JP2003154875A - Tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure capable of preventing the deterioration of visibility of meter display when a steering wheel is vertically moved for adjustment by a lateral swing type tilt mechanism, capable of dispensing with a large meter hood, and excellent in a design property. SOLUTION: This tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure is provided with a meter unit 7 on a part of a steering column so that a display surface 7b thereof faces a cabin R side and the meter unit 7 moves vertically associated with the vertical movement of the steering wheel 3. A meter angle change mechanism 13 for moving the meter unit 7 is provided so that the display surface 7b of the meter unit 7 faces downward when the steering column 8 is rotated upward interlockingly with the tilt steering mechanism.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a tilt steering mechanism interlocking system in which a meter unit moves up and down by interlocking with a tilt steering mechanism in which the steering moves up and down according to the physique and driving posture of a driver. Regarding the meter structure.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, the physical constitution of the driver
A tilt steering mechanism is provided so that the vertical position of the steering wheel can be adjusted according to the driving posture.

In this tilt steering mechanism, for example, when the physique of the driver is large, the steering wheel is moved upward, and when the physique of the driver is small, the steering wheel is moved downward accordingly. It is configured to be movable in the vertical direction in accordance with various physiques and driving postures, and good steering operability for the driver can be obtained.

In this tilt steering mechanism, for example, the vicinity of the vehicle body mounting position of the steering column is used as a fulcrum,
There is a so-called swing type in which a steering column and a steering wheel move up and down so as to rotate together. In this swing-type tilt steering mechanism, the direction of the steering wheel also changes with its vertical movement.

On the other hand, the meters of automobiles are often fixed in the instrument panel according to the standard physique and driving posture, and those other than the standard ones, such as those with a large or small physique, can easily see the meter display. is not. In addition, when the steering wheel is adjusted up and down according to the physique, the steering wheel may obstruct the field of view to the meters and the meter display may be more difficult to see.

Therefore, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 5-67447 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-113980, a structure in which meters are vertically moved integrally with a steering wheel or a steering column by a tilt steering mechanism is devised. Has been done.

According to these, when the vertical position of the steering wheel is adjusted in accordance with the physique of the driver, the meters can be moved up and down, and the steering wheel hardly obstructs the view to the meters. The meters are easy for the driver to see.

[0008]

However, in the case where the meters and the like move vertically with the steering wheel, their relative angles do not change. Therefore, especially in the case of a swing type tilt steering mechanism, Along with the movement, the orientation of the display surface of the meters and the like changes greatly along with the orientation of the steering wheel.

An angle (for example, see α in FIG. 1) formed by the display surfaces of the meters and the like with respect to the horizontal plane increases (that is, a tilt angle occurs), and as a result, as shown below. In some cases, the visibility of meters may deteriorate.

For example, if the meter display is arranged so that it is easy to see when the steering wheel is moved downward, the display surface is too upward when the steering wheel is moved upward, and the meter display is displayed to the driver. There was a risk that it would be hard to see. Also,
In some cases, the meter display may be reflected on the front window, or external light may be reflected on the cover glass of the meters. If the size of the meter hood is increased in order to prevent such reflections, there is a problem that the design around the instrument panel deteriorates.

Further, if the meter display is arranged so as to be easily seen when the steering wheel is moved upward,
When the steering wheel is moved downward, the display surface may face downwards too much, which may make it difficult for the driver to see the meter display.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and does not deteriorate the visibility of the meter display when the steering wheel is vertically moved and adjusted by the swing type tilt mechanism, and An object of the present invention is to provide a tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure which is excellent in designability without requiring a large meter hood.

[0013]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure according to claim 1 of the present invention is a steering wheel provided at an end portion of a steering column on the passenger compartment side. Has a tilt steering mechanism that can move up and down so as to rotate together with the steering column with the vicinity of the vehicle body mounting position of the steering column as a fulcrum, and a part of the steering column has its display surface facing the passenger compartment. A tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure provided with a meter section that is provided on the steering wheel and moves up and down as the steering wheel moves up and down. When the steering column is turned upward in conjunction with the tilt steering mechanism. , Meter angle changing mechanism that moves the meter so that the display surface of the meter faces downward Characterized in that it has.

According to the first aspect of the invention, when the meter angle changing mechanism interlocks with the tilt steering mechanism and turns the steering column upward, the display surface of the meter section faces downward. The meter unit is moved.
Here, "to face downward" means that the upper portion of the meter unit is gradually falling so as to approach the driver. As a result, even if the steering wheel is moved up and down according to the physique and posture of the driver, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a tilt angle on the display surface of the meter section, and to make the display surface properly face the driver. It is possible to reduce the possibility that the display of the meter is reflected on the front window and external light enters the display surface of the meter. Therefore, the visibility of the meter unit can be kept good.

