KR20070009121A - Monolithic steering frame structure - Google Patents

Abstract

An integrated type steering frame structure is provided to remove a need of an additional connecting step by integrally forming a side sub-frame with a steering device, to thereby improve production efficiency, to enhance steering strength by increasing mounting strength, and to reduce the number of components and the production cost. An integrated type steering frame structure comprises a side sub-frame(110) disposed at left and right sides along the length of a vehicle and curved inward adjacently to a joint with a steering housing(120) to be combined with the steering housing; the steering housing composed of a pinion housing(130) having a pinion housing communicating hole, a yoke supporting member(150) and a hollow rack housing(140) having a pinion housing receiving part; a control arm(160) mounted on the left and right side sub-frames; and a fixing groove formed on the side sub-frame like a semi-cylindrical barrel along the vehicle width.

Description

Integrated Steering Frame Structure {MONOLITHIC STEERING FRAME STRUCTURE}

1 is a cross-sectional view showing a conventional rack and pinion steering gear;

2 is a perspective view illustrating a mounting structure of a conventional subframe and a steering apparatus;

Exploded perspective view of a stinging housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a mounting structure of a steering housing according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a structural diagram showing a coupling structure of the fixed tube and the side sub-frame according to an embodiment of the present invention,

5 is an exploded perspective view of a stinging housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

6 is an exploded perspective view of a stinging housing according to another embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a plan view showing a mounting structure of the side sub-frame and the steering housing according to an embodiment of the present invention,

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

110: side sub frame, 112: fixing groove,

115: fixed tube, 120, 120 ': steering housing,

130: pinion housing, 132: main body,

134: latching portion, 136: pinion housing communication hole,

140, 140 ': rack housing, 141: rack,

142, 142 ': Hanging jaw, 144, 144': Pinion housing insert hole,

145, 145 ': pinion housing accommodation portion, 146: yoke support member insertion hole,

147: flange, 148: yoke supporting member receiving portion,

150: yoke support member, 152: yoke support member communication hole,

160: control arm, 161: tie rod,

165: bellows.

The present invention relates to a steering frame structure, and more particularly, to an integrated steering frame structure which integrally forms the side subframe and the steering housing by forming a fixed tube in the side subframe and inserting and coupling the steering housing thereto.

In general, a steering device of a vehicle is a device for steering in order to arbitrarily change the direction of movement of the vehicle. The steering device includes a steering wheel, a steering shaft, a steering column, and the like, for a driver to directly steer and transmit the operating force to the steering gear and link. A mechanism and a gear device for reducing the rotation of the steering shaft to increase the operating force and at the same time changing the direction of movement of the operating mechanism to the link mechanism. The gear device usually uses a rack and pinion method. The rack and pinion steering gear is built in a steering gear box, and the steering gear box is stably mounted on the vehicle body by means of a mounting bracket.

As such a conventional rack and pinion steering gear, it is proposed in the publication of Korean Patent Publication No. 2003-0006651. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a conventional rack pinion steering gear. As shown in FIG. 1, a rack 3 is inserted into the rack housing 4, and in the steering gearbox 1, the pinion 2 and the rack 3 mounted at the front end of the steering shaft are gear-coupled. To change the rotation of the pinion (2) to the transverse movement of the rack (3) and to transmit to the tie rod and the steering shaft coupled to the ball joint at both ends of the rack (3). The engagement portion of the pinion 2 and the rack 3 of the steering gearbox 1 is adapted to adjust the clearance by the rack guide 6 and the nut 7. The rack guide 6 is gear-coupled with the pinion 2 to form a semi-cylindrical concave shape on one side so as to support the rack 3 moving in the lateral direction in the direction of the pinion 2. One end of the steering gearbox 1 is inserted into one end of the nut 7 and a nut is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the rack guide 6 so as to be fixed by adjusting the position of the rack guide 6. Screwed on. In addition, a recess is formed at the other end surface of the rack guide 6 so that a spring 10 is interposed to impart a cushioning force between the contact surface of the rack guide 6 and the nut 7. Therefore, the rack 7 guides the rack 3 to the pinion 2 side by inserting the nut 7 through the spring 10, or retracts the nut 7 so that the rack 3 and pinion 2 It is possible to adjust to loosen the gear coupling state.

