KR20230090519A - Intermediate shaft for steering apparatus of vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

By arranging a double cardan joint between the drive shaft and the driven shaft, not only is it easy to assemble with the power steering system, but the range of bending angles of the intermediate shaft is large, so the intermediate shaft for vehicle steering devices that can be installed in various types of vehicles is Provided.
To this end, an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device according to the present invention has one end connected to a drive shaft having one end connected to the steering shaft and having a first cardan coupling part formed at the other end, and a power steering device having one end connected to the second end. A driven shaft on which a two cardan coupling portion is formed, a double cardan joint connecting the first cardan coupling portion and the second cardan coupling portion, and coupled to any one of the first cardan coupling portion and the second cardan coupling portion, and the A socket disposed inside the double cardan joint is coupled to a first shaft angle setting member protruding in the axial direction and the other one of the first cardan coupling part and the second cardan coupling part, and is inserted into the socket to be rotatable. The coupled spherical ball portion includes a second shaft angle setting member protruding in the axial direction.

Description

Intermediate shaft for vehicle steering device {INTERMEDIATE SHAFT FOR STEERING APPARATUS OF VEHICLE}

The present invention relates to an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device, and more particularly, to an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device having a double cardan joint.

In general, a steering wheel constituting a steering device of a vehicle is disposed in front of a driver's seat in a vehicle cabin.

The steering wheel is configured to be held and rotated by a driver in order to adjust the driving direction of the vehicle. That is, while driving the vehicle, the driver rotates the steering wheel to the left when adjusting the driving direction of the vehicle to the left, and rotates the steering wheel to the right when adjusting the driving direction of the vehicle to the right.

The steering wheel is coupled to the upper end of the steering shaft, and a power steering device for assisting the steering force of the steering wheel is installed in the steering gear for moving the left and right tie rods left and right, and the lower end of the steering shaft and the power steering device The upper end of is connected by an intermediate shaft.

1 is a view showing a steering device of a vehicle equipped with an intermediate shaft according to the prior art.

Referring to FIG. 1, a steering device of a vehicle according to the prior art includes a steering column 10, a steering shaft 20, an intermediate shaft 30, a power steering device 40, It consists of a steering gear 50.

A bracket is installed on the outer circumference of the steering column 10, and the bracket is coupled to the vehicle body to support the steering column 10. The steering column 10 rotatably supports the steering shaft 20 .

The steering shaft 20 passes through the steering column 10 vertically. The upper end of the steering shaft 20 protrudes from the upper end of the steering column 10 and the lower end of the steering shaft 20 protrudes from the lower end of the steering column 10 .

The upper end of the steering shaft 20 is coupled with the steering wheel (not shown) that the driver holds by hand and rotates to the left or right in order to steer the wheels of the vehicle.

The lower end of the steering shaft 20 is coupled to the intermediate shaft 30 through a first cardan joint 34. That is, the upper end of the intermediate shaft 30 is coupled to the lower end of the steering shaft 20 through the first cardan joint 34 .

The lower end of the intermediate shaft 30 is coupled to the input shaft of the power steering device 40. The input shaft of the power steering device 40 protrudes from the upper end of the power steering device 40, and may be coupled to the lower end of the intermediate shaft 30.

The intermediate shaft 30 is composed of drive shafts 31 and 32 disposed on the steering shaft 20 side and driven shaft 33 disposed on the power steering device 40 side. The drive shafts 31 and 32 and the driven shaft 33 are coupled through a second cardan joint 35.

The driving shafts 31 and 32 are composed of two parts slidable in the axial direction and can have a variable length in the axial direction. That is, the drive shafts 31 and 32 are composed of a slide tube 31 and a slide shaft 32, and one end of the slide shaft 32 is inserted into the slide tube 31 so as to slide in the axial direction. It is installed. As one end of the slide shaft 32 slides in the slide tube 31 in the axial direction, the drive shafts 31 and 32 absorb vibration transmitted to the steering wheel while changing their length in the axial direction.

A pinion shaft (not shown) protrudes from the lower end of the power steering device 40 . A pinion gear (not shown) is formed on the outer circumference of the pinion shaft. The pinion shaft is inserted into the housing 51 of the steering gear 50, and in this state, the pinion gear is formed on the rack bar 52 disposed inside the housing 51 of the steering gear 50 to be movable left and right. It engages with a rack (not shown).

Tie rods 53 and 54 are coupled to both left and right ends of the rack bar 52, respectively. The tie rods 53 and 54 are composed of a left tie rod 53 connected to the knuckle of the left wheel and a right tie rod 54 connected to the knuckle of the right wheel.

