JPH10226344A - Expansion absorbing device for inner cord of control cable - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device for absorbing expansion of an inner cable of control cable, such that at no-load time not operating a rotation control means, elongation in a lengthwise direction of a first and a second inner cable is simultaneously absorbed by an equal amount, at high load time operating the rotation control means, elongation absorption is not performed, and generation of position displacement due to elongation absorption is difficult. SOLUTION: In this expansion absorbing device for an inner cable of a control cable, both ends of a first and a second inner cord 10a, 11a of a first and a second control cable means C1 , C2 are each fixed to a drum so as to be wound and delivered. The device is provided with an adjusting mechanism 1a to energize a length of flow pipes 10b, 11b of the first/second control cable means C1 , C2 synchronized in a direction extended by an equal amount, and a first and a second energizing means for energizing an end part in a driven side of a first and a second flow pipe 10b, 11b in a direction respectively separating from a driven part side in a housing mounted in a structural unit.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a device for absorbing the extension of an inner cable of a control cable. More specifically, when the rotation operation means is not performing the rotation operation, the longitudinal extension of the first and second inner cables is simultaneously absorbed by the same amount, and during the rotation operation of the rotation operation means, etc., the stretching is not performed. The present invention relates to a device for absorbing elongation of an inner cable of a control cable, which is not performed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In order to improve the operability of steering mechanisms for so-called passenger cars including luxury cars and mini cars as well as large vehicles such as trucks and buses. So-called power steering devices have been widely adopted.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-2431 discloses a power steering apparatus using a pull control cable (see FIG. 8).

The conventional power steering device 50
Is rotatably housed in one housing 51 attached to the vehicle body, and is rotatably driven by a steering wheel H. One drum 52 and two inner cables 53a having one end fixed to the drum 52, 53b and the two inner cables 53
a, 53b are slidably inserted, and one end is connected to conduits 54a, 54b gripped by terminal fixtures 55a, 55b attached to the one housing 51, and a hydraulic pump for driving the axle to rotate, The other ends of the inner cables 53a and 53b are fixed, and the other drum 57 rotatably accommodated in the other housing 56 and the other end of the conduits 54a and 54b are attached to the other housing 56. Terminal fixtures 58a, 5
8b.

In the case of such a conventional power steering device, in order to reduce play and eliminate transmission delays and errors, the power steering devices are engraved on the outer periphery of terminal fixtures 58a, 58b attached to the terminals of the conduits 54a, 54b. Male screw 60,
A manual length adjustment mechanism 70 is provided in the other housing 56 and includes a female screw 61 screwed with the male screw 60 and a nut 62 for fixing (see FIG. 9).

The length adjustment mechanism 70 allows the inner cable 53
a, 53b are given sufficient tension. In the case of the length adjusting mechanism 70, one of the drums 52 is rotated by a clockwise / counterclockwise rotation operation of the steering wheel H, and this rotation is converted into a reciprocation of the inner cables 53a and 53b. The reciprocating motion is converted again into the rotational motion of the other drum 57.

[0007] The conversion from the rotational motion to the reciprocating motion,
When converting the reciprocating motion to the rotary motion, the inner cable 53a, 5
Since the reciprocating portion 3b is always used in a high load range, play and transmission delay are less likely to occur.

However, in the case of long-term use, there is a problem that the tension decreases due to the extension of the inner cables 53a and 53b and the contraction of the conduits 54a and 54b, and it is necessary to manually adjust the tension again.

On the other hand, a device for automatically absorbing the extension of a wire such as an inner cable is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 1-1700.
No. 5 (see FIG. 10).

The conventional device 80 for automatically absorbing the extension of a wire such as an inner cable has a housing 81 fixed to a vehicle body and an adjusting bolt 82 inserted through the housing 81. The adjustment bolt 82 is movable in its longitudinal direction and cannot rotate around its axis.

A control cable 8 comprising an inner cable 84a and a conduit 84b into which the inner cable 84a is slidably inserted.
4 is fixed to the housing 81 via a terminal fixture 85, and the other of the conduits 84b is
It is fixed to 2. The inner cable 84a is an adjustment bolt 82
Is movably inserted into the inside. Furthermore, inner cable 84a
Is fixed to an actuator 86 which can move inside the adjustment bolt.

An external thread is engraved on a part of the outer peripheral surface of the adjusting bolt 82. In the housing 81, an adjuster 83 having a substantially cylindrical shape and having an internal thread into which an internal thread to be screwed with the male thread portion of the adjusting bolt 82 is rotatably supported. A ratchet 83a is formed on the outer periphery of the adjuster 83.

