JP2009298229A - Steering structure of vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To further improve a shock absorption performance by effectively utilizing a structure for locking a steering wheel. <P>SOLUTION: A movable tube A, which telescopically connects an upper shaft 2 and a lower shaft 3 in an axial direction X and is telescopically moved together with the upper shaft 2, is constituted so as to be movable in a telescopic adjustment area E and a lock area F. The movable tube A includes a shock absorption structure in which the outer tube 8 is frictionally fitted to the inner tube 7, and has a turning lock mechanism L arranged at a lower side of a construction direction of the inner tube 7. The turning lock mechanism L disables a rotating operation of the steering wheel when the movable tube A reaches the lock area F. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a steering structure for a vehicle, and more particularly to a structure for locking a steering wheel in conjunction with an operation for contracting a steering system in a direction along a rotation axis of the steering wheel.

  There exist what is described in patent documents 1 and patent documents 2 as a steering structure of vehicles constituted as mentioned above. In Patent Document 1, a shaft 20 that is coupled to a steering wheel 28 is fitted into a shaft hole 23 of a yoke 21 via a serration structure, so that each shaft is relatively movable in the shaft axial direction and integrally rotates. The member 2 is configured. The yoke 21 is rotatably supported by the fixed bracket 1, and the shaft 20 is rotatably supported by the holding bracket 40.

  A lock block 43 fitted to an inner serration 48 of a serration bracket 41 provided on the inner surface side of the holding bracket 40 is supported so as to be movable in the shaft axial direction, and a spring 44 that biases the lock block 43 in the direction of the yoke 21. Is provided. An outer serration 25 is formed at the end of the yoke 21, and an inner serration 50 that can be fitted to the outer serration 25 is provided on the inner surface of the lock block 43.

  In order to set the position of the holding bracket 40 with respect to the fixed bracket 1 in the shaft axis direction, the rotational force of the worm gear 61 driven by the motor 6 is transmitted from the wheel gear 62 to the screw 63, and the nut 64 screwed into the screw 63 is engaged. The drive mechanism 4 is provided to transmit the moving force to the holding bracket 40.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to switch between a locked state in which the outer serration 25 and the lock block 43 are fitted by driving the motor 6 and an unlocked state in which the lock block 43 is separated from the outer serration 25.

  In Patent Document 2, a lower shaft 6 that transmits a rotational force to a steered wheel is connected to an upper shaft 6 that rotates together with a steering wheel 4 so as to be telescopic and torque-transmittable, and these are connected to a column. A telescopic mechanism is provided in the tube 10 and operates the upper shaft 6 in the expansion / contraction direction by the driving force of the telescopic motor.

  On the inner surface of the lower end position of the column tube 10, a lock member 28 having a tooth profile portion 28 a is provided in a state of being biased upward by a spring 30, and the tooth profile portion 6 a is also formed at the lower end position of the lower shaft 6. Yes.

  With such a configuration, the upper shaft 6 can be moved in the telescopic operation range by the driving force of the telescopic motor, and when the upper shaft 6 is moved to the lock operation range beyond the telescopic adjustment region, the upper shaft 6 The tooth profile portion 6a engages with the tooth profile portion 28a of the lock member 28 to reach the locked state.

JP-A-2-88346 ([Example], FIGS. 1 to 5) JP 2008-13105 A (paragraph number [0023 to 0030], FIGS. 2 to 6)

  As described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, the one that locks the steering wheel by using a configuration in which the shafts connected to the steering wheel are extended and contracted realizes the locking beyond the region in which the shaft is moved. Need an area for. Accordingly, the steering system is inevitably increased in the axial direction of the shaft.

  Specifically, taking Patent Document 2 as an example, it is necessary to lengthen the column tube 10 in order to secure a space for accommodating the lock member 28 and the spring 30 at the lower end of the column tube 10. Further, since the tooth profile portion 6a is formed at the lower end of the upper shaft 6, it is necessary to make the upper shaft 6 longer. Thus, the configuration of Reference 2 also leads to an increase in the size of the steering system in the axial direction.

