JP2008213521A - Steering system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent cost effectively the separation of both tubes under the state of a stand-alone steering system. <P>SOLUTION: This steering device 1 comprises an upper tube 28 and a lower tube 29 fitted via a retainer 30 so as to be capable of sliding relatively, the lower support portion 8B, which supports the lower tube 29 to a vehicle body 9, and the upper support portion 8A, which supports the upper tube 28 to the vehicle body 9. A regulation member 41, which regulates the maximum extension length L of both tubes 28 29, is fixed on the upper tube 28. The regulation member 41 is configured to contact a prescribed portion 30a provided at the end portion of a second cutout groove 30d of the retainer 30 with the relative slide in the axial direction of both tubes 28, 29. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a steering device.

  The steering device includes a steering shaft to which a steering wheel is coupled, and a cylindrical steering column that rotatably supports the steering shaft. In order to adjust the position of the steering wheel, the steering column has an outer tube and an inner tube fitted to each other so as to be able to move relative to each other in the axial direction of the steering shaft, and a cylindrical shape interposed between the two tubes. It has a retainer and a lock mechanism that restricts relative movement of both tubes (for example, see Patent Document 1).

In Patent Document 1, a protrusion for preventing the outer tube and the inner tube from coming off is formed integrally with the retainer so as to come into contact with the end of the slit of the outer tube.
JP 2001-322552 A

  However, since the protrusion is formed integrally with the retainer, it is easily subject to restrictions for assembly and formation, and the shape of the retainer is complicated. As a result, the manufacturing cost was high.

  Moreover, if this protrusion is abolished, for example, when the lock mechanism is released in the state of a single steering device before being attached to the vehicle, there is a possibility that both tubes may be separated from each other. As a result, one tube may fall and be damaged.

  In addition, it is conceivable to fix both tubes of the steering column with a tape, but this takes time and increases the manufacturing cost.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive steering device that can prevent the detachment of both tubes in the state of a single steering device.

  The steering device (1) according to the present invention includes an inner tube (29) and an outer tube (28) that are fitted so as to be relatively slidable in the axial direction (S) and rotatably support the steering shaft (4), and an inner tube (28). A cylindrical retainer (30) fixed in a fitted state to the outer periphery (29a) of the tube, and a fixed state attached to the outer tube in a fixed state in the axial direction of the retainer along with relative sliding in the axial direction of both tubes. It is characterized by comprising a regulating member (41, 41A, 41B, 41C) that regulates the maximum extension length (L) of both tubes by abutting on the portion (30a).

  According to the present invention, for example, in a state where the steering device is not attached to the vehicle body, even if both the tubes are likely to be separated from each other, the restricting member comes into contact with the predetermined portion in the axial direction of the retainer. The separation from each other is prevented. In addition, since the prevention of the detachment of both the tubes is achieved by the regulating member, the fixing tape conventionally used for preventing the detachment can be eliminated. Further, the retainer is usually a necessary part, and the restricting member can be realized by a small part fixed to the outer tube, so that an increase in manufacturing cost can be suppressed. In addition, since the restricting member is attached to the outer tube, it is less likely to be restricted for assembly and formation as compared with a case where the restricting member is integrally formed, and the structure is simplified. Accordingly, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  Further, in the present invention, a notch groove (30d) extending in the axial direction is formed in the retainer, and the predetermined portion in the axial direction of the retainer with which the restricting member abuts may be an end portion of the notch groove. is there. In this case, since the above-mentioned maximum extension length is regulated by the regulating member coming into contact with the end portion of the notch groove, the detachment of both the tubes is prevented. In addition, since the restricting member is disposed in the notch groove, the steering device can be prevented from being enlarged.

  In the present invention, a predetermined gap (G) may be provided between the end (41d) of the restricting member and the outer periphery of the inner tube. In this case, the relative movement of both tubes is allowed in a state where the regulating member is fixed to the outer tube. In other words, since it is not necessary to remove the regulating member after the steering device is attached to the vehicle, it is possible to save the trouble of removing and to reduce the manufacturing cost.

  In addition, although the alphanumeric characters in the parentheses indicate reference signs of corresponding components in the embodiments described later, the scope of the claims is not limited by these reference signs.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present embodiment, the steering apparatus is described as a power steering apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be a manual steering apparatus, for example.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a steering apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The steering device 1 transmits a steering torque applied to a steering wheel 3 as a steering member to steer the steered wheel 2, and steers the steered wheel 2 by the steering torque from the steering shaft 4. A steering mechanism 5 comprising, for example, a rack and pinion mechanism, and an intermediate shaft unit 6 provided between the steering shaft 4 and the steering mechanism 5 and serving as a shaft coupling for transmitting rotation therebetween.

  The steering shaft 4 is inserted into the steering column 7 and is rotatably supported by the steering column 7. The steering column 7 is supported by the vehicle body 9 via an upper support portion 8A and a lower support portion 8B. A steering wheel 3 is connected to one end of the steering shaft 4 and is rotatably supported. An intermediate shaft unit 6 is connected to the other end of the steering shaft 4.

  The intermediate shaft unit 6 includes a power transmission shaft 10 as an intermediate shaft, and universal joints 11 and 12 provided at both ends of the intermediate shaft unit 6. The steering mechanism 5 includes a pinion shaft 13, a rack bar 14 as a turning shaft, and a rack housing 15 that supports the pinion shaft 13 and the rack bar 14.

  The steering device 1 can obtain a steering assist force according to the steering torque. That is, the steering device 1 includes a torque sensor 16 that detects steering torque, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 17 as a control unit, an electric motor 18 for assisting steering, and a speed reducer 19 as a gear device. And have. In the present embodiment, the electric motor 18 and the speed reducer 19 are provided in association with the steering column 7.