When the pinion shaft is rotated in one direction, the rack bar 52 is linearly moved to the left, and accordingly, the left tie rod 53 and the right tie rod 54 are linearly moved to the left, and the knuckles respectively coupled to the left and right wheels are moved to the left. By turning to , the left and right wheels are steered to the left.

In addition, when the pinion shaft is rotated in the other direction, the rack bar 52 is linearly moved to the right, and accordingly, the left tie rod 53 and the right tie rod 54 are linearly moved to the right and coupled to the left and right wheels, respectively By turning the knuckle to the right, the left and right wheels are steered to the right.

Meanwhile, recently, a double cardan joint is installed on the intermediate shaft.

For example, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0082178 (July 18, 2018) (hereinafter referred to as 'prior art') discloses 'aluminum for steering column', which is a technology in which the double cardan joint is installed on the intermediate shaft. You-joint' is disclosed.

The prior art is configured so that the double cardan joint connects the driven shaft and the power steering device. However, when the company that manufactures the intermediate shaft and the company that manufactures the power steering device are different, in the prior art, the double cardan joint provided on the driven shaft of the intermediate shaft is used in the power steering device. There was a problem that it was not easy to connect to .

In addition, in the prior art, a spherical bearing is provided in the double cardan joint to arrange the driven shaft at a predetermined angle with respect to the input shaft of the power steering device, and the rotation angle of the inner ring of the spherical bearing Since the bending angle of the driven shaft is limited due to the small size, there is also a problem in that the type of vehicle in which the intermediate shaft can be installed is limited.

In addition, in the prior art, an inner shaft, a rubber bush, an outer tube, and a decoupling cover are installed on the slide tube constituting the upper end of the intermediate shaft to damp vibration from the tire, but the follower disposed close to the tire. Since the shaft is composed of a single shaft, transmission of vibration from the tire to the intermediate shaft cannot be prevented.

Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0082178 (2018.07.18.)

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to arrange a double cardan joint between a drive shaft and a driven shaft to facilitate assembly with a power steering device, and a vehicle that can be installed in various types of vehicles because the range of the bending angle of the intermediate shaft is increased. An intermediate shaft for a steering device is provided.

Another problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device capable of fundamentally damping vibration transmitted from a wheel to an intermediate shaft by configuring a driven shaft to have a vibration damping function. .

The objects of the present invention are not limited to the tasks mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

In order to achieve the above object, an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device according to the present invention is composed of a drive shaft, a driven shaft, a double cardan joint, a first shaft angle setting member and a second shaft angle setting member. One end of the drive shaft is connected to the steering shaft. A first cardan coupling portion is formed at the other end of the drive shaft. One end of the driven shaft is connected to a power steering device. A second cardan coupling portion is formed at the other end of the driven shaft. The double cardan joint connects the first cardan coupling part and the second cardan coupling part. The first shaft angle setting member is coupled to any one of the first cardan coupling portion and the second cardan coupling portion. A socket protrudes in an axial direction from the first shaft angle setting member. The socket is disposed inside the double cardan joint. The second shaft angle setting member is coupled to the other one of the first cardan coupling portion and the second cardan coupling portion. The second shaft angle setting member has a spherical ball protruding in an axial direction. The ball portion is inserted into the socket and coupled rotatably.

A bush contacting the ball portion may be disposed within the socket.

The double cardan joint may be composed of a joint body, a first spider, and a second spider. A third cardan coupling portion may be formed at one end of the joint body. A fourth cardan coupling portion may be formed at the other end of the joint body. The first spider may be formed in a cross shape. The first spider may rotatably connect the first cardan coupling part and the third cardan coupling part. The second spider may be formed in a cross shape. The second spider may rotatably connect the second cardan coupling part and the fourth cardan coupling part. The socket may be disposed inside the joint body.

The drive shaft may be composed of a slide tube and a slide shaft. The slide tube may extend in an axial direction. The slide shaft may extend in an axial direction. One end of the slide shaft may be inserted into the slide tube so that the slide shaft is slidably coupled to the slide tube in an axial direction. The first cardan coupling part may be formed on any one of the slide tube and the slide shaft.

The driven shaft may include an inner shaft, a rubber bush, an outer tube, and a decoupling cover. One end of the inner shaft may be coupled to the power steering device. The rubber bush may surround an outer circumference of the other end of the inner shaft. The outer tube may cover an outer circumference of the rubber bush. The decoupling cover may cover an outer circumference of the outer tube. The second cardan coupling part may be formed in the decoupling cover.

