[go: up one dir, main page]
More Web Proxy on the site http://driver.im/

WO2013153585A1 - Electric power steering device - Google Patents

Electric power steering device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2013153585A1
WO2013153585A1 PCT/JP2012/006638 JP2012006638W WO2013153585A1 WO 2013153585 A1 WO2013153585 A1 WO 2013153585A1 JP 2012006638 W JP2012006638 W JP 2012006638W WO 2013153585 A1 WO2013153585 A1 WO 2013153585A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
housing member
bearing
electric power
sensor
power steering
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2012/006638
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
前田　篤志
山本　武士
Original Assignee
日本精工株式会社
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 日本精工株式会社 filed Critical 日本精工株式会社
Publication of WO2013153585A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013153585A1/en

Links

Images

Classifications

    • 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
    • B62D5/0409—Electric motor acting on the steering column
    • 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
    • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D1/00—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements
    • F16D1/02—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements for connecting two abutting shafts or the like
    • 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
    • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D1/00—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements
    • F16D1/02—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements for connecting two abutting shafts or the like
    • F16D1/027—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements for connecting two abutting shafts or the like non-disconnectable, e.g. involving gluing, welding or the like
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
    • G01L3/00—Measuring torque, work, mechanical power, or mechanical efficiency, in general
    • G01L3/02—Rotary-transmission dynamometers
    • G01L3/04—Rotary-transmission dynamometers wherein the torque-transmitting element comprises a torsionally-flexible shaft
    • G01L3/10—Rotary-transmission dynamometers wherein the torque-transmitting element comprises a torsionally-flexible shaft involving electric or magnetic means for indicating
    • G01L3/101—Rotary-transmission dynamometers wherein the torque-transmitting element comprises a torsionally-flexible shaft involving electric or magnetic means for indicating involving magnetic or electromagnetic means
    • G01L3/104—Rotary-transmission dynamometers wherein the torque-transmitting element comprises a torsionally-flexible shaft involving electric or magnetic means for indicating involving magnetic or electromagnetic means involving permanent magnets
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
    • G01L5/00—Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes
    • G01L5/22—Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring the force applied to control members, e.g. control members of vehicles, triggers
    • G01L5/221—Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring the force applied to control members, e.g. control members of vehicles, triggers to steering wheels, e.g. for power assisted steering
    • 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
    • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D1/00—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements
    • F16D1/06—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements for attachment of a member on a shaft or on a shaft-end
    • F16D1/08—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements for attachment of a member on a shaft or on a shaft-end with clamping hub; with hub and longitudinal key
    • F16D1/0852—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements for attachment of a member on a shaft or on a shaft-end with clamping hub; with hub and longitudinal key with radial clamping between the mating surfaces of the hub and shaft
    • F16D1/0858—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements for attachment of a member on a shaft or on a shaft-end with clamping hub; with hub and longitudinal key with radial clamping between the mating surfaces of the hub and shaft due to the elasticity of the hub (including shrink fits)
    • 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
    • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D1/00—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements
    • F16D1/06—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements for attachment of a member on a shaft or on a shaft-end
    • F16D1/08—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements for attachment of a member on a shaft or on a shaft-end with clamping hub; with hub and longitudinal key
    • F16D1/0894—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements for attachment of a member on a shaft or on a shaft-end with clamping hub; with hub and longitudinal key with other than axial keys, e.g. diametral pins, cotter pins and no other radial clamping

