JP2008038994A - Rack shaft support device - Google Patents

Rack shaft support device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
JP2008038994A
JP2008038994A JP2006212244A JP2006212244A JP2008038994A JP 2008038994 A JP2008038994 A JP 2008038994A JP 2006212244 A JP2006212244 A JP 2006212244A JP 2006212244 A JP2006212244 A JP 2006212244A JP 2008038994 A JP2008038994 A JP 2008038994A
Authority
JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
screw member
rack
screw
groove
rack shaft
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
JP2006212244A
Other languages
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
Susumu Honaga
進 穂永
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
JTEKT Corp
Original Assignee
JTEKT Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by JTEKT Corp filed Critical JTEKT Corp
Priority to JP2006212244A priority Critical patent/JP2008038994A/en
Publication of JP2008038994A publication Critical patent/JP2008038994A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Landscapes

  • Transmission Devices (AREA)

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a rack shaft support device which has no constraint in space, and allows to freely adjust locking of a screw member, and to readjust the screw member. <P>SOLUTION: The locking of a first screw member is performed by elastically deforming an elastic deformation portion to frictionally engage with an internal thread portion of a holding hole in such a way that a rack guide 23 is slidably held in the holding hole 22 formed in an overhung 21 of a housing 11, a first screw member 24 preventing the rack guide from retreating is screwed to the internal thread portion of the holding hole, at least the one elastic deformation portion 32 is formed in a circumference of the first screw member, and a second screw member 35 is screwed to the internal thread portion formed in the first screw member. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

本発明は、ラックアンドピニオン式のステアリング装置に好適なラック軸支持装置に関するものである。   The present invention relates to a rack shaft support device suitable for a rack and pinion type steering device.

ラックアンドピニオン式ステアリング装置において、ピニオン軸に噛合うラック軸はラック軸支持装置によって支持されている。通常、このラック軸支持装置は、ハウジングに形成された保持穴に摺動可能に保持されたラックガイドと、保持穴の開口端部に螺合されたねじ部材と、ラックガイドとねじ部材との間に介在されたばね部材とを備えている。上記ラック軸は、ラックガイドにより軸方向に摺動可能にガイドされ、ラックガイドは、ばね部材によりラック軸をピニオン軸側へ押圧する方向に付勢されている。   In a rack and pinion type steering device, a rack shaft that meshes with a pinion shaft is supported by a rack shaft support device. Usually, the rack shaft support device includes a rack guide slidably held in a holding hole formed in a housing, a screw member screwed into an opening end of the holding hole, and a rack guide and a screw member. And a spring member interposed therebetween. The rack shaft is guided by a rack guide so as to be slidable in the axial direction, and the rack guide is biased by a spring member in a direction of pressing the rack shaft toward the pinion shaft.

上記したラック軸支持装置の組付けに当たっては、通常、ねじ部材をラックガイドに当接する位置まで捩じ込み、その状態よりねじ部材を一定角度緩めてねじ部材とラックガイドとの間に僅かなガイドクリアランスを設定し、その状態で、ねじ部材の緩み止めが施されるようになっている。かかるガイドクリアランスは、ピニオン軸やラック軸等の加工公差や組付け誤差等を吸収するうえで必要なものである。   When assembling the rack shaft support device described above, the screw member is usually screwed to a position where it abuts against the rack guide, and the screw member is loosened by a certain angle from that state, and a slight guide is provided between the screw member and the rack guide. A clearance is set, and in this state, the screw member is prevented from loosening. Such a guide clearance is necessary to absorb machining tolerances and assembly errors of the pinion shaft and rack shaft.

上記したラック軸支持装置においては、緩み止めされたねじ部材を、ガイドクリアランスの再調整等のために、緩み止めを解除できるようにすることが好ましく、このために従来におけるねじ部材の緩み止めは、例えば、特許文献１に記載されているように、ねじ部材の雄ねじ部にロックナットを螺合させ、ロックナットをハウジングの端面に締め付けてねじ部材を回り止めする方式や、例えば、特許文献２に記載されているように、ねじ部材を捩じ込んだハウジングの開口形成面（１６）にポンチ等による局部加圧によって形成される凹陥部（２７）により膨出部（２８）を形成させて、ねじ部材の雄ねじ部の周面の一部を加圧してねじ部材を回り止めする方式がある。
特開２００５−４２８８０（段落００１７、図１） 特開２００５−１７０１０９（段落００１６、図３） In the rack shaft support device described above, it is preferable that the loosened screw member can be released for the purpose of readjustment of the guide clearance, etc. For example, as described in Patent Document 1, a lock nut is screwed into a male thread portion of a screw member, and the lock nut is fastened to an end surface of the housing to prevent the screw member from rotating, for example, Patent Document 2 As described above, a bulging portion (28) is formed on the opening forming surface (16) of the housing into which the screw member is screwed by a concave portion (27) formed by local pressurization with a punch or the like. There is a system in which a part of the peripheral surface of the male screw portion of the screw member is pressurized to prevent the screw member from rotating.
JP 2005-42880 (paragraph 0017, FIG. 1) JP 2005-170109 (paragraph 0016, FIG. 3)

しかしながら、上記した特許文献１に記載のものにおいては、ねじ部材の雄ねじ部に螺合するロックナットをハウジングの端面に締め付けなければならないため、ねじ部材をハウジングの端面より突出して設ける必要があり、その突出部がラックアンドピニオン式ステアリング装置の搭載時に他部位と干渉する等、スペース上の制約を受ける問題がある。   However, in the thing of above-mentioned patent document 1, since the lock nut screwed together with the external thread part of a screw member must be tightened to the end surface of a housing, it is necessary to provide a screw member protruding from the end surface of a housing, There is a problem that the projecting portion is limited in space, such as interference with other parts when the rack and pinion type steering device is mounted.

