DE102018219855A1 - Cover for steering housing - Google Patents

Abstract

Lid for a steering housing (12), which has a base body, at the lower end of which at least one hold-down device is arranged, this hold-down device comprising a spring element.

Description

The invention relates to a cover for a steering housing and such a steering housing, which is provided for receiving a steering and in particular a steering gear of a motor vehicle.

State of the art

A steering or steering device is a device which serves, for example in motor vehicles, to influence the direction of travel. Here, a steering movement initiated by the driver on a steering wheel u. a. transferred to articulated wheels via a steering gear. These steering gears are regularly surrounded by a housing, the steering housing.

To a large extent, aluminum die-cast housings are used as steering housings as steering housings, which are supplemented by plastic housings. In many cases, the connection between the aluminum housing and the plastic housing is made with screws. The holes in the plastic housing are usually reinforced by metal sleeves to prevent the plastic from creeping and thus loosening of the screws. An O-ring is often used to seal the plastic housing to the aluminum housing, which represents a technically sophisticated seal. O-rings are ring-shaped sealing elements with a round or O-shaped cross section.

The publication DE 10 2010 030 941 A1 describes a housing for a power steering system of a vehicle, which comprises a first housing part and a second housing part, the first housing part having a first flange surface which, when the housing is mounted axially, is opposite a second flange surface of the second housing part with the interposition of a sealant. It is envisaged that at least one flange surface is untreated or cast rough and that the sealant is liquid.

The publication DE 10 2014 103 576 A1 describes a housing for a steering gear with a steering housing and a plastic housing. The plastic housing has a base body made of a plastic, on which an elastomer layer is applied, on which at least one closure element is applied, a pressure compensation element closing an opening in the plastic housing.

In the case of steering housings, cavities are provided in many cases, in which components of the steering are accommodated. Such a cavity is used, for example, to accommodate a steering sensor. This cavity is then surrounded, for example, by a sensor housing. A lid is then usually used to close this cavity. In order to close the cavity of the sensor housing, it is known to screw the cover to the sensor housing.

From the publication DE 10 2015 110 599 A1 is known a steering assembly of a motor vehicle steering system, which has a sensor housing with a cavity for receiving a steering sensor, a steering column rotatable about a longitudinal axis, which extends through the sensor housing, and a housing cover for closing the cavity. The steering column extends in the axial direction through a cover opening in the housing cover, which in turn is fixed in the axial direction by a latching connection on the sensor housing. In this way it is possible to easily and quickly mount the cover on the sensor housing and also to disassemble it again.

Disclosure of the invention

Against this background, a cover for a steering housing according to claim 1 and a steering device with the features of claim 8 are presented. Embodiments result from the dependent claims and the description.

The lid presented comprises a base body, on the underside of which at least one hold-down device is provided. The underside is the side of the cover to which the cover is moved during assembly, which is thus inside after the cavity has been closed and is therefore directed towards the latter. The hold-down device can be used, for example, to unlock a sensor, i. H. to activate.

The at least one hold-down device can be formed by a resilient web, which in turn can be molded onto the base body.

The lid presented can be designed both as a screwed lid and as a snap lid. It applies to sensor elements with any sealing elements.

The lid presented has, at least in some of the versions, a number of advantages. An unlocking of a sensor can thus be effected by means of the at least one hold-down device during assembly. Furthermore, the cover is more robust with regard to axial tolerances. In addition, in particular if a liquid seal is used, a defined gap for sealants can be set by lifting the cover by lifting the cover. Furthermore, the axial hold-down device can ensure that the overall arrangement is free of axial play.

