teeth 841 of the steering pinion shaft 84. The rack teeth 852 mesh with the pinion teeth 1a of the assist pinion shaft 1. Both end portions of the X1 side and the X2 side of the rack shaft 85 are connected to the wheels 101 via tie rods 86.

[0026] Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a mounting member 103 is provided at the end of the first housing 41 on the X1 side, and a mounting member 105 is provided at the end of the second housing 42 on the X2 side. The mounting members 103 and 105 are attached to the vehicle body. The mounting member 103 is provided in a pair, one on the upper side (Z1 side) and the other on the lower side (Z2 side). A through hole is provided in the mounting member 103, and a cylindrical rubber bush 103b is fitted inside the through hole. An insertion hole 103a penetrates the central portion in the radial direction of the rubber bush 103b. The mounting member 105 is provided in a pair, one on the upper side (Z1 side) and the other on the lower side (Z2 side). A through hole is provided in the mounting member 105, and a cylindrical rubber bush 105b is fitted inside the through hole. An insertion hole 105a penetrates the central portion in the radial direction of the rubber bush 105b. By inserting fastening members (for example, bolts) into the insertion holes 103a and 105a respectively and fastening the fastening members to the vehicle body, the first housing 41 and the second housing 42 are attached to the vehicle body.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rack housing 4 extends in the X direction (the first direction). The rack housing 4 is divided into a first housing 41 and a second housing 42. That is, the first housing 41 is located on the X1 side, the second housing 42 is located on the X2 side, and the rack housing 4 is formed by connecting them to each other.

[0028] The second housing 42 is a housing in which a second rack shaft accommodating portion 422, a second flange 421, a steering pinion shaft accommodating portion 5, and a mounting member 105 are integrally formed. This will be specifically described below.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the second rack shaft housing portion 422 houses the portion 85b on the X2 side of the rack shaft 85. The mounting member 105 is provided at the X2-side end of the second rack shaft housing portion 422. The second flange 421 is provided at the X1-side end of the second rack shaft housing portion 422. The second flange 421 is a flange that extends radially outward of the central axis AX1. The steering pinion shaft housing portion 5 houses the steering pinion shaft 84. The central axis AX2 of the steering pinion shaft 84 intersects the central axis AX1 of the rack shaft 85 and extends upward.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, the steering pinion shaft housing portion 5 is integrally formed with the second rack shaft housing portion 422. A torque detection device housing 54 is attached to the upper side (Z1 side) of the steering pinion shaft housing portion 5. A torque detection device is housed inside the torque detection device housing 54. Various sensors such as, for example, a magnetic torque sensor or an optical torque sensor can be applied to the torque detection device. The steering pinion shaft 84 protrudes above (Z1 side) the upper surface of the torque detection device housing 54. The steering pinion shaft 84 extends in the axial direction of the central axis AX2. The second rack shaft housing portion 422, the second flange 421, the steering pinion shaft housing portion 5, and the mounting member 105 described above are integrally formed to form the second housing 42.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the first flange 411 of the first housing 41 and the second flange 421 of the second housing 42 are fixed via bolts. Thereby, the first housing 41 and the second housing 42 are connected. This will be described in detail later.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first housing 41 is a housing in which the first rack shaft housing portion 412, the assist pinion shaft housing portion 440, the worm wheel housing portion 413, the worm shaft housing portion 419, and the mounting member 103 are integrally formed. This will be specifically described below.

[0033] The first rack shaft housing portion 412 houses the portion 85a on the X1 side of the rack shaft 85. The mounting member 103 is provided at the end on the X1 side of the first rack shaft housing portion 412. The first flange 411 is provided at the end on the X2 side of the first rack shaft housing portion 412. The first flange 411 is a flange that extends radially outward from the central axis AX1. The assist pinion shaft housing portion 440 houses the assist pinion shaft 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the assist pinion shaft 1 has a pinion tooth 1a at the end on the Z2 side and a worm wheel 2 at the end on the Z1 side. The worm wheel 2 is housed in the worm wheel housing portion 413. The worm wheel housing portion 413 has an opening, and the opening is sealed with a lid member 414. The worm shaft housing portion 419 houses the worm shaft 3. The worm shaft housing portion 419 has a main body portion 430 and a motor mounting flange 45. Note that the central axis of the worm shaft 3 is the central axis AX3.