一方、上記した特許文献２に記載のものにおいては、ねじ部材がハウジングの端面より突出せず、特許文献１におけるスペース上の問題を解消できる利点がある。ところが、特許文献２に記載のように、ポンチによるかしめによってねじ部材の緩み止めを行うものにあっては、かしめによる衝撃によって、適正に調整したガイドクリアランスに微妙な狂いを生じさせる恐れがあり、しかも、ねじ部材の雄ねじ部の周面の一部を塑性変形させることなく加圧する膨出部の形成に熟練を要し、加圧が小さすぎるとねじ部材の緩み止めが不十分となり、逆に加圧が大きすぎるとねじ部材の再調整が難しくなる恐れがある。   On the other hand, in the thing of above-mentioned patent document 2, a screw member does not protrude from the end surface of a housing, and there exists an advantage which can eliminate the space problem in patent document 1. FIG. However, as described in Patent Document 2, in the case where the screw member is prevented from loosening by caulking with a punch, there is a risk of causing a subtle deviation in the appropriately adjusted guide clearance due to the impact due to caulking, In addition, skill is required to form the bulging part that pressurizes a part of the peripheral surface of the male threaded part of the screw member without plastic deformation, and if the pressure is too small, the screw member is insufficiently loosened. If the pressure is too large, readjustment of the screw member may be difficult.

本発明は、上記した従来の問題点を解消するためになされたもので、スペース上の制約もなく、また、ねじ部材の緩み止めを自在に調整でき、しかもねじ部材の再調整が可能なラック軸支持装置を提供することを目的とする。   The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described conventional problems, and is a rack that can be freely adjusted to prevent the screw member from loosening without being restricted in space, and can be readjusted. An object is to provide a shaft support device.

上記の課題を解決するため、請求項１に記載の発明は、ハウジングに摺動可能に収納されピニオン軸に噛合うラック軸と、前記ハウジングに形成され前記ラック軸と前記ピニオン軸との噛合い部の背面側に延在された張出部と、該張出部に形成され雌ねじ部を有する保持穴と、該保持穴に摺動可能に嵌装され前記ラック軸を軸方向に摺動可能に支持するラックガイドと、前記保持穴の雌ねじ部に螺合する雄ねじ部を有し前記ラックガイドの後退を阻止する第１ねじ部材と、該第１ねじ部材と前記ラックガイドとの間に介挿され前記ラックガイドを前記ラック軸に向けて押圧するばね部材とを備え、前記第１ねじ部材に円周上少なくとも１つの弾性変形部を形成し、前記第１ねじ部材に形成した雌ねじ部に螺合し締め込みによって前記弾性変形部を弾性変形して前記保持穴の雌ねじ部に摩擦係合させる第２ねじ部材を備えたことを特徴とするものである。   In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 is a rack shaft slidably housed in a housing and meshed with a pinion shaft, and meshed between the rack shaft and the pinion shaft formed in the housing. An extension part extending to the back side of the part, a holding hole formed in the extension part and having a female screw part, and slidably fitted in the holding hole and slidable in the axial direction of the rack shaft A rack guide that is supported by the holding screw, a male screw portion that engages with the female screw portion of the holding hole, a first screw member that prevents the rack guide from retreating, and an intermediate between the first screw member and the rack guide. A spring member that is inserted and presses the rack guide toward the rack shaft, wherein at least one elastically deforming portion on the circumference is formed on the first screw member, and the female screw portion formed on the first screw member The elastic deformation by screwing and tightening The is characterized in further comprising a second screw member that frictionally engaged with the internal thread portion of the holding hole and elastically deformed.

請求項２に記載の発明は、請求項１において、前記第１ねじ部材に円周上少なくとも１つのポケット溝を凹設して、該ポケット溝の径外方向の周縁部に前記弾性変形部を形成し、前記ポケット溝に、溝奥側に向かうにつれて径が縮小するテーパ状の雌ねじ部を形成し、前記第２ねじ部材は前記テーパ状の雌ねじ部に螺合するテーパ状の雄ねじ部を有していることを特徴とするものである。   According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, at least one pocket groove is provided on the circumference of the first screw member, and the elastically deforming portion is provided at a peripheral edge portion in a radially outward direction of the pocket groove. Forming a tapered female thread portion whose diameter decreases in the pocket groove toward the inner side of the groove, and the second screw member has a tapered male thread portion that engages with the tapered female thread portion. It is characterized by that.

請求項３に記載の発明は、請求項２において、前記第１ねじ部材に、該第１ねじ部材の軸線と直交する平面に沿って形成され、前記周縁部から前記ポケット溝に達する切込み溝を設けたことを特徴とするものである。   According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the first screw member is formed with a cut groove that is formed along a plane perpendicular to the axis of the first screw member and reaches the pocket groove from the peripheral edge. It is characterized by providing.

請求項４に記載の発明は、請求項１において、前記第１ねじ部材に、前記周縁部より前記第１ねじ部材の軸線と直交する平面に沿って切込み溝を形成し、前記第２ねじ部材の締め込みによって前記切込み溝の溝幅を変化させる方向に前記弾性変形部を弾性変形させるように構成したことを特徴とするものである。   According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the first screw member is formed with a notch groove along a plane perpendicular to the axis of the first screw member from the peripheral portion, and the second screw member. The elastic deformation portion is configured to be elastically deformed in a direction in which the groove width of the cut groove is changed by tightening.

請求項１に係る発明によれば、ハウジングの張出部に形成された保持穴に螺合してラックガイドの後退を阻止する第１ねじ部材に、円周上少なくとも１つの弾性変形部を形成し、第１ねじ部材に形成した雌ねじ部に螺合し締め込みによって弾性変形部を弾性変形して保持穴の雌ねじ部に摩擦係合させる第２ねじ部材を備えているので、第１ねじ部材の緩み止めのために、第１ねじ部材をハウジングの張出部の端面より突出して設ける必要がなくなり、突出部が他部位と干渉する恐れがなくなり、スペース的に有利となる。   According to the first aspect of the present invention, at least one elastically deforming portion on the circumference is formed on the first screw member that is screwed into the holding hole formed in the protruding portion of the housing and prevents the rack guide from retreating. And the second screw member that is elastically deformed by screwing and tightening the female screw portion formed on the first screw member and frictionally engaged with the female screw portion of the holding hole. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide the first screw member so as to protrude from the end face of the overhanging portion of the housing, and there is no possibility that the protruding portion interferes with other portions, which is advantageous in terms of space.

