Housing and steering device

Abstract

To provide a structure for a housing that is able to prevent interference with peripheral components without requiring high machining accuracy and assembling accuracy.SOLUTION: A housing 15 includes: a housing body 16 configured by combining a plurality of housing components in an axial direction, the plurality of housing components including a front-side housing component 19 and an intermediate housing component 20 disposed adjacent to each other in the axial direction; and a front-side connection component 17. The front-side connection component 17 is a thin plate-like annular member and is disposed so as to cover a boundary between the front-side housing component 19 and the intermediate housing component 20 from outside in a radial direction. The front-side housing component 19 and the intermediate housing component 20 are connected, via the front-side connection component 17, by calking portions 38a, 38b formed in a part of the front-side connection component 17.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a housing and a steering device. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART In recent years, electric power steering devices equipped with an electrically power-assisted device have become widespread because they can reduce the force required to operate a steering wheel.

[0003] 46 and 47 show a column assist type electric power steering device 100 described in International Publication No. 2012 / 157702 (Patent Document 1).

[0004] The electric power steering device 100 includes a steering shaft 101, a steering column 102, and an electric assist device 103.

[0005] A steering shaft 101 is rotatably supported inside a steering column 102 that is supported on the vehicle body. A steering wheel is fixed to the rear end of the steering shaft 101. The front end of the steering shaft 101 is connected to an output shaft 105 via a torsion bar 104. Note that the "front-rear direction" refers to the front-rear direction of the vehicle body to which the electric power steering device is assembled.

[0006] The electric assist device 103 is provided in front of the steering column 102. The electric assist device 103 includes a housing 106, a torque sensor 107, a control unit (ECU) 108, an electric motor 109, and a worm reducer 110.

[0007] The housing 106 is fixed to the front end of the steering column 102. An output shaft 105 is rotatably inserted and supported inside the housing 106. A torque sensor 107 and a worm reducer 110 are also housed inside the housing 106.

[0008] The housing 106 includes a front housing part 111 and a rear housing part 112 combined in the front-to-rear direction. A worm reducer 110 is housed inside the front housing part 111. A torque sensor 107 is housed inside the rear housing part 112. The internal space of the front housing part 111 and the internal space of the rear housing part 112 are separated by a partition member 113. The front housing part 111 and the rear housing part 112 are connected by a plurality of connecting bolts 114 (three in the illustrated example) so as to sandwich the partition member 113 therebetween.

[0009] The torque sensor 107 is disposed around the output shaft 105 and detects the direction and amount of torsion of the torsion bar 104. The control device 108 determines the assist torque based on information about the steering torque calculated based on the direction and amount of torsion of the torsion bar 104 detected by the torque sensor 107, and information about the vehicle speed measured by a vehicle speed sensor (not shown). The electric motor 109 is supported by the housing 106, and the direction and amount of current flow are controlled by the control device 108. The worm reducer 110 reduces the rotational force of the electric motor 109 and transmits it to the output shaft 105. As a result, an assist torque is applied to the output shaft 105.

[0010] The rotation of the output shaft 105 is transmitted to the pinion shaft of the steering gear unit via a universal joint, an intermediate shaft, etc. The rotation of the pinion shaft is then converted into linear motion of the rack shaft of the steering gear unit, which meshes with the pinion shaft. This imparts a steering angle to the left and right steered wheels according to the amount of rotation of the steering wheel. Therefore, in the electric power steering device 100 equipped with the electrically power-assisted device 103, a steering angle can be imparted to the steered wheels with a force greater than the force applied to the steering wheel by the driver, thereby reducing the force required to operate the steering wheel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2012 / 157702 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2020 / 009074 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2010 / 013490 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] In the conventional structure described in WO 2012 / 157702, highly reliable bolt fastening is used as a method of connecting (fixing) the front housing part 111 and the rear housing part 112 for reasons such as ensuring ease of assembly and disassembly of the housing 106. When using a bolt fastening method of connection, it is necessary to form insertion holes for inserting the connecting bolts and female screw holes for screwing the connecting bolts, but these insertion holes and female screw holes must be formed in positions that do not interfere with the worm reducer, torque sensor, etc. housed in the housing.

[0013] In view of these circumstances, in the conventional structure described in WO 2012 / 157702, front flange portions 115 protruding radially outward are formed at a plurality of locations (three locations in the illustrated example) on the outer peripheral surface of the front housing component 111, and female threaded holes 116 for threading connecting bolts 114 are formed in each of the front flange portions 115. In addition, rear flange portions 117 protruding radially outward are formed at a plurality of locations (three locations in the illustrated example) on the outer peripheral surface of the rear housing component 112, and insertion holes 118 for inserting connecting bolts 114 are formed in each of the rear flange portions 117.

[0014] Therefore, in the electric power steering device 100 of the conventional structure, the front flange portion 115 and the rear flange portion 117 are configured to protrude radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the housing 106. Therefore, when the electric power steering device 100 is mounted on a vehicle, the front flange portion 115 and the rear flange portion 117 may interfere with peripheral components, which may reduce the vehicle mountability of the electric power steering device 100.

[0015] This problem is not limited to column-assist electric power steering devices, but also occurs in pinion-assist electric power steering devices and dual-pinion electric power steering devices that are equipped with an electric assist device.

[0016] Furthermore, in a steer-by-wire steering system in which a steering unit to which a steering wheel is attached and a steering unit for applying a steering angle to the steered wheels are electrically connected, a reaction force generator is provided in the steering unit to apply an operation reaction force to the steering wheel. Regarding such a reaction force generator, as described in International Publication No. 2020 / 009074 (Patent Document 2), similar to the electric assist device of an electric power steering device, multiple housing components are bolted together using flanges. Therefore, a steer-by-wire steering system equipped with a reaction force generator may also encounter the problem of reduced vehicle mountability.

[0017] In response to this, International Publication No. 2010 / 013490 (Patent Document 3) describes a technology for connecting multiple housing components by press-fitting them together, with respect to the housing of an electric assist device provided in an electric power steering device. This structure reduces interference between the housing and peripheral components, preventing a decrease in the vehicle mountability of the electric power steering device. However, because the diameter of the fitting portions of the housing components is relatively large, it is difficult to achieve high dimensional accuracy for the fitting portions. Furthermore, the assembly accuracy of the housing must be highly controlled.

[0018] The above-described problems with housings are not unique to housings mounted on vehicles, but can also occur in housings mounted on various types of mechanical devices.

[0019] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a housing that can prevent interference with surrounding components without requiring high processing precision and assembly precision. [Means for solving the problem]

[0020] The present invention No. 1 The housing according to this aspect includes: The entire structure has a substantially hollow cylindrical shape. The housing includes a housing main body configured by combining, in the axial direction, a plurality of housing parts including a first housing part and a second housing part that are arranged adjacent to each other in the axial direction, and a connecting part. The connecting part is a thin plate-shaped annular part With materials can be Each of the belt-shaped connecting pieces is connected in the circumferential direction to form a ring shape. , and is arranged so as to cover at least the boundary between the first housing part and the second housing part from the radially outer side. At least the first housing part and the second housing part are connected via the connecting part by a crimping portion formed on a part of the connecting part or a part of the housing main body.

[0021] The housing according to the second aspect of the present invention has an overall approximately hollow cylindrical shape and comprises a housing main body formed by combining, in the axial direction, a plurality of housing parts, including a first housing part and a second housing part, which are arranged adjacent to each other in the axial direction, and a connecting part. The connecting part is a thin plate-like annular member or a strip-shaped member, and is arranged so as to cover at least the boundary between the first housing part and the second housing part from the radially outer side. The first housing part has a first accommodating half groove on its outer surface, which extends circumferentially and is open on one axial side, and has a first convex portion protruding radially at the bottom of the first accommodating half groove. The second housing part has a second accommodating half groove on its outer surface, which extends circumferentially and is open on the other axial side, and has a second convex portion that protrudes radially at the bottom of the second accommodating half groove, at a portion whose phase in the circumferential direction matches that of the first convex portion. The connecting part has a through hole into which the first convex part and the second convex part can be inserted, and is arranged inside the accommodating groove which connects the first accommodating half groove and the second accommodating half groove in the groove width direction, without protruding radially from the accommodating groove. At least the first housing part and the second housing part are connected via the connecting part by portions of the connecting part located on both sides of the through hole in the width direction, or by crimping portions formed on each of the first convex part and the second convex part.

[0022] A housing according to a third aspect of the present invention has an overall substantially hollow cylindrical shape and includes a housing main body formed by combining, in the axial direction, a plurality of housing parts, including a first housing part and a second housing part arranged adjacent to each other in the axial direction, and a third housing part arranged adjacent to the second housing part in the axial direction, and a connecting part. The connecting part is a thin plate-like annular member or a strip-shaped member, and is arranged so as to cover not only the boundary between the first housing part and the second housing part, but also the boundary between the second housing part and the third housing part from the radially outer side. The first housing part has a first engagement groove extending in a circumferential direction at an end opposite to the second housing part in the axial direction. The third housing part has a second engagement groove extending in the circumferential direction at an end opposite to the second housing part in the axial direction. The first housing part, the second housing part, and the third housing part are connected via the connecting parts by crimping portions formed on both widthwise ends of the connecting parts that engage with the first engagement groove and the second engagement groove.

[0023] In the housing according to one aspect of the present invention, the crimped portion may be formed by crimping and deforming a part of the connecting component or a part of the housing body only in the radial direction. Alternatively, in the housing according to one aspect of the present invention, the crimped portion may be formed by crimping and deforming a part of the connecting component or a part of the housing body in the radial and axial directions.

[0024] In the housing according to one aspect of the present invention, the first housing part and the second housing part can be fitted together.

[0025] In a housing according to one aspect of the present invention, the crimping portions can be provided in a plurality of positions spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the housing body, and the crimping portions can be arranged on diametrically opposite sides of the housing body.