  Considering the configuration of the column part of the steering system from a different point of view, for the purpose of reducing the phenomenon of strong contact between the driver and the steering wheel at the time of a car collision, for example, as shown in JP 2008-18780 A, Some include a first column pipe 16 that supports the upper shaft 12 and a second column pipe 18 that is externally fitted to the upper pipe 12 via fastening means 20.

  That is, by forming a double tube with the first column pipe 16 and the second column pipe 18, a fastening means is provided between the first column pipe 16 and the second column pipe 20 when a strong impact force is applied. In the state where the frictional force is applied from 20, each of them moves relative to the contraction direction to realize the absorption of the impact.

  Such a structure for absorbing shock preferably has a long stroke in the shrinking direction, but setting a long stroke in the shrinking direction just for the purpose of absorbing this shock increases the size of the column part and increases the size. It was an invitation.

  An object of the present invention is to obtain a vehicle steering structure that further improves the shock absorbing performance by effectively utilizing the structure for locking the steering wheel.

  A feature of the present invention is that an upper shaft that rotates with an operating force from a tearing wheel and a lower shaft that transmits a rotational operating force to a steered wheel are coupled to be able to transmit torque and move in an axial direction, A fixed tube that is inserted and supported in the upper shaft, a movable tube that moves integrally with the upper shaft in a state of being fitted to the upper shaft, and an axial direction of the fixed tube and the movable tube relative to the fixed tube A telescopic adjustment mechanism for setting an expansion / contraction position at the position, and the movable tube is set in the lock region at the end in the contraction direction by the telescopic adjustment mechanism, thereby reaching a connected state with the fixed tube and A rotation lock mechanism for disabling the rotation operation, wherein the movable tube is the fixed tube; And an outer tube connected to the telescopic adjustment mechanism; and an inner tube that frictionally fits within the outer tube and supports the upper shaft. A shock absorbing structure that absorbs shock by contracting and operating inside the outer tube along the inner tube is provided, and the rotation lock mechanism is disposed on the lower side in the contracting operation direction of the inner tube.

  With this configuration, the telescopic adjustment mechanism sets the movable tube in the lock region at the end in the contraction direction, and the rotation lock mechanism connects the fixed tube and the rotation operation system of the steering wheel to disable the rotation operation. To do. When a strong impact is applied to the vehicle body, the inner tube inserted into the outer tube operates in the contracting direction while absorbing the impact, and at the same time, operates in the direction in which the upper shaft contracts with respect to the lower shaft. . During this operation, the inner tube that moves integrally with the upper shaft of the movable tube can be moved until it reaches the lock region at the end in the contraction direction of the telescopic adjustment mechanism, and when the shock is absorbed. It is possible to absorb the shock well by increasing the stroke. Therefore, a vehicle steering structure that further improves the shock absorbing performance by effectively utilizing the structure for locking the steering wheel has been obtained.

  In the present invention, the telescopic adjustment mechanism includes an actuator that sets a position of the movable tube in the axial direction with respect to the fixed tube, and the actuator operates the movable tube in a telescopic adjustment region during engine operation, When the engine is stopped, the movable tube may be operated beyond the telescopic adjustment region to the lock region. According to this configuration, the position of the steering wheel can be adjusted in the telescopic adjustment area when the engine is operating by operating the telescopic adjustment mechanism, and the movable tube is moved to the lock area when the engine is stopped, and the lock state is set to prevent rotation of the steering wheel. it can.

  In the present invention, the rotation lock mechanism is fitted to and supported by the inner surface of the fixed tube and has a coupling portion formed on the inner periphery thereof, and is movably fitted to the lower shaft in the axial direction. And a slide member that is supported and formed with a connecting portion on the outer periphery. When the movable tube reaches the lock region, the slide member moves by a pressing force from the movable tube, thereby connecting the connecting portion. May be coupled to the coupled portion. According to this configuration, in a state where the rotation lock mechanism has reached the locked state, the fixed tube and the lower shaft are coupled via the lock member and the slide member, thereby realizing a reliable locked state.

