JP2002160645A - Automatic tilt steering device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate an assembly operation for installing tilting members on a steering column without inducing a rice of a production cost. SOLUTION: When the tilting members 7 are assembled in the steering column 2, sliders 22 and resin guides 21 are press-fitted into elongated holes 15 in the tilting member 7 from a steering column 2 side (namely, inside of the tilting member 7) to temporarily hold the sliders 22 and the resin guides 21 so as to prevent them from dropping. The almost U-shaped intervals of the tilting members 7 are set slightly smaller (only Δα) than the lateral width of the steering column 2 so as to develop a pressing force from the tilting members 7 to the side of the steering column 2, to temporarily hold the tilting members 7 on the steering column 2 by the pressing force.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic tilt type steering apparatus which automatically tilts a steering column by an electric motor to adjust a tilt angle of a steering wheel.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an automatic tilt type steering device, a steering column is automatically tilted and tilted by an electric motor, for example, to adjust a tilt angle of a steering wheel, not by manual operation by a driver.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a Japanese Patent Application No. 11-1 filed by the present applicant.
FIG. 11 is a side view of the electric tilt steering device according to No. 56988, and FIG. 11 is a side view of the electric tilt steering device shown in FIG.
FIG. 12 is a side view of the electric tilt steering device shown in FIG. 10, showing a tilt uppermost position, and FIG.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a tilt swing member mounted on the electric tilt steering device shown in FIG. 10.

As shown in FIG. 10, a vehicle body is provided with an upper / lower integrated mounting bracket 1, which includes an upper mounting portion 1a, a driving portion mounting portion 1b, and a lower mounting portion. 1c is formed.

[0005] The lower mounting portion 1c of the mounting bracket 1
The lower end of the steering column 2 in front of the vehicle is swingably supported by a tilt pin (not shown). A steering shaft 4 connected to a steering wheel 3 is rotatably supported in the steering column 2, and the steering shaft 4 can also be swung in front of the vehicle so as to be able to swing in accordance with the tilt center. A universal joint (not shown) is provided at the lower end of the steering wheel, and is configured as a so-called waist swing type steering device.

[0006] A base of a drive unit 5 having a built-in electric motor (not shown) is swingably attached to the drive unit mounting portion 1b of the mounting bracket 1. The drive unit 5 is provided with a rod 6 that is extended and contracted by an electric motor (not shown) via a gear (not shown) and a feed screw mechanism.

A tilt swinging member 7 is pivotally supported on the upper mounting portion 1a of the mounting bracket 1 so as to be swingable. As shown in FIG. 13, the tilt swinging members 7 are substantially symmetrical in a pair, and are formed in a U-shape so as to surround the steering column 2 from below. Although the tilt swing member 7 is formed by a sheet metal press, it may be formed of a light alloy casting such as an aluminum or magnesium alloy when further weight reduction and higher rigidity are required.

The tilt swinging member 7 has an engaging portion 8 which engages the tip of the rod 6 and a slide frame portion 10 for sliding a slide piece 9 protruding from the steering column 2. Further, the tilt swing member 7 is provided with the steering column 1 when the tilt is raised.
A contact support portion 11 is formed to abut and lift the steering column 2 and to hold and support the steering column 2 at the time of tilting down. The slide piece 9 and the slide frame 1
Details of 0 will be described with reference to FIG.

With the above structure, when the tilt is lowered, as shown in FIG. 11, the rod 6 is contracted by the drive unit 5 to swing the tilt swing member 7 clockwise. The sliding piece 9 is swung together with the steering column 2 while sliding in the slide frame portion 10, thereby tilting the steering column 2 to a desired position below. Note that, as shown in FIG. 11, when the tilt position is at the lowermost position, the above-described contact support portion 11 is configured to wrap and support the steering column 2 from below, so that the tilt lower limit point is set. And the surface of the contact support portion 11 and the steering column 2
And the load is dispersed.