しかも、第１ねじ部材の弾性変形を利用して、第１ねじ部材を回り止めする構成であるので、第２ねじ部材の締め込み調整によって第１ねじ部材を回り止めする摩擦力を自在に調整できるようになり、第１ねじ部材の緩み止めを的確に行うことができるとともに、第２ねじ部材の緩めによって第１ねじ部材の弾性変形部が弾性復帰されるので、ガイドクリアランスの再調整を容易に行うことができる。   In addition, since the first screw member is prevented from rotating by using the elastic deformation of the first screw member, the frictional force for preventing the first screw member from being rotated can be freely adjusted by adjusting the tightening of the second screw member. The first screw member can be accurately prevented from loosening, and the elastic deformation portion of the first screw member is elastically restored by loosening the second screw member, so that the guide clearance can be easily readjusted. Can be done.

請求項２に係る発明によれば、第１ねじ部材に円周上少なくとも１つのポケット溝を凹設して、ポケット溝の径外方向の周縁部に弾性変形部を形成し、ポケット溝に、溝奥側に向かうにつれて径が縮小するテーパ状の雌ねじ部を形成したので、テーパ状の雌ねじ部への第２ねじ部材の締込みによって、弾性変形部を弾性変形させ、第１ねじ部材の緩み止めを行うことができる。   According to the invention according to claim 2, at least one pocket groove on the circumference is recessed in the first screw member, an elastically deforming portion is formed at the outer peripheral edge of the pocket groove, Since the tapered female screw portion whose diameter is reduced toward the deeper side of the groove is formed, the elastically deforming portion is elastically deformed by tightening the second screw member into the tapered female screw portion, and the first screw member is loosened. Stop can be done.

請求項３に係る発明によれば、第１ねじ部材に、第１ねじ部材の軸線と直交する平面に沿って形成され、周縁部からポケット溝に達する切込み溝を設けたので、切込み溝の追加によって、弾性変形部をより容易に弾性変形させることができ、第１ねじ部材の緩み止めを容易に行うことができる。   According to the third aspect of the invention, the first screw member is provided with a cut groove that is formed along a plane perpendicular to the axis of the first screw member and reaches the pocket groove from the peripheral portion. Thus, the elastically deformable portion can be elastically deformed more easily, and the first screw member can be easily prevented from loosening.

請求項４に係る発明によれば、第１ねじ部材に、周縁部より第１ねじ部材の軸線と直交する平面に沿って切込み溝を形成し、第２ねじ部材の締め込みによって切込み溝の溝幅を変化させる方向に弾性変形部を弾性変形させるように構成したので、テーパ状のねじ部等を必要とせず、簡単な構成で弾性変形部を弾性変形させて、第１ねじ部材の緩み止めを行うことができる。   According to the invention which concerns on Claim 4, a notch groove is formed in the 1st screw member along the plane orthogonal to the axis line of the 1st screw member from a peripheral part, and the groove | channel of a notch groove is tightened by the 2nd screw member Since the elastic deformation portion is elastically deformed in the direction in which the width is changed, a taper-shaped screw portion or the like is not required, and the elastic deformation portion is elastically deformed with a simple configuration to prevent the first screw member from loosening. It can be performed.

以下本発明の第１の実施の形態を図面に基づいて説明する。図１において、ラックアンドピニオン式ステアリング装置１０は、ハウジング１１に軸受１７を介して回転可能に支持され、図略のステアリングホイールに連結されるピニオン軸１２と、ピニオン軸１２の先端に設けられたピニオン歯１３に噛み合うラック歯１４を有し、ハウジング１１に摺動可能に収納されたラック軸１５とを備えている。   A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In FIG. 1, a rack and pinion type steering device 10 is rotatably supported by a housing 11 via a bearing 17 and is provided at a tip of the pinion shaft 12 and a pinion shaft 12 connected to a steering wheel (not shown). A rack tooth 14 that meshes with the pinion teeth 13 and a rack shaft 15 that is slidably accommodated in the housing 11 is provided.

ラック軸１５の両端部には、図示してないが、周知のようにボールジョイントを介してタイロッドが連結され、タイロッドはナックルアームを介して操向車輪に連結されている。そして、ステアリングホイールの操作によりピニオン軸１２が回転されると、この回転はピニオン歯１３およびラック歯１４によって、ラック軸１５の直線運動に変換され、操向車輪が転舵される。   Although not shown, a tie rod is connected to both ends of the rack shaft 15 via a ball joint as is well known, and the tie rod is connected to a steering wheel via a knuckle arm. When the pinion shaft 12 is rotated by operating the steering wheel, this rotation is converted into a linear motion of the rack shaft 15 by the pinion teeth 13 and the rack teeth 14, and the steered wheels are steered.

ステアリング装置１０には、ラック軸支持装置２０が備えられている。ラック軸支持装置２０は、ラック軸１５の軸方向移動を許容しつつ、ラック軸１５をピニオン軸１２側へ押し付けて、ラック軸１５とピニオン軸１２の噛合いのがたを詰めるためのものである。   The steering device 10 is provided with a rack shaft support device 20. The rack shaft support device 20 is for pressing the rack shaft 15 toward the pinion shaft 12 while allowing the rack shaft 15 to move in the axial direction so as to close the engagement between the rack shaft 15 and the pinion shaft 12. is there.

