JP2008149748A - Steering device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a steering device preventing angular deviation that arises when a steering wheel is detached. <P>SOLUTION: This steering device is provided with a steering shaft, the steering wheel, and a lock mechanism, thereby steering a vehicle. The steering wheel is provided with a fixing member, and fixed at the front end of the steering shaft via the fixing member. The lock mechanism fixes the rotation of the steering shaft to a vehicle when the fixing member is detached from the steering shaft. This constitution can prevent the angular deviation that arises when the steering wheel is detached. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a steering device, and more particularly to a steering device for an automobile.

  Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 9, a steering apparatus for an automobile includes a steering wheel assembly 101, a turn signal switch assembly 102, a steering column assembly 103, a steering sensor 104, a steering shaft 105, and the like. The steering wheel assembly 101 constitutes a handle that is operated by the driver on the seat, and rotates the steering shaft 105 in accordance with the operation of the driver. The turn signal switch assembly 102 is provided on the steering side of the steering wheel assembly 101, and a lever is provided for the driver to send a left / right turn signal to the vehicle. The steering column assembly 103 is provided on the steered side of the turn signal switch assembly 102, and rotatably supports a steering shaft 105 that is fixed in the vehicle interior and penetrates inside the vehicle, and has various functions in the steering device. A device to be realized (for example, a reaction force actuator) is incorporated. The steering sensor 104 is provided on the steering side of the steering column assembly 103 and detects the steering angle of the steering wheel assembly 101. The steering sensor 104 is attached to the steering shaft 105 and the like, and detects the steering angle using various detection methods such as an optical method, a magnetic method, and a volume method. The steering sensor 104 includes a zero-point memory type relative angle type and a backup power source-less absolute angle type.

On the other hand, an operation for removing the steering wheel assembly 101 may be required in the manufacturing process or repair work of an automobile. In such a case, since each component of the steering device is relatively rotatable, the relative angular position between the components may shift. For example, a steering angle detection device that prevents an angle shift in a steering sensor (steering angle detection device) is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1). The rudder angle detection device includes a rotating body that is fitted to a steering shaft and rotates in synchronization with the sensor, and a sensor that detects the rotation of the rotating body. When the steering shaft becomes rotatable relative to the rotating body, the angular position between the rotating body and the sensor is shifted. In order to prevent such an angle shift, when the steering shaft is removed, the steering shaft and the rotating body are disengaged, and the rotating body and the sensor are locked and held. This prevents angular deviation from the sensor.
JP-A-6-278616

However, as shown in FIG. 9, after the steering wheel assembly 101 is removed, the steering shaft 105 can be rotated in the direction A in the figure, and an angular deviation occurs between the components of the steering device. For example, when the steering wheel assembly 101 and the steering shaft 105 are assembled by serration fitting, the steering wheel assembly 101 can be assembled at any angle with respect to the rotation direction of the steering shaft 105. Accordingly, when the steering shaft 105 rotates after the steering wheel assembly 101 is removed, the steering wheel assembly 101 can be attached to the components of other steering devices even if the steering wheel assembly 101 is attached in the same angular direction as when the steering wheel assembly 101 was removed. An angle shift occurs. For example, even if the rudder angle detection device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used, such an angle deviation cannot be prevented because the steering shaft 105 itself can rotate.

  Further, in the rudder angle detection device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the space between the rotating body and the sensor is locked, but the steering shaft 105 itself can rotate. Therefore, if the steering shaft 105 rotates after the steering wheel assembly 101 is removed, it may be necessary to adjust the position between the steering shaft 105 and the sensor.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a steering device that prevents angular deviation that occurs when a steering wheel is removed.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has the following features.
A first invention is a steering device for steering a vehicle. The steering device includes a steering shaft, a steering wheel, and a lock mechanism. The steering wheel has a fixing member, and is fixed to the tip end portion of the steering shaft via the fixing member. The lock mechanism fixes the rotation of the steering shaft relative to the vehicle when the fixing member is removed from the steering shaft.

  In a second aspect based on the first aspect, when the fixing member is attached to the steering shaft, a part of the locking mechanism is pushed toward the steered side by one end of the fixing member, thereby steering the vehicle Release the rotation of the shaft.

