JP2008143441A - Motor driven steering column device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a motor driven steering column device for achieving a simple and compact constitution. <P>SOLUTION: A device for driving a column body 1 in tilting and telescopic directions is provided as a drive unit DU, thus achieving the compact constitution. The drive unit DU has parallel screw shafts 12, 22 pivotally mounted to a pivotal shaft 30 between upper ends of a first link member L1 and a second link member L2 pivotally around the same pivotal axis to consolidate the operating point of tilting/telescopic operation as one point. The drive unit is mounted to the column body 1 via a guide plate 31, thus achieving the simple and compact constitution. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electric steering column device that drives and adjusts a steering shaft in a tilt direction and a telescopic direction.

  The steering column device is an important safety and security component of the vehicle, and it is very important how to control the behavior at the time of the collision in order to ensure the safety of the passenger at the time of the collision. Normally, the steering column device itself is provided with an impact energy absorbing mechanism, and also plays an important role as a support member for an air bag accommodated in the steering wheel.

By the way, in order to save the driver's labor, an electric steering column apparatus that can electrically change the position of the steering wheel has been developed. For example, in the electric steering column apparatus shown in FIG. 13 of Patent Document 1, the inner cylinder is slidably fitted to the outer cylinder of the steering column, and the outer cylinder is configured to be swingable around the tilt center. Has been.
JP 2002-160646 A JP-A-8-295247 JP 2004-262323 A

  Here, there is a fact that the space around the driver's knee in the vehicle is very limited. Therefore, there is a strong demand to make the electric steering column device more compact. On the other hand, according to the technique of Patent Document 1, since the tilt driving unit and the telescopic driving unit are set separately from each other, there is a potential problem that a large space is required on the layout. Yes. In addition, the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 2 has a problem in that the drive units need to be arranged above and below the steering column device, and space is required up and down. In addition, there is a problem that a mechanism for absorbing impact energy when a vehicle collides needs to be provided separately. Furthermore, according to the configuration of Patent Document 3, there is only a tilt driving unit, and a telescopic driving unit is required separately.

  The present invention has been made in view of the problems of the prior art, and an object thereof is to provide an electric steering column apparatus that has a simple configuration and can be made compact.

The electric steering column apparatus of the present invention is an electric steering column apparatus that drives a steering column that rotatably supports a steering shaft so that the position of the steering column can be adjusted with respect to a tilt direction and a telescopic direction.
A first motor attached to the vehicle body;
A first shaft coupled to the first motor;
A first link member pivotally connected at one end to the steering column;
A first conversion mechanism that converts rotational movement of the first shaft into axial movement of the other end of the first link member;
A second motor attached to the vehicle body;
A second shaft parallel to the first shaft and coupled to the second motor;
A second link member pivotally connected at one end to the steering column;
A second conversion mechanism that converts rotational movement of the second shaft into axial movement of the other end of the second link member;
By moving the other end of the first link member and the other end of the second link member in opposite directions, the steering column is movable in a tilt direction or a telescopic direction,
By moving the other end of the first link member and the other end of the second link member in the same direction, the steering column is movable in a telescopic direction or a tilt direction. .

  According to the present invention, for example, when it is desired to move the steering column in the tilt direction, the first motor and the second motor are driven, and the other end of the first link member and the second motor are driven. The other end of the link member may be moved in the opposite direction, or when it is desired to move the steering column in the telescopic direction, the first motor and the second motor are driven to Since the other end of one link member and the other end of the second link member may be moved in the same direction, the arrangement of the shaft and the link member is simplified, and a compact configuration can be provided. Furthermore, according to the present invention, for example, when tilting and telescopic driving are performed, two motors are driven simultaneously, so that the burden on each motor can be reduced and the motor can be downsized. In the present specification, the “telescopic direction” refers to the axial direction of the steering shaft, and the “tilt direction” refers to the direction (particularly the vertical direction) intersecting with it. Further, the steering wheel can be moved at a desired direction and speed by moving the other end of the first link member and the other end of the second link member in a combination of arbitrary patterns. It is. Further, by using various transmission mechanisms, the angle and the positional relationship between the first motor and the first shaft, and the second motor and the second shaft are changed, and the driving unit is made in an optimal shape, It is also possible to optimize the arrangement with surrounding car parts.

