JP2001341655A - Vehicle steering device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To move, or travel a vehicle by steering, when failure occurs in a drive means driving a steering mechanism of a link-less steering device, the vehicle is moved during assembling, or malfunction of the steering device is found before traveling of the accomplished vehicle. SOLUTION: This steering device has a steering shaft 3 supported by a stationary side member, not mechanically connected to the steering mechanism 1 for changing direction of wheels; a steering control part 52 and a steering motor 51 driving the steering mechanism 1 according to the steering of a steering wheel 4 connected to the steering shaft 3; and a manual connection part 6 allowing mechanical connection of the steering shaft 3 to the steering mechanism 1 by manual operation when the steering motor 51 and the steering control part 52 are not operated.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a vehicle steering system in which a steering shaft connected to steering means such as steered wheels is not mechanically connected to a steering mechanism for changing the direction of wheels.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A vehicle steering system includes a link type in which a steering shaft connected to steering means such as steered wheels is mechanically connected to a steering mechanism, and a steering system in which the steering shaft is mechanically connected to the steering mechanism. And linkless type that is not connected to

[0003] The latter linkless steering system is, for example,
As described in JP-A-1-153379, a steering shaft is arranged separately from a steering mechanism, and a steering motor as a steering actuator is provided in the middle of the steering mechanism.
A steering control unit using a microprocessor drives and controls the steering motor in accordance with a deviation between the actual steering angle of the steering wheel and the target steering angle, thereby adjusting the steering wheel to the target steering angle. Configuration.

Further, as a linkless type steering apparatus, the steering mechanism cannot be driven due to a failure of a driving means such as the steering control section for driving the steering mechanism in accordance with steering of a steered wheel. There has been known a vehicle steering system provided with an automatic connection unit that automatically connects the steering shaft to the steering mechanism.

[0005] The automatic coupling means of the vehicle steering system uses an electromagnetic clutch or a friction clutch. The electromagnetic clutch is configured such that the electromagnet is not excited when the driving means is normal, and the transmission of torque is interrupted, and the electromagnetic clutch is energized when the driving means fails and transmits torque from the steering shaft to the steering mechanism. It has a configuration.

Further, the friction clutch has a structure in which when the drive means breaks down, the friction surface is brought into contact with the force of a spring, and when the drive means is normal, the electromagnet is excited to disengage the friction surface. .

[0007]

However, in a linkless type steering device not provided with an automatic connecting means, the driving means for driving the steering mechanism fails, and the driving means drives the steering mechanism. When you can no longer do
There was a problem that the vehicle could not be moved by steering.

The linkless type steering device provided with automatic connecting means is provided with a driving means for driving the steering mechanism when the steering mechanism is driven by the driving means, in other words, when the vehicle is running. When the steering mechanism cannot be driven by the driving means, the steering shaft is automatically connected to the steering mechanism by the automatic connection means. The drive system of the take-off mechanism is not completed, and the vehicle is running, for example, when the vehicle is moved during assembly of the vehicle or when the malfunction of the steering device is found before the completed vehicle runs. If not, the steering mechanism cannot be driven by the driving means, and the automatic connection means cannot be operated, which hinders the movement and traveling of the vehicle.

An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicular steering system that can solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0010]

A steering apparatus for a vehicle according to a first aspect of the present invention provides a steering shaft supported on a stationary member without being mechanically connected to a steering mechanism for changing the direction of wheels. And a driving device for driving the steering mechanism in accordance with the steering of the steering device connected to the steering shaft, wherein when the driving device is inactive, the steering shaft is It is characterized in that it is provided with a manual connection means which enables a mechanical connection to the steering mechanism by manual operation.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in a linkless type steering apparatus having no automatic connecting means, a driving means for driving a steering mechanism breaks down, the vehicle is moved during assembly of the vehicle, or the vehicle is completed. For example, when it is determined that the steering device is malfunctioning before traveling of the vehicle, the manual connection means can be operated to mechanically connect the steering shaft and the steering mechanism, and the steering force of the steering means can be increased. Can be transmitted from the steering shaft to the steering mechanism via the manual connection means, and the vehicle can be moved or run.