  In a third aspect based on the first aspect, the lock mechanism includes a housing, a first engagement portion, and a second engagement portion. The housing is fixed to the vehicle. The first engagement portion rotates integrally with the steering shaft according to the rotation of the steering shaft. The second engagement portion is provided on the housing. When the fixing member is detached from the steering shaft, the rotation of the steering shaft relative to the vehicle is fixed by engaging the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion.

  In a fourth aspect based on the third aspect, the second engagement portion is provided so as to be movable in the axial direction with respect to the steering shaft. The lock mechanism further includes a guide portion and an elastic body. The guide portion is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the steering shaft. The elastic body is provided between the guide portion and the second engagement portion, and urges the second engagement portion along the guide portion toward the tip end side of the steering shaft. When the fixing member is removed from the steering shaft, the second engaging portion moves along the guide portion by the urging force of the elastic body and engages with the first engaging portion.

  In a fifth aspect based on the fourth aspect, when the fixing member is attached to the steering shaft, the second engaging portion is brought into contact with one end of the fixing member to move toward the steered side along the guide portion. It moves to release the engagement with the first engaging portion.

  In a sixth aspect based on the first aspect, the lock mechanism has a fitting shape in which the fixing member is detachable only in a predetermined direction with respect to the rotation direction of the steering shaft.

  In a seventh aspect based on the first aspect, the lock mechanism is disposed on the steering side of the steering shaft with respect to the steering wheel via another device in the steering device.

  In an eighth aspect based on the first aspect, the lock mechanism is disposed on the steered side of the steering shaft adjacent to the steering wheel.

According to the first aspect of the invention, when the steering wheel is removed from the steering shaft, the lock mechanism stops the rotation of the steering shaft, so that the steering shaft does not easily rotate. Therefore, it is possible to prevent angular deviation in other devices of the steering device that occurs when the steering wheel is removed.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the steering wheel is attached from the steering shaft, the steering shaft is not hindered from rotating. Therefore, the steering shaft is rotated without resistance in response to the operation of the steering wheel at the driver's seat. Can do.

  According to the third aspect, since the rotation of the steering shaft is fixed by the engagement of the two members, the rotation of the steering shaft can be reliably locked.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the engagement state between the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion can be maintained using the biasing force of the elastic body, and the steering wheel is removed from the steering shaft. The rotation of the steering shaft can be automatically fixed.

  According to the fifth aspect of the invention, since the locked state of the steering shaft is released in conjunction with the operation of attaching the steering wheel to the steering shaft, the operation of releasing the locked state is unnecessary, and the steering is performed in the locked state. It is possible to prevent the wheel from being left attached.

  According to the sixth aspect, since the steering wheel is detachable only in a predetermined direction with respect to the rotation direction of the steering shaft, the rotation of the steering shaft is fixed when the steering wheel is removed, so that the steering shaft is fixed. In contrast, the steering wheel can be remounted at the same angular position.

  According to the seventh aspect, since the lock mechanism is provided at an intermediate position between the devices constituting the steering device, the steering-side device and the like can be removed from the lock mechanism with the steering shaft fixed.

  According to the eighth aspect, since the lock mechanism is provided adjacent to the steering wheel, the shape of the steering wheel fixing member that comes into contact with a part of the lock mechanism is simplified.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, the steering apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Typically, the steering device is installed in a vehicle body such as an automobile. FIG. 1 is a schematic external view of an example of the configuration of the steering device as viewed from the side. FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing an example of the internal structure of the lock mechanism 5a in the unlocked state. FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing an example of the internal structure of the lock mechanism 5a in the locked state. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the lock mechanism 5a when the cross-section BB of FIG. 2 is viewed from the D direction. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the lock mechanism 5a when the cross-section CC of FIG. 2 is viewed from the D direction.

  In FIG. 1, the steering apparatus includes a steering wheel assembly 1, a turn signal switch assembly 2, a steering column assembly 3, a steering sensor 4, a lock mechanism 5a, and a steering shaft 6. 1 shows a state in which the steering wheel assembly 1 is detached from the steering shaft 6.

