JPH0664549A - Rack and pinion steering gear - Google Patents

Rack and pinion steering gear

Info

Publication number
JPH0664549A
JPH0664549A JP24589392A JP24589392A JPH0664549A JP H0664549 A JPH0664549 A JP H0664549A JP 24589392 A JP24589392 A JP 24589392A JP 24589392 A JP24589392 A JP 24589392A JP H0664549 A JPH0664549 A JP H0664549A
Authority
JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
pinion
rack
rack shaft
shaft
housing
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
JP24589392A
Other languages
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
Ryuichi Komine
龍一 小峯
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.)
Koyo Seiko Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Koyo Seiko Co Ltd
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 Koyo Seiko Co Ltd filed Critical Koyo Seiko Co Ltd
Priority to JP24589392A priority Critical patent/JPH0664549A/en
Publication of JPH0664549A publication Critical patent/JPH0664549A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D3/00—Steering gears
    • B62D3/02—Steering gears mechanical
    • B62D3/12—Steering gears mechanical of rack-and-pinion type
    • B62D3/123—Steering gears mechanical of rack-and-pinion type characterised by pressure yokes
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H55/00—Elements with teeth or friction surfaces for conveying motion; Worms, pulleys or sheaves for gearing mechanisms
    • F16H55/02—Toothed members; Worms
    • F16H55/26—Racks
    • F16H55/28—Special devices for taking up backlash
    • F16H55/283—Special devices for taking up backlash using pressure yokes
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H55/00—Elements with teeth or friction surfaces for conveying motion; Worms, pulleys or sheaves for gearing mechanisms
    • F16H55/02—Toothed members; Worms
    • F16H55/26—Racks
    • F16H55/28—Special devices for taking up backlash
    • F16H55/283—Special devices for taking up backlash using pressure yokes
    • F16H55/288—Special devices for taking up backlash using pressure yokes comprising two or more pressure yokes

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Transmission Devices (AREA)

Abstract

PURPOSE:To support a rack shaft positively while maintaining the appropriate meshed state with a pinion without impeding the movement for steering so as to prevent the generation of noise caused by reverse input from the rack shaft. CONSTITUTION:A pinion 20 is provided at a part of a pinion shaft supported inside of a gear housing and connected to a steering wheel. A rack shaft 3 connected to lateral steering wheels is disposed on one side of the pinion shaft 2, and rack teeth 30 formed on the outside of the rack shaft 3 are meshed with the pinion 20. The tips of support yokes 1, 1 slidably fitted into separate mounting holes 10, 10 are brought into contact with the mutually different circumferential positions on the back face side to the meshed part of the rack shaft 3 with the pinion 20. These support yokes 1, 1 are batch-energized by a pressing spring 13 through a pressing plate 11 provided between the base ends of both support yokes 1, 1 so as to press the rack shaft 3 to the meshed part with the pinion 20, and the rack shaft 3 is supported slidably in the longitudinal direction of the shaft while maintaining the appropriate meshed state between the rack teeth 30 and the pinion 20.

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】Detailed Description of the Invention

【０００１】[0001]

【産業上の利用分野】本発明は、自動車用の舵取り装置
の一形式として広く普及しているラックピニオン式舵取
り装置に関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a rack and pinion type steering device which is widely used as a type of steering device for automobiles.

【０００２】[0002]

【従来の技術】ラックピニオン式舵取り装置は、車体の
左右方向に延設されたラックハウジングの内部に、軸長
方向への摺動自在にラック軸を収納し、また、ラックハ
ウジングの中途に連設されたギヤハウジングの内部にピ
ニオンを支承して、該ピニオンを前記ラック軸の一部に
噛合させる一方、ラックハウジング両側へのラック軸の
突出端を左右の操向輪に夫々連結し、また、ギヤハウジ
ングから突出するピニオンの回転軸を舵輪（ステアリン
グホィール）に連結して、舵輪操作に応じて生じる前記
ピニオンの回動を前記ラック軸の軸長方向の移動に変換
して左右の操向輪を操向する構成となっている。2. Description of the Related Art A rack and pinion type steering device accommodates a rack shaft slidably in the axial direction in a rack housing extending in the left-right direction of a vehicle body and connected to the middle of the rack housing. The pinion is supported inside the gear housing provided, and the pinion is meshed with a part of the rack shaft, while the protruding ends of the rack shaft on both sides of the rack housing are connected to the left and right steering wheels, respectively. , A rotation shaft of the pinion protruding from the gear housing is connected to a steering wheel (steering wheel), and the rotation of the pinion generated in response to the operation of the steering wheel is converted into a movement in the axial direction of the rack shaft to steer left and right. It is configured to steer the wheels.

【０００３】このようなラックピニオン式舵取り装置に
おいては、ピニオンとラック軸とが確実に噛合すること
が重要であり、両者の噛合部にてラック軸を支えると共
に、両者を実質的にバックラッシなしに噛み合わせるべ
く、ギヤハウジングに穿設された装着孔に摺動自在に押
圧部材（サポートヨーク）を嵌装し、この押圧部材によ
りラック軸の背面側外周を押圧して、ラック軸をピニオ
ンとの噛合部に押し付ける構成とした噛み合わせ手段が
備えられている。In such a rack and pinion type steering device, it is important that the pinion and the rack shaft are surely meshed with each other, and the rack shaft is supported by the meshing portion of both, and both are substantially backlash-free. In order to engage with each other, a pressing member (support yoke) is slidably fitted into a mounting hole formed in the gear housing, and the rear surface side outer periphery of the rack shaft is pressed by this pressing member, so that the rack shaft is connected to the pinion. The meshing means configured to press against the meshing portion is provided.