A vehicle steering system according to a second aspect of the invention is a steering shaft supported by a stationary member without being mechanically connected to a steering mechanism for changing the direction of wheels, and connected to the steering shaft. Driving means for driving the steering mechanism in accordance with the steering of the steering means, and automatically connecting the steering shaft to the steering mechanism when the steering mechanism cannot be driven due to failure of the driving means. And a manual connecting means for enabling mechanical connection of the steering shaft to a steering mechanism by manual operation.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the linkless steering device having the automatic connection means, when the driving means for driving the steering mechanism fails, the steering shaft is connected to the steering mechanism by the automatic connection means. Automatic coupling can be performed.In addition, when the vehicle is moved during the assembly of the vehicle, or when the malfunction of the steering device is found before the completed vehicle travels, the manual coupling means is operated. The steering shaft and the steering mechanism can be mechanically connected to each other, and the steering force of the steering means is transmitted from the steering shaft to the steering mechanism via the manual connection means to move or run the vehicle. be able to.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle steering system, wherein the connecting means is connected to a connecting portion provided on each of the steering shaft and the steering mechanism, and is held movably or detachably at one of the connecting portions. And a locking body that can be locked to the other of the connecting portions.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the manual connecting means has a structure including a pair of connecting portions and one locking body, the number of parts is very small, and it can be provided at relatively low cost.

In the steering apparatus for a vehicle according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the locking member is a male screw, one of the connecting portions has a female screw with which the male screw is screwed, and the other of the connecting portion is Has an engaging portion with which the male screw can engage.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the locking body can be favorably held by screwing the male screw into the female screw.
In addition, by rotating the male screw, the male screw is engaged with the engaging portion, and the steering shaft and the steering mechanism can be mechanically connected.

A steering apparatus for a vehicle according to a fifth aspect of the present invention includes a steering shaft supported by a stationary member without being mechanically connected to a steering mechanism for changing the direction of wheels, and connected to the steering shaft. A vehicular steering apparatus comprising: a driving unit that drives the steering mechanism in accordance with the steering of the steering unit; wherein the steering shaft is movable in an axial direction, and the movement of the steering shaft is prevented / released. Operating means, and first and second connecting portions provided on the steering shaft and the steering mechanism and connected by movement of the steering shaft.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the linkless type steering device having no automatic connecting means, the driving means for driving the steering mechanism breaks down, the vehicle is moved during assembly of the vehicle, or the like. When the malfunction of the steering device is found before the completed vehicle travels, the operating means can be operated to enable the steering shaft to move in the axial direction, so that it is connected to the steering means. By moving the steered shaft, the steering shaft can be mechanically connected to the steering mechanism, and the steering force of the steering means is transmitted from the steering shaft to the steering mechanism via the manual connecting means, and the vehicle is moved. It can be moved or run.

[0020]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings showing the embodiments. Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a vehicle steering system according to the present invention.

This vehicle steering system comprises a steering mechanism 1 for causing a pair of steering wheels A, A arranged on the left and right sides of a vehicle body (not shown) to perform a steering operation, and a mechanically controlled steering mechanism 1. A steering shaft 3 rotatably supported by a stationary member such as the shaft housing 2 and the like, a steering wheel 4 connected to an upper end of the steering shaft 3 as steering means, and Driving means 5 for driving the steering mechanism 1, and the lower end of the steering shaft 3 is manually connected to the steering mechanism 1 when the steering mechanism 1 cannot be driven due to a failure of the driving means 5. It is configured to include a manual connection means 6.