  The first motor, the first shaft, the first conversion mechanism, the second motor, the second shaft, and the second conversion mechanism constitute a drive unit. It is preferable.

  When the shock absorbing device is disposed in the drive unit, it is not necessary to separately provide the shock absorbing device, and a more compact configuration can be provided.

  When the first axis and the second axis extend in parallel, a more compact configuration can be provided.

  When one end of the first link member and one end of the second link member are pivoted about the same axis, a more compact configuration can be provided.

  The distance from one end of the first link member to the other end is preferably equal to the distance from one end to the other end of the second link member.

  Preferably, at least one of the first motor and the first shaft, and the second motor and the second shaft are connected to each other via a coupling. However, both may be directly connected.

  It is preferable that at least one of the first motor and the first shaft, and the second motor and the second shaft are connected via a speed reduction mechanism. However, both may be directly connected.

  It is preferable to have a sensor that detects a rotation direction and a rotation angle of at least one of the first axis and the second axis. Such a sensor includes the first motor, the first shaft (a speed reduction mechanism if a speed reduction mechanism is included therebetween), a first conversion mechanism (nut), a first link member, and a first link member. Support point (one end), the second motor, the second shaft (a reduction mechanism if a reduction mechanism is included therebetween), a second conversion mechanism (nut), a second link member, a second link It is provided at any one or more of the supporting points (drive shafts) of the members or the element members interlocked therewith, and the rotation, angle, position, speed, etc. can be detected.

  A sensor that detects at least one of a movement amount, a movement direction, and a movement speed at a displacement portion of any of the first motor or the element member linked to the first motor and the element member linked to the second motor. Preferably it has. The “element member interlocked with the first motor” refers to the first shaft (a reduction mechanism if a reduction mechanism is included therebetween), a first conversion mechanism (nut), a first link member, There is one link member support point (one end). The “element member interlocked with the second motor” refers to the second shaft (a speed reduction mechanism when a speed reduction mechanism is included therebetween), a second conversion mechanism (nut), a second link member, There are two link member support points (drive shafts). However, it is not limited to this.

  It is preferable to detect or calculate the position of the steering column using a signal from the sensor, store the position, and move the steering column to the stored position by a predetermined operation.

  The rotation direction and rotation angle of the first motor and the rotation direction and rotation angle of the second motor are stored, and the first motor and the rotation direction and rotation angle stored according to a predetermined operation are stored. Since the second motor is driven, for example, when the driver pulls out the ignition key, the steering wheel is retracted to a position that does not interfere with getting on and off the steering wheel, and the ignition key is inserted. Accordingly, it is possible to drive to a tilt / telescopic position where an appropriate driving position can be taken. Not only the rotation direction and rotation angle of the motor, but also the first shaft (a reduction mechanism if a reduction mechanism is included between them), a first conversion mechanism (nut), a first link member, a first link member, Support point (one end) of the link member, the second shaft (a speed reduction mechanism when a speed reduction mechanism is included therebetween), a second conversion mechanism (nut), a second link member, and a support for the second link member If a displacement sensor is provided at any one or more of the points (driving shafts) or the element members interlocked with them, and the detected values are stored, it can be configured at low cost.

  It is preferable to provide a stopper for limiting the displacement of the steering column. The stopper includes the first motor, the first shaft (a speed reduction mechanism when a speed reduction mechanism is included therebetween), a first conversion mechanism, a first link member, or an element member interlocked with them, 2 motors, the second shaft (a speed reduction mechanism if a speed reduction mechanism is included between them), a second conversion mechanism, a second link member, or an element member interlocked with them. Good.

  It is preferable to provide a sensor for detecting that the steering column is displaced to a predetermined position.