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an electric power steering apparatus (EPS: Electric Power Steering system).
  • EPS Electric Power Steering system
  • Patent Document 1 Conventionally, as an electric power steering device mounted on an automobile or the like, for example, the one described in Patent Document 1 is known.
  • a torsion bar that is elastically deformable in a torsional direction is provided in a part of a steering system of a vehicle, and is proportional to the steering torque between an input shaft and an output shaft that are connected via the torsion bar. Relative rotation is generated. Then, the steering torque is detected by measuring the relative rotation, and the steering assist torque corresponding to the detected steering torque is generated to reduce the burden on the driver.
  • an input shaft, an output shaft, and a steering assist mechanism that generates steering assist torque are included in a housing.
  • the housing is generally formed of a metal material such as aluminum.
  • the steering assist mechanism that generates the steering assist torque includes a torque sensor that detects the steering force input to the input shaft as the steering torque, and the steering assist torque is calculated from the detection value detected by the torque sensor.
  • the steering assist torque is applied to the output shaft from an electric motor connected to the output shaft via a worm and a worm wheel.
  • this conventional electric power steering apparatus has the following problems. That is, in the conventional electric power steering apparatus, all the plurality of housing members constituting the housing are formed of a metal material such as aluminum. For this reason, there existed a problem that the weight of housing itself was heavy. Moreover, since the housing is formed of a metal material, finishing by cutting is necessary after forming by die casting or plastic working. As a result, the manufacturing process was complicated.
  • the detection performance of the electromagnetic induction type sensor is affected by the metal disposed in the vicinity.
  • the bearing supporting housing member that supports the rolling bearing closest to the torque sensor is also formed of a metal material, the electromagnetic induction sensor and the rolling bearing are closest to the electromagnetic induction sensor. It was necessary to provide a space between the metal bearing supporting housing member that supports the rolling bearing so as not to affect the detection performance of the sensor. As a result, the layout around the torque sensor is limited. For this reason, there is a limit to the miniaturization of the input shaft and the output shaft in the axial direction, and it has been difficult to secure a predetermined collapse stroke in the steering column.
  • an object of the present invention is to provide a bearing support housing in which the housing supports at least one rolling bearing that rotatably supports the output shaft with respect to the housing.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide an electric power steering apparatus that can reduce the weight of the housing itself and that can be easily processed in an electric power steering apparatus that includes at least one member and includes a plurality of housing members.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide an electric power steering apparatus that can secure a degree of freedom in layout and a sufficient collapse stroke even when an electromagnetic induction type sensor is used as a torque sensor.
  • an electric power steering apparatus includes an input shaft, an output shaft connected to the input shaft via a torsion bar, and a steering force input to the input shaft.
  • a torque sensor that detects a steering torque as a steering torque
  • a housing containing the input shaft, an output shaft, and a tor sensor and at least one rolling bearing that rotatably supports the output shaft relative to the housing.
  • the bearing supporting housing that supports the at least one rolling bearing
  • the bearing supporting housing that supports the at least one rolling bearing The member is formed of a high-strength resin.
  • the bearing support housing that supports the rolling bearing that is closest to the torque sensor among the rolling bearings among the bearing supporting housing members that support the at least one rolling bearing.
  • the member is made of high-strength resin
  • the torque sensor is an electromagnetic induction type sensor.
  • the bearing supporting housing member that supports the rolling bearing located closest to the torque sensor among the rolling bearings is fitted and fixed to the inner peripheral surface of another housing member by press fitting. It is preferable that
  • the rolling bearing located closest to the torque sensor among the rolling bearings is supported by being fitted and fixed to the bearing supporting housing member that supports the rolling bearing by press fitting. It is preferable that In the electric power steering apparatus, the bearing supporting housing member that supports the rolling bearing located closest to the torque sensor among the rolling bearings may have a holding function for the torque sensor.
  • the bearing support housing member that supports at least one rolling bearing is formed of high-strength resin, so that the bearing support housing member is more than the case of forming the bearing support housing member from a metal material.
  • the bearing supporting housing member can be reduced in weight.
  • the housing includes at least one bearing supporting housing member that supports at least one rolling bearing that rotatably supports the output shaft with respect to the housing, and an electric power steering constituted by a plurality of housing members.
  • the weight of the housing itself can be reduced.
  • the bearing supporting housing member is formed of a high-strength resin, it becomes possible to process the bearing supporting housing member with high precision only by molding by injection molding or the like, and the processing of the bearing supporting housing member can be simplified. .
  • the bearing support housing that supports the rolling bearing that is closest to the torque sensor among the rolling bearings among the bearing supporting housing members that support the at least one rolling bearing When the member is formed of high-strength resin and the torque sensor is an electromagnetic induction type sensor, the detection performance of the electromagnetic induction type sensor is not affected by the bearing supporting housing member. For this reason, the electromagnetic induction type sensor and the bearing supporting housing member can be arranged close to each other. As a result, when the space volume in the housing is the same, the degree of freedom in layout can be improved as compared with the case where the bearing supporting housing member is formed of a metal material. In addition, since the electromagnetic induction sensor and the rolling bearing supported by the bearing supporting housing member can be arranged close to each other, the axial dimension of the output shaft can be reduced, and the collapse stroke of the steering column can be extended.
  • the electric power steering apparatus includes an input shaft 2, an output shaft 3, and a torque sensor 8 that detects a steering force input to the input shaft as a steering torque. Yes.
  • the input shaft 2 is rotatably supported with respect to the housing 1 by a rolling bearing (not shown).
  • the output shaft 3 is rotatably supported with respect to the housing 1 by two rolling bearings 5a and 5b.
  • the input shaft 2 and the output shaft 3 are respectively formed with cylindrical holes 2a and 3a concentric with the shaft center, and the torsion bar 4 is inserted into the cylindrical holes 2a and 3a. It is connected via a torsion bar 4.
  • One end portion of the torsion bar 4 and the input shaft 2 are provided with a communication hole 6 communicating in the radial direction at a fitting portion between the one end portion of the torsion bar 4 and the input shaft 2, and a pin 7 is inserted into the communication hole 6.
  • the other end portion of the torsion bar 4 and the output shaft 3 are provided with a communication hole (not shown) communicating in the radial direction at the fitting portion between the other end portion of the torsion bar 4 and the output shaft 3.
  • the holes are connected by inserting pins (not shown). It is to be noted that serrations are formed at both ends of the torsion bar 4 and press-fitted into the cylindrical hole 2a of the input shaft 2 or the cylindrical hole 3a of the output shaft 3, respectively, so that both ends of the torsion bar 4 are connected to the input shaft 2 or output. It may be connected to the shaft 3. Further, one end of the torsion bar 4 may be coupled to the input shaft 2 or the output shaft 3 by a pin, and the other end of the torsion bar 4 may be coupled to the output shaft 3 or the input shaft 2 by serration press-fitting.
  • a steering wheel is integrally attached to the right end (not shown) of the input shaft 2 in the rotational direction, and a known rack and pinion type steering device is connected to the left end of the output shaft 3 via a universal joint.
  • the pinion shaft which comprises is connected. Therefore, the steering force generated when the steering wheel steers the steering wheel is transmitted to the steered wheels via the input shaft 2, the torsion bar 4, the output shaft 3, the universal joint, and the rack and pinion type steering device.
  • the output shaft 3 is fitted with a worm wheel 9 that is coaxial with the output shaft 3 and rotates integrally therewith.
  • a resin engagement portion 9a provided on the worm wheel 9 and a worm 10a formed on the outer peripheral surface of an output shaft (not shown) of the electric motor 10 are engaged with each other. Accordingly, the rotational force of the electric motor 10 is transmitted to the output shaft 3 via the output shaft, the worm 10a and the worm wheel 9, and the output shaft can be switched by appropriately switching the rotation direction of the electric motor 10. 3, a steering assist torque in an arbitrary direction is applied.
  • This steering assist torque is calculated from a value detected by a torque sensor 8 that detects a steering force transmitted to the input shaft 2 via the steering wheel as a steering torque (and / or steering angle).
  • the torque sensor 8 is an electromagnetic induction type sensor, and includes a first sensor member 8a including a magnetic member such as a permanent magnet, and a second sensor member 8b including a member forming a magnetic circuit.
  • the first sensor member 8 a is fixed to the output shaft 3, while the second sensor member 8 b is fixed to the input shaft 2.
  • the steering torque (and / or steering angle) is detected by the relative angular displacement between the first sensor member 8a and the second sensor member 8b that occurs when the steering force is transmitted to the input shaft 2.
  • the steering assist mechanism for applying the steering assist torque includes such a torque sensor 8 and is included in the housing 1 together with the input shaft 2 and the output shaft 3.
  • the housing 1 includes an output side housing member 1a, a bearing supporting housing member 1c, and an input side housing member 1b.
  • the output-side housing member 1a includes the output shaft 3, the worm wheel 9, and the worm 10a, and supports the output shaft 3 through a rolling bearing 5a so as to be rotatable.
  • a motor mounting portion (not shown) for mounting the electric motor 10 is provided in the output side housing member 1a.
  • the output side housing member 1a is formed of a metal material such as aluminum.
  • the input side housing member 1b includes the input shaft 2 and the torque sensor 8.
  • the input side housing member 1b is also formed of a metal material such as aluminum.
  • the output-side housing member 1a and the input-side housing member 1b have the same outer peripheral surface shape at the coupling position, and are coupled to each other by a bolt or the like (not shown). Thereby, the inside of the housing 1 is sealed.
  • the bearing supporting housing member 1c supports the rolling bearing 5b located closest to the torque sensor 8 among the rolling bearings 5a and 5b, and the output shaft 3 can be rotated via the rolling bearing 5b. I support it.
  • On the outer periphery of the bearing supporting housing member 1c a large-diameter portion 11c that fits with the inner peripheral surface of the output-side housing member 1a and a small-diameter portion 12c that fits with the input-side housing member 1b are provided.
  • the bearing supporting housing member 1c is fitted and fixed by press-fitting the large-diameter portion 11c into the inner peripheral surface of the output-side housing member 1a.
  • step-difference part 11a is provided in the axial direction end surface with which the large diameter part 11c is fitted of the output side housing member 1a.
  • the large diameter portion 11c of the bearing supporting housing member 1c is sandwiched between the stepped portion 11a and the end surface of the input side housing member 1b, and its axial position is restricted.
  • a fitting portion 13c that fits on the outer peripheral surface of the rolling bearing 5b and a step surface 14c that contacts one side surface in the axial direction of the rolling bearing 5b are formed. ing.
  • the rolling bearing 5b is fitted and fixed to the bearing supporting housing member 1c by being press-fitted into the fitting portion 13c.
  • the bearing supporting housing member 1c is made of high-strength resin.
  • the high-strength resin include various engineering plastics, particularly polyamide resins and terephthalate resins.
  • As the high-strength resin it is preferable to use a terephthalate-based resin having a small water absorption rate and a better dimensional stability at the time of water absorption among engineering plastics.
  • the terephthalate resins polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, or a mixture thereof is more preferable.
  • a fiber reinforced resin to which a predetermined reinforcing agent or filler is added as the high strength resin.
  • the reinforcing agent include glass fiber and carbon fiber. Among these, glass fiber that does not relatively affect the detection performance of the electromagnetic induction sensor as the torque sensor 8 is preferable.
  • the bearing supporting housing member 1c By forming the bearing supporting housing member 1c from a high-strength resin as exemplified above, the bearing supporting housing member 1c can be made lighter than when the bearing supporting housing member 1c is formed from a metal material. As a result, in the electric power steering apparatus, the weight of the housing 1 itself can be reduced. Further, when the bearing supporting housing member 1c is formed of a metal material, finishing by cutting is necessary after forming by die casting, plastic working, etc., and the processing process becomes complicated. On the other hand, since the bearing supporting housing member 1c according to the present embodiment is formed of a high-strength resin, it can be processed with high accuracy only by molding by injection molding or the like.
  • the housing member 1c for supporting the rolling bearing 5b closest to the torque sensor 8 among the housing members 1a, 1c for supporting the rolling bearings 5a, 5b is replaced with a high-strength resin.
  • the torque sensor 8 is comprised with an electromagnetic induction type sensor.
  • the detection performance of the electromagnetic induction sensor is not affected by the bearing supporting housing member 1c.
  • the electromagnetic induction type sensor constituting the torque sensor 8 and the bearing supporting housing member 1c can be arranged close to each other.
  • the axial distance A between the bearing supporting housing member 1c and the electromagnetic induction sensor is defined as the detection performance of the electromagnetic induction sensor. It was necessary to set the distance so as not to affect.
  • the bearing supporting housing member 1c is formed of high-strength resin, the rolling bearing 5b and the electromagnetic induction sensor, which are the metal members closest to the electromagnetic induction sensor constituting the torque sensor 8, in the axial direction,
  • the axial distance B may be a distance that does not affect the detection performance of the electromagnetic induction sensor.
  • the space volume in the housing 1 is the same, the degree of freedom in layout can be improved as compared with the case where the bearing supporting housing member 1c is formed of a metal material.
  • the electromagnetic induction sensor and the rolling bearing 5b can be arranged close to each other by the difference between the distances A and B, so that the axial dimension of the output shaft 3 can be reduced. .
  • the collapse stroke of the steering column can be extended.
  • the bearing supporting housing member 1c is formed of high-strength resin, the bearing supporting housing member 1c and the electromagnetic induction sensor constituting the torque sensor 8 can be brought into contact with each other. That is, when the bearing supporting housing member 1c is formed of a metal material as in the prior art, the distance A between the bearing supporting housing member 1c and the electromagnetic induction sensor affects the detection performance of the electromagnetic induction sensor. It was necessary to make the distance not to give. Therefore, it is necessary to use a non-metallic member, mainly a resin member, between the sensor body and the bearing supporting housing member 1c (metal) in order to hold the sensor detection unit itself, and as a result, the layout around the sensor is limited. It had been.
  • the bearing supporting housing member 1c is formed of a high-strength resin, the bearing supporting housing member 1c directly holds the sensor itself or the non-metallic member is reduced. As a result, the degree of freedom of layout around the sensor can be secured.
  • the electromagnetic induction type sensor is provided with a convex portion, and the bearing supporting housing member 1c is engaged with the convex portion. You may provide the recessed part to do. By engaging the convex portion and the concave portion, the electromagnetic induction sensor can be prevented from rotating.
  • FIG. 2 a second embodiment of the electric power steering apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 2, members that are the same as those shown in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof may be omitted.
  • the cylindrical holes 2a, 3a concentric with the shaft center are formed on the input shaft 2 and the output shaft 3, respectively, as in the electric power steering apparatus shown in FIG. Is formed.
  • the torsion bar 4 is inserted into the cylindrical holes 2 a and 3 a, and the input shaft 2 and the output shaft 3 are connected via the torsion bar 4.
  • communication holes 4 a (the output shaft side is not shown) extending in the radial direction are formed.
  • a communication hole having the same diameter as the communication hole 4a extends in the radial direction also on the input shaft 2, and a communication hole having the same diameter as the communication hole 4a extends in the radial direction also on the output shaft 3.
  • a connecting pin (not shown) is inserted into the communicating hole 4a at one end of the torsion bar 4 and the communicating hole of the input shaft 2 that correspond to each other, and the communicating hole at the other end of the torsion bar 4 that corresponds to each other
  • a connecting pin (not shown) is inserted into the communication hole of the output shaft 3.
  • serrations are formed at both ends of the torsion bar 4 and press-fitted into the cylindrical hole 2a of the input shaft 2 or the cylindrical hole 3a of the output shaft 3, respectively, so that both ends of the torsion bar 4 are connected to the input shaft 2 or output. It may be connected to the shaft 3. Further, one end of the torsion bar 4 may be coupled to the input shaft 2 or the output shaft 3 by a pin, and the other end of the torsion bar 4 may be coupled to the output shaft 3 or the input shaft 2 by serration press-fitting.
  • a steering wheel is integrally attached to the right end (not shown) of the input shaft 2 in the rotational direction.
  • the pinion shaft which comprises the well-known rack and pinion type steering device, for example is connected with the left end of the output shaft 3 via the universal joint. Therefore, the steering force generated when the steering wheel steers the steering wheel is transmitted to the steered wheels via the input shaft 2, the torsion bar 4, the output shaft 3, the universal joint, and the rack and pinion type steering device.
  • a worm wheel 9 that is coaxial with the output shaft 3 and rotates integrally with the output shaft 3 is externally fitted.
  • a resin meshing portion 9 a provided on the worm wheel 9 meshes with a worm 10 a formed on the outer peripheral surface of the output shaft of the electric motor 10. Therefore, the rotational force of the electric motor is transmitted to the output shaft 3 via the output shaft of the electric motor 10, the worm and the worm wheel 9.
  • a steering assist torque in an arbitrary direction is applied to the output shaft 3.
  • This steering assist torque is calculated from a value detected by a torque sensor 8 that detects a steering force transmitted to the input shaft 2 via the steering wheel as a steering torque (and / or steering angle).
  • the torque sensor 8 is an electromagnetic induction type sensor, and includes a first sensor member 8a including a magnetic member such as a permanent magnet, and a second sensor member 8b including a member forming a magnetic circuit.
  • the first sensor member 8 a is fixed to the output shaft 3, while the second sensor member 8 b is fixed to the input shaft 2.
  • the steering torque (and / or steering angle) is detected by the relative angular displacement between the first sensor member 8a and the second sensor member 8b that occurs when the steering force is transmitted to the input shaft 2.
  • the steering assist mechanism for applying the steering assist torque includes the torque sensor 8 and is included in the housing 1 together with the input shaft 2 and the output shaft 3 as in the electric power steering apparatus of the first embodiment shown in FIG. .
  • the housing 1 includes an output side housing member 1a, a bearing supporting housing member 1c, and an input side housing member 1b.
  • the output-side housing member 1a includes the output shaft 3, the worm wheel 9, and the worm 10a as well as the electric power steering device of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and the output shaft 3 includes the rolling bearing 5a. It is supported so that it can rotate through.
  • the output side housing member 1a is formed of a metal material such as aluminum.
  • the input-side housing member 1b includes the input shaft 2 and a torque sensor, similarly to the electric power steering device of the first embodiment shown in FIG.
  • the input side housing member 1b is also formed of a metal material such as aluminum.
  • the bearing supporting housing member 1c is a rolling member located at a position closest to the torque sensor 8 among the rolling bearings 5a and 5b for supporting the output shaft 3 as in the electric power steering apparatus of the first embodiment shown in FIG.
  • the bearing 5b is supported, and the output shaft 3 is rotatably supported via the rolling bearing 5b.
  • the coupling structure of the output side housing member 1a, the input side housing member 1b, and the bearing supporting housing member 1c is the output side housing member 1a, the input side housing member 1b, and the like in the electric power steering apparatus of the first embodiment shown in FIG. And it is the same as the coupling structure of the housing member 1c for bearing support.
  • the bearing support housing member 1c is formed of a high-strength resin, similar to the bearing support housing member 1c in the electric power steering apparatus of the first embodiment shown in FIG. This high-strength resin is preferably the same as the high-strength resin used for the bearing supporting housing member 1c in the electric power steering apparatus of the first embodiment shown in FIG.
  • the input shaft 2 has a two-part structure unlike the electric power steering apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. That is, the input shaft 2 includes a torsion bar fitting portion 20a having a cylindrical hole 2a to be fitted to the torsion bar 4 (a common portion depending on the type of vehicle on which the electric power steering apparatus is mounted) and a connecting portion 20b ( It has a separate structure from a dedicated part that is not common.
  • the second sensor member 8b of the torque sensor 8 described above is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the torsion bar fitting portion 20a.
  • the torsion bar fitting portion 20a includes a large-diameter hole portion 21a that communicates with the cylindrical hole 2a and opens to the steering wheel side.
  • the large-diameter hole portion 21a includes, in the axial direction, a female serration portion 22a having a female serration on the inner peripheral surface, and a thin-wall portion 23a having a reduced outer diameter and a reduced thickness in order from the left side in FIG. I have.
  • the connecting portion 20b is a columnar member.
  • the connecting portion 20b includes a male serration portion 21b, a reduced diameter portion 22b, and a cylindrical portion 23b in order from the left side of FIG. 2 in the axial direction.
  • the male serration portion 21b has substantially the same shape as the female serration portion 22a.
  • the reduced diameter portion 22b has an outer diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the bottom of the serration groove of the male serration portion 21b.
  • the cylindrical portion 23b has an outer diameter slightly larger than the reduced diameter portion 22b in FIG. 2, but may have the same diameter as the reduced diameter portion 22b or a smaller diameter than the reduced diameter portion 22b.
  • the torsion bar fitting part 20a and the connecting part 20b are coupled by pressing the male serration part 21b into the female serration part 22a. Thereby, torque transmission without backlash becomes possible. As a result, since it is not necessary to bite one into the other, it is not necessary to heat-treat the female serration portion 22a and the male serration portion 21b. As a back-up of serration press-fitting between the torsion bar fitting part 20a and the connecting part 20b, the thin-walled part 23a is caulked inward in the radial direction after the two are joined, and is brought into contact with the reduced diameter part 22b.
  • the input shaft 2 is long as in the case of an integral structure. There is no need to drill a hole in a long rod-like member, the machining of the cylindrical hole 2a is simplified, and the machining accuracy is improved.
  • the restriction on the shape of the die due to die cutting is reduced as compared with the case where a long rod-like member is formed by forging. For this reason, the outer periphery shape of the torsion bar fitting part 20a can be shape
  • the input shaft 2 can be divided into structures without increasing the number of steps.
  • the bearing supporting housing member 1c is made of high-strength resin.
  • the weight can be reduced as compared with the case where the bearing supporting housing member 1c is formed of a metal material.
  • the weight of the housing itself can be reduced.
  • the bearing supporting housing member 1c is formed of a high-strength resin, it can be processed with high accuracy only by molding such as injection molding. For this reason, finishing by cutting after the molding of the bearing supporting housing member 1c can be made unnecessary. That is, the processing of the bearing supporting housing member 1c can be simplified.
  • the processing steps can be reduced and the yield can be improved, so that the processing cost can be reduced.
  • the bearing supporting housing member 1c is formed of a metal material, finishing by cutting is necessary after molding by die casting, plastic working, or the like, and the processing process becomes complicated.
  • the bearing supporting housing member 1c that supports the rolling bearing 5b that is closest to the torque sensor 8 is formed of high-strength resin.
  • a torque sensor is comprised with an electromagnetic induction type sensor.
  • the detection performance of the electromagnetic induction sensor is not affected by the bearing supporting housing member 1c.
  • the electromagnetic induction type sensor constituting the torque sensor 8 and the bearing supporting housing member 1c can be arranged close to each other. That is, when the bearing supporting housing member 1c is formed of a metal material as in the prior art, the axial distance A between the bearing supporting housing member 1c and the electromagnetic induction sensor is defined as the detection performance of the electromagnetic induction sensor. It was necessary to set the distance so as not to affect.
  • the axial distance B may be a distance that does not affect the detection performance of the electromagnetic induction sensor.
  • the space volume in the housing 1 is the same, the degree of freedom in layout can be improved as compared with the case where the bearing supporting housing member 1c is formed of a metal material.
  • the electromagnetic induction type sensor and the rolling bearing 5b can be arranged close to each other, so that the axial dimension of the output shaft 3 can be reduced. As a result, the collapse stroke of the steering column can be extended.
  • the bearing supporting housing member 1c that supports the rolling bearing 5b that is closest to the torque sensor 8 among the rolling bearings 5a and 5b is provided among the housing members 1a and 1c that support at least one rolling bearing 5a and 5b.
  • the output side housing member 1a that supports the rolling bearing 5a is formed of high strength resin, or only the output side housing member 1a is formed of high strength resin. May be.
  • the torque sensor 8 is not necessarily configured by an electromagnetic induction type sensor.
  • the torque sensor 8 when the torque sensor 8 is configured by an electromagnetic induction type sensor, the bearing that supports the rolling bearing 5b located closest to the torque sensor 8 is supported.
  • the supporting housing member 1c needs to be formed of high-strength resin.
  • the torque sensor 8 when the torque sensor 8 is not composed of an electromagnetic induction type sensor, only the output side housing member 1a, only the bearing supporting housing member 1c, or the housing among the housing members 1a and 1c that support the rolling bearings 5a and 5b. Both members 1a and 1c may be formed of high-strength resin.
  • the bearing supporting housing member 1c that supports the rolling bearing 5b located closest to the torque sensor 8 among the rolling bearings 5a and 5b is press-fitted into the inner peripheral surface of the other housing member (output-side housing member 1a). It is preferable that the fitting is fixed. Further, the rolling bearing 5b located closest to the torque sensor 8 among the rolling bearings 5a and 5b is not supported by being fitted and fixed to the bearing supporting housing member 1c that supports the rolling bearing 5b by press fitting. May be.