【０００４】図４は従来のラックピニオン式舵取り装置
の要部を示す縦断面図、図５は図４のＶ−Ｖ線による矢
視図である。図示の如くラックピニオン式舵取り装置
は、中途にピニオン20を備えたピニオン軸２をギヤハウ
ジングＡの内部に、前記ピニオン20両側の一対の玉軸受
21，22により同軸上での回動自在に支承し、また、ギヤ
ハウジングＡの一部に軸心を交叉して連設してあり車体
の左右方向に延びるラックハウジングＢの内部に、軸長
方向への摺動自在にラック軸３を支承して、該ラック軸
３の外側に適長に亘って形成されたラック歯30を、ギヤ
ハウジングＡの内部において前記ピニオン20に噛合させ
る一方、ギヤハウジングＡからのピニオン軸２の突出端
を図示しない舵輪に、またラックハウジングＢの両側へ
のラック軸３の突出端を左右両側の操向車輪に夫々連結
して、舵輪操作に応じて生じるピニオン軸２の回動をピ
ニオン20とラック歯30との噛合によりラック軸３の摺動
に変換し、左右の操向車輪の舵取りを行わせる構成とな
っている。FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a main part of a conventional rack and pinion type steering device, and FIG. 5 is a view taken along the line VV of FIG. As shown in the figure, the rack and pinion type steering device includes a pinion shaft 2 having a pinion 20 in the middle of a gear housing A, and a pair of ball bearings on both sides of the pinion 20.
It is rotatably supported coaxially by 21, 22 and has a shaft length inside a rack housing B extending in the left-right direction of the vehicle body which is continuous with a part of the gear housing A with the shaft center crossed. The rack shaft 3 is slidably supported in the direction, and the rack teeth 30 formed on the outer side of the rack shaft 3 over an appropriate length are meshed with the pinion 20 inside the gear housing A, while the gear teeth are formed. The projecting end of the pinion shaft 2 from the housing A is connected to a steering wheel (not shown), and the projecting ends of the rack shaft 3 to both sides of the rack housing B are connected to steering wheels on both left and right sides, respectively. The rotation of the shaft 2 is converted into the sliding of the rack shaft 3 by the engagement of the pinion 20 and the rack teeth 30, and the steering wheels on the left and right are steered.

【０００５】以上の如きラックピニオン式舵取り装置に
おける従来の噛み合わせ手段は、ラック軸３の配設位置
にてギヤハウジングＡに外向きに突設されたヨークハウ
ジングＣの内部に構成されている。ヨークハウジングＣ
は、軸心部を貫通してギヤハウジングＡ内に開口する装
着孔40を備えている。ギヤハウジングＡ内部への装着孔
40の開口端は、ピニオン20との噛合部の背面側にてラッ
ク軸３の外周に臨ませてあり、該装着孔40には、押圧部
材たるサポートヨーク４が軸長方向への摺動自在に嵌挿
されている。The conventional meshing means in the rack and pinion type steering device as described above is formed inside the yoke housing C which is provided outwardly on the gear housing A at the position where the rack shaft 3 is arranged. York housing C
Has a mounting hole 40 that penetrates the shaft center portion and opens into the gear housing A. Mounting hole inside gear housing A
The opening end of 40 is exposed to the outer periphery of the rack shaft 3 on the back side of the meshing part with the pinion 20, and the support yoke 4 as a pressing member is slidable in the axial direction in the mounting hole 40. Has been inserted into.

【０００６】ギヤハウジングＡの内側を臨む前記サポー
トヨーク４の先端は、ラック軸３の外形に対応するアー
チ形状をなし、滑り板41を介してラック軸３の外周に摺
接させてある。またサポートヨーク４の基端は、ヨーク
ハウジングＣの外側縁部に固着されたカバーフランジ42
に臨ませてあり、該カバーフランジ42との間に介装され
た押しばね43により内向きに、即ち、ラック軸３に向け
て付勢されている。The front end of the support yoke 4 facing the inside of the gear housing A has an arch shape corresponding to the outer shape of the rack shaft 3, and is slidably contacted to the outer periphery of the rack shaft 3 via a slide plate 41. The base end of the support yoke 4 has a cover flange 42 fixed to the outer edge of the yoke housing C.
And is biased inward, that is, toward the rack shaft 3 by a pressing spring 43 interposed between the cover flange 42 and the cover flange 42.

【０００７】カバーフランジ42の略中央には、長寸のナ
ット部材44が圧入固定されており、このナット部材44に
螺合するストッパボルト45は、カバーフランジ42の外側
でのロックナット46の締め付けにより固定され、ヨーク
ハウジングＣの内側への突出端がサポートヨーク４の基
端にわずかな隙間を有して対向するように位置決めされ
ている。A long nut member 44 is press-fitted and fixed in the substantial center of the cover flange 42, and a stopper bolt 45 screwed into the nut member 44 is used to tighten a lock nut 46 on the outside of the cover flange 42. The yoke housing C is positioned such that the inward protruding end of the yoke housing C faces the base end of the support yoke 4 with a slight gap.

