Method for manufacturing ball-retainer of intermediate shaft for steering apparatus of vehicle, and ball-retainer of intermediate shaft for steering apparatus of vehicle manufactured using same

Abstract

A method for manufacturing a ball-retainer of an intermediate shaft for a steering apparatus of a vehicle according to the present invention uses a ball of a master grade, a ball of a higher grade than the master grade, and a ball of a lower grade than the master grade to manufacture a ball retainer suitable for the sliding load of the intermediate shaft, and thus has the advantage of enabling precise control of the sliding load of the intermediate shaft.

Description

Method for manufacturing a ball retainer of an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device and a ball retainer of an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device manufactured using the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a ball retainer of an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering apparatus, and a ball retainer of an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering apparatus manufactured using the same, and more particularly, to a method for manufacturing a ball retainer disposed between a yoke tube constituting an intermediate shaft and a yoke shaft to maintain a constant sliding load of the intermediate shaft, and a ball retainer manufactured using the same.

[0002]

[0003] Typically, the steering wheel that constitutes the vehicle's steering system is placed in front of the driver's seat inside the vehicle's cabin.

[0004] The above steering wheel is configured to be held and rotated by the driver's hand to adjust the direction of travel of the vehicle. That is, when the driver wishes to steer the vehicle to the left while driving, the driver rotates the steering wheel to the left, and when the driver wishes to steer the vehicle to the right, the driver rotates the steering wheel to the right.

[0005] The above steering wheel is coupled to the upper end of the steering shaft, and a power steering device is installed on the steering gear for moving the left and right tie rods left and right to assist the steering force of the steering wheel, and the lower end of the steering shaft and the upper end of the power steering device are connected by an intermediate shaft.

[0006] Since the intermediate shaft is arranged between the steering shaft and the power steering device, it is also called an intermediate shaft, or interm shaft for short.

[0007] The above intermediate shaft is composed of a yoke tube having a hollow portion formed at one end thereof, and a yoke shaft having one end inserted into the hollow portion of the yoke tube and capable of moving axially with respect to the yoke tube, and the yoke shaft or the yoke tube can absorb vibration and shock as it moves axially.

[0008] A ball retainer is installed on the outer surface of one end of the yoke tube inserted into the hollow portion of the yoke shaft. The ball retainer minimizes the gap size between the yoke tube and the yoke shaft within the range in which the yoke shaft or the yoke tube can move in the axial direction, and maintains a constant sliding load, which is a load generated when the yoke shaft or the yoke tube moves in the axial direction.

[0009] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2525304 (April 26, 2023) (hereinafter referred to as “prior art”) discloses a “vehicle yoke shaft,” which is a technology in which a retainer equipped with a plurality of balls is installed on the yoke shaft.

[0010] The above-mentioned conventional technology is characterized in that the yoke shaft is formed by a yoke portion connected to a steering column and a shaft formed integrally with the yoke portion, wherein sliding mounting grooves are formed at predetermined intervals along the outer circumference of the shaft, and a retainer is mounted on the outer surface of the shaft, in which a plurality of balls are mounted horizontally in a portion corresponding to the sliding mounting grooves, and the retainer is formed separately into left and right retainers, and the left and right retainers are configured with a retainer contact portion that is in contact with the shaft, a ball mounting portion that is formed longitudinally between the retainer contact portions, and balls that are mounted on the ball mounting portions at intervals.

[0011] However, not only may dimensional errors occur in the manufacturing process of the yoke tube and the yoke shaft, but also assembly tolerances may occur when assembling the retainer between the yoke tube and the yoke shaft. Due to the dimensional errors and the assembly tolerances, the sliding load cannot be maintained constant. However, the prior art had a problem in that it was difficult to respond to changes in the sliding load because the diameters of the multiple balls mounted on the retainer were the same.

[0012]

[0013] The technical task of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a ball retainer for an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device, which can precisely control the sliding load of the intermediate shaft by manufacturing a ball retainer suitable for the sliding load of the intermediate shaft using balls of different diameters, and a ball retainer for an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device manufactured using the method.

[0014] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0015]

[0016] In order to achieve the above object, the method for manufacturing a ball retainer of an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device according to the present invention comprises steps (a), (b), (c), and (d). In step (a), a plurality of balls are classified into grades according to diameter according to a wet load. In step (b), a ball retainer of a master grade is manufactured using balls of a master grade among the plurality of balls classified in step (a). In step (c), the ball retainer of the master grade manufactured in step (b) is installed on an intermediate shaft to measure the wet load of the intermediate shaft. In step (d), a ball retainer of a grade according to the wet load measured in step (c) is manufactured using balls of the master grade, balls of a grade higher than the master grade, and balls of a grade lower than the master grade among the plurality of balls classified in step (a).