Landscapes

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

Abstract

An electric power steering device is configured in such a manner that a housing is provided with at least one bearing-supporting housing member for supporting at least one rolling bearing for supporting an output shaft relative to the housing in a rotatable manner and is configured from housing members. The housing is lightweight and does not require finishing by cutting after forming. An electric power steering device is configured in such a manner that a housing (1) is provided with at least one bearing-supporting housing member (1a, 1c) for supporting at least one rolling bearing (5a, 5b) and is configured from housing members (1a, 1b, 1c). The bearing-supporting housing member (1c) for supporting the at least one rolling bearing (5b) is formed using a high-strength resin.

Description

電動パワーステアリング装置Electric power steering device
　本発明は、電動パワーステアリング装置（ＥＰＳ：Electric Power Steering system）に関する。 The present invention relates to an electric power steering apparatus (EPS: Electric Power Steering system).
　従来より、自動車等に搭載される電動パワーステアリング装置として、例えば、特許文献１に記載されたものが知られている。
　この電動パワーステアリング装置においては、車両の操舵系の一部に捩れ方向に弾性変形可能なトーションバーを設け、このトーションバーを介して連結される入力軸と出力軸との間に操舵トルクに比例した相対回転を発生させている。そして、その相対回転を測定することにより操舵トルクを検出し、その検出された操舵トルクに応じた操舵補助トルクを発生させることにより運転者の負担を軽減するようにしている。 Conventionally, as an electric power steering device mounted on an automobile or the like, for example, the one described in Patent Document 1 is known.
In this electric power steering apparatus, a torsion bar that is elastically deformable in a torsional direction is provided in a part of a steering system of a vehicle, and is proportional to the steering torque between an input shaft and an output shaft that are connected via the torsion bar. Relative rotation is generated. Then, the steering torque is detected by measuring the relative rotation, and the steering assist torque corresponding to the detected steering torque is generated to reduce the burden on the driver.
　このような電動パワーステアリング装置において、入力軸、出力軸、及び操舵補助トルクを発生させる操舵アシスト機構は、ハウジング内に内包されている。そして、このハウジングは、アルミニウム等の金属材料で形成されているのが一般的である。操舵補助トルクを発生させる操舵アシスト機構は、入力軸に入力された操舵力を操舵トルクとして検出するトルクセンサを含み、操舵補助トルクはこのトルクセンサで検出した検出値から算出される。そして、この操舵補助トルクは、出力軸にウォーム及びウォームホイールを介して連結されている電動モータから出力軸に付与されるようになっている。 In such an electric power steering apparatus, an input shaft, an output shaft, and a steering assist mechanism that generates steering assist torque are included in a housing. The housing is generally formed of a metal material such as aluminum. The steering assist mechanism that generates the steering assist torque includes a torque sensor that detects the steering force input to the input shaft as the steering torque, and the steering assist torque is calculated from the detection value detected by the torque sensor. The steering assist torque is applied to the output shaft from an electric motor connected to the output shaft via a worm and a worm wheel.
特開２００５－３０６０５０号公報JP 2005-306050 A
　しかしながら、この従来の電動パワーステリング装置にあっては、以下の問題点があった。
　即ち、従来の電動パワーステリング装置にあっては、ハウジングを構成する複数のハウジング部材全てがアルミニウム等の金属材料で形成されている。このため、ハウジング自体の重量が重いという問題があった。また、金属材料でハウジングを形成しているので、ダイキャストや塑性加工等による成形の後に切削加工による仕上げが必要となる。この結果、製造工程が複雑であった。 However, this conventional electric power steering apparatus has the following problems.
That is, in the conventional electric power steering apparatus, all the plurality of housing members constituting the housing are formed of a metal material such as aluminum. For this reason, there existed a problem that the weight of housing itself was heavy. Moreover, since the housing is formed of a metal material, finishing by cutting is necessary after forming by die casting or plastic working. As a result, the manufacturing process was complicated.
　また、トルクセンサとして電磁誘導式センサを用いた場合には、電磁誘導式センサの検出性能は周辺に配置された金属により影響を受ける。ここで、トルクセンサに最も近い位置にある転がり軸受を支持する軸受支持用ハウジング部材も金属材料で形成されていると、電磁誘導式センサと転がり軸受のうち電磁誘導式センサに最も近い位置にある転がり軸受を支持する金属製の軸受支持用ハウジング部材との間には、センサの検出性能に影響を及ぼさない程度の空間を設ける必要があった。この結果、トルクセンサ周辺のレイアウトが制限される。このため、入力軸及び出力軸の軸方向の小型化にも限界が生じるため、ステアリングコラムに所定のコラプスストロークを確保することが困難であった。 Also, when an electromagnetic induction type sensor is used as a torque sensor, the detection performance of the electromagnetic induction type sensor is affected by the metal disposed in the vicinity. Here, if the bearing supporting housing member that supports the rolling bearing closest to the torque sensor is also formed of a metal material, the electromagnetic induction sensor and the rolling bearing are closest to the electromagnetic induction sensor. It was necessary to provide a space between the metal bearing supporting housing member that supports the rolling bearing so as not to affect the detection performance of the sensor. As a result, the layout around the torque sensor is limited. For this reason, there is a limit to the miniaturization of the input shaft and the output shaft in the axial direction, and it has been difficult to secure a predetermined collapse stroke in the steering column.
　従って、本発明はこの課題を解決するためになされたものであり、その目的は、ハウジングが、該ハウジングに対して出力軸を回転可能に支持する少なくとも一つの転がり軸受を支持する軸受支持用ハウジング部材を少なくとも一つ備える他、複数のハウジング部材で構成された電動パワーステアリング装置において、ハウジング自体の軽量化を図れるとともに、加工を簡単にできる電動パワーステアリング装置を提供することにある。
　また、本発明の他の目的は、トルクセンサとして電磁誘導式センサを用いた場合にも、レイアウトの自由度を確保でき、十分なコラプスストロークを確保できる電動パワーステアリング装置を提供することにある。 Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve this problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a bearing support housing in which the housing supports at least one rolling bearing that rotatably supports the output shaft with respect to the housing. Another object of the present invention is to provide an electric power steering apparatus that can reduce the weight of the housing itself and that can be easily processed in an electric power steering apparatus that includes at least one member and includes a plurality of housing members.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an electric power steering apparatus that can secure a degree of freedom in layout and a sufficient collapse stroke even when an electromagnetic induction type sensor is used as a torque sensor.
　上記課題を解決するため、本発明のうちある態様に係る電動パワーステアリング装置は、入力軸と、トーションバーを介して前記入力軸に連結された出力軸と、前記入力軸に入力された操舵力を操舵トルクとして検出するトルクセンサと、前記入力軸、出力軸、及びトルセンサを内包するハウジングと、該ハウジングに対して前記出力軸を回転可能に支持する少なくとも一つの転がり軸受とを備え、前記ハウジングが、前記少なくとも一つの転がり軸受を支持する軸受支持用ハウジング部材を少なくとも一つ備える他、複数のハウジング部材で構成された電動パワーテアリング装置において、前記少なくとも一つの転がり軸受を支持する軸受支持用ハウジング部材を、高強度樹脂で形成したことを特徴としている。 In order to solve the above problems, an electric power steering apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes an input shaft, an output shaft connected to the input shaft via a torsion bar, and a steering force input to the input shaft. Including a torque sensor that detects a steering torque as a steering torque, a housing containing the input shaft, an output shaft, and a tor sensor, and at least one rolling bearing that rotatably supports the output shaft relative to the housing. In addition to having at least one bearing supporting housing member that supports the at least one rolling bearing, in the electric power tearing device constituted by a plurality of housing members, the bearing supporting housing that supports the at least one rolling bearing The member is formed of a high-strength resin.
　また、この電動パワーステアリング装置において、前記少なくとも一つの転がり軸受を支持する軸受支持用ハウジング部材のうち、前記転がり軸受のうち前記トルクセンサに最も近い位置にある転がり軸受を支持する前記軸受支持用ハウジング部材を、高強度樹脂で形成するとともに、前記トルクセンサが電磁誘導式センサであることが好ましい。
　更に、この電動パワーステアリング装置において、前記転がり軸受のうち前記トルクセンサに最も近い位置にある転がり軸受を支持する前記軸受支持用ハウジング部材は、他のハウジング部材の内周面に圧入により嵌合固定されていることが好ましい。 Further, in this electric power steering apparatus, the bearing support housing that supports the rolling bearing that is closest to the torque sensor among the rolling bearings among the bearing supporting housing members that support the at least one rolling bearing. Preferably, the member is made of high-strength resin, and the torque sensor is an electromagnetic induction type sensor.
Furthermore, in this electric power steering apparatus, the bearing supporting housing member that supports the rolling bearing located closest to the torque sensor among the rolling bearings is fitted and fixed to the inner peripheral surface of another housing member by press fitting. It is preferable that
　また、この電動パワーステアリング装置において、前記転がり軸受のうち前記トルクセンサに最も近い位置にある転がり軸受は、当該転がり軸受を支持する前記軸受支持用ハウジング部材に圧入により嵌合固定されることにより支持されていることが好ましい。
　また、この電動パワーステアリング装置において、前記転がり軸受のうち前記トルクセンサに最も近い位置にある転がり軸受を支持する前記軸受支持用ハウジング部材は、前記トルクセンサに対する保持機能を有していても良い。 In the electric power steering apparatus, the rolling bearing located closest to the torque sensor among the rolling bearings is supported by being fitted and fixed to the bearing supporting housing member that supports the rolling bearing by press fitting. It is preferable that
In the electric power steering apparatus, the bearing supporting housing member that supports the rolling bearing located closest to the torque sensor among the rolling bearings may have a holding function for the torque sensor.
　本発明に係る電動パワーステアリング装置によれば、少なくとも一つの転がり軸受を支持する軸受支持用ハウジング部材を高強度樹脂で形成したので、当該軸受支持用ハウジング部材を金属材料で形成する場合よりも当該軸受支持用ハウジング部材を軽量化できる。この結果、ハウジングが、該ハウジングに対して出力軸を回転可能に支持する少なくとも一つの転がり軸受を支持する軸受支持用ハウジング部材を少なくとも一つ備える他、複数のハウジング部材で構成された電動パワーステアリング装置において、ハウジング自体の軽量化を図れることができる。また、当該軸受支持用ハウジング部材を高強度樹脂で形成すると、射出成形等による成形のみで高精度に加工することが可能となり、該軸受支持用ハウジング部材の加工を簡単なものとすることができる。 According to the electric power steering apparatus according to the present invention, the bearing support housing member that supports at least one rolling bearing is formed of high-strength resin, so that the bearing support housing member is more than the case of forming the bearing support housing member from a metal material. The bearing supporting housing member can be reduced in weight. As a result, the housing includes at least one bearing supporting housing member that supports at least one rolling bearing that rotatably supports the output shaft with respect to the housing, and an electric power steering constituted by a plurality of housing members. In the apparatus, the weight of the housing itself can be reduced. Further, when the bearing supporting housing member is formed of a high-strength resin, it becomes possible to process the bearing supporting housing member with high precision only by molding by injection molding or the like, and the processing of the bearing supporting housing member can be simplified. .
　また、この電動パワーステアリング装置において、前記少なくとも一つの転がり軸受を支持する軸受支持用ハウジング部材のうち、前記転がり軸受のうち前記トルクセンサに最も近い位置にある転がり軸受を支持する前記軸受支持用ハウジング部材を高強度樹脂で形成するとともに、前記トルクセンサが電磁誘導式センサである場合には、電磁誘導式センサの検出性能は軸受支持用ハウジング部材の影響を受けない。このため、電磁誘導式センサと軸受支持用ハウジング部材とを近づけて配置することができる。この結果、ハウジング内の空間容積が同じ場合、金属材料で当該軸受支持用ハウジング部材を形成する場合と比較してレイアウトに自由度を向上させることができる。また、電磁誘導式センサと軸受支持用ハウジング部材に支持される転がり軸受とを近づけて配置することができるので、出力軸の軸方向寸法を小さくでき、ステアリングコラムのコラプスストロークを伸ばすことができる。 Further, in this electric power steering apparatus, the bearing support housing that supports the rolling bearing that is closest to the torque sensor among the rolling bearings among the bearing supporting housing members that support the at least one rolling bearing. When the member is formed of high-strength resin and the torque sensor is an electromagnetic induction type sensor, the detection performance of the electromagnetic induction type sensor is not affected by the bearing supporting housing member. For this reason, the electromagnetic induction type sensor and the bearing supporting housing member can be arranged close to each other. As a result, when the space volume in the housing is the same, the degree of freedom in layout can be improved as compared with the case where the bearing supporting housing member is formed of a metal material. In addition, since the electromagnetic induction sensor and the rolling bearing supported by the bearing supporting housing member can be arranged close to each other, the axial dimension of the output shaft can be reduced, and the collapse stroke of the steering column can be extended.
本発明に係る電動パワーステアリング装置の第１実施形態の主要部を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the principal part of 1st Embodiment of the electric power steering apparatus which concerns on this invention. 本発明に係る電動パワーステアリング装置の第２実施形態の主要部を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the principal part of 2nd Embodiment of the electric power steering apparatus which concerns on this invention.
　以下、本発明の実施の形態を図面を参照して説明する。
　図１に示す第１実施形態の電動パワーステアリング装置は、ハウジング１内に、入力軸２、出力軸３、及び入力軸に入力された操舵力を操舵トルクとして検出するトルクセンサ８を内包している。入力軸２は、図示しない転がり軸受によってハウジング１に対して回転可能に支持されている。出力軸３は、２つの転がり軸受５ａ，５ｂによってハウジング１に対して回転可能に支持されている。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
The electric power steering apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes an input shaft 2, an output shaft 3, and a torque sensor 8 that detects a steering force input to the input shaft as a steering torque. Yes. The input shaft 2 is rotatably supported with respect to the housing 1 by a rolling bearing (not shown). The output shaft 3 is rotatably supported with respect to the housing 1 by two rolling bearings 5a and 5b.