As a structure for mounting such a conventional steering gear to the vehicle body, it is shown in FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a mounting structure of a conventional rack and pinion steering apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 2, the subframe 20 has a center subframe 22 formed in the vehicle width direction so as to connect the side subframe 21 formed at both sides in the vehicle body length direction and the left and right side subframe 21. )

The control arm 29 is mounted to the side subframe 21, and the steering apparatus 25 is mounted to the center subframe 22, and the steering apparatus 25 is connected to the center subframe 22. It is fixedly coupled using fastening means such as a bolt 27 or a clamp 28.

The steering apparatus 25, that is, the steering apparatus 25, refers to a rack housing in which the steering gearbox is mounted and a tie rod, a bellows, and the like, mounted thereon.

The subframe 20 and the steering device 25, which are suspension devices, are manufactured by a specialized manufacturer and assembled by a module manufacturer or an automobile manufacturer.

Therefore, tolerances, manufacturing and quality control must be precisely performed due to the occurrence of tolerances in the manufacturing process and relative parts.

However, in the prior art as described above, the center subframe 22 is formed and the steering apparatus 25 is to be fixed thereto using a separate fastening means, and thus a separate work process and connection / fastening parts required for this. (27, 28) and the like, the mounting rigidity is lowered by fixing the steering device 25 with only the fastening parts (27, 28), and thus there is a problem that adversely affects the steering performance due to gearbox flow during steering have.

In addition, the subframe 20 and the steering device 25 to be manufactured and assembled separately, there is a problem that there are overlapping parts in both devices and the assembly process and each logistics cost.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, by forming the side sub-frame and the steering unit integrally, there is no need for a separate connection process, the productivity is improved and the mounting rigidity is increased to improve the steering rigidity, the number of parts and An object of the present invention is to provide an integrated steering frame structure for reducing logistics costs.

In order to achieve the above object, the integrated steering frame structure of the present invention comprises: a side subframe disposed at left and right sides in a vehicle body length direction; Comprising a steering housing disposed in the vehicle width direction, the side sub-frame is fixed to the vehicle width direction in each of the left and right sides, the steering housing is inserted and coupled to the fixing tube.

At this time, the fixing tube is a hollow cylindrical tube, it may be formed integrally coupled to the cylindrical fixing groove formed in the side subframe.

The steering housing includes a pinion housing into which the pinion is inserted; A yoke support member for supporting the yoke; A rack is inserted into the hollow housing, the rack housing is formed, the pinion housing accommodation portion is formed in the pinion housing is accommodated, the pinion housing is formed with a pinion housing communication hole communicating with the rack housing.

The pinion housing may include a cylindrical body having the pinion housing communication hole formed therein, and a cylindrical engaging portion formed at an upper portion of the main body and having a diameter larger than the diameter of the main body, wherein the pinion housing communication hole may be formed of the main body. Is formed on the cylindrical surface, the pinion housing accommodation portion, the pinion housing insertion hole formed along the circumferential surface of the rack housing and the locking jaw supporting the locking portion at the upper end of the pinion housing insertion hole, the locking jaw It is formed to be bent into the rack housing.

The steering housing further includes a pinion housing into which the pinion is inserted; A yoke support member for supporting the yoke; A rack is inserted into the hollow housing, the rack housing is inserted, the yoke support member receiving portion is accommodated in the yoke support member is formed, the yoke support member is formed with a yoke support member communication hole communicating with the rack housing. .

And, the yoke support member is made of a cylindrical shape, the yoke support member communication hole is formed therein, one end of the yoke support member inserted into the rack housing is cut in an arc shape, the yoke support The member accommodating part includes a yoke supporting member insertion hole formed in the circumferential surface of the rack housing and a flange formed into the rack housing along the circumference of the yoke supporting member insertion hole.

The steering housing penetrates the fixing tube to expose the end to the outside, and welds both ends of the fixing tube to be coupled to each other.

At this time, the welding of both ends of the fixed tube, it is preferable to weld joint only the upper joint portion of the junction of the steering housing and the fixed tube.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described in detail a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a mounting structure of the steering housing according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 is a structural diagram showing a coupling structure of the fixed tube and the side sub-frame according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 7 Top view showing the mounting structure of the side sub-frame and the steering housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 7, the present invention consists of a side subframe 110 and a steering housing 120.