  Hereinafter, a tilt / telescopic electric steering column apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the electric steering column apparatus according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a side view of the electric steering column apparatus according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 is the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a top view of the electric steering column apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  The cylindrical column main body 1 is swingable with respect to a bolt LB inserted into a long hole 1a extending along the axial direction at the lower end thereof via a lower bracket 3 fixed to a vehicle body (not shown). It can be attached to a vehicle body (not shown). The housing 10 of the drive unit DU is attached to a vehicle body (not shown) via the upper bracket 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the upper bracket 2 is detachably attached to a detachment plate 4 fixed to a vehicle body (not shown). As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the upper bracket 2 and the housing 10 are connected via a bent energy absorbing plate 5. A steering shaft S that connects a steering wheel SW (FIG. 1) and a steering mechanism (not shown) is inserted into the column main body 1, and is rotatably supported by a bearing (not shown).

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the drive unit DU shown with the upper bracket 2 attached by bolting or welding, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the drive unit DU shown with the upper bracket 2 removed. . In FIG. 6, a first motor 11 and a second motor 21 are fixed to one end of the housing 10. The rotating shaft of the first motor 11 is connected to the first screw shaft 12 via a coupling (or reduction mechanism) (not shown), and the rotating shaft of the second motor 21 is a coupling (not shown). It is connected to the second screw shaft 22 via (or a speed reduction mechanism). The first screw shaft 12 and the second screw shaft 22 extend in parallel to each other and are rotatably supported by a housing (not shown) with respect to the housing 10.

  A first nut 13 is screwed onto the first screw shaft 12. The first nut 13 moves in the axial direction according to the rotation angle of the first screw shaft 12. The first screw shaft 12 and the first nut 13 constitute a first conversion mechanism (sliding screw mechanism).

  The lower ends of the two arm pieces 14 and 15 are pivotally connected to the first nut 13. The upper ends of the arm pieces 14 and 15 are pivotally engaged with the drive shaft 30. The arm pieces 14 and 15 constitute the first link member L1.

  On the other hand, a second nut 23 is screwed onto the second screw shaft 22. The second nut 23 moves in the axial direction according to the rotation angle of the second screw shaft 22. The second screw shaft 22 and the second nut 23 constitute a second conversion mechanism (sliding screw mechanism).

  The lower end of the two arm pieces 24 and 25 is pivotally connected to the second nut 23. The upper ends of the arm pieces 24 and 25 are pivotally engaged with the drive shaft 30. The arm pieces 24 and 25 constitute the second link member L2. The distance A between the pivot ends of both ends of the first link member L1 is equal to the distance A between the pivot ends of both ends of the second link member L2 (FIG. 6).

  Both ends of the drive shaft 30 are rotatably attached to the guide plate 31 as shown in FIG. The guide plate 31 is attached to the lower surface of the column main body 1. The first motor 11 and the second motor 12 are supplied with electric power via a switch (not shown) and can rotate independently of each other.

  7 and 8 are side views of the electric steering column apparatus according to the present embodiment, but are shown in a simplified manner with respect to FIG. When the column body 1 that is a steering column is tilted, the first motor 11 and the second motor 12 are rotated in opposite directions by the driver's switch operation. Then, since the first screw shaft 12 and the second screw shaft 22 rotate in opposite directions, as shown by arrows in FIG. 7, the first nut 13 and the second nut 23 (not shown in FIG. 7). For example, it moves in the direction of approaching.

  In such a case, if the movement amounts of the first nut 13 and the second nut 23 are equal, the first link member L1 and the second link member L2 may move closer to each other while pivoting with respect to the drive shaft 30. The drive shaft 30 does not move in the axial direction of the steering shaft S. Therefore, the guide plate 31 is pushed up only in the direction perpendicular to the axis, and the column body 1 swings around the bolt LB together with the steering shaft S, whereby the upward tilting operation is performed. Obviously, if the first motor 11 and the second motor 12 are rotated so that the first nut 13 and the second nut 23 move away from each other, they move downward. The tilting operation is performed.