The shaft housing 2 that supports the steering shaft 3 includes:
A reaction force actuator 7 that applies a reaction force to the steered wheels 4 in a direction opposite to the steering direction is provided. The reaction force actuator 7 is driven in both forward and reverse directions by energization from a drive circuit 70 in accordance with an operation command signal given from the drive means 5, and generates a force (reaction force) in a direction opposite to the steering direction of the steered wheels 4. Perform the operation of giving.

For this reason, it is necessary to apply a steering torque against the reaction force generated by the reaction force actuator 7 to the steering of the steered wheels 4, and a torque sensor 8 for detecting the steering torque.
A sensor for detecting a steering amount and a steering direction of the steered wheel 4,
For example, a rotary encoder 9 is attached to the shaft housing 2, and the results detected by the torque sensor 8 and the rotary encoder 9 are provided to the driving unit 5 via the interface circuit 10.

As is well known, the steering mechanism 1 includes both ends of a steering shaft 11 that extends in the left-right direction of the vehicle body and moves in the axial direction, and knuckle arms 12, 12 that support the wheels A, A.
And the knuckle arms 12, 12 are pushed and pulled by the movement of the steering shaft 11 in both directions to steer the wheels A, A left and right. This steering is performed in the middle of the steering shaft 11. The rotation is performed by converting the rotation of the brushless steering motor 51 coaxially formed into the movement of the steering shaft 11 by an appropriate motion conversion mechanism.

The steering shaft 11 is provided with a spiral groove at one end in the axial direction and a rack tooth at the other end. The steering shaft 11 cannot rotate in the shaft housing 13 and can move in the axial direction. It is supported by. In the shaft housing 13, a pinion meshing with the rack teeth is provided at a lower end, and a pinion shaft 16 to which a transmission shaft 15 is connected via a joint 14 at an upper end is rotatably supported. if you did this,
By rotating the pinion shaft 16, the steering shaft 11
Is moved. Also, the shaft housing 1
3 is provided with a sensor for detecting the amount and direction of rotation of the pinion shaft 16, for example, a rotary encoder 20, and the result detected by the rotary encoder 20 is transmitted to the steering control unit 52 of the driving unit 5 via the interface circuit 10. Has been given.

The steering motor 51 has a cylindrical stator fixed in the shaft housing 13 for supporting the steering shaft 11, and is rotatable between the inner peripheral surface of the stator and the outer peripheral surface of the steering shaft 11. And a cylindrical rotor having a plurality of permanent magnets provided on an outer peripheral surface thereof at a distance from each other in a circumferential direction. A transmission ring that engages with a spiral groove provided on the steering shaft 11 is connected to the rotor, and the rotation of the steering motor 51 is transmitted to the steering shaft 11 via the transmission ring, The shaft 11 moves in the axial direction.

The driving means 5 includes the steering motor 51 and a steering control unit 52 using a microprocessor. The steering motor 51 is rotated by energization from a drive circuit 50 provided from a steering control unit 52. The rotation of the steering motor 51 is converted into sliding in the axial direction of the steering shaft 11, and steering is performed. Steering (steering of the steering wheels A, A) is performed according to the rotation of the motor 51. The steering control unit 52 starts operating in response to an ON operation of a key switch for starting the engine.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of the manual connecting means. The manual connection means 6 is movably held by first and second connection portions 61 and 62 provided at a lower end of the steering shaft 3 and an upper end of the transmission shaft 15, respectively, and a second connection portion 62. And a locking body 63 locked to the second connecting portion 62.

The connecting portions 61 and 62 have teeth such as serrations and splines for stopping sliding in the rotation direction on the outside, and the locking body 63 is a cylinder having teeth meshing with the teeth inside. The engaging body 63 is moved to the second position by the engagement of the teeth.
The upper end of the locking body 63 is engaged with the teeth of the first connecting part 61 to lock the locking body 63 by moving the locking body 63 upward. It is like that.

