JP5025185B2

JP5025185B2 - Rack guide and rack and pinion type steering apparatus provided with the rack guide

Info

Publication number: JP5025185B2
Application number: JP2006220833A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 英二大木; 英俊貝田
Original assignee: Oiles Corp
Current assignee: Oiles Corp
Priority date: 2006-08-14
Filing date: 2006-08-14
Publication date: 2012-09-12
Anticipated expiration: 2026-08-14
Also published as: JP2008044487A

Description

本発明は、自動車等の車両のハンドル操作により、ピニオンを介してラックバーを往復移動させて操舵を行うステアリング装置等に用いられるラックガイド、及びこのラックガイドを備えるラックピニオン式ステアリング装置に関する。 The present invention relates to a rack guide used in a steering apparatus or the like that performs steering by reciprocating a rack bar via a pinion by a steering operation of a vehicle such as an automobile, and a rack and pinion type steering apparatus including the rack guide.

図１２に示すように、従来のラックピニオン式ステアリング装置６１は、一般に、操舵により回転されるように、ハウジング６２内に軸受６３、６４を介して回転自在に配されたピニオン６５と、このピニオン６５の回転により、紙面に直交する方向に移動するように、ピニオン６５と噛み合うラック歯６６ａを有するラックバー６６と、このラックバー６６の移動を案内するように、ハウジング６２内の横方向（ラックバー６６の移動方向と直交する方向）に延設された円筒状の保持孔６２ａに移動自在に配されるラックガイド６８と、ハウジング６２の保持孔６２ａを閉鎖する蓋部材６９とラックガイド６８との間に配され、ラックガイド６８を介してラックバー６６のラック歯６６ａを、ピニオン６５に弾性的に押圧するコイルばね７０とを備える。 As shown in FIG. 12, a conventional rack and pinion type steering device 61 generally includes a pinion 65 rotatably disposed in a housing 62 via bearings 63 and 64 so as to be rotated by steering, and this pinion. A rack bar 66 having rack teeth 66a meshing with the pinion 65 so as to move in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface by the rotation of 65, and a lateral direction (rack) in the housing 62 so as to guide the movement of the rack bar 66 A rack guide 68 movably disposed in a cylindrical holding hole 62a extending in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the bar 66, a lid member 69 for closing the holding hole 62a of the housing 62, and a rack guide 68. The coil spring 7 is arranged between the coil springs 7 and elastically presses the rack teeth 66 a of the rack bar 66 against the pinion 65 via the rack guide 68. Provided with a door.

このラックピニオン式ステアリング装置６１は、ラックバー６６のラック歯６６ａと、ピニオン６５との噛合い部で、ピニオン軸の回転に伴って互いに離反する向きの力が作用してラックバー６６に撓みが生じ、ラック歯６６ａの歯条の配列方向へのガタつきが大きくなる結果、ラック歯６６ａとピニオン６５との歯部間に打音が生じるため、ピニオン軸と反対側に摩擦抵抗の小さい凹面、多くは半円筒状の凹面を有するラックガイド６８を設け、このラックガイド６８の凹面をコイルばね７０の弾性押圧力によりラックバー６６に押圧し、ラックガイド６８の凹面をラックバー６６に摺接させてラックバー６６との摺動摩擦抵抗を低減しつつ、ラック歯６６ａの歯条の配列方向のガタつきを抑制し、ラック歯６６ａとピニオン６５との噛合い部での打音を低減させるように構成される。 In this rack and pinion type steering device 61, the rack bar 66 is engaged with the rack teeth 66a of the rack bar 66 and the pinion 65, and the rack bar 66 bends due to the forces acting away from each other as the pinion shaft rotates. As a result, the backlash in the arrangement direction of the teeth of the rack teeth 66a is increased, so that a hitting sound is generated between the teeth of the rack teeth 66a and the pinion 65, and therefore a concave surface having a small frictional resistance on the opposite side to the pinion shaft, In many cases, a rack guide 68 having a semi-cylindrical concave surface is provided. The concave surface of the rack guide 68 is pressed against the rack bar 66 by the elastic pressing force of the coil spring 70, and the concave surface of the rack guide 68 is brought into sliding contact with the rack bar 66. Thus, the sliding frictional resistance with the rack bar 66 is reduced, the rattling of the rack teeth 66a in the arrangement direction of the rack teeth 66a is suppressed, and the rack teeth 66a and the pinions 65 are engaged with each other. Configured to reduce the impact sound in parts.

実願昭５６−１１５０６７号のマイクロフィルムMicrofilm of actual application No.56-115067 特開平６−２３９２４５号公報JP-A-6-239245

上記ラックピニオン式ステアリング装置６１において、ラックガイド６８としては、従来、鉄系焼結金属、アルミニウム合金又は合成樹脂にて形成されたラックガイド６８が提案されている。鉄系焼結金属又はアルミニウム合金からなるラックガイド６８は、ラックバー６６からの衝撃荷重に対して充分な機械的強度を有する反面、摺動摩擦抵抗が大きいため、ステアリング系の効率が低下するという問題がある。一方、合成樹脂からなるラックガイド６８は、摺動摩擦抵抗を低減させることができる反面、高荷重や衝撃荷重に対する機械的強度に劣り、クリープ変形を生じてラックバー６６の支持能力が低下し、ラックバー６６を円滑に支持し難いという問題がある。 In the rack and pinion type steering device 61, as the rack guide 68, a rack guide 68 formed of iron-based sintered metal, aluminum alloy or synthetic resin has been proposed. The rack guide 68 made of iron-based sintered metal or aluminum alloy has sufficient mechanical strength against the impact load from the rack bar 66, but has a problem that the efficiency of the steering system is reduced because of high sliding friction resistance. There is. On the other hand, the rack guide 68 made of synthetic resin can reduce sliding frictional resistance, but is inferior in mechanical strength against high load or impact load, causes creep deformation, and the support ability of the rack bar 66 is reduced. There is a problem that it is difficult to support the bar 66 smoothly.

また、いずれのラックガイド６８でも、ラックガイド６８の外周面６７と、保持孔６２ａを規定するハウジング６２の内周面６２ｂとの間には、ラックガイド６８のピニオン６５側への移動を許容するための環状隙間Δが設けられ、この環状隙間Δが大きいと、保持孔６２ａの径方向に沿うラックガイド６８の動きが大きくなり、ラックガイド６８の外周面６７と、ハウジング６２の内周面６２ｂとの衝突音、及びラック歯６６ａとピニオン６５の歯との衝突音が大きくなるという問題がある。 In any rack guide 68, the rack guide 68 is allowed to move toward the pinion 65 between the outer peripheral surface 67 of the rack guide 68 and the inner peripheral surface 62b of the housing 62 that defines the holding hole 62a. When the annular gap Δ is large, the movement of the rack guide 68 along the radial direction of the holding hole 62a increases, and the outer peripheral surface 67 of the rack guide 68 and the inner peripheral surface 62b of the housing 62 are increased. And the collision noise between the rack teeth 66a and the teeth of the pinion 65 are increased.

上述した問題を解決するため、ラックガイド６８とハウジング６２との間にゴム弾性体からなるＯリングを介在させ、そのＯリングを、ラックガイド６８の外周面６７と、ハウジング６２の内周面６２ｂとで挟み込むことで、ラックガイド６８の径方向に沿う動きを規制する提案（特許文献１所載）、又はラックガイド６８の外周面６７と、ハウジング６２の内周面６２ｂとで軸方向に長寸の弾性部材を挟み込むことにより、ラックガイド６８の径方向に沿う動きを規制する提案（特許文献２所載）がなされている。 In order to solve the above-described problem, an O-ring made of a rubber elastic body is interposed between the rack guide 68 and the housing 62, and the O-ring is connected to the outer peripheral surface 67 of the rack guide 68 and the inner peripheral surface 62b of the housing 62. Between the outer peripheral surface 67 of the rack guide 68 and the inner peripheral surface 62b of the housing 62 in the axial direction. There has been proposed (Patent Document 2) that restricts the movement of the rack guide 68 along the radial direction by sandwiching a small elastic member.