  On the other hand, when the column main body 1 is telescopically operated, the first motor 11 and the second motor 12 are rotated in the same direction by the driver's operation of the switch. Then, since the first screw shaft 12 and the second screw shaft 22 rotate in the same direction, as shown by arrows in FIG. 8, the first nut 13 and the second nut 23 (not shown in FIG. 8). For example, it moves to the steering wheel side.

  In such a case, if the movement amounts of the first nut 13 and the second nut 23 are equal, the first link member L1 and the second link member L2 move while maintaining their postures (tilts). The relative positional relationship with respect to the drive shaft 30 is unchanged, and therefore the guide plate 31 moves only in the axial direction without being pushed up or down. Thus, in the column main body 1, the bolt LB moves along the long hole 1a, and the steering shaft S extends along with the bolt LB. Obviously, if the first motor 11 and the second motor 12 are rotated so that the first nut 13 and the second nut 23 move away from the driver, A telescopic operation toward the vehicle front side is performed.

  Further, it is obvious that if the movement and speed of the first nut 13 and the second nut 23 are adjusted to be different, the tilt and telescopic operations in an arbitrary direction can be performed in combination. it can. Further, if the movement amount or speed of the first nut 13 or the second nut 23 is detected by the sensor and the drive signal to the motor is controlled based on the detected signal, the tilt and telescopic operation or the combined operation is performed. Can be more stable.

  Next, the shock absorbing operation will be described. When the vehicle collides, the driver's body moving forward due to inertia collides with the steering wheel SW (FIG. 1), and when a so-called secondary collision occurs, the impact from the steering wheel SW is caused by the steering shaft S, the column main body. 1, the guide plate 31, the link members L1 and L2, the nuts 13 and 23, the screw shafts 12 and 22, and the housing 10 are transmitted to the upper bracket 2 in this order.

  Since the upper bracket 2 and the detachment plate 4 are engaged and disengaged when a force greater than a predetermined value is applied in the axial direction of the steering shaft S, the upper bracket 2 receiving the impact force is separated from the detachment plate. 4. Detach from the vehicle body. At this time, since the energy absorbing plate 5 as an impact absorbing device is supported by the upper bracket 2, the bending position is displaced between the upper side fixing bolt (not shown) and absorbs energy at that time. It is like that. Here, although the lower bracket 3 remains fixed to the vehicle body, the column main body 1 can move forward along the long hole 1a, so that the impact received by the driver can be reduced. Note that the impact absorbing device may be constituted not only by a plate but also by an energy absorbing member such as a wire. In order to more firmly attach the upper bracket 2 to the vehicle body, the upper bracket 2 and the lower bracket 3 may be coupled, or a part of the housing 10 may be extended and coupled to the lower bracket 3. It is desirable that the coupling portion be separated at the time of collision.

  According to the present embodiment, since the device for driving the column main body 1 in the tilt and telescopic directions is provided as the drive unit DU, a compact configuration can be provided. Further, screw shafts 12 and 22 parallel to the drive unit DU are provided, and are further pivotally attached to the drive shaft 30 at the upper ends of the first link member L1 and the second link member L2, and the same pivot axis line. Since it can be pivoted around, the action points of the tilt / telescopic operation are integrated into one point, and this is attached to the column main body 1 via the guide plate 31 to realize a simple and compact configuration. . One end (drive shaft 30) of the link may be directly connected to the column body 1 without the guide plate 31.

  In the present embodiment, both screw shafts 12 and 22 can be provided with sensors that respectively detect the rotation direction and the rotation angle. For example, it is assumed that the driver sits on the seat and inserts the ignition key to drive the first motor 11 and the second motor 12 to bring the steering wheel to the optimum tilt / telescopic position. Here, when the driver pulls out the ignition key, the vehicle determines that the driver gets off, and drives the steering wheel to a predetermined standby position so as not to prevent getting on and off. At this time, the sensor detects the rotation direction and the rotation angle of the screw shafts 12 and 22 and stores them in a nonvolatile memory (or a converted value corresponding to the position of the steering column). Thereafter, when the driver gets on again and inserts the ignition key, the rotation direction and the rotation angle stored in the memory are read out, and the first motor is rotated until the screw shafts 12 and 22 return to the original rotation position based on the rotation direction and rotation angle. 11 and the second motor 12 are driven in reverse to the retracting operation. As a result, the steering wheel returns to the original tilt / telescopic position. In the case of a vehicle that can start the engine without inserting the ignition key, for example, when the engine start button is turned on, the steering wheel is displaced to the optimum tilt / telescopic position and the engine start button is turned off. Accordingly, the steering wheel can be displaced to the standby position.

  FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of an electric steering column apparatus according to a modification. In the above-described embodiment, the column main body 1 is integrated. However, in the modification shown in FIG. 9, the inner column 1B is slidably fitted to the outer column 1A to constitute the column main body 1. The steering shaft S includes an upper shaft S1 and a lower shaft S2, which are rotatably supported by a bearing BRG with respect to the inner column 1B, and are connected to each other so as not to be relatively rotatable and to be relatively movable in the axial direction by serration coupling or the like. Become. By attaching the guide plate 31 to the outer periphery of the inner column 1B and attaching the drive unit DU (see FIGS. 5 and 6) to the guide plate 31, it is possible to have the same function as the above-described embodiment.

  FIGS. 10-12 is a figure which shows the electrically driven steering column apparatus concerning another modification. In the present modification shown in FIG. 10, both ends of the drive shaft 30 are arranged in a rectangular opening 10 a formed on both side walls of the housing 10, and rubber is further attached to the outer periphery of both ends of the drive shaft 30. It is preferable to attach a cylindrical buffer member 32 made of or resin. About another structure, it is the same as that of embodiment mentioned above. More preferably, a proximity switch (not shown) is provided instead of the buffer member 32 and the motor is stopped in response to the proximity switch being turned on.

  For example, when the first motor 11 and the second motor 12 are rotated in the same direction, the drive shaft 30 is displaced in the left-right direction in FIG. Further displacement is limited by abutting against the right edge of the opening 10a. That is, the opening 10a functions as a stopper and can limit displacement in the telescopic direction. At this time, since the buffer member 32 is formed of rubber or resin, even if it makes contact with the opening 10a, the hitting sound is small and the impact force can be reduced. On the other hand, when the first motor 11 and the second motor 12 are rotated in opposite directions, the drive shaft 30 is displaced in the vertical direction in FIG. 11, but the buffer member 32 is located at the upper and lower edges of the opening 10 a of the housing 10. By colliding, further displacement is limited. That is, the opening 10a functions as a stopper, and displacement in the tilt direction can be limited.

  A limited setting procedure at the time of setting the initial origin of the electric steering column device or when the origin setting becomes necessary after that will be described. FIG. 12 shows a state in which the steering wheel is displaced from the origin. In the state shown in FIG. 12, the tilt position is the uppermost position, and the telescopic position is the most retracted position. As a driving method, first, the first motor 11 and the second motor 12 are rotated in the opposite directions, are raised in the tilt direction, are brought into contact with the upper edge of the opening 10a, and then the tilt drive is stopped. The first motor 11 and the second motor 12 can be rotated in the same direction, retracted in the telescopic direction, brought into contact with the left edge of the opening 10a, the telescopic driving is stopped, and the movement to the origin position is performed. it can.

  As described above, the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments. However, the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately changed and improved without departing from the spirit thereof. Of course there is. For example, the drive unit DU is disposed on the lower side of the column body 1, but may be disposed on the upper side of the column body 1. Also, if the spiral groove winding directions of both screw shafts are reversed, telescopic driving can be realized by making the rotation direction of the motor the same direction, and tilt driving can be realized by making the rotation direction opposite. Furthermore, a ball screw mechanism can be used instead of the sliding screw mechanism.