[0017] In the step (d), the plurality of balls classified in the step (a) may be arranged in a plurality of rows in the circumferential direction of the ball retainer. In the step (d), balls of the master grade, balls of a higher grade than the master grade, and balls of a lower grade than the master grade may be arranged in the axial direction in each of the plurality of rows.

[0018] In the step (d) above, the average grade of the balls of the master grade, the balls of a higher grade than the master grade, and the balls of a lower grade than the master grade arranged axially in each of the plurality of columns may be a grade according to the wet load measured in the step (c).

[0019] The above plurality of columns may be composed of a first column and a second column. The second column may have one fewer ball than the number of balls arranged in the first column.

[0020] The first column may be composed of a plurality of first columns spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The second column may be composed of a plurality of second columns spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The plurality of second columns may be respectively arranged between the plurality of first columns in the circumferential direction.

[0021] In each of the plurality of columns, N balls of the master grade can be arranged in the center in the axial direction, N balls of a grade higher than the master grade can be arranged on one side in the axial direction than the balls of the master grade, and N balls of a grade lower than the master grade can be arranged on the other side in the axial direction than the balls of the master grade.

[0022] In each of the plurality of rows, at least one ball of the master grade may be arranged in the center in the axial direction, balls of a grade higher than the master grade may be arranged in a larger number on one side in the axial direction than balls of the master grade, and balls of a grade lower than the master grade may be arranged in a larger number on the other side in the axial direction than balls of the master grade.

[0023] In each of the plurality of columns, N balls of the master grade can be arranged in the center in the axial direction, N+1 balls of a grade higher than the master grade can be arranged on one side in the axial direction than the balls of the master grade, and N+1 balls of a grade lower than the master grade can be arranged on the other side in the axial direction than the balls of the master grade.

[0024] In each of the plurality of rows, a plurality of balls of the master grade may be arranged in the center in the axial direction, balls of a higher grade than the master grade may be arranged on one side in the axial direction less than the balls of the master grade, and balls of a lower grade than the master grade may be arranged on the other side in the axial direction less than the balls of the master grade.

[0025] In each of the plurality of columns, N balls of the master grade can be arranged in the center in the axial direction, N-1 balls of a grade higher than the master grade can be arranged on one side in the axial direction than the balls of the master grade, and N-1 balls of a grade lower than the master grade can be arranged on the other side in the axial direction than the balls of the master grade.

[0026] The ball retainer of the intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device according to the present invention is manufactured using the method for manufacturing the ball retainer of the intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device according to the present invention.

[0027] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0028]

[0029] A method for manufacturing a ball retainer for an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device according to the present invention and a ball retainer for an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device manufactured using the same have the effect of manufacturing a ball retainer suitable for the sliding load of an intermediate shaft using balls of a master grade, balls of a higher grade than the master grade, and balls of a lower grade than the master grade, thereby enabling precise control of the sliding load of the intermediate shaft.

[0030] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0031]

[0032] Figure 1 is a drawing schematically showing a steering device of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 is a drawing showing the intermediate shaft shown in Figure 1;

[0034] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 2;

[0035] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 2;

[0036] Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the ball retainer shown in Fig. 3;

[0037] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing a ball retainer of an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 7 is a drawing showing the grade of the ball retainer according to the wet load of the intermediate shaft.

[0039]

[0040] <Explanation of symbols>

[0041] 300: Intermediate shaft 330: Ball retainer

[0042] B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8, B9, B10, B11: Ball

[0043] L1: 1st column L2: 2nd column

[0044] S100: (a) Step S200: (b) Step

[0045] S300: (c) Step S400: (d) Step

[0046]

[0047] Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing a ball retainer of an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention and a ball retainer of an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device manufactured using the same will be described with reference to drawings.

[0048] Although the present invention may have various modifications and various embodiments, specific embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail.

[0049] However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to a specific embodiment, and it should be understood that all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives included within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention are included. Similar reference numerals have been used to refer to similar components throughout the description of each drawing.

[0050] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or coupled to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0051] The terminology used in this application is only used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, it should be understood that the terms "comprise" or "have" indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0052] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail. Hereinafter, identical components in the drawings will be designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions of identical components will be omitted.

[0053] FIG. 1 is a drawing schematically showing a steering device of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 1, a steering device (1) of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a steering column (100), a steering shaft (200), an intermediate shaft (300), a power steering device (400), and a steering gear (500).

[0055] A mounting bracket can be installed on the outer periphery of the steering column (100), and the mounting bracket can be coupled to the vehicle body to support the steering column (100).

[0056] A steering column (100) can rotatably support a steering shaft (200). The outer surface of the steering shaft (200) can be rotatably coupled to the inner surface of the steering column (100) via a ball bearing. That is, the ball bearing can include an inner ring and an outer ring, and a plurality of balls are arranged circumferentially between the inner ring and the outer ring, so that the inner ring and the outer ring can be rotatably arranged relative to each other. The inner ring is installed on the outer surface of the steering shaft (200), and the outer ring is installed on the inner surface of the steering column (100), so that the outer surface of the steering shaft (200) can be rotatably coupled to the inner surface of the steering column (100) via the ball bearing.