The vehicle steering system configured as described above has the following features.
When the steering control unit 52 and the driving means 5 such as the steering motor 51 are normal, the steering control unit 52 is controlled according to the steering of the steered wheels 4.
Controls the driving of the steering motor 51, and the steering motor 51 drives the steering mechanism 1 to cause the steering wheels A, A to perform a steering operation.

At this time, a steering torque against the reaction force generated by the reaction force actuator 7 is applied to the steering of the steered wheels 4. The steering torque is detected by the torque sensor 8, and the amount of steering of the steered wheels 4 is detected by the rotary encoder 9 including the steering direction. These detection results are given to the steering control unit 52.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view showing a state where the manual connecting means is operated. Further, when the steering control unit 52 of the driving means 5 fails and the steering mechanism 1 cannot be driven, the locking body 63 held by the connecting portion 62 of the transmission shaft 15 is moved by the driver. Is manually moved upward to lock the locking body 63 on the connecting portion 61 of the steering shaft 3 so that the steering shaft 3 and the steering mechanism 1 are connected to the first connecting portion 61 and the locking body. A mechanical connection can be made via the second connection portion 63 and the second connection portion 63. Therefore, the driving system of the steering mechanism 1 by the driving means 5 is not completed, and the vehicle is moved during the assembly of the vehicle, or the malfunction of the steering device is found before the completed vehicle runs. When, for example, the vehicle is not traveling, the user can operate the steered wheels 4 to move or run the vehicle.

Second Embodiment FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the manual connecting means showing the configuration of the second embodiment, and FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state where the manual connecting means is operated. In the second embodiment, a fitting tube 21 having teeth such as serrations and splines is attached to the upper end of the transmission shaft 15 and the fitting tube 21 is connected to a second connecting portion 62.
a, a cylindrical locking body 63 a having teeth on the inside that mesh with the teeth of the first connecting portion 61 and teeth on the outside that mesh with the teeth of the fitting cylinder 21 is provided on the steering shaft 3. The connecting portion 61
Movably in the axial direction, and by moving the locking body 63a downward, the outer teeth of the locking body 63a mesh with the teeth of the second connecting portion 62a, and the locking body 63a 63a is locked.

In the second embodiment, the driving means 5
For example, when the steering control unit 52 breaks down and the steering mechanism 1 cannot be driven, the driver manually moves the locking body 63a held by the connecting portion 61 of the steering shaft 3 downward. To move the steering shaft 3 and the steering mechanism 1 to the first connecting portion 61, the locking member 63a, and the second connecting portion 62a. It can be mechanically connected via the connecting portion 62a and the fitting cylinder 21.

Since other structures and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.
The detailed description and the description of the operation will be omitted.

Third Embodiment FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the manual connecting means showing the configuration of the third embodiment, FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the manual connecting means, and FIG. 8 is an enlarged view showing a state where the manual connecting means is operated. It is sectional drawing.

In the third embodiment, a flange 22 having a female screw 22a is attached to the upper end of the transmission shaft 15, and the flange 22 is used as a second connecting portion 62b.
Concave portion 23a facing the female screw 22a at the lower end of
The flange 23 having the
And a male screw 24 that engages with the engaging portion 23a is screwed into the female screw 22a.
Reference numeral 4 denotes a locking body 63b that can move in the axial direction.

In the third embodiment, the steering control unit 52
And when the driving means 5 such as the steering motor 51 is normal,
The screw 24 is tightened so that the engagement with the engagement portion 23a is released. If, for example, the steering control unit 52 of the driving means 5 fails and the steering mechanism 1 cannot be driven, it is held by the second connecting portion 62b by screwing into the female screw 22a. The driver loosens the male screw 24 by manual operation, and engages one end (head) of the male screw 24 with the engaging portion 23a of the first connecting portion 61b to thereby provide the steering shaft 3 and the steering mechanism. 1 for the flange 2
3. It can be mechanically connected via the male screw 24 and the flange 22.

The number of the female screw 22a, the male screw 24 and the engaging portion 23a may be one, or may be plural.