1 is a perspective view of an electric steering column apparatus according to the present embodiment. 1 is a side view of an electric steering column device according to the present embodiment. It is a bottom view of the electric steering column apparatus according to the present embodiment. It is a top view of the electric steering column apparatus according to the present embodiment. It is a perspective view of drive unit part DU shown in the state where upper bracket 2 was attached by bolting or welding. It is a perspective view of drive unit part DU shown in the state where upper bracket 2 was removed. It is a side view of the electric steering column apparatus concerning this Embodiment, and has shown the state at the time of a tilt. It is a side view of the electric steering column apparatus concerning this Embodiment, and has shown the state at the time of telescopic. It is principal part sectional drawing of the electrically driven steering column apparatus concerning a modification. It is a perspective view which shows the electrically driven steering column apparatus concerning another modification. It is a side view which shows the electrically driven steering column apparatus concerning another modification. It is a side view which shows the electrically driven steering column apparatus concerning another modification.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Column main body 1A Outer column 1B Inner column 1a Long hole 2 Upper bracket 3 Lower bracket 4 Release plate 5 Energy absorption plate 10 Housing | casing 11 1st motor 12 1st screw shaft 13 1st nut 14 and 15 Arm piece 21 Second motor 22 Second screw shaft 23 Second nut 24, 25 Arm piece 30 Drive shaft 31 Guide plate BRG Bearing L1 First link member L2 Second link member DU Drive unit LB Bolt S Steering shaft S1 Upper Side shaft S2 Lower side shaft SW Steering wheel

Claims (14)

In the electric steering column device that drives the steering column that rotatably supports the steering shaft so that the position of the steering column can be adjusted with respect to the tilt direction and the telescopic direction.
A first motor attached to the vehicle body;
A first shaft coupled to the first motor;
A first link member pivotally connected at one end to the steering column;
A first conversion mechanism that converts rotational movement of the first shaft into axial movement of the other end of the first link member;
A second motor attached to the vehicle body;
A second shaft parallel to the first shaft and coupled to the second motor;
A second link member pivotally connected at one end to the steering column;
A second conversion mechanism that converts rotational movement of the second shaft into axial movement of the other end of the second link member;
By moving the other end of the first link member and the other end of the second link member in opposite directions, the steering column is movable in a tilt direction or a telescopic direction,
By moving the other end of the first link member and the other end of the second link member in the same direction, the steering column is movable in a telescopic direction or a tilt direction. Electric steering column device.   The first motor, the first shaft, the first conversion mechanism, the second motor, the second shaft, and the second conversion mechanism constitute a drive unit. The electric steering column apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:   The electric steering column apparatus according to claim 2, wherein an impact absorbing device is disposed in the drive unit.   The electric steering column apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first shaft and the second shaft extend in parallel.   The electric steering column device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein one end of the first link member and one end of the second link member pivot about the same axis.   The electric type according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a distance from one end of the first link member to the other end is equal to a distance from one end to the other end of the second link member. Steering column device.   The at least one of the first motor and the first shaft, and the second motor and the second shaft are connected to each other via a coupling. The electric steering column apparatus according to any one of the above.   The at least one of the first motor and the first shaft, and the second motor and the second shaft are connected via a speed reduction mechanism. An electric steering column device according to claim 1.   The electric steering column apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a sensor that detects a rotation direction and a rotation angle of at least one of the first shaft and the second shaft.   A sensor that detects at least one of a movement amount, a movement direction, and a movement speed at a displacement portion of any of the first motor or the element member linked to the first motor and the element member linked to the second motor. The electric steering column device according to claim 1, wherein the electric steering column device is provided.   11. The position of the steering column is detected or calculated using a signal from the sensor, the position is stored, and the steering column is moved to the stored position by a predetermined operation. The electric steering column device described in 1.   The rotation direction and rotation angle of the first motor and the rotation direction and rotation angle of the second motor are stored, and the first motor and the rotation direction and rotation angle stored according to a predetermined operation are stored. The electric steering column apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein each of the second motors is driven.   The electric steering column device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a stopper for limiting displacement of the steering column.   The electric steering column apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a sensor that detects that the steering column has been displaced to a predetermined position.

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