[0026] The housing according to one aspect of the present invention can be used in a steering device. In this case, the housing can be used in a steering device (steering unit) equipped with a steering column, or in a turning device (turning unit) equipped with a rotary-to-linear motion conversion device such as a rack and pinion. The housing can also be used in a reaction force generating device that constitutes a steer-by-wire type steering device. Alternatively, the housing can be used in an electric assist device that constitutes an electric power steering device. Alternatively, the housing can be used as a rack housing in which a linear motion member constituting the rotary-to-linear motion conversion device of the steering device is disposed.

[0027] A steering device according to one aspect of the present invention includes the housing of the present invention and a shaft supported inside the housing and connected to a steering shaft. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a housing that can prevent interference with peripheral components without requiring high processing precision and assembly precision. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a steer-by-wire steering device according to a first example of the reference example. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the steering shaft and the reaction force generating device in relation to the first reference example. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional schematic view of the periphery of a front connecting part of a housing that constitutes a reaction force generating device, in relation to a first reference example. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a front housing part that constitutes the housing of a reaction force generating device according to a first reference example. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an intermediate housing part constituting the housing of the reaction force generating device according to the first reference example. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a rear housing part that constitutes the housing of a reaction force generating device according to a first reference example. [Figure 9] (A) of Figure 9 is an oblique view showing the front connecting part of the first reference example before the crimping portion is formed, and (B) of Figure 9 is an oblique view showing the rear connecting part of the first reference example before the crimping portion is formed. [Figure 10] (A) of Figure 10 is an oblique view showing the front connecting part after the crimping portion has been formed in the first example of reference example, and (B) of Figure 10 is an oblique view showing the rear connecting part after the crimping portion has been formed in the first example of reference example. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional schematic view of the periphery of a front connecting part of a housing constituting a reaction force generating device, shown to explain a process of forming a crimped portion using a crimping punch, in relation to a first reference example. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the housing of a reaction force generating device according to a second reference example. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 5 and shows a second reference example. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 6, showing a second reference example. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 7 and shows a second reference example. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 8 and shows a second reference example. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a second reference example and corresponds to FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 12 and shows a third reference example. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 6 and shows a third reference example. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 7 and shows a third reference example. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a third reference example and corresponds to FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a third reference example and corresponds to FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a fourth reference example and corresponds to FIG. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 6 and shows a fourth reference example. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 7 and shows a fourth reference example. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 8 and shows a fourth reference example. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing the front connecting part (rear connecting part) of the fourth reference example. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 12 and shows a first example of an embodiment. [Figure 29] Figure 29 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the area around the front connecting part of the housing that constitutes the reaction force generating device in the first example of the embodiment, where (A) shows the state before the crimping portion is formed, and (B) shows the state after the crimping portion is formed. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 6, showing a first example of an embodiment. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 7 and shows a first example of an embodiment. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 8 and shows a first example of an embodiment. [Figure 33] FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a first example of an embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. [Figure 34] FIG. 34 is an enlarged view of a connecting portion between connecting pieces that configure the front connecting component (rear connecting component) in the first example of the embodiment. [Figure 35] Figure 35 shows a second example of an embodiment, and is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a housing constituting a reaction force generating device, where (A) is a cross-sectional view of the area around the front connecting part, and (B) is a cross-sectional view of the area around the rear connecting part. [Figure 36] FIG. 36 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 12 and shows a third embodiment. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 5 and shows a third example of the embodiment. [Figure 38] FIG. 38 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 6, showing a third example of the embodiment. [Figure 39] FIG. 39 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 7 and shows a third example of the embodiment. [Figure 40] FIG. 40 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 8 and shows a third example of the embodiment. [Figure 41] FIG. 41 is a diagram showing a fifth reference example, and corresponds to FIG. [Figure 42] FIG. 42 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 5 and shows a fifth example of the reference example. [Figure 43]FIG. 43 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 6 and shows a fifth reference example. [Figure 44] FIG. 44 is a diagram showing a fifth reference example, corresponding to FIG. [Figure 45] FIG. 45 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 8 and shows a fifth reference example. [Figure 46] FIG. 46 is a perspective view showing a power steering device of a conventional structure. [Figure 47] FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view showing a power steering device of a conventional structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] [ Reference example First example of Reference example The first example will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 11. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the front-rear direction means the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the up-down direction means the up-down direction of the vehicle, and the width direction means the width direction of the vehicle.

[0031] [Overall configuration of steering device] The steering device 1 of this example is a steer-by-wire type steering device. As shown in the overall configuration in Fig. 1, the steering device 1 comprises a steering unit 3 to which a steering wheel 2 is attached, a steering unit 5 that steers a pair of steered wheels 4, and a control device (ECU) 6. The steering device 1 has a linkless structure in which the steering unit 3 and the steering unit 5 are electrically connected.

[0032] Steering unit 3 measures the operation of steering wheel 2 by the driver using a torque sensor and a steering angle sensor (not shown) and outputs the measurement results to control device 6. Various signals indicating the driving situation, such as the steering torque measured by the torque sensor, the steering angle measured by the steering angle sensor, vehicle speed, yaw rate, and acceleration, are input to control device 6. Based on the various signals indicating the driving situation, control device 6 drives steering actuator 7 provided in steering unit 5. This displaces linearly moving members such as a rack shaft and a screw shaft in the width direction, pushing and pulling a pair of tie rods and applying a steering angle to the pair of steered wheels 4.

[0033] The control device 6 controls the drive of the reaction force applying motor 12 of the reaction force generating device 9 described below provided in the steering unit 3 based on various signals indicating driving conditions such as steering torque, steering angle, and vehicle speed, and applies a steering reaction force to the steering wheel 2 according to the driving conditions.

[0034] The steering unit 3 includes a steering column device 8 and a reaction force generating device 9.

[0035] The steering column device 8 is provided with a cylindrical steering column 11, and serves to support a steering shaft 10, to which the steering wheel 2 is fixed, so that the steering shaft 10 can rotate relative to the vehicle body.

[0036] If necessary, the steering column device 8 can be equipped with a position adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of the steering wheel 2. That is, the steering column device 8 can be equipped with a telescopic mechanism for adjusting the front-to-rear position of the steering wheel 2 and / or a tilt mechanism for adjusting the up-down position of the steering wheel 2.

[0037] <Reaction force generating device> The reaction force generating device 9 is disposed in front of the steering column device 8 and is supported and fixed to the steering column device 8. The reaction force generating device 9 is controlled by the control device 6, and applies to the steering wheel 2 a steering reaction force of a magnitude and direction according to the driving conditions such as the steering angle of the steering wheel 2 and the vehicle speed.

[0038] The reaction force generating device 9 includes a reaction force applying motor 12, a worm reducer (not shown), a torque sensor 13, an input shaft 14, and a housing 15.

[0039] The reaction force applying motor 12 is supported and fixed to a housing 15. The rotation of the reaction force applying motor 12 is transmitted to the steering shaft 10 via a worm reducer and an input shaft 14.

[0040] The worm reducer includes a worm and a worm wheel. The worm is rotatably supported inside a worm housing portion 23 (described later) that constitutes the housing 15, and is connected to a motor output shaft (not shown) of the reaction force applying motor 12. The worm wheel is disposed inside a worm wheel housing portion 22 (described later) that constitutes the housing 15, and is fitted onto the input shaft 14.

[0041] The input shaft 14 is disposed with its axial direction facing the front-rear direction, and is rotatably supported inside the housing 15 via a plurality of rolling bearings. The rear end of the input shaft 14 is connected to the front end of the steering shaft 10 via a torsion bar. A torque sensor 13 is disposed around the input shaft 14 to measure the steering torque input to the steering wheel 2 by the driver. The torque sensor 13 is disposed in the space between an intermediate housing part 20 and a rear housing part 21, which will be described later and which constitute the housing 15.

[0042] To apply a steering reaction force to the steering wheel 2 using the reaction force generating device 9, the control device 6 drives the reaction force applying motor 12 based on various signals indicating driving conditions such as steering torque, steering angle, and vehicle speed. The rotation of the reaction force applying motor 12 is transmitted to the input shaft 14 via a worm reducer and applied to the steering wheel 2 as a steering reaction force.

[0043] <Case> The housing 15 houses devices such as the worm reducer and torque sensor 13 inside, and has the function of protecting the devices from the outside, as well as the function of rotatably supporting the input shaft 14, which is indirectly connected to the steering shaft 10 via a torsion bar.

[0044] The housing 15 constituting the reaction force generating device 9 of the steering device 1 of this embodiment has the following structure in order to prevent interference with peripheral components.

[0045] The housing 15 includes a housing body 16 having an internal storage space, a front connecting part 17, and a rear connecting part 18.

[0046] The housing body 16 has a generally hollow cylindrical shape and is disposed with its axial direction aligned with the front-to-rear direction. In the following description of the housing 15, the axial direction, radial direction, and circumferential direction respectively refer to the axial direction, radial direction, and circumferential direction of the housing main body 16. Furthermore, the axial direction of the housing 15 and the width directions of the front connecting part 17 and the rear connecting part 18 all coincide with the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, and therefore in the following description, the axial direction of the housing 15 and the width directions of the front connecting part 17 and the rear connecting part 18 will be referred to as the fore-and-aft direction.

[0047] The housing main body 16 is configured by combining multiple (three in the illustrated example) housing parts 19, 20, and 21 in the front-to-rear direction. Specifically, the housing main body 16 is configured by combining a front housing part 19, an intermediate housing part 20, and a rear housing part 21 in the front-to-rear direction. The front housing part 19 and the intermediate housing part 20 are arranged adjacent to each other in the front-to-rear direction, and the intermediate housing part 20 and the rear housing part 21 are arranged adjacent to each other in the front-to-rear direction.

