WO2020157861A1 - Steering device - Google Patents

Steering device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020157861A1
WO2020157861A1 PCT/JP2019/003176 JP2019003176W WO2020157861A1 WO 2020157861 A1 WO2020157861 A1 WO 2020157861A1 JP 2019003176 W JP2019003176 W JP 2019003176W WO 2020157861 A1 WO2020157861 A1 WO 2020157861A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
housing
cover
assist
steering device
ventilation member
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2019/003176
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
雄亮 濱口
Original Assignee
株式会社ショーワ
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 株式会社ショーワ filed Critical 株式会社ショーワ
Priority to JP2019505280A priority Critical patent/JP6592219B1/en
Priority to PCT/JP2019/003176 priority patent/WO2020157861A1/en
Publication of WO2020157861A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020157861A1/en

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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
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D5/00—Power-assisted or power-driven steering
    • B62D5/04—Power-assisted or power-driven steering electrical, e.g. using an electric servo-motor connected to, or forming part of, the steering gear

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a steering device.
  • a power steering device in which a breathing valve is attached to a through hole formed in a housing in order to adjust the pressure inside the housing.
  • a measurement work hole into which a device for measuring the tension of the belt is inserted is formed in a housing case that houses the belt transmission mechanism, and the power steering device is used for the measurement work.
  • a breathing valve having a retainer and a breathing valve body which is held by the retainer and is formed to be bidirectionally permeable to air is detachably attached to the hole.
  • the housing to which the ventilation member for ventilating between the inner space and the outer space of the housing is attached is metal, for example, around the O-ring provided between the ventilation member and the housing. Water may collect and rust may progress. Then, due to this rust, the sealing performance between the ventilation member and the housing is deteriorated, and water enters the housing through the gap between the O-ring and the housing or the gap between the O-ring and the ventilation member. May occur. It is an object of the present invention to provide a steering device that can prevent water from entering the inside of a housing due to adjusting the pressure inside the housing.
  • the present invention completed based on such an object includes a housing that covers a part of a rack shaft, a housing that is attached to the housing so as to cover an opening formed in the housing, and a through hole for ventilation.
  • a steering device comprising: a resin cover formed; and a ventilation member that is mounted in the through hole formed in the cover and performs ventilation between an internal space and an external space of the housing.
  • FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a II-II portion of FIG. 1, and is a sectional view of a transmission mechanism section.
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the III-III portion of FIG. 1 and a cross-sectional view of the assist portion. It is sectional drawing in the rotating shaft center of a worm. It is an enlarged view of the V section of FIG. (A) is the figure which looked at the assist cover which concerns on 2nd Embodiment in the axial center direction of a pinion shaft.
  • (B) is a sectional view of a VIb-VIb portion of (a). It is the figure which looked at the assist cover concerning a 3rd embodiment in the direction of an axis. It is sectional drawing of the assist cover which concerns on 4th Embodiment.
  • FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an electric power steering device 1 according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the II-II portion of FIG. 1, and is a sectional view of the transmission mechanism section 10.
  • FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the III-III portion of FIG.
  • FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the axis of rotation of the worm.
  • FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the V portion of FIG.
  • the electric power steering device (hereinafter also referred to as “steering device”) 1 is a steering device for arbitrarily changing the traveling direction of a vehicle, as shown in FIG.
  • the steering device 1 is a so-called double pinion type power steering device.
  • the steering device 1 includes a tie rod (not shown) connected to left and right wheels (not shown) as rolling wheels via knuckle arms (not shown), and a rack shaft 3 connected to the tie rod. ..
  • the steering device 1 also includes a transmission mechanism unit 10 that transmits a steering force from a steering wheel (not shown) provided in the vehicle to the rack shaft 3.
  • the steering device 1 also includes an electric motor 50, and an assist unit 20 that transmits the driving force of the electric motor 50 to the rack shaft 3 as a steering assist force to assist the movement of the rack shaft 3.
  • the steering device 1 also includes a housing 30 that covers a part of the outer peripheral surface of the rack shaft 3, supports the rack shaft 3 movably in the axial direction, and supports the electric motor 50.
  • the housing 30 includes a rack housing 31 as an example of a first housing that accommodates a part of the rack shaft 3, and a transmission housing 32 that covers the periphery of a torque sensor 14 described later. Further, the housing 30 is provided with an assist housing 33 as an example of a second housing, which has a supporting portion 330 that covers the periphery of the speed reducing portion 60 described later and that supports the electric motor 50.
  • the steering device 1 also includes a transmission cover 34 that covers the opening of the transmission housing 32 and an assist cover 100 that covers the opening of the assist housing 33.
  • the rack housing 31 has leg portions 311 fixed to a vehicle body (not shown) of the vehicle.
  • the leg portion 311 has a through hole through which a bolt (not shown) used when being fixed to the vehicle body (not shown) is inserted.
  • a surface of the leg portion 311 opposite to a direction in which an input shaft 12 to be described later protrudes serves as a mounting seat surface that is mounted on the vehicle body when being fixed to the vehicle body, and is a vertical direction of the vehicle body.
  • the lower side is fixed to the vehicle body so that the lower side is the lower side shown in FIG. 1 and the vertically upper side is the upper side shown in FIG. Further, dust boots 4 are attached to both ends of the rack housing 31 in the axial direction of the rack shaft 3.
  • the transmission housing 32 is fixed to the rack housing 31 with bolts (not shown), and the transmission cover 34 is fixed to the transmission housing 32 with bolts.
  • the assist housing 33 is fixed to the rack housing 31 with bolts (not shown), and the assist cover 100 is fixed to the assist housing 33 with bolts 102.
  • the transmission mechanism 10 includes a pinion shaft 11 having a rack 3a formed on the rack shaft 3 and a pinion 11a forming a rack and pinion, and a steering wheel (not shown).
  • the input shaft 12 receives the steering force.
  • the transmission mechanism unit 10 has a torsion bar 13 connected to the pinion shaft 11 and the input shaft 12, and a torque sensor 14 that detects a steering torque of the steering wheel based on a twist amount of the torsion bar 13.
  • the rack housing 31 and the transmission housing 32 each have a bearing 31a and a bearing 32a that rotatably support the pinion shaft 11.
  • the transmission cover 34 has a bearing 34a that rotatably supports the input shaft 12.
  • the transmission mechanism unit 10 has a rack guide 40 that presses the rack 3a of the rack shaft 3 against the pinion 11a of the pinion shaft 11 and slidably supports the rack shaft 3.
  • the assist section 20 has a pinion shaft 21 formed with a rack 3b formed on the rack shaft 3 and a pinion 21a forming a rack and pinion.
  • the assist unit 20 also includes an electric motor 50, a reduction unit 60 that reduces the rotation speed of the electric motor 50, and a shaft coupling 70 that transmits the rotational driving force of the electric motor 50 to the reduction unit 60.
  • the rack housing 31 and the assist housing 33 each have a bearing 31b and a bearing 33a that rotatably support the pinion shaft 21.
  • the assist section 20 has a rack guide 45 that presses the rack 3b of the rack shaft 3 against the pinion 21a of the pinion shaft 21 and that slidably supports the rack shaft 3. Further, the assist section 20 has a ventilation member 80 which is attached to the assist cover 100 and allows gas to flow between the outside (outside) of the housing 30 and the inside (inside) of the housing 30. ..
  • the speed reduction unit 60 includes a worm wheel 61 that constitutes a worm gear and a worm 62 that is a cylindrical worm that is a screw gear.
  • the worm wheel 61 is held by the pinion shaft 21.
  • the shaft coupling 70 includes a metal motor-side member 71 held by the output shaft 51 of the electric motor 50, a metal worm-side member 72 held by the worm 62 of the speed reducer 60, the motor-side member 71, and the worm.
  • An elastic member 73 made of rubber is provided between the side member 72 and the side member 72.
  • the electric motor 50 is a well-known brushless motor, and as shown in FIG. 4, accommodates the magnet 52 mounted on the output shaft 51, the iron core 53, the winding 54, the magnet 52, the iron core 53, and the winding 54. And a frame 55 that operates.
  • the electric motor 50 also has a bracket 56 that holds the frame 55 and is fastened to the support portion 330 of the assist housing 33.
  • the frame 55 and the bracket 56 each have a bearing 57 and a bearing 58 that rotatably support the output shaft 51.
  • the electric motor 50 is supported by the assist housing 33 by fastening the bracket 56 to the support portion 330 of the assist housing 33.
  • the ventilation member 80 has a ventilation film 81 that allows gas to flow between the internal space of the housing 30 and the external space of the housing 30. Further, the ventilation member 80 has a holding body 82 that holds the ventilation film 81 and is attached to an insertion hole 121 as an example of a through hole formed in the assist cover 100. Further, the ventilation member 80 has a film cover 83 that protects the ventilation film 81. Further, the ventilation member 80 has an O-ring 84 which is arranged between the holding body 82 and the assist cover 100 and seals a gap between the holding body 82 and the assist cover 100.
  • the holding body 82 has a cylindrical cylindrical portion 821.
  • the direction of the center line C of the cylindrical portion 821 may be referred to as the center line direction.
  • the lower side in FIG. 5 may be referred to as one side in the centerline direction
  • the upper side in FIG. 5 may be referred to as the other side in the centerline direction.
  • One side in the centerline direction is the inside of the housing 30 (assist housing 33), and the other side in the centerline direction is also the outside of the housing 30 (assist housing 33).
  • the holding body 82 has an inward portion 822 that extends from one end of the cylindrical portion 821 toward the centerline C side, and an insertion portion that protrudes from the inward portion 822 to one side and is inserted into the insertion hole 121 of the assist cover 100. And 823.
  • a communication hole 824 that communicates the inside and the outside of the housing 30 is formed in the central portion of the holding body 82 by penetrating the inward portion 822 and the insertion portion 823.
  • a concave portion 821a that is recessed inward from the outer peripheral surface is formed at the other end of the cylindrical portion 821.
  • the holder 82 holds the membrane cover 83 by fitting an inner protrusion 833, which will be described later, of the membrane cover 83 into the recess 821a.
  • a communication hole 821b that communicates the inside and the outside of the cylindrical portion 821 is formed at the other end of the cylindrical portion 821.
  • the inward portion 822 has a holding portion 822a that protrudes to the other side and holds the gas permeable membrane 81 at a portion on the cylindrical portion 821 side.
  • the insertion portion 823 has an outer protruding portion 823a that protrudes outward in the radial direction from the outer surface, at the tip portion that is the side (one side) where insertion is started in the insertion hole 121 of the assist cover 100.
  • the outer protruding portions 823a are provided at two locations at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.