The housing 81 includes a first arm 78a and a second arm 88b which rotate around an axis 87.
A lever 88 urged counterclockwise by a tension spring 90 is provided. The tip of the first arm 88a and the actuator 86 are set to be separated by a distance δ when no load is applied. The tip of the second arm 88b is engaged with the ratchet 83a.

A conventional device for automatically absorbing the elongation of a wire, such as an inner cable, having such a structure is an inner cable 84a.
When the elongation ε has a relationship of ε> δ, when the brake pedal or the like is depressed and the inner cable 84a is pulled in the direction of arrow A, the actuator 86 comes into contact with the tip of the first arm 88a, and further the first arm 88a Is turned clockwise against the urging force of the tension spring 90. Accordingly, the engagement between the second arm 88b and the ratchet 83a is released. When the braking operation is completed, the second arm 88b is engaged with the ratchet 83a again by the repulsive force of the tension spring 90 in the counterclockwise direction, and rotates the ratchet 83a clockwise. As a result, the adjuster 83 rotates clockwise, so that the adjustment bolt 82 moves in the direction of arrow B, and the conduit 84b also moves in the direction of arrow B, and the distance between the tip of the first arm 88a and the actuator 86 is changed. The distance is automatically returned to the initial setting value δ.

When the conventional device 80 for automatically absorbing the elongation of a wire such as an inner cable is applied to the above-described power steering device 50, when the steering wheel H is operated at a high load, one inner cable is used. Causes elastic elongation,
The other inner cable becomes slack, and absorbs the elastic elongation and the slack simultaneously. For this reason, there is a problem that excessive tension is excessively applied when no load is applied, the operation of the steering wheel becomes heavy, and the position of the center is shifted.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and to simultaneously elongate the first and second inner cords in the longitudinal direction at the time of no load without operating the rotation operation means such as the steering wheel. To provide a device for absorbing the extension of the inner cable of a control cable, which does not stretch during a high load while absorbing the amount and operating the rotary operation means, and is less likely to be displaced by stretching. It is.

[0017]

The control cable according to the present invention has an inner cable stretch absorbing device (hereinafter referred to as a stretch absorbing device) which comprises two housings attached to a structure such as a vehicle body while being separated from each other. The first housing comprises two drums rotatably mounted in the two housings, and two control cable means, wherein the two control cable means comprise a first inner cable and a first conduit. 1 control cable means, and second control cable means comprising a second inner cable and a second conduit, wherein the two housings are a first housing as a housing on the driving section side and a second housing as a housing on the driven section side. And both ends of the first and second inner cords are respectively fixed to the drum so as to be able to be wound and fed out. An adjusting mechanism for synchronously biasing the lengths of the conduits of the two control cable means in a direction extending the same amount, and the driven end of the first conduit and the second conduit on the second housing; The first and second urging means for urging each in a direction away from the driven part side are provided.

Further, it is preferable that the elongation absorbing mechanism is provided in the middle of the control cable means.

Preferably, the adjusting mechanism is a turnbuckle mechanism.

The turnbuckle mechanism includes a third gear rotatable by an adjustment housing in a predetermined direction and urged by a third urging means, and a first gear and a second gear that mesh with the third gear. The first gear and the second gear each include a portion formed with a left-handed screw and a portion formed with a right-handed screw coaxially, and a female screw screwed with the left-handed screw and the right-handed screw is formed. It is preferable that the moving device further comprises a moving device to which the conduit is fixed and which is provided in the adjustment housing so as to be non-rotatable and slidable in the longitudinal direction.

The adjusting mechanism is rotatably mounted in the second housing, and the first inner cable and the first inner cable exposed from the driven-side ends of the first conduit and the second conduit. 2 inner cords are passed through, the first conduit and the second
A male screw fixed to the driven end of the conduit of the second housing and screwed to a part of the inside of the second housing is formed on the outer peripheral surface.
A mover and a second mover, and the first mover and the second mover
A first gear and a second gear fixed coaxially to each of the movers, meshing with the first gear and the second gear,
It is preferable that the first gear and the second gear comprise a third gear provided with a third urging means for rotating the first gear and the second gear in the opposite direction by the same angle as the rotation angle of the first gear and the second gear. .