[0048] In the present embodiment, in the relationship between the front housing part 19 and the intermediate housing part 20, the front housing part 19 corresponds to the first housing part recited in the claims, and the intermediate housing part 20 corresponds to the second housing part recited in the claims. Meanwhile, in the relationship between the intermediate housing part 20 and the rear housing part 21, the intermediate housing part 20 corresponds to the first housing part recited in the claims, and the rear housing part 21 corresponds to the second housing part recited in the claims. In either case, the rear side corresponds to one axial side, and the front side corresponds to the other axial side.

[0049] Each of the front housing part 19, the middle housing part 20, and the rear housing part 21 is a casting (including a die-cast molded part) made of a light alloy such as an iron-based alloy or an aluminum alloy.

[0050] <<Front housing parts>> The front housing part 19 is integrally provided with a worm wheel accommodating section 22 that accommodates a worm wheel that constitutes the worm reducer inside, and a worm accommodating section 23 that accommodates a worm shaft that constitutes the worm reducer inside.

[0051] The worm wheel accommodating portion 22 has a stepped cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 6 , the worm wheel accommodating portion 22 has a front first accommodating half groove 24 at the rear end of its outer circumferential surface, which extends in the circumferential direction and is open at the rear side. The front first accommodating half groove 24 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape and is formed around the entire outer circumferential surface of the worm wheel accommodating portion 22. The groove depth (radial dimension) of the front first accommodating half groove 24 is the same as or greater than the plate thickness of the front connecting component 17. Furthermore, the groove width (front-rear dimension) of the front first accommodating half groove 24 is slightly greater than half the width dimension of the front connecting component 17.

[0052] A radially recessed front first recess 25 is formed in the front half of the bottom of the front first accommodating half groove 24. The front first recess 25 is rectangular in a radial view and has a rectangular cross-sectional shape. When the steering device 1 is mounted on a vehicle, a plurality of front first recesses 25 (four in the illustrated example) are provided at both upper and lower portions of the worm wheel accommodating portion 22, and one is provided at each widthwise side of the worm wheel accommodating portion 22. The front first recesses 25 formed at both upper and lower portions of the worm wheel accommodating portion 22 are disposed on diametrically opposite sides of the worm wheel accommodating portion 22. Similarly, the front first recesses 25 formed at both widthwise sides of the worm wheel accommodating portion 22 are disposed on diametrically opposite sides of the worm wheel accommodating portion 22. In the illustrated example, the front end of the front first recess 25 is positioned slightly forward of the front end of the front first accommodating half groove 24. This allows the tip of the crimping punch 39, which will be described later, to be positioned forward of the front edge of the front connecting part 17, making it easier to crimp and deform a portion of the front connecting part 17 in the radial direction.

[0053] The worm accommodating portion 23 has a cup shape. The worm accommodating portion 23 is arranged in a circumferential portion of the outer diameter side portion of the worm wheel accommodating portion 22, in a portion that is located on the lower side when the steering device 1 is mounted on a vehicle. The internal space of the worm accommodating portion 23 communicates with the internal space of the worm wheel accommodating portion 22. The central axis of the worm accommodating portion 23 is in a torsional positional relationship with the central axis of the worm wheel accommodating portion 22. The worm accommodating portion 23 has a motor mounting flange 26 that protrudes radially outward at its open end. The reaction force applying motor 12 is attached to the motor mounting flange 26 using bolts (not shown).

[0054] Intermediate housing parts The intermediate housing part 20 has a stepped cylindrical shape. As shown in Fig. 7, the intermediate housing part 20 has a front fitting part 27 with a cylindrical outer circumferential surface at its front end, and a partially cylindrical rear fitting part 28 at its rear end. The outer diameters of the front fitting part 27 and the rear fitting part 28 are smaller than the outer diameter of the intermediate housing part 20 at a middle part in the front-rear direction.

[0055] The intermediate housing component 20 has a front second housing half groove 29 that extends in the circumferential direction and is open to the front at the front end of the outer circumferential surface of the intermediate portion in the front-rear direction, i.e., at the portion adjacent to the rear side of the front fitting portion 27. The front second housing half groove 29 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape and is formed around the entire outer circumferential surface of the intermediate housing component 20. The front second housing half groove 29 has a contour shape that matches the contour shape of the front first housing half groove 24 provided in the front housing component 19. The groove depth of the front second housing half groove 29 is the same as the groove depth of the front first housing half groove 24, and the groove width of the front second housing half groove 29 is the same as the groove width of the front first housing half groove 24.

[0056] A radially recessed front second recess 30 is formed in the rear half of the bottom of the front second housing half groove 29. The front second recess 30 has the same shape and size as the front first recess 25. The front second recess 30 is disposed in a portion whose circumferential phase coincides with that of the front first recess 25 when the front housing component 19 and the intermediate housing component 20 are connected. Therefore, the front first recess 25 and the front second recess 30 are disposed side by side in the front-to-rear direction. In the illustrated example, the rear end of the front second recess 30 is positioned slightly rearward of the rear end of the front second housing half groove 29. This allows the tip of a crimping punch 39 (described later) to be positioned rearward of the rear edge of the front connecting component 17, making it easier to crimp and deform a portion of the front connecting component 17 in the radial direction.

[0057] The intermediate housing component 20 has a rear first accommodating half groove 31 that extends in the circumferential direction and is open on the rear side at the rear end of the outer circumferential surface of the intermediate portion in the front-rear direction, i.e., at the portion adjacent to the front side of the rear fitting portion 28. The rear first accommodating half groove 31 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape and is formed around the entire outer circumferential surface of the intermediate housing component 20. The groove depth (radial dimension) of the rear first accommodating half groove 31 is the same as or greater than the plate thickness of the rear connecting component 18. In addition, the groove width (front-rear dimension) of the rear first accommodating half groove 31 is slightly greater than half the width dimension of the rear connecting component 18.

[0058] A radially recessed first rear recess 32 is formed in the front half of the bottom of the rear first housing half groove 31. The rear first recess 32 is rectangular in a radial view and has a rectangular cross-sectional shape. The rear first recess 32 is provided in a portion whose phase in the circumferential direction coincides with that of the front second recess 30. Therefore, the same number of rear first recesses 32 as the front second recesses 30 are provided, and when the steering device 1 is mounted on a vehicle, a plurality of rear first recesses 32 (four in the illustrated example) are provided in portions located on both the upper and lower sides of the intermediate housing part 20, and one is provided in each portion located on both sides in the width direction of the intermediate housing part 20. However, when implementing the present invention, the rear first recess 32 may also be formed at a position offset in phase from the front second recess 30. Furthermore, the number of rear first recesses 32 may be different from the number of front second recesses 30. In the illustrated example, the front end of the rear first recess 32 is positioned slightly forward of the front end of the rear first housing half groove 31. This allows the tip of a crimping punch 39, which will be described later, to be positioned forward of the front edge of the rear connecting part 18, making it easier to crimp and deform a portion of the rear connecting part 18 in the radial direction.

[0059] <Rear housing parts> The rear housing component 21 has a substantially cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 8 , the rear housing component 21 has a rear second housing half groove 33 at the front end of its outer circumferential surface, which extends in the circumferential direction and is open to the front. The rear second housing half groove 33 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape and is formed around the entire outer circumferential surface of the rear housing component 21. The rear second housing half groove 33 has a contour shape that matches the contour shape of the rear first housing half groove 31 provided in the intermediate housing component 20. The groove depth of the rear second housing half groove 33 is the same as the groove depth of the rear first housing half groove 31, and the groove width of the rear second housing half groove 33 is the same as the groove width of the rear first housing half groove 31.

[0060] A radially recessed rear second recess 34 is formed in the rear half of the bottom of the rear second housing half groove 33. The rear second recess 34 has the same shape and size as the rear first recess 32. The rear second recess 34 is provided in a portion whose circumferential phase coincides with that of the rear first recess 32 when the intermediate housing component 20 and the rear housing component 21 are connected. Therefore, the rear first recess 32 and the rear second recess 34 are arranged side by side in the front-to-rear direction. In the illustrated example, the rear end of the rear second recess 34 is positioned slightly rearward of the rear end of the rear second housing half groove 33. This allows the tip of a crimping punch 39 (described later) to be positioned rearward of the rear edge of the rear connecting component 18, making it easier to crimp and deform a portion of the rear connecting component 18 in the radial direction.

[0061] In this example, a front housing component 19 and an intermediate housing component 20, which are arranged adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction, are fitted together. Specifically, a front fitting portion 27 provided at the front end of the intermediate housing component 20 is spigot-fitted into a rear portion of the front housing component 19. This prevents relative displacement in the radial direction between the front housing component 19 and the intermediate housing component 20. When the front housing component 19 and the intermediate housing component 20 are combined in the front-rear direction, the front first accommodating groove 24 of the front housing component 19 and the front second accommodating groove 29 of the intermediate housing component 20 are continuous in the groove width direction (front-rear direction), forming a front accommodating groove 35.

[0062] Furthermore, the intermediate housing component 20 and the rear housing component 21, which are arranged adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction, are fitted together. Specifically, a rear fitting portion 28 provided at the rear end portion of the intermediate housing component 20 is spigot-fitted into a front portion of the rear housing component 21. This prevents relative displacement in the radial direction between the intermediate housing component 20 and the rear housing component 21. When the intermediate housing component 20 and the rear housing component 21 are combined in the front-rear direction, the rear first accommodating groove 31 of the intermediate housing component 20 and the rear second accommodating groove 33 of the rear housing component 21 are continuous in the groove width direction (front-rear direction), forming a rear accommodating groove 36.

[0063] Connecting parts The front connecting part 17 and the rear connecting part 18 are made of iron-based metal and are thin, annular members. In this example, the front connecting part 17 and the rear connecting part 18 are press-molded products with a constant plate thickness over the entire circumference and a substantially annular shape.