  The steering column 7 has a column tube 20 and a housing 21. A housing 21 accommodates and supports the torque sensor 16, supports the electric motor 18, and constitutes a part of the speed reducer 19.

  The steering shaft 4 includes an input shaft 22, an output shaft 23, and a torsion bar 24 as a lower portion in the axial direction, and a connecting shaft 25 as an upper portion in the axial direction. The input shaft 22 and the output shaft 23 are connected to each other on the same axis via a torsion bar 24. The input shaft 22 is connected to the steering wheel 3 via the connecting shaft 25, and the output shaft 23 is connected to the intermediate shaft unit 6. When steering torque is input to the input shaft 22, the torsion bar 24 is elastically torsionally deformed, whereby the input shaft 22 and the output shaft 23 are relatively rotated.

  The torque sensor 16 detects torque based on the relative rotational displacement amount between the input shaft 22 and the output shaft 23 via the torsion bar 24, and outputs the torque detection result to the ECU 17. The ECU 17 controls the electric motor 18 based on the above torque detection result, a vehicle speed detection result given from a vehicle speed sensor (not shown), and the like.

  When the steering wheel 3 is operated, the steering torque is detected by the torque sensor 16, and the electric motor 18 generates a steering assist force according to the torque detection result and the vehicle speed detection result. The steering assist force is transmitted to the steering mechanism 5 via the speed reducer 19. At the same time, the movement of the steering wheel 3 is also transmitted to the steering mechanism 5. As a result, the steering wheel 2 is steered and the steering is assisted.

  In the present embodiment, the center axis of the steering shaft 4 is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle parallel to the horizontal direction so that the steering wheel 3 is on the upper side, and the steering column 7 is supported by the vehicle body 9. ing. In addition, the position of the steering wheel 3 can be adjusted in the vertical direction Z and the front-back direction X according to the physique and driving posture of the driver.

  The steering device 1 has a tilt adjustment function for adjusting the height position of the steering wheel 3 by swinging the steering column 7 so that the inclination angle of the central axis of the steering shaft 4 with respect to the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle is different. is doing. Specifically, the steering column 7 is swung around the center axis of the tilt center shaft 34 as the center of swing. Further, the steering device 1 adjusts the position of the steering wheel 3 in the axial direction S of the steering shaft 4 (parallel to the longitudinal direction of the steering column 7), thereby adjusting the front-rear position of the steering wheel 3. It has a function.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the steering apparatus of FIG. 1, and mainly shows the steering shaft 4 and parts related thereto in a state where the position of the steering wheel 3 is adjusted. 1 and 2, the tilt adjustment function and the telescopic adjustment function are realized by an upper support portion 8A, a lower support portion 8B, and a telescopic steering shaft 4 and a steering column 7 as described below. Yes. Further, the upper support portion 8A can be switched between a locked state in which the adjusted position of the steering wheel 3 is maintained and a released state in which the locked state is released.

  The connecting shaft 25 of the steering shaft 4 has an upper shaft 26 as an outer shaft that forms a cylinder, and a lower shaft 27 as an inner shaft. With respect to the axial direction S, the upper shaft 26 is disposed relatively upward in the axial direction, and the lower shaft 27 is disposed relatively downward in the axial direction. The steering wheel 3 is connected to one end of the upper shaft 26. The other end of the upper shaft 26 and one end of the lower shaft 27 are fitted with each other, and are connected to each other by a joint structure such as a spline structure so as to be relatively movable along the axial direction S and rotate integrally. ing. The other end of the lower shaft 27 is connected to the input shaft 22.

  The column tube 20 of the steering column 7 includes an upper tube 28 as an outer tube, a lower tube 29 as an inner tube, and a retainer 30 interposed between fitting portions of the upper tube 28 and the lower tube 29. ing.

  The upper tube 28 is made of metal and has a cylindrical shape with a relatively large diameter, and houses a part of the upper shaft 26 therein. The upper part of the upper tube 28 in the axial direction S holds a bearing 31 and supports the upper shaft 26 through the bearing 31 so as to be rotatable. Thereby, the relative movement of both members 26 and 28 in the axial direction S is restricted.

  The lower tube 29 is made of metal and has a relatively small-diameter cylindrical shape, and a part or all of the lower shaft 27 is accommodated therein. A housing 21 is connected to the lower portion of the lower tube 29. The housing 21 holds a bearing 32, and supports the input shaft 22 of the steering shaft 4 and a lower shaft 27 integrally connected to the input shaft 22 via the bearing 32 so as to be rotatable. . Thereby, the relative movement of these members 21, 22, 27, and 29 in the axial direction S is restricted.

  The retainer 30 is formed in a cylindrical shape by a synthetic resin member having excellent sliding characteristics. The outer periphery and inner periphery of the retainer 30 are each composed of a partial cylindrical surface and do not have a convex portion. With respect to the axial direction S, the retainer 30 is formed with a length corresponding to the maximum amount of movement of the upper tube 28 that can be taken when telescopic adjustment is performed, and a part of the retainer 30 is always between the upper tube 28 and the lower tube 29. It is interposed between the fitting parts.

  The upper tube 28, the lower tube 29, and the retainer 30 are arranged concentrically with each other and are arranged concentrically with the steering shaft 4. Further, with respect to the axial direction S, the upper tube 28 is disposed relatively upward in the axial direction, and the lower tube 29 is disposed relatively downward in the axial direction. The inner periphery of the retainer 30 is fitted to the outer periphery 29a of the upper end portion of the lower tube 29 with respect to the axial direction S and is fixed by an adhesive. An inner periphery 28b of the lower end portion of the upper tube 28 in the axial direction S is fitted to the outer periphery of the retainer 30 so as to be relatively movable.