[0057] The steering shaft (200) can pass through the steering column (100) vertically. The upper end of the steering shaft (200) can be arranged to protrude from the upper end of the steering column (100), and the lower end of the steering shaft (200) can be arranged to protrude from the lower end of the steering column (100).

[0058] A steering wheel (not shown) that is configured to be held by the driver's hand and turned left or right to steer the vehicle's wheels may be coupled to the upper end of the steering shaft (200).

[0059] The lower end of the steering shaft (200) can be coupled to the intermediate shaft (300) via the first universal joint (340). That is, the upper end of the intermediate shaft (300) can be coupled to the lower end of the steering shaft (200) via the first universal joint (340).

[0060] The lower end of the intermediate shaft (300) can be coupled with the input shaft of the power steering device (400). The input shaft of the power steering device (400) is arranged to protrude from the upper end of the power steering device (400) and can be coupled to the lower end of the intermediate shaft (300).

[0061] The intermediate shaft (300) is composed of two axially movable parts and can be axially variable in length. That is, the intermediate shaft (300) can be composed of a yoke tube (310) and a yoke shaft (320), and the yoke shaft (320) can be axially movable with respect to the yoke tube (310) by having its upper end inserted into the lower end of the yoke tube (310).

[0062] The lower part of the yoke tube (310) may be formed as a hollow (312, see FIG. 3), and the upper part of the yoke shaft (320) may be inserted into the hollow (312) through the lower part of the yoke tube (310). Of course, the yoke shaft (320) may also be formed as a hollow.

[0063] When vibration or shock is transmitted to the intermediate shaft (300), the upper end of the yoke shaft (320) moves axially within the yoke tube (310), thereby allowing the intermediate shaft (300) to absorb the vibration or shock transmitted to the steering wheel while changing its length in the axial direction.

[0064] The yoke tube (310) may be positioned close to the steering shaft (200), and the yoke shaft (320) may be positioned close to the power steering device (400). However, the yoke tube (310) and the yoke shaft (320) may be positioned with their positions switched.

[0065] That is, the yoke tube (310) may be arranged close to the power steering device (400), and in this case, the yoke shaft (320) may be arranged close to the steering shaft (200). When the yoke tube (310) is arranged close to the power steering device (400) and the yoke shaft (320) is arranged close to the steering shaft (200), the upper end of the yoke shaft (320) may be coupled to the lower end of the steering shaft (200) through the first universal joint (340), the lower end of the yoke tube (310) may be coupled to the input shaft protruding upward from the power steering device (400) through the second universal joint (350), and the lower end of the yoke shaft (320) may be inserted into a hollow formed in the upper end of the yoke tube (310) through the upper end of the yoke tube (310).

[0066] Hereinafter, the description will be limited to the case where the yoke tube (310) is positioned close to the steering shaft (200) and the yoke shaft (320) is positioned close to the power steering device (400).

[0067] The upper end of the yoke tube (310) can be coupled to the lower end of the steering shaft (200) via the first universal joint (340), and the lower end of the yoke shaft (320) can be coupled to the input shaft protruding upward of the power steering device (400) via the second universal joint (350).

[0068] A pinion shaft (not shown) may be protrudingly arranged at the bottom of the power steering device (400). A pinion gear (not shown) may be formed on the outer periphery of the pinion shaft. The pinion shaft may be inserted into the housing (510) of the steering gear (500), and in this state, the pinion gear may mesh with a rack gear (not shown) formed on a rack bar (520) that is arranged to be movable left and right inside the housing (510) of the steering gear (500).

[0069] Tie rods (530, 540) may be connected to the left and right ends of the rack bar (520), respectively. The tie rods (530, 540) may include a left tie rod (530) connected to the knuckle of the left wheel, and a right tie rod (540) connected to the knuckle of the right wheel.

[0070] When the pinion shaft above rotates in one direction, the rack bar (520) moves linearly to the left, and accordingly, the left tie rod (530) and the right tie rod (540) move linearly to the left, thereby rotating the knuckles coupled to the left and right wheel wheels to the left, thereby allowing the left and right wheel wheels to be steered to the left.

[0071] In addition, when the pinion shaft is rotated in the other direction, the rack bar (520) moves linearly to the right, and accordingly, the left tie rod (530) and the right tie rod (540) move linearly to the right, thereby rotating the knuckles coupled to the left and right wheel wheels to the right, thereby allowing the left and right wheel wheels to be steered to the right.