[0064] 9A, before forming crimping portions 38a and 38b (described later), the front connecting part 17 has a shape that matches the contour shape of the front accommodating groove 35 (the front first accommodating half groove 24 and the front second accommodating half groove 29). The front connecting part 17 has notches 37a at one or more locations in the circumferential direction, for arranging a connector such as the torque sensor 13 inside, or for engaging with a part of the outer periphery of the front housing part 19 or the intermediate housing part 20.

[0065] 9(B), before forming crimping portions 40a and 40b (described later), the rear connecting part 18 has a shape that matches the contour shape of the rear accommodating groove 36 (the rear first accommodating half groove 31 and the rear second accommodating half groove 33). The rear connecting part 18 has notches 37b at one or more locations in the circumferential direction, for arranging a connector such as the torque sensor 13 inside, or for engaging with a part of the outer periphery of the intermediate housing part 20 or the rear housing part 21.

[0066] 5, the front connecting component 17 connects the front housing component 19 and the intermediate housing component 20, and is fitted onto the front housing component 19 and the intermediate housing component 20 so as to cover the boundary between the front housing component 19 and the intermediate housing component 20 from the radially outer side. Specifically, the front connecting component 17 is disposed inside the front accommodating groove 35 without protruding from the front accommodating groove 35, and covers the entire periphery from the radially outer side of the boundary, which is the joint between the front first accommodating groove 24 and the front second accommodating groove 29. Note that the front connecting component 17 is disposed inside the front accommodating groove 35 when the front housing component 19 and the intermediate housing component 20 are combined (spigot-fitted) in the front-to-rear direction.

[0067] The front connecting part 17 has a crimped portion 38a formed at a portion of its front end where its phase in the circumferential direction coincides with that of the first front recess 25, and a crimped portion 38b formed at a portion of its rear end where its phase in the circumferential direction coincides with that of the second front recess 30. In other words, the front connecting part 17 has a crimped portion 38a formed at a portion located radially outward from the first front recess 25, and a crimped portion 38b formed at a portion located radially outward from the second front recess 30. Therefore, the crimped portions 38a and 38b are arranged side by side in the front-to-rear direction. Furthermore, a plurality of crimped portions 38a, 38b arranged in the front-to-rear direction are provided, spaced apart in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, in this example, pairs of crimped portions 38a, 38b arranged side by side in the front-to-rear direction are arranged at multiple locations on diametrically opposite sides of the housing 15 with their phases shifted. In the illustrated example, the crimping portions 38a, 38b are formed by shearing off a portion of the front connecting part 17, so that the crimping portions 38a, 38b are configured in the shape of an approximately rectangular plate, and only the base ends (the rear end of the front crimping portion 38a and the front end of the rear crimping portion 38b) are connected to the parts of the front connecting part 17 other than the crimping portions 38a, 38b.

[0068] The crimping portion 38a fits inside the front first recess 25 and is pressed against the rear end (inner surface) of the front first recess 25. In contrast, the crimping portion 38b fits inside the front second recess 30 and is pressed against the front end (inner surface) of the front second recess 30. As a result, the multiple pairs of crimping portions 38a, 38b sandwich the front housing component 19 and the intermediate housing component 20 from both sides in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, the crimping portion 38a engages with the front first recess 25 in the circumferential direction, and the crimping portion 38b engages with the front second recess 30 in the circumferential direction. In other words, the widthwise end face of the crimping portion 38a closely faces or abuts against the circumferential side face of the front first recess 25, and the widthwise end face of the crimping portion 38b closely faces or abuts against the circumferential side face of the front second recess 30.

[0069] As a result, in the housing 15 of this example, the front housing part 19 and the intermediate housing part 20 are connected via the front connecting part 17 by the crimping parts 38a, 38b formed on the front connecting part 17. Relative displacement between the front housing part 19 and the intermediate housing part 20 in the front-rear direction and the circumferential direction is prevented. Note that, in a state in which the front housing part 19 and the intermediate housing part 20 are connected via the front connecting part 17, the notch 37a of the front connecting part 17 is disposed around a through-hole provided in the housing 15 for inserting a connector such as the torque sensor 13 housed inside the housing 15.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 11 , the crimped portions 38a, 38b are formed by simultaneously crimping radially inward portions of the front and rear end portions of the front connecting part 17, the portions of which circumferential phases coincide with the first front recess 25 and the second front recess 30, using a crimping punch 39 with a U-shaped cross section at the tip. That is, the crimped portions 38a, 38b are formed at the corresponding portions by plastically deforming multiple circumferential locations of the front and rear end portions of the front connecting part 17 at approximately right angles (in the radial direction and the front-rear direction (axial)). In this example, two crimping punches 39 are disposed on diametrically opposite sides of the housing main body 16, thereby simultaneously machining two sets of crimped portions 38a, 38b located on diametrically opposite sides of the housing main body 16 (forming a total of four crimped portions 38a, 38b simultaneously), thereby improving the workability of machining the crimped portions 38a, 38b.

[0071] The rear connecting component 18 connects the intermediate housing component 20 and the rear housing component 21, and is fitted onto the intermediate housing component 20 and the rear housing component 21 so as to cover the boundary between the intermediate housing component 20 and the rear housing component 21 from the radially outer side. Specifically, the rear connecting component 18 is disposed inside the rear accommodating groove 36 without protruding from the rear accommodating groove 36, and covers the entire periphery, from the radially outer side, of the boundary that is the butt portion between the rear first accommodating groove 31 and the rear second accommodating groove 33. Note that the rear connecting component 18 is disposed inside the rear accommodating groove 36 when the intermediate housing component 20 and the rear housing component 21 are combined (spigot-fitted) in the front-rear direction.

[0072] The rear connecting component 18 has a crimped portion 40a formed at a portion of its front end that coincides with the first rear recess 32 in phase with respect to the circumferential direction, and a crimped portion 40b formed at a portion of its rear end that coincides with the second rear recess 34 in phase with respect to the circumferential direction. In other words, the rear connecting component 18 has a crimped portion 40a formed at a portion located radially outward from the first rear recess 32, and a crimped portion 40b formed at a portion located radially outward from the second rear recess 34. Therefore, the crimped portions 40a and 40b are arranged side by side in the front-to-rear direction. Furthermore, a plurality of crimped portions 40a, 40b arranged in this manner in the front-to-rear direction are provided, spaced apart in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, in this example, pairs of crimped portions 40a, 40b arranged side by side in the front-to-rear direction are arranged at multiple locations on diametrically opposite sides of the housing 15, with their phases shifted. In the illustrated example, the crimping portions 40a, 40b are formed by shearing off a portion of the rear connecting part 18, so that the crimping portions 40a, 40b are configured in the shape of an approximately rectangular plate, and only the base ends (the rear end of the front crimping portion 40a and the front end of the rear crimping portion 40b) are connected to the parts of the rear connecting part 18 other than the crimping portions 40a, 40b.

[0073] The crimping portion 40a fits inside the rear first recess 32 and is pressed against the rear end (inner surface) of the rear first recess 32. On the other hand, the crimping portion 40b fits inside the rear second recess 34 and is pressed against the front end (inner surface) of the rear second recess 34. As a result, the multiple pairs of crimping portions 40a, 40b sandwich the intermediate housing component 20 and the rear housing component 21 from both sides in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, the crimping portion 40a engages with the rear first recess 32 in the circumferential direction, and the crimping portion 40b engages with the rear second recess 34 in the circumferential direction. In other words, the widthwise end face of the crimping portion 40a closely faces or abuts against the circumferential side face of the rear first recess 32, and the widthwise end face of the crimping portion 40b closely faces or abuts against the circumferential side face of the rear second recess 34.

[0074] As a result, in the housing 15 of this example, the intermediate housing component 20 and the rear housing component 21 are connected via the rear connecting component 18 by the crimping portions 40a, 40b formed on the rear connecting component 18. Relative displacement between the intermediate housing component 20 and the rear housing component 21 in the front-rear direction and the circumferential direction is prevented. Note that, when the intermediate housing component 20 and the rear housing component 21 are connected via the rear connecting component 18, the notch 37b of the rear connecting component 18 is disposed around a through-hole provided in the housing 15 for inserting a connector such as the torque sensor 13 housed inside the housing 15. Note that the crimping portions 40a, 40b can be processed using the same processing method as the crimping portions 38a, 38b.

[0075] In the present embodiment as described above, it is possible to realize the housing 15 that can prevent interference with peripheral components without requiring high processing accuracy and assembly accuracy. That is, in this example, the front housing component 19 and the intermediate housing component 20 that constitute the housing main body 16 can be connected via the front connecting component 17 by forming crimping portions 38a, 38b in the front connecting component 17, which is an annular component. Similarly, the intermediate housing component 20 and the rear housing component 21 that constitute the housing main body 16 can be connected via the rear connecting component 18 by forming crimping portions 40a, 40b in the rear connecting component 18, which is an annular component.

[0076] Therefore, unlike the conventional structure described in WO 2012 / 157702, which uses a bolt-fastening connection method, it is not necessary to form radially protruding flanges on the housing components 19, 20, and 21, and therefore it is possible to configure the housing 15 compactly. Therefore, interference between the housing 15 and surrounding components can be prevented. Moreover, in the housing 15 of this example, the front housing component 19 and the middle housing component 20 are connected via the front connecting component 17, and the middle housing component 20 and the rear housing component 21 are connected via the rear connecting component 18. Therefore, it is not necessary to increase the dimensional accuracy of the housing components or to highly control the assembly accuracy of the housing, as is the case with the conventional structure described in WO 2010 / 013490.

[0077] As a result, the housing 15 of this example can prevent interference with peripheral components without requiring high processing precision and assembly precision. Also, the steering device 1 of this example that includes the housing 15 can improve the ease of mounting on a vehicle.

[0078] Moreover, the front connecting component 17 is disposed inside the front accommodating groove 35 without protruding radially from the front accommodating groove 35, and the rear connecting component 18 is disposed inside the rear accommodating groove 36 without protruding radially from the rear accommodating groove 36. This means that the front connecting component 17 and the rear connecting component 18 do not have to protrude radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the housing main body 16. This makes it possible to more effectively prevent interference between the housing 15 and peripheral components.