  • a portion of the insertion portion 823 where the outer protruding portion 823a is not provided is formed with a recess 823b from the tip portion toward the other side.
  • the material of the holding body 82 can be exemplified to be a resin.
  • the method for molding the holding body 82 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include injection molding, compression molding, and cutting.
  • the membrane cover 83 includes a disc-shaped top portion 831, a cylindrical cylindrical portion 832 extending from the outermost peripheral portion of the top portion 831 to one side (the holding body 82 side), and one end portion of the cylindrical portion 832. It has an inner protrusion 833 that protrudes inward.
  • the outer diameter of the top portion 831 is larger than the outer diameter of the gas permeable membrane 81, and the top portion 831 covers the gas permeable membrane 81 at a position separated from the gas permeable membrane 81 by a predetermined distance.
  • the inner protruding portion 833 is fitted into the recess 821a formed in the cylindrical portion 821 of the holding body 82.
  • the membrane cover 83 covers the ventilation film 81, it is possible to prevent the ventilation film 81 from being damaged by an external force, and to prevent the ventilation from being obstructed by the accumulation of sand, mud or the like on the surface of the ventilation film 81.
  • the material of the film cover 83 can be exemplified to be resin.
  • the breathable film 81 is a disc-shaped film having breathability and a function of suppressing entry of moisture, mud, and the like from the outside.
  • the outer diameter of the ventilation film 81 is larger than the diameter of the communication hole 824 formed in the holding body 82, and is held by the holding portion 822a of the holding body 82 so as to cover the communication hole 824.
  • Examples of the holding method include welding the gas permeable membrane 81 to the holding portion 822a and bonding with an adhesive or a double-sided tape.
  • the material, structure, and form of the gas permeable membrane 81 are not particularly limited, but it is possible to exemplify that it is a Gore (registered trademark) membrane.
  • the assist cover 100 is a disk-shaped member made of resin, and is bolted to the assist housing 33 with a bolt 102 as an example of a fastening member, so that the opening of the assist housing 33 is opened.
  • the part 331 is covered.
  • the inside of the assist housing 33 may be referred to as “inside” and the outside of the assist housing 33 may be referred to as “outside”.
  • the assist cover 100 is ring-shaped, and has a contact portion 110 that comes into contact with the outer end surface of the assist housing 33, and an annular bottom portion 120 that is provided inside the contact portion 110.
  • two tightening holes 111 which are through holes through which bolts pass, are formed symmetrically with respect to the center of the contact part 110.
  • the center of the contact part 110 is also the center of the assist cover 100, and the center of the assist cover 100 is mounted so as to be the same as the axial center of the pinion shaft 21.
  • An insertion hole 121 into which the ventilation member 80 is inserted is formed in the bottom portion 120 at a central position. The diameter of the insertion hole 121 gradually decreases from the outside to the inside.
  • the assist cover 100 tightens the bolt 102 (pinion shaft 21) so as to connect the outer and center-side ends of the contact portion 110 and the bottom 120 to the outer and outer diameter side ends.
  • the assist cover 100 has a rib 140 having an angle larger than the inclination angle of the inclined surface 130 so as to connect the center side portion of the contact portion 110 and the outer surface (bottom surface) of the bottom portion 120.
  • a plurality of ribs 140 are provided around the insertion hole 121 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Two ribs 140 of the plurality of ribs 140 are respectively formed on a line connecting the center of the tightening hole 111 of the contact portion 110 and the center of the insertion hole 121 of the bottom portion 120.
  • the assist cover 100 has an outer peripheral surface 150 facing the inner peripheral surface 332 of the outer end of the assist housing 33, and a recess 160 recessed from the outer peripheral surface 150 toward the center.
  • An O-ring 170 that seals the gap between the assist cover 100 and the assist housing 33 is fitted into the recess 160.
  • the assist cover 100 Since the assist cover 100 has the above-described shape, the assist cover 100 is recessed from the outer surface (outermost surface) of the contact portion 110, which is the outermost surface in the tightening direction by the bolt, to the assist housing side (inner side). 180.
  • the bolt 102 that is passed through the tightening hole 111 formed in the contact portion 110. Then, it is fastened to the assist housing 33. Then, the insertion portion 823 provided in the holding body 82 of the ventilation member 80 is inserted into the insertion hole 121 formed in the bottom portion 120 from the outside. Then, after the insertion portion 823 of the ventilation member 80 is elastically deformed, the outer protruding portion 823a returns so as to be larger than the hole diameter of the insertion hole 121 at a position inside the inner surface of the bottom portion 120 of the assist cover 100. To do.
  • the insertion portion 823 of the ventilation member 80 has the outer protruding portion 823a as an example of the claw portion that is inserted into the insertion hole 121 formed in the bottom portion 120 while elastically deforming and is hooked on the inner surface of the bottom portion 120. Have. As a result, the ventilation member 80 is prevented from moving outward and falling off the assist cover 100.
  • the size of the portion of the ventilation member 80 protruding outward from the insertion hole 121 is set so that the ventilation member 80 can be accommodated in the recess 180 in the state where the ventilation member 80 is mounted on the assist cover 100. That is, the outer diameters of the holder 82 of the ventilation member 80 and the membrane cover 83 are smaller than the diameter of the end portion of the bottom portion 120 on the outer diameter side. Further, the distance L80 from the outer surface (bottom surface) of the bottom portion 120 to the outer surface of the membrane cover 83, which is the height of the outer surface of the membrane cover 83 of the ventilation member 80, is equal to the outer surface (bottom surface) of the bottom portion 120. ) To the outer surface (outermost surface) of the contact portion 110 is smaller than the distance L100.
  • the inside of the assist housing 33 is continuous with the inside of the rack housing 31 that accommodates a part of the rack shaft 3 and the inside of the transmission housing 32 that covers the periphery of the torque sensor 14.
  • the inside of the rack housing 31 is continuous with the inside of the dust boots 4 provided at both ends of the rack shaft 3.
  • the air inside the housing 30 may expand and the dust boot 4 may expand.
  • the inflated dust boot 4 can add resistance to the movement of the rack shaft 3.
  • the ventilation member 80 discharges the air inside the housing 30 to the outside through the communication hole 824, the ventilation film 81, and the communication hole 821b.
  • the inflated dust boot 4 is suppressed from exerting a resistance force on the rack shaft 3.
  • the pressure inside the housing 30 becomes larger than the pressure outside the housing 30 due to the expanded air, the air inside the housing 30 is released to the outside of the housing 30 via the ventilation member 80.
  • air is suppressed from being discharged from a gap between the rack housing 31 and the assist housing 33, a gap between the assist housing 33 and the assist cover 100, or the like.
  • the air inside the housing 30 contracts. Then, the pressure inside the housing 30 becomes negative with respect to the pressure outside the housing 30, and the air outside the housing 30 is drawn into the inside of the housing 30 via the ventilation member 80.
  • the ventilation film 81 of the ventilation member 80 prevents liquid and solid from entering the inside of the housing 30 from the outside of the housing 30 when the air outside the housing 30 is guided to the inside of the housing 30. Therefore, the ventilation member 80 suppresses entry of water, dust, and the like into the housing 30.
  • the ventilation member 80 As described above, according to the steering device 1, by providing the ventilation member 80 on the assist cover 100, the air inside the entire housing 30 is discharged to the outside or the outside air is sucked inside by the one ventilation member 80. It becomes possible. Then, according to the steering device 1, the ventilation member 80 that functions in this manner is attached to the assist cover 100 that covers the opening 331 formed in the assist housing 33 having the support portion 330 that supports the electric motor 50. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the pressure change in the internal space of the assist housing 33 in the vicinity of the electric motor 50 that generates heat and in which air that easily expands and contracts exists. Further, since the ventilation member 80 is accommodated in the recess 180 in a state where it is attached to the assist cover 100, scattered matter from the road surface side is unlikely to adhere to the ventilation member 80.
  • the material of the holder 82 of the ventilation member 80 and the film cover 83 is resin, and the material of the assist cover 100 is also resin. Therefore, even if water collects around the ventilation member 80, for example, in a gap between the holder 82 of the ventilation member 80 and the assist cover 100, rust does not progress.
  • the surface roughness of the insertion hole 121 of the bottom portion 120 of the assist cover 100 is adjusted by using the O-ring 84 to prevent water from entering the gap between the holder 82 of the ventilation member 80 and the assist cover 100. It can be formed into a sufficiently small size by injection molding using a resin.
  • the assist cover 100 can be injection-molded using a fixed die and a movable die that moves in the center line direction with respect to the fixed die, and the insertion hole 121 can be formed by the movable die. Therefore, according to the assist cover 100, for example, a member to which the ventilation member 80 is attached is molded by aluminum die casting, and the surface of the hole into which the ventilation member 80 is inserted has to be machined. It is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the cover 100.
  • FIG. 6A is a view of the assist cover 200 according to the second embodiment as viewed in the axial direction of the pinion shaft 21.
  • FIG. 6B is a sectional view of the VIb-VIb portion of FIG. 6A.
  • the assist cover 200 according to the second embodiment is different from the assist cover 100 according to the first embodiment in that an outer peripheral wall 290 is provided around the ventilation member 80.
  • an outer peripheral wall 290 is provided around the ventilation member 80.
  • the assist cover 200 has an outer peripheral wall 290 that protrudes outward from the bottom 120 and covers the outer periphery of the holding body 82 of the ventilation member 80 and the outer peripheral surface of the membrane cover 83.
  • the outer peripheral wall 290 is formed with a notch 291 that is recessed from the front end so that the height from the bottom 120 is lower than that of the other portion in the circumferential direction.
  • the portion where the cutout 291 is formed is the vertically lower side of the insertion hole 121 in which the ventilation member 80 is mounted.
  • the width (circumferential length) in the region where the notch 291 is formed can be exemplified as a dimension that does not allow the operator's finger to enter, for example, approximately 10 mm or less.
  • the height of the portion where the cutout 291 is formed from the bottom portion 120 may be zero.
  • the outer peripheral wall 290 is provided around the ventilation member 80, when the steering device 1 is mounted on the vehicle, the operator unintentionally attaches to the ventilation member 80. It is prevented that the ventilation member 80 is touched and that the ventilation member 80 is removed from the assist cover 200 due to an external force.
  • the outer peripheral wall 290 suppresses the ventilation member 80 from being detached. Further, the outer peripheral wall 290 suppresses water and mud, which are scattered materials, from reaching the communication holes 821b formed in the holding body 82 of the ventilation member 80.