しかし、そのようなＯリングや長寸の弾性部材を、ラックガイド６８の外周面６７とハウジング６２の内周面６２ｂとで挟み込むと、そのＯリングや長寸の弾性部材とハウジング６２の内周面６２ｂとの摺動摩擦抵抗が大きいため、当該摺動摩擦抵抗によりコイルばね７０の負荷が大きくなり、コイルばね７０にへタリ（劣化）が生じ易くなり、コイルばね７０の弾性押圧力が不足すると、ラックガイド６８の踊りが生じ、ラックガイド６８がハウジング６２に衝突し、これによっても打音を誘発することになる。 However, when such an O-ring or a long elastic member is sandwiched between the outer peripheral surface 67 of the rack guide 68 and the inner peripheral surface 62 b of the housing 62, the O-ring or the long elastic member and the inner periphery of the housing 62 are arranged. Since the sliding frictional resistance with the surface 62b is large, the load of the coil spring 70 is increased due to the sliding frictional resistance, and the coil spring 70 is liable to be drooped (deteriorated), and the elastic pressing force of the coil spring 70 is insufficient. The rack guide 68 dances and the rack guide 68 collides with the housing 62, which also induces a hitting sound.

そこで、本発明は、上記諸点に鑑みてなされたものであり、耐圧強度が高く、ハウジング内でのラックバー方向への移動を円滑に行わせることができ、ハウジングとの衝突音の発生を回避することも可能なラックガイド及びこれを用いたラックピニオン式ステアリング装置を提供することを目的とする。 Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above points, has high pressure resistance, can smoothly move in the direction of the rack bar in the housing, and avoids the occurrence of collision noise with the housing. Another object of the present invention is to provide a rack guide that can be used and a rack and pinion type steering device using the same.

上記目的を達成するため、本発明は、ラックガイドであって、ラックバーを摺動案内する凹面と、該ラックバーに向かう押圧力を受ける受圧面とを有する合成樹脂製のラック支持体と、該ラック支持体の前記受圧面側に配された弾性部材と、該弾性部材に前記ラックバーに向かう押圧力を与える押圧部材とを備え、前記弾性部材は、円環状ブロック部と、該円環状ブロック部の外周面の上端側に径方向に突出する複数個の突出舌片部とを有し、前記押圧部材は、前記ラック支持体と相対向する端面側に環状凹部と、該環状凹部の外周面側の環状立壁部に円周方向に沿って形成された複数個の切欠き凹部とを有し、前記弾性部材は、前記円環状ブロック部を、前記押圧部材の前記環状凹部に嵌合させ、前記複数個の突出舌片部の各々を、前記押圧部材の前記環状立壁部の切欠き凹部の各々に嵌合させて前記押圧部材に嵌着され、前記ラック支持体は、前記受圧面を、前記弾性部材の前記円環状ブロック部の端面であって、前記押圧部材の前記環状凹部の開口部より突出した端面に当接させて配されることを特徴とする。 In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a rack guide having a concave surface that slides and guides a rack bar, and a synthetic resin rack support that has a pressure receiving surface that receives a pressing force toward the rack bar. An elastic member disposed on the pressure receiving surface side of the rack support; and a pressing member that applies a pressing force toward the rack bar to the elastic member. The elastic member includes an annular block portion and the annular ring A plurality of projecting tongue pieces projecting radially on the upper end side of the outer peripheral surface of the block portion; and the pressing member includes an annular recess on an end surface facing the rack support, and the annular recess A plurality of notched recesses formed along the circumferential direction in the annular standing wall portion on the outer peripheral surface side, and the elastic member fits the annular block portion into the annular recess of the pressing member. Each of the plurality of protruding tongue pieces is And wherein fitted into each of the cutout recess of the annular vertical wall portion of the member is fitted to the pressing member, wherein the rack support, the pressure receiving surface, a end surface of the annular block portion of the elastic member The pressing member is disposed in contact with an end surface protruding from the opening of the annular recess.

そして、本発明によれば、合成樹脂からなるラック支持体を用いることにより、ラックバーとの間の摺動摩擦抵抗を低減させることができ、弾性部材は、その円環状ブロック部が押圧部材の端面に形成された環状凹部に嵌合されるとともに、該環状凹部の開口部より突出した端面は、ラック支持体の受圧面に当接しているため、荷重下においては、該円環状ブロック部は、環状凹部内に緊密に充填されて、あたかも剛体のような挙動を示すことにより、ラック支持体の軸方向に対してラック支持体の耐圧強度が高められ、結果としてラック支持体によるラックバーの支持能力が高められるので、クリープ変形に起因する支持能力の低下を回避し得、ラックバーを円滑に摺動支持することができる。 And according to this invention, by using the rack support body which consists of synthetic resins, the sliding frictional resistance between rack bars can be reduced, and the elastic member has an annular block portion at the end face of the pressing member. Since the end surface protruding from the opening of the annular recess is in contact with the pressure receiving surface of the rack support, the annular block portion is By closely filling the annular recess and exhibiting a behavior like a rigid body, the pressure resistance of the rack support in the axial direction of the rack support is increased, and as a result, the rack bar is supported by the rack support. Since the capability is enhanced, it is possible to avoid a decrease in support capability due to creep deformation, and the rack bar can be smoothly supported by sliding.

前記ラックガイドにおいて、前記受圧面を、前記ラックバーに向かう押圧力の方向に対して直交する直交受圧面を有するように構成することができる。 In the rack guide, the pressure receiving surface may be configured to have an orthogonal pressure receiving surface that is orthogonal to the direction of the pressing force toward the rack bar.

また、前記ラックガイドにおいて、前記弾性部材の突出舌片部の各々の先端が円弧面に形成されるとともに、前記押圧部材の外周面より突出するように構成することができる。弾性部材の突出舌片部の各々の先端が、ラックガイドの外周面とハウジングの内周面との間の環状隙間に位置することにより、ラックガイドの径方向の動きに基づく該ラックガイドの外周面とハウジングの内周面との間の衝突音の発生を回避することができる。また、弾性部材の突出舌片部は、その円周方向に分断されていることから、該ラックガイドのラックバー方向への円滑な移動を妨げることはない。 In the rack guide, each of the protruding tongue piece portions of the elastic member may have a circular arc surface, and may protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the pressing member. The front ends of the protruding tongue pieces of the elastic member are positioned in an annular gap between the outer peripheral surface of the rack guide and the inner peripheral surface of the housing, so that the outer periphery of the rack guide is based on the radial movement of the rack guide. Generation of a collision sound between the surface and the inner peripheral surface of the housing can be avoided. Further, since the protruding tongue piece portion of the elastic member is divided in the circumferential direction, smooth movement of the rack guide in the rack bar direction is not hindered.

さらに、前記ラックガイドにおいて、前記押圧部材は、貫通孔を有し、前記ラック支持体は、前記受圧面に一体的に設けられるとともに該押圧部材の貫通孔を貫通する突出支持部を備えることができる。ラック支持体の突出支持部を押圧部材の貫通孔に挿入することにより、該ラック支持体、弾性部材及び押圧部材との一体化を容易に行うことが可能となる。 Further, in the rack guide, the pressing member has a through hole, and the rack support body is provided integrally with the pressure receiving surface and includes a projecting support portion that penetrates the through hole of the pressing member. it can. By inserting the protruding support portion of the rack support body into the through hole of the pressing member, the rack support body, the elastic member, and the pressing member can be easily integrated.

また、前記ラックガイドにおいて、前記ラック支持体の前記突出支持部は、前記押圧部材の前記貫通孔の孔径よりも小径の円柱部と、該円柱部の自由端部側に開設された切割り溝と、該突出支持部を前記貫通孔に挿通した後、該突出支持部の該貫通孔からの抜け出しを阻止する膨出部とを備えることができる。切割り溝を利用して突出支持部を貫通孔に挿通させることにより、ラック支持体の貫通孔への突出支持部の挿入を容易に行うことができるとともに、膨出部によって突出支持部の貫通孔からの抜け出しを阻止するため、弾性部材に対してラック支持体及び押圧部材を確実に固定することができる。 Further, in the rack guide, the protruding support portion of the rack support body includes a cylindrical portion having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the through hole of the pressing member, and a slit groove formed on a free end side of the cylindrical portion. And a bulging portion that prevents the protruding support portion from coming out of the through hole after the protruding support portion is inserted into the through hole. By inserting the protruding support portion into the through hole using the slit groove, the protruding support portion can be easily inserted into the through hole of the rack support body, and the protruding support portion is penetrated by the bulging portion. Since the escape from the hole is prevented, the rack support and the pressing member can be reliably fixed to the elastic member.