[0079] Furthermore, since the front connecting part 17 and the rear connecting part 18 are each annular parts, even if the formation of the crimping parts 38a, 38b, 40a, 40b is incomplete, the front connecting part 17 and the rear connecting part 18 can be prevented from falling off the housing main body 16. When implementing the present invention, it is also possible to form cuts in advance in the portions of the front and rear connecting parts where the crimping portions will be formed. By forming such cuts, the crimping work can be easily performed with light force.

[0080] [ Reference example Second example of Reference example The second example will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0081] In the housing 15a of this example, the method of forming the crimping portions 38c, 38d on the front connecting part 17a and the method of forming the crimping portions 40c, 40d on the rear connecting part 18a are as follows: Reference example The structure has been changed from the first example.

[0082] That is, in this example, the crimped portions 38c, 38d are formed by crimping and deforming the front and rear end portions of the front connecting part 17a in the radial direction and the front-rear direction (axial direction), respectively. Specifically, the crimped portion 38c is formed by crimping and deforming a portion of the front end portion of the front connecting part 17a whose phase in the circumferential direction coincides with the front first recessed part 25 radially inward and then rearward. Furthermore, the crimped portion 38d is formed by crimping and deforming a portion of the rear end portion of the front connecting part 17a whose phase in the circumferential direction coincides with the front second recessed part 30 radially inward and then frontward.

[0083] In this example, in order to form the above-described crimping portions 38c and 38d, a plurality of linear crimping grooves 41a extending in the front-to-rear direction are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the front housing component 19a. The crimping grooves 41a are provided in portions of the outer peripheral surface of the front housing component 19a that are in phase with the front first recess 25 in the circumferential direction. The crimping grooves 41a have the same groove depth and circumferential width as the front first recess 25. Therefore, the crimping grooves 41a and the front first recess 25 are smoothly connected in the front-to-rear direction.

[0084] Additionally, a plurality of linear crimping grooves 41b extending in the front-rear direction are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate housing part 20a. The crimping grooves 41b are provided in portions of the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate housing part 20a that are in phase with the front-side second recess 30 in the circumferential direction. The crimping grooves 41b have the same groove depth and circumferential width as the front-side second recess 30. Therefore, the crimping grooves 41b and the front-side second recess 30 are smoothly connected in the front-rear direction. The rear end of the crimping grooves 41b is connected to the rear-side first recess 32. Therefore, the crimping grooves 41b connect the front-side second recess 30 and the rear-side first recess 32 in the front-rear direction.

[0085] 17, a pair of crimping punches 39a are positioned inside crimping grooves 41a and 41b, and then moved toward each other along crimping grooves 41a and 41b, thereby crimping and deforming the portion of front connecting part 17a that has been crimped and deformed radially inward in the front-rear direction (axial direction) to form crimped portions 38c and 38d in that portion.

[0086] Furthermore, in this example, the crimped portions 40c, 40d are formed by crimping and deforming the front and rear end portions of the rear connecting part 18a in the radial direction and the front-rear direction (axial direction), respectively. Specifically, the crimped portion 40c is formed by crimping and deforming a portion of the front end portion of the rear connecting part 18a whose phase in the circumferential direction coincides with the rear first recessed part 32 radially inward and then rearward. Furthermore, the crimped portion 40d is formed by crimping and deforming a portion of the rear end portion of the rear connecting part 18a whose phase in the circumferential direction coincides with the rear second recessed part 34 radially inward and then frontward.

[0087] In this example, in order to form the crimping portions 40c and 40d as described above, in addition to forming the crimping groove 41b described above in the outer peripheral surface of the middle housing component 20a, a linear crimping groove 41c extending in the front-to-rear direction is formed in the outer peripheral surface of the rear housing component 21a. The crimping groove 41c is provided in a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the rear housing component 21a whose phase in the circumferential direction is aligned with that of the rear second recess 34. The crimping groove 41c has the same groove depth and circumferential width as the rear second recess 34. Therefore, the crimping groove 41c and the rear second recess 34 are smoothly connected in the front-to-rear direction.

[0088] The method of forming the crimped portions 40c, 40d in the rear connecting part 18a by utilizing the crimping groove 41b provided on the outer peripheral surface of the middle housing part 20a and the crimping groove 41c provided on the outer peripheral surface of the rear housing part 21a is the same as the method of forming the crimped portions 38c, 38d in the front connecting part 17a.

[0089] In the housing 15a of this example as described above, the crimping portions 38c, 38d can increase the force with which the front housing component 19a and the middle housing component 20a are sandwiched from both sides in the front-to-rear direction. Therefore, the connecting force between the front housing component 19a and the middle housing component 20a can be increased. Similarly, the crimping portions 40c, 40d can increase the force with which the middle housing component 20a and the rear housing component 21a are sandwiched from both sides in the front-to-rear direction. Therefore, the connecting force between the middle housing component 20a and the rear housing component 21a can be increased. For other configurations and effects, Reference example This is the same as the first example.

[0090] [ Reference example Third example of Reference example The third example will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0091] In the housing 15b of this example, the shapes of the crimping portions 38e and 38f formed on the front connecting part 17b and the shapes of the crimping portions 40e and 40f formed on the rear connecting part 18b are set as follows: Reference example The structure has been changed from the first example.

[0092] That is, in this example, the crimped portions 38e and 38f are Reference example The crimped portions 38e, 38f are longer in the circumferential direction than the structure of the first example. Specifically, the circumferential length of the crimped portions 38e, 38f is 5 times or more, preferably 10 times or more, the width of the crimped portions 38e, 38f in the front-rear direction. As a result, in this example, the number of crimped portions 38e, 38f formed is Reference example This is smaller than the structure of the first example.

[0093] In addition, while changing the circumferential dimensions (and the number of formed) of the crimping portions 38e and 38f, the front first recess 25a formed on the outer peripheral surface of the front housing part 19b and the front second recess 30a formed on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate housing part 20b are each Reference example The front first recess 25a and the front second recess 30a have a shape longer in the circumferential direction than the structure of the first example. The circumferential dimensions of each of the front first recess 25a and the front second recess 30a are slightly larger than the circumferential dimensions of the crimped portions 38e and 38f.

[0094] Furthermore, in this example, the crimped portions 40e and 40f are Reference example The crimped portions 40e, 40f are longer in the circumferential direction than the structure of the first example. Specifically, the circumferential length of the crimped portions 40e, 40f is 5 times or more, preferably 10 times or more, the width of the crimped portions 40e, 40f in the front-rear direction. Reference example This is smaller than the structure of the first example.

[0095] In addition, while changing the circumferential dimensions (and the number of formed) of the crimping portions 40e and 40f, the rear first recess 32a formed on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate housing part 20b and the rear second recess 34a formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rear housing part 21b are each Reference example The rear first recess 32a and the rear second recess 34a have a shape that is longer in the circumferential direction than the structure of the first example. The circumferential dimensions of each of the rear first recess 32a and the rear second recess 34a are slightly larger than the circumferential dimensions of the crimped portions 40e and 40f.

[0096] In the housing 15b of this example as described above, the number of crimping portions 38e, 38f, 40e, and 40f can be reduced, thereby reducing the number of crimping steps. Also, the number of front first recesses 25a, front second recesses 30a, rear first recesses 32a, and rear second recesses 34a can be reduced, thereby reducing the number of steps required to process each of these recesses 25a, 30a, 32a, and 34a. For other configurations and effects, Reference example This is the same as the first example.

[0097] [ Reference example 4th example of Reference example The fourth example will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0098] In the housing 15c of this example, the front housing part 19c and the intermediate housing part 20c are connected via a plurality of (two in the illustrated example) front connecting parts 17c, 17d, and the intermediate housing part 20c and the rear housing part 21c are connected via a plurality of (two in the illustrated example) rear connecting parts 18c, 18d.

[0099] 27, each of the front connecting parts 17c and 17d is a thin, band-like member that is curved in an arc. Therefore, the entire front connecting parts 17c and 17d have a substantially C-shape. The front connecting parts 17c and 17d are not connected to each other in the circumferential direction, but are independent parts that are separated in the circumferential direction.

[0100] Each of the rear connecting parts 18c, 18d is a thin, band-like member that is curved in an arc. Therefore, the entire rear connecting parts 18c, 18d have a generally C-shape. The rear connecting parts 18c, 18d are not connected to each other in the circumferential direction, but are independent parts that are separated in the circumferential direction.

[0101] The worm wheel receiving portion 22 constituting the front housing part 19c has, at the rear end of the outer circumferential surface, a plurality of front first receiving half grooves 24a, 24b (the same number as the front connecting parts 17c, 17d), each of which extends in the circumferential direction and is open on its rear side. The front first receiving half grooves 24a, 24b are arranged spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

[0102] The intermediate housing component 20c is provided with a plurality of front second accommodating half grooves 29a, 29b (the same number as the front connecting components 17c, 17d), each of which extends in the circumferential direction and is open on the front side, at the front end of the outer circumferential surface of the intermediate portion in the front-rear direction, i.e., at the portion adjacent to the rear side of the front fitting portion 27. The front second accommodating half grooves 29a, 29b are arranged in portions where their phases in the circumferential direction match those of the front first accommodating half grooves 24a, 24b, respectively, when the front housing component 19c and the intermediate housing component 20c are connected.

[0103] The intermediate housing component 20c is provided with a plurality of rear first half grooves 31a, 31b (the same number as the rear connecting components 18c, 18d), each of which extends in the circumferential direction and is open at the rear end of the outer circumferential surface of the intermediate portion in the front-rear direction, i.e., at the portion adjacent to the front side of the rear fitting portion 28. In the illustrated example, the rear first half grooves 31a, 31b are provided in portions whose phase in the circumferential direction coincides with that of the front second half grooves 29a, 29b, respectively. When implementing the present invention, the rear first half grooves 31a, 31b may also be provided in portions whose phase is different from that of the front second half grooves 29a, 29b.