ハウジング１１には、ラック軸１５のピニオン軸１２との噛合い部の背面側に延在された略円筒状の張出部２１が形成され、この張出部２１にラック軸支持装置２０が組み込まれている。具体的には、張出部２１に保持穴２２がラック軸１５と直交するピニオン軸１２の直径方向に形成され、保持穴２２にラック軸１５をシート部材２３ａを介して摺動可能に支持するラックガイド２３がピニオン軸１２の前記直径方向に摺動可能に嵌装されている。ラックガイド２３の外周には、保持穴２２内を摺接可能な制振用のＯリング２７が装着されている。   The housing 11 is formed with a substantially cylindrical projecting portion 21 extending on the back side of the meshing portion of the rack shaft 15 with the pinion shaft 12, and the rack shaft support device 20 is incorporated in the projecting portion 21. It is. Specifically, the holding hole 22 is formed in the projecting portion 21 in the diameter direction of the pinion shaft 12 orthogonal to the rack shaft 15, and the rack shaft 15 is slidably supported in the holding hole 22 via the sheet member 23a. A rack guide 23 is slidably fitted in the diameter direction of the pinion shaft 12. On the outer periphery of the rack guide 23, a vibration-damping O-ring 27 that can slide in the holding hole 22 is mounted.

保持穴２２の開口部の内周には雌ねじ部２２ａが形成され、雌ねじ部２２ａに螺合する雄ねじ部２４ａを外周に形成した第１ねじ部材２４が保持穴２２の開口部近傍に位置調整可能に螺合されている。第１ねじ部材２４は、張出部２１の端面２１ａより突出しない寸法に設定され、ラックアンドピニオン式ステアリング装置１０の車両への搭載時に、他部位との干渉を避けるようにしている。第１ねじ部材２４の保持穴２２への捩じ込みは、その端面に形成した角形の工具係合穴２５に図略の工具を係合して行われる。   A female screw portion 22a is formed on the inner periphery of the opening of the holding hole 22, and the position of the first screw member 24 having a male screw portion 24a screwed to the female screw portion 22a on the outer periphery can be adjusted in the vicinity of the opening of the holding hole 22. Are screwed together. The first screw member 24 is set to a size that does not protrude from the end surface 21a of the overhang portion 21, and avoids interference with other parts when the rack and pinion type steering device 10 is mounted on a vehicle. The first screw member 24 is screwed into the holding hole 22 by engaging a tool (not shown) with a square tool engagement hole 25 formed on the end face thereof.

第１ねじ部材２４はラックガイド２３の後退位置を規制するもので、第１ねじ部材２４とラックガイド２３との間には、ラックガイド２３をラック軸１５に向けて押圧するコイル状のばね部材２６が介挿されている。第１ねじ部材２４はその組付け時に、ラックガイド２３との間に僅かなガイドクリアランスＣＬが設けられる位置に位置調整され、その位置で後述するように緩み止め手段３０により緩み止めがなされる。   The first screw member 24 regulates the retracted position of the rack guide 23, and a coiled spring member that presses the rack guide 23 toward the rack shaft 15 between the first screw member 24 and the rack guide 23. 26 is inserted. When the first screw member 24 is assembled, the first screw member 24 is adjusted to a position where a slight guide clearance CL is provided between the first screw member 24 and the first screw member 24, and the loosening prevention means 30 prevents the loosening at the position.

第１ねじ部材２４とラックガイド２３との間のガイドクリアランスＣＬは、第１ねじ部材２４の組付け時に第１ねじ部材２４をラック軸１５を支持しているラックガイド２３に当接する位置まで捩じ込み、しかる後、第１ねじ部材２４を一定角度だけ緩め方向に戻すことによって形成できる。すなわち、ガイドクリアランスＣＬは、第１ねじ部材２４のリードと戻し角度とによって任意所望に設定できる。かかるガイドクリアランスＣＬは、ピニオン軸１２やラック軸１５等の加工公差（噛合い誤差）や組付け誤差を吸収するうえで必要なものであるが、その寸法はピニオン軸１２とラック軸１５との噛合い反力によってラックガイド２３が必要以上に後退しないよう少量に設定される。   The guide clearance CL between the first screw member 24 and the rack guide 23 is such that when the first screw member 24 is assembled, the first screw member 24 is twisted to a position where the first screw member 24 contacts the rack guide 23 supporting the rack shaft 15. After forming, it can be formed by loosening the first screw member 24 by a certain angle in the loosening direction. That is, the guide clearance CL can be arbitrarily set by the lead of the first screw member 24 and the return angle. The guide clearance CL is necessary to absorb machining tolerances (meshing errors) and assembly errors of the pinion shaft 12 and the rack shaft 15, and the dimensions thereof are between the pinion shaft 12 and the rack shaft 15. A small amount is set so that the rack guide 23 does not retreat more than necessary due to the meshing reaction force.

以下、緩み止め手段３０の具体的な構成を、図２および図３に基づいて説明する。同図において、上記した第１ねじ部材２４には、その端面２４ｂより第１ねじ部材２４の回転中心を円弧中心とした円弧状のポケット溝３１が円周上２個所に凹設されている。円弧状のポケット溝３１の形成により、第１ねじ部材２４の周縁部２個所に薄肉の弾性変形部３２が形成される。ポケット溝３１の中央部には、ポケット溝３１の溝幅より大きなねじ径のテーパ状雌ねじ部３３が形成されている。テーパ状雌ねじ部３３はラックガイド２３に向かうにつれてねじ径が僅かずつ縮小するテーパ形状をなしている。なお、テーパ状雌ねじ部３３はポケット溝３１の存在によって円周方向に連続した雌ねじとはならず、ポケット溝３１の両側で分断された雌ねじとなっている。   Hereinafter, a specific configuration of the locking means 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. In the figure, the first screw member 24 is provided with arc-shaped pocket grooves 31 that are recessed at two locations on the circumference from the end surface 24b of the first screw member 24 with the rotation center of the first screw member 24 as the center of the arc. By forming the arc-shaped pocket groove 31, thin elastic deformation portions 32 are formed at two peripheral portions of the first screw member 24. A tapered female thread portion 33 having a thread diameter larger than the groove width of the pocket groove 31 is formed at the center of the pocket groove 31. The tapered female screw portion 33 has a tapered shape in which the screw diameter is gradually reduced toward the rack guide 23. The tapered female screw portion 33 does not become a female screw continuous in the circumferential direction due to the presence of the pocket groove 31, but is a female screw divided on both sides of the pocket groove 31.