  • the assist cover 200 even if water or mud reaches between the ventilation member 80 and the outer peripheral wall 290, the water is prevented by the notch 291 formed on the lower side in the vertical direction with respect to the ventilation member 80. The accumulation of mud and mud is suppressed. As a result, it is possible to prevent water or mud accumulated between the ventilation member 80 and the outer peripheral wall 290 from blocking the ventilation through the communication hole 821b formed in the ventilation member 80. Further, the assist cover 200 can be easily formed by injection molding using resin.
  • FIG. 7 is an axial view of the assist cover 300 according to the third embodiment.
  • the assist cover 300 according to the third embodiment is different from the assist cover 200 according to the second embodiment in the outer peripheral wall 390 corresponding to the outer peripheral wall 290.
  • differences from the assist cover 200 will be described.
  • parts having the same shape and function are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
  • a cutout 391 that is recessed from the tip end so that the height from the bottom 120 is lower than the other parts in the circumferential direction is provided with the ventilation member 80.
  • Two are formed symmetrically with respect to the center of the insertion hole 121 into which is mounted.
  • One notch 391 of the two notches 391 is on the vertically lower side of the insertion hole 121 similarly to the notch 291 in the assist cover 200 according to the second embodiment.
  • the other notch 391 of the two notches 391 is on the vertically upper side of the insertion hole 121.
  • the line connecting the centers of the fastening holes 111 of the two contact portions 110 and the line connecting the centers of the two notches 391 in the circumferential direction are orthogonal to each other when viewed in the axial direction. That is, in the assist cover 300 according to the third embodiment, whichever of the two tightening holes 111 formed in the contact portion 110 is matched with which of the two female screws formed in the assist housing 33. It can be tightened with the bolt 102. That is, the assist cover 300 has no directivity with respect to the assist housing 33. As a result, according to the assist cover 300 according to the third embodiment, in addition to the effect that the assist cover 200 according to the second embodiment has, the effect that the assist cover 300 can be easily assembled to the assist housing 33. Have.
  • FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the assist cover 400 according to the fourth embodiment.
  • the assist cover 400 according to the fourth embodiment is different from the assist cover 100 according to the first embodiment in a bottom portion 420 corresponding to the bottom portion 120.
  • portions having the same shape and function in the assist cover 400 and the assist cover 100 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
  • the bottom portion 420 of the assist cover 400 is formed such that the central portion is convex outward (the other side). That is, the bottom portion 420 has a ring-shaped outer diameter portion 421, which is a portion on the outer diameter side, and a ring-shaped peripheral portion 422 provided around the insertion hole 121. Further, the bottom portion 420 is provided so as to connect the outer diameter portion 421 and the peripheral portion 422, and the outer diameter portion 421 is positioned such that the center side portion is located outside (the other side) of the outer diameter side portion. There is an inclined portion 423 that is inclined with respect to the axial center direction of the pinion shaft 21 from the end portion on the center side to the end portion on the outer diameter side of the peripheral portion 422.
  • the assist cover 400 is fastened to the housing 30 with the bolts 102, and has the recess 180 that is recessed from the outermost surface in the fastening direction of the bolts 102 toward the housing 30 (inner side).
  • the concave portion 180 is formed so that the periphery of the through hole 121 is convex on the side (outside) opposite to the housing 30 side.
  • the assist cover 400 configured as described above, even when water or mud reaches the periphery of the ventilation member 80, the periphery of the ventilation member 80 is formed to be convex outward (the other side). Therefore, the accumulation of water or mud around the ventilation member 80 is suppressed. As a result, it is possible to prevent water or mud reaching the ventilation member 80 from blocking the ventilation through the communication hole 821b formed in the ventilation member 80.
  • the outer peripheral wall 290 of the assist cover 200 according to the second embodiment or the assist cover 300 according to the third embodiment is provided around the ventilation member 80.
  • the outer peripheral wall 390 may be included. Accordingly, when the steering device 1 is mounted on the vehicle, it is possible to prevent an operator from unintentionally touching the ventilation member 80, the ventilation member 80 receiving force from the outside, and falling off the assist cover 400. It will be possible. Further, it is possible to prevent water and mud, which are scattered materials, from reaching the communication holes 821b formed in the holder 82 of the ventilation member 80.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Power Steering Mechanism (AREA)

Abstract

A steering device 1 comprises: a housing 30 that covers the circumference of a portion of a rack shaft 3; a resin cover 100 that is attached to the housing 30 so as to cover an opening formed in the housing 30 and that has a through hole for ventilation formed therein; and a ventilation member 80 that is attached to the through hole formed in the cover 100 and that provides ventilation between the internal space and the external space of the housing 30.

Description

ステアリング装置Steering device
　本発明は、ステアリング装置に関する。 The present invention relates to a steering device.
　従来、ハウジング内部の圧力を調整するために、ハウジングに形成された貫通孔に呼吸弁を取り付けるパワーステアリング装置が提案されている。
　例えば、特許文献１に記載されたパワーステアリング装置は、ベルト伝達機構を収容する収容ケースに、ベルトの張力を測定するための機器を挿入する測定作業用孔を貫通形成すると共に、この測定作業用孔に、リテーナと、リテーナに保持されると共に、空気を双方向に透過可能に形成された呼吸弁体と、を有する呼吸弁を着脱自在に取り付けている。 Conventionally, there has been proposed a power steering device in which a breathing valve is attached to a through hole formed in a housing in order to adjust the pressure inside the housing.
For example, in the power steering apparatus described in Patent Document 1, a measurement work hole into which a device for measuring the tension of the belt is inserted is formed in a housing case that houses the belt transmission mechanism, and the power steering device is used for the measurement work. A breathing valve having a retainer and a breathing valve body which is held by the retainer and is formed to be bidirectionally permeable to air is detachably attached to the hole.
特開２０１６－１４１２７７号公報JP, 2016-141277, A
　パワーステアリング装置において、ハウジングの内部空間と外部空間との間の通気を行う通気部材が取り付けられるハウジングが金属である場合には、例えば通気部材とハウジングとの間に設けられたＯリングの周囲に水が溜まり、錆が進行するおそれがある。そして、この錆により、通気部材とハウジングとの間のシール性能が低下し、Ｏリングとハウジングとの間の隙間や、Ｏリングと通気部材との間の隙間から、ハウジングの内部に水が浸入するおそれがある。
　本発明は、ハウジングの内部の圧力を調整することに起因してハウジングの内部に水が浸入することを抑制できるステアリング装置を提供することを目的とする。 In the power steering device, when the housing to which the ventilation member for ventilating between the inner space and the outer space of the housing is attached is metal, for example, around the O-ring provided between the ventilation member and the housing. Water may collect and rust may progress. Then, due to this rust, the sealing performance between the ventilation member and the housing is deteriorated, and water enters the housing through the gap between the O-ring and the housing or the gap between the O-ring and the ventilation member. May occur.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a steering device that can prevent water from entering the inside of a housing due to adjusting the pressure inside the housing.
　かかる目的のもと完成させた本発明は、ラック軸の一部の周囲を覆うハウジングと、前記ハウジングに形成された開口部を覆うように前記ハウジングに装着されるとともに、通気用の貫通孔が形成された樹脂製のカバーと、前記カバーに形成された前記貫通孔に装着され、前記ハウジングの内部空間と外部空間との間の通気を行う通気部材と、を備えるステアリング装置である。 The present invention completed based on such an object includes a housing that covers a part of a rack shaft, a housing that is attached to the housing so as to cover an opening formed in the housing, and a through hole for ventilation. A steering device comprising: a resin cover formed; and a ventilation member that is mounted in the through hole formed in the cover and performs ventilation between an internal space and an external space of the housing.
　本発明によれば、ハウジングの内部の圧力を調整することに起因してハウジングの内部に水が浸入することを抑制できるステアリング装置を提供することができる。 According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a steering device that can prevent water from entering the inside of the housing due to adjusting the pressure inside the housing.
第１の実施形態に係る電動パワーステアリング装置の全体構成図である。It is the whole electric power steering device lineblock diagram concerning a 1st embodiment. 図１のII－II部の断面図であり、伝達機構部の断面図である。FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a II-II portion of FIG. 1, and is a sectional view of a transmission mechanism section. 図１のIII－III部の断面図であり、アシスト部の断面図である。FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the III-III portion of FIG. 1 and a cross-sectional view of the assist portion. ウォームの回転軸心における断面図である。It is sectional drawing in the rotating shaft center of a worm. 図３のＶ部の拡大図である。It is an enlarged view of the V section of FIG. （ａ）は、第２の実施形態に係るアシストカバーをピニオン軸の軸心方向に見た図である。（ｂ）は、（ａ）のVIb－VIb部の断面図である。(A) is the figure which looked at the assist cover which concerns on 2nd Embodiment in the axial center direction of a pinion shaft. (B) is a sectional view of a VIb-VIb portion of (a). 第３の実施形態に係るアシストカバーを軸方向に見た図である。It is the figure which looked at the assist cover concerning a 3rd embodiment in the direction of an axis. 第４の実施形態に係るアシストカバーの断面図である。It is sectional drawing of the assist cover which concerns on 4th Embodiment.
　以下、添付図面を参照して、本発明の実施の形態について詳細に説明する。
＜第１の実施形態＞
　図１は、第１の実施形態に係る電動パワーステアリング装置１の全体構成図である。
　図２は、図１のII－II部の断面図であり、伝達機構部１０の断面図である。
　図３は、図１のIII－III部の断面図であり、アシスト部２０の断面図である。
　図４は、ウォームの回転軸心における断面図である。
　図５は、図３のＶ部の拡大図である。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an electric power steering device 1 according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the II-II portion of FIG. 1, and is a sectional view of the transmission mechanism section 10.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the III-III portion of FIG.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the axis of rotation of the worm.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the V portion of FIG.
　第１の実施形態に係る電動パワーステアリング装置（以下、「ステアリング装置」と称する場合もある。）１は、図１に示すように、車両の進行方向を任意に変えるためのかじ取り装置である。ステアリング装置１は、いわゆるダブルピニオン型のパワーステアリング装置である。 The electric power steering device (hereinafter also referred to as “steering device”) 1 according to the first embodiment is a steering device for arbitrarily changing the traveling direction of a vehicle, as shown in FIG. The steering device 1 is a so-called double pinion type power steering device.