　入力軸２及び出力軸３には、それぞれ軸中心と同心の筒状孔２ａ，３ａが形成され、それら筒状孔２ａ，３ａにトーションバー４が挿入され、入力軸２及び出力軸３は、トーションバー４を介して連結されている。トーションバー４の一端部と入力軸２とは、トーションバー４の一端部と入力軸２との嵌合部に径方向に連通する連通孔６を設け、この連通孔６にピン７を挿入することにより連結されている。また、トーションバー４の他端部と出力軸３とは、トーションバー４の他端部と出力軸３との嵌合部に径方向に連通する連通孔（図示せず）を設け、この連通孔にピン（図示せず）を挿入することにより連結されている。なお、トーションバー４の両端部にセレーションを形成して、それぞれ入力軸２の筒状孔２ａまたは出力軸３の筒状孔３ａに圧入することによってトーションバー４の両端部を入力軸２または出力軸３に連結するようにしても良い。更に、トーションバー４の一端部をピンにより入力軸２又は出力軸３に結合し、トーションバー４の他端部をセレーション圧入により出力軸３又は入力軸２に結合するようにしてもよい。 The input shaft 2 and the output shaft 3 are respectively formed with cylindrical holes 2a and 3a concentric with the shaft center, and the torsion bar 4 is inserted into the cylindrical holes 2a and 3a. It is connected via a torsion bar 4. One end portion of the torsion bar 4 and the input shaft 2 are provided with a communication hole 6 communicating in the radial direction at a fitting portion between the one end portion of the torsion bar 4 and the input shaft 2, and a pin 7 is inserted into the communication hole 6. Are connected. Further, the other end portion of the torsion bar 4 and the output shaft 3 are provided with a communication hole (not shown) communicating in the radial direction at the fitting portion between the other end portion of the torsion bar 4 and the output shaft 3. The holes are connected by inserting pins (not shown). It is to be noted that serrations are formed at both ends of the torsion bar 4 and press-fitted into the cylindrical hole 2a of the input shaft 2 or the cylindrical hole 3a of the output shaft 3, respectively, so that both ends of the torsion bar 4 are connected to the input shaft 2 or output. It may be connected to the shaft 3. Further, one end of the torsion bar 4 may be coupled to the input shaft 2 or the output shaft 3 by a pin, and the other end of the torsion bar 4 may be coupled to the output shaft 3 or the input shaft 2 by serration press-fitting.
　入力軸２の図示しない右端側には、ステアリングホイールが回転方向に一体に取り付けられており、また、出力軸３の左端には、ユニバーサルジョイントを介して、例えば公知のラックアンドピニオン式ステアリング装置を構成するピニオン軸が連結されている。従って、操舵者がステアリングホイールを操舵することによって発生した操舵力は、入力軸２、トーションバー４、出力軸３、ユニバーサルジョイント及びラックアンドピニオン式ステアリング装置を介して転舵輪に伝達される。 A steering wheel is integrally attached to the right end (not shown) of the input shaft 2 in the rotational direction, and a known rack and pinion type steering device is connected to the left end of the output shaft 3 via a universal joint. The pinion shaft which comprises is connected. Therefore, the steering force generated when the steering wheel steers the steering wheel is transmitted to the steered wheels via the input shaft 2, the torsion bar 4, the output shaft 3, the universal joint, and the rack and pinion type steering device.
　出力軸３には、出力軸３と同軸且つ一体に回転するウォームホイール９が外嵌している。このウォームホイール９に設けられた樹脂製の噛合部９ａと、電動モータ１０の出力軸（図示せず）の外周面に形成されたウォーム１０ａとが噛み合っている。従って、電動モータ１０の回転力は、その出力軸、ウォーム１０ａ及びウォームホイール９を介して出力軸３に伝達されるようになっており、電動モータ１０の回転方向を適宜切り換えることにより、出力軸３に任意の方向の操舵補助トルクが付与されるようになっている。この操舵補助トルクは、ステアリングホイールを介して入力軸２に伝達された操舵力を操舵トルク（及び／または操舵角）として検出するトルクセンサ８による検出値から算出される。トルクセンサ８は、電磁誘導式センサであり、永久磁石等の磁性部材を含む第１センサ部材８ａと、磁気回路を形成する部材を含む第２センサ部材８ｂとからなっている。第１センサ部材８ａは出力軸３に固定され、その一方、第２センサ部材８ｂは入力軸２に固定されている。入力軸２に操舵力が伝達される際に生じる第１センサ部材８ａと第２センサ部材８ｂとの相対角度変位により、操舵トルク（及び／または操舵角）が検出される。 The output shaft 3 is fitted with a worm wheel 9 that is coaxial with the output shaft 3 and rotates integrally therewith. A resin engagement portion 9a provided on the worm wheel 9 and a worm 10a formed on the outer peripheral surface of an output shaft (not shown) of the electric motor 10 are engaged with each other. Accordingly, the rotational force of the electric motor 10 is transmitted to the output shaft 3 via the output shaft, the worm 10a and the worm wheel 9, and the output shaft can be switched by appropriately switching the rotation direction of the electric motor 10. 3, a steering assist torque in an arbitrary direction is applied. This steering assist torque is calculated from a value detected by a torque sensor 8 that detects a steering force transmitted to the input shaft 2 via the steering wheel as a steering torque (and / or steering angle). The torque sensor 8 is an electromagnetic induction type sensor, and includes a first sensor member 8a including a magnetic member such as a permanent magnet, and a second sensor member 8b including a member forming a magnetic circuit. The first sensor member 8 a is fixed to the output shaft 3, while the second sensor member 8 b is fixed to the input shaft 2. The steering torque (and / or steering angle) is detected by the relative angular displacement between the first sensor member 8a and the second sensor member 8b that occurs when the steering force is transmitted to the input shaft 2.
　操舵補助トルクを付与する操舵アシスト機構は、このようなトルクセンサ８を含み、入力軸２、出力軸３とともに、ハウジング１内に内包される。そして、ハウジング１は、出力側ハウジング部材１ａと、軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃと、入力側ハウジング部材１ｂで構成されている。
　ここで、出力側ハウジング部材１ａは、出力軸３、ウォームホイール９、ウォーム１０ａを内包すると共に、出力軸３を転がり軸受５ａを介して回転可能に支持している。また、出力側ハウジング部材１ａ内には、電動モータ１０を取り付けるためのモータ取付部（図示せず）が設けられている。出力側ハウジング部材１ａは、アルミニウム等の金属材料で形成される。 The steering assist mechanism for applying the steering assist torque includes such a torque sensor 8 and is included in the housing 1 together with the input shaft 2 and the output shaft 3. The housing 1 includes an output side housing member 1a, a bearing supporting housing member 1c, and an input side housing member 1b.
Here, the output-side housing member 1a includes the output shaft 3, the worm wheel 9, and the worm 10a, and supports the output shaft 3 through a rolling bearing 5a so as to be rotatable. A motor mounting portion (not shown) for mounting the electric motor 10 is provided in the output side housing member 1a. The output side housing member 1a is formed of a metal material such as aluminum.
　一方、入力側ハウジング部材１ｂは、入力軸２及びトルクセンサ８を内包している。入力側ハウジング部材１ｂも、アルミニウム等の金属材料で形成される。出力側ハウジング部材１ａ及び入力側ハウジング部材１ｂは、その結合位置において同形状の外周面形状を有し、図示しないボルト等によりお互いに結合される。これにより、ハウジング１の内部は密閉される。 On the other hand, the input side housing member 1b includes the input shaft 2 and the torque sensor 8. The input side housing member 1b is also formed of a metal material such as aluminum. The output-side housing member 1a and the input-side housing member 1b have the same outer peripheral surface shape at the coupling position, and are coupled to each other by a bolt or the like (not shown). Thereby, the inside of the housing 1 is sealed.
　また、軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃは、転がり軸受５ａ，５ｂのうちトルクセンサ８に最も近い位置にある転がり軸受５ｂを支持するものであり、この転がり軸受５ｂを介して出力軸３を回転可能に支持している。軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃの外周には、出力側ハウジング部材１ａの内周面と嵌合する大径部１１ｃと、入力側ハウジング部材１ｂと嵌合する小径部１２ｃとが設けられている。軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃは、大径部１１ｃを出力側ハウジング部材１ａの内周面に圧入することにより嵌合固定されている。また、出力側ハウジング部材１ａの、大径部１１ｃが嵌合される軸方向端面には、段差部１１ａが設けられている。軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃの大径部１１ｃは、段差部１１ａと入力側ハウジング部材１ｂの端面とにより挟まれて、その軸方向位置が規制される。 The bearing supporting housing member 1c supports the rolling bearing 5b located closest to the torque sensor 8 among the rolling bearings 5a and 5b, and the output shaft 3 can be rotated via the rolling bearing 5b. I support it. On the outer periphery of the bearing supporting housing member 1c, a large-diameter portion 11c that fits with the inner peripheral surface of the output-side housing member 1a and a small-diameter portion 12c that fits with the input-side housing member 1b are provided. The bearing supporting housing member 1c is fitted and fixed by press-fitting the large-diameter portion 11c into the inner peripheral surface of the output-side housing member 1a. Moreover, the level | step-difference part 11a is provided in the axial direction end surface with which the large diameter part 11c is fitted of the output side housing member 1a. The large diameter portion 11c of the bearing supporting housing member 1c is sandwiched between the stepped portion 11a and the end surface of the input side housing member 1b, and its axial position is restricted.
　また、軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃの内周面側には、転がり軸受５ｂの外周面に嵌合する嵌合部１３ｃと、転がり軸受５ｂの軸方向一側面と接触する段差面１４ｃとが形成されている。転がり軸受５ｂは、嵌合部１３ｃに圧入することにより軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃに嵌合固定される。 Further, on the inner peripheral surface side of the bearing supporting housing member 1c, a fitting portion 13c that fits on the outer peripheral surface of the rolling bearing 5b and a step surface 14c that contacts one side surface in the axial direction of the rolling bearing 5b are formed. ing. The rolling bearing 5b is fitted and fixed to the bearing supporting housing member 1c by being press-fitted into the fitting portion 13c.
　ここで、軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃは、高強度樹脂で形成されている。高強度樹脂としては、各種のエンジニアリングプラスチック、特にポリアミド樹脂やテレフタレート系樹脂が挙げられる。高強度樹脂は、エンジニアリングプラスチックのうち、特に吸水率が小さく、吸水時の寸法安定性がより良好なテレフタレート系樹脂を用いることが好ましい。テレフタレート系樹脂のうち、ポリブチレンテレフタレートやポリエチレンテレフタレートまたはこれらの混合物が更に好ましい。十分な強度を得るために、高強度樹脂は、所定の強化剤や充填剤を添加した繊維強化樹脂を用いることが更に好ましい。強化剤としては、ガラス繊維や炭素繊維が挙げられる。このうち、トルクセンサ８としての電磁誘導式センサの検出性能に比較的影響を与えないガラス繊維が好ましい。 Here, the bearing supporting housing member 1c is made of high-strength resin. Examples of the high-strength resin include various engineering plastics, particularly polyamide resins and terephthalate resins. As the high-strength resin, it is preferable to use a terephthalate-based resin having a small water absorption rate and a better dimensional stability at the time of water absorption among engineering plastics. Of the terephthalate resins, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, or a mixture thereof is more preferable. In order to obtain sufficient strength, it is more preferable to use a fiber reinforced resin to which a predetermined reinforcing agent or filler is added as the high strength resin. Examples of the reinforcing agent include glass fiber and carbon fiber. Among these, glass fiber that does not relatively affect the detection performance of the electromagnetic induction sensor as the torque sensor 8 is preferable.
　軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃを上記に例示したような高強度樹脂で形成することにより、当該軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃを金属材料で形成する場合よりも軽量化できる。この結果、電動パワーステアリング装置において、ハウジング１自体の軽量化を図ることができる。また、当該軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃを金属材料で形成する場合には、ダイキャストや塑性加工等による成形の後に切削加工による仕上げが必要となり、加工工程が煩雑になる。これに対し、本実施形態に係る軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃは高強度樹脂で形成されるため、射出成形等による成形のみで高精度に加工することが可能となる。このため、該軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃの成形の後に切削加工による仕上げを不要とすることができる。即ち、軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃの加工を簡単にできる。この結果、加工工程を少なくでき、歩留まりもよくなるため、加工コストを低減することができる。 By forming the bearing supporting housing member 1c from a high-strength resin as exemplified above, the bearing supporting housing member 1c can be made lighter than when the bearing supporting housing member 1c is formed from a metal material. As a result, in the electric power steering apparatus, the weight of the housing 1 itself can be reduced. Further, when the bearing supporting housing member 1c is formed of a metal material, finishing by cutting is necessary after forming by die casting, plastic working, etc., and the processing process becomes complicated. On the other hand, since the bearing supporting housing member 1c according to the present embodiment is formed of a high-strength resin, it can be processed with high accuracy only by molding by injection molding or the like. For this reason, finishing by cutting after the molding of the bearing supporting housing member 1c can be made unnecessary. That is, the processing of the bearing supporting housing member 1c can be simplified. As a result, the processing steps can be reduced and the yield can be improved, so that the processing cost can be reduced.
　また、この電動パワーステアリング装置において、転がり軸受５ａ，５ｂを支持するハウジング部材１ａ，１ｃのうち、トルクセンサ８に最も近い位置にある転がり軸受５ｂを支持する軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃを高強度樹脂で形成する。そして、トルクセンサ８を電磁誘導式センサで構成する。この結果、電磁誘導式センサの検出性能は軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃの影響を受けない。このため、トルクセンサ８を構成する電磁誘導式センサと軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃとを近づけて配置することができる。即ち、従来のように軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃを金属材料で形成する場合には、軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃと電磁誘導式センサとの間の軸方向距離Ａを、電磁誘導式センサの検出性能に影響を与えない距離とすることが必要であった。本実施形態では、軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃを高強度樹脂で形成したため、トルクセンサ８を構成する電磁誘導式センサに、軸方向において、最も近い金属部材である転がり軸受５ｂと電磁誘導式センサとの間の軸方向距離Ｂを、電磁誘導式センサの検出性能に影響を与えない距離とすればよい。 Further, in this electric power steering apparatus, the housing member 1c for supporting the rolling bearing 5b closest to the torque sensor 8 among the housing members 1a, 1c for supporting the rolling bearings 5a, 5b is replaced with a high-strength resin. Form with. And the torque sensor 8 is comprised with an electromagnetic induction type sensor. As a result, the detection performance of the electromagnetic induction sensor is not affected by the bearing supporting housing member 1c. For this reason, the electromagnetic induction type sensor constituting the torque sensor 8 and the bearing supporting housing member 1c can be arranged close to each other. That is, when the bearing supporting housing member 1c is formed of a metal material as in the prior art, the axial distance A between the bearing supporting housing member 1c and the electromagnetic induction sensor is defined as the detection performance of the electromagnetic induction sensor. It was necessary to set the distance so as not to affect. In the present embodiment, since the bearing supporting housing member 1c is formed of high-strength resin, the rolling bearing 5b and the electromagnetic induction sensor, which are the metal members closest to the electromagnetic induction sensor constituting the torque sensor 8, in the axial direction, The axial distance B may be a distance that does not affect the detection performance of the electromagnetic induction sensor.