A plurality of first spline grooves extending in an axial direction and spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction may be formed on an outer circumference of the other end of the inner shaft. A plurality of arc-shaped first spline protrusions coupled to the plurality of first spline grooves may extend in an axial direction on an inner circumference of the rubber bush. A plurality of arc-shaped second spline grooves extending in an axial direction may be formed on an outer circumference of the rubber bush at positions respectively corresponding to the plurality of first spline protrusions. A plurality of arc-shaped second spline protrusions coupled to the plurality of second spline grooves may extend in an axial direction on an inner circumference of the outer tube. At least one first flat part extending in an axial direction may be formed on an outer circumference of the outer tube. At least one second flat part contacting the at least one first flat part may extend in an axial direction on an inner circumference of the decoupling cover.

An arc-shaped concave groove extending in an axial direction may be further formed at both ends of the at least one second flat portion on an inner circumference of the decoupling cover.

A first coupling protrusion may be formed at an end of one of the first cardan coupling portion and the second cardan coupling portion. A first coupling hole into which the first coupling protrusion is inserted and coupled may be formed in the first shaft angle setting member. A second coupling protrusion may be formed at the other end of the first cardan coupling portion and the second cardan coupling portion. A second coupling hole into which the second coupling protrusion is inserted and coupled may be formed in the second shaft angle setting member.

The bush may be formed in a cylindrical shape with both ends open. A plurality of hook protrusions may be formed at one end of the bush. The plurality of hook protrusions may be caught in hook grooves formed on an inner circumferential surface of the socket. The plurality of hook protrusions may be formed to be spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction. A plurality of protrusions may be formed at the other end of the bush. The plurality of hooking protrusions may be formed at portions corresponding to and between the plurality of hook protrusions. The plurality of protrusions may be caught on the tip of the socket. The plurality of protrusions may be spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction.

An incision groove may be formed long in an axial direction on an outer circumferential surface of the bush. The cutting groove may be formed at a portion corresponding to the plurality of locking protrusions.

Other embodiment specifics are included in the detailed description and drawings.

Since the intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device according to the present invention is disposed between the drive shaft and the driven shaft, the double cardan joint has an effect of facilitating assembly with the power steering device.

In addition, since the intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device according to the present invention is rotatably coupled by inserting the ball portion of the second shaft angle setting member into the socket of the first shaft angle setting member, the existing spherical bearing It is possible to increase the range of the angle of rotation of the ball part compared to the above, and through this, the range of the bending angle of the driving shaft and the driven shaft is increased, so there is an effect that can be installed in various types of vehicles.

In addition, in the intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device according to the present invention, since the driven shaft constituting the lower end is composed of an inner shaft, a rubber bush, an outer tube, and a decoupling cover, the transmission from the wheel to the intermediate shaft There is also an effect that can fundamentally damp vibration.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

1 is a view showing a steering device of a vehicle equipped with an intermediate shaft according to the prior art;
2 is a perspective view showing an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of Figure 2 except for the mounting bracket;
4 is a cutaway perspective view showing the internal structure of the double cardan joint shown in FIG. 2;
Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 4;
6 is a cutaway perspective view showing the internal structure of the driven shaft shown in FIG. 2;
7 is a cross-sectional view of the driven shaft shown in FIG. 2;
Figure 8 is a view showing the bush shown in Figure 5, (a) is a perspective view of one side of the bush, (b) is a perspective view of the other side of the bush,
FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged view showing a coupling relationship between a socket and a bush in FIG. 4 .

Hereinafter, an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. For reference, terms related to the up and down directions refer to the up and down directions shown in FIG. 2 , and the up and down directions may mean directions opposite to each other. That is, the upper end of any one configuration may mean one end and the lower end may mean the other end. Alternatively, the lower end of any one configuration may mean one end and the upper end may mean the other end.

2 is a perspective view showing an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of FIG. 2 excluding the mounting bracket.

2 and 3, an intermediate shaft 1 for a vehicle steering apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a drive shaft 100, a driven shaft 200, and a double cardan joint. , 300).

An upper end of the drive shaft 100 may be connected to a lower end of the steering shaft. Here, since the steering shaft has been described in the prior art, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

A first cardan coupling part 115 may be formed at a lower end of the driving shaft 100 . The first cardan coupling part 115 may protrude from the lower end of the driving shaft 100 in the axial direction. The first cardan coupling portion 115 may include a pair of first cardan coupling portions 115 spaced apart from each other and disposed opposite to each other.

A fifth cardan coupling part 125 may be formed at an upper end of the drive shaft 100 . The fifth cardan coupling part 125 may be connected to the lower end of the steering shaft through the cardan joint 130 . The fifth cardan coupling part 125 may protrude from the upper end of the driving shaft 100 in the axial direction. The fifth cardan coupling portion 125 may include a pair of fifth cardan coupling portions 125 spaced apart from each other and disposed opposite to each other.