第１ねじ部材２４に形成されたテーパ状雌ねじ部３３には、テーパ状雌ねじ部３３に合致するテーパ状雄ねじ部３４を外周に有する第２ねじ部材３５が螺合され、第２ねじ部材３５には端面には角形の工具係合穴３６が形成されている。かかる構成の第２ねじ部材３５を第１ねじ部材２４のテーパ状雌ねじ部３３に締め込むことにより、上記した第１ねじ部材２４の周縁部２個所に形成された薄肉の弾性変形部３２が保持穴２２の雌ねじ部２２ａに向かって弾性変形され、第１ねじ部材２４の雄ねじ部２４ａが保持穴２２の雌ねじ部２２ａに摩擦係合される。かかる第１ねじ部材２４と保持穴２２との摩擦力によって第１ねじ部材２４の緩み止めが達成される。   A tapered female threaded portion 33 formed on the first threaded member 24 is threadedly engaged with a second threaded member 35 having a tapered male threaded portion 34 that matches the tapered female threaded portion 33 on the outer periphery. A square tool engagement hole 36 is formed on the end face. By tightening the second screw member 35 having such a configuration into the tapered female thread portion 33 of the first screw member 24, the thin elastic deformation portions 32 formed at the two peripheral portions of the first screw member 24 are held. It is elastically deformed toward the female screw portion 22 a of the hole 22, and the male screw portion 24 a of the first screw member 24 is frictionally engaged with the female screw portion 22 a of the holding hole 22. The first screw member 24 is prevented from loosening by the frictional force between the first screw member 24 and the holding hole 22.

なお、図２および図３においては、緩み止め手段３０の理解を容易にするために、一方のテーパ状雌ねじ部３３にのみ第２ねじ部材３５を締め付けた状態を図示している。   2 and 3, in order to facilitate understanding of the locking means 30, a state in which the second screw member 35 is fastened only to one tapered female thread portion 33 is illustrated.

次に、ラック軸支持装置２０を組付ける手順について説明する。まず、ハウジング１１にピニオン軸１２およびラック軸１５を組付けた状態で、ハウジング１１の張出部２１の保持穴２２にラックガイド２３とばね部材２６とを挿入するとともに、第１ねじ部材２４の雄ねじ部２４ａを保持穴２２の雌ねじ部２２ａに螺合し、第１ねじ部材２４を工具係合穴２５に係合する図略の工具によって捩じ込む。この場合、第１ねじ部材２４のテーパ状雌ねじ穴３３に予め第２ねじ部材３５を弾性変形部３２を弾性変形させない程度に軽く仮締めしておくとよい。   Next, a procedure for assembling the rack shaft support device 20 will be described. First, in a state where the pinion shaft 12 and the rack shaft 15 are assembled to the housing 11, the rack guide 23 and the spring member 26 are inserted into the holding hole 22 of the protruding portion 21 of the housing 11, and the first screw member 24 is The male screw portion 24 a is screwed into the female screw portion 22 a of the holding hole 22, and the first screw member 24 is screwed with a tool (not shown) that engages with the tool engagement hole 25. In this case, it is preferable that the second screw member 35 is lightly temporarily tightened into the tapered female screw hole 33 of the first screw member 24 in advance so that the elastic deformation portion 32 is not elastically deformed.

そして、第１ねじ部材２４をラックガイド２３に当接する位置まで捩じ込み、しかる後、第１ねじ部材２４を一定角度だけ緩め方向に戻して、第１ねじ部材２４とラックガイド２３との間に適正なガイドクリアランスＣＬを設定する。その状態で、第１ねじ部材２４のテーパ状雌ねじ部３３に仮締めされた第２ねじ部材３５を工具係合穴３６に係合する図略の工具によって締め込むことにより、第２ねじ部材３５のテーパ状雄ねじ部３４の作用により、第１ねじ部材２４の弾性変形部３２が保持穴２２の内面に向かって弾性変形され、これによって第１ねじ部材２４の弾性変形部３２が保持穴２２に摩擦係合される。かかる摩擦力によって第１ねじ部材２４が回り止めされ、その緩みが防止される。   Then, the first screw member 24 is screwed to a position where it abuts against the rack guide 23, and then the first screw member 24 is loosened by a predetermined angle to return the first screw member 24 between the first screw member 24 and the rack guide 23. Set an appropriate guide clearance CL. In this state, the second screw member 35 is tightened by a tool (not shown) that engages with the tool engagement hole 36 by temporarily tightening the second screw member 35 that is temporarily tightened to the tapered female screw portion 33 of the first screw member 24. By the action of the tapered male screw portion 34, the elastic deformation portion 32 of the first screw member 24 is elastically deformed toward the inner surface of the holding hole 22, whereby the elastic deformation portion 32 of the first screw member 24 becomes the holding hole 22. Frictionally engaged. Such frictional force prevents the first screw member 24 from rotating and prevents its loosening.

なお、ラック軸支持装置２０をメンテナンス等のために分解する場合、あるいは、ピニオン軸１２やラック軸１５の摩耗に伴って第１ねじ部材２４の捩じ込み位置を再調整する場合には、第２ねじ部材３５を緩めることにより、第１ねじ部材２４の弾性変形部３２が弾性復帰され、第１ねじ部材２４の回り止めが解除される。   When the rack shaft support device 20 is disassembled for maintenance or the like, or when the screwing position of the first screw member 24 is readjusted as the pinion shaft 12 or the rack shaft 15 is worn, By loosening the two-screw member 35, the elastic deformation portion 32 of the first screw member 24 is elastically restored, and the rotation prevention of the first screw member 24 is released.