　ステアリング装置１は、転動輪としての左右の車輪（不図示）それぞれにナックルアーム（不図示）を介して連結されたタイロッド（不図示）と、タイロッドに連結されたラック軸３とを備えている。また、ステアリング装置１は、車両に設けられたステアリングホイール（不図示）からの操舵力をラック軸３に伝達する伝達機構部１０を備えている。また、ステアリング装置１は、電動モータ５０を有し、電動モータ５０の駆動力を操舵補助力としてラック軸３に伝達してラック軸３の移動をアシストするアシスト部２０を備えている。 The steering device 1 includes a tie rod (not shown) connected to left and right wheels (not shown) as rolling wheels via knuckle arms (not shown), and a rack shaft 3 connected to the tie rod. .. The steering device 1 also includes a transmission mechanism unit 10 that transmits a steering force from a steering wheel (not shown) provided in the vehicle to the rack shaft 3. The steering device 1 also includes an electric motor 50, and an assist unit 20 that transmits the driving force of the electric motor 50 to the rack shaft 3 as a steering assist force to assist the movement of the rack shaft 3.
　また、ステアリング装置１は、ラック軸３の外周面の一部の周囲を覆い、ラック軸３を軸方向に移動可能に支持するとともに、電動モータ５０を支持するハウジング３０を備えている。ハウジング３０は、ラック軸３の一部を収容する、第１ハウジングの一例としてのラックハウジング３１と、後述するトルクセンサ１４の周囲を覆う伝達ハウジング３２とを有している。また、ハウジング３０は、後述する減速部６０の周囲を覆うとともに、電動モータ５０を支持する支持部３３０を有する、第２ハウジングの一例としてのアシストハウジング３３を備えている。
　また、ステアリング装置１は、伝達ハウジング３２の開口部を覆う伝達カバー３４と、アシストハウジング３３の開口部を覆うアシストカバー１００とを有している。 The steering device 1 also includes a housing 30 that covers a part of the outer peripheral surface of the rack shaft 3, supports the rack shaft 3 movably in the axial direction, and supports the electric motor 50. The housing 30 includes a rack housing 31 as an example of a first housing that accommodates a part of the rack shaft 3, and a transmission housing 32 that covers the periphery of a torque sensor 14 described later. Further, the housing 30 is provided with an assist housing 33 as an example of a second housing, which has a supporting portion 330 that covers the periphery of the speed reducing portion 60 described later and that supports the electric motor 50.
The steering device 1 also includes a transmission cover 34 that covers the opening of the transmission housing 32 and an assist cover 100 that covers the opening of the assist housing 33.
　ラックハウジング３１は、車両の車両本体（不図示）等に固定される脚部３１１を有している。脚部３１１には、車両本体（不図示）に固定される際に用いられるボルト（不図示）を通す貫通孔が形成されている。ステアリング装置１は、脚部３１１における、後述する入力軸１２が突出する方向とは反対側の面が、車両本体に固定される際に車両本体に載せられる取付座面となり、車両本体の鉛直方向下方側が図１に示した下側、鉛直方向上方側が図１に示した上側となるように車両本体に固定される。また、ラックハウジング３１における、ラック軸３の軸方向の両端部それぞれには、ダストブーツ４が取り付けられている。伝達ハウジング３２は、ラックハウジング３１にボルト（不図示）によって固定され、伝達カバー３４は、伝達ハウジング３２にボルトによって固定されている。また、アシストハウジング３３は、ラックハウジング３１にボルト（不図示）によって固定され、アシストカバー１００は、アシストハウジング３３にボルト１０２によって固定されている。 The rack housing 31 has leg portions 311 fixed to a vehicle body (not shown) of the vehicle. The leg portion 311 has a through hole through which a bolt (not shown) used when being fixed to the vehicle body (not shown) is inserted. In the steering device 1, a surface of the leg portion 311 opposite to a direction in which an input shaft 12 to be described later protrudes serves as a mounting seat surface that is mounted on the vehicle body when being fixed to the vehicle body, and is a vertical direction of the vehicle body. The lower side is fixed to the vehicle body so that the lower side is the lower side shown in FIG. 1 and the vertically upper side is the upper side shown in FIG. Further, dust boots 4 are attached to both ends of the rack housing 31 in the axial direction of the rack shaft 3. The transmission housing 32 is fixed to the rack housing 31 with bolts (not shown), and the transmission cover 34 is fixed to the transmission housing 32 with bolts. The assist housing 33 is fixed to the rack housing 31 with bolts (not shown), and the assist cover 100 is fixed to the assist housing 33 with bolts 102.
　伝達機構部１０は、図２に示すように、ラック軸３に形成されたラック３ａとともにラック・アンド・ピニオンを構成するピニオン１１ａが形成されたピニオン軸１１と、ステアリングホイール（不図示）からの操舵力が入力される入力軸１２とを有している。また、伝達機構部１０は、ピニオン軸１１と入力軸１２とに連結されるトーションバー１３と、トーションバー１３の捩れ量に基づいてステアリングホイールの操舵トルクを検出するトルクセンサ１４とを有している。
　ラックハウジング３１及び伝達ハウジング３２は、それぞれ、ピニオン軸１１を回転可能に支持する、軸受３１ａ、軸受３２ａを有している。伝達カバー３４は、入力軸１２を回転可能に支持する軸受３４ａを有している。
　また、伝達機構部１０は、ラック軸３のラック３ａをピニオン軸１１のピニオン１１ａに押し付けるとともに、ラック軸３を摺動自在に支持するラックガイド４０を有している。 As shown in FIG. 2, the transmission mechanism 10 includes a pinion shaft 11 having a rack 3a formed on the rack shaft 3 and a pinion 11a forming a rack and pinion, and a steering wheel (not shown). The input shaft 12 receives the steering force. Further, the transmission mechanism unit 10 has a torsion bar 13 connected to the pinion shaft 11 and the input shaft 12, and a torque sensor 14 that detects a steering torque of the steering wheel based on a twist amount of the torsion bar 13. There is.
The rack housing 31 and the transmission housing 32 each have a bearing 31a and a bearing 32a that rotatably support the pinion shaft 11. The transmission cover 34 has a bearing 34a that rotatably supports the input shaft 12.
Further, the transmission mechanism unit 10 has a rack guide 40 that presses the rack 3a of the rack shaft 3 against the pinion 11a of the pinion shaft 11 and slidably supports the rack shaft 3.
　アシスト部２０は、図３、図４に示すように、ラック軸３に形成されたラック３ｂとともにラック・アンド・ピニオンを構成するピニオン２１ａが形成されたピニオン軸２１を有している。また、アシスト部２０は、電動モータ５０と、電動モータ５０の回転速度を減速する減速部６０と、電動モータ５０の回転駆動力を減速部６０に伝達する軸継手７０とを備えている。
　ラックハウジング３１及びアシストハウジング３３は、それぞれ、ピニオン軸２１を回転可能に支持する、軸受３１ｂ、軸受３３ａを有している。 As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the assist section 20 has a pinion shaft 21 formed with a rack 3b formed on the rack shaft 3 and a pinion 21a forming a rack and pinion. The assist unit 20 also includes an electric motor 50, a reduction unit 60 that reduces the rotation speed of the electric motor 50, and a shaft coupling 70 that transmits the rotational driving force of the electric motor 50 to the reduction unit 60.
The rack housing 31 and the assist housing 33 each have a bearing 31b and a bearing 33a that rotatably support the pinion shaft 21.
　また、アシスト部２０は、ラック軸３のラック３ｂをピニオン軸２１のピニオン２１ａに押し付けるとともに、ラック軸３を摺動自在に支持するラックガイド４５を有している。
　また、アシスト部２０は、アシストカバー１００に装着されて、気体がハウジング３０の外部（外側）とハウジング３０の内部（内側）との間で流通するのを許容する通気部材８０を有している。 Further, the assist section 20 has a rack guide 45 that presses the rack 3b of the rack shaft 3 against the pinion 21a of the pinion shaft 21 and that slidably supports the rack shaft 3.
Further, the assist section 20 has a ventilation member 80 which is attached to the assist cover 100 and allows gas to flow between the outside (outside) of the housing 30 and the inside (inside) of the housing 30. ..
　減速部６０は、ウォームギヤを構成する、ウォームホイール６１と、ねじ状の歯車である円筒ウォームであるウォーム６２とを備えている。ウォームホイール６１は、ピニオン軸２１に保持されている。
　軸継手７０は、電動モータ５０の出力軸５１に保持される金属製のモータ側部材７１と、減速部６０のウォーム６２に保持される金属製のウォーム側部材７２と、モータ側部材７１とウォーム側部材７２との間に介在するゴム製の弾性部材７３とを備えている。 The speed reduction unit 60 includes a worm wheel 61 that constitutes a worm gear and a worm 62 that is a cylindrical worm that is a screw gear. The worm wheel 61 is held by the pinion shaft 21.
The shaft coupling 70 includes a metal motor-side member 71 held by the output shaft 51 of the electric motor 50, a metal worm-side member 72 held by the worm 62 of the speed reducer 60, the motor-side member 71, and the worm. An elastic member 73 made of rubber is provided between the side member 72 and the side member 72.
　電動モータ５０は、周知のブラシレスモータであり、図４に示すように、出力軸５１に装着された磁石５２と、鉄心５３と、巻線５４と、磁石５２、鉄心５３及び巻線５４を収容するフレーム５５と、を有している。また、電動モータ５０は、フレーム５５を保持するとともにアシストハウジング３３の支持部３３０に締め付けられるブラケット５６を有している。フレーム５５及びブラケット５６は、それぞれ、出力軸５１を回転可能に支持する、軸受５７、軸受５８を有している。
　電動モータ５０は、ブラケット５６がアシストハウジング３３の支持部３３０に締め付けられることで、アシストハウジング３３に支持される。 The electric motor 50 is a well-known brushless motor, and as shown in FIG. 4, accommodates the magnet 52 mounted on the output shaft 51, the iron core 53, the winding 54, the magnet 52, the iron core 53, and the winding 54. And a frame 55 that operates. The electric motor 50 also has a bracket 56 that holds the frame 55 and is fastened to the support portion 330 of the assist housing 33. The frame 55 and the bracket 56 each have a bearing 57 and a bearing 58 that rotatably support the output shaft 51.
The electric motor 50 is supported by the assist housing 33 by fastening the bracket 56 to the support portion 330 of the assist housing 33.
（通気部材８０）
　通気部材８０は、図５に示すように、気体がハウジング３０の内部空間とハウジング３０の外部空間との間で流通するのを許容する通気膜８１を有している。また、通気部材８０は、通気膜８１を保持するとともに、アシストカバー１００に形成された貫通孔の一例としての挿入孔１２１に装着される保持体８２を有している。また、通気部材８０は、通気膜８１を保護する膜カバー８３を有している。また、通気部材８０は、保持体８２とアシストカバー１００との間に配置されて保持体８２とアシストカバー１００との間の隙間をシールするＯリング８４を有している。 (Ventilation member 80)
As shown in FIG. 5, the ventilation member 80 has a ventilation film 81 that allows gas to flow between the internal space of the housing 30 and the external space of the housing 30. Further, the ventilation member 80 has a holding body 82 that holds the ventilation film 81 and is attached to an insertion hole 121 as an example of a through hole formed in the assist cover 100. Further, the ventilation member 80 has a film cover 83 that protects the ventilation film 81. Further, the ventilation member 80 has an O-ring 84 which is arranged between the holding body 82 and the assist cover 100 and seals a gap between the holding body 82 and the assist cover 100.