Further, since the display of the meter section is not reflected in the front window and the display surface of the meter is not easily obscured by outside light, it is possible to prevent reflection in the front window and entrance of outside light. The meter hood can be unnecessary or downsized, and the design around the meter can be improved.

Furthermore, since the amount of movement of the meter portion in the vehicle front-rear direction is offset and the amount of clearance with the meter opening peripheral edge of the instrument panel can be set small, the appearance quality can be improved.

A tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure according to a second aspect is the tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure according to the first aspect, wherein the meter angle changing mechanism has a link mechanism.

According to the invention of claim 2, since the meter angle changing mechanism has the link mechanism, the structure can be simplified and the cost can be reduced, the space can be saved, and the weight can be reduced.
It can be excellent in terms of reduction of assembly man-hours and reliability of mechanism accuracy.

A tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure according to a third aspect is the tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure according to the first or second aspect, wherein the meter angle changing mechanism has a gear mechanism.

According to the invention of claim 3, since the meter angle changing mechanism has the gear mechanism, the structure can be made simple and compact. Also, the operation can be made smooth, and the operation force of the tilt steering mechanism, that is, the force required to move the steering wheel up and down can be reduced.

A tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure according to a fourth aspect is the tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the meter angle changing mechanism is a meter unit. The display surface is attached to the upper end portion of the first link member with the side facing the passenger compartment,
And a second link member in which an intermediate portion of the first link member is pivotally supported by a movable portion of the steering column in a swingable manner, and one end portion is pivotally supported by a non-movable portion at a position lower than the fulcrum. It is characterized in that the end portion and the lower end portion of the first link member are connected at a position lower than the steering column.

According to the invention of claim 4, since it can be composed mainly of two link members, further cost reduction can be achieved.

At the position below the fulcrum, the other end of the second link member whose one end is pivotally supported by the non-movable part and the lower end of the first link member are connected at a position below the steering column. Therefore, most of the link mechanism can be configured below the steering column.

Therefore, the space efficiency of the upper portion of the steering column where the meter portion is provided is improved, and the degree of freedom in designing the rotation angle and the size of the meter portion can be increased.

A tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure according to a fifth aspect is the tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the meter angle changing mechanism is the meter section. Is supported by an uneven parallel link mechanism composed of an upper link member and a lower link member shorter than the upper link member, and the other end is pivotally supported by the movable portion of the steering column. One end of the slanted link member is pivotally supported on the lower portion of the meter unit.

According to the invention of claim 5, since the meter angle changing mechanism is realized by a simple link mechanism, in terms of low cost, space saving, light weight, reduction of assembly man-hours, and reliability of mechanism accuracy. It can be excellent.

The tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure according to claim 6 is the tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the meter angle changing mechanism includes a steering column. When rotated upward, the meter unit is arranged so as to be vertically movable along a curved or obliquely formed guide guide that moves the meter unit so that the display surface of the meter unit faces downward, In addition, the meter portion and the movable portion of the steering column are engaged by a gear.

According to the invention of claim 6, the meter portion can be moved up and down along the guide, and the meter portion and the movable portion of the steering column are engaged with each other by a gear. In addition to increasing the degree of freedom in designing the movement trajectory, the structure can be simple and small. Also, the operation can be made smooth, and the operation force of the tilt steering mechanism, that is, the force required to move the steering wheel up and down can be reduced.

A tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure according to claim 7 is the tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the meter angle changing mechanism includes a steering column. When rotated upward, the meter unit is arranged so as to be vertically movable along a curved or obliquely formed guide guide that moves the meter unit so that the display surface of the meter unit faces downward, It is characterized in that a slider, which is arranged so as to be movable up and down along a guide, is connected to a meter portion, and the slider and a movable portion of a steering column are engaged by a gear.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, since the meter unit is arranged so as to be movable up and down along the guide, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in designing the movement trajectory of the meter unit.

Since the slider and the gear are used to move the meter unit up and down, the structure can be made simple and small. Further, the vertical movement operation can be made sure and smooth, and the operation force of the tilt steering mechanism, that is, the force required to move the steering wheel up and down can be reduced.

The tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure according to claim 8 is the tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the meter angle changing mechanism includes a steering column. When rotated upward, the meter unit is arranged so as to be vertically movable along a curved or obliquely formed guide guide that moves the meter unit so that the display surface of the meter unit faces downward, Further, it is characterized in that the meter portion and the movable portion of the steering column are connected by a link member.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the meter unit can be moved vertically along the guide, and the meter unit and the movable portion of the steering column are connected by the link member. In addition to increasing the degree of freedom when designing the movement trajectory, it is possible to simplify the structure and is excellent in terms of low cost, space saving, lightweight, reduction of assembly man-hours, and reliability of mechanism accuracy. Can be

[0034]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of a tilt steering mechanism (hereinafter abbreviated as tilt mechanism) interlocking meter structure according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[Explanation around the driver's seat] FIG. 1 is a side view of the vicinity of the driver's seat 1 of an automobile having a tilt mechanism interlocking meter structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 2 is a seat, 3 is a steering wheel, and 4
Is a lever for releasing the tilt mechanism, 5 is an instrument panel portion, 6 is a front window, and 8 is a steering column. The instrument panel section 5 is provided with an opening (not shown), and the meter unit 7 as a meter section is arranged in the opening.
It is arranged so that the driver A can see the display of the meter through the opening 3a of the steering wheel 3. In FIG. 1, the right side in the figure is the vehicle compartment R side, and the left side is the engine room E side.

The steering wheel 3 is provided at the end of the steering column 8 on the side of the vehicle compartment R, and can be vertically moved and adjusted by a tilt mechanism.

That is, when the driver's physique is large, the release lever 4 is released, and the steering wheel 3 is moved upward to adjust it to a desired position (two-dot chain line portion in FIG. 1), and again. The release lever 4 can be locked to fix its position. When the driver is small, the release lever 4 is released, the steering wheel 3 is moved downward to adjust the position to a desired position (solid line portion in FIG. 1), and the release lever 4 is opened again. It can be locked and its position fixed.

This tilt mechanism is a so-called swing type tilt mechanism, and as will be described later, the steering wheel 8 can be moved up and down with the steering column 8 as a fulcrum around the vehicle body mounting position. It is said that.

The meter unit 7 is provided in a part of the steering column 8 with its display surface 7b facing the vehicle compartment R side, and is arranged so as to be positioned inside the instrument panel section 5, and the steering wheel 3 It moves up and down in conjunction with vertical movement. An embodiment of the specific structure will be described below.

[0040]

Embodiment 1 FIG. 2 is a side view showing a main part of a tilt mechanism interlocking meter structure according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the structure. This tilt mechanism interlocking meter structure has a meter angle changing mechanism 13, and the meter angle changing mechanism 13 has a holding bracket 10 as a first link member and a connecting link member 11 as a second link member, as described later. Is roughly composed of.

A portion of the steering column 8 closer to the vehicle compartment R than the fulcrum 9 is a movable portion 8a, and the steering wheel 3 is centered on the fulcrum 9 by a tilt mechanism.
It can move up and down so as to rotate with it.

The holding bracket 10 has a substantially L-shaped cross section and a flat plate shape, and a meter unit 7 is mounted on the upper end 10a of the holding bracket 10 with its display surface 7b facing the passenger compartment R side, and the middle thereof. The portion 10b is swingably supported by an intermediate support point 8b of the movable portion 8a of the steering column 8.

The connecting link member 11 is a long plate member, and one end 11a thereof is pivotally supported at a position below the fulcrum 9 at a support point 12 as a non-movable portion.

The support point 12 is a fixed point that does not move by the tilt mechanism. The other end 11b of the connecting link member 11 is rotatably connected to the lower end 10c of the holding bracket 10 at a position below the steering column.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described.

The driver A sits on the seat 2 of the driver's seat 1,
For example, when the steering wheel 3 is moved upward from the position shown by the chain double-dashed line in FIG. 2 to the position shown by the solid line, the steering column 8 also rotates counterclockwise in the figure about the fulcrum 9. Move up. Along with that, the intermediate support point 8b also moves upward, but the support point 12
Since the position of does not change, the angle θ formed by the holding bracket 10 and the connecting link member 11 increases.

As the angle θ widens, the holding bracket 1
0 rotates clockwise with respect to the steering column 8 and moves its position upward as a whole. That is, the upward movement of the steering wheel 3 causes the meter unit 7 mounted on the upper end portion 10a of the holding bracket 10 to move upward while rotating so that the display surface 7b thereof faces downward. As a result, the upper portion 7c of the meter unit 7 gradually falls so as to approach the driver A, and the display surface 7b of the meter unit 7 does not face upwards too much, but properly faces the driver A.

As the steering wheel 3 moves upward, the angle formed by the panel surface of the display surface 7b of the meter unit 7 and the axially extending direction of the movable portion 8a of the steering column 8 narrows, and the display surface 7b tilts. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of an angle (that is, an increase in the angle formed by the panel surface of the display surface 7b of the meter unit 7 on the vehicle interior R side with respect to the horizontal plane).