  The upper tube 28 and the lower tube 29 are slidable in the axial direction S for telescopic adjustment via the retainer 30. In the released state, the fitting portions of the upper tube 28 and the lower tube 29 are allowed to slide relative to each other via the retainer 30. In the locked state, the sliding portions of the fitting portions of the upper tube 28 and the lower tube 29 are regulated by holding the fitting portions of the upper tube 28 and the lower tube 29 with a predetermined holding force. .

  The lower end portion of the lower tube 29 in the axial direction S is supported by the vehicle body 9 via the housing 21 and the lower support portion 8B. The upper end portion of the lower tube 29 in the axial direction S is supported via the upper tube 28. The upper tube 28 is supported by the vehicle body 9 by the upper support portion 8A.

  The lower support portion 8B is supported by the lower fixing bracket 33 via the lower fixing bracket 33 supported by the vehicle body 9 in a fixed state, the tilt center shaft 34 supported by the lower fixing bracket 33, and the tilt center shaft 34. And a lower column bracket 35. The lower column bracket 35 is fixed to a housing 21 as a lower part of the steering column 7. Thus, the housing 21 is supported by the vehicle body 9 via the lower column bracket 35, the tilt center shaft 34, and the lower fixing bracket 33.

  The tilt center shaft 34 connects the lower fixed bracket 33 and the lower column bracket 35. The lower column bracket 35 and the lower fixed bracket 33 are rotatable relative to each other around the central axis of the tilt central shaft 34. Thereby, the lower part of the steering column 7 is supported so as to be swingable around the central axis of the tilt central shaft 34.

  The upper support portion 8A includes an upper fixing bracket 37 supported in a fixed state on the vehicle body 9 via a connecting member 36, a support shaft 38 supported on the upper fixing bracket 37, and an upper fixing bracket 37 via the support shaft 38. And a locking mechanism 40 for locking the lock state and the release state so as to be switchable. The tilt bracket 39 is fixed to the lower end of the upper tube 28 in the axial direction S. Thereby, the upper tube 28 is supported by the vehicle body 9 via the tilt bracket 39, the support shaft 38, the upper fixing bracket 37, and the connecting member 36.

  The connecting member 36 holds the upper fixing bracket 37 on the vehicle body 9 with a predetermined holding force. As a result, the upper fixing bracket 37 is supported in a state where the relative movement is restricted by the vehicle body 9 in a normal state, and the relative movement with the vehicle body 9 is prevented at the time of collision of the vehicle in which an impact force exceeding a predetermined holding force is applied. Permissible. The upper fixing bracket 37 may be fixed to the vehicle body 9 at all times. In the present specification, “fixing the upper support portion 8A and the lower support portion 8B” means that the upper support portion 8A is fixed at least during normal times.

  3 and 4 are schematic views of the steering shaft 4 and the steering column 7 before being assembled to the vehicle body 9. FIG. 3 shows a normal state, and FIG. 4 shows that both the tubes 28 and 29 are likely to be detached. The abnormal state is illustrated.

  Referring to FIG. 3, before assembling steering device 1 on vehicle body 9, the axial direction S of both tubes 28, 29 is set so that the total length of both tubes 28, 29 becomes a predetermined length. The relative position is adjusted (for example, FIG. 3 shows a state where the total lengths of both tubes 28 and 29 are the shortest). In this state, the relative movement of the upper tube 28 and the lower tube 29 is restricted by setting the lock mechanism 40 to the locked state. In this locked state, the upper support portion 8A and the lower support portion 8B are assembled to the vehicle body 9. Thereafter, the steering wheel 3 is attached to the steering shaft 4.

  Referring to FIG. 4, both tubes 28 and 29 are not restricted from being separated from each other in a state where they are removed from vehicle body 9. For example, when the lock state is inadvertently released before the steering device 1 is fixed to the vehicle body 9, if the lower tube 29 is on the lower side, the upper tube 28 is directed downward due to the weight of the lower tube 29. May slide.

  In the present embodiment, when the single restricting member 41 is fixed to the upper tube 28 and the lower tube 29 slides downward in the upper tube 28, the restricting member 41 contacts the predetermined portion 30 a of the retainer 30. It is supposed to touch. Thereby, the maximum extension length L of the total length of both the tubes 28 and 29 is regulated, and the lower tube 29 is prevented from being detached from the upper tube 28.

  FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the steering column 7 and the regulating member 41. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the upper support portion 8A in a locked state, and shows a cross section taken along the line S6-S6 of FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the upper support portion 8A in a locked state, showing the S7-S7 cross section of FIG. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the upper support portion 8A in a released state, showing a cross section taken along the line S8-S8 of FIG. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the upper support portion 8A in a released state, showing a cross section taken along line S9-S9 in FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the regulating member 41 and the steering column 7 and shows a state in which the maximum extension length L is regulated.

  Referring to FIGS. 5 and 10, the restricting member 41 includes a bolt as a male screw member, and is formed of a hard member such as a metal or a resin member. The regulating member 41 has a head portion 41a as a large diameter portion and a shaft portion 41b as a small diameter portion. A male screw is formed on the outer periphery of the shaft portion 41b. The restricting member 41 is formed separately from the upper tube 28 and the retainer 30, and is a separate component from these parts 28 and 30.

  The upper tube 28 has a slit 28 c for the lock mechanism 40 and a through hole 28 d for attaching the regulating member 41. When the upper tube 28 is viewed along the axial direction S, the slit 28 c and the through hole 28 d are disposed on opposite sides with respect to the radial direction of the upper tube 28. In addition, with respect to the axial direction S, the through hole 28d is disposed closer to the opening end 28e of the upper tube 28 than the slit 28c at the center position.

  The slit 28 c is a long hole that is long in the axial direction S. An end portion closed on both sides in the axial direction S is provided, and an inner periphery 28 b and an outer periphery 28 a are formed in the radial direction of the upper tube 28.