[0072] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the intermediate shaft shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 2, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the ball retainer shown in FIG. 3.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, a ball retainer (330) may be installed between the yoke tube (310) and the yoke shaft (320) to maintain constant the wet load, which is a load generated when the yoke tube (310) or the yoke shaft (320) moves in the axial direction. The ball retainer (330) may be installed on the outer circumferential surface of the yoke shaft (320).

[0074] The ball retainer (330) may include a plurality of balls (B) and a cylindrical cage (335) in which the plurality of balls (B) are rotatably mounted. The cage (335) may be formed as a single cylinder, may be formed as a cylinder by combining two semi-cylindrical balls, or may be formed as a cylinder by combining three or more circular cylinders. The upper end of the yoke shaft (320) may pass through the cylindrical cage (335).

[0075] A cylindrical ball mounting portion (336) may be formed axially long in the cage (335). The ball mounting portion (336) may be formed from one axial end of the cage (335) to the other axial end. It is preferable that a plurality of gripping holes (337) are formed in the ball mounting portion (336), into which a plurality of balls (B) are rotatably coupled. An elastic providing groove (338) may be formed in the ball mounting portion (336) near each of the axial sides of the plurality of gripping holes (337), which provides elasticity to the plurality of gripping holes (337). When a plurality of balls (B) are respectively mounted in a plurality of grip holes (337), the plurality of grip holes (337) are axially opened by the elastic force of the elastic providing groove (338), and when a plurality of balls (B) are respectively mounted in a plurality of grip holes (337), the plurality of grip holes (337) are retracted to their original positions by the elastic force of the elastic providing groove (338), so that the plurality of balls (B) can be rotatably coupled to the plurality of grip holes (337).

[0076] When a plurality of balls (B) are rotatably coupled to a plurality of grip holes (337), the plurality of balls (B) can be arranged to protrude from the outer and inner surfaces of the cage (335). The portion of the plurality of balls (B) that protrudes from the outer surface of the cage (335) can be inserted into an inner groove (315) to be described later, and the portion of the plurality of balls (B) that protrudes from the inner surface of the cage (335) can be inserted into an outer groove (325) to be described later.

[0077] The ball retainer (330) may be installed axially movably on the outer surface of the upper portion of the yoke shaft (320). Here, the upper portion of the yoke shaft (320) may be a portion inserted into the hollow portion (312) which is the internal space of the yoke tube (310). That is, the ball retainer (330) may be installed axially movably on the outer surface of the portion of the yoke shaft (320) that is inserted into the internal space of the yoke tube (310).

[0078] An outer groove (325) that can move axially can be formed on the outer surface of the upper portion of the yoke shaft (320) with a plurality of balls (B) inserted therein. The outer groove (325) can be formed axially long on the outer surface of the upper portion of the yoke shaft (320). A plurality of outer grooves (325) can be formed on the outer surface of the upper portion of the yoke shaft (320) so as to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. In the present embodiment, six outer grooves (325) are formed on the outer surface of the upper portion of the yoke shaft (320) so as to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0079] In addition, an inner groove (315) that can move axially with a plurality of balls (B) inserted therein may be formed on the inner surface of the lower end of the yoke tube (310). The inner groove (315) may be formed at a portion corresponding to the outer groove (325). The inner groove (315) may be formed axially long on the inner surface of the lower end of the yoke tube (310). A plurality of inner grooves (315) may be formed on the inner surface of the lower end of the yoke tube (310) and spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. In the present embodiment, six inner grooves (315) are formed on the outer surface of the lower end of the yoke tube (310) and spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0080] In the ball retainer (330), a plurality of balls (B) can be arranged in a plurality of rows (L1, L2) in the circumferential direction. Here, the plurality of rows (L1, L2) can correspond to the number of outer grooves (325) and can correspond to the number of inner grooves (315). That is, the plurality of rows (L1, L2) can be composed of six rows. A plurality of balls (B) can be arranged in the axial direction in each of the plurality of rows (L1, L2).

[0081] A plurality of balls (B) arranged axially in each of a plurality of rows (L1, L2) may be composed of, for example, balls of three different diameters. Here, the balls of the three different diameters may be balls of a master grade, a ball of a higher grade than the ball of the master grade, and a ball of a lower grade than the ball of the master grade. The diameters of the balls of the master grade, the balls of a higher grade than the ball of the master grade, and the balls of a lower grade than the ball of the master grade may differ so minutely that they are difficult to distinguish with the naked eye. Here, the grades include being classified by diameter and / or roughness.

