KR102300787B1 - Elecric power steering apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is an invention for an electric steering device. The electric steering apparatus of the present invention includes: a worm wheel shaft-coupled to an output shaft; a worm shaft disposed perpendicular to the output shaft and engaged with the worm wheel; a shaft bearing coupled to the worm shaft; a bearing cover installed in the case to support the shaft bearing; a hook portion formed to protrude from the bearing cover to constrain the shaft bearing to the bearing cover; and a pressing part installed outside the hook part so as to press the hook part toward the worm wheel.

Description

Electric steering system {ELECRIC POWER STEERING APPARATUS}

The present invention relates to an electric steering apparatus, and more particularly, to an electric steering apparatus capable of suppressing the movement of a worm shaft.

In general, an electric steering device is a device that assists a steering force with the power of a motor unit. The electric steering apparatus includes a motor unit supporting a steering force, a worm shaft connected to the motor unit, a worm wheel engaged with the worm shaft, and an output shaft shaft-coupled to the worm wheel. The worm shaft and the output shaft are supported by bearings. The bearing is fitted to the sliding damper, and the sliding damper is supported by the case. A pressing device is installed on the opposite side of the worm wheel to press the sliding damper toward the worm wheel. The pressing device includes a sliding pin contacting the sliding damper, a coil spring installed to press the sliding pin toward the sliding damper, and a plug in which the coil spring is accommodated. An end cover is installed on one side of the sliding damper to support the bearing and the sliding damper.

However, in the related art, since a sliding damper, a pressurizing device, an end cover, and the like are installed to suppress the flow of the worm shaft, the structure and assembly process of the reducer become complicated, and the subject of quality control may be increased.

In addition, since the end cover is installed to support one side of the worm shaft, the fluidity of the worm shaft varies according to the steering direction of the vehicle. For example, since the end cover is installed on one side of the worm shaft, the end cover restricts the unidirectional flow of the worm shaft when the vehicle is steered to one side. On the other hand, since the end cover is not installed on the other side of the worm shaft, when the vehicle is steered in the other direction, the flow in the other direction of the worm shaft becomes relatively large. As the worm shaft flows in the axial direction, the rattle noise of the vehicle may increase. In addition, since the friction and operating noise of the worm shaft and the worm wheel are different depending on the steering direction of the vehicle, it becomes a factor of dispersion on the performance and quality of the vehicle.

Therefore, there is a need to improve it.

The background technology of the present invention is disclosed in Korean Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-0065578 (published on June 30, 2014, title of the invention: integrated electric steering device).

The present invention was created to improve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electric steering apparatus capable of suppressing the flow of a worm shaft.

An electric steering apparatus according to the present invention includes: a worm wheel shaft-coupled to an output shaft; a worm shaft disposed perpendicular to the output shaft and engaged with the worm wheel; a shaft bearing coupled to the worm shaft; a bearing cover installed in the case to support the shaft bearing; a hook portion protruding from the bearing cover to constrain the shaft bearing to the bearing cover; and a pressing part installed outside the hook part to press the hook part toward the worm wheel.

a pressure hook extending from the bearing cover, formed on the opposite side of the worm wheel to constrain the shaft bearing, and pressed toward the worm wheel by the pressing unit; and a restraining hook formed on the bearing cover to restrain the periphery of the shaft bearing.

A plurality of the restraining hooks may be formed along the periphery of the shaft bearing.

The pressing part is formed to be spaced apart from the hook part on the periphery of the bearing cover, and a supporter part supported by the case; and an elastic member disposed between the supporter part and the hook part to press the hook part toward the worm wheel.

The hook part includes a pressing hook formed on the opposite side of the worm wheel in the bearing cover, the supporter part is formed to be spaced apart from the pressing hook, and the elastic member includes the supporter part to press the pressing hook toward the shaft bearing. It may be disposed between the pressure hooks.

The supporter part may be supported by the case.

An insertion groove portion may be formed in the case to insert the supporter portion.

The supporter part may extend from the bearing cover toward the worm shaft and be formed on the opposite side of the worm wheel.

According to the present invention, since the hook portion and the pressing portion for restraining the shaft bearing are formed in the bearing cover, the structure and assembly process of the reducer are simplified, and the number of quality control objects can be reduced.

Further, according to the present invention, since the hook portion constrains the shaft bearing to the bearing cover, the fluidity of both sides of the shaft bearing and the worm shaft becomes almost the same. Since the fluidity of both sides of the shaft bearing in the axial direction becomes almost the same, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of variations in friction and operating noise between the worm wheel and the worm shaft depending on the steering direction of the vehicle.