【０００８】さて、舵取り動作中のラック軸３には、操
向車輪に付与される路面反力が軸長方向に作用する逆入
力として導入されるが、ピニオン20とラック歯30とは適
宜の圧力角下にて噛合しているため、ラック軸３は、前
記逆入力の前記圧力角に応じた分力によりピニオン20か
ら離反する向きに押圧され、サポートヨーク４の当接側
に向けて移動しようとする。前述の如く構成されたサポ
ートヨーク４は、押しばね43のばね力によりラック軸３
の背面側外周に押し付けられており、またストッパボル
ト45の先端との間の隙間の範囲内にて軸長方向に移動可
能であることから、前記移動に追随しつつラック軸３を
摺動自在に支持すると共に、ピニオン20とラック歯30と
の適正な噛合状態を維持する作用をなし、ガタつき感の
ない良好な操舵感覚が得られるようになる。Now, the road reaction force applied to the steered wheels is introduced to the rack shaft 3 during the steering operation as a reverse input acting in the axial direction, but the pinion 20 and the rack tooth 30 are appropriately arranged. Since they are meshed under a pressure angle, the rack shaft 3 is pressed in a direction away from the pinion 20 by the component force corresponding to the pressure angle of the reverse input, and moves toward the contact side of the support yoke 4. try to. The support yoke 4 configured as described above is mounted on the rack shaft 3 by the spring force of the push spring 43.
Since it is pressed against the outer periphery of the rear side of the rack and can move in the axial direction within the range of the gap between the tip of the stopper bolt 45, the rack shaft 3 can slide freely while following the movement. In addition to supporting the pinion 20 and the rack teeth 30, the pinion 20 and the rack tooth 30 maintain an appropriate meshing state, and a good steering feeling without rattling can be obtained.

【０００９】[0009]

【発明が解決しようとする課題】ところが、前記サポー
トヨーク４は、前述した逆入力によりラック歯30の圧力
面に垂直な方向にラック軸３を押圧する力を支持してお
り、自身の軸長方向のみならず、図４の紙面と直交する
方向にも押圧される。また、ラックピニオン式の舵取り
装置においては、ラック軸３に形成されるラック歯30と
してヘリカルギアが採用されることが多く、この場合サ
ポートヨーク４は、ラック歯30の傾斜に応じて、図４の
上下方向にも押圧されることになる。つまり、前記サポ
ートヨーク４は、ラック軸３への逆入力の作用により装
着孔40に沿って摺動する際に、この逆入力の分力により
半径方向にも押圧される結果、装着孔40の内面との衝突
を伴って振動し易く、この振動により発生する衝突音が
車室内に伝播して、耳障りな異音として運転者に聴取さ
れる難点があった。However, the support yoke 4 supports the force for pressing the rack shaft 3 in the direction perpendicular to the pressure surface of the rack teeth 30 by the above-mentioned reverse input, and has its own axial length. Not only in the direction, but also in the direction orthogonal to the paper surface of FIG. Further, in the rack and pinion type steering device, a helical gear is often adopted as the rack teeth 30 formed on the rack shaft 3, and in this case, the support yoke 4 corresponds to the inclination of the rack teeth 30. Will also be pressed in the vertical direction. That is, when the support yoke 4 slides along the mounting hole 40 by the action of the reverse input to the rack shaft 3, the support yoke 4 is also pressed in the radial direction by the component force of the reverse input, and as a result, It is easy to vibrate due to the collision with the inner surface, and the collision sound generated by this vibration propagates into the vehicle interior and is heard by the driver as an offensive noise.

【００１０】この難点は、サポートヨーク４の外面及び
装着孔40の内面を精密に仕上げ、両者間の隙間を極小と
することにより改善されるが、このような仕上げ加工に
は多大の工数を要し、望ましい方法ではない。This difficulty is remedied by precisely finishing the outer surface of the support yoke 4 and the inner surface of the mounting hole 40 and minimizing the gap between them, but such finishing requires a large number of man-hours. However, this is not the desired method.

【００１１】また特公昭55-14303号公報には、軸心を含
む面内にて２つ割りされたサポートヨーク４を用い、こ
れらをラック軸３への押し付けに伴う反力により左右に
拡張させ、装着孔40内周との密着性を高めて、前述した
難点を解消しようとする構成が開示されている。ところ
がこの構成においては、ラック軸３への押し付けのため
の押しばね43のばね力がサポートヨーク４の拡張に分散
されて、ラック軸３の確実な支持がなされなくなり、ま
た、この支持を確実に行わせるべく押しばね43を強化し
た場合、サポートヨーク４の拡張により装着孔40との間
の滑り抵抗が定常的に大きくなることから、舵取りのた
めのラック軸３の動作が阻害されて、舵輪が重くなると
いう不都合が生じる。In Japanese Patent Publication No. 55-14303, a support yoke 4 which is divided into two in a plane including a shaft center is used, and these are expanded left and right by a reaction force caused by pressing the rack shaft 3. There is disclosed a configuration in which the adhesion with the inner periphery of the mounting hole 40 is enhanced to eliminate the above-mentioned difficulties. However, in this configuration, the spring force of the pressing spring 43 for pressing the rack shaft 3 is dispersed to the expansion of the support yoke 4, so that the rack shaft 3 is not reliably supported, and this support is ensured. When the push spring 43 is strengthened to perform the operation, the expansion of the support yoke 4 steadily increases the sliding resistance with the mounting hole 40, so that the operation of the rack shaft 3 for steering is hindered and the steering wheel is steered. This causes the inconvenience of becoming heavy.

