JP2009208487A - Steering device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a steering device capable of adjusting largely the rising angle of a steering wheel. <P>SOLUTION: The steering device 1 comprises an operation element 10 operable by a driver and a support means 20 rotatably supporting the operation element 10. For the steering device 1, a position where a flat surface 13 including the operation element is 45° or less relative to the vertical direction is set as a first position and a position where the flat surface 13 including the operation element is 45° or more relative to the vertical direction is set a second position. The support means 20 includes a steering shaft 21 and a transmission means 22 selectively holding the operation element 10 at the first position or second position and transmitting the rotation of the operation element 10 to the steering shaft 21. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a steering apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to a steering apparatus including an operation element that can be operated by a driver and a support unit that rotatably supports the operation element.

Conventionally, a vehicle is provided with a steering device that steers steered wheels according to a driver's operation.
The steering apparatus includes a steering shaft and a handle coupled to the steering shaft. The steered wheels are connected to the steering shaft via a turning mechanism that changes the turning angle of the steered wheels according to the rotation angle of the steering shaft.
According to this steering device, when the driver grips and rotates a part of the steering wheel, the steering shaft also rotates, and the steered wheels are steered according to the rotation angle of the steering shaft.

  By the way, in such a steering apparatus, the handle is often installed at an angle close to the vertical on the handle surface that is a surface for operating the handle. Further, the handle is provided such that when the driver is seated in the driver's seat, the grip portion of the handle is generally located at the height of the driver's chest.

Therefore, the driver has to lift both hands to the height of the chest just by taking the driving posture and holding the handle. Therefore, during the steering of the steering device, there is a problem that it is necessary to always lift the arm against gravity, and the handle must be firmly held so that the hand does not slip off the handle.
Also, in situations where the steering wheel is operated with one hand to switch the lighting device or direction indicator during driving, depending on the steering direction, the driver operates the steering wheel against the weight of the arm. There is a problem that the operability and accuracy of the steering are deteriorated.

In order to solve the above problems, a steering apparatus including a tilt mechanism capable of adjusting the standing angle of the handle has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).
That is, the steering device includes a steering wheel, a steering shaft coupled to the steering wheel, a tilt mechanism for raising and lowering the steering shaft, a joint shaft coupled to the steering shaft, and a steering gear box coupled to the joint shaft. Is provided.

According to the steering device proposed in Patent Literature 1, the steering shaft can be raised and lowered by a tilt mechanism so that the standing angle of the steering wheel can be adjusted.
JP-A-10-119794

  However, the steering device proposed in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the upright angle at which the handle can be adjusted is limited because the steering shaft is raised and lowered by the tilt mechanism.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a steering device that can largely adjust the standing angle of a handle.

  A steering device (for example, a steering device 1 described later) according to the present invention includes an operating element (for example, a steering wheel 10 described later) that can be operated by a driver, and support means (for example, described later) that rotatably supports the operating element. A steering device including a support means 20), wherein a position where a plane including the operation element (for example, a handle surface 13 described later) is 45 ° or less with respect to the vertical direction is defined as a first position. The second position is a position where the plane including the vertical direction is 45 ° or more with respect to the vertical direction, and the support means includes a steering shaft (for example, a steering shaft 21 described later) and the operating element at the first position or the first position. Transmission means (for example, a transmission mechanism 22 to be described later) that selectively holds at two positions and transmits the rotation of the operation element to the steering shaft is provided.