A first biasing means for biasing the first housing to drive the ends of the first conduit and the second conduit on the drive side in a direction away from the drive unit, respectively, by the adjusting mechanism. Means and a second biasing means, and a first inner cable and a second inner cable rotatably mounted in the first housing and exposed from driven ends of the first and second conduits. Of the first conduit and the second conduit are fixed to the driven-side ends of the first conduit and the second conduit, and a male screw formed on an outer peripheral surface of the first conduit has a male screw screwed with a part of the inside of the first housing. A moving element, a second moving element, a first gear and a second gear fixed coaxially to each of the first moving element and the second moving element, and meshing with the first gear and the second gear; The opposite direction is applied by the same angle as the rotation angle of the first gear and the second gear. It is preferably made of a third gear and a with third biasing means for rotating the first gear and second gear.

Further, the first and second movable members are respectively provided at predetermined positions in the housing.
A first portion coaxially connected to the gear and the second gear, a male screw is engraved on a part of the outer peripheral surface, and is rotatably and movably mounted in the longitudinal direction; A female thread to be screwed is engraved on the inner peripheral surface, and is formed of a cylindrical second portion movably provided in the housing in the longitudinal direction, and a driven side end of the first and second conduits is Attached to the second portion via a terminal fixture,
It is preferable that one end of each of the first and second urging means is connected to a second portion, and the other end of each of the first and second urging means is connected to a terminal fixture.

Further, it is more preferable that the third biasing means is a constant load spring.

[0025]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A device for absorbing the extension of an inner cable of a control cable according to the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as "device") will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an adjusting mechanism of the apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing an operation state of the adjustment mechanism of FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a housing and a drum used in the apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an adjusting mechanism of the device according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a main part of the adjustment mechanism of FIG. FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view of the adjustment mechanism of FIG. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a cylinder portion and a spacer of the adjustment mechanism of FIG.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, an apparatus for absorbing the extension of an inner cable of a control cable (hereinafter simply referred to as an "apparatus") according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown as being separated from each other by a vehicle body (not shown). Two housings 20, 21 attached directly or indirectly to a structure such as
It comprises two drums 2, 3 rotatably mounted in two housings 20, 21, respectively, and two control cable means C, the control cable means C comprising a first inner cable 10a and the first inner cable 10a. A first control cable means C1 comprising a _first conduit 10b for slidably inserting the inner cable 10a, and a second control cable means C1 for slidably inserting the second inner cable 11a and the second inner cable 11a. Conduit 1
The first housing 21 (see FIG. 3) comprises a _second control cable 1b and means C2.
The first inner cable 10a and the second inner cable 11a serve as drive-side ends of the first inner cable 10a and the second inner cable 11a, which are rotatably mounted in the inside and are driven in synchronization with the rotational movement of the rotary operation means. A first end e1 is fixed, and a second end e2, which is a driven side end of the first inner cable 10a and the second inner cable 11a.
Is fixed to the driven drum 3 rotatably mounted in the second housing 20, and the clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the driving drum 2 is moved in the first direction (the direction of arrow X). Alternatively, the linear motion is converted into a linear motion in a second direction (the direction of arrow Y), and the linear motion is arranged in a loop that is transmitted to the driven drum 3.

The second housing 20 is fixed directly or indirectly to the vehicle body. An adjusting mechanism 1a is provided which urges the lengths of the first and second conduits 10b, 11b of the two control cable means C in a direction extending by the same amount in synchronization.

In the case of this embodiment, the adjusting mechanism is provided in the middle of the control cable means C.

In the case of the present embodiment, the adjusting mechanism 1a
Is provided with a third gear 40 rotatably urged in a predetermined direction by the adjustment housing 20 ′, and a first gear 8 and a second gear 9 meshing with the third gear 40. And the second gear 9 includes portions 8a and 9a coaxially formed with a left-handed screw TL and portions 8b and 9b formed with a right-handed screw TR, respectively.
Movers 6, 7 having female threads TF screwed with R, wherein the first and second conduits 10b, 11b are fixed, are not rotatable in the housing 20 ', and are slidable in the longitudinal direction. This is a turnbuckle mechanism provided with the movers 6 and 7 provided in the turntable.

In the case of this embodiment, the first conduit 10b
Alternatively, when elongation occurs in the second conduit 11b (see (a) of FIG. 2), since the third gear 40 is urged by the urging means 30 (see FIG. 1), the moving members 6, 7 are mutually opposed. (See FIG. 2 (b)).

Further, in the present embodiment, since the third gear 40 is urged by the urging means 30 such as a constant load spring, a constant tension can always be applied to the inner cables 10a and 11a.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the first and second control cable means C ₁ ,
In order to synchronize the length adjustment of the first and second conduits 10b and 11b of C ₂ and C, the engagement of the third gear 40 with the first gear 8 and the second gear 9 is used. Timing belt instead of two gears (not shown)
Can also be used.