According to the first embodiment, even when the steering wheel 3 is moved upward, the display surface 7b of the meter unit 7 can be properly oriented in the direction of the driver A and the meter display can be displayed on the front side. Window 6
It is possible to reduce the possibility that the light will be reflected on the screen and external light will enter the display surface 7b of the meter. Further, the meter hood for preventing the reflection on the front window 6 and the entry of outside light can be omitted or made small in size, and the design around the meter can be made excellent.

Since the amount of movement of the meter unit 7 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle due to the vertical movement of the steering wheel 3 is offset, the amount of clearance between the instrument panel portion 5 and the peripheral edge of the meter opening can be set small, and the appearance quality can be improved. Can be one.

Since the meter angle changing mechanism 13 is realized by the link mechanism composed of the two left and right first and second link members, the structure can be simplified, resulting in low cost, space saving, and light weight. In addition to being able to be excellent in terms of reduction of assembly man-hours and reliability of mechanism accuracy, since most of the link mechanism is formed below the steering column 8, the upper portion of the steering column 8 where the meter unit 7 is provided. The space efficiency is improved, and the degree of freedom in designing the rotation angle and the size of the meter unit 7 can be increased.

[0052]

Embodiment 2 FIG. 4 is a side view showing a main part of a tilt mechanism interlocking meter structure according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the structure. In addition,
The same or equivalent portions as those in the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals.

This tilt mechanism interlocking meter structure has a meter angle changing mechanism 13a.
The symbol “a” generally includes a lower link member 15, an upper link member 18, an oblique link member 16, and a stay 14. The lower link member 15 and the upper link member constitute an uneven parallel link mechanism.

At the lower portion 7a of the meter unit 7, one end portion 15 of a lower link member 15 which is a long flat plate member is formed.
The slanted link member 16 is a flat plate-shaped member that extends long with a.
And one end 16a thereof are both pivotally supported. The other end portion 16b of the diagonal link member 16 has a steering column 8
Locking part 1 formed by partially projecting to the movable part 8a of the
7 is pivotally supported. The other end 15 of the lower link member 15
b is the lower fulcrum 14a of the stay 14 (first non-movable portion)
Is supported by. The stay 14 is attached to a fixed portion 8c on the side opposite to the side where the steering wheel 3 is provided when viewed from the fulcrum 9 of the steering column 8, that is, on the left side in FIG. 4 and does not move by the tilt mechanism.

One end portion 18a of an upper link member 18, which is a long flat plate member, is pivotally supported above the lower portion 7a on the rear surface of the meter unit 7. The other end 18b of the upper link member 18 is connected to the lower fulcrum 14 of the stay 14.
It is pivotally supported on the upper fulcrum 14b (second non-movable portion) above a. The upper link member 18 is formed longer than the lower link member 15, and constitutes an uneven parallel link mechanism together with the lower link member 15.

Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described.

Driver A sits on seat 2 of driver's seat 1,
For example, when the steering wheel 3 is moved upward from the position indicated by the chain double-dashed line in FIG. 4 to the position indicated by the solid line, the steering column 8 and the locking portion 17 also rotate counterclockwise in the figure with the fulcrum 9 as the center. Move upward to rotate.

When the locking portion 17 moves upward, the diagonal link member 16 pushes the lower portion 7a of the meter unit 7 upward. The diagonal link member 16 is diagonally arranged so that one end 16a thereof is located closer to the engine room E side than the other end 16b, and therefore, the lower portion 7a of the meter unit 7 is moved to the engine room E with the upward movement. Push diagonally upward toward the side.

Therefore, the diagonal link member 16 moves the position of the meter unit 7 upward as a whole while rotating the meter unit 7 clockwise with respect to the steering column 8. As a result, the meter unit 7 moves upward while rotating so that the display surface 7b faces downward. As a result, the upper portion 7c of the meter unit 7 gradually falls so as to approach the driver A, and the display surface 7b of the meter unit 7 does not face upwards too much, but properly faces the driver A.

According to the second embodiment, even when the steering wheel 3 is moved upward, the display surface 7b of the meter unit 7 can be properly oriented in the direction of the driver A, and the meter display can be displayed on the front side. Window 6
It is possible to reduce the possibility that the light will be reflected on the screen and external light will enter the display surface 7b of the meter. Further, the meter hood for preventing the reflection on the front window 6 and the entry of external light can be omitted or downsized, and the design around the meter can be made excellent.

Since the amount of movement of the meter unit 7 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle due to the vertical movement of the steering wheel 3 is also offset, the amount of clearance between the instrument panel portion 5 and the peripheral edge of the meter opening can be set small, and the appearance quality can be improved. Can be one.