さらに、前記ラックガイドにおいて、前記弾性部材は、前記円環状ブロック部の一方の端面に径方向に相対向する凸部を一体的に有し、前記ラック支持体の受圧面は、凹面を挟んで径方向に相対向する凹部を有し、前記弾性部材は、前記凸部を前記ラック支持体の受圧面の凹部に嵌合させて配されるように構成することができる。 Further, in the rack guide, the elastic member integrally has a convex portion opposed to each other in a radial direction on one end surface of the annular block portion, and the pressure receiving surface of the rack support member sandwiches the concave surface. The elastic member may have a concave portion opposed to each other in the radial direction, and the elastic member may be arranged by fitting the convex portion into the concave portion of the pressure receiving surface of the rack support.

本発明によれば、円環状ブロック部の一方の端面に一体的に形成された径方向に相対向する凸部を、ラック支持体の受圧面に形成された凹部に嵌合させることにより、該ラック支持体の該支持体の軸方向荷重に対して耐圧強度がより高められる。 According to the present invention, by fitting a radially opposing convex portion integrally formed on one end surface of the annular block portion with a concave portion formed on the pressure receiving surface of the rack support, The pressure resistance against the axial load of the rack support is further increased.

また、本発明は、ラックピニオン式ステアリング装置であって、内部に円筒状の保持孔を有するハウジングと、該ハウジング内に回転自在に配されるとともに、操舵により回転されるピニオンと、該ピニオンに噛合するラック歯を有するラックバーと、前記ハウジングの保持孔に移動自在に配されるとともに、前記ラックバーを移動自在に案内支持する請求項１乃至６のいずれかに記載のラックガイドと、前記保持孔内に配され、前記ラックガイドを介して前記ラックバーの前記ラック歯を前記ピニオンに弾性的に押圧する弾性手段とを備え、前記ラック支持体及び押圧部材は、前記ハウジングの保持孔の内面に対して環状隙間をもって保持孔内に配され、前記弾性部材は、付与された前記ラックバーに向かう押圧力により前記押圧部材の環状凹部内において圧縮されて、該環状凹部に緊密に充填されるとともに、前記ラック支持体の受圧面が押圧部材の環状凹部の端面に当接することにより反発弾性力が蓄積され、該弾性部材に蓄積された反発弾性力により前記ラック支持体の耐圧強度が高められてラックバーの支持能力が高められることを特徴とする。 Further, the present invention is a rack and pinion type steering device, a housing having a cylindrical holding hole therein, a pinion that is rotatably arranged in the housing and rotated by steering, and the pinion A rack bar having meshing rack teeth, a rack guide according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the rack guide is movably disposed in a holding hole of the housing and movably guides and supports the rack bar. Elastic means for elastically pressing the rack teeth of the rack bar against the pinion via the rack guide, wherein the rack support and the pressing member are provided in the holding holes of the housing. The elastic member is arranged in the holding hole with an annular gap with respect to the inner surface, and the elastic member is attached to the rack bar by a pressing force directed toward the rack bar. It is compressed in the recess, and the annular recess is tightly filled, and the rebound elastic force is accumulated by the pressure receiving surface of the rack support coming into contact with the end surface of the annular recess of the pressing member, and is accumulated in the elastic member. The pressure resistance of the rack support is increased by the rebound resilience, and the support capacity of the rack bar is increased.

本発明のラックピニオン式ステアリング装置によれば、ラック支持体の軸方向に対してラック支持体の耐圧強度が高められているため、路面から大きな荷重が入力された場合でもラックバーを支持することができ、また、ラック支持体のハウジングの内周面への直接的な接触を確実に回避でき、しかも、ラックガイドのラックバー方向への移動を円滑に行わせることができる。 According to the rack and pinion type steering device of the present invention, since the pressure resistance of the rack support is increased with respect to the axial direction of the rack support, the rack bar is supported even when a large load is input from the road surface. In addition, direct contact of the rack support body with the inner peripheral surface of the housing can be reliably avoided, and the movement of the rack guide toward the rack bar can be performed smoothly.

前記ラックピニオン式ステアリング装置において、前記弾性部材は、前記押圧部材の外周面から突出した突出舌片部の円弧面で前記ハウジングの保持孔の内面に締め代をもって接触することができる。弾性部材の突出舌片部は、円周方向に分断されているので、当該突出舌片部をハウジングの内面に締め代をもって接触させても、ラックガイドのラックバー方向への移動を妨げることはなく、当該移動を円滑に行わせることができる。 In the rack and pinion type steering device, the elastic member can contact the inner surface of the holding hole of the housing with an allowance with an arc surface of a protruding tongue piece protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the pressing member. Since the protruding tongue piece portion of the elastic member is divided in the circumferential direction, even if the protruding tongue piece portion is brought into contact with the inner surface of the housing with a tightening margin, movement of the rack guide in the rack bar direction is prevented. Therefore, the movement can be performed smoothly.

以上のように、本発明によれば、耐圧強度が高く、ハウジング内でのラックバー方向への移動を円滑に行わせることができ、ハウジングとの衝突音の発生を回避することも可能なラックガイド及びこれを用いたラックピニオン式ステアリング装置を提供することができる。 As described above, according to the present invention, a rack that has high pressure resistance, can smoothly move in the direction of the rack bar in the housing, and can avoid occurrence of collision noise with the housing. A guide and a rack and pinion type steering apparatus using the same can be provided.

次に、本発明の実施の形態について図面を参照しながら詳細に説明する。 Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

図１は、本発明にかかるラックピニオン式ステアリング装置（以下、「ステアリング装置」という）の一実施の形態を示し、このステアリング装置１は、内部に円筒状の保持孔２ａを有するハウジング２と、ハウジング２内に設けられた軸受３、４を介し、操舵により軸心Ｏ回りにＲ方向に回転するピニオン５と、ピニオン５のＲ方向の回転により、図１の紙面に直交する方向（図４（ａ）のＡ方向）に移動するように、ピニオン５と噛み合うラック歯６ａを有するラックバー６と、ラックバー６のＡ方向の移動を案内するように、ハウジング２内の保持孔２ａに、Ａ方向及びピニオン５の軸方向（Ｂ方向）の各々に直交するＣ方向に移動自在に配されるとともに、ラックバー６をＡ方向に移動自在に案内支持するラックガイド８と、ハウジング２の保持孔２ａを閉鎖する蓋部材９とラックガイド８との間に配されるとともに、ラックガイド８を介してラックバー６のラック歯６ａをピニオン５に弾性的に押圧する弾性手段としてのコイルばね１０等を備える。 FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a rack and pinion type steering device (hereinafter referred to as “steering device”) according to the present invention. The steering device 1 includes a housing 2 having a cylindrical holding hole 2a therein, Through a bearing 3 and 4 provided in the housing 2, a pinion 5 that rotates in the R direction around the axis O by steering, and a direction orthogonal to the plane of FIG. 1 due to the rotation of the pinion 5 in the R direction (FIG. 4). The rack bar 6 having rack teeth 6a meshing with the pinion 5 so as to move in the (A) direction of (a), and the holding hole 2a in the housing 2 to guide the movement of the rack bar 6 in the A direction, A rack guide 8 that is movably arranged in a C direction perpendicular to each of the A direction and the axial direction (B direction) of the pinion 5, and that guides and supports the rack bar 6 movably in the A direction; As an elastic means that is arranged between the lid member 9 that closes the holding hole 2 a of the rack 2 and the rack guide 8 and elastically presses the rack teeth 6 a of the rack bar 6 against the pinion 5 via the rack guide 8. Coil spring 10 or the like.

ハウジング２は、円筒部２ｂを有する本体２ｃと、円筒部２ｂに形成された保持孔２ａとを備え、図２に示すように、円筒部２ｂの内周面２ｄには、蓋部材９が螺着され、保持孔２ａの一端面が閉鎖される。蓋部材９は、円筒部２ｂへの螺合状態が緩まないように、ロックナット１２により円筒部２ｂに固定される。 The housing 2 includes a main body 2c having a cylindrical portion 2b and a holding hole 2a formed in the cylindrical portion 2b. As shown in FIG. 2, a lid member 9 is screwed on the inner peripheral surface 2d of the cylindrical portion 2b. The one end surface of the holding hole 2a is closed. The lid member 9 is fixed to the cylindrical portion 2b by the lock nut 12 so that the screwed state to the cylindrical portion 2b is not loosened.