The drive shaft 100 may have a variable length in the axial direction. That is, the drive shaft 100 may include a slide tube 110 and a slide shaft 120 . The slide tube 110 and the slide shaft 120 may extend in an axial direction. The slide tube 110 and the slide shaft 120 are slidably coupled to each other in the axial direction, and may have a variable length in the axial direction.

The slide tube 110 may be disposed below the slide shaft 120 . The slide shaft 120 may be disposed above the slide tube 110 . However, the positions of the slide tube 110 and the slide shaft 120 may be interchanged. That is, the slide tube 110 may be disposed above the slide shaft 120 . When the slide tube 110 is disposed above the slide shaft 120 , the first cardan coupling part 115 may be formed at the lower end of the slide shaft 120 . That is, the first cardan coupling portion 115 may be formed on any one of the slide tube 110 and the slide shaft 120 to be rotatably coupled to the double cardan joint 300, and the fifth cardan coupling portion 125 may be formed on the other one of the slide tube 110 and the slide shaft 120 and coupled to the lower end of the steering shaft through the cardan joint 130.

The lower end of the slide shaft 120 can be inserted into the slide tube 110 through a groove formed at the upper end of the slide tube 110, and through this, the slide shaft 120 can slide in the slide tube 110 in the axial direction. can be conjoined. The slide shaft 120 may have splines formed on the outer circumference of the portion inserted into the slide tube 110, and splines coupled to the splines formed on the outer circumference of the slide shaft 120 may be formed on the inner circumference of the slide tube 110. It can be.

The upper end of the slide tube 110 may be covered with a dust cover 140 . The slide shaft 120 may pass through the dust cover 140 . The dust cover 140 may prevent foreign substances including dust from being introduced into the slide tube 110 . A hooking groove into which the dust cover 140 is hooked may be formed at an upper end of the slide tube 110 .

A mounting bracket 150 may be installed on the outer circumference of the slide tube 110 . The mounting bracket 150 may be installed on the vehicle body to support the slide tube 110, and through this, the intermediate shaft 1 for a vehicle steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention may be supported on the vehicle body. Bearings for rotatably supporting the slide tube 110 may be installed on the inner circumference of each upper and lower portion of the mounting bracket 150 .

The lower end of the driven shaft 200 may be connected to a power steering device. Here, since the power steering device has been described in the prior art, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. An input shaft of the power steering device may protrude toward the upper side of the power steering device, and the protruding input shaft may be inserted into a fastening groove (212, see FIG. 6) formed at the lower end of the driven shaft 200, and then the driven shaft. The lower end of the driven shaft 200 may be coupled to the lower end of the driven shaft 200 by a fastening member inserted through a fastening hole 214 (see FIG. 6) formed on the outer circumference of the lower end of the 200. When the fastening member is fastened to the fastening hole 214, the lower end of the driven shaft 200 tightly surrounds the input shaft of the power steering device, around the fastening hole 214 formed in the driven shaft 200. It is preferable that a cutout hole 216 (see FIG. 6) leading to the fastening groove 212 is formed on the outer circumference of the.

A second cardan coupling portion 246 may be formed at an upper end of the driven shaft 200 . The second cardan coupling part 246 may protrude from the upper end of the driven shaft 200 in the axial direction. The second cardan coupling portion 246 may include a pair of second cardan coupling portions 246 spaced apart from each other and disposed opposite to each other.

The double cardan joint 300 may connect the first cardan coupling part 115 and the second cardan coupling part 246 . The first cardan coupling part 115 may be rotatably coupled to the upper side of the double cardan joint 300 , and through this, the drive shaft 100 may be rotatably coupled to the double cardan joint 300 . The second cardan coupling part 246 may be rotatably coupled to the lower side of the double cardan joint 300 , and through this, the driven shaft 200 may be rotatably coupled to the double cardan joint 300 .

Since the double cardan joint 300 is disposed between the driving shaft 100 and the driven shaft 200, compared to the case where the double cardan joint 300 is disposed at the lower end of the driven shaft 200, the double cardan joint 300 ) to the power steering device, the intermediate shaft 1 for vehicle steering device according to the embodiment of the present invention can be easily assembled with the power steering device.

Meanwhile, the first shaft angle setting member 410 may be coupled to the first cardan coupling portion 115 , and the second shaft angle setting member 420 may be coupled to the second cardan coupling portion 246 . However, the positions of the first shaft angle setting member 410 and the second shaft angle setting member 420 may be interchanged. That is, the first shaft angle setting member 410 may be coupled to any one of the first cardan coupling portion 115 and the second cardan coupling portion 246, and the second shaft angle setting member 420 may be coupled to the first cardan coupling portion 115 or the second cardan coupling portion 246. It may be coupled to the other one of the cardan coupling portion 115 and the second cardan coupling portion.