• Danach weist der Deckel einen Grundkörper auf, der bspw. in Draufsicht einen runden Querschnitt aufweist. An dem Grundkörper ist typischerweise außen bzw. am Umfang mindestens ein Schnapphaken vorgesehen, der einen schwenkbaren Zapfen und eine Rastnase aufweist. Dieser Schnapp- bzw. Rasthaken dient zum Verrasten des Deckels am Lenkgehäuse, wozu im Rahmen der Montage der Rasthaken bzw. ein Abschnitt des Rasthakens in eine dafür vorgesehene Ausnehmung im Lenkgehäuse einschnappt bzw. einrastet. Dieser Abschnitt wird hierin als Rastnase bezeichnet, die typischerweise einen vorspringenden Abschnitt des Schnapphakens darstellt und bei einer Montage des Deckels in eine Ausnehmung des Lenkgehäuses einrastet. Bei der Montage wird der Deckel bspw. entlang einer Spindel geführt, die bspw. durch eine Öffnung in dem Deckel ragt. Bei diesem Entlangführen schwenkt der Zapfen des Schnapphakens in eine Richtung, solange bis die Rastnase in Bereich der Ausnehmung in dem Lenkgehäuse gelangt, so dass der Schnapphaken bzw. der Zapfen des Schnapphakens zurückschwenkt und die Rastnase in die Ausnehmung, bspw. eine Nut, eingerastet ist.

Further versions of the cover are explained below, which can be considered in combination with the versions described above:

• The cover then has a base body which, for example, has a round cross section in plan view. At least one snap hook, which has a pivotable pin and a latching lug, is typically provided on the outside of the base body or on the circumference. This snap or snap hook is used to lock the lid on the steering housing, for which purpose the snap hooks or a section of the snap hook snaps or snaps into a recess provided in the steering housing as part of the assembly. This section is referred to herein as a locking lug, which typically represents a projecting section of the snap hook and engages in a recess in the steering housing when the cover is installed. During assembly, the cover is guided, for example, along a spindle which projects, for example, through an opening in the cover. When this is carried along, the pin of the snap hook pivots in one direction until the catch comes into the region of the recess in the steering housing, so that the snap hook or pin of the snap hook swings back and the catch is locked into the recess, for example a groove .

It is further provided that the pivotable pin is connected to the base body via at least one connection area, and the at least one connection area is set up in such a way that pivoting of the snap hook during assembly causes torsion of the at least one connection area. There is therefore no pure bending of the connection area, as is known from the prior art, rather the at least one connection area experiences torsion.

The presented cover for a steering housing of a steering device is thus intended to be connected to the steering housing during assembly by means of a snap-in connection in such a way that the cover can only be detached with great difficulty, possibly even with destruction.

Torsion is the twisting of a body caused by the action of a torsional moment. This torsional moment typically acts parallel to the base surface and tangential to the side surface. The torsion thus causes a helical deformation.

In this way it is possible to close the cavity reliably and tightly. The focus is on safe installation. A possible simple disassembly is not important.

With the lid according to the invention it is now possible to increase the corrosion resistance and to achieve a cost reduction due to the elimination of the screws. It is also important that the cover can be mounted or fastened using a continuous shaft, the steering spindle, which in turn can transmit forces to the cover. The attachment is achieved by snap or snap hooks, which are typically free of play when assembled. A potting compound can also be used, the main task of which is sealing. However, this is designed so that it can also absorb forces from the shaft, for example a steering spindle, which provides a connection to the steering column.

In an embodiment, a plurality of snap hooks are provided, which are arranged, for example, circumferentially spaced apart on the cover. The snap hooks can be arranged evenly circumferentially at equal distances from one another. However, these can also always be arranged in groups.

It can further be provided that the at least one snap hook is connected to the base body via two connecting areas. Both connection areas then experience torsion during assembly.

The lid is typically made of a plastic whose surface can be plasma activated.

A steering device is also presented which has a steering housing which is combined with a cover of the type described above. The cover thus has at least one hold-down device, as is described here. The steering device described has a steering housing which has at least one cavity with an opening which is covered with a cover of the type described herein. The cover can also be connected to the steering housing via a snap-in connection. In particular, the cover is fixed in the axial direction by the latching connection on the steering housing.

As has already been stated, the steering housing can have a groove into which at least a portion of the snap hook of the cover is engaged. This ensures a defined snap-in of the snap hook and a secure hold.

The cavity can serve to receive at least one of the following components. If the cavity receives a gear, the cover is also referred to as a gear cover. If the cavity receives a sensor, one speaks of a sensor cover. One speaks of a servo cover when the cavity receives a screw wheel of a power steering.

Furthermore, a steering housing is presented here which has at least one cavity with an opening which is covered, closed or closed by a cover of the type described here.