In addition, according to the present invention, since the pressing part presses the hook part toward the worm wheel, the worm shaft can be pressed toward the worm wheel by the shaft bearing. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the worm shaft from being spaced apart from the worm wheel, thereby preventing the rattle noise of the vehicle from being generated.

Further, according to the present invention, since the elastic member is disposed between the supporter portion and the pressure hook to press the pressure hook of the hook portion toward the worm wheel, it is possible to prevent the worm shaft from being separated from the worm wheel. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce rattle noise of the vehicle and reduce friction between the worm shaft and the worm wheel.

1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electric steering apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a bearing cover, a hook part, and a pressing part of the electric steering apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a shaft bearing is restrained by a bearing cover, a hook part, and a pressing part of the electric steering apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a structure in which a shaft bearing is assembled to a bearing cover of an electric steering apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of an electric steering apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the process of explaining the electric steering system, the thickness of the lines or the size of the components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of explanation. In addition, the terms to be described later are terms defined in consideration of functions in the present invention, which may vary according to the intention or custom of the user or operator. Therefore, definitions of these terms should be made based on the content throughout this specification.

1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electric steering apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a bearing cover, a hook part, and a pressing part of the electric steering apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a shaft bearing is restrained by a bearing cover, a hook part and a pressing part of the electric steering apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a view of the electric steering apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is an exploded perspective view showing the structure in which the shaft bearing is assembled to the bearing cover.

1 to 4 , the electric steering apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a worm wheel 110 , a worm shaft 120 , a shaft bearing 130 , a bearing cover 140 , a hook part 150 and It includes a pressing unit 160 . The worm wheel 110 , the worm shaft 120 , and the like constitute a reducer of the electric steering device.

The worm wheel 110 is shaft-coupled to the output shaft 115 . The output shaft 115 is press-fitted into a steering column (not shown), and the steering column is connected to a steering handle (not shown). As the steering handle is manipulated, the steering column and output shaft 115 are rotated.

The output shaft 115 is press-fitted into the center of the worm wheel 110 . A worm gear part 113 is formed around the worm wheel 110 . The worm wheel 110 is formed in a disk shape. As the output shaft 115 rotates, the worm wheel 110 rotates.

The worm shaft 120 is disposed perpendicular to the output shaft 115 . A shaft gear part 123 is formed on the outer surface of the worm shaft 120 to engage the worm gear part 113 of the worm wheel 110 . The shaft gear unit 123 is spirally formed to engage the worm gear unit 113 .

A shaft bearing 130 is installed on one side of the worm shaft 120 . The shaft bearing 130 is supported by the case 100 . The shaft bearing 130 rotatably supports the worm shaft 120 . A drive shaft of the motor unit 125 is connected to the other side of the worm shaft 120 via a connector unit (not shown). The connector portion is supported by a bearing module 127 .

The bearing cover 140 is installed in the case 100 to support one side of the shaft bearing 130 . A contact end 141 in the form of a disk having the same diameter as the outer diameter of the shaft bearing 130 is formed on the bearing cover 140 . The contact end 141 is formed to have a step difference from one surface of the bearing cover 140 on the worm shaft 120 side.

The peripheral portion of the bearing cover 140 is seated in a seating groove (not shown) of the case 100 . The seating groove is formed in a ring shape along the circumferential direction of the worm shaft 120 . The bearing cover 140 restricts the shaft bearing 130 and the worm shaft 120 from flowing to one side in the axial direction of the worm shaft 120 . In addition, the bearing cover 140 prevents foreign substances from penetrating into the space where the worm wheel 110 and the worm shaft 120 are installed.

The hook part 150 is formed to protrude from the bearing cover 140 to constrain the shaft bearing 130 to the bearing cover 140 . The hook part 150 protrudes from the bearing cover 140 toward the worm shaft 120 . Since the hook part 150 constrains the shaft bearing 130 to the bearing cover 140 , it is possible to suppress the shaft bearing 130 and the worm shaft 120 from flowing to both sides in the axial direction of the worm shaft 120 . .