[0034] Next, the motor 110 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the motor 110 includes a motor body 120, a controller 130, and a cover 140. As shown in FIG. 2, a flange 111 (first portion) is provided on one side in the axial direction of the motor 110. The flange 111 (first portion) is fastened to the motor mounting flange 45 via bolts. As will be described later, on the other side in the axial direction of the motor 110, mounting flanges 122, 132 (second portion) are provided. The mounting flanges 122, 132 (second portion) are fastened to the first flange 411 and the second flange 421 via bolts.

[0035] The motor body 120 has a stator 125 and a rotor 126 shown in FIG. 7 described later, and the rotor 126 rotates with respect to the stator 125. The output shaft (motor shaft) 127 is connected to the rotor 126 and is rotatable together with the rotor 126. The tip of the output shaft 127 fits with the worm shaft 3 shown in FIG. 1. The controller 130 controls the operation of the motor body 120 and supplies power to at least one of the stator and the rotor. That is, for example, the controller 130 calculates an auxiliary steering command value based on the steering torque and the vehicle speed, and adjusts the power value supplied to the motor body 120 based on the auxiliary steering command value. An opening is provided on the X2 side of the controller 130, and the opening is sealed with a cover 140. Next, the fixing structure of the motor body 120, the controller 130, and the cover 140 will be described.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, three mounting flanges (third flange, motor flange) 121, 122, and 123 are provided at the end on the X2 side of the cylindrical motor body 120. As shown in FIG. 6, the mounting flanges (third flange, motor flange) 121, 122, and 123 are arranged in three at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the cylindrical side surface of the motor body 120. The mounting flanges 121, 122, and 123 project radially outward from the side surface of the motor body 120. The mounting flanges 121, 122, and 123 are substantially triangular when viewed from the axial direction of the central axis AX3.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, three mounting flanges (the fourth flange, motor flange) 131, 132, and 133 are provided at the end on the X1 side of the controller 130. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the mounting flanges (the fourth flange, motor flange) 131, 132, and 133 are arranged in three positions at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the cylindrical side surface of the controller 130. The mounting flanges 131, 132, and 133 project radially outward from the side surface of the controller 130. The mounting flanges 131, 132, and 133 are substantially triangular when viewed from the axial direction of the central axis AX3. The mounting flanges 131, 132, and 133 overlap the mounting flanges 121, 122, and 123 when viewed from the axial direction of the central axis AX3. Specifically, the mounting flange 131 overlaps the mounting flange 121, the mounting flange 132 overlaps the mounting flange 122, and the mounting flange 133 overlaps the mounting flange 123. Then, the mounting flange 131 and the mounting flange 121 are fastened with a bolt BL1. Specifically, a through hole (not shown) through which the bolt BL1 passes is provided in the mounting flange 131, and an internal thread that meshes with the external thread at the tip of the bolt BL1 is provided in the mounting flange 121. Thereby, after inserting the bolt BL1 into the through hole of the mounting flange 131, the external thread of the bolt BL1 is meshed with the internal thread of the mounting flange 121, so that the mounting flange 131 and the mounting flange 121 are fastened with the bolt BL1. Note that the mounting flange 133 and the mounting flange 123 are also fastened with the bolt BL1 in the same manner.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, three mounting flanges (the fifth flange) 134, 135, and 136 are provided at the end on the X2 side of the controller 130. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the mounting flanges (the fifth flange) 134, 135, and 136 are arranged in three positions at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the cylindrical side surface of the controller 130. The mounting flanges 134, 135, and 136 project radially outward from the side surface of the controller 130. The mounting flanges 134, 135, and 136 are substantially triangular when viewed from the axial direction of the central axis AX3.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the cover 140 is provided with three mounting flanges (the sixth flange, the motor flange) 141, 142, and 143. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the mounting flanges (the sixth flange, the motor flange) 141, 142, and 143 are arranged in three at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the side surface of the cover 140. The mounting flanges 141, 142, and 143 project radially outward from the side surface of the cover 140. The mounting flanges 141, 142, and 143 are substantially triangular in shape when viewed from the axial direction of the central axis AX3. The mounting flanges 141, 142, and 143 overlap the mounting flanges 134, 135, and 136 when viewed from the axial direction of the central axis AX3. Specifically, the mounting flange 141 overlaps the mounting flange 134, the mounting flange 142 overlaps the mounting flange 135, and the mounting flange 143 overlaps the mounting flange 136. Then, the mounting flange 141 and the mounting flange 134 are fastened with a bolt BL2. Specifically, the mounting flange 141 is provided with a through hole (not shown) through which the bolt BL2 passes, and the mounting flange 134 is provided with an internal thread that meshes with the external thread at the tip of the bolt BL2. Thereby, after inserting the bolt BL2 into the through hole of the mounting flange 141, the external thread of the bolt BL2 is meshed with the internal thread of the mounting flange 134, so that the mounting flange 141 and the mounting flange 134 are fastened with the bolt BL2. Note that the mounting flange 142 and the mounting flange 135, and the mounting flange 143 and the mounting flange 136 are also fastened with the bolt BL2 in the same manner.