【００１２】そこで従来においては、前記図４に示す如
く、サポートヨーク４と装着孔40との間にＯリング47，
47を介装し、これらの弾性により、サポートヨーク４の
振動を抑え、異音の発生を緩和するようにした構成が採
用されている。この構成は、装着孔40へのサポートヨー
ク４の嵌め込みが難しいという組み立て上の問題を有す
る上、Ｏリング47，47の存在により装着孔40との間の滑
り抵抗が増し、特公昭55-14303号公報に開示された構成
と同様、舵輪が重くなるという不都合を招来するが、実
現が容易なことから広く用いられているのが実状であ
る。Therefore, in the prior art, as shown in FIG. 4, an O-ring 47, is provided between the support yoke 4 and the mounting hole 40.
A structure is adopted in which 47 is interposed and the elasticity of these suppresses the vibration of the support yoke 4 and alleviates the generation of abnormal noise. This structure has an assembly problem that it is difficult to fit the support yoke 4 into the mounting hole 40, and the presence of the O-rings 47, 47 increases the sliding resistance between the mounting hole 40 and the Japanese Patent Publication No. 55-14303. Similar to the configuration disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. JP-A-2003-242242, the steering wheel becomes heavy, but it is widely used because it is easy to realize.

【００１３】本発明は斯かる事情に鑑みてなされたもの
であり、舵取りのためのラック軸の移動を阻害すること
なく、ピニオンとの噛合部におけるラック軸の支持、及
びラック軸とピニオンとの適正な噛合状態の維持を確実
になし得ると共に、実現が容易なラックピニオン式舵取
り装置を提供することを目的とする。The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and supports the rack shaft at the meshing portion with the pinion and prevents the rack shaft and the pinion from interfering with each other without hindering the movement of the rack shaft for steering. It is an object of the present invention to provide a rack and pinion steering device that can surely maintain an appropriate meshed state and is easy to realize.

【００１４】[0014]

【課題を解決するための手段】本発明に係るラックピニ
オン式舵取り装置は、互いに噛合するピニオンとラック
軸とをハウジングの内部に備え、舵輪操作に連動する前
記ピニオンの回動を前記ラック軸の軸長方向の移動に変
換して舵取りを行わせるようにしたラックピニオン式舵
取り装置において、前記ハウジングに穿設された各別の
装着孔に摺動自在に嵌装され、前記ピニオンとの噛合部
の背面側にて前記ラック軸の外周の相異なる周方向位置
に夫々の先端を臨ませてある複数の押圧部材と、これら
の押圧部材の基端を一括して付勢し、前記ラックを前記
ピニオンとの噛合部に押し付ける付勢手段とを具備する
ことを特徴とする。A rack and pinion type steering device according to the present invention includes a pinion and a rack shaft that mesh with each other inside a housing, and the rotation of the pinion interlocked with a steering wheel operation is performed by the rack shaft. In a rack and pinion type steering device adapted to be converted into movement in the axial direction for steering, a fitting portion slidably fitted in each of the mounting holes formed in the housing and engaged with the pinion. On the rear side of the rack shaft, a plurality of pressing members whose front ends face different circumferential positions on the outer periphery of the rack shaft, and the base ends of these pressing members are collectively urged, and the rack is And a biasing unit that presses the meshing portion with the pinion.

【００１５】[0015]

【作用】本発明においては、各別の装着孔に軸長方向へ
の摺動自在に嵌装された複数の押圧部材を、ラック軸外
周のピニオンとの噛合部の背面側における相異なる周方
向位置に夫々当接させ、またこれらの押圧部材を一括し
て付勢して、ラック軸をピニオンに押し付ける構成によ
り、ラック軸からの逆入力により各押圧部材に両者の当
接点回りの回転モーメントを作用させる。即ち、各押圧
部材は、通常時には夫々の装着孔に適度の隙間を有して
嵌合し、舵取りのためのラック軸の移動を阻害しない一
方、ラック軸からの逆入力に対しては、各別の装着孔内
部において前記回転モーメントの作用方向に傾斜し、装
着孔の内周との間の滑り抵抗が強化された状態で摺動
し、振動及びこれに伴う異音を発生せず、また、十分な
剛性を有してラック軸を確実に支持でき、ラック軸とピ
ニオンとの適正な噛合状態を維持する。In the present invention, a plurality of pressing members, which are fitted in the respective mounting holes so as to be slidable in the axial direction, are provided in different circumferential directions on the back side of the meshing portion with the pinion on the outer periphery of the rack shaft. The rack members are brought into contact with each other at the respective positions, and the pressing members are collectively urged so that the rack shaft is pressed against the pinion, so that a reverse moment from the rack shaft causes a rotational moment about the contact point between the pressing members. Let it work. That is, each pressing member normally fits into each mounting hole with an appropriate gap and does not hinder the movement of the rack shaft for steering, while it does not interfere with the reverse input from the rack shaft. Inside another mounting hole, it tilts in the direction of action of the above-mentioned rotational moment, slides in a state where the sliding resistance between the mounting hole and the inner periphery of the mounting hole is strengthened, does not generate vibration and accompanying noise, and With sufficient rigidity, the rack shaft can be reliably supported, and an appropriate meshing state between the rack shaft and the pinion is maintained.

【００１６】[0016]

【実施例】以下本発明をその実施例を示す図面に基づい
て詳述する。図１は、本発明に係るラックピニオン式舵
取り装置（以下本発明装置という）の要部を示す縦断面
図、図２は、図１のII−II線による矢視図である。DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings showing the embodiments. FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a main part of a rack and pinion steering device (hereinafter referred to as the device of the present invention) according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a view taken along the line II-II of FIG.