The side sub-frames 110 are arranged on the left and right sides in the vehicle body length direction, and are formed to be bent inward with each other in the vicinity of the coupling portion with the steering housing 120 in order to couple with the steering housing 120. .

The control arm 160 is mounted to the left and right side subframes 110, respectively.

The side subframe 110 may use the conventional side subframe 110 as it is.

As shown in Figure 4, the side sub-frame 110 is formed with a fixing groove 112, the fixing groove 112 refers to a groove formed in the vehicle width direction in a semi-cylindrical shape.

At this time, the fixing groove 112 may have a cylindrical groove shape rather than a semi-cylindrical shape.

Of course, the fixing grooves 112 are formed in the left and right side subframes 110, respectively, and the centers of the fixing grooves 112 are on the same axis.

The fixing groove 112 is preferably a hollow cylindrical fixing tube 115 is arranged to be integrally coupled by welding or the like.

The fixing tube 115 may be integrally formed in contact with the fixing groove 112, but as shown in FIG. 3, the fixing tube 112 is formed to bond only a lower portion thereof, and the fixing tube 115 is attached thereto. ) Is preferably combined integrally.

The steering housing 120 is disposed in the vehicle width direction and is coupled to the left and right side subframes 110.

At this time, the steering housing 120 may be directly coupled to the fixing groove 112 formed in the side sub frame 110, but the fixed tube is integrally coupled to the fixing groove 112 of the side sub frame 110. It is preferred to be joined by welding after insertion into the 115.

To this end, the inner diameter of the fixing tube 115 should be substantially the same or slightly larger than the inner diameter of the steering housing 120.

In addition, the fixing tube 115 and the steering housing 120 may have a polygonal cross section, not a cylindrical shape.

The steering housing 120 is inserted into the fixing tube 115 and welded to the joint portion. When the steering housing 120 is inserted into the fixing tube 115 to maintain a strong coupling force, the steering housing 120 After inserting the end of the 120 to be slightly exposed to the outside, it is preferable to weld and combine both ends of the fixing tube 115, that is, the two parts where the steering housing 120 and the fixing tube 115 are in contact with each other.

At this time, the welding of both ends of the fixing tube 115, it is preferable that the upper joint portion, that is, the upper semi-circular joint portion of the joint of the steering housing 120 and the fixed tube 115 is welded.

In this way, the welding operation can be easily performed, and the welding area can be reduced, and at the same time, it has a strong bonding force.

5 is an exploded perspective view of a stinging housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5, the steering housing 120 includes a pinion housing 130, a yoke support member 150, and a rack housing 140.

The pinion housing 130 is inserted into the pinion (not shown), the yoke support member 150 supports the yoke (not shown), the rack housing 140 is inserted into the rack 141 therein. .

The pinion housing 130 is composed of a main body 132 and the engaging portion 134, the main body 132 is cylindrical, the pinion housing communication hole 136 for communicating with the rack housing 140 is circumferential surface Formed.

The pinion housing communication hole 136 is formed on the circumferential surface and has an arc shape when viewed from the side.

This is for the pinion housing 130 is coupled to the rack housing 140 so that the pinion mounted inside the pinion housing 130 and the rack 141 mounted inside the rack housing 140 are in contact with each other.

In addition, the locking portion 134 is formed on an upper portion of the main body 132, and the locking portion 134 also has a cylindrical shape and has a diameter larger than that of the main body 132.

At this time, the main body 132 and the locking portion 134 may take a polygonal shape instead of a cylindrical shape.

The yoke support member 150 is cylindrical, and the yoke support member 150 has a yoke support member communication hole 152 communicating with the rack housing 140.

The yoke support member communication hole 152 is formed by puncturing both end surfaces of the yoke support member 150.

In addition, one end of the yoke support member 150 inserted into the rack housing 140 has an arc shape when viewed from the side.

At this time, the yoke support member 150 may take a polygonal shape instead of a cylindrical shape.

The rack housing 140 is a hollow cylindrical tube. The rack housing 140 has a pinion housing accommodating part 145 for accommodating the pinion housing 130 and a housing for accommodating the yoke support member 150. The yoke supporting member accommodating part 148 is formed.

The pinion housing accommodation portion 145 supports the locking portion 134 at an upper end of the pinion housing insertion hole 144 formed along the circumferential surface of the rack housing 140 and the pinion housing insertion hole 144. It is made of a locking jaw (142).