The steering wheel assembly 1 is attached to the steering-side tip of the steering shaft 6 via serration fitting or the like, and a nut 7 (see FIG. 2) is screwed with a screw portion formed at the tip of the steering shaft 6 to be fastened and fixed. Is done. The steering wheel assembly 1 constitutes a handle that is operated by a driver of a vehicle on which the steering apparatus is installed with a seat, and rotates the steering shaft 6 in the direction A in accordance with the driver's handle operation. Further, the steering wheel assembly 1 has a fixing member 11 for fixing to the steering shaft 6 at the center thereof. The fixing member 11 is a cylindrical member that protrudes toward the steered side, and a through hole through which the steering shaft 6 is inserted is formed therein. The fixing member 11 is formed with two engagement pieces 12 and 13 having different sizes at positions facing each other on the cylindrical outer surface of the steered side tip. As will be apparent from the description below, when the steering wheel assembly 1 is attached to the steering shaft 6, the fixing member 11 passes through the turn signal switch assembly 2, and the steered-side tip of the fixing member 11 is the locking mechanism 5a. It abuts on the internal part (shaft lock block 52a).

  The turn signal switch assembly 2 is provided on the steering side of the steering wheel assembly 1, and the steering shaft 6 passes through the inside thereof. The turn signal switch assembly 2 is provided with, for example, a lever for the driver to send a right / left turn signal to the vehicle.

  The steering column assembly 3 is provided on the turning side of the turn signal switch assembly 2 with the lock mechanism 5a interposed therebetween, and is fixedly installed in the vehicle compartment. The steering column assembly 3 rotatably supports a steering shaft 6 penetrating therein, and incorporates a device (for example, a reaction force actuator) that realizes various functions in the steering device.

  The steering sensor 4 is provided on the steering side of the steering column assembly 3 and detects the steering angle of the steering wheel assembly 1. The steering sensor 4 is attached to the steering shaft 6 or the like, and a steering angle detection device using various detection methods such as a resolver type, a magnetic resistance type, and an optical type is used. Further, the steering sensor 4 used in the present embodiment may be a zero-point memory type relative angle type or an absolute angle type without a backup power source, and the number of systems is not specified.

  The lock mechanism 5 a is provided between the steering column assembly 3 and the turn signal switch assembly 2. The lock mechanism 5a stops the rotation of the steering shaft 6 when the steering wheel assembly 1 is detached from the steering shaft 6. The lock mechanism 5a prevents the steering shaft 6 from rotating in the direction A in the figure when the steering wheel assembly 1 is detached from the steering shaft 6.

  An example of the internal structure of the lock mechanism 5a will be described with reference to FIGS. The lock mechanism 5a includes a housing 51a, a shaft lock block 52a, a lock block guide 53a, and a lock spring 54a.

  The housing 51a is a hollow housing formed with a through hole through which the steering shaft 6 is inserted. The lower surface of the housing 51a is fixed to the main body of the steering column assembly 3. The turn signal switch assembly 2 is fixed on the upper surface of the housing 51a.

Further, a through hole is formed in the ceiling plate of the housing 51a so that the fixing member 11 of the steering wheel assembly 1 mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the steering shaft 6 can be inserted through a predetermined gap. Two engaging grooves 57a and 58a are generated in the axial direction at positions opposite to the hole side surfaces of the through hole. The engaging groove 57a is formed in a shape that can be engaged with the engaging piece 12 of the fixing member 11 when the fixing member 11 is penetrated to the inside of the housing 51a. For example, the groove width of the engagement groove 57a is a size that allows engagement with the circumferential width of the engagement piece 12 via a predetermined gap. Further, the engaging groove 58a is engaged with both the engaging groove 58a and the engaging piece 13 when the engaging groove 57a and the engaging piece 12 are engaged when the fixing member 11 is penetrated to the inside of the housing 51a. It is formed in a shape and position that can be matched. For example, the groove width of the engagement groove 58a is a size that can be engaged with the circumferential width of the engagement piece 13 via a predetermined gap. By providing the engagement pieces 12 and 13 and the engagement grooves 57a and 58a, the steering wheel assembly 1 can be attached to the housing 51a only in a predetermined direction (state shown in FIG. 4).