By setting the setting position of the locking portion 17 far from or near the fulcrum 9, the rotational movement amount of the meter unit 7 can be set large or small, and the meter unit 7 can be set small. The degree of freedom in adjusting the amount of rotational movement can be increased. Further, since the members constituting the meter angle changing mechanism 13a can be concentrated around the meter unit 7, unitization becomes easy,
It is advantageous in design and assembly.

The other modes, functions, and effects are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0064]

[Third Embodiment] FIG. 6 is a side view showing a main portion of a tilt mechanism interlocking meter structure according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of the structure. In addition,
The same or equivalent portions as those in the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals.

This tilt mechanism interlocking meter structure has a meter angle changing mechanism 13b.
b is a guide member 1 as a guide as described later.
9, a gear 20, and a fan-shaped gear 21.

A guide bracket 22 having a substantially L-shaped cross section is fixed to the rear surface of the meter unit 7, and a guide pin 22a is attached to the guide bracket 22. A guide member 19 is attached to the fixed portion 8c of the steering column 8, and the guide member 19 has a curved guide hole 1 as a guide guide extending substantially vertically.
9a is formed. A guide pin 22a is slidably fitted in the guide hole 19a so that the meter unit 7 can slide vertically with respect to the guide member 19.

Here, as shown in FIG. 6, the guide hole 19
Since a is formed in a curved shape (for example, an arc shape) so that the upper side inclines toward the vehicle compartment R side, the meter unit 7 has its display surface 7b facing downward as it moves upward in the drawing. Rotate counterclockwise.

On the front surface 22b of the guide bracket 22,
A tooth surface is formed so as to engage with the gear 20. The gear 20 is engaged with a fan-shaped gear 21 formed in an arc shape around the fulcrum 9 of the steering column 8. The sector gear 21 is provided so as to interlock with the movable portion 8a of the steering column 8.

Next, the operation of the third embodiment will be described.

Driver A sits on seat 2 of driver's seat 1,
For example, when the steering wheel 3 is moved upward from the position shown by the chain double-dashed line in FIG. 6 to the position shown by the solid line, the steering column 8 also rotates counterclockwise in the figure about the fulcrum 9. Move up. Along with this, the fan-shaped gear 21 that interlocks with the movable portion 8a of the steering column 8 rotates counterclockwise in the figure around the fulcrum 9.

The rotation of the sector gear 21 causes the gear 20 to rotate clockwise in the drawing, and the guide bracket 22 engaged with the gear 20 moves upward to rotate the meter unit 7 counterclockwise in the drawing. While moving up. As a result, the meter unit 7 moves upward while rotating so that the display surface 7b faces downward, and the upper portion 7c of the meter unit 7 gradually falls so as to approach the driver A, and the meter unit 7 The display surface 7b of 7 will not face upwards too much, but will properly face the direction of the driver A.

According to the third embodiment, even when the steering wheel 3 is moved upward, the display surface 7b of the meter unit 7 can be properly directed to the driver A, and the meter display can be displayed on the front side. Window 6
It is possible to reduce the possibility that the light will be reflected on the screen and external light will enter the display surface 7b of the meter. Further, the meter hood for preventing the reflection on the front window 6 and the entry of external light can be omitted or downsized, and the design around the meter can be made excellent.

Since the amount of movement of the meter unit 7 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle due to the vertical movement of the steering wheel 3 is also offset, the amount of clearance between the instrument panel portion 5 and the peripheral edge of the meter opening can be set small, and the appearance quality can be improved. Can be one.

The meter angle changing mechanism 13b includes the guide member 1
9 and the gear mechanism, the degree of freedom in designing the movement trajectory of the meter unit 7 is increased, and the vertical movement of the meter unit 7 can be made smooth. Further, the operating force of the tilt mechanism, that is, the force required to move the steering wheel 3 up and down can be reduced.

The other modes, functions, and effects are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0076]

Fourth Embodiment FIG. 8 is a side view showing a main part of a tilt mechanism interlocking meter structure according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of the structure. In addition,
The same or equivalent portions as those in the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals.

This tilt mechanism interlocking meter structure has a meter angle changing mechanism 13c.
c is a guide member 2 as a guide as described later.
3, a gear 20, a fan gear 21, and a rack member 24 as a slider (see also FIG. 9).

A guide bracket 25 having a substantially T-shaped cross section is fixed to the rear surface of the meter unit 7. The guide bracket 25 has a lower guide pin 25a attached to the lower portion and an upper guide pin 25b attached to the upper portion.

A guide member 23 having a substantially Z-shaped cross section is attached to the fixed portion 8c of the steering column 8.

The guide member 23 is formed with an oblique guide hole 23a as a guide guide extending linearly while upwardly tilting toward the engine room E, and above the guide member 23 is substantially perpendicular to the extending direction of the steering column 8. A vertical guide hole 23b is formed as a guide guide that extends linearly in the direction.