[0040] Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the connection between the first housing 41 and the second housing 42 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the first flange 411 of the first housing 41 and the second flange 421 of the second housing 42 are fixed via bolts BL3 and BL4, whereby the first housing 41 and the second housing 42 are connected.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the first flange 411 and the second flange 421 overlap when viewed from the axial direction of the central axis AX3. The first flange 411 and the second flange 421 are each provided with three protruding portions that protrude radially outward. Specifically, the first flange 411 has a first protruding portion 411a, a second protruding portion 411b, and a third protruding portion 411c. The first protruding portion 411a, the second protruding portion 411b, and the third protruding portion 411c are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. The second flange 421 has a first protruding portion 421a, a second protruding portion 421b, and a third protruding portion 421c. The first protruding portion 421a, the second protruding portion 421b, and the third protruding portion 421c are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. The second protruding portion 411b and the second protruding portion 421b, and the third protruding portion 411c and the third protruding portion 421c are fastened via bolts BL3. Specifically, the second protruding portion 421b is provided with a through hole (not shown) through which the bolt BL3 passes, and the second protruding portion 411b is provided with an internal thread that meshes with the external thread at the tip of the bolt BL3. Thereby, after inserting the bolt BL3 into the through hole of the second protruding portion 421b, by meshing the external thread of the bolt BL3 with the internal thread of the second protruding portion 411b, the second protruding portion 421b and the second protruding portion 411b are fastened with the bolt BL3. Note that the third protruding portion 411c and the third protruding portion 421c are also fastened with the bolt BL3 in the same manner.

[0042] Next, the fastening of the mounting flange 122 of the motor body 120, the mounting flange 132 of the controller 130, the first protruding portion 411a of the first housing 41, and the first protruding portion 421a of the second housing 42 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, a through hole 421d through which the bolt BL4 passes is provided in the first protruding portion 421a, and a through hole 411d through which the bolt BL4 passes is provided in the first protruding portion 411a. Further, a through hole 132a through which the bolt BL4 passes is provided in the mounting flange 132. And, a female thread that meshes with the male thread at the tip of the bolt BL4 is provided in the mounting flange 122. Thus, after inserting the bolt BL4 into the through hole 421d, the through hole 411d, and the through hole 132a, by meshing the male thread of the bolt BL4 with the female thread 122Aa of the mounting flange 122, the mounting flange 122 of the motor body 120, the mounting flange 132 of the controller 130, the first protruding portion 411a of the first housing 41, and the first protruding portion 421a of the second housing 42 are fastened with one bolt (fixing member) BL4. Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 5, a shim plate 300 may be inserted into the gap between the first flange 411 and the mounting flange 132 (the fourth flange) to reduce the gap. A through hole 300a is provided in the shim plate 300, and the bolt BL4 is inserted into the through hole 300a.

[0043] Next, the procedure for assembling the motor 110 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the first step of attaching the motor to the rack housing. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the second step of attaching the motor to the rack housing. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the third step of attaching the motor to the rack housing.