　保持体８２は、円筒状の円筒状部８２１を有している。以下では、円筒状部８２１の中心線Ｃの方向を中心線方向と称する場合がある。また、図５における下側を、中心線方向の一方側、図５における上側を、中心線方向の他方側と称する場合がある。中心線方向の一方側はハウジング３０（アシストハウジング３３）の内側であり、中心線方向の他方側はハウジング３０（アシストハウジング３３）の外側でもある。 The holding body 82 has a cylindrical cylindrical portion 821. Hereinafter, the direction of the center line C of the cylindrical portion 821 may be referred to as the center line direction. Further, the lower side in FIG. 5 may be referred to as one side in the centerline direction, and the upper side in FIG. 5 may be referred to as the other side in the centerline direction. One side in the centerline direction is the inside of the housing 30 (assist housing 33), and the other side in the centerline direction is also the outside of the housing 30 (assist housing 33).
　保持体８２は、円筒状部８２１における一方側の端部から中心線Ｃ側に向かう内向部８２２と、内向部８２２から一方側に突出するとともにアシストカバー１００の挿入孔１２１に挿入される挿入部８２３とを有している。保持体８２の中央部には、内向部８２２及び挿入部８２３を貫通することにより、ハウジング３０の内側と外側とを連通する連通孔８２４が形成されている。 The holding body 82 has an inward portion 822 that extends from one end of the cylindrical portion 821 toward the centerline C side, and an insertion portion that protrudes from the inward portion 822 to one side and is inserted into the insertion hole 121 of the assist cover 100. And 823. A communication hole 824 that communicates the inside and the outside of the housing 30 is formed in the central portion of the holding body 82 by penetrating the inward portion 822 and the insertion portion 823.
　円筒状部８２１における他方側の端部には、外周面から内側に凹んだ凹部８２１ａが形成されている。凹部８２１ａに、膜カバー８３の後述する内側突出部８３３が嵌め込まれることで、保持体８２は膜カバー８３を保持する。また、円筒状部８２１における他方側の端部には、円筒状部８２１の内部と外部とを連通する連通孔８２１ｂが形成されている。
　内向部８２２は、円筒状部８２１側の部位に他方側に突出するとともに通気膜８１を保持する保持部８２２ａを有している。 A concave portion 821a that is recessed inward from the outer peripheral surface is formed at the other end of the cylindrical portion 821. The holder 82 holds the membrane cover 83 by fitting an inner protrusion 833, which will be described later, of the membrane cover 83 into the recess 821a. A communication hole 821b that communicates the inside and the outside of the cylindrical portion 821 is formed at the other end of the cylindrical portion 821.
The inward portion 822 has a holding portion 822a that protrudes to the other side and holds the gas permeable membrane 81 at a portion on the cylindrical portion 821 side.
　挿入部８２３は、アシストカバー１００の挿入孔１２１に挿入開始される側（一方側）である先端部に、外面から半径方向の外側に突出した外側突出部８２３ａを有している。外側突出部８２３ａは、周方向に等間隔に２箇所設けられている。また、挿入部８２３における外側突出部８２３ａが設けられていない部位は、先端部から他方側に向けて凹部８２３ｂが形成されている。
　保持体８２の材料は、樹脂であることを例示することができる。保持体８２の成形方法は、特に限定されるものではなく、例えば射出成形、圧縮成形または切削などを例示することができる。 The insertion portion 823 has an outer protruding portion 823a that protrudes outward in the radial direction from the outer surface, at the tip portion that is the side (one side) where insertion is started in the insertion hole 121 of the assist cover 100. The outer protruding portions 823a are provided at two locations at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. In addition, a portion of the insertion portion 823 where the outer protruding portion 823a is not provided is formed with a recess 823b from the tip portion toward the other side.
The material of the holding body 82 can be exemplified to be a resin. The method for molding the holding body 82 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include injection molding, compression molding, and cutting.
　膜カバー８３は、円盤状の頂部８３１と、頂部８３１における最外周部から一方側（保持体８２側）に延びた円筒状の円筒状部８３２と、円筒状部８３２における一方側の端部から内側に突出した内側突出部８３３とを有している。
　頂部８３１の外径は、通気膜８１の外径よりも大きく、頂部８３１は、通気膜８１と所定の間隔を隔てた位置にて通気膜８１を覆っている。
　内側突出部８３３が保持体８２の円筒状部８２１に形成された凹部８２１ａに嵌め込まれる。
　膜カバー８３が通気膜８１を覆うことで、外力によって通気膜８１が損傷することや、砂、泥などが通気膜８１の表面に蓄積することで通気が阻害されることなどが抑制される。
　膜カバー８３の材料は、樹脂であることを例示することができる。 The membrane cover 83 includes a disc-shaped top portion 831, a cylindrical cylindrical portion 832 extending from the outermost peripheral portion of the top portion 831 to one side (the holding body 82 side), and one end portion of the cylindrical portion 832. It has an inner protrusion 833 that protrudes inward.
The outer diameter of the top portion 831 is larger than the outer diameter of the gas permeable membrane 81, and the top portion 831 covers the gas permeable membrane 81 at a position separated from the gas permeable membrane 81 by a predetermined distance.
The inner protruding portion 833 is fitted into the recess 821a formed in the cylindrical portion 821 of the holding body 82.
Since the membrane cover 83 covers the ventilation film 81, it is possible to prevent the ventilation film 81 from being damaged by an external force, and to prevent the ventilation from being obstructed by the accumulation of sand, mud or the like on the surface of the ventilation film 81.
The material of the film cover 83 can be exemplified to be resin.
　通気膜８１は、通気性を備えつつ、外側から水分や泥等が進入することを抑制する機能を備える、円盤状の膜である。通気膜８１の外径は、保持体８２に形成された連通孔８２４の孔径よりも大きく、連通孔８２４を覆うように保持体８２の保持部８２２ａに保持されている。保持する手法としては、通気膜８１を保持部８２２ａに溶着することや、接着剤や両面テープにて接着することを例示することができる。
　通気膜８１の材料、構造、形態は、特に限定されないが、ゴア（登録商標）メンブレンであることを例示することができる。 The breathable film 81 is a disc-shaped film having breathability and a function of suppressing entry of moisture, mud, and the like from the outside. The outer diameter of the ventilation film 81 is larger than the diameter of the communication hole 824 formed in the holding body 82, and is held by the holding portion 822a of the holding body 82 so as to cover the communication hole 824. Examples of the holding method include welding the gas permeable membrane 81 to the holding portion 822a and bonding with an adhesive or a double-sided tape.
The material, structure, and form of the gas permeable membrane 81 are not particularly limited, but it is possible to exemplify that it is a Gore (registered trademark) membrane.
（アシストカバー１００）
　アシストカバー１００は、図５に示すように、樹脂にて成形された円盤状の部材であり、締付部材の一例としてのボルト１０２にてアシストハウジング３３に締め付けられることで、アシストハウジング３３の開口部３３１を覆う。以下では、アシストハウジング３３の内部側を「内側」、アシストハウジング３３の外部側を「外側」と称する場合がある。 (Assist cover 100)
As shown in FIG. 5, the assist cover 100 is a disk-shaped member made of resin, and is bolted to the assist housing 33 with a bolt 102 as an example of a fastening member, so that the opening of the assist housing 33 is opened. The part 331 is covered. Hereinafter, the inside of the assist housing 33 may be referred to as “inside” and the outside of the assist housing 33 may be referred to as “outside”.
　アシストカバー１００は、リング状であり、アシストハウジング３３における外側の端面に接触する接触部１１０と、接触部１１０よりも内側に設けられた円環状の底部１２０とを有している。
　接触部１１０には、ボルトを通す貫通孔である締付孔１１１が、接触部１１０の中心に対して対称に２つ形成されている。なお、接触部１１０の中心は、アシストカバー１００の中心でもあり、アシストカバー１００の中心は、ピニオン軸２１の軸心と同じになるように装着される。
　底部１２０には、中央位置に通気部材８０が挿入される挿入孔１２１が形成されている。挿入孔１２１は、外側から内側に行くに従って孔径が徐々に小さくなっている。 The assist cover 100 is ring-shaped, and has a contact portion 110 that comes into contact with the outer end surface of the assist housing 33, and an annular bottom portion 120 that is provided inside the contact portion 110.
In the contact part 110, two tightening holes 111, which are through holes through which bolts pass, are formed symmetrically with respect to the center of the contact part 110. The center of the contact part 110 is also the center of the assist cover 100, and the center of the assist cover 100 is mounted so as to be the same as the axial center of the pinion shaft 21.
An insertion hole 121 into which the ventilation member 80 is inserted is formed in the bottom portion 120 at a central position. The diameter of the insertion hole 121 gradually decreases from the outside to the inside.
　また、アシストカバー１００は、接触部１１０における、外側かつ中心側の端部と、底部１２０における、外側かつ外径側の端部とを接続するように、ボルト１０２の締付方向（ピニオン軸２１の軸心方向、中心線方向）に対して傾斜した傾斜面１３０を有している。また、アシストカバー１００は、接触部１１０における中心側の部位と、底部１２０における外側の面（底面）とを接続するように傾斜面１３０の傾斜角度よりも大きな角度を有するリブ１４０を有している。リブ１４０は、挿入孔１２１の周囲に、周方向に等間隔に複数（図１に示した例では８個）設けられている。複数のリブ１４０の内の２つのリブ１４０は、それぞれ、接触部１１０の締付孔１１１の中心と、底部１２０の挿入孔１２１の中心とを結ぶ線上に形成されている。 In addition, the assist cover 100 tightens the bolt 102 (pinion shaft 21) so as to connect the outer and center-side ends of the contact portion 110 and the bottom 120 to the outer and outer diameter side ends. Has an inclined surface 130 that is inclined with respect to the axial direction and the center line direction. Further, the assist cover 100 has a rib 140 having an angle larger than the inclination angle of the inclined surface 130 so as to connect the center side portion of the contact portion 110 and the outer surface (bottom surface) of the bottom portion 120. There is. A plurality of ribs 140 (eight in the example shown in FIG. 1) are provided around the insertion hole 121 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Two ribs 140 of the plurality of ribs 140 are respectively formed on a line connecting the center of the tightening hole 111 of the contact portion 110 and the center of the insertion hole 121 of the bottom portion 120.