[0104] The rear housing component 21c is provided at the front end of its outer circumferential surface with a plurality of rear second accommodating half grooves 33a, 33b (the same number as the rear connecting components 18c, 18d), each of which extends in the circumferential direction and is open on its front side. The rear second accommodating half grooves 33a, 33b are arranged at portions where their phases in the circumferential direction coincide with those of the rear first accommodating half grooves 31a, 31b, respectively, when the intermediate housing component 20c and the rear housing component 21c are connected.

[0105] In the case of the present example, when the front housing part 19c and the intermediate housing part 20c are combined in the front-to-rear direction, the front first housing half groove 24a and the front second housing half groove 29a are connected in the groove width direction (front-to-rear direction) to form the front housing groove 35a, and the front first housing half groove 24b and the front second housing half groove 29b are connected in the groove width direction to form the front housing groove 35b.

[0106] In this example, the front connecting part 17c is disposed inside the front accommodating groove 35a without protruding therefrom. The front connecting part 17c has a crimped portion 38a at its front end, where its phase in the circumferential direction coincides with the first front recess 25, and a crimped portion 38b at its rear end, where its phase in the circumferential direction coincides with the second front recess 30. Similarly, the front connecting part 17d is disposed inside the front accommodating groove 35b without protruding therefrom. The front connecting part 17d has a crimped portion 38a at its front end, where its phase in the circumferential direction coincides with the first front recess 25, and a crimped portion 38b at its rear end, where its phase in the circumferential direction coincides with the second front recess 30. In this way, in this example, the front housing part 19c and the middle housing part 20c are connected via the two front connecting parts 17c and 17d, which are each strip-shaped parts.

[0107] In the case of the present example, when the intermediate housing part 20c and the rear housing part 21c are combined in the front-to-rear direction, the rear first housing half groove 31a and the rear second housing half groove 33a are connected in the groove width direction to form the rear housing groove 36a, and the rear first housing half groove 31b and the rear second housing half groove 33b are connected in the groove width direction to form the rear housing groove 36b.

[0108] In this example, the rear connecting part 18c is disposed inside the rear accommodating groove 36a without protruding therefrom. The rear connecting part 18c has a crimped portion 40a at its front end, where its phase in the circumferential direction coincides with the first rear recess 32, and a crimped portion 40b at its rear end, where its phase in the circumferential direction coincides with the second rear recess 34. Similarly, the rear connecting part 18d is disposed inside the rear accommodating groove 36b without protruding therefrom. The rear connecting part 18d has a crimped portion 40a at its front end, where its phase in the circumferential direction coincides with the first rear recess 32, and a crimped portion 40b at its rear end, where its phase in the circumferential direction coincides with the second rear recess 34. In this way, in this example, the middle housing part 20c and the rear housing part 21c are connected via the two rear connecting parts 18c and 18d, which are each strip-shaped parts.

[0109] In the above-described embodiment, the front housing component 19c, the middle housing component 20c, and the rear housing component 21c are combined in the front-to-rear direction to form the housing main body 16a. Then, the front housing component 19c and the middle housing component 20c can be connected via the front connecting components 17c and 17d, and the middle housing component 20c and the rear housing component 21c can be connected via the rear connecting components 18c and 18d. In other words, the housing components 19c, 20c, and 21c can be connected to each other after the housing main body 16a is formed. This facilitates the assembly of the housing 15c. Furthermore, the weight of the housing 15c can be reduced compared to when annular connecting components are used. For other configurations and effects, Reference example This is the same as the first example.

[0110] [Embodiment 1 1 example] The first embodiment 1 Examples will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0111] In the housing 15d of this example, the structure of the crimping portion 56 formed on the front connecting part 48 and the structure of the crimping portion 57 formed on the rear connecting part 49 are as follows: Reference example The structure is different from that of the first to fourth examples.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 30 , the front housing component 19d has a front first convex portion 42 that protrudes in the radial direction on the rear half of the bottom of the front first half-accommodating groove 24. The front first convex portion 42 is rectangular when viewed in the radial direction and has a rectangular cross-sectional shape. That is, the front first convex portion 42 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. When the steering device 1 is mounted on a vehicle, a plurality of front first convex portions 42 (four in the illustrated example) are provided on both upper and lower sides of the worm wheel accommodating portion 22, and one is provided on each side of the worm wheel accommodating portion 22 in the width direction. The front first convex portions 42 formed on both upper and lower sides of the worm wheel accommodating portion 22 are arranged on opposite sides in the diameter direction of the worm wheel accommodating portion 22. Similarly, the front first convex portions 42 formed on both sides in the width direction of the worm wheel accommodating portion 22 are arranged on opposite sides in the diameter direction of the worm wheel accommodating portion 22.

[0113] 31, the intermediate housing component 20d has a front second convex portion 43 that protrudes in the radial direction on the front half of the bottom of the front second accommodating half groove 29. The front second convex portion 43 has the same shape and size as the front first convex portion 42. The front second convex portion 43 is arranged in a portion whose phase in the circumferential direction matches that of the front first convex portion 42 when the front housing component 19d and the intermediate housing component 20d are connected. Therefore, the front first convex portion 42 and the front second convex portion 43 are arranged side by side in the front-to-rear direction.

[0114] The intermediate housing component 20d has a rear first convex portion 44 that protrudes radially from the rear half of the bottom of the rear first half-accommodating groove 31. The rear first convex portion 44 is rectangular when viewed in the radial direction and has a rectangular cross-sectional shape. That is, the rear first convex portion 44 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The rear first convex portion 44 is provided at a portion whose phase in the circumferential direction coincides with that of the front second convex portion 43. However, when implementing the present invention, the rear first convex portion 44 can also be formed at a position that is offset in phase from the front second convex portion 43.

[0115] As shown in Fig. 32, the rear housing component 21d has a rear second convex portion 45 that protrudes in the radial direction on the front half of the bottom of the rear second accommodating half-groove 33. The rear second convex portion 45 has the same shape and size as the rear first convex portion 44. The rear second convex portion 45 is arranged in a portion whose phase in the circumferential direction matches that of the rear first convex portion 44 when the intermediate housing component 20d and the rear housing component 21d are connected. Therefore, the rear first convex portion 44 and the rear second convex portion 45 are arranged side by side in the front-to-rear direction.

[0116] When the front housing part 19d and the intermediate housing part 20d are combined in the front-to-back direction, the front first convex part 42 and the front second convex part 43 are combined in the front-to-back direction to form a rectangular parallelepiped front convex part 46.

[0117] Similarly, when the intermediate housing part 20d and the rear housing part 21d are combined in the front-to-rear direction, the rear first convex part 44 and the rear second convex part 45 are combined in the front-to-rear direction to form a rectangular parallelepiped rear convex part 47.

[0118] 33, each of the front connecting part 48 and the rear connecting part 49 is a thin, annular part. However, each of the front connecting part 48 and the rear connecting part 49 is configured by connecting a plurality of band-shaped connecting pieces 50a, 50b (two in the illustrated example) in the circumferential direction.

[0119] Specifically, male engaging portions 51 provided at both circumferential ends of connecting piece 50a and female engaging portions 52 provided at both circumferential ends of connecting piece 50b are engaged with each other in a concave-convex manner in the circumferential direction.

[0120] Male engaging portion 51 is composed of a plurality of (two in the illustrated example) tapered engaging protrusions 53 that are wider at the tip than at the base. Female engaging portion 52 is composed of a plurality of (two in the illustrated example) tapered engaging recesses 54 that are narrower at the opening than at the back. In this example, engaging protrusions 53 and engaging recesses 54 are engaged with each other to circumferentially connect the circumferential end of connecting piece 50a and the circumferential end of connecting piece 50b.

[0121] 34, in this example, with male engaging portion 51 and female engaging portion 52 engaged with each other, crimping punch 39b is used to crush engaging protrusions 53 constituting male engaging portion 51 in the plate thickness direction (caulking and deforming). Then, engaging protrusions 53 are expanded inside engaging recesses 54, thereby more firmly connecting engaging protrusions 53 and engaging recesses 54.

[0122] The front connecting component 48 has through holes 55a at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction in the middle portion in the front-rear direction (width direction), through which the front protrusions 46 can be inserted radially. The rear connecting component 49 has through holes 55b at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction in the middle portion in the front-rear direction, through which the rear protrusions 47 can be inserted radially. Both of the through holes 55a, 55b are rectangular holes.

[0123] In this example, the front connecting component 48 is also disposed inside the front accommodating groove 35 without protruding radially from the front accommodating groove 35. The front convex portion 46 is inserted from the radially inner side into the through-hole 55a provided in the front connecting component 48.

[0124] 29(A) to 29(B), portions of the front connecting part 48 located on both sides of the through-hole 55a in the front-to-rear direction (width direction) are expanded by radially crimping deformation (plastic deformation in the plate thickness direction) to form crimped portions 56 in those portions. As a result, the crimped portions 56 are stretched between the front protrusion 46 and the front housing groove 35. Therefore, the front first protrusion 42 and the front second protrusion 43 constituting the front protrusion 46 are sandwiched from both sides in the front-to-rear direction by the pair of crimped portions 56. In addition, the front protrusion 46 engages with the through-hole 55a in the circumferential direction.

[0125] As a result, in the housing 15d of this example, the front housing component 19d and the intermediate housing component 20d are connected via the front connecting component 48 by the crimping portion 56 formed on the front connecting component 48. Relative displacement between the front and rear direction and the circumferential direction of the front and rear direction of the intermediate housing component 20d is prevented.

[0126] The rear connecting component 49 is disposed inside the rear accommodating groove 36 without protruding radially from the rear accommodating groove 36. The rear convex portion 47 is inserted from the radially inner side into the through-hole 55b provided in the rear connecting component 49.