[0044] First, as shown in FIG. 7, move the motor 110 toward the X1 side indicated by the arrow. At this time, since the mounting flanges 122 and 132 are located on the Y2 side (the front side of the paper surface in FIG. 7), the mounting flanges 122 and 132 can move without interfering with the first protrusion 411a and the first protrusion 421a. Next, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 8, rotate the motor 110, and as shown in FIG. 9, oppose the mounting flanges 122 and 132 to the first protrusion 411a and the first protrusion 421a. Then, as described above, use the bolt BL4 to fasten the mounting flanges 122 and 132 to the first protrusion 411a and the first protrusion 421a.

[0045] As described above, the steering device 100 according to the present embodiment includes a rack housing 4 having a first housing 41 and a second housing 42 extending in the X direction (the first direction), a flange 111 (the first part) on the X1 side (one side in the axial direction), and a mounting flange (the second part) 122, 132 on the X2 side (the other side in the axial direction) fixed to the rack housing 4, and a motor 110. The first housing 41 is disposed on the X1 side (one side in the first direction) in the rack housing 4, and a first flange 411 is provided at the end on the X2 side (the other side in the first direction). The second housing 42 is disposed adjacent to the first housing 41 on the X2 side (the other side in the first direction), and has a second flange 421 provided at the end on the X1 side (one side in the first direction) and fixed to the first flange 411. The mounting flanges (the second part) 122 and 132 of the motor 110 are fixed to the first flange 411 and the second flange 421.

[0046] As described above, in the steering device of Patent Document 1, since the other end in the axial direction of the motor is fixed to the side surface of the rack housing via the mounting bracket, the structure of the steering device becomes complicated.

[0047] The rack housing 4 according to this embodiment has two first housings 41 and a second housing 42, and the first flange 411 and the second flange 421 are fixed. Then, the mounting flanges (second parts) 122 and 132 of the motor 110 are fixed to the first flange 411 and the second flange 421.

[0048] In this way, according to this embodiment, by effectively using the already installed first flange 411 and second flange 421, the other side in the axial direction of the motor 110 is fixed. That is, in Patent Document 1, a separate mounting bracket for fixing the motor is required, but in this embodiment, since separate parts are not necessary, according to this embodiment, a steering device with a simpler structure can be provided.

[0049] Further, the mounting flanges (second parts) 122 and 132 of the motor 110 are fixed to the first flange 411 and the second flange 421 via bolts BL4 (one fixing member).

[0050] In this way, the bolts (fixing members) for fixing the mounting flanges (second parts) 122 and 132 to each other and the bolts (fixing members) for fixing the first flange 411 and the second flange 421 are made common. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a steering device with an even simpler structure can be provided.

[0051] A shim plate may be inserted into the gap between the first flange 411 and the mounting flange 132 (fourth flange) to reduce the gap.

[0052] If there is a gap between the flanges, the fastening force after tightening the bolts (fixing members) may decrease. However, by inserting the shim plate into the gap, the gap is reduced and the fastening force by the bolts (fixing members) is improved.

[0053] Although not shown, mounting flanges (fifth flanges) 134, 135, 136 provided on the controller 130 and mounting flanges 141, 142, 143 (sixth flanges) provided on the cover may be fixed to the first flange 411 and the second flange 421. According to this, by effectively using the already installed first flange 411 and second flange 421, the other side in the axial direction of the motor 110 can be fixed.

[0054] [Modification Example] Next, a modification example will be described. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a part of the steering device according to the modification example and is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 4. In the modification example, the axial positions of the mounting flanges 122, 132 and the first protrusions 411a, 421a are different from those in the first embodiment. Specifically, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the mounting flanges 122, 132 are arranged on the X1 side of the first protrusions 411a, 421a. However, in the modification example, as shown in FIG. 10, the mounting flanges 122, 132 are arranged on the X2 side of the first protrusions 411a, 421a. A through hole 132a through which the bolt BL4 passes is provided in the mounting flange 132. A through hole 122a through which the bolt BL4 passes is provided in the mounting flange 122. A through hole 421d through which the bolt BL4 passes is provided in the first protrusion 421a. And a female thread 411Ad that meshes with the male thread at the tip of the bolt BL4 is provided in the first protrusion 411a. Thereby, after inserting the bolt BL4 into the through hole 132a, the through hole 122a, and the through hole 421d, by meshing the male thread of the bolt BL4 with the female thread 411Ad, the mounting flange 122 of the motor body 120, the mounting flange 132 of the controller 130, the first protrusion 411a of the first housing 41, and the first protrusion 421a of the second housing 42 are fastened with one bolt (fixing member) BL4.