Since other structures and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.
The detailed description and the description of the operation will be omitted.

Fourth Embodiment FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a manual connecting means showing the configuration of the fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the steering shaft 3 is provided in the steering shaft 3 and the steering mechanism 1 so that the steering shaft 3 can be moved in the axial direction and the movement of the steering shaft 3 is prevented or released. The first and second connecting portions 61c and 62c connected by the movement of the shaft 3 are provided.

The operating means comprises, for example, a lever capable of swinging to a blocking position and a releasing position. When the driving means 5 is normal, the lever stops at the blocking position, and the movement of the steering shaft 3 is stopped. When the drive means 5 breaks down, the movement inhibition of the steering shaft 3 can be released by swinging the lever to the release position.

The second connecting portion 62c uses a fitting tube 25 having teeth such as serrations and splines on the inside, and the fitting tube 25 is attached to the upper end of the transmission shaft 15. The first connecting portion 61c includes a cylindrical body 26 having teeth on the outside that mesh with the teeth of the fitting cylinder 25.
6 is fitted and fixed to the lower end of the steering shaft 3.

In the fourth embodiment, the steering control unit 52
And when the driving means 5 such as the steering motor 51 is normal,
Since the movement of the steering shaft 3 is prevented by the operating means, the steering control unit 52 controls the driving of the steering motor 51 in accordance with the steering of the steered wheels 4, and the steering motor 51
, The steering wheels A, A perform the steering operation.

Further, the driving means 5 for driving the steering mechanism 1 breaks down, the vehicle is moved during the assembly of the vehicle,
For example, when it is determined that the steering device is malfunctioning before the completed vehicle travels, the driver swings the lever of the operating means to the release position by manual operation to prevent the steering shaft 3 from moving. In the released state, the steering wheel 4 connected to the steering shaft 3 is pushed downward to fit and connect the first connecting portion 61c to the second connecting portion 62c. As a result, the steering shaft 3 can be connected to the steering mechanism 1, and the steering force of the steered wheels 4 is transmitted from the steering shaft 3 to the steering mechanism via the connecting portions 61c, 62c to move the vehicle or travel. Or can be.

Fifth Embodiment FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the entire structure of a fifth embodiment, and FIG.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of an automatic connecting means and a manual connecting means. In the fifth embodiment, an automatic connection means 30 for automatically connecting the lower end of the steering shaft 3 to the steering mechanism 1 when the steering mechanism 1 cannot be driven due to the failure of the driving means 5. And a manual connection means 6 that enables the steering shaft 3 to be connected to the steering mechanism 1 by manual operation.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. The automatic connection means 30 has a plurality of locking portions 31a on the outside to stop sliding in the rotation direction, a locking body 31 which is a gear, a locking position for engaging with the locking portion 31a which is a tooth, and A linking body 32 which can be switched to the non-locking position shown in FIG. 12 and which is switched to the locking position when a failure occurs in the steering control unit 52, is provided.
2 is connected to the pinion shaft 16 via a cylindrical holding body 33, and the locking body 31 is connected to the steering shaft 3 via a cylindrical rotating body 34.

One end of the rotating body 34 has a steering shaft 3
Is fitted and fixed to the lower end thereof, and the annular locking body 31 is fitted and fixed to the outside of the other end, and bearings 3 are provided on both sides of the locking body 31.
5 and 35 are provided, and the rotating body 34 and the holding body 33 can be relatively rotated via the bearings 35 and 35.

The locking member 31 is formed by using a gear provided with a plurality of locking portions 31a as teeth on the outside of an annular portion 31b having a fitting hole fitted on the outside of the rotating body 34. The locking portion 31a has a continuous tooth shape such as a sawtooth shape or a spline shape, and its shape is not particularly limited.