[0127] Furthermore, portions of the rear connecting component 49 located on both sides of the through-hole 55b in the front-to-rear direction are radially crimped and deformed to expand, thereby forming crimped portions 57 in these portions. As a result, the crimped portions 57 are stretched between the rear protrusion 47 and the rear accommodating groove 36. Therefore, the rear first protrusion 44 and the rear second protrusion 45 that constitute the rear protrusion 47 are sandwiched from both sides in the front-to-rear direction by the pair of crimped portions 57. Furthermore, the rear protrusion 47 engages with the through-hole 55b in the circumferential direction.

[0128] As a result, in the housing 15d of this example, the intermediate housing component 20d and the rear housing component 21d are connected via the rear connecting component 49 by the crimping portion 57 formed on the rear connecting component 49. Relative displacement between the intermediate housing component 20d and the rear housing component 21d in the front-rear and circumferential directions is prevented.

[0129] In this example, the operation of connecting the front housing component 19d and the middle housing component 20d with the front connecting component 48 can be performed, for example, as follows. First, the front housing component 19d and the intermediate housing component 20d are assembled in the front-rear direction (spigot-fitted). Next, the connecting pieces 50a and 50b are fitted from the radially outer side into the front housing grooves 35 formed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the front housing component 19d and the intermediate housing component 20d. At this time, the front protrusions 46 are inserted into the through holes 55a provided in the connecting pieces 50a and 50b. Next, the connecting pieces 50a and 50b are connected to each other in the circumferential direction to obtain the front connecting component 48, which is an annular component. Thereafter, a crimping portion 56 is formed in the front connecting component 48, thereby connecting the front housing component 19d and the intermediate housing component 20d via the front connecting component 48. The operation of connecting the intermediate housing component 20d and the rear housing component 21d with the rear connecting component 49 can be performed in the same manner as the above-mentioned connecting operation with the front connecting component .

[0130] In the present embodiment as described above, there is no need to form recesses in the bottoms of the accommodation half grooves 24, 29, 31, and 33 provided on the outer peripheral surfaces of the front housing component 19d, the intermediate housing component 20d, and the rear housing component 21d. This simplifies the shapes of the outer peripheral surfaces of the front housing component 19d, the intermediate housing component 20d, and the rear housing component 21d, thereby reducing processing costs. Furthermore, because there is no need to form recesses on the outer peripheral surfaces, it is also possible to prevent a decrease in the strength of the front housing component 19d, the intermediate housing component 20d, and the rear housing component 21d. As a modification of this embodiment, the first and second protrusions may be semi-cylindrical, and the through-holes provided in the connecting components may be circular holes. For other configurations and effects, Reference example This is the same as the first example.

[0131] [Embodiment 1 2 example] The first embodiment 2 An example will be described with reference to FIG.

[0132] This example is the first embodiment.1 This is a variation of the example.

[0133] In the housing 15e of this example, no crimping portion is formed on either the front connecting part 48 or the rear connecting part 49, but the crimping portion 58 is formed on the front convex part 46 that passes through the through hole 55a of the front connecting part 48, and the crimping portion 59 is formed on the rear convex part 47 that passes through the through hole 55b of the rear connecting part 49.

[0134] Specifically, the front first convex portion 42 and the front second convex portion 43 constituting the front convex portion 46 are crimped and expanded (plastically deformed) so as to be spaced apart from each other in the front-to-rear direction, thereby forming crimped portion 58. Similarly, the rear first convex portion 44 and the rear second convex portion 45 constituting the rear convex portion 47 are crimped and expanded so as to be spaced apart from each other in the front-to-rear direction, thereby forming crimped portion 59. Note that the portions between the front first convex portion 42 and the front second convex portion 43 and the portions between the rear first convex portion 44 and the rear second convex portion 45 can also be welded after crimped portions 58, 59 are formed.

[0135] This allows the front protrusion 46, on which the crimped portion 58 is formed, to be stretched in the front-to-rear direction inside the through-hole 55a of the front connecting component 48. Also, the rear protrusion 47, on which the crimped portion 59 is formed, to be stretched in the front-to-rear direction inside the through-hole 55b of the rear connecting component 49.

[0136] As a result, in the housing 15e of this example, the front housing component 19d and the middle housing component 20d are connected via the front connecting component 48 by the crimping portion 58 formed on the front convex portion 46. Also, the middle housing component 20d and the rear housing component 21d are connected via the rear connecting component 49 by the crimping portion 59 formed on the rear convex portion 47.

[0137] In the present example as described above, the crimped portion 58 can be formed by pressing the tip of a crimping punch (not shown) into the boundary between the front first convex portion 42 and the front second convex portion 43 that constitute the front convex portion 46. Similarly, the crimped portion 59 can be formed by pressing the tip of a crimping punch (not shown) into the boundary between the rear first convex portion 44 and the rear second convex portion 45 that constitute the rear convex portion 47. This simplifies the processing of the crimped portions 58 and 59. Other configurations and effects are described in the first and second embodiments. Reference example No. 1 Same as the example.

[0138] [Embodiment 1 3 example] The first embodiment 3 An example will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0139] In the housing 15f of this example, a front housing part 19e, a middle housing part 20e, and a rear housing part 21e that constitute the housing main body 16b are connected via one connecting part 60. In the present example of the housing body 16b, the front housing part 19e corresponds to the first housing part described in the claims, the middle housing part 20e corresponds to the second housing part described in the claims, and the rear housing part 21e corresponds to the third housing part described in the claims.

[0140] The front housing component 19e has a first engagement groove 61 extending in the circumferential direction at the radially outer end of its front end face located on the opposite side of the intermediate housing component 20e in the front-rear direction. The first engagement groove 61 has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape and is configured in an arc or annular shape.

[0141] The rear housing component 21e has a second engagement groove 62 extending in the circumferential direction at the radially outer end of its rear end face located on the opposite side from the intermediate housing component 20e in the front-to-rear direction. The second engagement groove 62 has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape and is configured in an arc or annular shape.

[0142] The connecting part 60 has a band shape and is curved in an arc shape. 2 example and Reference Examples 1 to 4 Specifically, the connecting part 60 has a width dimension (front-rear dimension) large enough to cover the outer peripheral surface of the housing main body 16b from the radially outer side over the entire axial length.

[0143] The connecting part 60 covers a circumferential portion of the outer peripheral surface of the housing main body 16b from the radially outer side, thereby covering the boundary between the front housing part 19e and the intermediate housing part 20e, and the boundary between the intermediate housing part 20e and the rear housing part 21e from the radially outer side.

[0144] A crimped portion 63a is formed at the front end of the connecting part 60 by crimping the front end of the connecting part 60 radially inward and then crimping the deformed portion rearward (axially). The crimped portion 63a engages with a first engagement groove 61 provided in the front housing part 19e in the front-rear direction, the circumferential direction, and the radial direction. The crimped portion 63a has a substantially L-shaped cross section and is formed over the entire circumferential length of the connecting part 60.

[0145] A crimped portion 63b is formed at the rear end of the connecting component 60 by crimping the rear end of the connecting component 60 radially inward and then crimping the deformed portion forward (in the front-to-rear direction). The crimped portion 63b engages with a second engagement groove 62 provided in the rear housing component 21e in the front-to-rear direction, the circumferential direction, and the radial direction. The crimped portion 63b has a substantially L-shaped cross section and is formed over the entire length of the connecting component 60 in the circumferential direction.

[0146] In this example, the front housing component 19e, the middle housing component 20e, and the rear housing component 21e are clamped together from both the front and rear sides in the front-rear direction by a pair of crimping portions 63a, 63b formed on the connecting component 60. Furthermore, the crimping portion 63a is engaged with the first engagement groove 61 in the circumferential direction, and the crimping portion 63b is engaged with the second engagement groove 62 in the circumferential direction.

[0147] As a result, in the housing 15f of this example, the front housing part 19e, the middle housing part 20e, and the rear housing part 21e are connected via the connecting part 60 by the crimping parts 63a, 63b formed on both ends of the connecting part 60 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0148] In the present embodiment as described above, the number of connecting components 60 for connecting the front housing component 19e, the middle housing component 20e, and the rear housing component 21e can be reduced. This reduces the cost of managing components and the number of processing steps. Furthermore, the outer peripheral surface shapes of the housing components 19e, 20e, and 21e can be simplified, which reduces the processing cost. For other configurations and effects, Reference example This is the same as the first example.

[0149] [ Reference example No. 5 example] Reference example No. 5 An example will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0150] The housing 15g of this example is the same as the first to third examples of the embodiment. 3 example and Reference Examples 1 to 4 Unlike the housing of the previous example, the front housing part 19f and the middle housing part 20f that constitute the housing main body 16c are directly connected to each other. Also, the middle housing part 20f and the rear housing part 21f are directly connected to each other. That is, the housing 15g of this example is made up of only the housing main body 16c.

[0151] The front housing part 19f has, at its rear end, a front connecting tubular part 64 that extends in the front-to-rear direction (axial direction). The front connecting tubular part 64 is provided around the entire periphery of the rear end of the front housing part 19f.

[0152] The intermediate housing part 20f is Reference exampleSimilar to the structure of the first example, a front housing half groove 65 that extends circumferentially and is open at the front end of the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate portion in the front-rear direction is provided. The front housing half groove 65 has a rectangular cross section and is formed over the entire outer peripheral surface of the intermediate housing component 20f. A front recess 66 that is recessed in the radial direction is formed in the rear half of the bottom of the front housing half groove 65.

[0153] The intermediate housing part 20f has a rear housing half groove 67 at the rear end of the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate part in the front-rear direction, which extends in the circumferential direction and is open at the rear side. The rear housing half groove 67 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape and is formed around the entire outer peripheral surface of the intermediate housing part 20f. A rear recess 68 that is recessed in the radial direction is formed in the front half of the bottom of the rear housing half groove 67.