The drive shaft 100 and the driven shaft 200 may be disposed at a predetermined bending angle as shown in FIG. 2 when installed in a vehicle. The first shaft angle setting member 410 and the second shaft angle setting member 420 may accurately maintain bending angles of the drive shaft 100 and the driven shaft 200 .

In particular, in this embodiment, the socket 412 is formed in the first shaft angle setting member 410, and the spherical ball portion is inserted into the socket 412 and rotatably coupled to the second shaft angle setting member 420. Since the 422 is formed, the rotation angle range of the ball portion 422 can be increased, so the bending angle range of the drive shaft 100 and the driven shaft 200 increases, so vehicle steering according to an embodiment of the present invention The intermediate shaft 1 for the device can be installed in various types of vehicles.

The double cardan joint 300, the first shaft angle setting member 410, and the second shaft angle setting member 420 will be described in detail below.

FIG. 4 is a cutaway perspective view showing an internal structure of the double cardan joint shown in FIG. 2 , and FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 4 .

2 to 5 , the double cardan joint 300 may include a joint body 310, a first spider 320, and a second spider 330.

A third cardan coupling part 315 may be formed at an upper end of the joint body 310 . The third cardan coupling part 315 may protrude from the upper end of the joint body 310 in the axial direction. The third cardan coupling portion 315 may include a pair of third cardan coupling portions 315 spaced apart from each other and disposed opposite to each other.

A fourth cardan coupling part 316 may be formed at a lower end of the joint body 310 . The fourth cardan coupling part 316 may protrude from the lower end of the joint body 310 in the axial direction. The fourth cardan coupling portion 316 may include a pair of fourth cardan coupling portions 316 spaced apart from each other and disposed opposite to each other.

The first spider 320 may be formed in a cross shape. The first spider 320 may rotatably connect the first cardan coupling part 115 formed at the lower end of the driving shaft 100 and the third cardan coupling part 315 formed at the upper end of the joint body 310. . The first spider 320 may rotatably connect the first cardan coupling part 115 formed at the lower end of the slide tube 110 and the third cardan coupling part 315 formed at the upper end of the joint body 310. . Holes to which the first spider 320 is rotatably coupled may be formed in the first cardan coupling portion 115 and the third cardan coupling portion 315 .

The second spider 330 may have the same structure as the first spider 320 . That is, the second spider 330 may be formed in a cross shape. The second spider 330 may rotatably connect the second cardan coupling portion 246 formed at the upper end of the driven shaft 200 and the fourth cardan coupling portion 316 formed at the lower end of the joint body 310. . Holes to which the second spider 320 is rotatably coupled may be formed in the second cardan coupling portion 246 and the fourth cardan coupling portion 316 .

A first coupling protrusion 117 may be formed at an end of the first cardan coupling portion 115, and a first coupling hole into which the first coupling projection 117 is inserted and coupled to the first shaft angle setting member 410 ( 417) can be formed. A second coupling protrusion 247 may be formed at an end of the second cardan coupling portion 246, and a second coupling hole into which the second coupling protrusion 247 is inserted and coupled to the second shaft angle setting member 420 ( 427) can be formed. However, since the installation positions of the first shaft angle setting member 410 and the second shaft angle setting member 420 may be interchanged, the first coupling protrusion 117 is the first cardan coupling portion 115 and the second coupling protrusion 117. It may be formed at one end of the cardan coupling portion 246, and the second coupling protrusion 247 may be formed at the other end of the first cardan coupling portion 115 and the second cardan coupling portion 246. can By inserting and coupling the first coupling protrusion 117 into the first coupling hole 417 , the first shaft angle setting member 410 may be coupled to the first cardan coupling portion 115 . By inserting and coupling the second coupling protrusion 247 into the second coupling hole 427 , the second shaft angle setting member 420 may be coupled to the second cardan coupling portion 246 .

A socket 412 may protrude from the first shaft angle setting member 410 in an axial direction. The socket 412 may be disposed inside the double cardan joint 300 . The socket 412 may be disposed inside the joint body 310 .

A spherical ball portion 422 may protrude in the axial direction from the second shaft angle setting member 420 . The ball part 422 may be disposed inside the double cardan joint 300 . The ball part 422 may be disposed inside the joint body 310 . The ball part 422 may be inserted into the socket 412 of the first shaft angle setting member 410 and rotatably coupled thereto.