  The present invention includes a fitting connection structure in which the lower shaft is fitted into a fitting hole formed in the upper shaft along the axial direction, and the rotation lock mechanism includes an outer peripheral surface of the upper shaft. An engagement recess formed on the fixed tube, a lock piece that is movable in a radial direction of the fixed tube and is biased by a spring in a direction to engage with the engagement recess, and when the movable tube reaches the lock region Further, it may be configured by a hole formed in the movable tube so as to allow the lock piece to move in the engagement direction. According to this configuration, when the upper shaft is contracted and moved to the lock region by the telescopic adjustment mechanism, the lock piece is engaged with the engagement concave portion of the upper shaft through the hole to realize the locked state.

  The present invention includes a fitting connection structure in which the lower shaft is fitted into a fitting hole formed in the upper shaft along the axial direction, and the rotation lock mechanism includes an outer peripheral surface of the upper shaft. And an oscillating lock body that is movable in the radial direction of the fixed tube and biased by a return spring in a direction away from the engaging dent, When the movable tube reaches the lock region, the movable tube may be configured to be engaged with the engagement recess by a pressing force from the end of the movable tube. According to this configuration, when the upper shaft is moved to the lock region in the contraction direction by the telescopic adjustment mechanism, the pressing force from the end of the movable tube is applied to the swing lock body, and the swing lock body is The locked state is realized by engaging with the engaging recess of the shaft.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment-Overall Configuration]
FIG. 1 shows a steering structure in a column portion that transmits a rotational operation force of a steering wheel 1 of the present invention to a steering wheel (not shown).

  This steering structure is arranged in front of a driver's seat (not shown) in a vehicle such as a passenger car. The steering structure is provided on an upper shaft 2 that rotates by an operating force from the steering wheel 1 and a steering wheel (not shown). The lower shaft 3 that transmits the rotational operation force is disposed on the coaxial core X and the coaxial core, and each is coupled by a fitting coupling structure so as to be able to transmit torque and move in the axial core X direction.

  This steering structure is used with the shaft core X in an oblique posture, and the side provided with the steering wheel 1 is the rear side and the side opposite to the steering wheel 1 in the lower shaft 3 is the front side. Give an explanation.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the steering structure includes a fixed tube 4 that rotatably inserts and supports the lower shaft 3 therein, and an upper shaft 2 that is fitted into the upper shaft 2. And a movable tube A that moves in the X direction. Further, a telescopic adjustment mechanism T that sets a relative position between the lower shaft 3 and the upper shaft 2 in the direction of the axis X is provided, and a rotation lock mechanism L that disables the rotation operation of the steering wheel 1 is provided. The fixed tube 4 is supported by a vehicle body frame (not shown).

  The rotation lock mechanism L connects the lower shaft 3 and the fixed tube 4 by setting the movable tube A to the lock region F at the end in the contraction direction by the telescopic adjustment mechanism T (see FIG. 2B). The steering wheel 1 cannot be rotated.

  The fitting connection structure includes a fitting hole 2A in which a serration fitting portion is formed on the inner surface on the front end side of the upper shaft 2, and a fitting portion 3A in which a serration fitting portion is formed on the outer surface on the upper end side of the lower shaft 3. It consists of. Note that a spline fitting structure, a fitting structure having a polygonal cross section, a fitting structure using a key, or the like may be used as the fitting connection structure.

  The lower shaft 3 is supported at the front end inside the fixed tube 4 via a first ball bearing 5 as a bearing and is relatively immovable relative to the fixed tube 4 in the axial direction. The upper shaft 2 is supported at the upper end of the movable tube A via a second ball bearing 6 as a bearing, and is supported so as not to move relative to the movable tube A in the axial direction. As a result, the upper shaft 2 moves integrally with the movable tube A in the direction of the axis X.

  The movable tube A is composed of an inner tube 7 that supports the second ball bearing 6 and an outer tube 8 that is externally fitted to the inner tube 7, and has a strong force to compress the lower shaft 3 and the upper shaft 2 in the direction of the axis X. When acted, as shown in FIG. 6, an impact absorbing structure is formed that absorbs the impact by moving relative to each other in the contracting direction.

  On the inner surface side of the fixed tube 4, a bush 10 that contacts the outer tube 8 of the movable tube A and guides the outer tube 8 is provided.