図１において、ラックバー６は、ハウジング２を貫通してＡ方向に延設され、ラック歯６ａが形成された面とは反対の面に円弧凸面６ｂを有している。 In FIG. 1, the rack bar 6 extends through the housing 2 in the A direction, and has an arc convex surface 6b on the surface opposite to the surface on which the rack teeth 6a are formed.

ラックガイド８は、図３に示すように、一方の端面１４ａにラックバー６（図２参照）の円弧凸面６ｂを摺動案内する円弧凹面１４ｂを有するとともに、ラックバー６に向かう押圧力Ｆ（図１参照）を受ける受圧面１４ｃを有する合成樹脂製のラック支持体１４と、ラック支持体１４の受圧面１４ｃ側に配された環状の弾性部材１５と、弾性部材１５にラックバー６に向かう押圧力Ｆ（図１参照）を与える押圧部材１６とを備える。 As shown in FIG. 3, the rack guide 8 has an arc concave surface 14 b for slidingly guiding the arc convex surface 6 b of the rack bar 6 (see FIG. 2) on one end surface 14 a, and a pressing force F ( 1), a synthetic resin rack support 14 having a pressure receiving surface 14c, an annular elastic member 15 arranged on the pressure receiving surface 14c side of the rack support 14, and the elastic member 15 toward the rack bar 6. And a pressing member 16 that applies a pressing force F (see FIG. 1).

ラック支持体１４は、ポリアセタール樹脂、ポリアミド樹脂等の自己潤滑性を有する合成樹脂からなり、図４及び図５に示すように、円弧凹面１４ｂ及び受圧面１４ｃを有する本体１４ｄと、本体１４ｄの受圧面１４ｃに一体的に形成された突出支持部１４ｅと、円弧凹面１４ｂの底部に形成されるとともに、ラックバー６の移動方法（Ａ方向）と直交する方向に延設される長溝１４ｆとを備える。 The rack support 14 is made of a synthetic resin having self-lubricating properties such as polyacetal resin and polyamide resin. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the main body 14d having an arcuate concave surface 14b and a pressure receiving surface 14c, and the pressure receiving pressure of the main body 14d. A protrusion support portion 14e formed integrally with the surface 14c and a long groove 14f formed at the bottom of the arc concave surface 14b and extending in a direction orthogonal to the movement method (A direction) of the rack bar 6 are provided. .

本体１４ｄは、円弧凹面１４ｂ及び受圧面１４ｃに加え、円筒状の外周面１４ｇを有し、受圧面１４ｃは、図１に示す押圧力Ｆの方向に対して直交する環状の直交受圧面１４ｈからなる。 The main body 14d has a cylindrical outer peripheral surface 14g in addition to the circular arc concave surface 14b and the pressure receiving surface 14c. The pressure receiving surface 14c is formed from an annular orthogonal pressure receiving surface 14h orthogonal to the direction of the pressing force F shown in FIG. Become.

突出支持部１４ｅは、円柱部１４ｉと、円柱部１４ｉの端部に膨出部１４ｊを備え、該膨出部１４ｊは、円柱部１４ｉの外面に連なる拡径した上平面部１４ｋと、該上平面部１４ｋと所定間隔隔てた下平面部１４ｍと、これら上下平面部１４ｋ、１４ｍ間の外面に裁頭円錐面１４ｎと、下平面部１４ｍの端面から上平面部１４ｋに向かって形成された切割り溝１４ｐと、該切割り溝１４ｐの底面１４ｑから円弧凹面１４ｂに形成された長溝１４ｆに開口する貫通孔１４ｒとを備える。 The projecting support portion 14e includes a columnar portion 14i and a bulging portion 14j at the end of the columnar portion 14i. The bulging portion 14j includes an upper flat surface portion 14k having an enlarged diameter connected to the outer surface of the columnar portion 14i, A lower flat surface portion 14m spaced from the flat surface portion 14k by a predetermined distance, a truncated conical surface 14n on the outer surface between the upper and lower flat surface portions 14k, 14m, and a cut formed from the end surface of the lower flat surface portion 14m toward the upper flat surface portion 14k. The groove 14p includes a through-hole 14r that opens from the bottom surface 14q of the slit groove 14p to the long groove 14f formed in the arc concave surface 14b.

突出支持部１４ｅの膨出部１４ｊは、該膨出部１４ｊに形成された切割り溝１４ｐにより径方向に縮径可能であるため、該膨出部１４ｊの弾性変形を容易にし、後述する押圧部材１６（図７参照）の貫通孔１６ｉへの挿入を容易にするとともに、押圧部材１６の円筒状の凹部１６ｃの底面に開口する貫通孔１６ｉの開口部の周縁に該上平面部１４ｋが係合し、押圧部材１６の貫通孔１６ｉからの突出支持部１４ｅの抜け出しを阻止する。 Since the bulging portion 14j of the projecting support portion 14e can be radially reduced by a slit groove 14p formed in the bulging portion 14j, the bulging portion 14j can be easily elastically deformed, and will be described later. The member 16 (see FIG. 7) can be easily inserted into the through-hole 16i, and the upper flat portion 14k is engaged with the periphery of the opening of the through-hole 16i that opens in the bottom surface of the cylindrical recess 16c of the pressing member 16. In combination, the protruding support portion 14e is prevented from coming off from the through hole 16i of the pressing member 16.

図６に示す弾性部材１５は、天然ゴムもしくは合成ゴム、又はポリエステルエラストマー、ポリウレタンエラストマー等の合成樹脂エラストマーからなり、縦断面形状が方形状をなす円環状ブロック部１５ａと、円環状ブロック部１５ａの一方の端面１５ｂと段部１５ｃを介し、外周面１５ｄの上端側に径方向に突出した複数個（本例では４個）の突出舌片部１５ｅとを備え、該突出舌片部１５ｅの先端は、円弧面１５ｆに形成される。 The elastic member 15 shown in FIG. 6 is made of natural rubber or synthetic rubber, or synthetic resin elastomer such as polyester elastomer or polyurethane elastomer, and has an annular block portion 15a having a rectangular shape in a longitudinal section, and an annular block portion 15a. A plurality of (four in this example) protruding tongue pieces 15e protruding in the radial direction on the upper end side of the outer peripheral surface 15d via one end face 15b and a step portion 15c, the tip of the protruding tongue piece 15e Is formed on the circular arc surface 15f.

該円環状ブロック部１５ａの一方の端面１５ｂは、ラック支持体１４（図４参照）の直交受圧面１４ｈに対面する環状の直交受圧面１５ｇを形成する。 One end surface 15b of the annular block portion 15a forms an annular orthogonal pressure receiving surface 15g facing the orthogonal pressure receiving surface 14h of the rack support 14 (see FIG. 4).

図７に示す押圧部材１６は、ガラス繊維、炭素繊維等の強化合成樹脂からなり、円筒状の外周面１６ａと、一方の端面１６ｂに円筒状の凹部１６ｃと、他方の端面１６ｄに環状凹部１６ｅと、該環状凹部１６ｅの外周面側の環状立壁部１６ｆに円周方向に沿う複数個の切欠き凹部１６ｇとを備え、該環状立壁部１６ｆの上端面１６ｈは、端面１６ｄより僅かに突出し、該端面１６ｄの中央部には凹部１６ｃに連なる貫通孔１６ｉが形成される。凹部１６ｃが形成された側の端面１６ｂには、該凹部１６ｃを囲んで円周方向に沿う複数個の凹部１６ｊが形成され、該凹部１６ｊは、押圧部材１６の肉厚を均一にするための肉盗みである。尚、環状立壁部１６ｆの上端面１６ｈを、端面１６ｄより僅かに突出させずに、逆に、端面１６ｄを上端面１６ｈより僅かに突出するように構成したり、端面１６ｄと上端面１６ｈとが同一高さを有するように構成することもできる。 The pressing member 16 shown in FIG. 7 is made of reinforced synthetic resin such as glass fiber or carbon fiber, and has a cylindrical outer peripheral surface 16a, a cylindrical recess 16c on one end surface 16b, and an annular recess 16e on the other end surface 16d. And a plurality of cutout recesses 16g along the circumferential direction in the annular standing wall 16f on the outer peripheral surface side of the annular recess 16e, and the upper end surface 16h of the annular standing wall 16f slightly protrudes from the end surface 16d, A through hole 16i that is continuous with the recess 16c is formed in the center of the end face 16d. The end surface 16b on the side where the recess 16c is formed has a plurality of recesses 16j that surround the recess 16c and extend in the circumferential direction. The recess 16j is used to make the thickness of the pressing member 16 uniform. It is meat stealing. The upper end surface 16h of the annular standing wall portion 16f is not slightly protruded from the end surface 16d, and conversely, the end surface 16d is configured to slightly protrude from the upper end surface 16h, or the end surface 16d and the upper end surface 16h are It can also be configured to have the same height.