The lower guide pin 25a is slidably fitted in the oblique guide hole 23a, and the upper guide pin 25b is slidably fitted in the vertical guide hole 23b so that the meter unit 7 is guided by the guide member 19a. It can slide up and down. Oblique guide hole 23a and vertical guide hole 23b
And are formed so as to spread upward, the meter unit 7 is rotated counterclockwise in the figure so that its display surface 7b faces downward as it moves upward.

A rack member 24 is attached so as to sandwich the vertical guide hole 23b together with the guide bracket 25 (see also FIG. 9). The rack member 24 is connected to the upper guide pin 25b and is slidably attached to the vertical guide hole 23b together with the guide bracket 25. A tooth surface is formed on the front surface 24 a of the rack member 24 so as to engage with the gear 20. The gear 20 is engaged with a fan-shaped gear 21 formed in an arc shape around the fulcrum 9 of the steering column 8. The sector gear 21 is provided so as to interlock with the movable portion 8a of the steering column 8.

Next, the operation of the fourth embodiment will be described.

The driver A sits on the seat 2 of the driver's seat 1,
For example, when the steering wheel 3 is moved upward from the position shown by the chain double-dashed line in FIG. 8 to the position shown by the solid line, the steering column 8 also turns counterclockwise in the figure about the fulcrum 9. Move up. Along with this, the fan-shaped gear 21 that interlocks with the movable portion 8a of the steering column 8 rotates counterclockwise in the figure around the fulcrum 9.

The rotation of the fan-shaped gear 21 causes the gear 20 to rotate clockwise in the figure, and the rack member 24 engaged with the gear 20 moves upward to cause the upper guide pin 2 to move.
The meter unit 7 moves upward while rotating counterclockwise in the figure together with the guide bracket 25 connected by 5b. As a result, the meter unit 7 moves upward while rotating so that the display surface 7b faces downward, and the upper portion 7c of the meter unit 7 gradually falls so as to approach the driver A, and the meter unit 7 The display surface 7b of 7 will not face upwards too much, but will properly face the direction of the driver A.

According to the fourth embodiment, even when the steering wheel 3 is moved upward, the display surface 7b of the meter unit 7 can be properly oriented in the direction of the driver A, and the display of the meter is displayed in the front. Window 6
It is possible to reduce the possibility that the light will be reflected on the screen and external light will enter the display surface 7b of the meter. Further, the meter hood for preventing the reflection on the front window 6 and the entry of external light can be omitted or downsized, and the design around the meter can be made excellent.

Since the amount of movement of the meter unit 7 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle due to the vertical movement of the steering wheel 3 is also offset, the amount of clearance between the instrument panel portion 5 and the peripheral edge of the meter opening can be set small, and the appearance quality can be improved. Can be one.

The meter angle changing mechanism 13c includes the guide member 2
3 and the gear mechanism, the degree of freedom in designing the movement trajectory of the meter unit 7 is increased, and the vertical movement of the meter unit 7 can be made smooth. Further, the operating force of the tilt mechanism, that is, the force required to move the steering wheel 3 up and down can be reduced.

Further, it is not necessary to form the guide holes 23a and 23b in a curved shape, and the parts of the guide member 23 can be easily manufactured.

Further, since the gear 20 is engaged not with the guide bracket 25 which rotates with the meter unit 7 but with the rack member 24 as a slider which moves linearly up and down, the vertical movement of the meter unit 7 is more reliable. Becomes

The other modes, functions, and effects are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0092]

Fifth Embodiment FIG. 10 is a side view showing a main part of a tilt mechanism interlocking meter structure according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of the structure.
The same or equivalent parts as those in the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals.

This tilt mechanism interlocking meter structure has a meter angle changing mechanism 13d.
c is a guide member 2 as a guide as described later.
6 and the link member 27.

A guide bracket 28 having a substantially T-shaped cross section is fixed to the rear surface of the meter unit 7, and the guide bracket 25 has a lower guide pin 28a attached to the lower portion and an upper guide pin 28b attached to the upper portion. The lower part of the front surface of the guide bracket is pivotally supported by one end portion 27a of a link member 27 which is a long plate member, and the other end portion 27b of the link member 27 is supported by a part of the movable portion 8a of the steering column 8. It is supported.

The guide member 26 attached to the fixed portion 8c of the steering column 8 is formed with a vertical guide hole 26a as a guide guide that extends linearly in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extending direction of the steering column 8 and is formed above the vertical guide hole 26a. An oblique guide hole 26b is formed as a guide guide that extends linearly while tilting upward toward the vehicle compartment R side.