On the other hand, when the tilt rises, as shown in FIG. 12, the rod 6 is extended by the drive unit 5 to swing the tilt swinging member 7 counterclockwise, thereby
Swings together with the steering column 2 while sliding in the slide frame portion 10, thereby tilting the steering column 2 to a desired upper position. The tilt limit point is realized by bringing the contact support 11 into contact with the steering column 2. in this case,
Since they are in contact by point contact, a structure that takes into account strength is used. For example, (a) increase the thickness of the thick portion 2a of the steering column 2 with which the contact support portion 11 contacts, (b)
A rib is provided at a position of the steering column 2 where the contact support 11 contacts, to increase rigidity; (c) chamfering a corner of the contact support 11; (d) a side surface (plate) of the contact support 11 In this case, the steering column 2 is brought into contact with the steering column 2 in the thickness direction.

As described above, since it is not a so-called swing type, there is no need to divide the steering shaft 4 and the steering column 2 into an upper part and a lower part, so that the number of parts can be reduced and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. When a load (vibration) is input downward from the steering wheel 3 toward the front of the vehicle, the load (vibration) in the vertical direction is transmitted to the rod 6 at a constant lever ratio via the tilt swinging member 7. Therefore, it is not necessary to increase the rigidity of the rod 6 so much, and a very high level is not required for measures against rattling due to vibration. Further, at the time of tilt adjustment, the tilt swing member 7 swings, and the slide piece 9 swings together with the steering column 2 while sliding in the slide frame portion 10, which is generated in the tilt swing member 7. The movement in the axial direction is absorbed by the slide piece 9 sliding in the slide frame portion 10. Therefore, unlike the related art, a tilt center such as a tilt pin can be provided at the lower end of the steering column 2, and the steering column 2 can receive an axial load or vibration from the steering wheel 3.
Note that the steering column 2 is an outer cylinder, and a telescopic inner cylinder 12 is slidably fitted inside the outer cylinder, and the telescopic drive mechanism may be configured in the same configuration as the tilt drive mechanism described above. Good.

Next, the details of the slide piece 9 and the slide frame 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is an enlarged sectional view of the slide piece and the slide frame portion.

On the slider frame 10 side, a substantially rectangular long hole 15 is formed in the tilt swinging member 7, and a pair of resin guides 16a and 16b are mounted in the long hole 15. .

On the other hand, on the slide piece 9 side, a resin slider 17 that slides inside the resin guides 16a and 16b is provided, and a contact plate 18 that comes into contact with the slider 17 is provided. The pin 2 is inserted into the through hole 17 a of the slider 17 through a thin resin bush 19.
The pin 20 is inserted into the through hole 2b of the steering column 2 after the contact plate 18 is attached.

Therefore, at the time of tilt swing, the slide piece 9
When the slider slides in the slide frame portion 10, the slider 1
7 is configured to slide inside the resin guides 16a and 16b, so that it can slide smoothly.

[0016]

When the tilt oscillating member 7 is assembled to the steering column 2, one of the tilt oscillating members 7 is located inside the substantially U-shaped tilt oscillating member 7 (ie, on the steering column 2 side). While holding the resin guide 16b and the contact plate 18 in that position, the other resin guide 16a and the slider 17 are assembled outside the tilt swinging member 7 (ie, on the opposite side of the steering column 2). Above, the through hole 17a of the slider 17 and the steering column 2
The pin 20 is press-fitted into the through hole 2b.

As described above, the substantially U-shaped tilt swinging member 7
Since the resin guide 16b and the like must be held inside (i.e., the steering column 2 side), the slider 17 and the like must be assembled and press-fitted outside (i.e., the opposite side of the steering column 2). In some cases, the work of assembling the tilt swing member 7 to the steering column 2 is complicated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide an automatic tilt type steering device which facilitates the work of assembling a tilt rocking member to a steering column. I do.

[0019]

In order to achieve the above object, an automatic tilt type steering apparatus according to the present invention comprises a drive unit provided at one end of a tilt swing member provided on a vehicle body via a bracket. The tip of the rod that expands and contracts is pivotally attached, and a pin is inserted through a slider and a resin guide into an elongated hole formed in the tilt swing member, and the tip of the pin is attached to the steering column. By
When the tilt rocking member is rocked by expanding and contracting the rod of the drive unit, the tilt rocking member rocks with the steering column while sliding the pin together with the slider in the elongated resin guide to tilt the steering column. In the tilting automatic tilt type steering device, when the tilt oscillating member is assembled to the steering column, the slider and the resin guide are pressed into the elongated holes of the tilt oscillating member from the steering column side and temporarily held, and the tilt oscillating member is held. It is characterized in that a pressing force is generated from the moving member toward the steering column, and the tilt rocking member is temporarily held on the steering column by the pressing force.