図６に示した弾性部材１５は、円環状ブロック部１５ａを押圧部材１６の環状凹部１６ｅに嵌合させるとともに、突出舌片部１５ｅを該押圧部材１６の切欠き凹部１６ｇに嵌合させて該押圧部材１６に嵌着される。この状態においては、弾性部材１５の端面１５ｂは、押圧部材１６の環状立壁部１６ｆの上端面１６ｈより僅かに突出している。 The elastic member 15 shown in FIG. 6 has the annular block portion 15a fitted in the annular recess 16e of the pressing member 16, and the protruding tongue piece portion 15e is fitted in the notched recess 16g of the pressing member 16. The press member 16 is fitted. In this state, the end surface 15 b of the elastic member 15 slightly protrudes from the upper end surface 16 h of the annular standing wall portion 16 f of the pressing member 16.

図３に示すように、ラック支持体１４は、突出支持部１４ｅの膨出部１４ｊを、押圧部材１６の貫通孔１６ｉに挿入し、受圧面１４ｃを弾性部材１５の端面１５ｂに当接させるとともに、該突出支持部１４ｅの膨出部１４ｊの上平面部１４ｋを押圧部材１６の貫通孔１６ｉの周縁の凹部１６ｃの底面に当接させ、該ラック支持体１４、弾性部材１５及び押圧部材１６とが一体的に組み立てられ、ラックガイド８が形成される。 As shown in FIG. 3, the rack support 14 inserts the bulging portion 14 j of the protruding support portion 14 e into the through hole 16 i of the pressing member 16, and brings the pressure receiving surface 14 c into contact with the end surface 15 b of the elastic member 15. The upper flat surface portion 14k of the bulging portion 14j of the protruding support portion 14e is brought into contact with the bottom surface of the concave portion 16c at the peripheral edge of the through hole 16i of the pressing member 16, so that the rack support body 14, the elastic member 15 and the pressing member 16 Are integrally assembled, and the rack guide 8 is formed.

図２に示すように、弾性手段１８は、一端では押圧部材１６の円筒状の凹部１６ｃの底面に接触する一方、他端では、蓋部材９に接触し、ラックガイド８と蓋部材９との間に圧縮されて配されたコイルばね１０を備え、コイルばね１０は、押圧部材１６を介してラック支持体１４の円弧凹面１４ｂをラックバー６の円弧凸面６ｂに弾性的に押圧する。 As shown in FIG. 2, the elastic means 18 is in contact with the bottom surface of the cylindrical recess 16 c of the pressing member 16 at one end, and is in contact with the lid member 9 at the other end, and between the rack guide 8 and the lid member 9. The coil spring 10 is provided with a coil spring 10 that is compressed between them, and the coil spring 10 elastically presses the arc concave surface 14 b of the rack support 14 against the arc convex surface 6 b of the rack bar 6 via the pressing member 16.

ラックガイド８は、ラック支持体１４の外周面１４ｇ、及び押圧部材１６の外周面１６ａにおいて、ハウジング２の保持孔２ａを規定する円筒部２ｂの内周面２ｄに対して環状隙間Δをもって保持孔２ａ内に配され、押圧部材１６と蓋部材９との間に配された弾性手段１８を形成するコイルばね１０によってラックバー６側に押圧され、ラック支持体１４の円弧凹面１４ｂをラックバー６の円弧凸面６ｂに弾性的に押圧させる。このコイルばね１０の押圧力により、図４乃至図７に示すように、押圧部材１６の環状凹部１６ｅに嵌合され、直交受圧面１５ｇをラック支持体１４の直交受圧面１４ｈに当接した弾性部材１５の円環状ブロック部１５ａは圧縮され、該ラック支持体１４の直交受圧面１４ｈは、弾性部材１５を介して押圧部材１６の環状凹部１６ｅの外周面側の環状立壁部１６ｆの上端面１６ｈに当接して図２に示す状態となる。 The rack guide 8 has a holding hole with an annular gap Δ on the outer peripheral surface 14 g of the rack support 14 and the outer peripheral surface 16 a of the pressing member 16 with respect to the inner peripheral surface 2 d of the cylindrical portion 2 b that defines the holding hole 2 a of the housing 2. 2a and pressed against the rack bar 6 side by the coil spring 10 forming the elastic means 18 disposed between the pressing member 16 and the lid member 9, and the arc concave surface 14b of the rack support 14 is The circular arc convex surface 6b is elastically pressed. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the pressing force of the coil spring 10 is fitted into the annular recess 16 e of the pressing member 16, and the elastic pressure contact surface 15 g is in contact with the orthogonal pressure receiving surface 14 h of the rack support 14. The annular block portion 15 a of the member 15 is compressed, and the orthogonal pressure receiving surface 14 h of the rack support 14 is connected to the upper end surface 16 h of the annular standing wall portion 16 f on the outer peripheral surface side of the annular recess 16 e of the pressing member 16 via the elastic member 15. 2 is brought into a state shown in FIG.

上記構成を有するステアリング装置１では、図１に示すように、ステアリング操作によりピニオン５がＲ方向に回転すると、ラックバー６がピニオン５とラック歯６ａとの噛み合いを介してＡ方向に直動される結果、ラックバー６に連結された自動車の車輪にステアリング操作を伝達することができる。 In the steering apparatus 1 having the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, when the pinion 5 is rotated in the R direction by the steering operation, the rack bar 6 is linearly moved in the A direction through the engagement of the pinion 5 and the rack teeth 6a. As a result, the steering operation can be transmitted to the wheels of the automobile connected to the rack bar 6.

ステアリング装置１において、ラックガイド８は、ラックバー６の円弧凸面６ｂに円弧凹面１４ｂで接触してラックバー６のＡ方向の直動を案内するとともに、弾性手段１８による弾性力でピニオン５とラック歯６ａとの噛み合いを確保するとともに、ラックバー６のＣ方向の変位に追従して弾性手段１８としてのコイルばね１０の伸縮を伴ってＢ方向にハウジング２の保持孔２ａを規定する円筒部２ｂに対して移動する。 In the steering device 1, the rack guide 8 contacts the arcuate convex surface 6 b of the rack bar 6 with the arcuate concave surface 14 b to guide the linear movement of the rack bar 6 in the A direction, and the pinion 5 and the rack are elastically generated by the elastic means 18. Cylindrical portion 2b that secures meshing with teeth 6a and defines holding hole 2a of housing 2 in the B direction following expansion and contraction of coil spring 10 as elastic means 18 following the displacement of rack bar 6 in the C direction. Move against.

ところで、上記ラックガイド８によれば、ラックバー６の円弧凸面６ｂに接触して該ラックバー６を摺動案内する円弧凹面１４ｂを有する合成樹脂製のラック支持体１４は、図４乃至図７に示すように、弾性部材１５の円環状ブロック部１５ａが押圧部材１６の環状凹部１６ｅに嵌合されているとともに、該環状凹部１６ｅの開口部より突出した直交受圧面１５ｇにおいて、ラック支持体１４の直交受圧面１４ｈに当接しているため、荷重下においては、円環状ブロック部１５ａは、圧縮されて環状凹部１６ｅ内に緊密に充填されて、図２に示す状態となり、反発弾性力が蓄積されて、あたかも剛体のような挙動を示すことにより、ラック支持体１４の軸方向に対してラック支持体１４の耐圧強度が高められてラックバー６の支持能力が高められている結果、ラック支持体１４にクリープ変形等を生じることなく、クリープ変形に起因する支持能力の低下を回避することができ、ラックバー６を円滑に摺動案内することができる。 By the way, according to the rack guide 8, the rack support 14 made of synthetic resin having the arc concave surface 14b that slides and guides the rack bar 6 in contact with the arc convex surface 6b of the rack bar 6 is shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 3, the rack block 14 is formed on the orthogonal pressure receiving surface 15g protruding from the opening of the annular recess 16e, while the annular block 15a of the elastic member 15 is fitted in the annular recess 16e of the pressing member 16. Since the ring-shaped block portion 15a is compressed and tightly filled in the annular recess 16e under a load, the state shown in FIG. 2 is obtained, and repulsive elastic force is accumulated. By exhibiting a behavior like a rigid body, the pressure resistance of the rack support 14 is increased in the axial direction of the rack support 14 and the support capacity of the rack bar 6 is increased. The results, without the rack supports 14 produces a creep deformation, it is possible to avoid a decrease in bearing capacity due to creep deformation, the rack bar 6 can smoothly slide guides.