According to this invention, the operating element is the first position where the plane including the operating element is 45 ° or less with respect to the vertical direction, or the first position where the plane including the operating element is 45 ° or more with respect to the vertical direction. A transmission means for selectively holding at two positions was provided. Therefore, by arbitrarily switching between the first position and the second position of the operation element, the standing angle of the handle as the operation element can be largely adjusted. As a result, it is possible to reduce the burden on the arm and the decrease in steering accuracy due to the influence of gravity.
For example, when moving on a long distance using an expressway, the steering amount of the operating element is small, but fatigue is expected in long-time driving. Therefore, by setting the operating element to the second position, Reduces fatigue.
On the other hand, if fatigue is not a concern at short distances, or if the efficiency of bending and stretching the front and back of the arm is poor during driving when there are continuous curves such as mountain roads, the operator should be in the first position. The driving efficiency of the driver can be improved.
Furthermore, driving comfort can be improved by switching between the first position and the second position according to the driver's mood and preferences.

  According to the steering apparatus of the present invention, the operating element is the first position where the plane including the operating element is 45 ° or less with respect to the vertical direction, or the plane including the operating element is 45 ° or more with respect to the vertical direction. A transmission means for selectively holding at the second position is provided. Therefore, the standing angle of the handle can be largely adjusted by arbitrarily switching between the first position and the second position of the operation element. As a result, it is possible to reduce the burden on the arm and the decrease in steering accuracy due to the influence of gravity.

  Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the embodiments, the same constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a side view of the steering apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The steering device 1 is mounted on a vehicle (not shown), and includes a handle 10 as an operator that is operated by a driver, and support means 20 that rotatably supports the handle 10.
The support means 20 includes a rod-like steering shaft 21 and a transmission mechanism 22 as a transmission means for connecting the steering shaft 21 and the handle 10.

  The steering shaft 21 extends obliquely upward toward the rear of the vehicle, here 45 ° with respect to the vertical direction, and is covered by the main pipe 30. The steered wheels are connected to the proximal end side of the steering shaft 21 via a turning mechanism (not shown) that changes the turning angle of the steered wheels according to the rotation angle of the steering shaft 21.

The handle 10 includes a center core part 11 and a grip part 12 supported by the center core part 11. The grip portion 12 has an annular shape centered on the center core portion 11.
The handle 10 is disposed at a position shifted to the upper side in the height direction of the steering shaft 21, and an angle formed by the center axis Y of the handle 10 and the center axis X of the steering shaft 21 is an angle α. Thus, when the plane including the handle 10 is the handle surface 13, the angle of the handle surface 13 with respect to the vertical direction is (45-α) °, which is 45 ° or less.

  The transmission mechanism 22 is provided above the steering shaft 21 and connected to the handle 10, and transmits the rotation of the handle 10 to the steering shaft 21.

  The transmission mechanism 22 is connected to the center core portion 11 of the handle 10 and extends along the central axis Y of the handle 10, the bevel gear 24 provided on the first shaft 23, and the steering shaft 21. A second spur gear 26 that is provided on the second shaft 25 and meshes with the bevel gear 24, and a first spur gear that is disposed on the distal end side of the steering shaft 21 and meshes with the second spur gear 26. 27 and a housing 28 for housing them.

The outer diameter of the bevel gear 24 has a shape that becomes smaller toward the handle 10.
The rotation of the first shaft 23 is transmitted to the steering shaft 21 by the bevel gear 24 and the first spur gear 27 meshing with each other via the second spur gear 26.

  The housing 28 is fixed to the upper side of the main pipe 30 with bolts 40. The housing 28 can be attached to the lower side of the main pipe 30 by changing the attachment position of the bolt 40 with respect to the main pipe 30.

The transmission mechanism 22 described above can selectively hold the handle 10 at the first position or the second position.
That is, in the state shown in FIG. 1, the transmission mechanism 22 is positioned above the steering shaft 21, and the angle of the handle surface 13 with respect to the vertical direction is (45−α) °, that is, 45 ° or less. The position of the handle 10 is a first position.
On the other hand, in the state shown in FIG. 2, the transmission mechanism 22 is located below the steering shaft 21, and the angle of the handle surface 13 with respect to the vertical direction is (45 + α) °, that is, 45 ° or more. The position of the handle 10 is set as the second position.