As described above, according to the present invention, when assembling the tilt swing member to the steering column, the slider and the resin guide are connected to the tilt swing member from the steering column side (that is, inside the tilt swing member). The slider and the resin guide are temporarily held so as not to fall off by being pressed into the long hole, and further, a setting is made so that a pressing force is generated from the tilt swing member to the steering column side (specifically,
The interval between the substantially U-shaped tilt oscillating members shown in FIG. 13 is set slightly smaller than the lateral width of the steering column.) The tilt oscillating member is temporarily held on the steering column by this pressing force.

Therefore, unlike the invention according to the earlier application filed by the present applicant, it is not necessary to perform the assembling work on both sides of the tilt swinging member, and the assembling work is performed only on one side thereof. Thus, the work of assembling the tilt swinging member to the steering column can be facilitated. Further, the number of parts can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0022]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an automatic tilt type steering apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a state in which a tilt swing member is mounted on a steering column in an automatic tilt type steering apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a state before the tilt swing member is assembled to the steering column.

As shown in FIG. 1, the tilt swing member 7
A substantially rectangular long hole 15 is formed.
, A cylindrical resin guide 21 having a flange is mounted. Inside the resin guide 21, a tubular resin slider 22 having a flange is mounted. A thin resin bush 1 is inserted into the through hole 22a of the slider 22.
A pin 20 is inserted through the pin 9, and the tip of the pin 20 is press-fitted into the through hole 2 b of the steering column 2. Therefore, at the time of tilt swing, the pin 20 slides inside the resin guide 21 together with the slider 22, so that the pin 20 can slide smoothly.

The steering column 2 of the tilt swinging member 7
At the time of assembly, the slider 22 and the resin guide 21 are pressed into the long hole 15 of the tilt swing member 7 from the steering column 2 side (that is, the inside of the tilt swing member 7), and the slider 22 and the resin guide 21 are pressed. Is temporarily held so as not to fall off.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the interval between the substantially U-shaped tilt oscillating members 7 shown in FIG. 13 is adjusted so that a pressing force is generated from the tilt oscillating members 7 to the steering column 2 side. The tilt swinging member 7 is temporarily held on the steering column 2 by this pressing force.

Therefore, when assembling the tilt swinging member 7 to the steering column 2, the slider 22 and the resin guide 21 are press-fitted into the elongated holes 15 of the tilt swinging member 7 to temporarily hold the same, thereby forming a substantially U-shaped. The tilt oscillating member 7 is slightly expanded to temporarily hold the tilt oscillating member 7 on the steering column 2 by a pressing force. Then, the work of press-fitting the pin 20 is performed.

From the above, as in the case of the invention according to the earlier application of the present applicant, it is not necessary to perform the assembling work on both sides of the tilt swinging member 7, and the assembling work is performed only on one side thereof. (Press-fitting work of the pin 20),
The work of assembling the tilt swing member 7 to the steering column 2 can be facilitated. Further, the tilt oscillating member 7 can be supported by the pressing force of the tilt oscillating member 7 without any play due to lateral rigidity. Further, as compared with the case shown in FIG. 14, the number of parts can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. (Second Embodiment) FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a state in which a tilt swing member according to a second embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a steering column. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a tilt swinging member according to a modification of the second embodiment is mounted on a steering column.

As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the pin 20 is a press-fit pin having a step, and its tip is reduced in diameter and press-fit into the through hole 2b of the steering column 2. Other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

In the modified example, as shown in FIG. 4, the pin 20 is a stepped screw pin, and the leading end is reduced in diameter and screwed into the through hole 2b of the steering column 2. (Third Embodiment) FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an assembled state of a tilt swing member to a steering column according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, a stopper claw 23 is formed at the tip of the resin guide 21 so that the stopper claw 23 can be temporarily held securely. Other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first embodiment. (Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a state in which a tilt rocking member according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a steering column.

In this embodiment, a backing plate 24 is provided between the flange of the pin 20 and the resin guide 21 and the slider 22, so that the backing plate 24 and the flange of the resin guide 21 Thereby, the tilt swing member 7 is sandwiched from both sides.