尚、図７（ｂ）に示すように、上記実施の形態では、環状立壁部１６ｆの上端面１６ｈを、端面１６ｄより僅かに突出させたため、荷重下において、図２に示すように、端面１６ｄと、ラック支持体１４の直交受圧面１４ｈとの間に僅かな隙間が存在するが、図７（ｂ）において、端面１６ｄを上端面１６ｈより僅かに突出するように構成した場合には、荷重下において、端面１６ｄが直交受圧面１４ｈに当接し、上端面１６ｈと、ラック支持体１４の直交受圧面１４ｈとの間に僅かな隙間が存在することとなる。また、図７（ｂ）において、端面１６ｄと上端面１６ｈとが同一高さを有するように構成した場合には、荷重下において、端面１６ｄと上端面１６ｈとが同時に直交受圧面１４ｈに当接することとなる。 As shown in FIG. 7B, in the above embodiment, the upper end surface 16h of the annular standing wall portion 16f is slightly protruded from the end surface 16d. Therefore, under the load, as shown in FIG. And the orthogonal pressure receiving surface 14h of the rack support 14, there is a slight gap, but in FIG. 7B, when the end surface 16d is configured to protrude slightly from the upper end surface 16h, the load Below, the end surface 16d abuts on the orthogonal pressure receiving surface 14h, and there is a slight gap between the upper end surface 16h and the orthogonal pressure receiving surface 14h of the rack support 14. In FIG. 7B, when the end surface 16d and the upper end surface 16h are configured to have the same height, the end surface 16d and the upper end surface 16h simultaneously abut on the orthogonal pressure receiving surface 14h under load. It will be.

加えて、ラックガイド８は、弾性部材１５の突出舌片部１５ｅが押圧部材１６の外周面１６ａより突出し、突出舌片部１５ｅが円周方向に分断されるとともに、ラックガイド８の外周面（ラック支持体１４の外周面１４ｇと、押圧部材１６の外周面１６ａ）とハウジング２の保持孔２ａを規定する円筒状の内周面２ｄとの環状隙間Δ内に位置するため、図１においてラックガイド８のラックバー６方向への移動を妨げることなく当該移動を円滑に行わせることができるばかりでなく、ラックガイド８のハウジング２の保持孔２ａを規定する円筒状の内周面２ｄへの直接的な接触を確実に回避できるので、ハウジング２との衝突音の発生を回避できる。 In addition, the rack guide 8 has a protruding tongue piece 15e of the elastic member 15 protruding from the outer peripheral surface 16a of the pressing member 16, the protruding tongue piece 15e is divided in the circumferential direction, and the outer peripheral surface of the rack guide 8 ( Since the outer peripheral surface 14g of the rack support member 14, the outer peripheral surface 16a of the pressing member 16) and the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 2d defining the holding hole 2a of the housing 2 are positioned within the annular gap Δ, the rack in FIG. Not only can the movement of the guide 8 in the direction of the rack bar 6 be prevented smoothly, but also the movement of the rack guide 8 to the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 2d that defines the holding hole 2a of the housing 2 is achieved. Since direct contact can be surely avoided, occurrence of collision noise with the housing 2 can be avoided.

次に、本発明にかかるラックガイドの第２の実施の形態について説明する。第１の実施の形態は、図４乃至図７に示すように、ラック支持体１４の直交受圧面１４ｈと、押圧部材１６の環状凹部１６ｅに嵌合された弾性部材１５の円環状ブロック部１５ａの直交受圧面１５ｇとが直接当接する態様のラックガイド８の例であるが、第２の実施の形態では、図１０及び図１１に示すように、弾性部材４５の円環状ブロック部４５ａの一方の端面４５ｂに一体的に形成された相対向する一対の突出部４５ｇを、ラック支持体４４の受圧面４４ｃに円弧凹面４４ｂを挟んで相対向して形成された凹所４４ａに嵌合させたラックガイド８を用いる。すなわち、図１０に示すラック支持体４４は、受圧面４４ｃに円弧凹面４４ｂを挟んで相対向する一対の凹所４４ａを備え、該凹所４４ａの内外周壁面４４ｄ、４４ｅは、円弧面に形成される。尚、本実施の形態において、ラック支持体４４及び弾性部材４５以外の構成要素については、第１の実施の形態と同様であるため、同一の参照番号を付して詳細説明を省略する。 Next, a second embodiment of the rack guide according to the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, an annular block portion 15 a of the elastic member 15 fitted in the orthogonal pressure receiving surface 14 h of the rack support 14 and the annular recess 16 e of the pressing member 16. In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, one of the annular block portions 45a of the elastic member 45 is shown. A pair of opposing projecting portions 45g formed integrally with the end surface 45b of the rack is fitted into a recess 44a formed opposite to each other with the pressure receiving surface 44c of the rack support 44 sandwiching the arc concave surface 44b. A rack guide 8 is used. That is, the rack support body 44 shown in FIG. 10 includes a pair of recesses 44a facing each other across the arc-shaped concave surface 44b with the pressure receiving surface 44c, and inner and outer peripheral wall surfaces 44d and 44e of the recess 44a are formed in an arc surface. Is done. In the present embodiment, components other than the rack support body 44 and the elastic member 45 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the same reference numerals are given and detailed description thereof is omitted.

図１１に示すように、弾性部材４５は、円環状ブロック部４５ａと、該円環状ブロック部４５ａの一方の端面４５ｂに径方向に相対向する一対の突出部４５ｇと、円環状ブロック部４５ａの一方の端面４５ｂと段部４５ｃを介して内周面４５ｄの上端側に径方向に突出した複数個（本例では４個）の突出舌片部４５ｅとを備え、該突出舌片部４５ｅの先端は、円弧面４５ｆに形成されている。突出部４５ｇの内外周面４５ｄ、４５ｈは、図１０に示したラック支持体４４の凹所４４ａと相補的な円弧面に形成されている。 As shown in FIG. 11, the elastic member 45 includes an annular block portion 45a, a pair of projecting portions 45g radially opposed to one end face 45b of the annular block portion 45a, and an annular block portion 45a. A plurality of (four in this example) projecting tongue pieces 45e projecting radially on the upper end side of the inner peripheral surface 45d via one end face 45b and a step 45c; The tip is formed on a circular arc surface 45f. Inner and outer peripheral surfaces 45d and 45h of the projecting portion 45g are formed in arcuate surfaces complementary to the recesses 44a of the rack support 44 shown in FIG.

該弾性部材４５は、円環状ブロック部４５ａを、図７に示した押圧部材１６の環状凹部１６ｅに嵌合させるとともに、突出舌片部４５ｅを該押圧部材１６の切欠き凹部１６ｇに嵌合させて該押圧部材１６に嵌着される。 The elastic member 45 fits the annular block 45a into the annular recess 16e of the pressing member 16 shown in FIG. 7 and fits the protruding tongue piece 45e into the notch recess 16g of the pressing member 16. And is fitted to the pressing member 16.