Referring to FIGS. 4 to 7, an apparatus 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises a control cable means C.
And an adjusting mechanism 1.

In the case of this embodiment, the adjusting mechanism 1
Urging means 4, second urging means 5, third urging means 30, first urging means
It comprises a mover 6, a second mover 7, a first gear 8, a second gear 9, and a third gear 40.

The first conduit 10 is connected to the housing 20.
urging means 4 for urging the driven-side end E of the second conduit 11b in a direction away from the driven-part side.
And the second urging means 5 are attached.

In the housing 20, the first movable member 6 is provided.
The first inner cable 10a and the second inner cable 10b to which the first movable member 7 is attached and which are exposed from the driven end E of the first conduit 10b and the second conduit 11b.
Is inserted.

In this embodiment, a first gear 8 and a second gear 9 are coaxially fixed to one end of each of the first movable member 6 and the second movable member 7, and are rotatable about an axis. However, it has first portions 6a and 7a which are immovable in the longitudinal direction. On the outer peripheral surface on the other end side of the first portion, a male screw to be screwed with the inside of second portions 6b, 7b described later is formed.

The device 1 according to the present embodiment further meshes with the first gear 8 and the second gear 9, and the first gear 8
And a third gear 40 provided with third biasing means 30 for rotating the first gear 8 and the second gear 9 in the same direction by the same angle as the rotation angle of the second gear 9. . In the case of the present embodiment, a constant load spring is suitably used as the third urging means 30.

Also in this embodiment, a timing belt (not shown) can be used instead of the first gear 8, the second gear 9, and the third gear 40.

In the case of the device according to the present embodiment, the first portions 6a and 7a are non-rotatably mounted at predetermined positions inside the housing 20 via spacers 10d and 11d so as to be slidable in the longitudinal direction. The internal threads of the second portions (hereinafter, referred to as cylinder portions) 6b and 7b each having an oval cross section are screwed with female threads provided on the inner peripheral surfaces of the second portions 6b and 7b.

The cylinder portions 6b and 7b (see FIG. 7)
One end of each is exposed to the outside of the spacers 10d, 11d and the housing 20, and the first and second conduits 10b
Terminal fixtures 10c and 1 at the driven end of
1c is slidably received.

In the case of this embodiment, the terminal fixture 10c,
11c flanges 10f, 11f and cylinder 6
End portions of compression coil springs 4a and 5a functioning as first and second urging means 4 and 5 are in contact with flange portions 6c and 7c of b and 7b.

In the case of the present embodiment, the driven drum 2
The rotation shaft 2a is non-rotatably fitted to the rotation center of the key 2 by a key 2c or the like.

In the case of the present embodiment, the adjusting mechanism 1 is provided in the second
1 can also be provided.

Next, the operation of the apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

If the first and second inner ropes 10a and 11a have permanent elongation (linear motion) when the rotary operating means is not operated, the rotational force of the constant load spring will be increased. Overcoming the compressive force of the biasing means 4 and 5, the rotational force of the constant load spring 30 is transmitted via the first gear 8 and the second gear 9 to the first portion 6 of the first and second movers 6 and 7.
a, 7a, and the cylinder portions 6b, 7b are extended from the spacers 10d, 11d. Thus, by compressing the first and second conduits 10b, 11b,
It absorbs the permanent elongation of the first and second inner cords 10a, 11a.

When the steering wheel H is operated, for example, clockwise, a load is applied only to the first inner cable 10a, and the elastic deformation of the first inner cable 10a causes the second inner cable 11a on the opposite side to be subjected to load.
Becomes loose.

However, the first portion 6a of the first mover 6 does not rotate because a load is applied to the inner cable 10a and a reaction force is applied in the direction of pushing the cylinder into the spacer. Therefore, even if the second inner cable 11a becomes loose, the first portion 6a does not rotate, so that the inner cable is not excessively stretched (absorbed). At this time, the second conduit 11
The compression coil spring 5a, which is the second urging means 5 attached to the driven side end portion of the second inner cable 11b, is extended, whereby the second inner cable 11a is extended.
And the inner cables 10a, 11a do not come off the drum.

When the steering wheel H is operated in the counterclockwise direction, it acts on the inner cable and conduit opposite to the case where the steering wheel H is operated in the clockwise direction.