When the bending angles of the drive shaft 100 and the driven shaft 200 are varied, the ball portion 422 is rotated within the socket 412 to accurately set the bending angles of the drive shaft 100 and the driven shaft 200. can make it possible

A bush 415 contacting the ball portion 422 may be disposed within the socket 412 . Bush 415 may be formed of a plastic material. The bush 415 may be integrally formed with the socket 412 by being double-injected with the first shaft angle setting member 410 . The bush 415 can prevent noise when the ball part 422 rotates. A detailed structure of the bush 415 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 .

Meanwhile, in the intermediate shaft 1 for a vehicle steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the driven shaft 200 is configured to have a vibration damping function in order to damp vibration transmitted from a wheel at a portion closest to the wheel. do. The driven shaft 200 will be described in detail below.

FIG. 6 is a cut-away perspective view showing an internal structure of the driven shaft shown in FIG. 2 , and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the driven shaft shown in FIG. 2 .

5 to 7 , the driven shaft 200 may include an inner shaft 210, a rubber bush 220, an outer tube 230, and a decoupling cover 240.

The lower end of the inner shaft 210 may be coupled to the input shaft of the power steering device. The lower end of the inner shaft 210 may be formed with a fastening groove 212, a fastening hole 214, and a cutout hole 216 as described above to be coupled to the input shaft of the power steering device.

An upper end of the inner shaft 210 may be inserted into the rubber bush 220 . That is, the rubber bush 220 may cover the outer circumference of the upper end of the inner shaft 210 .

The outer tube 230 may cover the outer circumference of the rubber bush 220 . The rubber bush 220 is disposed between the outer circumference of the upper end of the inner shaft 210 and the inner circumference of the outer tube 230 to absorb vibration transmitted from the wheel, and through this, the driven shaft 200 transmits vibration from the wheel. can attenuate.

The decoupling cover 240 may cover the outer circumference of the outer tube 230 . The decoupling cover 240 is caulked to the groove formed on the outer circumferential surface of the inner shaft 210 to prevent the rubber bush 220 and the outer tube 230 from being separated from the inner shaft 210 . The above-described second cardan coupling portion 246 may be formed at an upper end of the decoupling cover 240 .

A plurality of first spline grooves 218 extending in the axial direction may be formed spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction on the outer circumference of the upper end of the inner shaft 210 . The plurality of first spline grooves 218 may be formed in an arc shape. The plurality of first spline grooves 218 may be formed of six first spline grooves 218 . The outer circumference of the upper end of the inner shaft 210 may be formed in an arc shape where a portion excluding the plurality of first spline grooves 218 is curved in an opposite direction to the plurality of first spline grooves 218 .

A plurality of first spline protrusions 228 coupled to the plurality of first spline grooves 218 may extend in an axial direction on an inner circumference of the rubber bush 220 . The plurality of first spline protrusions 228 may be formed in an arc shape. The plurality of first spline protrusions 228 may be formed to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The plurality of first spline protrusions 228 may be formed of six first spline protrusions 228 . A portion of the inner circumference of the rubber bush 220 excluding the plurality of first spline projections 228 may be formed in an arc shape bent in an opposite direction to the plurality of first spline projections 228 .

A plurality of second spline grooves 229 extending in an axial direction may be formed on an outer circumference of the rubber bush 220 . The plurality of second spline grooves 229 may be formed in an arc shape. The plurality of second spline grooves 229 may be formed to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The plurality of second spline grooves 229 may be formed at positions respectively corresponding to the plurality of first spline protrusions 228 formed on the inner circumference of the rubber bush 220 . The plurality of second spline grooves 229 may be formed of six second spline grooves 229 . An outer circumference of the rubber bush 220 may be formed in an arc shape where a portion excluding the plurality of second spline grooves 229 is curved in an opposite direction to the plurality of second spline grooves 229 .

A plurality of second spline protrusions 238 coupled to the plurality of second spline grooves 229 may extend in the axial direction on the inner circumference of the outer tube 230 . The plurality of second spline protrusions 238 may be formed in an arc shape. The plurality of second spline protrusions 238 may be formed to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The plurality of second spline projections 238 may be formed of six second spline projections 238 . A portion of the inner circumference of the outer tube 230 excluding the plurality of second spline projections 238 may be formed in an arc shape bent in an opposite direction to the plurality of second spline projections 238 .

At least one first flat part 239A or 239B extending in the axial direction may be formed on the outer circumference of the outer tube 230 . In this embodiment, the first flat parts 239A and 239B are formed as a pair of first flat parts 239A and 239B disposed opposite to each other, but at least one of them may be formed. The at least one first flat part 239A, 239B includes a 1-1 flat part 239A and a 1-2 flat part 239B disposed on the opposite side of the 1-1 flat part 239A. can do. The outer circumference of the outer tube 230 may be formed in a convex circular arc shape except for at least one first flat portion 239A or 239B.