図７及び図１１に示すように、ラック支持体４４は、突出支持部４４ｆの膨出部４４ｊを押圧部材１６の貫通孔１６ｉに挿入し、受圧面４４ｃに形成された一対の凹所４４ａに弾性部材４５の円環状ブロック部４５ａの端面４５ｂに一体的に形成された一対の突出部４５ｇを嵌合させるとともに、受圧面４４ｃを円環状ブロック部４５ａの外周面４５ｈに当接させ、該突出支持部４４ｆの膨出部４４ｊの上平面部４４ｋを押圧部材１６の貫通孔１６ｉの周縁の凹部１６ｃの底面に当接させて、該ラック支持体４４と、弾性部材４５及び押圧部材１６とが一体的に組み立てられ、ラックガイド８が形成される。この状態においては、弾性部材４５の端面４５ｂは、押圧部材１６の環状立壁部１６ｆの上端面１６ｈより僅かに突出している。 As shown in FIGS. 7 and 11, the rack support body 44 is formed by inserting the bulging portion 44j of the projecting support portion 44f into the through hole 16i of the pressing member 16 and inserting a pair of recesses 44a formed in the pressure receiving surface 44c. A pair of projecting portions 45g formed integrally with the end surface 45b of the annular block portion 45a of the elastic member 45 are fitted together, and the pressure receiving surface 44c is brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface 45h of the annular block portion 45a so that the projection The upper flat surface portion 44k of the bulging portion 44j of the support portion 44f is brought into contact with the bottom surface of the concave portion 16c at the peripheral edge of the through hole 16i of the pressing member 16, and the rack support body 44, the elastic member 45, and the pressing member 16 are brought together. The rack guide 8 is formed by assembling integrally. In this state, the end surface 45 b of the elastic member 45 slightly protrudes from the upper end surface 16 h of the annular standing wall portion 16 f of the pressing member 16.

図７乃至図１１に示すラックガイド８を備えたステアリング装置でも、ラックバー６の円弧凸面６ｂに接触して該ラックバー６を摺動案内する円弧凹面４４ｂを有する合成樹脂製のラック支持体４４は、弾性部材４５の円環状ブロック部４５ａが押圧部材１６の環状凹部１６ｅに嵌合されるとともに、該環状凹部１６ｅの開口部より突出した外周面４５ｈにおいてラック支持体４４の受圧面４４ｃに当接しているため、荷重下においては、円環状ブロック部４５ａは圧縮されて環状凹部１６ｅ内に緊密に充填されるとともに、該突出部４５ｇもまたラック支持体４４の凹所４４ａ内に緊密に充填され、円環状ブロック部４５ａ及び突出部４５ｇに反発弾性力が蓄積されて、あたかも剛体のような挙動を示すことにより、ラック支持体４４の軸方向に対してラック支持体４４の耐圧強度がより高められてラックバー６の支持能力が高められている結果、ラック支持体４４にクリープ変形等を生じることなく、クリープ変形に起因する支持能力の低下を回避することがで、ラックバー６を円滑に摺動案内することができる。 Also in the steering apparatus including the rack guide 8 shown in FIGS. 7 to 11, the rack support 44 made of a synthetic resin having an arc concave surface 44 b that slides and guides the rack bar 6 in contact with the arc convex surface 6 b of the rack bar 6. The annular block 45a of the elastic member 45 is fitted into the annular recess 16e of the pressing member 16, and the outer peripheral surface 45h projecting from the opening of the annular recess 16e contacts the pressure receiving surface 44c of the rack support 44. Therefore, under the load, the annular block 45a is compressed and tightly filled in the annular recess 16e, and the protrusion 45g is also tightly filled in the recess 44a of the rack support 44. The rebound elastic force is accumulated in the annular block portion 45a and the protruding portion 45g, and behaves like a rigid body. As a result, the pressure resistance of the rack support body 44 is further increased and the support capacity of the rack bar 6 is increased. As a result, the rack support body 44 does not undergo creep deformation and the like. By avoiding the decrease, the rack bar 6 can be smoothly slid and guided.

弾性部材４５の円環状ブロック部４５ａの端面４５ｂに一体的に形成された一対の突出部４５ｇの大きさ及び該突出部４５ｇが嵌合保持されるラック支持体４４の凹所４４ａの大きさを適宜変えることにより、該突出部４５ｇに蓄積される反発弾性力を変更することができる。 The size of the pair of projecting portions 45g formed integrally with the end surface 45b of the annular block portion 45a of the elastic member 45 and the size of the recess 44a of the rack support body 44 to which the projecting portions 45g are fitted and held are determined. By appropriately changing, the rebound resilience accumulated in the protrusion 45g can be changed.

本発明にかかるラックガイドの第１の実施の形態を示す全体断面図である。It is a whole sectional view showing a 1st embodiment of a rack guide concerning the present invention. 図１のラックガイド及びその近傍を示す拡大断面図である。It is an expanded sectional view which shows the rack guide of FIG. 1 and its vicinity. 図１に示すラックガイドの断面図である。It is sectional drawing of the rack guide shown in FIG. 図３のラックガイドのラック支持体を示す図であって、（ａ）は平面図、（ｂ）は正面図、（ｃ）は底面図である。It is a figure which shows the rack support body of the rack guide of FIG. 3, Comprising: (a) is a top view, (b) is a front view, (c) is a bottom view. 図４（ａ）のＩ−Ｉ線断面図である。It is the II sectional view taken on the line of Fig.4 (a). 図３のラックガイドの弾性部材を示す図であって、（ａ）は平面図、（ｂ）は（ａ）のII−II線断面図である。It is a figure which shows the elastic member of the rack guide of FIG. 3, Comprising: (a) is a top view, (b) is the II-II sectional view taken on the line of (a). 図３のラックガイドの押圧部材を示す図であって、（ａ）は平面図、（ｂ）は（ａ）のIII−III線断面図、（ｃ）は底面図である。It is a figure which shows the pressing member of the rack guide of FIG. 3, Comprising: (a) is a top view, (b) is the III-III sectional view taken on the line (a), (c) is a bottom view. 本発明にかかるラックガイドの第２の実施の形態を示す全体断面図である。It is a whole sectional view showing a 2nd embodiment of a rack guide concerning the present invention. 図８のラックガイド及びその近傍を示す拡大断面図である。It is an expanded sectional view which shows the rack guide of FIG. 8 and its vicinity. 図９のラックガイドのラック支持体を示す図であって、（ａ）は正面図、（ｂ）は底面図である。It is a figure which shows the rack support body of the rack guide of FIG. 9, Comprising: (a) is a front view, (b) is a bottom view. 図９のラックガイドの弾性部材を示す図であって、（ａ）は平面図、（ｂ）は（ａ）のIV−IV線断面図である。It is a figure which shows the elastic member of the rack guide of FIG. 9, Comprising: (a) is a top view, (b) is the IV-IV sectional view taken on the line (a). 従来のステアリング装置を示す断面説明図である。It is sectional explanatory drawing which shows the conventional steering device.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１ステアリング装置
２ハウジング
２ａ保持孔
２ｂ円筒部
２ｃ本体
２ｄ内周面
３軸受
４軸受
５ピニオン
６ラックバー
６ａラック歯
６ｂ円弧凸面
８ラックガイド
９蓋部材
１０コイルばね
１２ロックナット
１４ラック支持体
１４ａ端面
１４ｂ円弧凹面
１４ｃ受圧面
１４ｄ本体
１４ｅ突出支持部
１４ｆ長溝
１４ｇ外周面
１４ｈ直交受圧面
１４ｉ円柱部
１４ｊ膨出部
１４ｋ上平面部
１４ｍ下平面部
１４ｎ裁頭円錐面
１４ｐ切割り溝
１４ｑ底面
１４ｒ貫通孔
１５弾性部材
１５ａ円環状ブロック部
１５ｂ端面
１５ｃ段部
１５ｄ外周面
１５ｅ突出舌片部
１５ｆ円弧面
１５ｇ直交受圧面
１６押圧部材
１６ａ外周面
１６ｂ端面
１６ｃ凹部
１６ｄ端面
１６ｅ環状凹部
１６ｆ環状立壁部
１６ｇ切欠き凹部
１６ｈ上端面
１６ｉ貫通孔
１６ｊ凹部
１８弾性手段
４４ラック支持体
４４ａ凹所
４４ｂ円弧凹面
４４ｃ受圧面
４４ｄ内周壁面
４４ｅ外周壁面
４４ｆ突出支持部
４４ｈ直交受圧面
４４ｉ円柱部
４４ｊ膨出部
４４ｋ上平面部
４４ｍ下平面部
４４ｎ裁頭円錐面
４４ｐ切割り溝
４４ｒ貫通孔
４５弾性部材
４５ａ円環状ブロック部
４５ｂ端面
４５ｃ段部
４５ｄ内周面
４５ｅ突出舌片部
４５ｆ円弧面
４５ｇ突出部
４５ｈ外周面 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Steering device 2 Housing 2a Holding hole 2b Cylindrical part 2c Main body 2d Inner peripheral surface 3 Bearing 4 Bearing 5 Pinion 6 Rack bar 6a Rack tooth 6b Arc convex surface 8 Rack guide 9 Cover member 10 Coil spring 12 Lock nut 14 Rack support body 14a End surface 14b Arc concave surface 14c Pressure receiving surface 14d Main body 14e Protruding support portion 14f Long groove 14g Outer peripheral surface 14h Orthogonal pressure receiving surface 14i Cylindrical portion 14j Swelling portion 14k Upper flat surface portion 14m Lower flat surface portion 14n Chamfered conical surface 14p Cutting groove 14q Bottom surface 14r Through hole 15 elastic member 15a annular block portion 15b end surface 15c stepped portion 15d outer peripheral surface 15e projecting tongue piece portion 15f arc surface 15g orthogonal pressure receiving surface 16 pressing member 16a outer peripheral surface 16b end surface 16c concave portion 16d end surface 16e annular concave portion 16f annular standing wall portion 16g notch Recess 16h Upper end surface 16i Through hole 6j recess 18 elastic means 44 rack support 44a recess 44b arc concave surface 44c pressure receiving surface 44d inner peripheral wall surface 44e outer peripheral wall surface 44f projecting support portion 44h orthogonal pressure receiving surface 44i cylindrical portion 44j bulging portion 44k upper flat surface portion 44m lower flat surface portion 44n Conical surface 44p slit groove 44r through hole 45 elastic member 45a annular block 45b end face 45c step 45d inner peripheral surface 45e protruding tongue piece 45f arc surface 45g protruding portion 45h outer peripheral surface