[0051]

According to the apparatus of the present invention, when the rotary operating means is not operated and the load is not loaded, the longitudinal extension of the first and second inner cables is simultaneously absorbed by the same amount, and the steering wheel It is possible to provide a device for absorbing the extension of the inner cable of the control cable, which does not stretch when the load is high during the rotation operation and is less likely to be displaced by the stretching.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an adjustment mechanism of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory sectional view showing an operation state of the adjustment mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a housing and a drum used in the device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of an example of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the device of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing an adjustment mechanism of the apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing a moving element of the adjustment mechanism of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing a conventional power steering device.

9 is an explanatory diagram of a main part of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an explanatory sectional view showing an example of a conventional device for absorbing the extension of an inner cable of a control cable.

[Explanation of symbols]

1a adjustment mechanism 2, 3 drum 4 first urging means 5 second urging means 10a first inner cable 10b first conduit 11a second inner cable 11b second conduit 20 second housing 21 first housing 30 Third biasing means C ₁ First control cable means C ₂ Second control cable means C Control cable means

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. Two housings mounted on a structure such as a vehicle body, which are separated from each other, two drums rotatably mounted in the two housings, and two control cable means. Wherein said two control cable means comprise first control cable means comprising a first inner cable and a first conduit;
A second control cable means comprising a second inner cable and a second conduit, wherein the two housings comprise a first housing as a housing on a driving portion side and a second housing as a housing on a driven portion side; Both ends of the first and second inner cords are fixed to the drum so that they can be wound and unwound, respectively, and the adjusting mechanism urges the lengths of the first and second conduits in a direction extending the same amount in synchronization. The first conduit and the second conduit in the second housing.
And a first urging means and a second urging means for urging a driven end of the conduit in a direction away from the driven part. 2. The stretch-absorbing device according to claim 1, wherein said adjusting mechanism is provided in the middle of the control cable means. 3. The stretch absorbing device according to claim 2, wherein the adjusting mechanism is a turnbuckle mechanism. 4. A third gear, wherein said turnbuckle mechanism is rotatable by an adjusting housing in a predetermined direction and biased by a third biasing means, and a first gear and a second gear meshing with said third gear. And the first gear and the second gear
A gear is provided with a portion formed with a left-handed screw and a portion formed with a right-handed screw coaxially with each other, and a female screw formed with a female screw to be screwed with the left-handed screw and the right-handed screw, wherein the conduit is fixed. 4. The stretch absorbing device according to claim 3, further comprising a movable member provided in said adjustment housing so as to be non-rotatable and slidable in a longitudinal direction. 5. The first inner cable and the first inner cable, which are rotatably mounted in the second housing and are exposed from driven-side ends of the first conduit and the second conduit. A second inner cable is inserted through the second conduit and fixed to driven end portions of the first conduit and the second conduit, and a male screw formed on an outer peripheral surface of the male screw to be screwed with a part of the inside of the second housing. A first mover and a second mover, and a first gear and a second gear fixed coaxially to the first mover and the second mover, respectively.
A third gear for meshing with the first gear and the second gear to rotate the first gear and the second gear in the opposite direction by the same angle as the rotation angle at which the first gear and the second gear rotate. The elongation absorbing device according to claim 1, comprising a third gear provided with a biasing means. 6. A first biasing mechanism for biasing the first housing and the drive-side ends of the first and second conduits in the first housing in a direction away from the drive unit, respectively. Means and a second biasing means, rotatably mounted within the first housing, wherein the first conduit and the second
The first inner cable and the second inner cable exposed from the driven end of the first conduit are inserted and fixed to the driven ends of the first conduit and the second conduit, and the first housing First and second movers having external threads formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof, the first and second movers being coaxially fixed to the first and second movers, respectively. A first gear and a second gear mesh with the first gear and the second gear;
2. An extension according to claim 1, comprising a third gear provided with third biasing means for rotating said first gear and said second gear in the opposite direction by the same angle of rotation as the rotation of said gear and said second gear. Absorber. 7. The first mover and the second mover are coaxially connected to the first gear and the second gear, respectively, at predetermined positions in the housing, and external threads are engraved on a part of the outer peripheral surface. A first portion rotatably and movably mounted in the longitudinal direction, and a female screw screwed with a male screw of the first portion are engraved on the inner peripheral surface, and are movable in the housing in the longitudinal direction. And a driven second end of the first and second conduits is attached to the second portion via a terminal fixture, and the first and second conduits are attached to the first and second conduits by a terminal fixture. One end of the biasing means is connected to the second portion,
7. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the other ends of the first and second urging means are connected to a terminal fixture. 8. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said third biasing means is a constant load spring.