The pinion housing insertion hole 144 is preferably to take the shape of a long hole along the circumferential surface.

In addition, the locking jaw 142 is formed to be bent into the rack housing 140, which can be formed by pressing using a press machine or the like when forming the pinion housing insertion hole 144.

By doing so, the pinion housing 130 is inserted into the pinion housing insertion hole 144 formed along the circumferential surface of the rack housing 140, and then the locking portion 134 of the pinion housing 130 is locked. 142 may be supported.

The yoke support member accommodating part 148 has the yoke support member insertion hole 146 formed on the circumferential surface of the rack housing 140 and the rack housing 140 along the circumference of the yoke support member insertion hole 146. It consists of a flange 147 formed into the interior of the.

The yoke support member insertion hole 146 is preferably to take a circular shape so that the yoke support member 150 is inserted.

The flange 147 serves to guide the yoke support member 150 inside the rack housing 140 and simultaneously support the yoke support member 150.

At this time, the pinion housing insertion hole 144 and the yoke support member insertion hole 146 is preferably formed to face 180 degrees, that is, in terms of the structure of other conventional parts.

By doing so, the pinion housing insertion hole 144 and the yoke support member insertion hole 146 are formed in the rack housing 140, and the pinion housing communication hole 136 is formed in the pinion housing 130, and the yoke The support member 150 is formed with a yoke support member communication hole 152, so that the rack housing 140, the pinion housing 130 and the yoke support member 150 are in communication with each other.

At this time, the pinion housing 130 and the yoke support member 150 can be inserted into the fixed tube 115 to be integrally formed in the rack housing 140 from the beginning as in the conventional rack housing 140. Of course.

6 is an exploded perspective view of a stinging housing 120 ′ according to another embodiment of the present invention.

The steering housing 120 ′ shown in FIG. 6 has the same shape as the other portion of the steering housing 120 ′ and differs from the steering housing 120 shown in FIG. 5.

As shown in FIG. 6, the pinion housing insertion hole 144 ′ has the same shape as the cross section of the main body 132 of the pinion housing 130 without forming the circumferential surface of the rack housing 140 ′ as a long hole. That is to form a circle.

At this time, the main body 132 of the pinion housing 130 is inserted into the pinion housing insertion hole 144 'of the longitudinal direction so that the locking portion 134 is supported by the locking jaw 142'.

At this time, the diameter of the pinion housing insertion hole 144 'should be larger than the diameter of the main body 132 and smaller than the diameter of the locking portion 134.

Only one circular pinion housing insertion hole 144 'may be formed on the circumferential surface of the rack housing 140', depending on the size or overall shape of the pinion housing 130 and association with other components. The rack housing 140 'may be formed in two up and down to allow the pinion housing 130 to be inserted therein.

Hereinafter, the mounting method and operation of this embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described.

As shown in FIG. 3, first, the steering housing 120 is manufactured. To this end, the pinion housing 130 is mounted and welded to the pinion housing insertion hole 144 formed in the rack housing 140 to weld the yoke. The yoke support member 150 is inserted into the support member insertion hole 146 to be welded and integrated.

The components such as pinion, rack 141, and yoke are inserted into the integrated steering housing 120.

After inserting both ends of the steering housing 120 into the fixing tube 115, the both ends of the fixing tube 115 formed in the left and right side sub-frame 110, respectively, by welding to the side sub-frame 110 and The steering housing 120 is integrated.

After that, the tie rods 161 are connected to both ends of the rack 141, and the bellows 165 is installed on the tie rods 161 and the rack 141.

In this case, the steering housing 120 may be welded to the fixing tube 115, and then components such as pinions, racks 141, and yokes may be inserted into the steering housing 120.

Since the steering housing 120 and the side sub-frame 110 are manufactured separately, different manufacturing methods (forging, casting, rolling, cutting, pressing, etc.), for example, the steering housing is manufactured by rolling, casting, etc. The side subframe may be manufactured by assembling by forging, pressing, or the like, so that the side subframe may be easily manufactured and manufactured in various ways to suit the characteristics required for the component, such as thickness, strength, hardness, material, shape, and the like.

The integrated steering gear frame structure of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be variously modified and implemented within the range in which the technical idea of the present invention is permitted.

According to the integrated steering gear frame structure of the present invention as described above has the following advantages.