  A plurality of fitting holes 55a are formed in the hollow inner ceiling surface of the housing 51a. As shown in FIG. 4, the plurality of fitting holes 55a are formed in the hollow inner ceiling surface of the housing 51a at regular intervals in an annular shape centering on the through hole of the housing 51a. In the example of FIG. 4, a plurality of fitting holes 55a are formed on the hollow inner ceiling surface of the housing 51a at 45 ° intervals.

  The lock block guide 53a has a cylindrical vessel shape with the steering side surface opened. A through hole that penetrates the steering shaft 6 is formed in the center of the bottom plate of the lock block guide 53a. A plurality of guide grooves extending in the axial direction of the steering shaft 6 are formed on the outer surface of the lock block guide 53a. The lock block guide 53a is disposed inside the hollow of the housing 51a in a state of being fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the steering shaft 6. For example, the lock block guide 53 a press-fits the through hole into the outer peripheral surface of the steering shaft 6, bonds the through hole and the outer peripheral surface of the steering shaft 6, and connects the through hole and the outer peripheral surface of the steering shaft 6. By providing an anti-rotation mechanism such as a key between them, the steering shaft 6 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface. As a result, the lock block guide 53a rotates together with the steering shaft 6. As long as the lock block guide 53a rotates with the steering shaft 6, the lock block guide 53a may be fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the steering shaft 6 by other methods.

  The shaft lock block 52a has a cylindrical vessel shape with a surface on the steered side opened. A through hole is formed in the center of the top plate of the shaft lock block 52a through which the steering shaft 6 penetrates with a predetermined gap. In addition, a plurality of rail-shaped convex portions that are engaged with guide grooves formed on the outer cylindrical surface of the lock block guide 53a are formed on the inner cylindrical surface of the shaft lock block 52a. The shaft lock block 52a is arranged with its inner cylindrical surface fitted into the outer cylindrical surface of the lock block guide 53a, and the guide groove and the convex portion are engaged with each other. Therefore, the shaft lock block 52a is fitted on the outer surface of the lock block guide 53a so as to be movable in the axial direction of the steering shaft 6. Further, the shaft lock block 52a rotates together with the lock block guide 53a because the convex portion on the inner surface is engaged with the guide groove on the outer surface of the lock block guide 53a.

A plurality of fitting projections 56a are formed on the steering-side external upper surface of the shaft lock block 52a. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the plurality of fitting protrusions 56a are formed on the steering-side external upper surface of the shaft lock block 52a at regular intervals in an annular shape centering on the through hole of the shaft lock block 52a. When the steering wheel assembly 1 is removed from the steering shaft 6 at a position where the engagement pieces 12 and 13 and the engagement grooves 57a and 58a engage, the steering-side external upper surface of the shaft lock block 52a and the housing 51a are hollow. When the inner ceiling surface comes into contact, all the fitting protrusions 56a are formed at positions where the fitting holes 56a are fitted. In the example of FIG. 5, eight fitting protrusions 56a are formed on the steering-side external upper surface of the shaft lock block 52a at 45 ° intervals so as to be fitted to the fitting holes 55a shown in FIG.

  A lock spring 54a is installed inside the lock block guide 53a. The lock spring 54a is disposed between the inner bottom surface of the lock block guide 53a and the inner ceiling surface of the shaft lock block 52a fitted on the outer surface of the lock block guide 53a. Then, the locking spring 54a biases the shaft lock block 52a in a direction in which the shaft lock block 52a is raised toward the steering side. For example, the locking spring 54a is made of an elastic body such as a high deflection wave washer or rubber in addition to the compression coil spring shown in the drawing.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, when the steering wheel assembly 1 is fastened and fixed to the steering end of the steering shaft 6 by the nut 7, the end surface of the fixing member 11 and the external upper surface of the steering side of the shaft lock block 52a are in contact with each other. It becomes the position to touch. When the end face of the fixing member 11 comes into contact, the shaft lock block 52a is pushed down to the steered side, and the lock spring 54a is compressed. As a result, a gap is formed between the hollow inner ceiling surface of the housing 51a and the steering-side outer upper surface of the shaft lock block 52a. At this time, a gap is also formed between the engagement pieces 12 and 13 of the fixing member 11 and the hollow inner ceiling surface of the housing 51a.