【００１７】図中Ａはギヤハウジングであり、このギヤ
ハウジングＡの内部にはピニオン軸２及びラック軸３が
配してある。ピニオン軸２は、中途部にピニオン20を備
え、該ピニオン20両側の一対の玉軸受21，22により、ギ
ヤハウジングＡの内部に同軸上での回動自在に支承して
ある。またラック軸３は、ギヤハウジングＡに連設され
て車体の幅方向に延びるラックハウジングＢ（図２参
照）の内部に軸長方向への摺動自在に支承され、ピニオ
ン20の一側を交叉する態様にてギヤハウジングＡの内部
を貫通しており、該ラック軸３の外側に適長に亘って形
成されたラック歯30が、ピニオン20に噛合させてある。In the figure, A is a gear housing, and inside this gear housing A, a pinion shaft 2 and a rack shaft 3 are arranged. The pinion shaft 2 has a pinion 20 in the middle thereof, and is supported by a pair of ball bearings 21 and 22 on both sides of the pinion 20 so as to be coaxially rotatable in the gear housing A. Further, the rack shaft 3 is slidably supported in the axial direction in a rack housing B (see FIG. 2) that is connected to the gear housing A and extends in the width direction of the vehicle body, and crosses one side of the pinion 20. In this manner, rack teeth 30 that penetrate the inside of the gear housing A and are formed on the outside of the rack shaft 3 over an appropriate length are meshed with the pinion 20.

【００１８】ピニオン軸２の一端は、ギヤハウジングＡ
の一側に突出させてあり、図示しない舵輪に連結されて
いる。また、ラック軸３の両端は、ラックハウジングＢ
の両側に夫々突出させてあり、図示しない左右の操向車
輪に各別に連結されている。而して、舵輪操作が行われ
た場合、この操作方向に操作量に相当するだけピニオン
軸２が回動し、この回動が、ピニオン20とラック歯30と
の噛合によりラック軸３の軸長方向の摺動に変換され
て、左右の操向車輪の舵取りが行われる。One end of the pinion shaft 2 has a gear housing A.
Is projected to one side and is connected to a steering wheel (not shown). Further, both ends of the rack shaft 3 are connected to the rack housing B.
Are projected on both sides of the vehicle and are respectively connected to the left and right steering wheels (not shown). Thus, when the steering wheel operation is performed, the pinion shaft 2 rotates in the operation direction by an amount corresponding to the operation amount. This rotation causes the pinion 20 and the rack teeth 30 to mesh with each other to cause the shaft of the rack shaft 3 to rotate. The steering wheels on the left and right are steered by being converted into sliding in the long direction.

【００１９】以上の如き基本構成は、図４に示す従来の
ラックピニオン式舵取り装置のそれと同様であるが、本
発明装置の特徴は、ピニオン20とラック歯30とを実質的
にバックラッシなしに噛み合わせて確実な噛合状態を得
るべく、ラック軸３をピニオン20との噛合部に押し付け
る噛み合わせ手段の構成にある。この噛み合わせ手段
は、ラック軸３の背面側（ピニオン20との噛合部の逆
側）に整合する位置において、ギヤハウジングＡの外側
に突設されたヨークハウジングＣ、及びこれの外側を覆
うカバーハウジングＤの内部に構成されている。The above basic structure is the same as that of the conventional rack and pinion type steering device shown in FIG. 4, but the feature of the device of the present invention is that the pinion 20 and the rack teeth 30 are bitten substantially without backlash. In order to obtain a sure meshed state together, the meshing means is configured to press the rack shaft 3 against the meshing portion with the pinion 20. The meshing means is provided with a yoke housing C projecting outside the gear housing A and a cover covering the outside thereof at a position aligned with the back side of the rack shaft 3 (the side opposite to the meshing part with the pinion 20). It is configured inside the housing D.

【００２０】ヨークハウジングＣは、ギヤハウジングＡ
内に開口する一対の装着孔10，10を備えている。これら
の装着孔10，10は、ギヤハウジングＡ内部への夫々の開
口端がラック軸３の背面側外周の相異なる位置を臨むよ
うに、ヨークハウジングＣ外側の相異なる位置からラッ
ク軸３の軸心に向けて夫々穿設されている。両装着孔1
0，10の内部には、押圧部材たるサポートヨーク１，１
が、軸長方向への摺動自在に嵌挿されている。ギヤハウ
ジングＡの内側を臨むサポートヨーク１，１の先端は平
坦面となっており、これらは、ラック軸３の背面側外周
の相異なる周方向位置に当接させてある。The yoke housing C is a gear housing A.
It is provided with a pair of mounting holes 10 and 10 that open inside. These mounting holes 10 and 10 are arranged so that the respective open ends into the gear housing A face different positions on the outer periphery of the back side of the rack shaft 3 from different positions outside the yoke housing C. They are drilled toward the heart. Both mounting holes 1
Inside the 0 and 10, there are support yokes 1 and 1 which are pressing members.
, Is slidably inserted in the axial direction. The tips of the support yokes 1, 1 facing the inside of the gear housing A are flat surfaces, and these are brought into contact with different circumferential positions on the outer periphery of the rack shaft 3 on the back side.

【００２１】ヨークハウジングＣの外側を臨むサポート
ヨーク１，１の基端間には、押し板11が装架してある。
ヨークハウジングＣの外側を覆うカバーハウジングＤ
は、図示の如く、中央の凸部Ｄ1 の周縁に固定用のフラ
ンジ部Ｄ2 を備えてなり、フランジ部Ｄ2 をヨークハウ
ジングＣの外縁にボルト止めして取付けられ、凸部Ｄ1
の内側にヨークハウジングＣの外側を覆う空洞部を形成
している。凸部Ｄ1 の略中央には、長寸のナット部材14
が圧入固定されており、このナット部材14にはストッパ
ボルト15が螺合され、凸部Ｄ1 の外側でのロックナット
16の締め付けにより固定されている。A push plate 11 is mounted between the base ends of the support yokes 1, 1 facing the outside of the yoke housing C.
Cover housing D covering the outside of the yoke housing C
Is, as shown, be provided with a flange portion D 2 for fixing the center of the periphery of the convex portion D 1, mounted by bolted flange portion D 2 on the outer edge of the yoke housing C, the convex portion D 1
A hollow portion that covers the outside of the yoke housing C is formed inside. At the approximate center of the convex portion D 1 , a long nut member 14
Is press-fitted and fixed, and a stopper bolt 15 is screwed into the nut member 14 to lock the nut on the outside of the convex portion D 1.
It is fixed by tightening 16.