Further advantages and refinements of the invention result from the description and the accompanying drawings.

It goes without saying that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Figure list

• 1 shows an embodiment of a steering device.
• 2nd shows an embodiment of a lid according to the prior art.
• 3rd shows an execution of the presented lid.
• 4th shows an unlocking of a sensor.
• 5 shows a section 3rd .
• 6 shows the section 5 .
• 7 shows a further embodiment of the sensor cover described.
• 8th shows an embodiment of a locking hook according to the prior art.
• 9 shows a section of an embodiment of the lid presented.

Embodiments of the invention

The invention is shown schematically in the drawings using embodiments and is described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

1 shows an embodiment of a steering device, the total with the reference number 10th is designated. The illustration shows a steering housing 12 , a steering output 14 , a steering shaft 16 and a sensor cover 18th as a version of the lid presented here. With this sensor cover 18th becomes a sensor area 20th as part of the steering box 12 completed. When mounting the sensor cover 18th along the steering spindle 16 out, this through an opening in the sensor cover 18th protrudes.

2nd shows a cover according to the prior art, the total with the reference number 200 is designated. That lid 200 serves as a sensor cover and is designed as a screwed cover. The lid has on its lower side 200 two hold-downs 202 on, which are designed as fixed webs. These webs are used to unlock a sensor that is located in the cavity with the lid 200 is closed.

3rd shows an embodiment of the described lid, which is referred to herein as a whole with the reference number 250 is provided. The lid 250 is designed here as a sensor cover and can be both a screwed and a snapped sensor cover, which thus has at least one snap hook, as is explained in more detail herein. The lid 250 can also be used in conjunction with any sealant such as liquid seal, O-ring, etc.

The lid 250 is here mounted on a sensor 252 shown. On the lower side of the lid 250 or on the base of which there is a hold-down device 254 intended. The lower side of the lid 250 is the side facing the sensor 252 faces in the assembled state. This hold-down 254 comprises a spring element or is designed as such. It should be noted that, of course, two or more hold-down devices 254 can be provided. Furthermore, the illustration shows a steering spindle 260 through an opening in the lid 250 is led.

The hold-down 254 serves to unlock the sensor. Unlocking takes place via the hold-down device or hold-down devices 254 and not an assembly line. The advantage here is that the overall arrangement is more robust with regard to axial tolerances, which enables a cost reduction by widening the tolerance. Furthermore, the resilient or elastic hold-down effect 254 a restoring force during or after assembly, which creates a defined gap by lifting the cover 250 results. This is particularly advantageous when using a liquid seal.

4th shows the unlocking of the sensor 252 on the left hand side 3rd and on the right side the sensor 252 lidless 250 . Arrows 270 and 272 illustrate the unlocking of the sensor 252 via the hold-down device 254 and not the assembly line. The lid 250 exerts an axial force during the assembly process (arrow 270 ) on the resilient hold-down device 254 out. The axial force is via the hold-down device or devices 254 at the contact points (arrows 272 ) of the sensor 252 initiated.

5 shows a section 3rd . You can see the lid 250 and the sensor 252 and a steering box 270 . It should be noted that due to the resilient hold-down device 254 axial tolerances in the entire tolerance chain, namely the sensor 252 , the lid 250 and the steering box 270 be balanced. The tolerances can even be increased, which enables a reduction in manufacturing costs.

In 6 is a section comparable to the section from 5 shown. This illustration illustrates the spring force or restoring force (arrow 280 ) the hold-down. After assembly, this pushes the lid for a lid with snap hooks after the snap hooks have snapped into place 200 upwards and creates a defined gap 284 of liquid seal.

7 shows an enlarged view of an assembled lid 300 . The illustration shows a spring element 302 , which serves as a hold-down device, a torque sensor 304 and a steering shaft 306 through an opening 308 in the lid 300 protrudes.

The cover presented was explained above as a sensor cover. Basically, the lid can be used with all sealing lids that require tolerance compensation, gap adjustment and / or an unlocking process.

Further versions of the cover will be discussed below, a snap function, which can be considered in combination with the above statements or on its own, being explained in more detail.