  As apparent from FIG. 2, in the state where the steering wheel assembly 1 is fastened and fixed to the steering end of the steering shaft 6 by the nut 7, a gap is formed between the shaft lock block 52a and the housing 51a, and the fitting protrusion 56a and fitting hole 55a do not fit. Accordingly, since the rotation of the shaft lock block 52a is not hindered by the housing 51a, the shaft lock block 52a, the lock block guide 53a, and the lock spring 54a are all rotatable with the steering shaft 6. That is, the lock mechanism 5a is in an unlocked state that does not hinder the rotation of the steering shaft 6.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, when the steering wheel assembly 1 is removed from the steering shaft 6, there is no force that the fixing member 11 pushes the shaft lock block 52 a toward the steered side. On the other hand, since the locking spring 54a urges the shaft lock block 52a in the direction of ascending to the steering side, the shaft lock block 52a rises, and the steering-side external upper surface of the shaft lock block 52a and the hollow internal ceiling of the housing 51a. The surface comes into contact. Since all the fitting protrusions 56a are fitted into the fitting holes 55a and the housing 51a is fixed to the steering column assembly 3 main body and the like, the rotation of the shaft lock block 52a is locked.

  Accordingly, since the rotation of the shaft lock block 52a is prevented by the housing 51a, the rotation of the lock block guide 53a engaged with the convex portion of the shaft lock block 52a is also prevented. And rotation of the steering shaft 6 which fixes the lock block guide 53a is also prevented. That is, the lock mechanism 5a is in a locked state in which the rotation of the steering shaft 6 is stopped.

Thus, in the steering device according to the first embodiment, when the steering wheel assembly 1 is removed from the steering shaft 6, the lock mechanism 5a is in a locked state in which the rotation of the steering shaft 6 is stopped. It does not rotate easily. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the angular deviation of other components that occurs when the steering wheel assembly 1 is removed.

  Further, in the steering device according to the first embodiment, the device provided on the steering side of the lock mechanism 5a, such as the turn signal switch assembly 2, while the lock mechanism 5a keeps the locked state in which the rotation of the steering shaft 6 is maintained. Can be removed. Therefore, the above-described effects can be obtained also in the operation of removing the device of the turn signal switch assembly 2 or the like.

(Second Embodiment)
A steering apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. Typically, the steering device is installed in a vehicle body such as an automobile. Note that the lock mechanism 5b of the steering device according to the second embodiment has a different installation position from the lock mechanism 5a of the steering device according to the first embodiment described above. Therefore, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. FIG. 6 is a schematic external view of an example of the configuration of the steering apparatus according to the second embodiment as viewed from the side. FIG. 7 is a side sectional view showing an example of the internal structure of the lock mechanism 5b in the unlocked state. FIG. 8 is a side sectional view showing an example of the internal structure of the lock mechanism 5b in the locked state.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the lock mechanism 5 b according to the second embodiment is provided between the steering wheel assembly 1 and the turn signal switch assembly 2. When the steering wheel assembly 1 is removed from the steering shaft 6, the lock mechanism 5b locks the steering shaft 6 in a locked state and stops it. The lock mechanism 5b prevents the steering shaft 6 from rotating in the direction A in the figure when the steering wheel assembly 1 is detached from the steering shaft 6.

  An example of the internal structure of the lock mechanism 5b will be described. The lock mechanism 5b includes a housing 51b, a shaft lock block 52b, a lock block guide 53b, and a lock spring 54b.

  The housing 51b is a hollow housing formed with a through hole through which the steering shaft 6 is inserted. The lower surface of the housing 51b is fixed to the main body of the turn signal switch assembly 2. Further, the upper surface of the housing 51b is in an externally open state and is not in contact with the steering wheel assembly 1.