【００２２】図示の如く、凸部Ｄ1 の中央部内側に延び
るストッパボルト15の先端は、半球形をなして成形され
ており、前記押し板11の中央に形成された半球形の凹部
に臨ませてある。また、カバーハウジングＤと押し板11
との間には、ナット部材14の外側に遊嵌された押しばね
13が介装してあり、この押しばね13の付勢により押し板
11は、サポートヨーク１，１に押し付けられている。As shown in the drawing, the tip of the stopper bolt 15 extending inside the central portion of the convex portion D 1 is formed in a hemispherical shape, and is exposed in the hemispherical concave portion formed in the center of the pressing plate 11. I have it. Also, the cover housing D and the push plate 11
Between the push spring and the push spring loosely fitted to the outside of the nut member 14.
13 is interposed, and the pressing plate is biased by this pressing spring 13.
11 is pressed against the support yokes 1 and 1.

【００２３】以上の構成によりサポートヨーク１，１
は、押し板11を介して作用する押しばね13のばね力によ
り一括して付勢され、夫々の装着孔10，10に沿ってラッ
ク軸３の外周に押圧されて、該ラック軸３をピニオン20
との噛合部に押し付け、ラック歯30とピニオン20との確
実な噛合を実現する作用をなす。With the above construction, the support yokes 1, 1
Are collectively urged by the spring force of the push spring 13 acting via the push plate 11, and are pressed against the outer periphery of the rack shaft 3 along the respective mounting holes 10 and 10, so that the rack shaft 3 is pinioned. 20
The rack teeth 30 and the pinion 20 are pressed against a meshing portion with the pinion 20 to achieve a reliable meshing action.

【００２４】サポートヨーク１，１を押圧する押し板11
とストッパボルト15の先端及びヨークハウジングＣの外
端面との間には、夫々所定の隙間が確保されており、ま
た押し板11とストッパボルト15の対向部は、前述の如く
球面としてあるから、押し板11は、前記隙間の範囲内で
の移動と、ストッパボルト15との当接部を支点とする揺
動とをなし得る。従って、サポートヨーク１，１は、押
し板11の前記移動を伴って夫々の装着孔10，10に沿って
同向きに摺動でき、また、押し板11の前記揺動を伴って
各別に摺動することもできる。なお、押し板４の揺動を
伴うサポートヨーク１，１…の摺動を阻害しないよう、
サポートヨーク１，１の端面への押し板11の当接面は球
面としてある。A pushing plate 11 for pushing the support yokes 1, 1.
Predetermined gaps are secured between the front end of the stopper bolt 15 and the outer end surface of the yoke housing C, and the facing portion of the pressing plate 11 and the stopper bolt 15 is spherical as described above. The push plate 11 can move within the range of the gap and swing about the contact portion with the stopper bolt 15 as a fulcrum. Therefore, the support yokes 1, 1 can slide in the same direction along the respective mounting holes 10, 10 with the movement of the push plate 11, and can also be slid separately with the swing of the push plate 11. You can move. Note that the sliding of the support yokes 1, 1, ...
The contact surface of the push plate 11 with the end surfaces of the support yokes 1, 1 is spherical.

【００２５】ラック軸３外周へのサポートヨーク１，１
の当接位置は、ピニオン20との噛合部の背面側であっ
て、周方向に異なる位置であればよいが、実際には、前
記噛合部の幅方向に均一な押し付け力を作用せしめるた
めに、図１に示す如く、噛合部と直交する線に対して線
対称をなす位置に夫々の押し付け位置を設定するのがよ
く、サポートヨーク１，１の軸心間の開き角度θ（図１
参照）を70°前後とすることにより好結果を得ている。Support yokes 1, 1 on the outer circumference of the rack shaft 3
The contact position of is on the back side of the meshing portion with the pinion 20 and may be a different position in the circumferential direction, but in reality, in order to exert a uniform pressing force in the width direction of the meshing portion. As shown in FIG. 1, it is preferable to set the pressing positions at positions that are line-symmetric with respect to a line orthogonal to the meshing portion, and the opening angle θ between the axes of the support yokes 1 and 1 (see FIG.
Good results have been obtained by setting (see) about 70 °.

【００２６】また図２に示す如く、サポートヨーク１，
１は、ギヤハウジングＡの軸心に沿って並設してあり、
ギヤハウジングＡに対して傾斜するラックハウジングＢ
内部のラック軸３に対し、軸長方向に離隔した位置に当
接するようにしてある。Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the support yoke 1,
1 is arranged in parallel along the axis of the gear housing A,
Rack housing B inclined with respect to gear housing A
The rack shaft 3 inside is abutted at a position separated in the axial direction.

【００２７】以上の如く構成された本発明装置において
は、舵取り動作中に導入される逆入力によりラック軸３
がピニオン20から離反する向きに押圧された場合、該ラ
ック軸３の背面側外周に押し付けられた一対のサポート
ヨーク１，１が夫々の装着孔10，10に沿って摺動し、押
圧方向の移動にに追随しつつラック軸３を摺動自在に支
持し、ピニオン20とラック歯30との適正な噛合状態を維
持する作用をなす。In the apparatus of the present invention constructed as described above, the rack shaft 3 is operated by the reverse input introduced during the steering operation.
Is pressed away from the pinion 20, the pair of support yokes 1, 1 pressed against the outer periphery of the back side of the rack shaft 3 slides along the respective mounting holes 10, 10, and The rack shaft 3 is slidably supported while following the movement and maintains an appropriate meshing state between the pinion 20 and the rack teeth 30.