The other end of the holder 33 has the transmission shaft 15
And a first solenoid 36 connected to the connecting body 32 and switching the connecting body 32 between a locking position and a non-locking position. When the connecting member 32 is switched to the locking position, a pin that can switch from the locking position to the non-locking position and that can be switched to the non-blocking position in FIG. 12 are used. ,
A blocking body 37 which is switched to the blocking position;
7 and a second solenoid 38 for switching the blocking body 37 between the blocking position and the non-blocking position.

A notch 33a facing the outer periphery of the locking member 31 is provided at an intermediate portion of the holding member 33.
And a pair of recesses 33c and 33d communicating with the cutout hole 33a are provided with a receiving seat 33b that comes into contact with the blocking body 37 when the blocking body 37 is cut to the blocking position. The connecting member 32 is pivotally supported in the notch hole 33a via a pivot shaft 39 parallel to the axis of the steering shaft 3, and a pair of concave portions 33 is provided.
c and 33d include the first and second solenoids 36 and 3 respectively.
8 are accommodated.

The first and second solenoids 36, 3
Numeral 8 denotes movable iron cores 36a and 38a which are attracted and retreated by applying power to the electromagnetic coil from a power supply via a relay (not shown) in response to an operation command signal from the steering control unit 52, and a vehicle power supply system. Springs 36b, 38b for moving the movable iron cores 36a, 38a forward when energization of the electromagnetic coil is prohibited due to failure of the key switch or turning off of the key switch, etc., and the movable iron core of the first solenoid 36 is provided. 36a, the connecting body 32
The blocking members 37 are connected to the movable iron cores 38a of the solenoids 38, respectively.

The connecting body 32 is formed by using an arm-shaped rocking body, and one end of the connecting body 32 engages with the locking part 31a.
a (projection) is provided, and the other end is provided with a long hole 32b,
The first solenoid 36 is connected to a movable iron core 36a via a pin 40 inserted into the elongated hole 32b.

The blocking member 37 is provided with the second solenoid 38.
Of the movable iron core 38a, and an inclined guide surface 37a is provided at an end edge thereof.

The manual connection means 6 basically corresponds to the first embodiment.
The first and second connecting portions 61d and 62 provided on the rotating body 34 and the holding body 33 are the same as the manual connecting means.
d and the second connecting portion 62d so as to be movable.
And a locking member 63d locked to the connecting portion 61d.

The connecting portions 61d and 62d have teeth such as serrations and splines for stopping sliding in the rotation direction on the outside, and the locking member 63d is a cylinder having teeth on the inside which mesh with the teeth. The locking body 63 is engaged by the engagement of the teeth.
d is held by the second connecting portion 62d, and the teeth at the upper end of the locking body 63d mesh with the teeth of the first connecting portion 61d by moving the locking body 63d upward, so that the locking body 63d Is locked.

The vehicle steering system configured as described above has the following features.
When the steering control unit 52 and the driving means 5 such as the steering motor 51 are normal, the steering control unit 52 is controlled according to the steering of the steered wheels 4.
Controls the driving of the steering motor 51, and the steering motor 51 drives the steering mechanism 1 to cause the steering wheels A, A to perform a steering operation.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged sectional view showing a state where the automatic connecting means is switched. When the steering control unit 52 of the driving means 5 breaks down during traveling of the vehicle and the steering mechanism 1 cannot be driven, the electromagnetic coils of the first and second solenoids 36 and 38 are connected to the electromagnetic coils. Energization is prohibited.