  Further, a through hole is formed in the ceiling plate of the housing 51b so that the fixing member 11 of the steering wheel assembly 1 mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the steering shaft 6 can be inserted through a predetermined gap. Then, two engaging grooves 57b and 58b similar to the engaging grooves 57a and 58a (see FIG. 4) are generated in the axial direction at positions opposite to the hole side surfaces of the through holes. The engaging groove 57b is formed in a shape that can be engaged with the engaging piece 12 of the fixing member 11 when the fixing member 11 is penetrated to the inside of the housing 51b. Further, the engagement groove 58b is engaged with both the engagement groove 58b and the engagement piece 13 when the engagement groove 57b and the engagement piece 12 are engaged when the fixing member 11 is penetrated to the inside of the housing 51b. It is formed in a shape and position that can be matched. Since the engagement pieces 12 and 13 and the engagement grooves 57b and 58b are provided, the steering wheel assembly 1 can be attached to the housing 51b only in a predetermined direction.

A plurality of fitting holes 55b are formed in the hollow inner ceiling surface of the housing 51b. The plurality of fitting holes 55b are formed on the hollow inner ceiling surface of the housing 51b at an equal interval in an annular shape centering on the through hole of the housing 51b, similarly to the fitting hole 55a (see FIG. 4). For example, eight fitting holes 55b are formed on the hollow inner ceiling surface of the housing 51b at intervals of 45 °.

  The lock block guide 53b has a cylindrical vessel shape with the steering side surface opened. A through hole that penetrates the steering shaft 6 is formed in the center of the bottom plate of the lock block guide 53b. A plurality of guide grooves extending in the axial direction of the steering shaft 6 are formed on the outer surface of the lock block guide 53b. And the lock block guide 53b is arrange | positioned in the hollow inside of the housing 51b in the state fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the steering shaft 6 similarly to the lock block guide 53a. Thus, the lock block guide 53b is configured to be rotatable together with the steering shaft 6 inside the hollow of the housing 51b.

  The shaft lock block 52b has a cylindrical vessel shape with a surface on the steered side opened. A through hole is formed in the center of the top plate of the shaft lock block 52b through which the steering shaft 6 penetrates with a predetermined gap. In addition, a plurality of rail-like convex portions that are engaged with guide grooves formed on the outer cylindrical surface of the lock block guide 53b are formed on the inner cylindrical surface of the shaft lock block 52b. The shaft lock block 52b is arranged such that the inner surface of the cylinder is fitted to the outer surface of the cylinder of the lock block guide 53b, and the guide groove and the convex portion are engaged with each other. Therefore, the shaft lock block 52b is fitted on the outer surface of the lock block guide 53b so as to be movable in the axial direction of the steering shaft 6. The shaft lock block 52b rotates together with the lock block guide 53b because the convex portion on the inner surface and the guide groove on the outer surface of the lock block guide 53b are engaged with each other.

  A plurality of fitting protrusions 56b are formed on the steering-side outer upper surface of the shaft lock block 52b in the same manner as the fitting protrusions 56b (see FIG. 5). For example, the plurality of fitting protrusions 56b are formed on the steering-side external upper surface of the shaft lock block 52b at regular intervals in an annular shape centering on the through hole of the shaft lock block 52b. When the steering wheel assembly 1 is removed from the steering shaft 6 at a position where the engagement pieces 12 and 13 and the engagement grooves 57b and 58b engage, the steering-side external upper surface of the shaft lock block 52b and the hollow of the housing 51b When the inner ceiling surface comes into contact, all the fitting protrusions 56b are formed at positions where they are fitted into the fitting holes 55b. For example, eight fitting protrusions 56b are formed on the steering-side outer upper surface of the shaft lock block 52b at intervals of 45 ° so as to be fitted to the fitting holes 55b.

  A lock spring 54b is installed inside the lock block guide 53b. The lock spring 54b is disposed between the inner bottom surface of the lock block guide 53b and the inner ceiling surface of the shaft lock block 52b fitted into the outer surface of the lock block guide 53b. The lock spring 54b biases the shaft lock block 52b in the direction in which the shaft lock block 52b rises toward the steering side. For example, in addition to the thin spring such as the illustrated wave washer, the locking spring 54b is configured by a compression coil spring, a highly flexible wave washer, an elastic body such as rubber, and the like, similarly to the locking spring 54a.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the steering wheel assembly 1 is fastened and fixed to the steering side tip of the steering shaft 6 by the nut 7, the position where the end surface of the fixing member 11 and the steering side external upper surface of the shaft lock block 52b come into contact with each other. Become. When the end face of the fixing member 11 comes into contact, the shaft lock block 52b is pushed down to the steered side, and the lock spring 54b is compressed. As a result, a gap is formed between the hollow inner ceiling surface of the housing 51b and the steering-side outer upper surface of the shaft lock block 52b. At this time,
A gap is also formed between the engagement pieces 12 and 13 of the fixing member 11 and the hollow inner ceiling surface of the housing 51b.

