Steering apparatus

Abstract

Disclosed is a steering apparatus. The steering apparatus includes: a worm; a first worm wheel engaged with the worm; and a second worm wheel formed to be concentric with the first worm wheel and engaged with the worm, so as to relatively rotate with respect to the first worm wheel. The first and second worm wheels relatively rotate with respect to each other, thereby making it possible to remove backlash easily.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a view showing a configuration of the conventional electric power steering apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the conventional reduction gear;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a part of a steering apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a main portion of a worm wheel;

FIG. 5A is a partial sectional view showing the first and second worm wheels before they rotate;

FIG. 5B is a partial sectional view showing the first and second worm wheels after they rotate;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the worm wheel of a steering wheel according to the second embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the worm wheel of the steering wheel according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Claims

1. A steering apparatus comprising: a worm;a first worm wheel engaged with the worm; anda second worm wheel formed to be concentric with the first worm wheel and engaged with the worm, so as to relatively rotate with respect to the first worm wheel.

2. The steering apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first worm wheel has a first coupling hole formed in the first worm wheel, and the second worm wheel has a second coupling hole formed to have a circular arc shape, the first and second worm wheels being coupled with each other by means of coupling means extending through the first and second coupling holes.

3. The steering apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first worm wheel has a guide jaw formed at the center portion of the first worm wheel, and the second worm wheel has a guide hole formed at the center portion of the second worm wheel, in which the guide jaw is inserted.

4. The steering apparatus as claimed in claim 3, further comprising a coupling plug press-fitted to the second worm wheel while being inserted into the guide jaw, wherein the coupling plug has a flange portion formed at the rear end of the coupling plug, and the second worm wheel has a mounting groove formed therein, in which the flange portion is seated.

5. The steering apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first worm wheel includes a pressing mechanism for applying a desired pressure to the second worm wheel, and the second worm wheel includes a guide member, to which the pressing mechanism applies the pressure.

6. The steering apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the pressing mechanism includes an elastic body and a tool body, in which the elastic body is received.

7. The steering apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the tool body has a thru-hole in which a female screw is formed on the inner peripheral surface, and control means is assembled with the tool body in such a manner that a male screw of the control means is engaged with the female screw of the tool body.

8. The steering apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the guide member has a concave portion with a desired depth, and a steel ball is disposed between the elastic body and the concave portion.