上記した第１の実施の形態によれば、第１ねじ部材２４にポケット溝３１を形成して第１ねじ部材２４の周縁部に弾性変形部３２を形成し、ポケット溝３１に形成したテーパ状雌ねじ部３３にテーパ状雄ねじ部３４を有する第２ねじ部材３５を螺合させることにより、弾性変形部３２を弾性変形させて保持穴２２に摩擦係合させ、第１ねじ部材２４を回り止め（緩み止め）するようにしたので、第１ねじ部材２４の緩み止めのために第１ねじ部材２４をハウジング１１の張出部２１の端面より突出させる必要がなくなり、ラックアンドピニオン式ステアリング装置１０を車両に搭載する際に突出部が他部位と干渉する恐れがなく、スペース的に有利となる。また、第１ねじ部材２４の緩み止めのために、ポンチ等により衝撃を加えることがないので、適正に設定されたガイドクリアランスＣＬに狂いを生じさせることもない。   According to the first embodiment described above, the pocket groove 31 is formed in the first screw member 24, the elastic deformation portion 32 is formed in the peripheral edge portion of the first screw member 24, and the tapered shape is formed in the pocket groove 31. By screwing the second screw member 35 having the tapered male screw portion 34 to the female screw portion 33, the elastic deformation portion 32 is elastically deformed and frictionally engaged with the holding hole 22, and the first screw member 24 is prevented from rotating ( Since the first screw member 24 does not need to protrude from the end surface of the overhanging portion 21 of the housing 11 in order to prevent the first screw member 24 from loosening, the rack and pinion type steering device 10 can be When mounted on a vehicle, there is no fear that the projecting portion interferes with other parts, which is advantageous in terms of space. Further, since the first screw member 24 is prevented from loosening, an impact is not applied by a punch or the like, so that a properly set guide clearance CL is not distorted.

しかも、第２ねじ部材３５の締め込みによる第１ねじ部材２４の弾性変形を利用して、第１ねじ部材２４を回り止め（緩み止め）する構成であるので、第２ねじ部材３５の締め込み調整によって第１ねじ部材２４を回り止めする摩擦力を自在に調整できるとともに、仮に第２ねじ部材３５を強く締め付けても、第２ねじ部材３５を緩めれば、弾性変形部３２が弾性復帰するので、ラック軸支持装置２０を構成する部品を損傷させることなく、ガイドクリアランスＣＬの再調整を容易に実施できる利点がある。   Moreover, since the first screw member 24 is prevented from rotating (slack prevention) using the elastic deformation of the first screw member 24 due to the tightening of the second screw member 35, the second screw member 35 is tightened. The frictional force that prevents the first screw member 24 from rotating can be adjusted freely by adjustment, and even if the second screw member 35 is strongly tightened, if the second screw member 35 is loosened, the elastic deformation portion 32 is elastically restored. Therefore, there is an advantage that readjustment of the guide clearance CL can be easily performed without damaging the parts constituting the rack shaft support device 20.

図４および図５は、本発明の第２の実施の形態を示すもので、第１の実施の形態とは、第１ねじ部材２４の周縁部に形成した弾性変形部３２をより変形しやすくするために、第１ねじ部材２４に切込み溝３６を追加した点を異にするものである。なお、その他の点は同じであるので、主として相違する点を説明し、同一構成部分については同一部品に同一の参照番号を付し、説明を省略する。   4 and 5 show a second embodiment of the present invention. In the first embodiment, the elastic deformation portion 32 formed on the peripheral portion of the first screw member 24 is more easily deformed. In order to do so, the difference is that a cut groove 36 is added to the first screw member 24. Since the other points are the same, the differences are mainly described, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

第２の実施の形態における第１ねじ部材１２４は、図４および図５に示すように、第１ねじ部材１２４の直径方向の２個所に、切込み溝３６が第１ねじ部材１２４の軸線と直交する平面に沿って形成されている。切込み溝３６は、第１ねじ部材１２４の弾性変形部１３２からポケット溝３１に達するものであり、図４に示すように第１ねじ部材１２４を平面視すれば、切込み溝３６はポケット溝３１の略全領域を覆う範囲に形成され、第１ねじ部材１２４の軸線方向における切込み溝３６の位置は、図５に示すようにポケット溝３１の溝底（最奥部）近傍である。かかる切込み溝３６を追加したことにより、弾性変形部１３２が帯状に独立した形態となるので、テーパ状の雌ねじ部３３に、図３に示したと同様な第２ねじ部材３５を締め込むことによる弾性変形部１３２の弾性変形が、上記した第１の実施の形態に比べてより容易となる。   As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in the first screw member 124 in the second embodiment, the cut grooves 36 are perpendicular to the axis of the first screw member 124 at two locations in the diameter direction of the first screw member 124. It is formed along a flat surface. The cut groove 36 reaches the pocket groove 31 from the elastically deformable portion 132 of the first screw member 124. If the first screw member 124 is viewed in plan as shown in FIG. The cut groove 36 in the axial direction of the first screw member 124 is located in the vicinity of the groove bottom (deepest part) of the pocket groove 31 as shown in FIG. By adding such a cut groove 36, the elastically deformable portion 132 becomes independent in the form of a strip. Therefore, the elasticity obtained by tightening the second screw member 35 similar to that shown in FIG. The elastic deformation of the deformable portion 132 is easier than in the first embodiment described above.