Accordingly, the movable iron core 36a of the first solenoid 36 moves forward by the force of the spring body 36b, and the connecting member 32 is switched to the locking position, and the engaging portion 32a of the connecting member 32
Engages with the locking portion 31a of the locking body 31. This link 32
Is switched to the locking position, the movable iron core 38a of the second solenoid 38 moves forward by the force of the spring body 38b, and the blocking body 37 is switched to the blocking position.
Of the receiving seat 3 while the guide surface 37a of the
3b and the connecting body 32, the switching of the connecting body 32 to the unlocked position can be reliably prevented, and the steering shaft 3 and the steering mechanism 1 are connected to the rotating body 34, the locking body 31, the connecting body 32, holder 33
Can be mechanically connected via a.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged sectional view showing a state where the manual connecting means is operated. Further, the drive system of the steering mechanism 1 by the drive means 5 is not completed, and the vehicle is moved during the assembly of the vehicle, or the malfunction of the steering device is found before the completed vehicle runs. When the vehicle is moved or traveled by operating the steered wheels 4 when the vehicle is not traveling, such as when the vehicle is traveling, the connecting portion 62 of the holder 33 may be used.
The driver moves the locking body 63d held by the driver upward by manual operation, and moves the locking body 63d to the rotating body 34.
, The steering shaft 3 and the steering mechanism 1 can be mechanically connected via the first connecting portion 61d, the locking body 63d, and the second connecting portion 62d. . Therefore, even when the vehicle is not running, such as when the vehicle is moved during the assembly of the vehicle as described above or when the malfunction of the steering device is found before the completed vehicle runs, the steering wheel 4 is not driven. Can be operated to move or run the vehicle.

Sixth Embodiment FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the manual connection means showing the configuration of the sixth embodiment. The sixth embodiment is different from the fifth embodiment.
In the configuration provided with the automatic connection means 30 and the manual connection means 6 as described above, teeth such as serrations and splines are provided inside the upper end of the holding body 33, and the teeth are connected to the second connection part 6.
2e, a cylindrical locking member 63e having teeth on the inside that mesh with the teeth of the first connecting portion 61e and having teeth on the outside that mesh with the teeth of the second connecting portion 62e. 34 is connected to the connecting portion 61e so as to be movable in the axial direction.
By moving the locking body 63e downward, the outer teeth of the locking body 63e mesh with the teeth of the second connecting portion 62e,
The locking body 63e is locked.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged sectional view showing a state where the manual connecting means is operated. In the sixth embodiment, when the vehicle is moved or traveled by operating the steered wheels 4 when the vehicle is not traveling as described above, the engagement held by the connecting portion 61e of the steering shaft 3 is performed. The driver moves the stop body 63e downward by manual operation and locks the locking body 63e to the connecting portion 62e of the holding body 33, thereby connecting the steering shaft 3 and the steering mechanism 1 to the first connection. Part 61e, locking body 6
It can be mechanically connected via 3e and the second connecting portion 62e.

Since other structures and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.
The detailed description and the description of the operation will be omitted.

Seventh Embodiment FIG. 17 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the manual connection means showing the configuration of the seventh embodiment. The seventh embodiment is different from the fifth embodiment.
In the configuration including the automatic connection means 30 and the manual connection means 6 as described above, a female screw is provided at the upper end of the holding body 33, and the female screw is used as the second connecting portion 62f, and the rotating body 34 is provided.
A flange 27 having a concave engaging portion 27a facing the female screw is attached to the upper end of the female screw, the flange 27 is used as a first connecting portion 61f, and a male screw 28 engaging with the engaging portion 27a is female. The male screw 28 is engaged with the screw to form the locking body 63f that can move in the axial direction.

FIG. 18 is an enlarged sectional view showing a state where the manual connecting means is operated. In the seventh embodiment, when the vehicle is moved or traveled by operating the steered wheels 4 when the vehicle is not traveling as described above, the driver manually turns the male screw 28 into the female thread. Screw the male screw 2
8 is connected to the engaging portion 27 of the first connecting portion 61f.
a, the steering shaft 3 and the steering mechanism 1
Can be mechanically connected via a flange 27, a male screw 28 and a female screw.