The lower guide pin 28a is slidably fitted in the vertical guide hole 26a, and the upper guide pin 28b is slidably fitted in the diagonal guide hole 26b so that the meter unit 7 is guided by the guide member 26. It can slide up and down. Since the diagonal guide hole 26b is inclined toward the vehicle compartment R, the meter unit 7 rotates counterclockwise in the figure so that its display surface 7b faces downward as it moves upward.

Next, the operation of the fifth embodiment will be described.

Driver A sits on seat 2 of driver's seat 1,
For example, when the steering wheel 3 is moved upward from the position shown by the chain double-dashed line in FIG. 10 to the position shown by the solid line, the steering column 8 also rotates counterclockwise in the figure about the fulcrum 9. Move up. Along with this, the link member 27 axially supported by a part of the movable portion 8a of the steering column 8 pushes up the guide bracket 28, and the meter unit 7 fixed to the guide bracket 28 also moves upward. The meter unit 7 rotates counterclockwise in the figure as it moves upward. As a result, the meter unit 7 moves upward while rotating so that the display surface 7b faces downward, and the upper portion 7c of the meter unit 7 gradually falls so as to approach the driver A, and the meter unit 7 The display surface 7b of 7 will not face upwards too much, but will properly face the direction of the driver A.

According to the fifth embodiment, even when the steering wheel 3 is moved upward, the display surface 7b of the meter unit 7 can be properly oriented in the direction of the driver A, and the display of the meter is displayed on the front side. Window 6
It is possible to reduce the possibility that the light will be reflected on the screen and external light will enter the display surface 7b of the meter. Further, the meter hood for preventing the reflection on the front window 6 and the entry of external light can be omitted or downsized, and the design around the meter can be made excellent.

Since the amount of movement of the meter unit 7 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle due to the vertical movement of the steering wheel 3 is also offset, the amount of clearance between the instrument panel portion 5 and the peripheral edge of the meter opening can be set small, and the appearance quality can be improved. Can be one.

Since the guide guidance by the guide holes 26a and 26b and the link mechanism are combined, the movement trajectory of the meter unit 7 can be freely designed, and the structure can be simple, lightweight and low cost. .

The other modes, functions, and effects are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0103]

As described above, according to the invention of claim 1 of the present application, when the meter angle changing mechanism interlocks with the tilt steering mechanism and rotates the steering column upward, The meter unit is moved so that the display surface of the unit faces downward.

Here, "to face downward" means that the upper portion of the meter portion is gradually falling so as to approach the driver. As a result, even if the steering wheel is moved up and down according to the physique and posture of the driver, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a tilt angle on the display surface of the meter section, and to make the display surface properly face the driver. It is possible to reduce the possibility that the display of the meter is reflected on the front window and external light enters the display surface of the meter. Therefore, the visibility of the meter unit can be kept good.

Further, the display of the meter portion is reflected on the front window, and the display surface 7b of the meter is exposed by external light.
Since it does not become difficult to see, the meter hood to prevent reflection in the front window and outside light can be unnecessary or downsized, and the design around the meter should be excellent. You can

Furthermore, the amount of movement of the meter portion in the vehicle front-rear direction is canceled out, and the amount of clearance with the meter opening peripheral edge of the instrument panel can be set small, so that the appearance quality can be improved.

According to the invention of claim 2, since the meter angle changing mechanism has the link mechanism, the structure can be simplified and the cost can be reduced, the space can be saved, and the weight can be reduced.
It can be excellent in terms of reduction of assembly man-hours and reliability of mechanism accuracy.

According to the invention of claim 3, since the meter angle changing mechanism has the gear mechanism, the structure can be made simple and small. Also, the operation can be made smooth, and the operation force of the tilt steering mechanism, that is, the force required to move the steering wheel up and down can be reduced.

According to the invention of claim 4, since it can be composed mainly of two link members, the cost can be further reduced.

At the position lower than the fulcrum, the other end of the second link member whose one end is axially supported by the non-movable portion and the lower end of the first link member are connected at a position lower than the steering column. Therefore, most of the link mechanism can be configured below the steering column.

Therefore, the space efficiency of the upper portion of the steering column where the meter section is provided is improved, and the degree of freedom in designing the rotation angle and the size of the meter section can be increased.

According to the invention of claim 5, since the meter angle changing mechanism is realized by a simple link mechanism, in terms of low cost, space saving, light weight, reduction of assembly man-hours, and reliability of mechanism accuracy. It can be excellent.

According to the invention of claim 6, the meter portion can be moved up and down along the guide, and the meter portion and the movable portion of the steering column are engaged by the gears. In addition to increasing the degree of freedom in designing the movement trajectory, the structure can be simple and small. Also, the operation can be made smooth, and the operation force of the tilt steering mechanism, that is, the force required to move the steering wheel up and down can be reduced.