[0082] The plurality of rows (L1, L2) may include a first row (L1) and a second row (L2). The first row (L1) may be formed of a plurality of first rows (L1) spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The second row (L2) may be formed of a plurality of second rows (L2) spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The plurality of first rows (L1) and the plurality of second rows (L2) may be formed in the same number. In the present embodiment, the plurality of first rows (L1) may be formed three in the circumferential direction, and the plurality of second rows (L2) may be formed three in the circumferential direction. The plurality of first rows (L1) may be respectively arranged between the plurality of second rows (L2) in the circumferential direction, and the plurality of second rows (L2) may be respectively arranged between the plurality of first rows (L1) in the circumferential direction. That is, the first column (L1) and the second column (L2) can be sequentially arranged in the circumferential direction, the first column (L1) can be formed of a plurality of first columns (L1) arranged spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, and the second column (L2) can be formed of a plurality of second columns (L2) arranged spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0083] The plurality of balls (B) may include a plurality of balls (B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6) arranged axially in a first row (L1) and a plurality of balls (B7, B8, B9, B10, B11) arranged axially in a second row (L2).

[0084] The number of the plurality of balls (B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6) arranged axially in the first row (L1) may be one more than the number of the plurality of balls (B7, B8, B9, B10, B11) arranged axially in the second row (L2). The number of the plurality of balls (B7, B8, B9, B10, B11) arranged axially in the second row (L2) may be one less than the number of the plurality of balls (B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6) arranged axially in the first row (L1). In this embodiment, six balls (B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6) are arranged axially in each of the plurality of first rows (L1), and five balls (B7, B8, B9, B10, B11) are arranged axially in each of the plurality of second rows (L2).

[0085] Since the number of the plurality of balls (B7, B8, B9, B10, B11) arranged axially in each of the plurality of second rows (L2) is one less than the number of the plurality of balls (B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6) arranged axially in each of the plurality of first rows (L1), the number of the plurality of grip holes (337) formed in each of the plurality of second rows (L2) can be formed less than the number of the plurality of grip holes (337) formed in each of the plurality of first rows (L1), and thus the rigidity of the cage (335) can be secured.

[0086] A stopper ring (340) may be installed on the upper outer circumference of the yoke shaft (320). The stopper ring (340) may be inserted into a ring-shaped groove formed on the upper outer circumference of the yoke shaft (320) and installed on the upper outer circumference of the yoke shaft (320). When the stopper ring (340) is installed on the upper outer circumference of the yoke shaft (320), the outer circumference may be arranged within the outer groove (325) and may not protrude radially outward from the outer groove (325). The stopper ring (340) may prevent the ball retainer (330) installed on the upper outer circumference of the yoke shaft (320) from being separated upward from the yoke shaft (320).

[0087] After the upper end of the yoke shaft (320) is inserted into the hollow space (312) of the yoke tube (310) through the lower end of the yoke tube (310), a dust cover (350) can be covered and coupled to the outer surface of the lower end of the yoke tube (310). The dust cover (350) can be formed in a cylindrical shape. The dust cover (350) can prevent foreign substances from entering the hollow space (312), which is the internal space of the yoke tube (310), from the outside of the yoke tube (310). In addition, the dust cover (350) can prevent the yoke shaft (320) from being separated from the yoke tube (310) when the upper end of the yoke shaft (320) is inserted into the hollow space (312) of the yoke tube (310) through the lower end of the yoke tube (310) and is installed in the yoke tube (310).

[0088] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing a ball retainer of an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 7 is a drawing showing the grade of a ball retainer according to the wet load of an intermediate shaft.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, a method for manufacturing a ball retainer (330) of an intermediate shaft (300) for a vehicle steering device (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include (a) step (S100), (b) step (S200), (c) step (S300), and (d) step (S400).

[0090] (a) In step (S100), multiple balls (B) can be classified into grades by diameter according to the wet load. As shown in FIG. 7, when the wet load of the intermediate shaft (300) is the master wet load (M kgf), a ball retainer (330) of the master grade (M grade) must be installed on the intermediate shaft (300), and when the wet load of the intermediate shaft (300) is the wet load (M+1 kgf) which is one level higher than the master wet load (M kgf), a ball retainer (330) of the grade (M-1 grade) which is one level lower than the master grade (M grade) must be installed on the intermediate shaft (300), and when the wet load of the intermediate shaft (300) is the wet load (M+2 kgf) which is two levels higher than the master wet load (M kgf), a ball retainer (330) of the grade (M-2 grade) which is two levels lower than the master grade (M grade) must be installed on the intermediate shaft (300). If the wet load of the shaft (300) is a wet load (M-1 kfg) that is one level lower than the master wet load (M kgf), a ball retainer (330) of a grade (M+1 grade) that is one level higher than the master grade (M grade) must be installed on the intermediate shaft (300), and if the wet load of the intermediate shaft (300) is a wet load (M-2 kgf) that is two levels lower than the master wet load (M kgf), a ball retainer (330) of a grade (M+2 grade) that is two levels higher than the master grade (M grade) must be installed on the intermediate shaft (300).

[0091] Here, M kgf, M+1 kgf, M+2 kgf, M-1 kgf, and M-2 kgf may be values ​​representing the set ranges, respectively.