[0055] As described above, even when the mounting flanges 122 and 132 are arranged on the X2 side of the first protrusions 411a and 421a, the first flange 411 and the second flange 421 that have already been installed can be effectively utilized to fix the other side in the axial direction of the motor 110. When there is a gap between the first protrusion 421a shown in FIG. 10 and the mounting flange 122, a shim plate 300 (see FIG. 5) may be inserted into the gap to reduce the gap.

[0056] [Second Embodiment] Next, the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a part of the steering device according to the second embodiment, and is a diagram corresponding to FIGS. 4 and 10. In the second embodiment, the mounting flange 122 (third flange, motor flange) and the mounting flange (fourth flange, motor flange) 132 are fixed to the first protrusions 411a and 421a via a bracket 200. The bracket 200 includes a motor fixing portion 202, a connecting portion 201, and a rack fixing portion 203. The motor fixing portion 202 extends in the Z direction and has a through hole 204. The motor fixing portion 202 is arranged on the X2 side of the mounting flange 132. The rack fixing portion 203 extends in the Z direction and has a through hole 205. The rack fixing portion 203 is arranged on the X2 side of the first protrusion 421a. The connecting portion 201 extends in the X direction and connects the motor fixing portion 202 and the rack fixing portion 203. A bolt BL5 (first fastening member) is inserted into the through hole 204 and the through hole 132a, and the male thread of the bolt BL5 is engaged with the female thread 122Ad. Further, a bolt BL6 (second fastening member) is inserted into the through hole 205 and the through hole 421d, and the male thread of the bolt BL6 is engaged with the female thread 411Ad. Thereby, one end 202a of the bracket 200 is fastened to the mounting flanges 122 and 132 via the bolt BL5 (first fastening member), and the other end 203a of the bracket 200 is fastened to the first flange 411 and the second flange 421 via the bolt BL6 (second fastening member).

[0057] As described above, the motor 110 includes a motor body 120 having a stator and a rotor, and a controller 130 that supplies power to at least one of the stator and the rotor. The motor flange has a mounting flange 122 (third flange) provided on the motor body 120 and a mounting flange 132 (fourth flange) provided on the controller 130. The mounting flange 122 (third flange) and the mounting flange 132 (fourth flange) are fixed to the first flange 411 and the second flange 421 via a bracket 200. One end 202a of the bracket 200 is fastened to the mounting flange 122 (third flange) and the mounting flange 132 (fourth flange) via a bolt BL5 (first fastening member), and the other end 203a of the bracket 200 is fastened to the first flange 411 and the second flange 421 via a bolt BL6 (second fastening member).

[0058] Thus, in this embodiment, even when the bracket 200 is used, the other side in the axial direction of the motor 110 can be fixed by effectively using the already installed first flange 411 and second flange 421. Note that the bolt BL5 (first fastening member) is used when fastening the mounting flange 122 (third flange) and the mounting flange 132 (fourth flange) to each other, and the bolt BL6 (second fastening member) is used when fastening the first flange 411 and the second flange 421 to each other. Therefore, there is no need to add a new bolt (fastening member).

[0059] [Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a part of the steering device according to the third embodiment, and is a figure corresponding to FIGS. 4, 10, and 11. The third embodiment is different from the second embodiment in the bracket 210. This will be briefly described below. In the third embodiment, the mounting flange 122 (third flange, motor flange) and the mounting flange (fourth flange, motor flange) 132 are fixed to the first protruding portions 411a and 421a via the bracket 210. The bracket 210 has a motor fixing portion 212, a connecting portion 211, and a rack fixing portion 213. The motor fixing portion 212 extends in the Z direction and has a through hole 214. The motor fixing portion 212 is disposed on the X2 side of the mounting flange 132. The rack fixing portion 213 extends in the Z direction and has a through hole 215. The rack fixing portion 213 is disposed on the X1 side of the first protruding portion 421a. The connecting portion 211 extends in the X direction and connects the motor fixing portion 212 and the rack fixing portion 213. The bolt BL5 (first fastening member) is inserted into the through hole 214 and the through hole 132a, and the male thread of the bolt BL5 is engaged with the female thread 122Ad. Further, the bolt BL7 (second fastening member) is inserted into the through hole 215 and the through hole 411d, and the male thread of the bolt BL7 is engaged with the female thread 421Ad. Thereby, one end 212a of the bracket 210 is fastened to the mounting flanges 122 and 132 via the bolt BL5 (first fastening member), and the other end 213a of the bracket 210 is fastened to the first flange 411 and the second flange 421 via the bolt BL7 (second fastening member).