(Shock absorbing structure)
As shown in FIG. 5, the shock absorbing structure includes a pressure contact ring 9 made of a spring material in a large diameter portion 7 </ b> A in which the outer peripheral portion of the front end of the inner tube 7 is slightly enlarged, and the outer peripheral surface of the pressure contact ring 9. Is brought into pressure contact with the inner surface of the outer tube 8. In addition, this shock absorbing structure has a structure in which a diameter-reduced portion 8A, in which the inner peripheral portion of the rear end of the outer tube 8 is slightly reduced, is brought into pressure contact with the outer surface of the inner tube 7.

  Thus, in the normal state (non-compressed state) shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, relative movement in the direction of the axis X is caused by the frictional force in the large diameter portion 7A and the small diameter portion 8A and the pressure contact force of the pressure ring 9. It is suppressed. When a strong force acts on the upper shaft 2 and the lower shaft 3 along the axis X in the compression direction, the inner tube 7 and the outer tube 8 are relatively moved in the contraction direction as shown in FIG. To do. This achieves shock absorption.

  In this way, when the impact is applied, the upper shaft 2 and the lower shaft 3 move relative to each other in the contraction direction, thereby avoiding inconvenience that the driver strongly contacts the steering wheel 1 and reducing damage to the driver. To do.

[Telescopic adjustment mechanism]
The telescopic adjustment mechanism T decelerates the driving force of the electric motor 11 (an example of an actuator) supported by the fixed tube 4 by a worm gear type deceleration case 12 and transmits the driving force to the screw shaft 14. Further, a holder 15 having a nut portion 15N screwed to the screw shaft 14 is fixed to the outer tube 8 (movable tube A) by a technique such as welding, and the rotational force of the screw shaft 14 is expanded and contracted with respect to the outer tube 8. It is configured to tell the direction.

  In the telescopic adjustment mechanism T, the electric motor 11 is controlled by the control device 16 as shown in FIG. When the key K inserted into the key switch 17 is in a position (for example, an accessory position) where the engine is in an operating state, the control device 16 is manually operated by the lift switch 18 provided on the panel or the like. Next, the movable tube A is operated in the direction corresponding to the lift switch 18 in the telescopic adjustment region E shown in FIG.

  Although not shown in the drawing, a sensor for measuring the rotation amount of the screw shaft 14 or a sensor for measuring the position of the holder 15 in the direction of the axis X is provided. When the steering wheel 1 is operated integrally with the movable tube A in the telescopic adjustment region E and set to an arbitrary position, a signal from the sensor is acquired as position data and stored in a nonvolatile memory or the like of the control device 16. Is done.

  When the key switch 17 is set to the engine stop position by the operation of the key K, the control device 16 moves the movable tube to the lock region F beyond the contraction end of the telescopic adjustment region E by the operation of the electric motor 11. A is operated to bring the rotation lock mechanism L into the locked state. Thus, not only the driver can easily get on and off by moving the movable tube A to the contraction side, but the rotation operation of the steering wheel 1 becomes impossible because the rotation lock mechanism L is set in the locked state. Shows anti-theft effect.

  Note that when the key K is inserted into the key switch 17 and the engine is started, the control device 16 stores the stored position data based on the operation of the key switch 17 to a position that maintains the engine in a movable state. The electric motor 11 is controlled to move the movable tube A to a position corresponding to. As a result, the lock of the rotation lock mechanism L is released, and the steering wheel 1 reaches the position already set by the driver.

  Note that the control device 16 may be configured by a simple logic for controlling the electric motor 11 and may use a part of the functions of the ECU.

[Rotation lock mechanism]
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the rotation lock mechanism L includes a lock member 21 that is movably fitted and supported along the axis X inside the front end of the fixed tube 4, and is connected to the lock member 21. And a slide member 22 fitted and supported by the lower shaft 3 so as to be separable. The rotation lock mechanism L includes a buffer spring 23 that urges the lock member 21 rearward (upward in FIG. 3), and a retaining ring type first stopper 24 that determines a movement limit of the lock member 21, and a slide member. A restoring spring 25 that biases the rear 22 toward the rear (upward in FIG. 3) and a retaining ring type second stopper 26 that determines the movement limit of the slide member 22 are provided.