A protruding portion 25 protruding from the bush 19 by Δβ is formed at the tip of the resin guide 21.
By press-fitting the pin 20, the protruding portion 25 is crushed, and the tilt swing member 7 is more effectively sandwiched. (Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a state in which a tilt swinging member according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a steering column.

In the present embodiment, a backing plate 24 is provided between the flange of the pin 20 and the resin guide 21 and the slider 22, and the outer periphery of the backing plate 24 is provided on the side surface of the tilt swinging member 7. Pressed. Thereby, this backing plate 24
And the flange portion of the resin guide 21, the tilt swinging member 7 is pressed from both sides. Other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first embodiment. (Sixth Embodiment) FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a tilt oscillating member according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention mounted on a steering column.

In the present embodiment, the diameter of the flange of the pin 20 is increased, and the large-diameter flange is pressed against the side surface of the tilt swinging member 7. Accordingly, the large-diameter flange of the pin 20 and the flange of the resin guide 21 allow the tilt swing member 7
Is pressed down from both sides. Other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first embodiment. (Seventh Embodiment) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a resin guide to be attached to a tilt swing member according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

A large number of irregularities 26 are formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the cylindrical portion of the resin guide 21, and the convex portions of the irregularities 26 are formed at an acute angle. Thereby, stability when the resin guide 21 is press-fitted into the long hole 15 of the tilt swing member 7 is achieved.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be variously modified.

[0037]

As described above, according to the present invention,
When assembling the tilt swing member to the steering column,
The slider and the resin guide are pressed into the long hole of the tilt rocking member from the steering column side to temporarily hold the slider and the resin guide so that they do not fall off, and a pressing force is generated from the tilt rocking member to the steering column side. The tilt oscillating member is temporarily held on the steering column by this pressing force.

Therefore, unlike the case of the invention according to the earlier application of the present applicant, it is not necessary to perform the assembling work on both sides of the tilt swinging member, and the assembling work is performed only on one side thereof. Thus, the work of assembling the tilt swinging member to the steering column can be facilitated. Further, the number of parts can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an assembled state of a tilt swing member to a steering column in an automatic tilt type steering apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a state before the tilt swing member is assembled to a steering column.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a tilt swing member according to a second embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a steering column.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a tilt swinging member according to a modification of the second embodiment is mounted on a steering column.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a state in which a tilt swinging member according to a third embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a steering column.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a tilt swinging member according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a steering column.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a state in which a tilt swinging member according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a steering column.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a tilt swing member according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a steering column.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a resin guide attached to a tilt swing member according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a side view of an electric tilt steering device according to Japanese Patent Application No. 11-156988 filed by the present applicant.

11 is a side view of the electric tilt steering device shown in FIG. 10, showing a tilt lowermost position.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the electric tilt steering device shown in FIG. 10, showing a tilt uppermost position.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a tilt swing member mounted on the electric tilt steering device shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the tilt swinging member is assembled to the steering column.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Mounting bracket 2 Steering column 3 Steering wheel 4 Steering wheel 5 Drive part 6 Rod 7 Tilt rocking member 8 Engagement part 9 Slide piece 10 Slide frame part 11 Contact support part 12 Telescoil inner cylinder 13 Bracket 14 Bracket 15 Slot 19 Bush 20 Pin 21 Resin Guide 22 Slider 23 Stop Claw 24 Backing Plate 25 Projection 26 Unevenness

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Takeshi Ken Fujiwara 1-8-1, Soja-cho, Maebashi-shi, Gunma Japan Seiko Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 3D030 DD13 DD24 DD63 DD78

Claims (1)

[Claims] An end of a rod that can be extended and contracted by a drive unit is pivotally connected to one end of a tilt swing member that is swingably provided on a vehicle body via a bracket, and is provided in an elongated hole formed in the tilt swing member. When the pin is inserted through the slider and the resin guide through the resin guide, and the tip of the pin is mounted on the steering column, the rod of the drive unit is extended and contracted to swing the tilt swing member. Is an automatic tilt type steering device that tilts the steering column by tilting the steering column by sliding the pin together with the slider in the long hole resin guide, when assembling the tilt rocking member to the steering column. ,
The slider and the resin guide are pressed into the long hole of the tilt rocking member from the steering column side to temporarily hold it, and a setting is made so that a pressing force is generated from the tilt rocking member to the steering column side. An automatic tilt type steering device, wherein a tilt swing member is temporarily held on a steering column.