  The through hole 28d penetrates the inner periphery 28b and the outer periphery 28a in the radial direction of the upper tube 28. The through hole 28d is a circular screw hole. The inner periphery of the through hole 28d has a female screw. The male screw of the regulating member 41 is screwed into this female screw. Further, the peripheral edge portion of the through hole 28d in the outer periphery 28a of the upper tube 28 functions as a seat that receives the head portion 41a of the regulating member 41 in a tightened state.

  The shaft portion 41b of the restricting member 41 is inserted into the through hole 28d of the upper tube 28, is screwed into the through hole 28d, protrudes from the inner periphery 28b of the upper tube 28, and the head portion 41a of the restricting member 41 is the upper portion. The tube 28 is in contact with the outer periphery 28a. In this state, the regulating member 41 is fixed to the upper tube 28 in a tightened state. In this state, a predetermined amount of gap G is opened between the tip end of the shaft portion 41 b as the end portion 41 d of the regulating member 41 and the outer periphery 29 a of the lower tube 29.

  The retainer 30 has a first notch groove 30c and a second notch groove 30d that penetrate the inner periphery and the outer periphery of the retainer 30. The first and second cutout grooves 30 c and 30 d are arranged on opposite sides in the radial direction of the retainer 30.

  The first notch groove 30 c is provided for the lock mechanism 40, extends linearly in the axial direction S, and is open at both ends of the retainer 30 in the axial direction S.

  The second notch groove 30d extends linearly with a predetermined length in the axial direction S. A lower end portion as one end of the second notch groove 30 d is opened to a lower end surface of the retainer 30 in the axial direction S. The upper end as the other end of the second notch groove 30d is formed to be closed as a cut end at the upper end of the retainer 30 in the axial direction S. A cut end as an upper end portion of the second notch groove 30d is a predetermined portion 30a in the axial direction of the retainer 30 with which the regulating member 41 abuts. As for the second cutout groove 30d, both ends in the axial direction S may be closed, and at least the upper end in the axial direction S only needs to be closed.

  The second notch groove 30d is formed with a predetermined width dimension in the circumferential direction of the retainer 30, and this width dimension corresponds to the maximum width dimension of the end portion 41d of the restricting member 41 (the dimension of the retainer 30 in the circumferential direction). )) Or slightly larger than this maximum width dimension. Thereby, the relative rotation of the tubes 28 and 29 around the central axis of the steering shaft 4 is restricted by the second notch groove 30d and the restricting member 41 coming into contact with each other. Therefore, the tubes 28 and 29 are not relatively rotated inadvertently at the time of assembly, and the labor for returning the rotation angle positions of the tubes 28 and 29 can be reduced, which contributes to a reduction in manufacturing cost.

  Referring to FIGS. 4 and 10, the restricting member 41 is fixedly attached to the upper tube 28, and the axial direction of the retainer 30 is predetermined in accordance with the relative sliding of the tubes 28 and 29 in the axial direction S. By contacting the part 30a, the maximum extension length L of both the tubes 28 and 29 is regulated. The maximum extension length L is set to be equal to or greater than the total length of the tubes 28 and 29 that can be taken when telescopic adjustment is performed. As a result, even when the regulating member 41 is attached to the upper tube 28, telescopic adjustment is not hindered, so that the trouble of removing the regulating member 41 can be saved.

  6 and 7, the upper fixing bracket 37 has a substantially inverted U-shaped cross section. The upper fixing bracket 37 includes a pair of side plates 37 a and 37 b facing each other, a plate-like connection portion 37 c that connects the ends of the pair of side plates 37 a and 37 b, and a pair of attachment portions 37 d that are fixed to the vehicle body 9. Have

  The pair of side plates 37a and 37b of the upper fixing bracket 37 are spaced apart from each other with respect to the axial direction C of the support shaft 38 and are arranged in parallel to each other. The pair of side plates 37a and 37b and the connecting portion 37c form a groove shape that opens downward in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction S. Each side plate 37a, 37b has an insertion hole 37e formed of a vertically long hole. The insertion hole 37e is a direction perpendicular to the axial direction C of the support shaft 38 and intersects the axial direction S of the steering shaft 4 (corresponding to the direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 6) at right angles, or this longitudinal direction. It extends in a direction that intersects T at a small angle. Further, the insertion hole 37e may extend in a curved shape along a locus when the support shaft 38 is moved with a constant radius around the central axis of the tilt central shaft 34, or in a tangential direction of the locus. It may extend linearly.

  The tilt bracket 39 has a pair of side plates 39a and 39b opposite to each other and a plate-like connection portion 39c that connects lower ends as one end of the pair of side plates 39a and 39b. 39b and 39c form a substantially U-shaped cross section. The pair of side plates 39a and 39b are arranged in parallel to each other at a predetermined distance with respect to the axial direction C. The upper ends as the other ends of the pair of side plates 39a, 39b are fixed to the outer periphery 28a of the upper tube 28 by, for example, welding.

  Further, insertion holes 39e are formed in the side plates 39a and 39b of the tilt bracket 39, respectively. The insertion hole 39 e is a long hole that extends long in parallel with the axial direction S of the steering shaft 4.

  One end of the support shaft 38 in the axial direction C has a head portion 38a as a relatively large diameter portion. Further, the support shaft 38 has a shaft portion 38b as a relatively small-diameter portion extending in the axial direction C from the head portion 38a. The other end of the support shaft 38 in the axial direction C has a male screw formed at the end of the shaft 38b. A female screw member 38d is screwed and fixed to the male screw. Further, a spline 38e as a joint described later is formed in the intermediate portion of the shaft portion 38b with respect to the axial direction C.