[0092] In addition, the plurality of balls (B) mounted on the ball retainer (330) may have different diameters depending on the grade of the ball retainer (330). That is, the diameters of the plurality of balls (B) mounted on the ball retainer (330) of grade M, the plurality of balls (B) mounted on the ball retainer (330) of grade M-1, the plurality of balls (B) mounted on the ball retainer (330) of grade M-2, the plurality of balls (B) mounted on the ball retainer (330) of grade M+1, and the plurality of balls (B) mounted on the ball retainer (330) of grade M+2 may be different from each other.

[0093] However, the diameters of the plurality of balls (B) mounted on the ball retainer (330) of the M grade may be the same as each other, the diameters of the plurality of balls (B) mounted on the ball retainer (330) of the M-1 grade may be the same as each other, the diameters of the plurality of balls (B) mounted on the ball retainer (330) of the M-2 grade may be the same as each other, the diameters of the plurality of balls (B) mounted on the ball retainer (330) of the M+1 grade may be the same as each other, and the diameters of the plurality of balls (B) mounted on the ball retainer (330) of the M+2 grade may be the same as each other. The plurality of balls (B) mounted on the ball retainer (330) of the M grade may be balls of the master grade, the plurality of balls (B) mounted on the ball retainer (330) of the M-1 grade may be balls of a grade one level lower than the master grade, the plurality of balls (B) mounted on the ball retainer (330) of the M-2 grade may be balls of a grade two levels lower than the master grade, the plurality of balls (B) mounted on the ball retainer (330) of the M+1 grade may be balls of a grade one level higher than the master grade, and the plurality of balls (B) mounted on the ball retainer (330) of the M+2 grade may be balls of a grade two levels higher than the master grade.

[0094] However, when a ball retainer (330) manufactured using balls of a certain grade is installed on an intermediate shaft (300), the wet load of the intermediate shaft (300) cannot be precisely controlled. Therefore, in the method for manufacturing a ball retainer (330) of an intermediate shaft (300) for a vehicle steering device (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention, the ball retainer (330) is manufactured using balls of various grades (the master grade, a grade higher than the master grade, and a grade lower than the master grade), so that the wet load of the intermediate shaft (300) can be precisely controlled.

[0095] Specifically, in step (b) (S200), a ball retainer (330) of master grade (M grade) can be manufactured using balls of master grade among the plurality of balls (B) classified in step (a) (S100).

[0096] (c) In step (S300), the ball retainer (330) of the master grade (M grade) manufactured in step (b) (S200) can be installed on the intermediate shaft (300) to measure the wet load of the intermediate shaft (300). If the wet load of the intermediate shaft (300) is measured as the master wet load (M kgf) in step (c) (S300), the ball retainer (330) of the master grade (M grade) can be installed and used on the intermediate shaft (300) manufactured with the same dimensions as the intermediate shaft (300). However, if the wet load of the intermediate shaft (300) in step (S300) (c) is not measured as the master wet load (M kgf), but as another wet load (M+1 kgf, M+2 kgf, M-1 kgf, M-2 kgf), a ball retainer (330) that matches the other measured wet load (M+1 kgf, M+2 kgf, M-1 kgf, M-2 kgf) must be newly manufactured for the intermediate shaft (300) and then installed on the intermediate shaft (300) for use. When manufacturing a new ball retainer (330) suitable for other measured wet loads (M+1 kgf, M+2 kgf, M-1 kgf, M-2 kgf), some balls of the master grade are used, and the remaining balls are made of balls of a higher grade than the balls of the master grade and balls of a lower grade than the balls of the master grade, so that a new ball retainer (330) suitable for other measured wet loads (M+1 kgf, M+2 kgf, M-1 kgf, M-2 kgf) can be manufactured.

[0097] Specifically, in step (d) (S400), among the plurality of balls (B) classified in step (a) (S100), a ball retainer (330) having a grade according to the wet load measured in step (c) (S300) can be manufactured using balls of the master grade, balls of a grade higher than the master grade, and balls of a grade lower than the master grade.

[0098] (d) In step (S400), the plurality of balls classified in step (a) (S100) can be arranged in a plurality of rows (L1, L2) in the circumferential direction of the ball retainer (300). In step (d) (S400), balls of the master grade, balls of a higher grade than the master grade, and balls of a lower grade than the master grade can be arranged in the axial direction in each of the plurality of rows (L1, L2).

[0099] (d) In step (S400), the average grade of the balls of the master grade, the balls of a higher grade than the master grade, and the balls of a lower grade than the master grade arranged axially in each of the plurality of columns (L1, L2) may be a grade according to the wet load measured in step (C) (S300).