　また、アシストカバー１００は、アシストハウジング３３における外側の端部の内周面３３２と対向する外周面１５０と、外周面１５０から中心側に凹んだ凹部１６０を有している。凹部１６０には、アシストカバー１００とアシストハウジング３３との間の隙間をシールするＯリング１７０が嵌め込まれている。 Further, the assist cover 100 has an outer peripheral surface 150 facing the inner peripheral surface 332 of the outer end of the assist housing 33, and a recess 160 recessed from the outer peripheral surface 150 toward the center. An O-ring 170 that seals the gap between the assist cover 100 and the assist housing 33 is fitted into the recess 160.
　アシストカバー１００が上述した形状であることにより、アシストカバー１００は、ボルトによる締付方向の最外面である接触部１１０における外側の面（最外面）から、アシストハウジング側（内側）に凹んだ凹部１８０を有する。 Since the assist cover 100 has the above-described shape, the assist cover 100 is recessed from the outer surface (outermost surface) of the contact portion 110, which is the outermost surface in the tightening direction by the bolt, to the assist housing side (inner side). 180.
　以上のように構成されたアシストカバー１００は、外周面１５０がアシストハウジング３３の内周面３３２の内側に嵌め込まれた状態で、接触部１１０に形成された締付孔１１１に通されたボルト１０２にて、アシストハウジング３３に締め付けられる。
　そして、底部１２０に形成された挿入孔１２１に、通気部材８０の保持体８２に設けられた挿入部８２３が外側から挿入される。そして、通気部材８０の挿入部８２３が弾性変形した後に、外側突出部８２３ａが、アシストカバー１００の底部１２０における内側の面よりも内側の位置にて挿入孔１２１の孔径よりも大きくなるように復帰する。つまり、通気部材８０の挿入部８２３は、底部１２０に形成された挿入孔１２１に弾性変形しながら挿入されるとともに底部１２０における内側の面に引掛けられる爪部の一例としての外側突出部８２３ａを有する。これにより、通気部材８０が、アシストカバー１００に対して外側に移動して脱落することが抑制される。 In the assist cover 100 configured as described above, with the outer peripheral surface 150 fitted inside the inner peripheral surface 332 of the assist housing 33, the bolt 102 that is passed through the tightening hole 111 formed in the contact portion 110. Then, it is fastened to the assist housing 33.
Then, the insertion portion 823 provided in the holding body 82 of the ventilation member 80 is inserted into the insertion hole 121 formed in the bottom portion 120 from the outside. Then, after the insertion portion 823 of the ventilation member 80 is elastically deformed, the outer protruding portion 823a returns so as to be larger than the hole diameter of the insertion hole 121 at a position inside the inner surface of the bottom portion 120 of the assist cover 100. To do. That is, the insertion portion 823 of the ventilation member 80 has the outer protruding portion 823a as an example of the claw portion that is inserted into the insertion hole 121 formed in the bottom portion 120 while elastically deforming and is hooked on the inner surface of the bottom portion 120. Have. As a result, the ventilation member 80 is prevented from moving outward and falling off the assist cover 100.
　そして、上述した通気部材８０おける挿入孔１２１から外側に突出した部分は、通気部材８０がアシストカバー１００に装着された状態で凹部１８０内に収まるように、その大きさが設定されている。すなわち、通気部材８０の保持体８２及び膜カバー８３の外径は、底部１２０における外径側の端部の径よりも小さい。また、通気部材８０の膜カバー８３における外側の面の高さである、底部１２０における外側の面（底面）から膜カバー８３における外側の面までの距離Ｌ８０は、底部１２０における外側の面（底面）から接触部１１０における外側の面（最外面）までの距離Ｌ１００よりも小さい。 The size of the portion of the ventilation member 80 protruding outward from the insertion hole 121 is set so that the ventilation member 80 can be accommodated in the recess 180 in the state where the ventilation member 80 is mounted on the assist cover 100. That is, the outer diameters of the holder 82 of the ventilation member 80 and the membrane cover 83 are smaller than the diameter of the end portion of the bottom portion 120 on the outer diameter side. Further, the distance L80 from the outer surface (bottom surface) of the bottom portion 120 to the outer surface of the membrane cover 83, which is the height of the outer surface of the membrane cover 83 of the ventilation member 80, is equal to the outer surface (bottom surface) of the bottom portion 120. ) To the outer surface (outermost surface) of the contact portion 110 is smaller than the distance L100.
（作用・機能）
　以上のように構成されたステアリング装置１においては、アシストカバー１００に通気部材８０が装着されていることにより、アシストハウジング３３の外側から内側へ水分、泥あるいは埃等の飛散物が進入することを抑制しながら、ハウジング３０の内側における温度変化に伴う圧力変化を抑制する。 (Action/function)
In the steering apparatus 1 configured as described above, since the ventilation member 80 is attached to the assist cover 100, it is possible to prevent scattered matter such as water, mud, or dust from entering the assist housing 33 from the outside to the inside. While suppressing, the pressure change inside the housing 30 due to the temperature change is suppressed.
　具体的には、アシストハウジング３３の内部は、ラック軸３の一部を収容するラックハウジング３１の内部、トルクセンサ１４の周囲を覆う伝達ハウジング３２の内部と連続している。また、ラックハウジング３１の内部は、ラック軸３の両端部に設けられたダストブーツ４の内部と連続している。
　ステアリング装置１が、例えば高地などの気圧が低くかつ高温という、低圧高温の環境で使用された場合、ハウジング３０およびダストブーツ４内の空気の体積が増加し、ダストブーツ４が膨らむおそれがある。また、ハウジング３０の内部が、電動モータ５０の巻線５４への通電や減速部６０の作動による摩擦等により発熱すると、ハウジング３０の内部の空気が膨張し、ダストブーツ４が膨らむおそれがある。そして、この膨らんだダストブーツ４は、ラック軸３の移動に抵抗力を加え得る。 Specifically, the inside of the assist housing 33 is continuous with the inside of the rack housing 31 that accommodates a part of the rack shaft 3 and the inside of the transmission housing 32 that covers the periphery of the torque sensor 14. The inside of the rack housing 31 is continuous with the inside of the dust boots 4 provided at both ends of the rack shaft 3.
When the steering device 1 is used in a low-pressure high-temperature environment where the atmospheric pressure is low and the temperature is high, such as in highlands, the volume of air in the housing 30 and the dust boot 4 increases, and the dust boot 4 may swell. Further, if the inside of the housing 30 generates heat due to friction or the like due to energization of the winding 54 of the electric motor 50 or the operation of the speed reduction unit 60, the air inside the housing 30 may expand and the dust boot 4 may expand. The inflated dust boot 4 can add resistance to the movement of the rack shaft 3.
　しかしながら、本実施形態に係るステアリング装置１によれば、通気部材８０が、ハウジング３０の内部の空気を、連通孔８２４、通気膜８１、連通孔８２１ｂを介して外部へと排出する。これにより、膨らんだダストブーツ４がラック軸３に抵抗力を加えることが抑制される。また、膨張した空気によってハウジング３０の内部の圧力がハウジング３０の外部の圧力に対して大きくなった場合、通気部材８０を介して、ハウジング３０の内部の空気がハウジング３０の外部へ放出されるので、例えば、ラックハウジング３１とアシストハウジング３３との間の隙間や、アシストハウジング３３とアシストカバー１００との間の隙間等から空気が放出されることが抑制される。 However, according to the steering device 1 according to the present embodiment, the ventilation member 80 discharges the air inside the housing 30 to the outside through the communication hole 824, the ventilation film 81, and the communication hole 821b. As a result, the inflated dust boot 4 is suppressed from exerting a resistance force on the rack shaft 3. Further, when the pressure inside the housing 30 becomes larger than the pressure outside the housing 30 due to the expanded air, the air inside the housing 30 is released to the outside of the housing 30 via the ventilation member 80. For example, air is suppressed from being discharged from a gap between the rack housing 31 and the assist housing 33, a gap between the assist housing 33 and the assist cover 100, or the like.
　一方、電動モータ５０の巻線５４への通電や減速部６０の作動が停止した場合には、ハウジング３０の内部の空気が収縮する。そして、ハウジング３０の内部の圧力がハウジング３０の外部の圧力に対して負圧となり、ハウジング３０の外部の空気が、通気部材８０を介して、ハウジング３０の内部へ引き込まれる。
　通気部材８０の通気膜８１は、ハウジング３０の外部の空気をハウジング３０の内部へ導く際、ハウジング３０の外部からハウジング３０の内部へ液体および固体が侵入することを阻止する。そのため、通気部材８０は、水や粉塵などがハウジング３０の内部へ侵入することを抑制する。 On the other hand, when the energization of the winding 54 of the electric motor 50 and the operation of the speed reduction unit 60 are stopped, the air inside the housing 30 contracts. Then, the pressure inside the housing 30 becomes negative with respect to the pressure outside the housing 30, and the air outside the housing 30 is drawn into the inside of the housing 30 via the ventilation member 80.
The ventilation film 81 of the ventilation member 80 prevents liquid and solid from entering the inside of the housing 30 from the outside of the housing 30 when the air outside the housing 30 is guided to the inside of the housing 30. Therefore, the ventilation member 80 suppresses entry of water, dust, and the like into the housing 30.
　このように、ステアリング装置１によれば、アシストカバー１００に通気部材８０を備えることにより、１つの通気部材８０でハウジング３０全体の内部の空気を外部に排出したり外部の空気を内部に吸引したりすることが可能となる。そして、ステアリング装置１によれば、このように機能する通気部材８０を、電動モータ５０を支持する支持部３３０を有するアシストハウジング３３に形成された開口部３３１を覆うアシストカバー１００に装着する。それゆえ、発熱する電動モータ５０の近くにあり、膨張したり収縮したりし易い空気が存在するアシストハウジング３３の内部空間の圧力変化を抑制することが可能となる。
　また、通気部材８０がアシストカバー１００に装着された状態で凹部１８０内に収まっているので、路面側からの飛散物が通気部材８０に付着し難い。 As described above, according to the steering device 1, by providing the ventilation member 80 on the assist cover 100, the air inside the entire housing 30 is discharged to the outside or the outside air is sucked inside by the one ventilation member 80. It becomes possible. Then, according to the steering device 1, the ventilation member 80 that functions in this manner is attached to the assist cover 100 that covers the opening 331 formed in the assist housing 33 having the support portion 330 that supports the electric motor 50. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the pressure change in the internal space of the assist housing 33 in the vicinity of the electric motor 50 that generates heat and in which air that easily expands and contracts exists.