図６および図７は、本発明の第３の実施の形態を示すもので、弾性変形部を第２ねじ部材の締込み方向に弾性変形させるようにしたものである。すなわち、図６および図７に示すように、第１ねじ部材２２４の直径方向の２個所に、切込み溝３８が第１ねじ部材２２４の軸線と直交する平面に沿って円弧状に形成され、第１ねじ部材２２４の周縁部に切込み溝３８の溝幅（溝の厚み）を狭める方向に弾性変形可能な弾性変形部２３２を形成している。第１ねじ部材２２４には、皿ビス状の第２ねじ部材２３５のテーパ部２３５ａに係合するテーパ穴２２４ａと、第２ねじ部材２３５の雄ねじ部２３５ｂに螺合する雌ねじ部２２４ｂが、第１ねじ部材２２４を貫通して形成されている。なお、第１ねじ部材２２４の軸線方向における切込み溝３８の位置は、図７に示すようにテーパ穴２２４ａと雌ねじ部２２４ｂとの略境界部とされ、第２ねじ部材２３５の締込みにより、弾性変形部２３２を弾性変形させて、第１ねじ部材２２４の周縁部を保持穴２２の雌ねじ部２２ａ（図２参照）に食い込ませ、第１ねじ部材２２４を回り止め（緩み止め）する。   6 and 7 show a third embodiment of the present invention in which the elastically deforming portion is elastically deformed in the tightening direction of the second screw member. That is, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, incision grooves 38 are formed in an arc shape along two planes perpendicular to the axis of the first screw member 224 at two locations in the diameter direction of the first screw member 224. An elastically deformable portion 232 that is elastically deformable in the direction of narrowing the groove width (groove thickness) of the cut groove 38 is formed at the peripheral edge portion of the single screw member 224. The first screw member 224 includes a tapered hole 224a that engages with the tapered portion 235a of the countersunk screw-like second screw member 235 and a female screw portion 224b that engages with the male screw portion 235b of the second screw member 235. It is formed through the screw member 224. Note that the position of the cut groove 38 in the axial direction of the first screw member 224 is substantially a boundary between the tapered hole 224a and the female screw portion 224b as shown in FIG. The deformable portion 232 is elastically deformed so that the peripheral edge portion of the first screw member 224 bites into the female screw portion 22a (see FIG. 2) of the holding hole 22, and the first screw member 224 is prevented from rotating (slack prevention).

第３の実施の形態によれば、弾性変形部２３２を切込み溝３８の溝幅（溝の厚み）を狭める方向に弾性変形させる形態であるので、第１および第２の実施の形態のようにテーパ状のねじ部を必要とせず、切込み溝３８を形成するだけの簡単な構成で弾性変形部２３２を容易に弾性変形させることができる。   According to the third embodiment, since the elastic deformation portion 232 is elastically deformed in the direction of narrowing the groove width (groove thickness) of the cut groove 38, as in the first and second embodiments. The elastic deformation portion 232 can be easily elastically deformed with a simple configuration in which only the cut groove 38 is formed without the need for a tapered thread portion.

上記した第１および第２の実施の形態においては、第１ねじ部材２４、１２４にポケット溝３１およびテーパ状雌ねじ部３３を円周上２個所ずつ形成した例について述べたが、少なくとも円周上１個所にポケット溝３１およびテーパ状雌ねじ部３３を設けることにより、本発明の効果を発揮できるものであり、ポケット溝３１およびテーパ状雌ねじ部３３の個数を実施の形態に限定されるものではない。また、ポケット溝３１の形状も、第１ねじ部材２４の回転中心を円弧中心とした円弧状に限定されず、長円形、矩形等であっても本発明の効果を発揮できるものである。   In the above-described first and second embodiments, the example in which the pocket groove 31 and the tapered female thread portion 33 are formed on the first screw members 24 and 124 at two locations on the circumference has been described. By providing the pocket groove 31 and the tapered female screw portion 33 in one place, the effects of the present invention can be exhibited, and the number of the pocket groove 31 and the tapered female screw portion 33 is not limited to the embodiment. . Further, the shape of the pocket groove 31 is not limited to an arc shape with the rotation center of the first screw member 24 as the arc center, and the effect of the present invention can be exhibited even if it is an oval shape, a rectangle shape, or the like.

さらに、上記した第３の実施の形態においては、皿ビス状の第２ねじ部材２３５を第１ねじ部材２２４の雌ねじ部２２４ｂにねじ込むようにしたが、テーパ部を持たない第２ねじ部材によっても同様な効果が期待できるものである。   Furthermore, in the above-described third embodiment, the countersunk screw-like second screw member 235 is screwed into the female screw portion 224b of the first screw member 224, but also by a second screw member having no taper portion. A similar effect can be expected.

本発明の第１の実施の形態を示すラック軸支持装置を備えたラックアンドピニオン式ステアリング装置の一部断面図である。BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a rack and pinion type steering device provided with a rack shaft support device showing a first embodiment of the present invention. 図１のＩＩ方向から見た拡大図である。It is the enlarged view seen from the II direction of FIG. 図２のＩＩＩ−ＩＩＩ線に沿って切断した断面図である。It is sectional drawing cut | disconnected along the III-III line of FIG. 本発明の第２の実施の形態を示す第１ねじ部材の平面図である。It is a top view of the 1st screw member which shows the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 図４のＶ−Ｖ線に沿って切断した断面図である。It is sectional drawing cut | disconnected along the VV line | wire of FIG. 本発明の第３の実施の形態を示す第１ねじ部材の平面図である。It is a top view of the 1st screw member which shows the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. 図６のＶＩＩ−ＶＩＩ線に沿って切断した断面図である。It is sectional drawing cut | disconnected along the VII-VII line of FIG.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１０…ラックアンドピニオン式ステアリング装置、１１…ハウジング、１２…ピニオン軸、１３…ピニオン歯、１４…ラック歯、１５…ラック軸、２０…ラック軸支持装置、２１…張出部、２２…保持穴、２２ａ…雌ねじ部、２３…ラックガイド、２４、１２４、２２４…第１ねじ部材、２４ａ…雄ねじ部、２６…ばね部材、３０…緩み止め手段、３１…ポケット溝、３２…弾性変形部、３３…テーパ状雌ねじ部、３４…テーパ状雄ねじ部、３５…第２ねじ部材、３６、３８…切込み溝、ＣＬ…ガイドクリアランス。   DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Rack and pinion type steering device, 11 ... Housing, 12 ... Pinion shaft, 13 ... Pinion tooth, 14 ... Rack tooth, 15 ... Rack shaft, 20 ... Rack shaft support device, 21 ... Overhang part, 22 ... Holding hole , 22a ... female screw part, 23 ... rack guide, 24, 124, 224 ... first screw member, 24a ... male screw part, 26 ... spring member, 30 ... loosening prevention means, 31 ... pocket groove, 32 ... elastic deformation part, 33 ... Tapered female thread part, 34 ... Tapered male thread part, 35 ... Second screw member, 36, 38 ... Cut groove, CL ... Guide clearance.