According to the invention of claim 7, since the meter portion is arranged so as to be vertically movable along the guide, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in designing the movement trajectory of the meter portion.

Since the slider and the gear are used to move the meter unit up and down, the structure can be made simple and small. Further, the vertical movement operation can be made sure and smooth, and the operation force of the tilt steering mechanism, that is, the force required to move the steering wheel up and down can be reduced.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the meter unit can be moved up and down along the guide, and the meter unit and the movable portion of the steering column are connected by the link member. In addition to increasing the degree of freedom when designing the movement trajectory, it is possible to simplify the structure and is excellent in terms of low cost, space saving, lightweight, reduction of assembly man-hours, and reliability of mechanism accuracy. Can be

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view of the vicinity of a driver's seat of an automobile equipped with a tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view showing a main part of the tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a partial perspective view of a tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure of FIG. 2 in perspective.

FIG. 4 is a side view showing a main part of a tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a partial perspective view of the tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure of FIG. 4 in perspective.

FIG. 6 is a side view showing a main part of a tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a partial perspective view of the tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure of FIG. 6 in perspective.

FIG. 8 is a side view showing a main part of a tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a partial perspective view of the tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure of FIG. 8 in perspective.

FIG. 10 is a side view showing a main part of a tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

11 is a partial perspective view of the tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

A: Driver 3: Steering wheel 7: Meter unit (meter part) 7b: Display surface 7c: Upper part 8: Steering column 10: Holding bracket (first link member) 10a: Upper end part 10b: Intermediate part 10c: Lower end part 11: Connection link member (second link member) 12: Support point (non-movable portion) 11a, 15a, 16a, 18a, 27a: One end 11b, 15b, 16b, 18b, 27b: Other end 13, 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d: Meter angle changing mechanism 14a: Lower fulcrum (first non-movable part) 14b: Upper fulcrum (second non-movable part) 15: Lower link member 16: Oblique link member 18: Upper link Member 19, 23, 26 :: Guide member 19a: Guide hole (guide guide) 23a, 26a: Oblique guide hole (guide guide) 23b, 26b: Vertical guide Hole (guides) 24: rack member (slider) 27: link member

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A tilt steering in which a steering wheel provided at an end of a steering column on a vehicle compartment side is vertically movable so as to rotate together with the steering column with a vicinity of a vehicle body mounting position of the steering column as a fulcrum. A tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure having a mechanism and a meter portion that is provided in a part of the steering column with its display surface facing the vehicle compartment side and moves up and down as the steering wheel moves up and down. A meter angle changing mechanism that moves the meter unit so that the display surface of the meter unit faces downward when the steering column is turned upward in conjunction with the tilt steering mechanism. A tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure having. 2. The tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure according to claim 1, wherein the meter angle changing mechanism has a link mechanism. 3. The tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure according to claim 1, wherein the meter angle changing mechanism has a gear mechanism. 4. The meter angle changing mechanism mounts the display surface of the meter portion on the upper end portion of a first link member with the display surface of the meter portion facing the passenger compartment, and the intermediate portion of the first link member is the steering wheel. The other end of the second link member and the lower end of the first link member, which are pivotally supported by the movable part of the column and are pivotally supported by the non-movable part at a position lower than the fulcrum. The tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure is connected to a portion below the steering column. 5. The meter angle changing mechanism pivotally supports the back surface of the meter portion by an unequal parallel link mechanism including an upper link member and a lower link member shorter than the upper link member, Further, one end of an oblique link member whose other end is pivotally supported by a movable portion of the steering column is pivotally supported by a lower portion of the meter section. The tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure according to any one of the above. 6. The meter angle changing mechanism, when the steering column is rotated upward, moves the meter unit so that the display surface of the meter unit faces downward. The meter part is arranged to be movable up and down along a formed guide, and the meter part and a movable part of the steering column are engaged by a gear. The tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure according to claim 3. 7. The meter angle changing mechanism, when the steering column is rotated upward, moves the meter unit so that the display surface of the meter unit faces downward, in a curved or diagonal manner. The meter unit is arranged so as to be vertically movable along the formed guide guide, a slider arranged vertically movable along the guide guide is connected to the meter unit, and the slider and the steering column are movable. The tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the portion is engaged with a gear. 8. The meter angle changing mechanism, when the steering column is turned upward, moves the meter unit so that the display surface of the meter unit faces downward. 2. The meter unit is arranged so as to be vertically movable along a formed guide, and the meter unit and a movable portion of the steering column are connected by a link member. The tilt steering mechanism interlocking meter structure according to claim 3.