At least one second flat part 249A or 249B contacting the at least one first flat part 239A or 239B may extend in an axial direction on an inner circumference of the decoupling cover 240 . In this embodiment, the second flat portions 249A and 249B are formed of a pair of second flat portions 249A and 249B disposed opposite to each other, but correspond to at least one first flat portion 239A and 239B. At least one may be formed at a location. At least one second flat part 249A, 249B is disposed on the opposite side of the 2-1 flat part 249A contacting the 1-1 flat part 239A and the 2-1 flat part 249A. It may include a 2-2 flat portion 249B that is in contact with the 1-2 flat portion 239B. An inner circumference of the decoupling cover 240 may be formed in a concave circular arc shape except for at least one second flat portion 249A or 249B.

If spline grooves spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction are formed on the outer circumference of the outer tube 230 and spline protrusions are formed on the inner circumference of the decoupling cover 240 to be inserted into the plurality of spline grooves, respectively, the outer tube 230 Since the thickness of ) may be reduced and durability may be reduced, at least one first flat portion 239A, 239B is formed on the outer circumference of the outer tube 230 as in the present embodiment, and on the inner circumference of the decoupling cover 240 By forming the at least one second flat portion 249A or 249B in contact with the at least one first flat portion 239A or 239B, a sufficient thickness of the outer tube 230 may be secured to improve durability.

Meanwhile, arc-shaped concave grooves 245A and 245B extending in the axial direction may be further formed at both ends of the at least one second flat portion 249A and 249B on the inner circumference of the decoupling cover 240 . The concave grooves 245A and 245B can prevent at least one of the outer tube 230 and the decoupling cover 240 from being damaged while changing its diameter due to temperature. The concave grooves 245A and 245B include a first concave groove 245A formed at both ends of the 2-1 flat portion 249A and a second concave groove 245B formed at both ends of the 2-2 flat portion 249B. ) may be included.

Figure 8 is a view showing the bush shown in Figure 5, (a) is a perspective view of one side of the bush, (b) is a perspective view of the other side of the bush, Figure 9 is a partially enlarged view showing the coupling relationship between the socket and the bush in FIG. .

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9 , the bush 415 may be formed in a cylindrical shape with open ends.

A plurality of hook protrusions 415A may be formed at one end of the bush 415 . The plurality of hook protrusions 415A may be caught in hook grooves 412A formed on the inner circumferential surface of the socket 412 . The plurality of hook protrusions 415A may be formed spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

A plurality of locking protrusions 415B may be formed at the other end of the bush 415 . The plurality of hooking protrusions 415B may be formed at portions corresponding to and between the plurality of hook protrusions 415A. A plurality of protrusions 415B may be caught on the front end of the socket 412 . An inner circumferential surface of the front end of the socket 412 may be formed as an inclined surface, and portions of the plurality of protrusions 415B that engage the inclined surface formed on the inner circumferential surface of the front end of the socket 412 may be formed as an inclined surface. A plurality of protrusions 415B may be formed spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

An incision groove 415C may be formed long in an axial direction on an outer circumferential surface of the bush 414 . The cutout groove 415C may be formed at a portion corresponding to the plurality of holding protrusions 415B. The incision groove 415C may be formed in a portion corresponding to and between the plurality of hook protrusions 415A. When the ball portion 422 is rotated while being in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the bush 415, the cutout groove 415C may allow the bush 415 to be slightly elastically deformed. In this embodiment, the incision groove 415C is formed as a pair of incision grooves 415C in a portion corresponding to the plurality of holding protrusions 415B, but at least one incision in a portion corresponding to the plurality of holding protrusions 415B. It may be formed as a groove 415C.

As described above, in the intermediate shaft 1 for a vehicle steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention, since the double cardan joint 300 is disposed between the drive shaft 100 and the driven shaft 200, the power steering It can be easy to assemble with the device.

In addition, the intermediate shaft 1 for a vehicle steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the socket 412 of the first shaft angle setting member 410 and the ball portion of the second shaft angle setting member 420 ( 422) is inserted and rotatably coupled, it is possible to increase the range of rotational angles of the ball part 422 compared to conventional spherical bearings, and through this, the bending angles of the driving shaft 100 and the driven shaft 200 Since the range of is increased, it can be installed in various types of vehicles.

In addition, in the intermediate shaft 1 for a vehicle steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the driven shaft 200 constituting the lower end includes an inner shaft 210, a rubber bush 220, an outer tube 230 ) and the decoupling cover 240, vibration transmitted from the wheel to the intermediate shaft 1 can be fundamentally damped.

Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without changing its technical spirit or essential features. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the following claims rather than the above detailed description, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalent concepts thereof should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention.

1: intermediate shaft 100: drive shaft
110: slide tube 115: first cardan coupling part
117: first coupling protrusion 120: slide shaft
200: driven shaft 210: inner shaft
218: first spline groove 220: rubber bush
228: first spline protrusion 229: second spline groove
230: outer tube 238: second spline protrusion
239A, 239B: first flat part 240: decoupling cover
245A, 245B: concave groove 246: second cardan coupling part
247: second coupling protrusion 249A, 249B: second flat portion
300: double cardan joint 310: joint body
315: third cardan coupling portion 316: fourth cardan coupling portion
320: first spider 330: second spider
410: first shaft angle setting member 412: socket
412A: hook groove 415: bush
415A: hook protrusion 415B: stumbling protrusion
415C: cutting groove 417: first coupling hole
420: second shaft angle setting member 422: ball
427: second coupling hole

Claims (10)

a drive shaft having one end connected to the steering shaft and having a first cardan coupling part formed at the other end;
a driven shaft having one end connected to the power steering device and having a second cardan coupling part formed at the other end;
a double cardan joint connecting the first cardan coupling part and the second cardan coupling part;
a first shaft angle setting member that is coupled to either one of the first cardan coupling part and the second cardan coupling part, and has a socket disposed inside the double cardan joint and protruding in an axial direction; and
A vehicle including a second shaft angle setting member coupled to the other one of the first cardan coupling portion and the second cardan coupling portion, and having a spherical ball protruding in an axial direction by being inserted into the socket and rotatably coupled thereto. Intermediate shaft for steering system. The method of claim 1,
An intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device further comprising a bush disposed within the socket and in contact with the ball portion. The method of claim 1,
The double cardan joint,
A joint body having a third cardan coupling part formed at one end and a fourth cardan coupling part formed at the other end;
A cross-shaped first spider rotatably connecting the first cardan coupling portion and the third cardan coupling portion;
A cross-shaped second spider rotatably connecting the second cardan coupling portion and the fourth cardan coupling portion,
The socket is an intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device disposed inside the joint body. The method of claim 1,
The drive shaft is
A slide tube extending in the axial direction;
A slide shaft extending in the axial direction and having one end inserted into the slide tube to be slidably coupled in the axial direction;
The first cardan coupling part is formed on any one of the slide tube and the slide shaft. The method of claim 1,
The driven shaft,
An inner shaft having one end coupled to the power steering device;
A rubber bush surrounding the outer circumference of the other end of the inner shaft;
An outer tube surrounding the outer circumference of the rubber bush;
An intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device including a decoupling cover surrounding the outer circumference of the outer tube and having the second cardan coupling part formed thereon. The method of claim 5,
A plurality of arc-shaped first spline grooves extending in the axial direction are formed spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction on the outer circumference of the other end of the inner shaft,
A plurality of arc-shaped first spline protrusions coupled to the plurality of first spline grooves are formed extending in an axial direction on an inner circumference of the rubber bush,
A plurality of arc-shaped second spline grooves extending in the axial direction are formed on the outer circumference of the rubber bush at positions corresponding to the plurality of first spline projections, respectively;
A plurality of arc-shaped second spline protrusions coupled to the plurality of second spline grooves are formed extending in the axial direction on the inner circumference of the outer tube,
At least one first flat part extending in the axial direction is formed on the outer circumference of the outer tube,
An intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device, wherein at least one second flat portion in contact with the at least one first flat portion extends in an axial direction on an inner circumference of the decoupling cover. The method of claim 6,
An intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device, wherein an arcuate concave groove extending in an axial direction is further formed at both ends of the at least one second flat portion on an inner circumference of the decoupling cover. The method of claim 1,
A first coupling protrusion is formed at one end of the first cardan coupling portion and the second cardan coupling portion,
A first coupling hole into which the first coupling protrusion is inserted and coupled is formed in the first shaft angle setting member,
A second coupling protrusion is formed at the other end of the first cardan coupling portion and the second cardan coupling portion,
An intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device, wherein a second coupling hole into which the second coupling protrusion is inserted and coupled is formed in the second shaft angle setting member. The method of claim 2,
The bush is formed in a cylindrical shape with both ends open, and at one end, a plurality of hook protrusions that are caught in hook grooves formed on an inner circumferential surface of the socket are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, and at the other end, the plurality of hook protrusions correspond to each other. An intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device in which a plurality of protrusions engaged with the front end of the socket are spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction. The method of claim 9,
An intermediate shaft for a vehicle steering device, wherein a long cut groove is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the bush in an axial direction at a portion corresponding to the plurality of locking protrusions.

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