【００２８】なお、このときラック軸３に作用する力
は、ラック歯30とピニオン20との噛合部に直交する方向
以外の分力を有するが、本発明装置においては、ラック
軸３の背面の相異なる位置に押し付けられた前記サポー
トヨーク１，１が各別に摺動することにより、前記作用
力の方向の如何に拘わらず確実な支持が可能となる。At this time, the force acting on the rack shaft 3 has a component force other than the direction orthogonal to the meshing portion of the rack teeth 30 and the pinion 20, but in the device of the present invention, the rear surface of the rack shaft 3 is The support yokes 1, 1 pressed at different positions slide separately, so that reliable support can be achieved regardless of the direction of the acting force.

【００２９】図３は、サポートヨーク１の挙動の説明図
である。サポートヨーク１を押圧する力Ｆは、ラック軸
３との当接位置に加わるが、図示の如くこの押圧力Ｆが
サポートヨーク１の軸心に沿わない場合、該サポートヨ
ーク１には、前記押圧力Ｆの周方向分力Ｆ1 により、ラ
ック軸３との当接位置回りの回転モーメントが作用す
る。従って前記サポートヨーク１は、前記押圧力Ｆの作
用時に、図示の如く、装着孔10に対して一定方向に定常
的に傾斜し、両者間の滑り抵抗を増して摺動することに
なり、サポートヨーク１と装着孔10との間の隙間を過度
に狭くすることなく、また両者間にＯリング等の弾性体
を介装することなく、ラック軸３を確実に支持でき、ピ
ニオン20とラック歯30との適正な噛合状態を維持でき
る。FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of the behavior of the support yoke 1. The force F that presses the support yoke 1 is applied to the contact position with the rack shaft 3. However, if the pressing force F does not follow the axis of the support yoke 1 as shown in the drawing, the support yoke 1 is pressed by the above-mentioned pressing force. Due to the circumferential component F 1 of the pressure F, a rotational moment about the contact position with the rack shaft 3 acts. Therefore, when the pressing force F is applied, the support yoke 1 constantly inclines in a fixed direction with respect to the mounting hole 10 as shown in the drawing, and slides with increased slip resistance between the two. The rack shaft 3 can be reliably supported without excessively narrowing the gap between the yoke 1 and the mounting hole 10 and without interposing an elastic body such as an O ring between them, and the pinion 20 and the rack teeth can be supported. The proper meshing condition with 30 can be maintained.

【００３０】また前記傾斜状態は、前記押圧力Ｆの緩和
と共に解除され、サポートヨーク１は装着孔10に沿って
抵抗なく摺動できるようになり、ラック軸３の移動に高
い応答性にて追随することができる。更に、ラック軸３
の周上の相異なる位置に一対のサポートヨーク１，１が
当接させてあることから、これらの少なくとも一方に
は、前記押圧力Ｆが夫々の軸心に沿わない力として作用
し、ラック軸３からの作用力の方向の如何に拘わらず前
述した効果が得られる。The tilted state is released when the pressing force F is alleviated, and the support yoke 1 can slide along the mounting hole 10 without resistance, and follows the movement of the rack shaft 3 with high responsiveness. can do. Furthermore, the rack shaft 3
Since the pair of support yokes 1 and 1 are brought into contact with each other at different positions on the circumference of the rack, the pressing force F acts on at least one of them as a force that does not follow the axis of the rack shaft. The above-mentioned effects can be obtained regardless of the direction of the acting force from 3.

【００３１】なお以上の如き本発明装置は、２つのサポ
ートヨーク１，１を備えているにも拘わらず、図２と図
５との比較により明らかな如く、従来装置と略同等のサ
イズ内にて構成でき、大型化による配設の困難さを招来
することもない。また本発明装置は、先端にアーチ形状
を有しない２つのサポートヨーク１，１によりラック軸
３を支える構成となっており、車種に応じて外径の異な
るラック軸３に対して共通のサポートヨーク１，１を適
用できるという利点も有する。Although the device of the present invention as described above is provided with the two support yokes 1 and 1, as is clear from the comparison between FIG. 2 and FIG. It can be configured as described above, and there is no difficulty in disposing due to an increase in size. Further, the device of the present invention is configured to support the rack shaft 3 by the two support yokes 1 and 1 having no arch-shaped tip, and the common support yoke is used for the rack shafts 3 having different outer diameters depending on the vehicle type. It also has the advantage that 1 and 1 can be applied.

【００３２】更に本実施例においては、ラック軸３の背
面側に当接する２つのサポートヨーク１，１を設けた
が、３つ以上のサポートヨーク１，１…を設けてもよい
ことは言うまでもない。Further, in the present embodiment, the two support yokes 1, 1 abutting on the back side of the rack shaft 3 are provided, but it goes without saying that three or more support yokes 1, 1 ... May be provided. .