In addition, since the hook part 150 constrains the shaft bearing 130 to the bearing cover 140 , the fluidity on both sides of the shaft bearing 130 (the fluidity in the axial direction of the worm shaft 120 in FIG. 1 ) becomes almost the same. . Since the axial direction left and right fluidity of the shaft bearing 130 becomes almost the same, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of deviation in friction and operating noise between the worm wheel 110 and the worm shaft 120 depending on the steering direction of the vehicle. In other words, when the vehicle is steered in one side and in the other direction, the hook part 150 determines the one side clearance distance (right clearance distance in FIG. 1 ) and the other side clearance distance (FIG. 1 ) of the shaft bearing 130 . left play distance) is equally limited. Since the flow deviation of both sides of the shaft bearing 130 can be eliminated, the flow deviation of both sides of the worm shaft 120 in the axial direction can also be resolved. Accordingly, dispersion factors for the performance and quality of the vehicle can be resolved.

The hook part 150 includes a pressing hook 151 and a restraining hook 155 . The pressure hook 151 is formed to restrain the shaft bearing 130 on the opposite side of the worm wheel 110 in the bearing cover 140 . A pressing protrusion 152 is formed at the end of the pressing hook 151 so that the periphery of the shaft bearing 130 is caught. The restraining hook 155 is formed to restrain the periphery of the shaft bearing 130 in the bearing cover 140 . A restraining protrusion 156 is formed at the end of the restraining hook 155 so that the periphery of the shaft bearing 130 is caught. The pressing hook 151 and the restraining hook 155 extend toward the worm shaft 120 to be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the worm shaft 120 . The outer surfaces of the pressing hook 151 and the restraining hook 155 are supported by the case 100 .

Since the pressure hook 151 and the restraining hook 155 are installed in close contact with the circumference of the shaft bearing 130 , the shaft bearing 130 is prevented from flowing in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the worm shaft 120 . can do. Since the pressure hook 151 and the restraining hook 155 constrain the shaft bearing 130 to closely contact the shaft bearing 130 to the contact end 141 of the bearing cover 140 , the shaft bearing 130 is a worm shaft. Flow in the axial direction of 120 can be suppressed.

One pressing hook 151 is formed on the opposite side of the worm wheel 110 in the bearing cover 140 . A plurality of restraint hooks 155 are formed along the circumference of the shaft bearing 130 . In addition, the restraining hooks 155 are formed on both sides of the shaft bearing 130 in the radial direction. The two restraining hooks 155 are spaced apart from the pressing hook 151 at equal intervals. Since a plurality of restraining hooks 155 are formed, a plurality of portions of the shaft bearing 130 may be supported by the restraining hooks 155 .

The pressing unit 160 is installed outside the hook unit 150 to press the hook unit 150 toward the worm wheel 110 . Since the pressing unit 160 presses the hook unit 150 toward the worm wheel 110 , the worm shaft 120 may be pressed toward the worm wheel 110 by the shaft bearing 130 . Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the worm shaft 120 from being spaced apart from the worm wheel 110 , thereby preventing the rattle noise of the vehicle from being generated.

The pressing unit 160 includes a supporter unit 161 and an elastic member 163 . The supporter part 161 is formed to be spaced apart from the hook part 150 on the periphery of the bearing cover 140 , and is supported by the case 100 . At this time, the supporter part 161 is formed at a position corresponding to the pressing hook 151 of the hook part 150 . The elastic member 163 is disposed between the supporter part 161 and the pressing hook 151 to press the hook part 150 toward the worm wheel 110 . Since the elastic member 163 presses the hook part 150 toward the worm wheel 110 , the worm shaft 120 is in close contact with the worm wheel 110 . Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the worm shaft 120 from being spaced apart from the worm wheel 110 , thereby reducing rattle noise of the vehicle and reducing friction between the worm shaft 120 and the worm wheel 110 .

The supporter part 161 extends from the bearing cover 140 toward the worm shaft 120 and is formed on the opposite side of the worm wheel 110 . Since the supporter part 161 is formed on the opposite side of the worm wheel 110 , the pressing hook 151 may be pressed toward the worm wheel 110 by the elastic member 163 . Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the worm shaft 120 from being spaced apart from the worm wheel 110 , thereby reducing rattle noise of the vehicle and reducing friction between the worm shaft 120 and the worm wheel 110 .

The supporter unit 161 is supported by the case 100 . Since the supporter part 161 is supported by the case 100 , it is possible to prevent the supporter part 161 from being bent to the opposite side of the worm wheel 110 by the elastic force of the elastic member 163 . Accordingly, since the elastic force of the elastic member 163 is prevented from being lowered, it is possible to prevent the worm shaft 120 from being spaced apart from the worm wheel 110 .