8th shows an embodiment of a locking hook according to the prior art, the total with the reference number 50 is designated. This latching hook comprises a basic body 52 that over a bending point 54 with a cone 56 connected, which in turn at its the bending point 54 opposite end a latch 58 carries, which serves to snap into a recess provided for this purpose, for example a groove, of another body, so that a connection between the latching hook 50 or a component connected to this and the further body is positively achieved by means of a snap connection.

During assembly, the bending point 54 curved, ie compressed on one side and stretched on the opposite side, a double arrow 60 illustrates the bending length. When the snap hook is loaded 50 after assembly in the direction opposite to the assembly direction, the locking hook bends relatively easily 50 in the area of the bending point 54 so that the snap hook 50 or which can be easily released again with this snap connection or easily loosens again under load.

9 shows a section of a cover, the total with the reference number 100 is designated. The illustration shows a basic body 102 of the lid with an upper strip 104 and a bottom stripe 106 . The entire lid 100 has an essentially round basic shape, ie the lower strip 106 and the top strip 104 form self-contained rings over bridges 110 are interconnected. In the section shown here are two webs 110 to recognize between which a snap hook 120 is trained. This snap hook 120 is over two connection areas or connection points 122 and 124 with the bottom stripe 106 of the basic body 102 and thus with this basic body 102 connected. In this case, the basic body 102 , the joints 122 , 124 and the snap hook 120 formed in one piece. This means the snap hook 120 via the connection points 122 and 124 on the main body 102 or on the lower strip 106 of the basic body 102 is molded.

The snap hook 120 includes one of the body 102 protruding spigot 130 that in the area between the two webs 110 protrudes. At the free end of the pin 130 is a latch 132 and thus a projecting section is provided which serves to snap or snap into a recess in another body, for example a groove, in order to provide a connection in this way. Furthermore is on the pin 130 an elongated lead 134 molded, but typically less far than the locking lug 132 protrudes or protrudes.

When assembling the lid 100 typically in the direction of an arrow 140 moves, the pin swings 130 towards the drawing plane. The pin moves in the area of the recess of the other body 130 back and there is a snap action or snap action. The pivoting of the pin 130 causes in the area of the two connection points 122 and 124 a twist. Will after mounting the lid 100 against the direction of the arrow 140 moved, so must to the peg 130 turn again in both connection points 122 and 124 torsion can be caused. However, this requires such a high force that that by the snap hook 120 effected connection hardly and if so typically not non-destructively can be solved. In this way the lid is 100 firmly and securely connected to the other body.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• DE 102010030941 A1 [0004]
• DE 102014103576 A1 [0005]
• DE 102015110599 A1 [0007]

Claims (10)

Lid for a steering housing (12, 270), which has a base body (102), at the lower end of which at least one hold-down device (254) is arranged, this hold-down device (254) comprising a spring element (302). Cover after Claim 1 , in which two hold-down devices (254) are provided. Cover after Claim 1 or 2nd , in which the at least one hold-down device (254) is formed by a resilient web. Cover after Claim 3 , in which the web is integrally formed on the base body (102). Cover after one of the Claims 1 to 4th , which is designed as a sensor cover (18). Cover after one of the Claims 1 to 5 , on the base body (102) of which at least one snap hook (120) is provided, which has a pivotable pin (130) and a locking lug (132), the locking lug (132) serving to mount the cover (100, 250 , 300) into a recess in the steering housing (12, 270), - the pivotable pin (130) is connected to the base body (102) via at least one connecting area (122, 124), and - the at least one connecting area (122, 124 ) is set up such that pivoting of the snap hook (120) during assembly causes torsion of the at least one connecting area (122, 124). Cover after one of the Claims 1 to 6 whose surface is plasma activated. Steering device with a steering housing (12, 270) which has at least one cavity with an opening with a cover (100, 250, 300) according to one of the Claims 1 to 7 is covered, the cover (100, 250, 300) being connected to the steering housing (12, 270). Steering device after Claim 8 , in which the steering housing (12, 270) has a groove into which at least a portion of the snap hook (120) of the cover (100, 250, 300) is engaged. Steering device after Claim 8 or 9 , in which the cavity serves to accommodate at least one of the following components: - gear, - sensor, - helical gear of a steering gear of the steering device.

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