  As apparent from FIG. 7, in the state where the steering wheel assembly 1 is fastened and fixed to the steering end of the steering shaft 6 by the nut 7, a gap is formed between the shaft lock block 52b and the housing 51b, and the fitting protrusion 56b and the fitting hole 55b do not fit. Therefore, since the rotation of the shaft lock block 52b is not hindered by the housing 51b, the shaft lock block 52b, the lock block guide 53b, and the lock spring 54b are all rotatable with the steering shaft 6. That is, the lock mechanism 5b is in an unlocked state that does not hinder the rotation of the steering shaft 6.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, when the steering wheel assembly 1 is removed from the steering shaft 6, there is no force that the fixing member 11 pushes the shaft lock block 52 b to the steered side. On the other hand, since the lock spring 54b urges the shaft lock block 52b to rise to the steering side, the shaft lock block 52b rises, and the steering side external upper surface of the shaft lock block 52b and the hollow internal ceiling of the housing 51b. The surface comes into contact. Since all the fitting protrusions 56b are fitted into the fitting holes 55b and the housing 51b is fixed to the turn signal switch assembly 2 main body or the like, the rotation of the shaft lock block 52b is locked.

  Accordingly, since the rotation of the shaft lock block 52b is prevented by the housing 51b, the rotation of the lock block guide 53b engaged with the convex portion of the shaft lock block 52b is also prevented. And rotation of the steering shaft 6 which fixes the lock block guide 53b is also prevented. That is, the lock mechanism 5b is in a locked state in which the rotation of the steering shaft 6 is stopped.

  Thus, in the steering device according to the second embodiment, when the steering wheel assembly 1 is removed from the steering shaft 6, the lock mechanism 5b is in a locked state in which the rotation of the steering shaft 6 is stopped. The steering shaft 6 does not rotate easily. Therefore, even in an aspect in which the lock mechanism 5b is provided between the steering wheel assembly 1 and the turn signal switch assembly 2, it is possible to prevent angular deviation of other components that occur when the steering wheel assembly 1 is removed.

  In the steering apparatus according to the first and second embodiments, when the steering wheel assembly 1 is removed from the steering shaft 6, the engagement pieces 12 and 13 and the engagement grooves 57a and 58a and the engagement grooves 57b and 58b are provided. This is performed in accordance with an angle corresponding to the position to be engaged. On the other hand, when the steering wheel assembly 1 is mounted from the steering shaft 6, the serrations are adjusted while adjusting the angle corresponding to the position where the engagement pieces 12 and 13 are engaged with the engagement grooves 57 a and 58 a and the engagement grooves 57 b and 58 b. It is attached via fitting or the like. That is, as long as the steering shaft 6 does not rotate when the steering wheel assembly 1 is detached, the angular positional relationship between the steering shaft 6 and the steering wheel assembly 1 can always be reattached with the same positional relationship. Therefore, by locking the steering shaft 6 with the lock mechanisms 5a and 5b, the steering wheel assembly 1 can be always attached to the steering shaft 6 at the same angular position, and the position of the steering wheel assembly 1 can be adjusted. It becomes unnecessary.

In addition, the steering sensor 4 in the steering device according to the first and second embodiments may be equipped with a zero-point memory type relative angle type. In this case, if the power supply to the steering sensor 4 is stopped, such as removing the battery of the vehicle when the steering wheel assembly 1 is removed, the zero point of the steering sensor 4 becomes invalid, and zero point adjustment work is required. However, the power supply to the steering sensor 4 is stopped because the steering shaft 6 is locked at the angular position of the zero point of the steering sensor 4 by removing the steering wheel assembly 1 at the angular position where the steering sensor 4 indicates the zero point. However, the zero point adjustment work becomes unnecessary.