An insertion groove 103 is formed in the case 100 so that the supporter 161 is inserted thereinto. Since the supporter part 161 is formed in the insertion groove part 103 , it is possible to prevent the bearing cover 140 from flowing along the circumferential direction of the worm shaft 120 .

The elastic member 163 is formed in an approximately "C" shape. One side of the elastic member 163 is supported by the supporter unit 161 , and the other side of the elastic member 163 is supported by the pressing hook 151 . Since the elastic member 163 is interposed between the supporter part 161 and the pressing hook 151 , a structure in which the worm shaft 120 is pressed toward the worm wheel 110 can be simply implemented. The angle at which the elastic member 163 is opened and the thickness of the elastic member 163 may be appropriately adjusted according to the degree to which the elastic member 163 presses the pressing hook 151 .

As described above, since the hook part 150 constrains the shaft bearing 130 to the bearing cover 140 , the fluidity of both sides of the shaft bearing 130 and the worm shaft 120 (the axis of the worm shaft 120 in FIG. 1 ) direction, left-right fluidity) becomes almost the same. Since the fluidity of both sides of the shaft bearing 130 in the axial direction becomes almost the same, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of deviation in friction and operating noise between the worm wheel 110 and the worm shaft 120 depending on the steering direction of the vehicle.

In addition, since the pressing unit 160 presses the hook unit 150 toward the worm wheel 110 , the worm shaft 120 may be pressed toward the worm wheel 110 by the shaft bearing 130 . Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the worm shaft 120 from being spaced apart from the worm wheel 110 , thereby preventing the rattle noise of the vehicle from being generated.

In addition, since the elastic member 163 is disposed between the supporter part 161 and the pressing hook 151 to press the pressing hook 151 of the hook part 150 toward the worm wheel 110 side, the worm shaft 120 is the worm wheel. It can be prevented from being spaced apart from (110). Accordingly, it is possible to reduce rattle noise of the vehicle and reduce friction between the worm shaft 120 and the worm wheel 110 .

In addition, since the hook part 150 and the pressing part 160 are formed on the bearing cover 140 , the structure and assembly process of the reducer may be simplified, and quality control objects may be reduced.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiment shown in the drawings, this is merely exemplary, and it is understood that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible by those of ordinary skill in the art. will understand

Accordingly, the true technical protection scope of the present invention should be defined by the claims.

100: case 103: insertion groove
110: worm wheel 113: worm gear unit
115: output shaft 120: worm shaft
123: shaft gear unit 125: motor unit
127: connector bearing module 130: shaft bearing part
140: bearing cover 141: contact end
150: hook portion 151: pressure hook
152: pressure protrusion 155: restraint hook
156: restraining protrusion 160: pressing part
161: supporter part 163: elastic member

Claims (8)

a worm wheel shaft-coupled to the output shaft;
a worm shaft disposed perpendicular to the output shaft and engaged with the worm wheel;
a shaft bearing coupled to the worm shaft;
a bearing cover installed in the case to support the shaft bearing;
a hook portion protruding from the bearing cover to constrain the shaft bearing to the bearing cover; and
and a pressing part installed outside the hook part so as to press the hook part toward the worm wheel,
The pressurizing part,
a supporter part formed to be spaced apart from the hook part on a periphery of the bearing cover and supported by the case; and
and an elastic member disposed between the supporter part and the hook part to press the hook part toward the worm wheel.
According to claim 1,
The hook part,
a pressing hook extending from the bearing cover, formed on the opposite side of the worm wheel to constrain the shaft bearing, and pressed toward the worm wheel by the pressing part; and
and a restraining hook formed on the bearing cover to restrain the periphery of the shaft bearing.
3. The method of claim 2,
The restraining hooks are electric steering apparatus, characterized in that formed in a plurality along the periphery of the shaft bearing.
delete According to claim 1,
The hook portion includes a pressure hook formed on the opposite side of the worm wheel in the bearing cover,
The supporter part is formed to be spaced apart from the pressure hook,
wherein the elastic member is disposed between the supporter part and the pressure hook to press the pressure hook toward the shaft bearing.
6. The method of claim 5,
The electric steering device, characterized in that the supporter is supported by the case.
7. The method of claim 6,
The electric steering apparatus, characterized in that the case is formed with an insertion groove so that the supporter is inserted.
According to claim 1,
The supporter portion extends from the bearing cover toward the worm shaft and is formed on the opposite side of the worm wheel.

Images