Further, since the ventilation member 80 is accommodated in the recess 180 in a state where it is attached to the assist cover 100, scattered matter from the road surface side is unlikely to adhere to the ventilation member 80.
　また、通気部材８０の保持体８２及び膜カバー８３の材料は樹脂であるとともに、アシストカバー１００の材料も樹脂である。それゆえ、たとえ、通気部材８０の周囲、例えば、通気部材８０の保持体８２とアシストカバー１００との間の隙間に水が溜まったとしても、錆は進行しない。
　また、アシストカバー１００における底部１２０の挿入孔１２１の表面粗さを、Ｏリング８４を用いて通気部材８０の保持体８２とアシストカバー１００との間の隙間への水の浸入を防止するのに十分な小ささに、樹脂を用いた射出成形にて形成することが可能である。例えば、アシストカバー１００を、固定型と、この固定型に対して中心線方向に移動する可動型を用いて射出成形し、挿入孔１２１を可動型にて成形することが可能である。それゆえ、アシストカバー１００によれば、例えば、通気部材８０を装着する部材をアルミダイキャストにて成形し、通気部材８０を挿入する孔の表面を機械加工しなければならないのに比べると、アシストカバー１００の製造コストを削減することが可能になる。 The material of the holder 82 of the ventilation member 80 and the film cover 83 is resin, and the material of the assist cover 100 is also resin. Therefore, even if water collects around the ventilation member 80, for example, in a gap between the holder 82 of the ventilation member 80 and the assist cover 100, rust does not progress.
In addition, the surface roughness of the insertion hole 121 of the bottom portion 120 of the assist cover 100 is adjusted by using the O-ring 84 to prevent water from entering the gap between the holder 82 of the ventilation member 80 and the assist cover 100. It can be formed into a sufficiently small size by injection molding using a resin. For example, the assist cover 100 can be injection-molded using a fixed die and a movable die that moves in the center line direction with respect to the fixed die, and the insertion hole 121 can be formed by the movable die. Therefore, according to the assist cover 100, for example, a member to which the ventilation member 80 is attached is molded by aluminum die casting, and the surface of the hole into which the ventilation member 80 is inserted has to be machined. It is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the cover 100.
＜第２の実施形態＞
　図６（ａ）は、第２の実施形態に係るアシストカバー２００をピニオン軸２１の軸心方向に見た図である。図６（ｂ）は、図６（ａ）のVIb－VIb部の断面図である。
　第２の実施形態に係るアシストカバー２００は、第１の実施形態に係るアシストカバー１００に対して、通気部材８０の周囲に外周壁２９０を有する点が異なる。以下、アシストカバー１００と異なる点について説明する。アシストカバー２００とアシストカバー１００とで、同じ形状、機能を有する部位については同じ符号を付し、その詳細な説明は省略する。 <Second Embodiment>
FIG. 6A is a view of the assist cover 200 according to the second embodiment as viewed in the axial direction of the pinion shaft 21. FIG. 6B is a sectional view of the VIb-VIb portion of FIG. 6A.
The assist cover 200 according to the second embodiment is different from the assist cover 100 according to the first embodiment in that an outer peripheral wall 290 is provided around the ventilation member 80. Hereinafter, differences from the assist cover 100 will be described. Portions having the same shape and function in the assist cover 200 and the assist cover 100 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
　図６に示すように、第２の実施形態に係るアシストカバー２００は、底部１２０から外側に突出するとともに、通気部材８０の保持体８２及び膜カバー８３の外周面の周囲を覆う外周壁２９０を有している。外周壁２９０における底部１２０からの高さは、通気部材８０の膜カバー８３における外側の面までの高さと同一であることを例示することができる。そして、外周壁２９０には、周方向の他の部分よりも、底部１２０からの高さが低くなるように、先端部から凹んだ切り欠き２９１が形成されている。第２の実施形態に係るアシストカバー２００においては、切り欠き２９１が形成されている部位は、通気部材８０が装着される挿入孔１２１の鉛直方向下方側である。また、切り欠き２９１が形成されている部位における幅（周方向長さ）は、作業者の指が入らない程度の寸法、例えば約１０ｍｍ以下であることを例示することができる。なお、切り欠き２９１が形成されている部位の底部１２０からの高さは、０であっても良い。 As shown in FIG. 6, the assist cover 200 according to the second embodiment has an outer peripheral wall 290 that protrudes outward from the bottom 120 and covers the outer periphery of the holding body 82 of the ventilation member 80 and the outer peripheral surface of the membrane cover 83. Have It can be illustrated that the height of the outer peripheral wall 290 from the bottom portion 120 is the same as the height of the ventilation member 80 to the outer surface of the membrane cover 83. The outer peripheral wall 290 is formed with a notch 291 that is recessed from the front end so that the height from the bottom 120 is lower than that of the other portion in the circumferential direction. In the assist cover 200 according to the second embodiment, the portion where the cutout 291 is formed is the vertically lower side of the insertion hole 121 in which the ventilation member 80 is mounted. In addition, the width (circumferential length) in the region where the notch 291 is formed can be exemplified as a dimension that does not allow the operator's finger to enter, for example, approximately 10 mm or less. The height of the portion where the cutout 291 is formed from the bottom portion 120 may be zero.
　以上のように構成されたアシストカバー２００においては、通気部材８０の周囲に外周壁２９０が設けられているので、ステアリング装置１を車両に装着する際に、作業者が通気部材８０に意図せず触れることや、通気部材８０が外部からの力を受けてアシストカバー２００から脱落すること等を抑制する。特に、通気部材８０のように、挿入部８２３の外側突出部８２３ａが底部１２０における内側の面に引掛けられることにより装着している構成においては、例えば接着等により固定される構成と比較して通気部材８０が外れ易くなり得るが、この外周壁２９０により、通気部材８０が外れることが抑制される。
　また、外周壁２９０は、通気部材８０の保持体８２に形成された連通孔８２１ｂに飛散物である水や泥が到達することを抑制する。 In the assist cover 200 configured as described above, since the outer peripheral wall 290 is provided around the ventilation member 80, when the steering device 1 is mounted on the vehicle, the operator unintentionally attaches to the ventilation member 80. It is prevented that the ventilation member 80 is touched and that the ventilation member 80 is removed from the assist cover 200 due to an external force. In particular, in the configuration in which the outer protruding portion 823a of the insertion portion 823 is attached by being hooked on the inner surface of the bottom portion 120 as in the ventilation member 80, compared with the configuration in which the outer protruding portion 823a is fixed by, for example, adhesion or the like. Although the ventilation member 80 may be easily detached, the outer peripheral wall 290 suppresses the ventilation member 80 from being detached.
Further, the outer peripheral wall 290 suppresses water and mud, which are scattered materials, from reaching the communication holes 821b formed in the holding body 82 of the ventilation member 80.
　また、アシストカバー２００によれば、通気部材８０と外周壁２９０との間に、水や泥が到達したとしても、通気部材８０に対して鉛直方向下方側に形成された切り欠き２９１により、水や泥が溜まることが抑制される。その結果、通気部材８０と外周壁２９０との間に溜まった水や泥により、通気部材８０に形成された連通孔８２１ｂを介する通気が妨げられることが抑制される。
　また、アシストカバー２００によれば、樹脂を用いた射出成形にて容易に形成することが可能である。 Further, according to the assist cover 200, even if water or mud reaches between the ventilation member 80 and the outer peripheral wall 290, the water is prevented by the notch 291 formed on the lower side in the vertical direction with respect to the ventilation member 80. The accumulation of mud and mud is suppressed. As a result, it is possible to prevent water or mud accumulated between the ventilation member 80 and the outer peripheral wall 290 from blocking the ventilation through the communication hole 821b formed in the ventilation member 80.
Further, the assist cover 200 can be easily formed by injection molding using resin.
＜第３の実施形態＞
　図７は、第３の実施形態に係るアシストカバー３００を軸方向に見た図である。
　第３の実施形態に係るアシストカバー３００は、第２の実施形態に係るアシストカバー２００に対して、外周壁２９０に相当する外周壁３９０が異なる。以下、アシストカバー２００と異なる点について説明する。アシストカバー３００とアシストカバー２００とで、同じ形状、機能を有する部位については同じ符号を付し、その詳細な説明は省略する。 <Third Embodiment>
FIG. 7 is an axial view of the assist cover 300 according to the third embodiment.
The assist cover 300 according to the third embodiment is different from the assist cover 200 according to the second embodiment in the outer peripheral wall 390 corresponding to the outer peripheral wall 290. Hereinafter, differences from the assist cover 200 will be described. In the assist cover 300 and the assist cover 200, parts having the same shape and function are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
　第３の実施形態に係るアシストカバー３００の外周壁３９０には、周方向の他の部分よりも、底部１２０からの高さが低くなるように先端部から凹んだ切り欠き３９１が、通気部材８０が装着される挿入孔１２１の中心に対して対称に２つ形成されている。２つの切り欠き３９１の内の一の切り欠き３９１は、第２の実施形態に係るアシストカバー２００における切り欠き２９１と同様に挿入孔１２１の鉛直方向下方側である。そして、２つの切り欠き３９１の内の他の切り欠き３９１は、挿入孔１２１の鉛直方向上方側である。また、２つの接触部１１０の締付孔１１１の中心同士を結んだ線と、２つの切り欠き３９１における周方向の中心同士を結んだ線は、軸方向に見た場合に直交する。つまり、第３の実施形態に係るアシストカバー３００は、接触部１１０に形成された２つの締付孔１１１の内のどちらが、アシストハウジング３３に形成された２つの雌ネジのどちらに合わせられてもボルト１０２にて締め付け可能である。つまり、アシストカバー３００は、アシストハウジング３３に対して方向性を持たない。
　その結果、第３の実施形態に係るアシストカバー３００によれば、第２の実施形態に係るアシストカバー２００が有する効果に加えて、アシストカバー３００をアシストハウジング３３に容易に組み付けることができるという効果を有する。 In the outer peripheral wall 390 of the assist cover 300 according to the third embodiment, a cutout 391 that is recessed from the tip end so that the height from the bottom 120 is lower than the other parts in the circumferential direction is provided with the ventilation member 80. Two are formed symmetrically with respect to the center of the insertion hole 121 into which is mounted. One notch 391 of the two notches 391 is on the vertically lower side of the insertion hole 121 similarly to the notch 291 in the assist cover 200 according to the second embodiment. The other notch 391 of the two notches 391 is on the vertically upper side of the insertion hole 121. Further, the line connecting the centers of the fastening holes 111 of the two contact portions 110 and the line connecting the centers of the two notches 391 in the circumferential direction are orthogonal to each other when viewed in the axial direction. That is, in the assist cover 300 according to the third embodiment, whichever of the two tightening holes 111 formed in the contact portion 110 is matched with which of the two female screws formed in the assist housing 33. It can be tightened with the bolt 102. That is, the assist cover 300 has no directivity with respect to the assist housing 33.