[0154] The rear housing part 21f has, at its front end, a rear connecting tubular part 69 that extends in the front-rear direction (axial direction). The rear connecting tubular part 69 is provided around the entire periphery of the front end of the rear housing part 21f.

[0155] In this example, the front housing part 19f and the intermediate housing part 20f are also fitted together. Specifically, the front fitting part 27 provided at the front end of the intermediate housing part 20f is spigot-fitted to the rear part of the front housing part 19f. This prevents relative displacement in the radial direction between the front housing part 19f and the intermediate housing part 20f. Furthermore, with the front housing part 19f and the intermediate housing part 20f combined in the front-to-rear direction, the front connecting cylindrical part 64 is fitted externally into the front accommodating half groove 65.

[0156] The front connecting tubular portion 64 has a radially bent crimped portion 70a formed at the tip (rear end) thereof, at a portion where the circumferential phase coincides with that of the front recess 66. The crimped portion 70a fits inside the front recess 66 and is pressed against the front end (inner surface) of the front recess 66.

[0157] As a result, in the housing 15g of this example, the front housing part 19f and the intermediate housing part 20f are directly connected by the crimping part 70a formed on the front connecting cylindrical part 64 of the front housing part 19f, and relative displacement between the front and rear directions and the circumferential direction of the front and rear directions of the intermediate housing part 20f is prevented.

[0158] In this example, the intermediate housing part 20f and the rear housing part 21f are fitted together. Specifically, a rear fitting portion 28 provided at the rear end of the intermediate housing part 20f is spigot-fitted to a front part of the rear housing part 21f. This prevents relative displacement in the radial direction between the intermediate housing part 20f and the rear housing part 21f. In addition, with the intermediate housing part 20f and the rear housing part 21f combined in the front-rear direction, the rear connecting cylindrical portion 69 is fitted externally into the rear accommodating half groove 67.

[0159] The rear connecting cylinder portion 69 has a radially bent crimped portion 70b formed at a portion of the tip portion (front end portion) that coincides with the rear recessed portion 68 in phase with respect to the circumferential direction. The crimped portion 70b fits inside the rear recessed portion 68 and is pressed against the rear end portion (inner surface) of the rear recessed portion 68.

[0160] As a result, in the housing 15g of this example, the intermediate housing part 20f and the rear housing part 21f are directly connected by the crimping part 70b formed on the rear connecting cylindrical part 69 of the rear housing part 21f, and relative displacement between the intermediate housing part 20f and the rear housing part 21f in the front-rear and circumferential directions is prevented.

[0161] In this embodiment, since no connecting parts are required, the number of parts can be reduced, and the weight of the housing 15g can also be reduced. For other configurations and effects, Reference example This is the same as the first example.

[0162] The above is an embodiment of the present invention. and reference examplesHowever, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the technical concept of the invention. and reference examples The structures of the examples can be appropriately combined as long as no contradiction occurs.

[0163] When carrying out the present invention, the number of housing parts constituting the housing main body is two or more. and reference examples The number of the components is not limited to three as shown in the examples. When the housing main body is made up of three or more housing parts, the connecting structures of the housing parts can be different from each other. For example, when the housing main body is made up of a front housing part, an intermediate housing part, and a rear housing part, the front housing part and the intermediate housing part can be connected as follows: Reference example The intermediate housing part and the rear housing part are connected by the connecting structure of the first example of the structure of the first embodiment. 1 The connection can be made by the connection structure shown in the example.

[0164] When carrying out the present invention , ren When the connecting part is configured in an annular shape, it is not limited to a substantially circular annular shape, but may be a substantially rectangular annular shape, a polygonal annular shape, or the like, in accordance with the contour shape of the housing body.

[0165] Embodiment and reference examplesIn the above, the present invention has been described as being applied to a housing constituting a reaction force generating device of a steer-by-wire steering system. However, the present invention is not limited to a housing constituting a reaction force generating device, and can also be applied to, for example, a housing constituting an electric assist device of an electric power steering system. In this case, the electric assist device is not limited to those used in column-assist electric power steering systems, but can also be applied to those used in pinion-assist electric power steering systems and dual-pinion electric power steering systems. The present invention can also be applied to a housing (rack housing) that houses a linearly moving member such as a rack shaft that constitutes a steering gear unit of a steering system. The present invention can also be applied to a connection structure between a motor housing and a worm housing that constitutes a gear housing. In this case, the motor housing and the worm housing correspond to the first and second housing parts, respectively. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied not only to housings constituting steering systems, but also to housings constituting various mechanical devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0166] 1 Steering device 2 steering wheels 3 Steering unit 4 steering wheels 5. Steering unit 6. Control device 7 Steering actuator 8. Steering column device 9 Reaction force generator 10. Steering shaft 11. Steering column 12 Reaction force motor 13 Torque sensor 14 Input shaft 15, 15a to 15g housing 16, 16a, 16b, 16c Housing body 17, 17a~17d Front connecting parts 18, 18a~18d Rear connecting parts 19, 19a to 19f Front housing parts 20, 20a to 20f Intermediate housing parts 21, 21a to 21f Rear housing parts 22 Worm wheel housing 23 Worm housing 24, 24a, 24b Front first half groove 25, 25a Front first recess 26 Motor mounting flange 27 Front fitting part 28 Rear fitting part 29, 29a, 29b Front second storage half groove 30, 30a Front second recess 31, 31a, 31b Rear first storage half groove 32 Rear first recess 33, 33a, 33b Rear second storage half groove 34 Rear second recess 35, 35a, 35b Front storage groove 36, 36a, 36b Rear storage groove 37a, 37b notch 38a~38f Crimping part 39, 39a, 39b Crimping punch (jig) 40a~40f Crimping part 41a, 41b, 41c Caulking groove 42 Front first convex part 43 Second front convex part 44 Rear first convex part 45 Rear second convex part 46 Front convex part 47 Rear convex part 48 Front connecting part 49 Rear connecting part 50a, 50b connection piece 51 Male engagement portion 52 female engagement portion 53 Engagement protrusion 54 Engagement recess 55a, 55b through hole 56 Crimping part 57 Crimping part 58 Crimping part 59 Crimping part 60 Connecting parts 61 First engagement groove 62 Second engagement groove 63a, 63b Crimping part 64 Front connecting tube 65 Front storage half groove 66 Front recess 67 Rear storage half groove 68 Rear recess 69 Rear connecting cylinder part 70a, 70b Crimping part 100 Electric power steering device 101 Steering shaft 102 Steering column 103 Electric assist device 104 Torsion bar 105 output shaft 106 Case 107 Torque sensor 108 Control device 109 Electric Motor 110 Worm reducer 111 Front housing part 112 Rear housing part 113 Partition wall member 114 Connecting bolt 115 Front flange 116 Female thread hole 117 Rear flange 118 Insertion hole

Claims

1. A housing body having an approximately hollow cylindrical shape as a whole, which is formed by combining, in the axial direction, a plurality of housing parts including a first housing part and a second housing part arranged adjacent to each other in the axial direction, and a connecting part; the connecting part is a thin plate-like annular member, and is configured to have an entire annular shape by connecting a plurality of band-like connecting pieces in a circumferential direction, and is arranged so as to cover at least the boundary between the first housing part and the second housing part from the radially outer side, At least the first housing part and the second housing part are connected via the connecting part by a crimping portion formed on a part of the connecting part or a part of the housing main body. Case.

2. The entire device has a roughly hollow cylindrical shape, and is comprised of a housing body formed by combining, in the axial direction, a plurality of housing parts, including a first housing part and a second housing part, which are arranged adjacent to each other in the axial direction, and a connecting part; the connecting component is a thin plate-like annular component or a strip-shaped component, and is arranged so as to cover at least a boundary between the first housing component and the second housing component from a radially outer side, the first housing part has, on its outer peripheral surface, a first accommodating half groove that extends in a circumferential direction and is open on one axial side, and a first convex portion that protrudes in a radial direction at a bottom of the first accommodating half groove, the second housing part has, on its outer peripheral surface, a second accommodating half groove that extends in a circumferential direction and is open on the other axial side, and a second convex portion that protrudes in a radial direction at a portion of a bottom of the second accommodating half groove that coincides in phase with the first convex portion in the circumferential direction, the connecting component has a through-hole into which the first convex portion and the second convex portion can be inserted, and is disposed inside an accommodating groove formed by connecting the first accommodating half groove and the second accommodating half groove in a groove width direction without protruding radially from the accommodating groove, At least the first housing part and the second housing part are connected via the connecting part by portions of the connecting part located on both sides of the through hole in the width direction or by crimping portions formed on the first convex part and the second convex part, Case.

3. The entire device has a roughly hollow cylindrical shape, and comprises a housing body formed by combining, in the axial direction, a plurality of housing parts, including a first housing part and a second housing part arranged adjacent to each other in the axial direction, and a third housing part arranged adjacent to the second housing part in the axial direction, and a connecting part; the connecting component is a thin plate-like annular member or a strip-shaped member, and is arranged so as to cover not only the boundary between the first housing component and the second housing component but also the boundary between the second housing component and the third housing component from the radially outer side, the first housing part has a first engagement groove extending in a circumferential direction at an end opposite to the second housing part in the axial direction, the third housing part has a second engagement groove extending in a circumferential direction at an end opposite to the second housing part in the axial direction, The first housing part, the second housing part, and the third housing part are connected via the connecting parts by crimping portions formed on both widthwise end portions of the connecting parts that engage with the first engagement groove and the second engagement groove. Case.

4. The housing according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is used in a steering device.

5. 5. The housing according to claim 4, which is used in a reaction force generating device that constitutes a steer-by-wire type steering device.

6. 5. The housing according to claim 4, which is used in an electric assist device that constitutes an electric power steering device.

7. A housing according to any one of claims 1 to 6; a shaft connected to the steering shaft and supported inside the housing; A steering device comprising:

Images