  An upper fixing bracket 37 and a tilt bracket 39 are arranged in a nested manner between the head portion 38a of the support shaft 38 and the female screw member 38d. A tilt bracket 39 is disposed between the pair of side plates 37 a and 37 b of the upper fixing bracket 37. The outer side surfaces 39aa and 39ba of the side plates 39a and 39b of the tilt bracket 39 are opposed to the inner side surfaces 37ab and 37bb of the corresponding side plates 37a and 37b of the upper fixing bracket 37, respectively. The support shaft 38 is inserted through the insertion holes 39e of the side plates 39a and 39b of the tilt bracket 39 and the insertion holes 37e of the side plates 37a and 37b of the upper fixing bracket 37 so as to be relatively rotatable. The support shaft 38 connects the upper fixing bracket 37 and the tilt bracket 39 to each other.

  The lock mechanism 40 is disposed in relation to the support shaft 38. The lock mechanism 40 includes the above-described support shaft 38 as a tightening shaft, an operation lever 42 that is rotated around the center axis of the support shaft 38, and an upper fixing bracket 37 and a tilt bracket as the operation lever 42 rotates. 39 side plates 37a, 37b, 39a, 39b are pressed together to achieve a locked state, a cam mechanism 43 that is driven by the cam mechanism 43 to press the side plates 37a, 37b, and a support shaft 38, the pressing member 45 for pressing the lower tube 28 in the radial direction of the lower tube 28, and the support shaft 38 while receiving the pressing force of the cam mechanism 43 in the axial direction C provided on the support shaft 38. And a thrust bearing 46 that supports the upper fixed bracket 37. The cam mechanism 43 includes a cam 47 as a first cam member and a cam follower 48 as a second cam member.

  Between the head 38a of the support shaft 38 and the female screw member 38d, from the female screw member 38d side, the operation lever 42, the cam 47, the cam follower 48, one side plate 37a of the upper fixing bracket 37, and the tilt bracket 39 One side plate 39a, the pressing member 45, the other side plate 39b of the tilt bracket 39, the other side plate 37b of the upper fixing bracket 37, and the thrust bearing 46 are arranged in the axial direction C in this order.

  The operation lever 42 is fixed to the end of the support shaft 38 so as to rotate integrally with the support shaft 38, and is positioned with respect to the support shaft 38 in the axial direction C by a female screw member 38d. The locked state is achieved according to the turning operation in one direction of the operation lever 42, and the locked state is released according to the turning operation in the other direction.

  The cam 47 is fixed to the operation lever 42 so as to rotate integrally with the operation lever 42, and is disposed on the support shaft 38. The cam 47 has a disk shape and has an undulating cam surface 47 a facing the cam follower 48. The cam surface 47a has a plurality of convex portions that protrude toward the cam follower 48 and a plurality of concave portions that are arranged between the adjacent convex portions.

  The cam follower 48 is disposed on the support shaft 38, can be moved relative to the support shaft 38 in the axial direction C of the support shaft 38, and can be fitted to the support shaft 38 so as to be rotatable about the central axis of the support shaft 38. is doing. The cam follower 48 has a disk shape, and includes a undulating cam surface 48a facing the cam 47, a contact surface as a clamping portion 44 provided on the opposite side of the cam surface 48a and contacting the side plate 37b, and the side plate 37a. And a restricting portion 48b for restricting relative rotation with respect to.

  The cam surface 48a has a plurality of convex portions projecting toward the cam 47 in the axial direction C of the support shaft 38, and a plurality of concave portions disposed between the adjacent convex portions. The cam surfaces 47a and 48a are in sliding contact with each other and engage with each other. In addition, the convex part and recessed part of the cam surface 47a and the convex part and recessed part of the cam surface 48a are made into the same number mutually, and at least one should just exist.

  The restricting portion 48 b is formed by a protrusion protruding from the contact surface as the sandwiching portion 44. The protrusion is rectangular when viewed from the axial direction C, and is fitted into the insertion hole 37e of the side plate 37a of the upper fixing bracket 37, thereby restricting relative rotation of both members 37 and 48, and the side plate of the tilt bracket 39. The relative movement of both members 39 and 48 in the vertical direction T is restricted by fitting in the insertion hole 39e of 39a.

  The cam 47 and the cam follower 48 are relatively rotated around the central axis of the support shaft 38 according to the turning operation of the operation lever 42 while being in contact with each other. In accordance with this relative rotation, the overall axial dimension L1 of the cam 47 and the cam follower 48 with respect to the axial direction C is adjusted, whereby the distance between the pair of sandwiching portions 44 is adjusted. As a result, the pressing force between the side plates 37a, 37b, 39a, 39b is adjusted.

  The thrust bearing 46 is interposed between the head 38 a of the support shaft 38 and the side plate 37 b of the upper fixing bracket 37. The thrust bearing 46 includes a first annular member 46a that is in contact with the head portion 38a, a second annular member 46b that is opposed to the first annular member 46a and is capable of relative rotation, and first and second annular members 46a. , 46b, and a plurality of rolling elements 46c as interposed members. The second annular member 46b includes a receiving surface that receives the rolling element 46c in the axial direction C, a contact surface that serves as a clamping portion 44 that contacts the side plate 37b of the upper fixing bracket 37, and a relative rotation with respect to the side plate 37b. And a restricting portion 46d for restricting. The restricting portion 46d is formed by a protrusion protruding from the contact surface, and is configured in the same manner as the restricting portion 48b of the cam follower 48. By fitting into the insertion holes 37e and 39e, the relative rotation of both the members 37 and 46b is achieved. The relative movement of both members 39 and 46b in the longitudinal direction T is restricted.

  The pair of sandwiching portions 44 includes a contact surface of the cam follower 48 and a contact surface of the second annular member 46 b of the thrust bearing 46. The pair of sandwiching portions 44 are arranged to face the outer side surfaces 37aa and 37ba of the corresponding side plates 37a and 37b of the upper fixing bracket 37, abut against the outer side surfaces 37aa and 37ba at least in a locked state, and cooperate with each other. The upper fixed bracket 37 and the tilt bracket 39 are clamped by working.