As a result, according to the assist cover 300 according to the third embodiment, in addition to the effect that the assist cover 200 according to the second embodiment has, the effect that the assist cover 300 can be easily assembled to the assist housing 33. Have.
＜第４の実施形態＞
　図８は、第４の実施形態に係るアシストカバー４００の断面図である。
　第４の実施形態に係るアシストカバー４００は、第１の実施形態に係るアシストカバー１００に対して、底部１２０に相当する底部４２０が異なる。以下、アシストカバー１００と異なる点について説明する。アシストカバー４００とアシストカバー１００とで、同じ形状、機能を有する部位については同じ符号を付し、その詳細な説明は省略する。 <Fourth Embodiment>
FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the assist cover 400 according to the fourth embodiment.
The assist cover 400 according to the fourth embodiment is different from the assist cover 100 according to the first embodiment in a bottom portion 420 corresponding to the bottom portion 120. Hereinafter, differences from the assist cover 100 will be described. Portions having the same shape and function in the assist cover 400 and the assist cover 100 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
　図８に示すように、第４の実施形態に係るアシストカバー４００の底部４２０は、中央部が外側（他方側）に凸状となるように形成されている。つまり、底部４２０は、外径側の部位であるリング状の外径部４２１と、挿入孔１２１の周囲に設けられたリング状の周囲部４２２とを有している。また、底部４２０は、外径部４２１と周囲部４２２とを接続するように設けられ、中心側の部位が外径側の部位よりも外側（他方側）に位置するように、外径部４２１における中心側の端部から周囲部４２２における外径側の端部までピニオン軸２１の軸心方向に対して傾斜した傾斜部４２３を有している。 As shown in FIG. 8, the bottom portion 420 of the assist cover 400 according to the fourth embodiment is formed such that the central portion is convex outward (the other side). That is, the bottom portion 420 has a ring-shaped outer diameter portion 421, which is a portion on the outer diameter side, and a ring-shaped peripheral portion 422 provided around the insertion hole 121. Further, the bottom portion 420 is provided so as to connect the outer diameter portion 421 and the peripheral portion 422, and the outer diameter portion 421 is positioned such that the center side portion is located outside (the other side) of the outer diameter side portion. There is an inclined portion 423 that is inclined with respect to the axial center direction of the pinion shaft 21 from the end portion on the center side to the end portion on the outer diameter side of the peripheral portion 422.
　以上、説明したように、アシストカバー４００は、ハウジング３０に対してボルト１０２にて締め付けられるとともに、ボルト１０２による締付方向の最外面から、ハウジング３０側（内側）に凹んだ凹部１８０を有し、凹部１８０は、貫通孔１２１の周囲がハウジング３０側とは反対側（外側）に凸状となるように形成されている。このように構成されたアシストカバー４００によれば、通気部材８０の周囲に、水や泥が到達したとしても、通気部材８０の周囲が外側（他方側）に凸状となるように形成されているので、通気部材８０の周囲に水や泥が溜まることが抑制される。その結果、通気部材８０に到達した水や泥により、通気部材８０に形成された連通孔８２１ｂを介する通気が妨げられることが抑制される。 As described above, the assist cover 400 is fastened to the housing 30 with the bolts 102, and has the recess 180 that is recessed from the outermost surface in the fastening direction of the bolts 102 toward the housing 30 (inner side). The concave portion 180 is formed so that the periphery of the through hole 121 is convex on the side (outside) opposite to the housing 30 side. According to the assist cover 400 configured as described above, even when water or mud reaches the periphery of the ventilation member 80, the periphery of the ventilation member 80 is formed to be convex outward (the other side). Therefore, the accumulation of water or mud around the ventilation member 80 is suppressed. As a result, it is possible to prevent water or mud reaching the ventilation member 80 from blocking the ventilation through the communication hole 821b formed in the ventilation member 80.
　なお、第４の実施形態に係るアシストカバー４００は、通気部材８０の周囲に、第２の実施形態に係るアシストカバー２００が有する外周壁２９０、又は、第３の実施形態に係るアシストカバー３００が有する外周壁３９０を有していても良い。これにより、ステアリング装置１を車両に装着する際に、作業者が通気部材８０に意図せず触れることや、通気部材８０が外部からの力を受けてアシストカバー４００から脱落すること等を抑制することが可能になる。また、通気部材８０の保持体８２に形成された連通孔８２１ｂに飛散物である水や泥が到達することを抑制することが可能になる。 In addition, in the assist cover 400 according to the fourth embodiment, the outer peripheral wall 290 of the assist cover 200 according to the second embodiment or the assist cover 300 according to the third embodiment is provided around the ventilation member 80. The outer peripheral wall 390 may be included. Accordingly, when the steering device 1 is mounted on the vehicle, it is possible to prevent an operator from unintentionally touching the ventilation member 80, the ventilation member 80 receiving force from the outside, and falling off the assist cover 400. It will be possible. Further, it is possible to prevent water and mud, which are scattered materials, from reaching the communication holes 821b formed in the holder 82 of the ventilation member 80.
１…ステアリング装置、３…ラック軸、４…ダストブーツ、１０…伝達機構部、２０…アシスト部、３０…ハウジング、３１…ラックハウジング、３２…伝達ハウジング、３３…アシストハウジング、５０…電動モータ、８０…通気部材、１００，２００，３００，４００…アシストカバー DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Steering device, 3... Rack shaft, 4... Dust boot, 10... Transmission mechanism part, 20... Assist part, 30... Housing, 31... Rack housing, 32... Transmission housing, 33... Assist housing, 50... Electric motor, 80... Ventilation member, 100, 200, 300, 400... Assist cover

Claims (8)

  1. 　ラック軸の一部の周囲を覆うハウジングと、
    　前記ハウジングに形成された開口部を覆うように前記ハウジングに装着されるとともに、通気用の貫通孔が形成された樹脂製のカバーと、
    　前記カバーに形成された前記貫通孔に装着され、前記ハウジングの内部空間と外部空間との間の通気を行う通気部材と、
    を備えるステアリング装置。     A housing that covers a part of the rack shaft,
    A resin cover mounted on the housing so as to cover the opening formed in the housing, and having a through hole for ventilation formed therein,
    A ventilation member that is attached to the through hole formed in the cover and performs ventilation between the internal space and the external space of the housing,
    Steering device equipped with.
  2. 　前記カバーは、前記通気部材の外周に沿って設けられる外周壁を有する
    請求項１に記載のステアリング装置。     The steering device according to claim 1, wherein the cover has an outer peripheral wall provided along an outer periphery of the ventilation member.
  3. 　前記外周壁には、鉛直方向下方側に切り欠きが形成されている
    請求項２に記載のステアリング装置。     The steering device according to claim 2, wherein a cutout is formed on a lower side in the vertical direction of the outer peripheral wall.
  4. 　前記カバーは、前記ハウジングに対して締付部材にて締め付けられるとともに、前記締付部材による締付方向の最外面から、前記ハウジング側に凹んだ凹部を有し、
    　前記通気部材における前記貫通孔から突出した部分は、前記凹部内に収まっている
    請求項１から３のいずれか１項に記載のステアリング装置。     The cover is fastened to the housing with a fastening member, and has a recessed portion that is recessed from the outermost surface in the fastening direction of the fastening member toward the housing,
    The steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a portion of the ventilation member protruding from the through hole is contained in the recess.
  5. 　前記カバーは、前記ハウジングに対して締付部材にて締め付けられるとともに、前記締付部材による締付方向の最外面から、前記ハウジング側に凹んだ凹部を有し、前記凹部は、前記貫通孔の周囲が前記ハウジング側とは反対側に凸状となるように形成されている
    請求項１から３のいずれか１項に記載のステアリング装置。     The cover is fastened to the housing with a fastening member, and has a recessed portion that is recessed toward the housing from the outermost surface in the fastening direction by the fastening member, and the recessed portion has the recess of the through hole. The steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the periphery is formed so as to be convex on the side opposite to the housing side.
  6. 　前記カバーの前記凹部は、円環状の前記最外面よりも前記ハウジング側に設けられた底面と、前記最外面から前記底面側に行くに従って前記締付方向に対して傾斜した傾斜面とにより形成され、
    　前記カバーは、前記最外面と前記底面とを接続するように前記傾斜面の傾斜角度よりも大きな角度を有するリブをさらに有する
    請求項４又は５に記載のステアリング装置。     The concave portion of the cover is formed by a bottom surface provided on the housing side with respect to the annular outermost surface, and an inclined surface inclined with respect to the tightening direction from the outermost surface toward the bottom surface side. ,
    The steering device according to claim 4, wherein the cover further includes a rib having an angle larger than an inclination angle of the inclined surface so as to connect the outermost surface and the bottom surface.
  7. 　前記カバーの前記貫通孔は、前記底面における中央位置に形成され、前記リブは、前記貫通孔の周囲に等間隔に複数設けられている
    請求項６に記載のステアリング装置。     The steering device according to claim 6, wherein the through hole of the cover is formed at a central position on the bottom surface, and the ribs are provided in plural numbers at equal intervals around the through hole.
  8. 　前記ハウジングは、
    　前記ラック軸の一部の周囲を覆う第１ハウジングと、
    　電動モータを支持する支持部を有し、前記電動モータにて回転駆動されるとともに、前記ラック軸に形成されたラックと噛み合うピニオンが形成されたピニオン軸を収容する第２ハウジングと、
    を有し、
    　前記カバーは、前記第２ハウジングに形成された前記開口部を覆う
    請求項１から７のいずれか１項に記載のステアリング装置。     The housing is
    A first housing covering a part of the rack shaft,
    A second housing that has a support portion that supports the electric motor, is driven to rotate by the electric motor, and houses a pinion shaft having a pinion that meshes with a rack formed on the rack shaft;
    Have
    The steering device according to claim 1, wherein the cover covers the opening formed in the second housing.
PCT/JP2019/003176 2019-01-30 2019-01-30 Steering device WO2020157861A1 (en)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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JP7040686B1 (en) * 2021-08-31 2022-03-23 日本精工株式会社 Electric power steering device
WO2023032032A1 (en) * 2021-08-31 2023-03-09 日本精工株式会社 Electric power steering device

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