The automatic coupling means 30 described in the fifth to seventh embodiments is not limited to the structure shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, and may be, for example, a known electromagnetic clutch or friction clutch. Is not particularly limited.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a vehicle steering system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a manual connection unit of the vehicle steering system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of a state in which a manual connection unit of the vehicle steering system according to the present invention is operated.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a manual connection unit showing a configuration of a second embodiment of the vehicle steering system according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a vehicle steering device according to a second embodiment of the present invention in a state where a manual coupling unit is operated.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a manual connecting unit showing a configuration of a vehicle steering system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a manual coupling unit showing a configuration of a vehicle steering system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view of a state in which a manual connection unit according to a third embodiment of the vehicle steering system according to the present invention is operated.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a manual coupling unit showing a configuration of a vehicle steering system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a fifth embodiment of the vehicle steering system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a fifth embodiment of the vehicle steering system according to the present invention.
It is an expanded sectional view of an automatic connection means and a manual connection means part which shows a structure of.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a fifth embodiment of the vehicle steering system according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of a state where the automatic connection means is switched.

FIG. 14 is a fifth embodiment of the vehicle steering system according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a state in which the manual connection means is operated.

FIG. 15 is a sixth embodiment of the vehicle steering system according to the present invention.
It is an expanded sectional view of the manual connection means part which shows a structure.

FIG. 16 is a sixth embodiment of the vehicle steering system according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a state in which the manual connection means is operated.

FIG. 17 is a seventh embodiment of the vehicle steering system according to the present invention.
It is an expanded sectional view of the manual connection means part which shows a structure.

FIG. 18 is a seventh embodiment of the vehicle steering system according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a state in which the manual connection means is operated.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 1 steering mechanism 2 stationary side member (shaft housing) 3 steering shaft 4 steering means (steered wheels) 5 driving means 6 manual connecting means 61, 61b, 61c, 61d, 61e, 61f connecting parts 62, 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d, 62e, 62
f Connecting part 63, 63a, 63b, 63d, 63e, 63f Locking body 22a Female thread 23a Engaging part 24 Male screw 30 Automatic coupling means

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Katsutoshi Nishizaki 3-58 Minamisenba, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Inside Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd. (72) Masaya Segawa 3-5-minamisenba, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka No. 8 F-term in Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd. (reference) 3D033 CA23 DC03

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A steering shaft supported on a stationary member without being mechanically connected to a steering mechanism for changing the direction of wheels,
And a driving means for driving the steering mechanism in accordance with the steering of the steering means connected to the steering shaft. When the driving means is inactive, the steering of the steering shaft is controlled. A vehicle steering system comprising a manual connection unit that enables mechanical connection to a mechanism by manual operation. 2. A steering shaft supported on a stationary member without being mechanically connected to a steering mechanism for changing the direction of wheels,
Driving means for driving the steering mechanism in accordance with the steering of the steering means connected to the steering shaft; and when the steering mechanism cannot be driven due to a failure of the driving means, the steering shaft is A vehicle steering system having automatic connection means for automatically connecting to a steering mechanism, comprising: a manual connection means for enabling mechanical connection of the steering shaft to the steering mechanism by manual operation. A steering device for a vehicle. 3. The manual connection means is connected to a connection portion provided on each of the steering shaft and the steering mechanism, and is movably or detachably held at one of the connection portions, and is locked at the other of the connection portions. And a possible locking body.
The vehicle steering system according to any one of the preceding claims. 4. The locking body is a male screw, and one of the connecting portions has a female screw with which the male screw is screwed,
The vehicle steering system according to claim 3, wherein the other of the connecting portions has an engaging portion with which the male screw can be engaged. 5. A steering shaft supported on a stationary member without being mechanically connected to a steering mechanism for changing the direction of wheels,
A vehicle steering device comprising: a driving unit that drives the steering mechanism in accordance with the steering of the steering unit connected to the steering shaft; wherein the steering shaft is movable in an axial direction. Operating means for preventing / releasing the movement of the steering shaft; and first and second connecting portions provided on the steering shaft and the steering mechanism and connected by the movement of the steering shaft. Vehicle steering system.