  A fitting portion between the upper tube 28 and the lower tube 29 is disposed in the vicinity of the support shaft 38. The minimum distance between the center axis of the support shaft 38 and the center axis of the steering column 7 is regulated to a constant value via the cam follower 48, the thrust bearing 46, and the tilt bracket 39. A slit 28 c formed at the lower end in the axial direction as a fitting portion of the upper tube 28 opens toward the support shaft 38 and communicates with the first notch groove 30 c of the retainer 30. A part of the outer periphery 29a of the lower tube 29 is exposed through the slit 28c and the first cutout groove 30c, and the exposed part is pressed by the pressing member 45.

  The pressing member 45 includes a cylindrical portion 45a fitted to the support shaft 38, a protruding portion 45b protruding outward from the cylindrical portion 45a in the radial direction of the support shaft 38, and an inner periphery of the cylindrical portion 45a. And a spline 45f as a joint which is formed and engages with the spline 38e of the support shaft 38. The cylindrical portion 45a, the protruding portion 45b, and the spline 45f are integrally formed by a single member. The splines 38e and 45f are interposed between a support shaft 38 as a connection target of the joint and the pressing member 45 so that both the members 38 and 45 can rotate relative to each other in the axial direction C and integrally rotate. Are connected to each other. Thereby, even if the support shaft 38 and the steering column 7 move relative to each other in the axial direction C, the pressing member 45 and the steering column 7 are prevented from moving relative to each other.

  The protrusion 45b has a cam surface 45c that comes into contact with the outer periphery 29a of the lower tube 29 as a mating surface. The cam surface 45c is formed by a bowl-shaped curved surface. The cam surface 45 c has a concave curved shape in a cross section (see FIG. 6) that includes the central axis 38 c of the support shaft 38 and is perpendicular to the axial direction S of the steering shaft 4. The concave curved shape is a shape along the outer periphery 29a, for example, an arc shape having the same radius of curvature as the outer periphery 29a, and is in line contact with the outer periphery 29a. The cam surface 45c has a convex curved shape in a cross section perpendicular to the central axis 38c of the support shaft 38 (see FIG. 7). The distance M between the cam surface 45c and the central axis 38c of the support shaft 38 is gradually increased from one end of the cam surface 45c in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 38 toward the other end. ing.

  The cam surface 45c includes a first portion 45d having a relatively short distance M and a second portion 45e having a relatively long distance M. The distance M in the first portion 45d is shorter than the minimum distance between the outer periphery 29a of the lower tube 29 and the central axis 38c of the support shaft 38. The distance M in the second portion 45e is longer than the minimum distance between the outer periphery 29a of the lower tube 29 and the central axis 38c of the support shaft 38. In the locked state, the second portion 45e is brought into contact with and pressed against the outer periphery 29a of the lower tube 29. In the released state, the first portion 45d faces the outer periphery 29a via a gap (see FIGS. 8 and 9).

  With reference to FIGS. 1, 6 and 7, in the locked state, the pair of side plates 37a and 37b of the upper fixing bracket 37 receives the pressure by the locking mechanism 40 and holds the tilt bracket 39 so as not to be relatively movable. Yes. Thereby, tilt lock and telescopic lock are achieved. Further, the lower tube 29 is pressed against the upper tube 28 by the pressing member 45. As a result, telescopic locking is achieved more reliably, and rattling of the upper tube 28 and the lower tube 29 is prevented.

  When trying to achieve this locked state, the control lever 42 is rotated in one direction M1. As a result, the cam 47 rotates relative to the cam follower 48 in one direction around the central axis 38 c of the support shaft 38. At the same time, along the axial direction C, the convex portion of the cam surface 47a and the convex portion of the cam surface 48a face each other and abut against each other. The overall axial dimension L1 of the cam 47 and the cam follower 48 is adjusted to be relatively long, while the distance between the holding portion 44 of the cam follower 48 and the holding portion 44 of the thrust bearing 46 is adjusted to be relatively short. . As a result, the side plates 37a and 37b of the upper fixing bracket 37 press the corresponding side plates 39a and 39b of the tilt bracket 39, whereby the locked state is achieved.

  Further, as the operation lever 42 is rotated in one direction M1, the support shaft 38 and the pressing member 45 are rotated in one direction. The pressing member 45 presses the outer periphery 29a of the lower tube 29 through the slit 28c of the upper tube 28 and the first cutout groove 30c of the retainer 30, and the outer periphery 29a of the lower tube 29 on the opposite side of the pressing member 45 is It is pressed against the inner periphery 28 b of the upper tube 28. As a result, the relative movement in the axial direction S and the radial direction of the upper tube 28 and the lower tube 29 is restricted, and the occurrence of rattling between the tubes 28 and 29 is prevented.

  Referring to FIGS. 2, 8, and 9, when the locked state is to be released, the operation lever 42 is rotated in the other direction M2. As a result, the cam 47 rotates relative to the cam follower 48 in the other direction M2 around the central axis 38c of the support shaft 38. Along with this, along the axial direction C, the convex portion of the cam surface 47a and the concave portion of the cam surface 48a face each other and come into contact with each other and engage. The overall axial dimension L1 of the cam 47 and the cam follower 48 is adjusted to be relatively short, while the distance between the holding portion 44 of the cam follower 48 and the holding portion 44 of the thrust bearing 46 is adjusted to be relatively long. . Accordingly, the distance between the pair of side plates 37a and 37b of the upper fixing bracket 37 as a side plate disposed on the outer side with respect to the axial direction C of the support shaft 38 is relatively increased by, for example, the elastic restoring force of the side plates 37a and 37b. The distance is longer, and is equal to or longer than the distance between the outer surfaces 39aa and 39ba of the side plates 39a and 39b of the tilt bracket 39. As a result, the pressing between the side plates 37a, 37b, 39a, 39b of the upper fixing bracket 37 and the tilt bracket 39 is released, and the locked state is released.