　この結果、ハウジング１内の空間容積が同じ場合、金属材料で当該軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃを形成する場合と比較してレイアウトに自由度を向上させることができる。一方、ハウジング１内の空間容積が可変の場合、前記距離ＡとＢの差分だけ電磁誘導式センサと転がり軸受５ｂとを近づけて配置することができるので、出力軸３の軸方向寸法を小さくできる。この結果、ステアリングコラムのコラプスストロークを伸ばすことができる。 As a result, when the space volume in the housing 1 is the same, the degree of freedom in layout can be improved as compared with the case where the bearing supporting housing member 1c is formed of a metal material. On the other hand, when the space volume in the housing 1 is variable, the electromagnetic induction sensor and the rolling bearing 5b can be arranged close to each other by the difference between the distances A and B, so that the axial dimension of the output shaft 3 can be reduced. . As a result, the collapse stroke of the steering column can be extended.
　また、軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃを高強度樹脂で形成したことで、軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃとトルクセンサ８を構成する電磁誘導式センサとを接触させることも可能となる。即ち、従来のように軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃを金属材料で形成する場合には、軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃと電磁誘導式センサとの間の距離Ａを、電磁誘導式センサの検出性能に影響を与えない距離とすることが必要であった。そのため、センサ検出部自身を保持するためにセンサ本体と軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃ（金属）との間に非金属部材、主に樹脂部材を用いる必要があり、その結果、センサ周りのレイアウトが制限されていた。これに対して、本実施形態によれば、軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃが高強度樹脂で形成されているので、軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃがセンサ自身を直接保持することもしくは非金属部材の縮小が可能となり、その結果、センサ周りのレイアウトの自由度を確保できる。この場合、例えば、軸受支持用ハウジング１ｃにトルクセンサ８を構成する電磁誘導式センサを保持する機能として、電磁誘導式センサに凸部を設け、軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃにこの凸部と係合する凹部を設けても良い。この凸部と凹部を係合させることにより、電磁誘導式センサを回り止めすることができる。 Further, since the bearing supporting housing member 1c is formed of high-strength resin, the bearing supporting housing member 1c and the electromagnetic induction sensor constituting the torque sensor 8 can be brought into contact with each other. That is, when the bearing supporting housing member 1c is formed of a metal material as in the prior art, the distance A between the bearing supporting housing member 1c and the electromagnetic induction sensor affects the detection performance of the electromagnetic induction sensor. It was necessary to make the distance not to give. Therefore, it is necessary to use a non-metallic member, mainly a resin member, between the sensor body and the bearing supporting housing member 1c (metal) in order to hold the sensor detection unit itself, and as a result, the layout around the sensor is limited. It had been. On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, since the bearing supporting housing member 1c is formed of a high-strength resin, the bearing supporting housing member 1c directly holds the sensor itself or the non-metallic member is reduced. As a result, the degree of freedom of layout around the sensor can be secured. In this case, for example, as a function of holding the electromagnetic induction type sensor constituting the torque sensor 8 in the bearing supporting housing 1c, the electromagnetic induction type sensor is provided with a convex portion, and the bearing supporting housing member 1c is engaged with the convex portion. You may provide the recessed part to do. By engaging the convex portion and the concave portion, the electromagnetic induction sensor can be prevented from rotating.
　次に、本発明に係る電動パワーステアリング装置の第２実施形態を図２を参照して説明する。図２において、図１に示す部材と同一の部材には同一の符号を付し、その説明を省略することがある。
　図２に示す第２実施形態の電動パワーステアリング装置においては、図１に示す電動パワーステアリング装置と同様に、入力軸２及び出力軸３に、それぞれ軸中心と同心の筒状孔２ａ，３ａが形成されている。そして、筒状孔２ａ，３ａにはトーションバー４が挿入され、入力軸２及び出力軸３は、トーションバー４を介して連結されている。 Next, a second embodiment of the electric power steering apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 2, members that are the same as those shown in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof may be omitted.
In the electric power steering apparatus of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the cylindrical holes 2a, 3a concentric with the shaft center are formed on the input shaft 2 and the output shaft 3, respectively, as in the electric power steering apparatus shown in FIG. Is formed. The torsion bar 4 is inserted into the cylindrical holes 2 a and 3 a, and the input shaft 2 and the output shaft 3 are connected via the torsion bar 4.
　トーションバー４の両端部には径方向に延在する連通孔４ａ（出力軸側は不図示）が形成されている。入力軸２にもこの連通孔４ａと同径の連通孔が径方向に延在して形成され、出力軸３にも、連通孔４ａと同径の連通孔が径方向に延在して形成されている。
　そして、互いに対応させたトーションバー４の一端部の連通孔４ａ及び入力軸２の連通孔に連結ピン（図示せず）が挿入され、互いに対応させたトーションバー４の他端部の連通孔及び出力軸３の連通孔に連結ピン（図示せず）が挿入されている。このようにして、入力軸２とトーションバー４、トーションバー４と出力軸３とが連結される。 At both ends of the torsion bar 4, communication holes 4 a (the output shaft side is not shown) extending in the radial direction are formed. A communication hole having the same diameter as the communication hole 4a extends in the radial direction also on the input shaft 2, and a communication hole having the same diameter as the communication hole 4a extends in the radial direction also on the output shaft 3. Has been.
A connecting pin (not shown) is inserted into the communicating hole 4a at one end of the torsion bar 4 and the communicating hole of the input shaft 2 that correspond to each other, and the communicating hole at the other end of the torsion bar 4 that corresponds to each other A connecting pin (not shown) is inserted into the communication hole of the output shaft 3. Thus, the input shaft 2 and the torsion bar 4, and the torsion bar 4 and the output shaft 3 are connected.
　なお、トーションバー４の両端部にセレーションを形成して、それぞれ入力軸２の筒状孔２ａまたは出力軸３の筒状孔３ａに圧入することによってトーションバー４の両端部を入力軸２または出力軸３に連結するようにしても良い。更に、トーションバー４の一端部をピンにより入力軸２又は出力軸３に結合し、トーションバー４の他端部をセレーション圧入により出力軸３又は入力軸２に結合するようにしてもよい。 It is to be noted that serrations are formed at both ends of the torsion bar 4 and press-fitted into the cylindrical hole 2a of the input shaft 2 or the cylindrical hole 3a of the output shaft 3, respectively, so that both ends of the torsion bar 4 are connected to the input shaft 2 or output. It may be connected to the shaft 3. Further, one end of the torsion bar 4 may be coupled to the input shaft 2 or the output shaft 3 by a pin, and the other end of the torsion bar 4 may be coupled to the output shaft 3 or the input shaft 2 by serration press-fitting.
　入力軸２の図示しない右端側には、図１に示す第１実施形態の電動パワーステアリング装置と同様に、ステアリングホイールが回転方向に一体に取り付けられている。また、出力軸３の左端には、ユニバーサルジョイントを介して、例えば公知のラックアンドピニオン式ステアリング装置を構成するピニオン軸が連結されている。従って、操舵者がステアリングホイールを操舵することによって発生した操舵力は、入力軸２、トーションバー４、出力軸３、ユニバーサルジョイント及びラックアンドピニオン式ステアリング装置を介して転舵輪に伝達される。 As with the electric power steering apparatus of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a steering wheel is integrally attached to the right end (not shown) of the input shaft 2 in the rotational direction. Moreover, the pinion shaft which comprises the well-known rack and pinion type steering device, for example is connected with the left end of the output shaft 3 via the universal joint. Therefore, the steering force generated when the steering wheel steers the steering wheel is transmitted to the steered wheels via the input shaft 2, the torsion bar 4, the output shaft 3, the universal joint, and the rack and pinion type steering device.
　出力軸３には、図１に示した第１実施形態の電動パワーステアリング装置と同様に、出力軸３と同軸且つ一体に回転するウォームホイール９が外嵌している。このウォームホイール９に設けられた樹脂製の噛合部９ａと、電動モータ１０の出力軸の外周面に形成されたウォーム１０ａとが噛み合っている。従って、電動モータの回転力は、電動モータ１０の出力軸、ウォーム及びウォームホイール９を介して出力軸３に伝達されるようになっている。電動モータ１０の回転方向を適宜切り換えることにより、出力軸３に任意の方向の操舵補助トルクが付与される。この操舵補助トルクは、ステアリングホイールを介して入力軸２に伝達された操舵力を操舵トルク（及び／または操舵角）として検出するトルクセンサ８による検出値から算出される。トルクセンサ８は、電磁誘導式センサであり、永久磁石等の磁性部材を含む第１センサ部材８ａと、磁気回路を形成する部材を含む第２センサ部材８ｂとからなっている。第１センサ部材８ａは出力軸３に固定され、その一方、第２センサ部材８ｂは入力軸２に固定されている。入力軸２に操舵力が伝達される際に生じる第１センサ部材８ａと第２センサ部材８ｂとの相対角度変位により、操舵トルク（及び／または操舵角）が検出される。 As with the electric power steering apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a worm wheel 9 that is coaxial with the output shaft 3 and rotates integrally with the output shaft 3 is externally fitted. A resin meshing portion 9 a provided on the worm wheel 9 meshes with a worm 10 a formed on the outer peripheral surface of the output shaft of the electric motor 10. Therefore, the rotational force of the electric motor is transmitted to the output shaft 3 via the output shaft of the electric motor 10, the worm and the worm wheel 9. By appropriately switching the rotation direction of the electric motor 10, a steering assist torque in an arbitrary direction is applied to the output shaft 3. This steering assist torque is calculated from a value detected by a torque sensor 8 that detects a steering force transmitted to the input shaft 2 via the steering wheel as a steering torque (and / or steering angle). The torque sensor 8 is an electromagnetic induction type sensor, and includes a first sensor member 8a including a magnetic member such as a permanent magnet, and a second sensor member 8b including a member forming a magnetic circuit. The first sensor member 8 a is fixed to the output shaft 3, while the second sensor member 8 b is fixed to the input shaft 2. The steering torque (and / or steering angle) is detected by the relative angular displacement between the first sensor member 8a and the second sensor member 8b that occurs when the steering force is transmitted to the input shaft 2.
　操舵補助トルクを付与する操舵アシスト機構は、図１に示す第１実施形態の電動パワーステアリング装置と同様に、トルクセンサ８を含み、入力軸２、出力軸３とともに、ハウジング１内に内包される。このハウジング１は、出力側ハウジング部材１ａと、軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃと、入力側ハウジング部材１ｂとで構成されている。
　ここで、出力側ハウジング部材１ａは、図１に示す第１実施形態の電動パワーステアリング装置と同様に、出力軸３、ウォームホイール９、ウォーム１０ａを内包すると共に、出力軸３を転がり軸受５ａを介して回転可能に支持している。この出力側ハウジング部材１ａは、アルミニウム等の金属材料で形成される。 The steering assist mechanism for applying the steering assist torque includes the torque sensor 8 and is included in the housing 1 together with the input shaft 2 and the output shaft 3 as in the electric power steering apparatus of the first embodiment shown in FIG. . The housing 1 includes an output side housing member 1a, a bearing supporting housing member 1c, and an input side housing member 1b.
Here, the output-side housing member 1a includes the output shaft 3, the worm wheel 9, and the worm 10a as well as the electric power steering device of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and the output shaft 3 includes the rolling bearing 5a. It is supported so that it can rotate through. The output side housing member 1a is formed of a metal material such as aluminum.
　一方、入力側ハウジング部材１ｂは、図１に示す第１実施形態の電動パワーステアリング装置と同様に、入力軸２及びトルクセンサを内包している。入力側ハウジング部材１ｂも、アルミニウム等の金属材料で形成される。
　また、軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃは、図１に示す第１実施形態の電動パワーステアリング装置と同様に、出力軸３を支持する転がり軸受５ａ，５ｂのうちトルクセンサ８に最も近い位置にある転がり軸受５ｂを支持するものであり、この転がり軸受５ｂを介して出力軸３を回転可能に支持している。 On the other hand, the input-side housing member 1b includes the input shaft 2 and a torque sensor, similarly to the electric power steering device of the first embodiment shown in FIG. The input side housing member 1b is also formed of a metal material such as aluminum.
Further, the bearing supporting housing member 1c is a rolling member located at a position closest to the torque sensor 8 among the rolling bearings 5a and 5b for supporting the output shaft 3 as in the electric power steering apparatus of the first embodiment shown in FIG. The bearing 5b is supported, and the output shaft 3 is rotatably supported via the rolling bearing 5b.
　出力側ハウジング部材１ａ、入力側ハウジング部材１ｂ、及び軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃの結合構造は、図１に示す第１実施形態の電動パワーステアリング装置における出力側ハウジング部材１ａ、入力側ハウジング部材１ｂ、及び軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃの結合構造と同様である。
　そして、軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃは、図１に示す第１実施形態の電動パワーステアリング装置における軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃと同様に、高強度樹脂で形成されている。この高強度樹脂は、図１に示す第１実施形態の電動パワーステアリング装置における軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃに使用される高強度樹脂と同様のものを用いることが好ましい。 The coupling structure of the output side housing member 1a, the input side housing member 1b, and the bearing supporting housing member 1c is the output side housing member 1a, the input side housing member 1b, and the like in the electric power steering apparatus of the first embodiment shown in FIG. And it is the same as the coupling structure of the housing member 1c for bearing support.
The bearing support housing member 1c is formed of a high-strength resin, similar to the bearing support housing member 1c in the electric power steering apparatus of the first embodiment shown in FIG. This high-strength resin is preferably the same as the high-strength resin used for the bearing supporting housing member 1c in the electric power steering apparatus of the first embodiment shown in FIG.
　この図２に示す第２実施形態の電動パワーステアリング装置においては、図１に示す第１実施形態の電動パワーステアリング装置と異なり、入力軸２を二分割構造としている。即ち、入力軸２は、トーションバー４と嵌合する筒状孔２ａを備えるトーションバー嵌合部２０ａ（電動パワーステアリング装置の搭載車種によって共通な部分）と、ステアリングホイールと連結する連結部２０ｂ（共通でない専用部分）とを分けた構造としている。トーションバー嵌合部２０ａの外周面には、前述したトルクセンサ８の第２センサ部材８ｂが取り付けられる。 In the electric power steering apparatus according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the input shaft 2 has a two-part structure unlike the electric power steering apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. That is, the input shaft 2 includes a torsion bar fitting portion 20a having a cylindrical hole 2a to be fitted to the torsion bar 4 (a common portion depending on the type of vehicle on which the electric power steering apparatus is mounted) and a connecting portion 20b ( It has a separate structure from a dedicated part that is not common. The second sensor member 8b of the torque sensor 8 described above is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the torsion bar fitting portion 20a.