Claims (4)

ハウジングに摺動可能に収納されピニオン軸に噛合うラック軸と、前記ハウジングに形成され前記ラック軸と前記ピニオン軸との噛合い部の背面側に延在された張出部と、該張出部に形成され雌ねじ部を有する保持穴と、該保持穴に摺動可能に嵌装され前記ラック軸を軸方向に摺動可能に支持するラックガイドと、前記保持穴の雌ねじ部に螺合する雄ねじ部を有し前記ラックガイドの後退を阻止する第１ねじ部材と、該第１ねじ部材と前記ラックガイドとの間に介挿され前記ラックガイドを前記ラック軸に向けて押圧するばね部材とを備え、前記第１ねじ部材に円周上少なくとも１つの弾性変形部を形成し、前記第１ねじ部材に形成した雌ねじ部に螺合し締め込みによって前記弾性変形部を弾性変形して前記保持穴の雌ねじ部に摩擦係合させる第２ねじ部材を備えたことを特徴とするラック軸支持装置。   A rack shaft slidably housed in the housing and meshing with the pinion shaft; an overhang portion formed on the housing and extending to the back side of the meshing portion of the rack shaft and the pinion shaft; A holding hole having a female screw portion formed in the portion, a rack guide that is slidably fitted in the holding hole and slidably supports the rack shaft in the axial direction, and is screwed into the female screw portion of the holding hole. A first screw member that has a male screw portion and prevents the rack guide from retreating; and a spring member that is interposed between the first screw member and the rack guide and presses the rack guide toward the rack shaft. And forming at least one elastically deformable portion on the circumference of the first screw member, screwing the female screw portion formed on the first screw member and tightening, and elastically deforming the elastic deformable portion by tightening. Frictionally engage with the female thread of the hole Rack shaft support device characterized by comprising a second screw member. 請求項１において、前記第１ねじ部材に円周上少なくとも１つのポケット溝を凹設して、該ポケット溝の径外方向の周縁部に前記弾性変形部を形成し、前記ポケット溝に、溝奥側に向かうにつれて径が縮小するテーパ状の雌ねじ部を形成し、前記第２ねじ部材は前記テーパ状の雌ねじ部に螺合するテーパ状の雄ねじ部を有していることを特徴とするラック軸支持装置。   2. The at least one pocket groove on the circumference is recessed in the first screw member, and the elastic deformation portion is formed in a radially outer peripheral edge portion of the pocket groove, and the groove is formed in the pocket groove. The rack is characterized in that a tapered female screw portion whose diameter decreases toward the back side is formed, and the second screw member has a tapered male screw portion screwed into the tapered female screw portion. Shaft support device. 請求項２において、前記第１ねじ部材に、該第１ねじ部材の軸線と直交する平面に沿って形成され、前記周縁部から前記ポケット溝に達する切込み溝を設けたことを特徴とするラック軸支持装置。   3. The rack shaft according to claim 2, wherein the first screw member is provided with a cut groove that is formed along a plane orthogonal to the axis of the first screw member and that reaches the pocket groove from the peripheral edge. Support device. 請求項１において、前記第１ねじ部材に、前記周縁部より前記第１ねじ部材の軸線と直交する平面に沿って切込み溝を形成し、前記第２ねじ部材の締め込みによって前記切込み溝の溝幅を変化させる方向に前記弾性変形部を弾性変形させるように構成したことを特徴とするラック軸支持装置。   2. The notch groove according to claim 1, wherein a notch groove is formed in the first screw member along a plane perpendicular to the axis of the first screw member from the peripheral edge portion, and the notch groove is formed by tightening the second screw member. A rack shaft support device configured to elastically deform the elastic deformation portion in a direction in which a width is changed.
JP2006212244A 2006-08-03 2006-08-03 Rack shaft support device Pending JP2008038994A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2006212244A JP2008038994A (en) 2006-08-03 2006-08-03 Rack shaft support device

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2006212244A JP2008038994A (en) 2006-08-03 2006-08-03 Rack shaft support device

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
JP2008038994A true JP2008038994A (en) 2008-02-21

Family

ID=39174258

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
JP2006212244A Pending JP2008038994A (en) 2006-08-03 2006-08-03 Rack shaft support device

Country Status (1)

Country Link
JP (1) JP2008038994A (en)

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JPWO2007013173A1 (en) Method and structure for preventing screw loosening and method for manufacturing male screw
JP2010032042A (en) Fastener assembly containing screw and fixedly positioned bush
US9630646B2 (en) Apparatus for pressing a rack against a pinion of a steering gear assembly
US20120258835A1 (en) Reduction gear
JP2014223860A (en) Rack guide device and steering device including the same
JP5196259B2 (en) Rack shaft support device and vehicle steering device
JP2007320322A (en) Power steering device
JP2008038994A (en) Rack shaft support device
JP4390135B2 (en) Steering device
JP4748821B2 (en) Connecting device for corner part of frame structure
EP3372475B1 (en) Rack guide device
JP2008307966A (en) Rack guide device
JP6171738B2 (en) Tapered snap ring
JP2005132287A (en) Rack shaft support device, sealing member and its manufacturing method
JP5626162B2 (en) Tapered snap ring fixing structure
JP2008002647A (en) Locknut
JP2006189065A (en) Fitting structure
JP2008018828A (en) Rack shaft support device
JP2005170109A (en) Rack shaft support device
JP4894346B2 (en) Vehicle steering system
EP2789525B1 (en) Steering device
JP2013119922A (en) Ball screw device
KR102040704B1 (en) Clearance compensator of yoke
KR200361436Y1 (en) Adjustable back-lash apparatus
JP2008018829A (en) Rack shaft support device