  Further, as the operating lever 42 is rotated in the other direction M2, the support shaft 38 and the pressing member 45 are rotated in the other direction M2. The pressing on the lower tube 29 by the pressing member 45 is released.

  In the released state, the steering column 7, the support shaft 38, and the tilt bracket 39 are relatively movable along the vertically long insertion holes 37 e in the side plates 37 a and 37 b of the upper fixing bracket 37. Further, the upper tube 28 and the tilt bracket 39 are movable in the axial direction S of the steering shaft 4 with respect to the lower tube 29.

  4 and 5, the steering apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is (1) an upper tube as an outer tube that is fitted so as to be relatively slidable in the axial direction S and rotatably supports the steering shaft 4. 28 and a lower tube 29 as an inner tube, (2) a cylindrical retainer 30 fixed in a fitted state on the outer periphery 29a of the lower tube 29, and (3) both tubes fixedly attached to the upper tube 28. A regulating member 41 that regulates the maximum extension length L of both the tubes 28 and 29 by contacting the predetermined portion 30a of the retainer 30 in the axial direction S with relative sliding in the axial direction S of the 28 and 29. I am doing so.

  According to the present embodiment, for example, in a state where the steering device 1 is not attached to the vehicle body 9, even if both the tubes 28 and 29 are likely to be separated from each other, the restricting member 41 is a predetermined portion in the axial direction of the retainer 30. Since it abuts on 30a, both the tubes 28 and 29 are prevented from separating from each other. In addition, since the prevention of the detachment of the tubes 28 and 29 is achieved by the regulating member 41, other members and structures for preventing the detachment can be simplified or eliminated. For example, the conventionally used fixing tape can be abolished, so that the trouble of fixing and removing the tape can be reduced. Further, the retainer 30 is usually a necessary part, and the restricting member 41 can be realized as a small part fixed to the upper tube 28, so that an increase in manufacturing cost can be suppressed. Further, since the restricting member 41 is attached to the upper tube 28, the restricting member 41 and the steering column 7 are less likely to be restricted for assembly and formation as compared with the case where they are integrally formed. The shape and structure of the upper tube 28 are simplified. Therefore, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the retainer 30 is formed with a second notch groove 30d as a notch groove extending in the axial direction S, and the predetermined portion 30a in the axial direction of the retainer 30 with which the regulating member 41 abuts is the second notch. This is the end of the notch groove 30d. In this case, since the above-mentioned maximum extension length L is regulated by the regulating member 41 coming into contact with the end portion of the second notch groove 30d, the detachment of both the tubes 28 and 29 is prevented. Moreover, since the restricting member 41 is disposed in the second notch groove 30d, the steering device 1 can be prevented from being enlarged.

  Referring to FIG. 10, a predetermined gap G is provided between the end portion 41 d of the regulating member 41 and the outer periphery 29 a of the lower tube 29. In this case, it is possible to allow relative movement of both the tubes 28 and 29 in a state where the restricting member 41 is fixed to the upper tube 28. In other words, since it is not necessary to remove the regulating member 41 after the steering device 1 is attached to the vehicle, it is possible to save the trouble of removal and to reduce the manufacturing cost.

  Moreover, the following modifications can be considered about this embodiment. In the following description, differences from the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. For example, FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the regulating member 41A and the steering column 7 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and illustrates a state where the maximum extension length L is regulated. In the second embodiment, the restricting member 41A is used in place of the above-described restricting member 41 of the first embodiment, is made of a cylindrical pin, is formed of a hard member such as a metal, a resin member, etc. The tube 28 is fixed to the through hole 28d of the tube 28 in a press-fitted state. The inner peripheral surface of the through hole 28d is formed of a cylindrical surface, and the inner diameter of the through hole 28d is smaller than the outer diameter of the restricting member 41A in an unconstrained state. In addition, a predetermined amount of gap G is opened between the end portion 41 d of the regulating member 41 </ b> A and the outer periphery 29 a of the lower tube 29.

  FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a regulating member 41B according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the regulating member 41B and the steering column 7 of FIG. 12, and shows a state during assembly. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the regulating member 41B and the steering column 7 of FIG. 12, and shows a state in which the assembly has progressed more than the state of FIG. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the restricting member 41B and the steering column 7 of FIG. 12, and illustrates a state in which the maximum extension length L is restricted.

  In the third embodiment, a regulating member 41B is used in place of the above-described regulating member 41 of the first embodiment, and the through hole 28d of the upper tube 28 is formed in the same manner as in the second embodiment. . The regulating member 41B is made of a resin pin, and is fixed in a hooked state in the through hole 28d of the upper tube 28.

  The regulating member 41B has a head portion 41a as a large diameter portion and a shaft portion 41b as a small diameter portion. With the head portion 41a in contact with the outer periphery 28a of the upper tube 28, the shaft portion 41b passes through the through hole 28d, the tip of the shaft portion 41b as the end portion 41d of the regulating member 41B, and the outer periphery 29a of the lower tube 29. A predetermined amount of gap G is opened.

  The intermediate portion of the shaft portion 41b is disposed in the through hole 28d, and the outer diameter of the intermediate portion of the shaft portion 41b is the same as or smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole 28d. The end portion of the shaft portion 41b has an engaging portion 41e that is enlarged in a bowl shape. The maximum outer diameter of the engaging portion 41e is larger than the intermediate portion of the shaft portion 41b and larger than the inner diameter of the through hole 28d. The engaging portion 41e has a conical inclined surface 41f that is inclined with respect to the direction in which the shaft portion 41b extends. The inclined surface 41f is tapered toward the tip of the shaft portion 41b, and has a smaller diameter than the inner diameter of the through hole 28d at the tip of the shaft portion 41b. A slit 41g is formed in the shaft portion 41b. The slit 41g is formed with a predetermined length along the direction in which the shaft portion 41b extends, and divides the shaft portion 41b into a plurality of, for example, four columnar portions.