　トーションバー嵌合部２０ａは、筒状孔２ａと連通し、ステアリングホイール側に開口する大径孔部２１ａを備えている。この大径孔部２１ａは、その軸方向において、図２の左側から順に、内周面に雌セレーションを備える雌セレーション部２２ａと、外径を小さくして肉厚を薄くした薄肉部２３ａとを備えている。 The torsion bar fitting portion 20a includes a large-diameter hole portion 21a that communicates with the cylindrical hole 2a and opens to the steering wheel side. The large-diameter hole portion 21a includes, in the axial direction, a female serration portion 22a having a female serration on the inner peripheral surface, and a thin-wall portion 23a having a reduced outer diameter and a reduced thickness in order from the left side in FIG. I have.
　連結部２０ｂは、円柱形状の部材である。連結部２０ｂは、その軸方向において、図２の左側から順に、雄セレーション部２１ｂ、縮径部２２ｂ、及び円柱部２３ｂを備えている。雄セレーション部２１ｂは、雌セレーション部２２ａと略同一形状をしている。縮径部２２ｂは、雄セレーション部２１ｂのセレーション溝底部の外径よりも僅かに小さい外径を有する。円柱部２３ｂは、図２において縮径部２２ｂよりも僅かに大きい外径としているが、縮径部２２ｂと同径、又は縮径部２２ｂより小さい径としてもよい。 The connecting portion 20b is a columnar member. The connecting portion 20b includes a male serration portion 21b, a reduced diameter portion 22b, and a cylindrical portion 23b in order from the left side of FIG. 2 in the axial direction. The male serration portion 21b has substantially the same shape as the female serration portion 22a. The reduced diameter portion 22b has an outer diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the bottom of the serration groove of the male serration portion 21b. The cylindrical portion 23b has an outer diameter slightly larger than the reduced diameter portion 22b in FIG. 2, but may have the same diameter as the reduced diameter portion 22b or a smaller diameter than the reduced diameter portion 22b.
　次に、トーションバー嵌合部２０ａと連結部２０ｂとの連結方法について説明する。トーションバー嵌合部２０ａと連結部２０ｂとは、雌セレーション部２２ａに雄セレーション部２１ｂをセレーション圧入することにより結合される。これにより、ガタのないトルク伝達が可能となる。この結果、一方を他方に食い込ませる必要がなくなるので、雌セレーション部２２ａと雄セレーション部２１ｂには熱処理を施す必要がない。
　トーションバー嵌合部２０ａと連結部２０ｂとのセレーション圧入のバックアップとして、両者の結合後、薄肉部２３ａを径方向内側に加締め、縮径部２２ｂと接触させている。 Next, a method for connecting the torsion bar fitting portion 20a and the connecting portion 20b will be described. The torsion bar fitting part 20a and the connecting part 20b are coupled by pressing the male serration part 21b into the female serration part 22a. Thereby, torque transmission without backlash becomes possible. As a result, since it is not necessary to bite one into the other, it is not necessary to heat-treat the female serration portion 22a and the male serration portion 21b.
As a back-up of serration press-fitting between the torsion bar fitting part 20a and the connecting part 20b, the thin-walled part 23a is caulked inward in the radial direction after the two are joined, and is brought into contact with the reduced diameter part 22b.
　このように、入力軸２をトーションバー嵌合部２０ａと連結部２０ｂとに別体とすることで、筒状孔２ａを形成する際に、入力軸２が一体構造である場合のように長尺な棒状部材に穴加工する必要がなくなり、筒状孔２ａの加工が簡単になり、加工精度が向上する。また、トーションバー嵌合部２０ａの外周形状の成形において、長尺の棒状部材を鍛造により成形する場合と比較して、型抜きによる型形状の制約が減る。このため、より最終形状に近い鍛造型でトーションバー嵌合部２０ａの外周形状を成形することができる。この結果、鍛造後の切削加工等により除去する材料が減り、材料歩留まりがよくなり、加工コストを低減できる。 As described above, by separating the input shaft 2 into the torsion bar fitting portion 20a and the connecting portion 20b, when forming the cylindrical hole 2a, the input shaft 2 is long as in the case of an integral structure. There is no need to drill a hole in a long rod-like member, the machining of the cylindrical hole 2a is simplified, and the machining accuracy is improved. Further, in forming the outer peripheral shape of the torsion bar fitting portion 20a, the restriction on the shape of the die due to die cutting is reduced as compared with the case where a long rod-like member is formed by forging. For this reason, the outer periphery shape of the torsion bar fitting part 20a can be shape | molded with the forging die nearer the final shape. As a result, the material removed by cutting after forging is reduced, the material yield is improved, and the processing cost can be reduced.
　また、電動パワーステアリング装置の搭載車種によって共通な部分と、共通でない専用部分とを分割したことにより、共通の加工工具、加工装置で加工できる工程が増えるため、加工コストを低減することができる。
　また、トーションバー嵌合部２０ａと連結部２０ｂとをセレーション圧入により結合したことで、ガタのないトルク伝達が可能である。この結果、一方を他方に食い込ませる必要がなくなるので、雌セレーション部２２ａと雄セレーション部２１ｂには熱処理を施す必要がない。これにより、工程を増加させることなく、入力軸２を分割構造とすることができる。 Further, by dividing the common portion and the non-common dedicated portion depending on the vehicle model of the electric power steering device, the number of processes that can be processed with a common processing tool and processing device increases, so that the processing cost can be reduced.
Further, since the torsion bar fitting portion 20a and the connecting portion 20b are coupled by serration press-fitting, torque transmission without backlash is possible. As a result, since it is not necessary to bite one into the other, it is not necessary to heat-treat the female serration portion 22a and the male serration portion 21b. Thereby, the input shaft 2 can be divided into structures without increasing the number of steps.
　なお、図２に示す第２実施形態の電動パワーステアリング装置においても、軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃを高強度樹脂で形成した。このため、当該軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃを金属材料で形成する場合よりも軽量化できる。この結果、電動パワーステアリング装置において、ハウジング自体の軽量化を図ることができる。また、当該軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃを高強度樹脂で形成すると、射出成形等による成形のみで高精度に加工することが可能となる。このため、該軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃの成形の後に切削加工による仕上げを不要とすることができる。即ち、軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃの加工を簡単にできる。この結果、加工工程を少なくでき、歩留まりもよくなるため、加工コストを低減することができる。なお、当該軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃを金属材料で形成する場合には、ダイキャストや塑性加工等による成形の後に切削加工による仕上げが必要となり、加工工程が煩雑になる。 In addition, also in the electric power steering apparatus of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the bearing supporting housing member 1c is made of high-strength resin. For this reason, the weight can be reduced as compared with the case where the bearing supporting housing member 1c is formed of a metal material. As a result, in the electric power steering apparatus, the weight of the housing itself can be reduced. In addition, when the bearing supporting housing member 1c is formed of a high-strength resin, it can be processed with high accuracy only by molding such as injection molding. For this reason, finishing by cutting after the molding of the bearing supporting housing member 1c can be made unnecessary. That is, the processing of the bearing supporting housing member 1c can be simplified. As a result, the processing steps can be reduced and the yield can be improved, so that the processing cost can be reduced. When the bearing supporting housing member 1c is formed of a metal material, finishing by cutting is necessary after molding by die casting, plastic working, or the like, and the processing process becomes complicated.
　また、第２実施形態の電動パワーステアリング装置においても、トルクセンサ８に最も近い位置にある転がり軸受５ｂを支持する軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃを高強度樹脂で形成する。そして、トルクセンサを電磁誘導式センサで構成する。この結果、電磁誘導式センサの検出性能は軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃの影響を受けない。このため、トルクセンサ８を構成する電磁誘導式センサと軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃとを近づけて配置することができる。即ち、従来のように軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃを金属材料で形成する場合には、軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃと電磁誘導式センサとの間の軸方向距離Ａを、電磁誘導式センサの検出性能に影響を与えない距離とすることが必要であった。本実施形態では、軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃを高強度樹脂で形成したため、トルクセンサ８を構成する電磁誘導式センサに、軸方向において、最も近い金属部材である転がり軸受５ｂと電磁誘導式センサとの間の軸方向距離Ｂを、電磁誘導式センサの検出性能に影響を与えない距離とすればよい。 Also in the electric power steering apparatus of the second embodiment, the bearing supporting housing member 1c that supports the rolling bearing 5b that is closest to the torque sensor 8 is formed of high-strength resin. And a torque sensor is comprised with an electromagnetic induction type sensor. As a result, the detection performance of the electromagnetic induction sensor is not affected by the bearing supporting housing member 1c. For this reason, the electromagnetic induction type sensor constituting the torque sensor 8 and the bearing supporting housing member 1c can be arranged close to each other. That is, when the bearing supporting housing member 1c is formed of a metal material as in the prior art, the axial distance A between the bearing supporting housing member 1c and the electromagnetic induction sensor is defined as the detection performance of the electromagnetic induction sensor. It was necessary to set the distance so as not to affect. In the present embodiment, since the bearing supporting housing member 1c is formed of high-strength resin, the rolling bearing 5b and the electromagnetic induction sensor, which are the metal members closest to the electromagnetic induction sensor constituting the torque sensor 8, in the axial direction, The axial distance B may be a distance that does not affect the detection performance of the electromagnetic induction sensor.
　この結果、ハウジング１内の空間容積が同じ場合、金属材料で当該軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃを形成する場合と比較してレイアウトに自由度を向上させることができる。一方、ハウジング１内の空間容積が可変の場合、電磁誘導式センサと転がり軸受５ｂとを近づけて配置することができるので、出力軸３の軸方向寸法を小さくできる。この結果、ステアリングコラムのコラプスストロークを伸ばすことができる。 As a result, when the space volume in the housing 1 is the same, the degree of freedom in layout can be improved as compared with the case where the bearing supporting housing member 1c is formed of a metal material. On the other hand, when the space volume in the housing 1 is variable, the electromagnetic induction type sensor and the rolling bearing 5b can be arranged close to each other, so that the axial dimension of the output shaft 3 can be reduced. As a result, the collapse stroke of the steering column can be extended.
　以上、本発明の実施形態について説明してきたが、本発明はこれに限定さされずに種々の変更、改良を行うことができる。
　例えば、少なくとも一つの転がり軸受５ａ，５ｂを支持するハウジング部材１ａ，１ｃのうち、転がり軸受５ａ，５ｂのうちトルクセンサ８に最も近い位置にある転がり軸受５ｂを支持する軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃを、高強度樹脂で形成してあるが、これに加えて、転がり軸受５ａを支持する出力側ハウジング部材１ａを高強度樹脂で形成したり、あるいは出力側ハウジング部材１ａのみを高強度樹脂で形成してもよい。 As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention has been described, this invention is not limited to this, A various change and improvement can be performed.
For example, among the housing members 1a and 1c that support at least one rolling bearing 5a and 5b, the bearing supporting housing member 1c that supports the rolling bearing 5b that is closest to the torque sensor 8 among the rolling bearings 5a and 5b is provided. In addition to this, the output side housing member 1a that supports the rolling bearing 5a is formed of high strength resin, or only the output side housing member 1a is formed of high strength resin. May be.
　また、トルクセンサ８は必ずしも電磁誘導式センサで構成する必要は必ずしもないが、トルクセンサ８を電磁誘導式センサで構成する場合にはトルクセンサ８に最も近い位置にある転がり軸受５ｂを支持する軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃを、高強度樹脂で形成する必要がある。一方、トルクセンサ８を電磁誘導式センサで構成しない場合には、転がり軸受５ａ，５ｂを支持するハウジング部材１ａ，１ｃのうち、出力側ハウジング部材１ａのみ、軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃのみ、あるいはハウジング部材１ａ、１ｃの双方を高強度樹脂で形成してよい。 Further, the torque sensor 8 is not necessarily configured by an electromagnetic induction type sensor. However, when the torque sensor 8 is configured by an electromagnetic induction type sensor, the bearing that supports the rolling bearing 5b located closest to the torque sensor 8 is supported. The supporting housing member 1c needs to be formed of high-strength resin. On the other hand, when the torque sensor 8 is not composed of an electromagnetic induction type sensor, only the output side housing member 1a, only the bearing supporting housing member 1c, or the housing among the housing members 1a and 1c that support the rolling bearings 5a and 5b. Both members 1a and 1c may be formed of high-strength resin.
　更に、転がり軸受５ａ，５ｂのうちトルクセンサ８に最も近い位置にある転がり軸受５ｂを支持する軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃは、他のハウジング部材（出力側ハウジング部材１ａ）の内周面に圧入により嵌合固定されていることが好ましい。
　また、転がり軸受５ａ，５ｂのうちトルクセンサ８に最も近い位置にある転がり軸受５ｂは、当該転がり軸受５ｂを支持する軸受支持用ハウジング部材１ｃに圧入により嵌合固定されることにより支持されていなくても良い。 Further, the bearing supporting housing member 1c that supports the rolling bearing 5b located closest to the torque sensor 8 among the rolling bearings 5a and 5b is press-fitted into the inner peripheral surface of the other housing member (output-side housing member 1a). It is preferable that the fitting is fixed.
Further, the rolling bearing 5b located closest to the torque sensor 8 among the rolling bearings 5a and 5b is not supported by being fitted and fixed to the bearing supporting housing member 1c that supports the rolling bearing 5b by press fitting. May be.
　１　ハウジング
　１ａ　出力側ハウジング部材
　１ｂ　入力側ハウジング部材
　１ｃ　軸受支持用ハウジング部材
　２　入力軸
　２ａ　筒状孔
　３　出力軸
　３ａ　筒状孔
　４　トーションバー
　４ａ　連通孔
　５ａ，５ｂ　転がり軸受
　６　連通孔
　７　ピン
　８　トルクセンサ
　８ａ　第１センサ部材
　８ｂ　第２センサ部材
　９　ウォームホイール
　９ａ　噛合部
　１０　電動モータ
　１０ａ　ウォーム
　１１ａ　段差部
　１１ｃ　大径部
　１２ｃ　小径部
　１３ｃ　嵌合部
　１４ｃ　段差面
　２０ａ　トーションバー嵌合部
　２０ｂ　連結部
　２１ａ　大径孔部
　２１ｂ　雄セレーション部
　２２ａ　雌セレーション部
　２２ｂ　縮径部
　２３ａ　薄肉部
　２３ｂ　円柱部 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Housing 1a Output side housing member 1b Input side housing member 1c Bearing support housing member 2 Input shaft 2a Cylindrical hole 3 Output shaft 3a Cylindrical hole 4 Torsion bar 4a Communication hole 5a, 5b Rolling bearing 6 Communication hole 7 Pin 8 Torque Sensor 8a First sensor member 8b Second sensor member 9 Worm wheel 9a Engagement part 10 Electric motor 10a Worm 11a Step part 11c Large diameter part 12c Small diameter part 13c Fitting part 14c Step surface 20a Torsion bar fitting part 20b Connecting part 21a Large Diameter hole portion 21b Male serration portion 22a Female serration portion 22b Reduced diameter portion 23a Thin wall portion 23b Cylindrical portion