  In the steering apparatus according to the first embodiment, the lock mechanism 5a is installed between the turn signal switch assembly 2 and the steering column assembly 3, and in the steering apparatus according to the second embodiment, the lock mechanism 5b is installed in the steering wheel assembly. 1 and the turn signal switch assembly 2. However, the lock mechanism 5 of the present invention may be installed at another position in the steering device. Since there are various types of vehicle steering devices, the lock mechanism 5 may be provided at an appropriate position according to the structure of the steering device. The essential principle of the lock mechanism 5 of the present invention is that when the steering wheel assembly 1 is attached, the steering shaft 6 is pushed into the fixing member 11 to unlock the steering shaft 6 and when the steering wheel assembly 1 is removed. The pushing force by the fixing member 11 is lost, and the steering shaft 6 is in a locked state. Accordingly, the lock mechanism 5 can be provided at various positions of the steering device as long as such a configuration is possible.

  The steering device according to the present invention can prevent the angular deviation that occurs when the steering wheel is removed, and can be applied to a steering device provided in a moving body such as an automobile.

Schematic external view of an example of the configuration of the steering device according to the first embodiment viewed from the side Side sectional view showing an example of the internal structure of the lock mechanism 5a in the unlocked state Side sectional view showing an example of the internal structure of the lock mechanism 5a in the locked state Sectional drawing of the locking mechanism 5a which looked at the cross section BB of FIG. 2 from the D direction Sectional drawing of the lock mechanism 5a which looked at the cross section CC of FIG. 2 from D direction Schematic external view of an example of the configuration of the steering device according to the second embodiment viewed from the side Side sectional view showing an example of the internal structure of the lock mechanism 5b in the unlocked state Side sectional view showing an example of the internal structure of the lock mechanism 5b in the locked state Schematic external view of an example of the structure of a conventional steering device viewed from the side

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Steering wheel assembly 11 ... Fixing member 12, 13 ... Engagement piece 2 ... Turn signal switch assembly 3 ... Steering column assembly 4 ... Steering sensor 5 ... Lock mechanism 51 ... Housing 52 ... Shaft lock block 53 ... Lock block guide 54 ... Locking spring 55 ... fitting hole 56 ... fitting protrusion 57, 58 ... engagement groove 6 ... steering shaft 7 ... nut

Claims (8)

A steering device for steering a vehicle,
The steering shaft,
A steering wheel having a fixing member and being fixed to the tip end portion of the steering shaft via the fixing member;
A steering device comprising: a lock mechanism that fixes rotation of the steering shaft relative to the vehicle when the fixing member is detached from the steering shaft.   When the fixing member is attached to the steering shaft, a part of the locking mechanism is pushed into the steered side by one end of the fixing member, thereby releasing the rotation of the steering shaft relative to the vehicle. The steering apparatus according to claim 1. The locking mechanism is
A housing fixed to the vehicle;
A first engaging portion that rotates integrally with the steering shaft according to the rotation of the steering shaft;
A second engagement portion provided in the housing,
The rotation of the steering shaft relative to the vehicle is fixed by engaging the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion when the fixing member is removed from the steering shaft. The steering apparatus as described in. The second engaging portion is provided to be movable in the axial direction with respect to the steering shaft,
The locking mechanism is
A guide portion fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the steering shaft;
An elastic body that is provided between the guide portion and the second engagement portion and biases the second engagement portion toward the tip end side of the steering shaft along the guide portion;
The said 2nd engaging part moves along the said guide part by the urging | biasing force of the said elastic body, and engages with the said 1st engaging part when the said fixing member is removed from the said steering shaft. 3. The steering device according to 3.   When the fixing member is attached to the steering shaft, the second engaging portion moves to the steered side along the guide portion by abutting with one end of the fixing member and moves to the first engaging portion. The steering device according to claim 4, wherein the engagement with the portion is released.   The steering device according to claim 1, wherein the lock mechanism has a fitting shape in which the fixing member can be attached and detached only in a predetermined direction with respect to the rotation direction of the steering shaft.   The steering device according to claim 1, wherein the lock mechanism is disposed on a steering side of the steering shaft with respect to the steering wheel via another device in the steering device.   The steering device according to claim 1, wherein the lock mechanism is disposed on a steering side of the steering shaft adjacent to the steering wheel.

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