  That is, a spline-type fitting portion 4A is formed on the inner surface of the front end side of the fixed tube 4, and a fitting portion 21A to be fitted to this is formed on the outer periphery of the lock member 21, and on the inner periphery of the lock member 21 A spline-type connected portion 21B is formed. A buffer spring 23 is interposed between the front end of the fixed tube 4 and the lock member 21, and a first stopper 24 is engaged and supported on the inner peripheral surface of the fixed tube 4 so as to determine the limit of movement of the lock member 21. Has been.

  A spline-type fitting portion 3 </ b> A is formed on the outer periphery of the lower shaft 3 on the front end side of the fixed tube 4, and a fitting portion 22 </ b> A that fits into this is formed on the inner periphery of the slide member 22. A restoring spring 25 is interposed between the front end portion of the fixed tube 4 and the slide member 22, and a second stopper 26 is engaged and supported on the outer peripheral surface of the lower shaft 3 so as to determine the movement limit of the slide member 22. Yes.

  This slide member 22 has a shape in which a flange-like portion 22F having a diameter larger than that of the main body portion is connected to the cylindrical main body portion, and is connected to the connected portion 21B of the lock member 21 on the outer periphery of the main body portion. A connecting portion 22B that can be separated is formed.

  In the rotation lock mechanism L, when the movable tube A operates in the telescopic adjustment region E, the front end of the outer tube 8 is not in contact with the hook-shaped portion 22F of the slide member 22 as shown in FIG. is there. In this state, the lock member 21 is in a position in contact with the first stopper 24 by the biasing force of the buffer spring 23. Further, the slide member 22 is in a position in contact with the second stopper 26 by the urging force of the restoring spring 25, and the lock member 21 and the slide member 22 are maintained in a separated state.

  When the movable tube A reaches the lock region F, as shown in FIG. 2B, the front end of the outer tube 8 comes into contact with the hook-shaped portion 22F of the slide member 22, and the slide member 22 contacts the lock member 21. Move to the point of contact.

  In this situation, if the connected portion 21B of the lock member 21 and the connecting portion 22B of the slide member 22 have a rotational phase relationship that can be connected, as shown in FIG. 2B, the connected portion 21B and the connecting portion 22B. Reaches the connected state, and the rotation of the lower shaft 3 is prevented. As a result, the rotation operation of the steering wheel 1 becomes impossible.

  When the movable tube A reaches the lock region F, if the connected portion 21B of the lock member 21 and the connecting portion 22B of the slide member 22 are in a rotation phase that cannot be connected, the biasing force of the buffer spring 23 is resisted. Then, the lock member 21 and the slide member 22 move to the front side in a contact state. In this state, the connected portion 21B and the connecting portion 22B are not connected, but by slightly rotating the steering wheel 1, a rotational phase is reached in which the connected portion 21B and the connecting portion 22B can be connected, and the buffer spring 23 The urging force shifts to a position where the lock member 21 can be connected, and each reaches a connected state.

  When the movable tube A moves to the telescopic adjustment region E from this connected state, the slide member 22 is shifted to a position where it comes into contact with the second stopper 26 by the urging force of the restoring spring 25, and the connected portion 21B and the connected portion 22B. And the steering wheel 1 can be rotated.

  In particular, when a strong impact is applied to the vehicle body, as shown in FIG. 6, the inner tube 7 inserted into the outer tube 8 operates in the contracting direction while absorbing the impact, and at the same time with respect to the lower shaft 3. Thus, the upper shaft 2 is operated in a contracting direction. During this operation, the upper shaft 2 can be moved until the front end of the upper shaft 2 hits the second stopper 26. As a result, the stroke when absorbing the impact is increased regardless of the telescopic adjustment position, and the impact can be satisfactorily absorbed.

[Second Embodiment]
As shown in FIG. 7, the second embodiment has the same basic configuration as the first embodiment, such as the steering wheel 1, the upper shaft 2, the lower shaft 3, the movable tube A, the telescopic adjustment mechanism T, and the shock absorbing structure. However, the rotation lock mechanism L is different from that of the first embodiment. Note that in the second embodiment, the same reference numerals and symbols as in the first embodiment are assigned to configurations common to the first embodiment.