Claims (5)

  1. 　入力軸と、トーションバーを介して前記入力軸に連結された出力軸と、前記入力軸に入力された操舵力を操舵トルクとして検出するトルクセンサと、前記入力軸、出力軸、及びトルセンサを内包するハウジングと、該ハウジングに対して前記出力軸を回転可能に支持する少なくとも一つの転がり軸受とを備え、前記ハウジングが、前記少なくとも一つの転がり軸受を支持する軸受支持用ハウジング部材を少なくとも一つ備える他、複数のハウジング部材で構成された電動パワーテアリング装置において、
    　前記少なくとも一つの転がり軸受を支持する軸受支持用ハウジング部材を、高強度樹脂で形成したことを特徴とする電動パワーステアリング装置。     Includes an input shaft, an output shaft connected to the input shaft via a torsion bar, a torque sensor for detecting a steering force input to the input shaft as a steering torque, and the input shaft, the output shaft, and a tor sensor And at least one rolling bearing that rotatably supports the output shaft relative to the housing, the housing including at least one bearing supporting housing member that supports the at least one rolling bearing. In addition, in the electric power tearing device composed of a plurality of housing members,
    An electric power steering apparatus, wherein a bearing supporting housing member for supporting the at least one rolling bearing is formed of a high-strength resin.
  2. 　前記少なくとも一つの転がり軸受を支持する軸受支持用ハウジング部材のうち、前記転がり軸受のうち前記トルクセンサに最も近い位置にある転がり軸受を支持する前記軸受支持用ハウジング部材を、高強度樹脂で形成するとともに、前記トルクセンサが電磁誘導式センサであることを特徴とする請求項１記載の電動パワーステアリング装置。 Of the bearing support housing members that support the at least one rolling bearing, the bearing support housing member that supports the rolling bearing located closest to the torque sensor among the rolling bearings is formed of high-strength resin. The electric power steering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the torque sensor is an electromagnetic induction type sensor.
  3. 　前記転がり軸受のうち前記トルクセンサに最も近い位置にある転がり軸受を支持する前記軸受支持用ハウジング部材は、他のハウジング部材の内周面に圧入により嵌合固定されていることを特徴とする請求項２記載の電動パワーステアリング装置。 The bearing supporting housing member that supports the rolling bearing located closest to the torque sensor among the rolling bearings is fitted and fixed to the inner peripheral surface of another housing member by press fitting. Item 3. The electric power steering device according to Item 2.
  4. 　前記転がり軸受のうち前記トルクセンサに最も近い位置にある転がり軸受は、当該転がり軸受を支持する前記軸受支持用ハウジング部材に圧入により嵌合固定されることにより支持されていることを特徴とする請求項２又は３記載の電動パワーステアリング装置。 The rolling bearing located at a position closest to the torque sensor among the rolling bearings is supported by being fitted and fixed to the bearing supporting housing member that supports the rolling bearing by press-fitting. Item 4. The electric power steering apparatus according to Item 2 or 3.
  5. 　前記転がり軸受のうち前記トルクセンサに最も近い位置にある転がり軸受を支持する前記軸受支持用ハウジング部材は、前記トルクセンサに対する保持機能を有することを特徴とする請求項２乃至４のうちいずれか一項に記載の電動パワーステアリング装置。 5. The housing member for supporting a bearing, which supports the rolling bearing located closest to the torque sensor among the rolling bearings, has a holding function for the torque sensor. 6. The electric power steering device according to the item.
PCT/JP2012/006638 2012-04-13 2012-10-17 Electric power steering device WO2013153585A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2012-092153 2012-04-13
JP2012092153 2012-04-13
JP2012-222140 2012-10-04
JP2012222140 2012-10-04