For example, when the handle 10 is changed from the first position to the second position, the following is performed.
The bolt 40 is removed, and the transmission mechanism 22 is rotated around the steering shaft 21 so as to be positioned below the steering shaft 21. Thereafter, the housing 28 is fixed to the lower side of the main pipe 30 with the bolt 40.

The above steering apparatus 1 operates as follows.
When the driver grips a part of the grip portion 12 and rotates the handle 10, the first shaft 23 also rotates according to the rotation of the handle 10, and the rotation of the first shaft 23 is caused by the bevel gear 24, the second It is transmitted to the steering shaft 21 via the spur gear 26 and the first spur gear 27 to rotate the steering shaft 21. The rotation of the steering shaft 21 is transmitted to the steered wheels via the steered mechanism to change the steered angle of the steered wheels.

According to this embodiment, there are the following effects.
(1) Provided is a transmission mechanism 22 that selectively holds the handle surface 13 at a first position where the handle surface 13 is 45 ° or less with respect to the vertical direction or at a second position where the handle surface 13 is 45 ° or more with respect to the vertical direction. Therefore, the driver can largely adjust the standing angle of the handle 10 by arbitrarily switching the first position and the second position of the handle 10. As a result, it is possible to reduce the burden on the arm and the decrease in steering accuracy due to the influence of gravity.
For example, when moving over a long distance using an expressway, the steering amount of the handle 10 is small, but fatigue is expected in long-time driving. Therefore, by setting the handle 10 to the second position, Reduces fatigue.
On the other hand, if fatigue is not a concern at short distances or if the efficiency of bending and stretching the front and rear of the arm is poor during driving when there are continuous curves such as mountain roads, the handle 10 is set to the first position. The driving efficiency of the driver can be improved.
Furthermore, driving comfort can be improved by switching between the first position and the second position according to the driver's mood and preferences.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 3 is a side view showing a state where the handle 10 of the steering device 1A according to the second embodiment is located at the first position, and FIG. 4 is a side view showing a state where the handle 10 is located at the second position. is there.
In the present embodiment, the handle 10 is positioned at the first position while the transmission mechanism 22A is positioned below the steering shaft 21, and the handle 10 is the second position when the transmission mechanism 22A is positioned above the steering shaft 21. The point located in a position differs from 1st Embodiment.
Specifically, the outer diameter of the bevel gear 24 </ b> A provided on the first shaft 23 is increased toward the handle 10.

  According to the present embodiment, there is an effect similar to (1) described above.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 5 is a side view showing a state where the handle 10 of the steering device 1B according to the third embodiment is located at the first position, and FIG. 6 is a side view showing a state where the handle 10 is located at the second position. is there.
In the present embodiment, the configuration of the transmission mechanism 22B is different from that of the first embodiment.

  Specifically, the transmission mechanism 22B includes a constant velocity joint 29 that connects the steering shaft 21 and the first shaft 23, a fixing mechanism 50 that fixes the first shaft 23 to the steering shaft 21 so as to be swingable, Is provided.

According to the transmission mechanism 22 </ b> B, when the handle 10 is rotated, the first shaft 23 is also rotated, and the rotation of the first shaft 23 is transmitted to the steering shaft 21 via the constant velocity joint 29.
Therefore, the angle of the first shaft 23 relative to the steering shaft 21 can be changed.

The fixing mechanism 50 includes a first bracket 51 provided in the main pipe 30, a first pipe 60 through which the first shaft 23 is inserted, a second bracket 52 provided in the first pipe 60, the brackets 51, And a connecting member 53 that connects 52 at a predetermined angle.
A long hole 521 is formed in the second bracket 52.
The first bracket 51 is formed with a through hole (not shown).

The connecting member 53 includes a bolt 531 and a lever 532 that tightens the bolt 531.
According to this connecting member 53, the neck portion of the bolt 531 is inserted into the elongated hole 521 of the second bracket 52 and the through hole of the first bracket 51, and in this state, the lever 532 is rotated, whereby the first bracket 51 and the second bracket 52 can be fixed at a predetermined angle.