[0100] For example, if the wet load measured in step (S300) (c) is M+1 kgf as shown in FIG. 7, a new ball retainer (330) of grade M-1 must be manufactured and installed on the intermediate shaft (300). When manufacturing a new ball retainer of grade M-1, the balls of the master grade, the balls of a grade higher than the master grade, and the balls of a grade lower than the master grade, which are arranged axially in each of the plurality of rows (L1, L2), may be axially arranged in each of the plurality of rows (L1, L2) so that the average grade of the balls (B) mounted on the ball retainer of grade M-1 is the same as the grade of the balls (B), thereby manufacturing a new ball retainer of grade M-1.

[0101] The plurality of columns (L1, L2) may include a first column (L1) and a second column (L2). The second column (L2) may have one less number of balls (B7, B8, B9, B10, B11) than the balls (B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6) arranged in the first column (L1). In the present embodiment, six balls (B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6) are arranged in the first column (L1), and five balls (B7, B8, B9, B10, B11) are arranged in the second column (L2). However, the number of balls arranged in the first column (L1) is not limited to six and may be changed to various numbers, and the number of balls arranged in the second column (L2) is also not limited to five and may be changed to various numbers. Additionally, the number of balls arranged in each of the first column (L1) and the second column (L2) may be the same.

[0102] The first column (L1) may be composed of a plurality of first columns (L1) spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. In the present embodiment, the plurality of first columns (L1) may be composed of three first columns (L1) spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0103] The second row (L2) may be composed of a plurality of second rows (L2) spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The plurality of second rows (L2) may be formed in the same number as the plurality of first rows (L1). In the present embodiment, the plurality of second rows (L2) may be composed of three second rows (L2) spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The plurality of second rows (L2) may be respectively arranged between the plurality of first rows (L1) in the circumferential direction.

[0104] When a plurality of columns (L1, L2) are composed of a plurality of first columns (L1), in each of the plurality of columns (L1), at least one ball of the master grade may be arranged in the center in the axial direction, balls of a grade higher than the master grade may be arranged on one side in the axial direction from the balls of the master grade in the same number as the balls of the master grade, and balls of a grade lower than the master grade may be arranged on the other side in the axial direction from the balls of the master grade in the same number as the balls of the master grade.

[0105] That is, when a plurality of columns (L1, L2) are composed of a plurality of first columns (L1), in each of the plurality of columns (L1), N balls of the master grade can be arranged in the center in the axial direction, N balls of a grade higher than the master grade can be arranged on one side in the axial direction than the balls of the master grade, and N balls of a grade lower than the master grade can be arranged on the other side in the axial direction than the balls of the master grade.

[0106] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, when six balls (B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6) are arranged axially in each of a plurality of first rows (L1), the two balls (B3, B4) arranged in the center may be balls of the master grade, the two balls (B1, B2) arranged axially on one side of the two balls (B3, B4) arranged in the center may be balls of a higher grade than the master grade, and the two balls (B5, B6) arranged axially on the other side of the two balls (B3, B4) arranged in the center may be balls of a lower grade than the master grade.

[0107] Meanwhile, when a plurality of rows (L1, L2) are composed of a plurality of second rows (L2), in each of the plurality of rows (L2), at least one ball of the master grade may be arranged in the center in the axial direction, balls of a grade higher than the master grade may be arranged in a larger number on one side in the axial direction than balls of the master grade, and balls of a grade lower than the master grade may be arranged in a larger number on the other side in the axial direction than balls of the master grade.

[0108] For example, when a plurality of columns (L1, L2) are composed of a plurality of second columns (L2), in each of the plurality of columns (L2), N balls of the master grade can be arranged in the center in the axial direction, N+1 balls of a grade higher than the master grade can be arranged on one side in the axial direction than the balls of the master grade, and N+1 balls of a grade lower than the master grade can be arranged on the other side in the axial direction than the balls of the master grade.

[0109] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, when five balls (B7, B8, B9, B10, B11) are axially arranged in each of a plurality of second rows (L2), one ball (B9) arranged in the center may be a ball of the master grade, two balls (B7, B8) arranged axially on one side of the one ball (B9) arranged in the center may be balls of a higher grade than the master grade, and two balls (B10, B11) arranged axially on the other side of the one ball (B9) arranged in the center may be balls of a lower grade than the master grade.

[0110] Meanwhile, in each of the plurality of rows (L1, L2), a plurality of balls of the master grade may be arranged in the center in the axial direction, balls of a grade higher than the master grade may be arranged on one side in the axial direction less than the balls of the master grade, and balls of a grade lower than the master grade may be arranged on the other side in the axial direction less than the balls of the master grade.

[0111] For example, in each of the plurality of columns (L1, L2), N balls of the master grade may be arranged in the center in the axial direction, N-1 balls of a grade higher than the master grade may be arranged on one side in the axial direction from the balls of the master grade, and N-1 balls of a grade lower than the master grade may be arranged on the other side in the axial direction from the balls of the master grade.