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2013153585A1 true WO2013153585A1 (en) 2013-10-17

Family

ID=49327197

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/JP2012/006638 WO2013153585A1 (en) 2012-04-13 2012-10-17 Electric power steering device

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2013153585A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2022083906A1 (en) * 2020-10-23 2022-04-28 Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft Shaft arrangement, steering system and method

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS6298023A (en) * 1985-08-16 1987-05-07 エスカ−エフ　グライトラ−ガ−　ゲ−エムベ−ハ− Self-aligning bearing for steering column of automobile
JP2005306050A (en) * 2002-10-31 2005-11-04 Nsk Ltd Electric power steering device
WO2010013490A1 (en) * 2008-08-01 2010-02-04 株式会社ジェイテクト Electric power steering device

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS6298023A (en) * 1985-08-16 1987-05-07 エスカ−エフ　グライトラ−ガ−　ゲ−エムベ−ハ− Self-aligning bearing for steering column of automobile
JP2005306050A (en) * 2002-10-31 2005-11-04 Nsk Ltd Electric power steering device
WO2010013490A1 (en) * 2008-08-01 2010-02-04 株式会社ジェイテクト Electric power steering device

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2022083906A1 (en) * 2020-10-23 2022-04-28 Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft Shaft arrangement, steering system and method

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JP6201986B2 (en) Rotation transmission mechanism and electric power steering device
EP2689988B1 (en) Electric power steering system
EP3581465B1 (en) Steer-by-wire type power steering apparatus
US6644431B2 (en) Electric power steering apparatus and method of manufacturing gear used therefor
EP2202130B1 (en) Steering device for vehicle
EP3042826A1 (en) Electric power steering system
JPWO2005097577A1 (en) Electric power steering device
US20170057539A1 (en) Steering column for vehicle
US10647345B2 (en) Steering column for vehicle
EP2219958B1 (en) Steering apparatus
CN107867317B (en) Steering column for vehicle
JP2009143429A (en) Steering device
WO2013153585A1 (en) Electric power steering device
US20180086364A1 (en) Steering column for vehicle
KR102327340B1 (en) Steering Column for Vehicle
JP2013082348A (en) Electric power steering system and method of manufacturing the same
JP2006001423A (en) Vehicle steering apparatus and method for assembling the same
KR102508009B1 (en) Steering Column for Vehicle
US20070235246A1 (en) Vehicle Steering System And Assembling Method Thereof
JP2010030397A (en) Electric power steering system
JP2006001475A (en) Vehicle steering apparatus and method for assembling the same
JP5120294B2 (en) Universal joint and processing method thereof
JP2008298148A (en) Method of manufacturing gear transmission device and positioning tool
JP2013104489A (en) Worm wheel
JP2011169371A (en) Yoke of universal joint

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 12874001

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 12874001

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: JP