  When the regulating member 41B is inserted into the through hole 28d, the width of the slit 41g is adjusted while the inclined surface 41f is guided to the peripheral edge of the through hole 28d. Accordingly, the shaft portion 41b is elastically bent and deformed, the engaging portion 41e is reduced in diameter, and the shaft portion 41b is easily passed through the through hole 28d. When the engaging portion 41e passes through the through hole 28d, the diameter is autonomously increased by the elastic restoring force and engages with the peripheral portion of the through hole 28d. Thereby, the regulating member 41B is prevented from coming off.

  FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a regulating member 41C according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the regulating member 41C and the steering column 7 of FIG. 16, and shows a state during assembly. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the restricting member 41C and the steering column 7 of FIG. 16, and shows a state in which assembly has proceeded more than the state of FIG. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the restricting member 41C and the steering column 7 of FIG. 16, and illustrates a state in which the maximum extension length L is restricted.

  In the fourth embodiment, a regulating member 41C is used instead of the above-described regulating member 41 of the first embodiment, and the through hole 28d of the upper tube 28 is formed in the same manner as in the second embodiment. . The restriction member 41C differs from the restriction member 41B in the following points, and is configured in the same manner as the restriction member 41B in other points. That is, in the regulating member 41C, the slit 41g of the regulating member 41B is abolished. The intermediate portion of the shaft portion 41b of the restricting member 41C is formed in a tapered shape having a smaller diameter as it approaches the head portion 41a.

  When the regulating member 41C is inserted into the through hole 28d, the engaging portion 41e is elastically deformed by compression while the inclined surface 41f is guided to the peripheral portion of the through hole 28d, and the shaft portion 41b is formed in the through hole 28d. Passed. When the engaging portion 41e passes through the through hole 28d, the diameter is increased autonomously by the elastic restoring force, and the engaging portion 41e engages with the peripheral portion of the through hole 28d, thereby preventing the regulating member 41C from coming off.

  In the first embodiment, the maximum extension length L of the upper tube 28 and the lower tube 29 may be restricted to a value shorter than the total length of the tubes 28 and 29 that can be adjusted by telescopic adjustment. In this case, the restricting member 41 is removed before the steering device 1 is used. As described above, the restricting member 41 may be removed after assembly to the vehicle body 9. Moreover, the case where the 2nd notch groove 30d is formed larger than the circumferential direction dimension of the control member 41 is also considered. In short, it is only necessary that at least one regulating member 41 can be fixed to the upper tube 28 when the steering device 1 is at least a single item. These modifications are also conceivable for the restricting members 41A, 41B, and 41C. In addition, various design changes can be made within the scope of matters described in the claims.

It is a mimetic diagram showing a schematic structure of a steering device of a 1st embodiment of the present invention, and shows a locked state. It is a schematic diagram of the principal part of the steering apparatus of FIG. 1, and shows a release state. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the steering shaft and the steering column shown in FIG. 1 and shows a normal state before being assembled to the vehicle body. It is a schematic diagram of a steering shaft and a steering column, and shows a state where both tubes are likely to be detached before being assembled to a vehicle body. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a steering column and a regulating member in FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the upper support portion of FIG. 1 in a locked state, showing a cross section taken along line S6-S6 of FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the upper support portion in FIG. 1 in a locked state, showing a cross section taken along line S7-S7 in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the cancellation | release state of the upper support part of FIG. 1, and shows the S8-S8 cross section of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the cancellation | release state of the upper support part of FIG. 1, and shows the S9-S9 cross section of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the control member and steering column of FIG. 1, and shows the state by which the maximum extension length was controlled. It is sectional drawing of the control member and steering column of the steering apparatus of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and has illustrated the state which controlled the maximum expansion | extension length. It is a perspective view of the control member of the steering apparatus of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the control member of FIG. 12, and a steering column, and shows the state in the middle of an assembly. It is sectional drawing of the control member and steering column of FIG. 12, and shows the state which assembly progressed rather than the state of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the control member and steering column of FIG. 12, and has shown the state which controlled the maximum expansion | extension length. It is a perspective view of the control member of the steering device of the 4th embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the regulating member and the steering column of FIG. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the restricting member and the steering column of FIG. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the restriction member and the steering column in FIG. 16, illustrating a state in which the maximum extension length is restricted.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Steering device, 4 ... Steering shaft, 28 ... Upper tube (outer tube), 29 ... Lower tube (inner tube), 29a ... (lower tube) outer periphery (outer tube outer periphery), 30 ... Retainer, 30a ... Predetermined Part, 30d ... second notch groove (notch groove), 41, 41A, 41B, 41C ... regulating member, 41d ... (end of regulating member), G ... gap, L ... maximum extension length, S ... Axial direction (of steering shaft)

Claims (3)

An inner tube and an outer tube that are fitted so as to be slidable relative to each other in the axial direction and rotatably support the steering shaft;
A cylindrical retainer fixed in a fitted state on the outer periphery of the inner tube;
And a regulating member that is fixedly attached to the outer tube and that abuts against a predetermined portion in the axial direction of the retainer along with the relative sliding in the axial direction of the both tubes, thereby regulating the maximum extension length of both the tubes. A steering device characterized by that.   The steering according to claim 1, wherein a cutout groove extending in the axial direction is formed in the retainer, and the predetermined portion in the axial direction of the retainer with which the restricting member abuts is an end portion of the cutout groove. apparatus.   3. The steering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined gap is provided between an end portion of the restriction member and an outer periphery of the inner tube.

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