First, by forming integrally with the steering housing having only the side sub-frame without the center sub-frame of the sub-frame, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing process, cost, parts number, logistics cost required for the production of the center sub-frame In addition, it is possible to reduce the corresponding weight can improve the vehicle fuel economy, there is an effect that can simplify the engine room of the vehicle.

In addition, by integrally forming the side sub-frame and the steering housing, it is possible to minimize the overlap of the two devices, to reduce the management parts of the vehicle and to ensure consistent quality control of the steering system and suspension, tolerance between parts Can be minimized.

Second, by forming a fixed tube on the side sub-frame and inserting the welding of the steering housing to form a single body, it is unnecessary to separate parts such as a fastening member for fixing the steering housing, thereby reducing the process and component costs. It is possible to improve productivity and to have a strong fastening force.

In addition, since the side sub-frame and the steering housing are integrated to eliminate the interconnection, the mounting rigidity can be increased, which is advantageous in terms of steering rigidity.

Third, pinion housing, yoke support member, and rack housing are separately manufactured and welded together, thereby simplifying the mold, manufacturing machine, etc. necessary for manufacturing the parts, and integrating them through welding for productivity and work. There is an effect that the sex is advantageous.

Fourth, by forming a catching portion in the pinion housing and forming a catching jaw in the pinion housing accommodating portion, the pinion housing is fixedly supported by the catching jaw when welding the pinion housing after inserting the pinion housing into the pinion housing insertion hole. It becomes easy.

Fifth, by forming a flange along the circumference of the yoke support member inserting hole, the yoke supporting member is guided and supported to facilitate the welding operation when the yoke supporting member is inserted into the yoke supporting member inserting hole and then welded. It is effective.

Sixth, by exposing the end of the steering housing to the outside of the fixed tube and welded to both ends of the fixed tube, it is possible to strongly secure the steering housing.

At this time, by welding only the upper joint portion of the joint of the steering housing and the fixed tube, the welding operation is easy, it is possible to reduce the welding portion and at the same time have a strong bonding force.

Claims (8)

Side subframes disposed at left and right sides in the vehicle body length direction; Including the steering housing arranged in the vehicle width direction, Fixing pipes are formed in the side subframes in the vehicle width direction, respectively, Integral steering gear frame structure, characterized in that the steering housing is inserted into the fixed tube is coupled. The method of claim 1, The fixed tube is a hollow cylindrical tube, integral steering gear frame structure, characterized in that formed integrally coupled to the cylindrical fixing groove formed in the side subframe. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The steering housing, A pinion housing into which the pinion is inserted; A yoke support member for supporting the yoke; The rack is made of hollow housing including the insert, The rack housing has a pinion housing accommodating portion for accommodating the pinion housing, and the pinion housing has a pinion housing communication hole communicating with the rack housing. The method of claim 3, wherein The pinion housing is, The pinion housing communication hole is formed of a cylindrical body, and formed in the upper portion of the main body and made of a cylindrical locking portion having a diameter larger than the diameter of the main body, The pinion housing communication hole is formed in the cylindrical surface of the body, The pinion housing accommodation portion, Pinion housing insertion hole formed along the circumferential surface of the rack housing and the locking jaw supporting the locking portion at the upper end of the pinion housing insertion hole, The catching jaw is a unitary steering frame structure, characterized in that formed in the interior of the rack housing bent. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The steering housing, A pinion housing into which the pinion is inserted; A yoke support member for supporting the yoke; The rack is made of hollow housing including the insert, The rack housing has a yoke support member accommodating portion for accommodating the yoke support member, and the yoke support member has a yoke support member communication hole formed in communication with the rack housing. The method of claim 5, The yoke support member is made of a cylindrical shape, The yoke support member communication hole is formed therein, and one end of the yoke support member inserted into the rack housing is cut into an arc shape, The yoke support member accommodation portion, And a yoke support member insertion hole formed in the circumferential surface of the rack housing, and a flange formed into the rack housing along the circumference of the yoke support member insertion hole. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The steering housing penetrates the fixed tube to expose the end to the outside, Integral steering frame structure, characterized in that for welding the both ends of the fixed tube. The method of claim 7, wherein The welding of both ends of the fixed tube, the integral steering frame structure, characterized in that for welding only the upper joint portion of the joint of the steering housing and the fixed tube.

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