Claims

ラックバーを摺動案内する凹面と、該ラックバーに向かう押圧力を受ける受圧面とを有する合成樹脂製のラック支持体と、
該ラック支持体の前記受圧面側に配された弾性部材と、
該弾性部材に前記ラックバーに向かう押圧力を与える押圧部材とを備え、
前記弾性部材は、円環状ブロック部と、該円環状ブロック部の外周面の上端側に径方向に突出する複数個の突出舌片部とを有し、
前記押圧部材は、前記ラック支持体と相対向する端面側に環状凹部と、該環状凹部の外周面側の環状立壁部に円周方向に沿って形成された複数個の切欠き凹部とを有し、前記弾性部材は、前記円環状ブロック部を、前記押圧部材の前記環状凹部に嵌合させ、前記複数個の突出舌片部の各々を、前記押圧部材の前記環状立壁部の切欠き凹部の各々に嵌合させて前記押圧部材に嵌着され、
前記ラック支持体は、前記受圧面を、前記弾性部材の前記円環状ブロック部の端面であって、前記押圧部材の前記環状凹部の開口部より突出した端面に当接させて配されることを特徴とするラックガイド。 A synthetic resin rack support having a concave surface that slides and guides the rack bar, and a pressure receiving surface that receives a pressing force toward the rack bar;
An elastic member disposed on the pressure receiving surface side of the rack support;
A pressing member that applies a pressing force toward the rack bar to the elastic member;
The elastic member has an annular block portion and a plurality of protruding tongue pieces protruding radially on the upper end side of the outer peripheral surface of the annular block portion,
The pressing member has an annular recess on an end surface facing the rack support, and a plurality of notch recesses formed in an annular standing wall portion on the outer peripheral surface side of the annular recess along the circumferential direction. The elastic member has the annular block portion fitted into the annular recess portion of the pressing member, and each of the plurality of protruding tongue pieces is formed as a notch recess in the annular standing wall portion of the pressing member. Fitted to each of the pressing members,
The rack support, the pressure-receiving surface, wherein a facet of the annular block portion of the elastic member, to be arranged is brought into contact with an end face protruding from the opening of said annular recess of said pressing member Features a rack guide.

前記受圧面は、前記ラックバーに向かう押圧力の方向に対して直交する直交受圧面を有することを特徴とする請求項１に記載のラックガイド。 The rack guide according to claim 1, wherein the pressure receiving surface includes an orthogonal pressure receiving surface orthogonal to a direction of a pressing force toward the rack bar.

前記弾性部材の突出舌片部の各々の先端が円弧面に形成されるとともに、前記押圧部材の外周面より突出することを特徴とする請求項１又は２に記載のラックガイド。 The rack guide according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the protruding tongue piece portions of the elastic member has an arcuate surface and protrudes from an outer peripheral surface of the pressing member.

前記押圧部材は、貫通孔を有し、前記ラック支持体は、前記受圧面に一体的に設けられるとともに該押圧部材の貫通孔を貫通する突出支持部を備えることを特徴とする請求項１、２又は３に記載のラックガイド。 The said pressing member has a through-hole, The said rack support body is provided with the protrusion support part which penetrates the through-hole of this press member while being provided in the said pressure receiving surface integrally. The rack guide according to 2 or 3.

前記ラック支持体の前記突出支持部は、前記押圧部材の前記貫通孔の孔径よりも小径の円柱部と、該円柱部の自由端部側に開設された切割り溝と、該突出支持部を前記貫通孔に挿通した後、該突出支持部の該貫通孔からの抜け出しを阻止する膨出部とを備えることを特徴とする請求項１乃至４のいずれかに記載のラックガイド。 The protruding support portion of the rack support body includes a cylindrical portion having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the through hole of the pressing member, a slit groove formed on a free end side of the cylindrical portion, and the protruding support portion. The rack guide according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a bulging portion that prevents the protruding support portion from coming out of the through hole after being inserted into the through hole.

前記弾性部材は、前記円環状ブロック部の一方の端面に径方向に相対向する凸部を一体的に有し、前記ラック支持体の前記受圧面は、凹面を挟んで径方向に相対向する凹部を有し、前記弾性部材は、前記凸部を前記ラック支持体の受圧面の凹部に嵌合させて配されることを特徴とする請求項１乃至５のいずれかに記載のラックガイド。 The elastic member integrally has a convex portion opposed to each other in the radial direction on one end face of the annular block portion, and the pressure receiving surface of the rack support is opposed to the radial direction across the concave surface. The rack guide according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a recess, wherein the elastic member is disposed by fitting the protrusion into a recess of a pressure receiving surface of the rack support.

内部に円筒状の保持孔を有するハウジングと、
該ハウジング内に回転自在に配されるとともに、操舵により回転されるピニオンと、
該ピニオンに噛合するラック歯を有するラックバーと、
前記ハウジングの保持孔に移動自在に配されるとともに、前記ラックバーを移動自在に案内支持する請求項１乃至６のいずれかに記載のラックガイドと、
前記保持孔内に配され、前記ラックガイドを介して前記ラックバーの前記ラック歯を前記ピニオンに弾性的に押圧する弾性手段とを備え、
前記ラック支持体及び押圧部材は、前記ハウジングの保持孔の内面に対して環状隙間をもって保持孔内に配され、前記弾性部材は、付与された前記ラックバーに向かう押圧力により前記押圧部材の環状凹部内において圧縮されるとともに、前記ラック支持体の受圧面が押圧部材の環状凹部の端面に当接することにより反発弾性力が蓄積され、該弾性部材に蓄積された反発弾性力により前記ラック支持体の耐圧強度が高められてラックバーの支持能力が高められることを特徴とするラックピニオン式ステアリング装置。 A housing having a cylindrical holding hole therein;
A pinion rotatably disposed in the housing and rotated by steering;
A rack bar having rack teeth meshing with the pinion;
The rack guide according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the rack guide is movably disposed in the holding hole of the housing and movably guides and supports the rack bar.
Elastic means arranged in the holding hole and elastically pressing the rack teeth of the rack bar against the pinion via the rack guide;
The rack support body and the pressing member are disposed in the holding hole with an annular gap with respect to the inner surface of the holding hole of the housing, and the elastic member is formed in an annular shape of the pressing member by a pressing force applied to the rack bar. The rack support body is compressed by the pressure-receiving surface of the rack support member being brought into contact with the end surface of the annular recess portion of the pressing member while being compressed in the recess portion, and the rack support body is formed by the rebound elastic force stored in the elastic member. The rack and pinion type steering device is characterized in that the pressure resistance strength of the rack is increased and the support capacity of the rack bar is enhanced.

前記弾性部材は、前記押圧部材の外周面から突出した突出舌片部の円弧面で前記ハウジングの保持孔の内面に締め代をもって接触することを特徴とする請求項７に記載のラックピニオン式ステアリング装置。 The rack and pinion type steering according to claim 7, wherein the elastic member is in contact with the inner surface of the holding hole of the housing with a margin by an arc surface of a protruding tongue piece protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the pressing member. apparatus.