【００３３】[0033]

【発明の効果】以上詳述した如く本発明装置において
は、ハウジングに穿設した各別の装着孔に軸長方向への
摺動自在に嵌装された複数の押圧部材により、ラック軸
をピニオンとの噛合部の背面側から押圧してピニオンに
押し付け、ラック軸からの逆入力により各押圧部材に両
者の当接点回りの回転モーメントを作用させたから、各
押圧部材は、通常時には夫々の装着孔に適度の隙間を有
して嵌合し、舵取りのためのラック軸の移動を阻害しな
い上、ラック軸からの逆入力が作用した場合には、前記
回転モーメントの作用方向に傾斜し、夫々の装着孔との
間の滑り抵抗が増した状態で摺動し、振動及びこれに伴
う異音を発生することなく、ラック軸とピニオンとの適
正な噛合状態を維持し得ると共に、精密な加工及び困難
な組み立て作業を必要とせず、実現が容易である等、本
発明は優れた効果を奏する。As described above in detail, in the device of the present invention, the rack shaft is pinioned by a plurality of pressing members slidably fitted in the respective mounting holes formed in the housing in the axial direction. From the back side of the meshing part with and pressing against the pinion, the rotational moment around the abutment point of the two is applied to each pressing member by the reverse input from the rack shaft, so that each pressing member normally has its own mounting hole. Fits with a proper gap to, does not impede the movement of the rack shaft for steering, and when a reverse input from the rack shaft acts, tilts in the acting direction of the rotation moment, It slides in a state where the sliding resistance between it and the mounting hole is increased, and it is possible to maintain an appropriate meshing state between the rack shaft and the pinion without generating vibration and abnormal noise accompanying this, and perform precise machining and Requires difficult assembly work Without, etc. realized is easy, the present invention provides excellent effects.

【図面の簡単な説明】[Brief description of drawings]

【図１】本発明装置の要部を示す縦断面図である。FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a main part of a device of the present invention.

【図２】図１のII−II線による矢視図である。FIG. 2 is a view taken along line II-II in FIG.

【図３】本発明装置におけるサポートヨークの挙動の説
明図である。FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of behavior of a support yoke in the device of the present invention.

【図４】従来のラックピニオン式舵取り装置の要部を示
す縦断面図である。FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a main part of a conventional rack and pinion type steering device.

【図５】図４のＶ−Ｖ線による矢視図である。5 is a view taken along the line VV of FIG.

【符号の説明】[Explanation of symbols]

１ サポートヨーク ２ ピニオン軸 ３ ラック軸 10 装着孔 11 押し板 13 押しばね 15 ストッパボルト 20 ピニオン 30 ラック歯 Ａ ギヤハウジング Ｂ ラックハウジング Ｃ ヨークハウジング Ｄ カバーハウジング 1 Support yoke 2 Pinion shaft 3 Rack shaft 10 Mounting hole 11 Push plate 13 Push spring 15 Stopper bolt 20 Pinion 30 Rack tooth A Gear housing B Rack housing C Yoke housing D Cover housing

Claims (1)

【特許請求の範囲】[Claims] 【請求項１】 互いに噛合するピニオンとラック軸とを
ハウジングの内部に備え、舵輪操作に連動する前記ピニ
オンの回動を前記ラック軸の軸長方向の移動に変換して
舵取りを行わせるようにしたラックピニオン式舵取り装
置において、前記ハウジングに穿設された各別の装着孔
に摺動自在に嵌装され、前記ピニオンとの噛合部の背面
側にて前記ラック軸の外周の相異なる周方向位置に夫々
の先端を臨ませてある複数の押圧部材と、これらの押圧
部材の基端を一括して付勢し、前記ラックを前記ピニオ
ンとの噛合部に押し付ける付勢手段とを具備することを
特徴とするラックピニオン式舵取り装置。1. A pinion and a rack shaft, which mesh with each other, are provided inside a housing, and the rotation of the pinion interlocked with the operation of a steering wheel is converted into a movement in the axial direction of the rack shaft for steering. In the rack and pinion type steering device described above, slidably fitted in the respective mounting holes formed in the housing, and different circumferential directions of the outer periphery of the rack shaft are provided on the back side of the meshing portion with the pinion. A plurality of pressing members whose front ends face the positions, and a biasing unit that collectively biases the base ends of these pressing members and presses the rack against the meshing portion with the pinion. Rack and pinion type steering device.
JP24589392A 1992-08-20 1992-08-20 Rack and pinion steering gear Pending JPH0664549A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP24589392A JPH0664549A (en) 1992-08-20 1992-08-20 Rack and pinion steering gear

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP24589392A JPH0664549A (en) 1992-08-20 1992-08-20 Rack and pinion steering gear

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
JPH0664549A true JPH0664549A (en) 1994-03-08

Family

ID=17140387

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
JP24589392A Pending JPH0664549A (en) 1992-08-20 1992-08-20 Rack and pinion steering gear

Country Status (1)

Country Link
JP (1) JPH0664549A (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR100308696B1 (en) * 1999-10-01 2001-09-26 이재구 A manufacturing process of pinion shaft for an auto steering mechanism
DE10344726A1 (en) * 2003-09-26 2005-05-04 Audi Ag Rack and pinion steering for motor vehicle, especially automobile, has rotary securing device between rack and guide body with two longitudinal guide elements on rack and two counter guide elements in guide body
JP2016147591A (en) * 2015-02-12 2016-08-18 株式会社ショーワ Rack shaft pressing mechanism

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR100308696B1 (en) * 1999-10-01 2001-09-26 이재구 A manufacturing process of pinion shaft for an auto steering mechanism
DE10344726A1 (en) * 2003-09-26 2005-05-04 Audi Ag Rack and pinion steering for motor vehicle, especially automobile, has rotary securing device between rack and guide body with two longitudinal guide elements on rack and two counter guide elements in guide body
JP2016147591A (en) * 2015-02-12 2016-08-18 株式会社ショーワ Rack shaft pressing mechanism

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