[0060] As described above, in this embodiment, even when the bracket 210 is used, the other side in the axial direction of the motor 110 can be fixed by effectively using the already installed first flange 411 and second flange 421. Note that the bolt BL5 (first fastening member) is used when fastening the mounting flange 122 (third flange) and the mounting flange 132 (fourth flange) to each other, and the bolt BL7 (second fastening member) is used when fastening the first flange 411 and the second flange 421 to each other. Therefore, it is not necessary to add a new bolt (fastening member).

[0061] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, the fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the steering device according to the fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the mounting flanges 122 and 132 are fixed to the first protrusions 411a and 421a using a pin 220 and an elastic sleeve 230. This will be described below. The pin 220 has a head 224, a diameter-expanded flange portion 223, a large-diameter portion 222, and a small-diameter portion 221. The small-diameter portion 221 is also referred to as the tip portion. The diameter of the diameter-expanded flange portion 223 is larger than those of the head 224, the large-diameter portion 222, and the small-diameter portion 221. The large-diameter portion 222 has a larger diameter than the small-diameter portion 221. The outer periphery of the large-diameter portion 222 on the X1 side is formed with a male thread portion 222a. The sleeve 230 is made of, for example, resin and has elasticity. The sleeve 230 has a cylindrical portion 231 and a flange portion 232. The flange portion 232 extends radially outward from the end of the cylindrical portion 231 on the X2 side. A through hole 122a is provided in the mounting flange 122, and a through hole 132Aa is provided in the mounting flange 132. The sleeve 230 is fitted in the through hole 132Aa and the through hole 122a. Also, the small-diameter portion 221 of the pin 220 is fitted in the inner periphery 230a of the sleeve 230. Specifically, when the sleeve 230 is fitted in the through hole 132Aa and the through hole 122a, the inner diameter of the inner periphery 230a of the sleeve 230 is smaller than the outer diameter of the small-diameter portion 221. Therefore, when the small-diameter portion 221 is pushed into the inner periphery 230a of the sleeve 230 toward the X1 side, the small-diameter portion 221 (tip portion) is press-fitted into the inner periphery 230a of the sleeve 230 in a state where pressure is applied radially inward from the inner periphery 230a of the sleeve 230. Note that the large-diameter portion 222 of the pin 220 is inserted into the through hole 421d of the first protrusion 421a, and the male thread portion 222a meshes with the female thread 411Ad of the first protrusion 411a.