  According to the fixing mechanism 50 described above, the angle of the handle surface 13 with respect to the vertical direction can be changed by loosening the lever 532 and changing the angle formed between the steering shaft 21 and the first shaft 23, and the handle 10 can be The position or the second position can be selectively held.

That is, in the state shown in FIG. 5, the first shaft 23 is fixed in a state where the first shaft 23 is inclined in the horizontal direction by the angle β with respect to the steering shaft 21. It is °. That is, the handle 10 is held at the first position.
On the other hand, in the state shown in FIG. 6, the first shaft 23 is fixed in a state in which the first shaft 23 is inclined in the vertical direction at an angle β with respect to the steering shaft 21, so It has become. That is, the handle 10 is held at the second position.

  According to the present embodiment, there is an effect similar to (1) described above.

[Fourth Embodiment]
7 and 8 are side views of the steering apparatus 1C according to the fourth embodiment.
This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the handle 10 can be selectively connected to the steering shaft 21 or the first shaft 23.

Specifically, in the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the transmission mechanism 22C cannot be rotated about the steering shaft 21, and the transmission mechanism 22C is positioned below the steering shaft 21 and is a housing. 28 </ b> C is fixed to the lower side of the main pipe 30.
Further, the steering shaft 21 extends with an inclination of (45−γ) ° with respect to the vertical direction. Furthermore, the angle formed by the steering shaft 21 and the first shaft 23 is an angle 2γ.
In the handle 10, the center core portion 11 can be attached to and detached from both the front end side of the steering shaft 21 and the front end side of the first shaft 23.

For example, in the state shown in FIG. 7, the handle 10 is connected to the first shaft 23, and the angle of the handle surface 13 with respect to the vertical direction is (45−γ) °. That is, the handle 10 is held at the first position.
On the other hand, in the state shown in FIG. 8, the handle 10 is coupled to the steering shaft 21, and the angle of the handle surface 13 with respect to the vertical direction is (45 + γ) °. That is, the handle 10 is held at the second position.
Therefore, the handle 10 can be switched to the first position or the second position by fixing the handle 10 to either the first shaft 23 or the steering shaft 21.

  According to the present embodiment, there is an effect similar to (1) described above.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications, improvements and the like within a scope that can achieve the object of the present invention are included in the present invention.

It is a side view in the state where the operation element of the steering device concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention was located in the 1st position. It is a side view in the state where the manipulator of the steering device concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention was located in the 2nd position. It is a side view in the state where the operation element of the steering device concerning a 2nd embodiment of the present invention was located in the 1st position. It is a side view in the state where the operation element of the steering device concerning a 2nd embodiment of the present invention was located in the 2nd position. It is a side view in the state where the operation element of the steering device concerning a 3rd embodiment of the present invention was located in the 1st position. It is a side view in the state where the operation element of the steering device concerning a 3rd embodiment of the present invention was located in the 2nd position. It is a side view in the state where the manipulator of the steering device concerning a 4th embodiment of the present invention was located in the 1st position. It is a side view in the state where the operation element of the steering device concerning a 4th embodiment of the present invention was located in the 2nd position.

Explanation of symbols

1 Steering device 10 Handle (operator)
13 Handle surface (plane including the controls)
20 Support means 21 Steering shaft 22 Transmission mechanism (transmission means)

Claims (1)

A steering device comprising an operator operable by a driver, and a support means for rotatably supporting the operator,
The position where the plane including the operation element is 45 ° or less with respect to the vertical direction is defined as a first position, and the position where the plane including the operation element is 45 ° or more with respect to the vertical direction is defined as a second position.
The support means includes a steering shaft, and transmission means for selectively holding the operating element at the first position or the second position and transmitting the rotation of the operating element to the steering shaft. Steering device.

Images