[0112] Specifically, when seven balls are arranged axially in each of a plurality of rows (L1, L2), three balls arranged in the center may be balls of the master grade, two balls arranged axially on one side of the three balls arranged in the center may be balls of a grade higher than the master grade, and two balls arranged axially on the other side of the three balls arranged in the center may be balls of a grade lower than the master grade.

[0113]

[0114] As described above, the method for manufacturing a ball retainer (330) of an intermediate shaft (300) for a vehicle steering device (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention and the ball retainer (300) of an intermediate shaft (300) for a vehicle steering device (1) manufactured using the same can manufacture a ball retainer (330) suitable for the sliding load of the intermediate shaft (300) by using balls of a master grade, balls of a higher grade than the master grade, and balls of a lower grade than the master grade, thereby enabling precise adjustment of the sliding load of the intermediate shaft (300).

[0115]

[0116] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without altering the technical concept or essential characteristics thereof. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims that follow rather than the detailed description above, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents should be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention.

[0117]

[0118] The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a ball retainer for an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device, which can precisely control the sliding load of an intermediate shaft by manufacturing a ball retainer suitable for the sliding load of an intermediate shaft using balls of different diameters, and a ball retainer for an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device manufactured using the method.

Claims

1. (a) A step of classifying multiple balls into grades by diameter according to the wet load; (b) a step of manufacturing a master grade ball retainer using master grade balls among the plurality of balls classified in the step (a); (c) a step of installing the master grade ball retainer manufactured in step (b) on an intermediate shaft and measuring the wet load of the intermediate shaft; and (d) A method for manufacturing a ball retainer for an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device, comprising: a step of manufacturing a ball retainer of a grade according to the wet load measured in step (c) using balls of the master grade, balls of a grade higher than the master grade, and balls of a grade lower than the master grade among the plurality of balls classified in step (a); 2. In claim 1, In the above step (d), A plurality of balls classified in the above step (a) are arranged in a plurality of rows in the circumferential direction of the ball retainer, A method for manufacturing a ball retainer for an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device, wherein balls of the master grade, balls of a higher grade than the master grade, and balls of a lower grade than the master grade are arranged axially in each of the plurality of rows.

3. In claim 2, A method for manufacturing a ball retainer of an intermediate shaft, wherein the average grade of the balls of the master grade, the balls of a higher grade than the master grade, and the balls of a lower grade than the master grade, which are arranged axially in each of the plurality of columns in the step (d), is a grade according to the wet load measured in the step (c).

4. In claim 2, The above multiple columns are, First column, A method for manufacturing a ball retainer for an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device, the method comprising: a second row in which balls are arranged one less than the balls arranged in the first row.

5. In claim 4, The first column includes a plurality of first columns spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, The second column includes a plurality of second columns spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, A method for manufacturing a ball retainer for an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device, wherein the plurality of second rows are each arranged between the plurality of first rows in a circumferential direction.

6. In claim 2, In each of the above multiple columns, N balls of the above master grade are arranged in the center in the axial direction, N balls of a higher grade than the above master grade are arranged on one side in the axial direction than the balls of the above master grade, A method for manufacturing a ball retainer for an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device, wherein N balls of a lower grade than the above master grade are arranged axially on the other side than the balls of the above master grade.

7. In claim 2, In each of the above multiple columns, At least one ball of the above master grade is arranged axially in the center, Balls of a higher grade than the above master grade are arranged in a greater number on one side in the axial direction than balls of the above master grade, A method for manufacturing a ball retainer for an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device, wherein balls of a lower grade than the above master grade are arranged in a greater number on the other side in the axial direction than balls of the above master grade.

8. In claim 7, In each of the above multiple columns, N balls of the above master grade are arranged in the center in the axial direction, N+1 balls of a higher grade than the above master grade are arranged on one side in the axial direction than the balls of the above master grade. A method for manufacturing a ball retainer for an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device, wherein N+1 balls of a lower grade than the above master grade are arranged axially on the other side than the balls of the above master grade.

9. In claim 2, In each of the above multiple columns, A plurality of balls of the above master grade are arranged in the center in the axial direction, Balls of a higher grade than the above master grade are arranged in a smaller number on one side in the axial direction than balls of the above master grade, A method for manufacturing a ball retainer for an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device, wherein balls of a lower grade than the above master grade are arranged in a smaller number on the other side in the axial direction than balls of the above master grade.

10. In claim 9, In each of the above multiple columns, N balls of the above master grade are arranged in the center in the axial direction, N-1 balls of a higher grade than the above master grade are arranged on one side in the axial direction than the balls of the above master grade. A method for manufacturing a ball retainer for an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device, wherein N-1 balls of a lower grade than the above master grade are arranged axially on the other side than the balls of the above master grade.

11. A ball retainer for an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device manufactured using a method for manufacturing a ball retainer for an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

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