[0062] As described above, in the present embodiment, the mounting flanges 122 and 132 are fixed to the first flange 411 and the second flange 421 by using the pins 220 and the sleeve 230. Therefore, according to the present embodiment as well, the other axial side of the motor 110 can be fixed by effectively using the already installed first flange 411 and second flange 421.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0063] 1 Assist pinion shaft 1a Pinion teeth 2 Worm wheel 3 Worm shaft 4 Rack housing 5 Steering pinion shaft housing 41 First housing 42 Second housing 45 Motor mounting flange 54 Torque detection device housing 80 Electric power steering device 81 Steering wheel 82 First steering shaft 83 Second steering shaft 84 Steering pinion shaft 85 Rack shaft 85a, 85b Parts 86 Tie rod 100 Steering device 101 Wheel 103, 105 Mounting member 103a, 105a Insertion hole 103b, 105b Rubber bush 110 Motor 111 Flange (first part) 120 Motor body 121, 123 Mounting flange 122 Mounting flange (second part, third flange, motor flange) 122Aa Female thread 122Ad Female thread 130 Controller 131 and 133 Mounting Flanges 132 Mounting Flange (Second Part, Fourth Flange, Motor Flange) 132a Through-Hole 132Aa Through-Hole 134, 135, and 136 Mounting Flanges (Second Part, Fifth Flange, Motor Flange) 140 Cover 141, 142, and 143 Mounting Flanges (Second Part, Sixth Flange, Motor Flange) 200 Bracket 201 Connecting Part 202 Motor Fixing Part 202a One End 203 Rack Fixing Part 203a The Other End 204 Through-Hole 205 Through-Hole 210 Bracket 211 Connecting Part 212 Motor Fixing Part 212a One End 213 Rack Fixing Part 213a The Other End 220 Pin 221 Small-Diameter Part (Tip) 222 Large-Diameter Part 222a Male Thread Part 223 Enlarged-Diameter Flange Part 224 Head 230 Sleeve 231 Cylindrical Part 230a Inner Circumference 232 Flange Part 300 Shim Plate 300a Through-Hole 411 First Flange 411a First Protrusion 411Ad Female Thread 411b Second Protrusion 411c Third Protrusion 411d Through-Hole 412 First Rack Shaft Housing Part 413 Worm Wheel Housing Part 414 Cover Member 419 worm shaft housing part 421 second flange 421a first protrusion 421Ad female thread 421b second protrusion 421c third protrusion 421d through hole 422 second rack shaft housing part 430 main body part 440 assist pinion shaft housing part 821 universal joint 831 universal joint 841 pinion teeth 851, 852 rack teeth AX1, AX2, AX3 central axis BL1, BL2, BL3 bolts BL4 bolt (fixing member) BL5 bolt (first fastening member) BL6 bolt (second fastening member) BL7 bolt (second fastening member)

Claims

1. A rack housing having a first housing and a second housing extending in a first direction, and a motor having a first portion on one axial side and a second portion on the other axial side fixed to the rack housing. The first portion is a portion on the output shaft side of the motor, and the second portion is a portion on the side opposite to the output shaft side of the motor in the axial direction. The first housing is disposed on one side of the first direction in the rack housing, and a first flange is provided at an end on the other side of the first direction. The second housing is disposed adjacent to the other side of the first direction with respect to the first housing, and has a second flange provided at an end on one side of the first direction and fixed to the first flange. The second portion of the motor is fixed to the first flange and the second flange. Steering device.

2. The second portion of the motor is fixed to the first flange and the second flange via one fixing member. The steering device according to claim 1.

3. The second portion of the motor is a pair of third flanges and fourth flanges protruding from the motor, and the third flanges and the fourth flanges are disposed on one side of the first direction of the first flange. The steering device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A shim plate is disposed in a gap between the first flange and the fourth flange. The steering device according to claim 3.

5. The second portion of the motor is a pair of third flanges and fourth flanges protruding from the motor, and the third flanges and the fourth flanges are disposed on the other side of the first direction of the second flange. The steering device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. A shim plate is disposed in a gap between the second flange and the third flange. The steering device according to claim 5.

7. The motor includes a motor body having a stator and a rotor, and a controller that supplies power to at least one of the stator and the rotor. The third flanges and the fourth flanges are fixed to the first flange and the second flange via brackets. One end of the bracket is fastened to the third flange and the fourth flange via a first fastening member. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The other end of the bracket is fastened to the first flange and the second flange via a second fastening member. The steering device according to any one of claims 3 to 6.

8. The motor has a motor body having a stator and a rotor, a controller that supplies power to at least one of the stator and the rotor, and a cover that closes an opening provided in the controller. The second part has a fifth flange provided in the controller and a sixth flange provided in the cover. The fifth flange and the sixth flange are fixed to the first flange and the second flange. The steering device according to any one of claims 3 to 6.

9. The second part of the motor is a pair of third flanges and fourth flanges that protrude from the motor and have through holes. The first flange and the second flange are provided with through holes. A cylindrical sleeve is fitted into the through holes of the third flange and the fourth flange. A pin is inserted into the through holes of the first flange and the second flange. The tip of the pin is press-fitted into the inner circumference of the sleeve. The steering device according to claim 1.

Images