[Rotation lock mechanism]
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the rotation lock mechanism L has a lock piece 31 movable in the radial direction of the fixed tube 4 in the middle of the fixed tube 4 and urges the lock piece 31 in the protruding direction. A projecting spring 32, a hole 8H formed in the outer tube 8 of the movable tube A, and an engagement ring 33 fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the upper shaft 2.

  The lock piece 31 is slidably supported with respect to a guide portion 4G formed integrally with the fixed tube 4. On the distal end side of the lock piece 31, there are formed a distal end portion 31A that engages with the engagement ring 33, and an inclined portion 31B that applies a force in the separation direction by contacting the opening edge of the hole 8H. . A cap 34 that also serves as a spring receiver is fixed to the end of the guide portion 4G on the outer surface side by screwing.

  The hole 8H is formed at a position that allows the lock piece 31 to protrude in the direction approaching the shaft core X when the movable tube A reaches the lock region F beyond the telescopic adjustment region E. The engagement ring 33 has a shape in which a plurality of engagement recesses 33 </ b> A are formed on the outer periphery of the ring body portion, and is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the upper shaft 2 by welding or adhesion techniques.

  When the movable tube A reaches the lock region F beyond the telescopic adjustment region E, the engagement ring 33 is positioned so that the lock piece 31 protruding in a form penetrating the hole 8H can be engaged. Fixed to the outer surface of the upper shaft 2.

  With such a configuration, when the movable tube A reaches the lock region F, the lock piece 31 protrudes inward while passing through the hole 8H of the outer tube 8, and the engagement recess 33A of the engagement ring 33 And reach the position where it can be engaged.

  In this situation, when the distal end portion 31A of the lock piece 31 is in a rotational phase that can be engaged with the engagement recess 33A of the engagement ring 33, the distal end portion 31A of the lock piece 31 is shown in FIG. Are engaged with the engagement recesses 33A of the engagement ring 33 and reach the connected state, and the rotation of the upper shaft 2 is prevented. As a result, the steering wheel 1 cannot be rotated.

  Unlike this, as shown in FIG. 9B, when the distal end portion 31A of the lock piece 31 is in a rotational phase in which the engagement recess 33A of the engagement ring 33 cannot be engaged, the steering wheel 1 is slightly rotated. As a result, the tip 31A of the lock piece 31 reaches a rotational phase in which it can engage with the engagement recess 33A of the engagement ring 33, and the lock piece 31 is shifted in the protruding direction by the urging force of the protruding spring 32, so that the connected state To reach.

  When the movable tube A moves to the telescopic adjustment region E from this connected state, the inclined portion 31B of the lock piece 31 comes into contact with the opening edge of the hole portion 8H, thereby resisting the biasing force of the protruding spring 32. Pushed to the outer surface of the outer tube 8, the connection state of the lock piece 31 to the engaging recess 33 </ b> A is released, and the steering wheel 1 can be rotated.

  In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when a strong impact is applied to the vehicle body, the inner tube 7 inserted into the outer tube 8 contracts while absorbing the impact, as shown in FIG. At the same time, the upper shaft 2 contracts with respect to the lower shaft 3. During this operation, the upper shaft 2 can be moved until the front end of the upper shaft 2 hits the flange 3C of the lower shaft 3. As a result, when absorbing the impact, it is possible to increase the stroke regardless of the telescopic adjustment position to absorb the impact satisfactorily.

[Third Embodiment]
As shown in FIG. 11, the third embodiment has the same basic configuration as the steering wheel 1, the upper shaft 2, the lower shaft 3, the movable tube A, the telescopic adjustment mechanism T, the shock absorbing structure, and the like. However, the rotation lock mechanism L is different from that of the first embodiment. Note that in the third embodiment, the same reference numerals and symbols as in the first embodiment are assigned to configurations common to the first embodiment.

[Rotation lock mechanism]
As shown in FIGS. 12 to 16, the rotation lock mechanism L includes a swing arm 42 that is swingably supported around the support shaft 41 at the front end position of the fixed tube 4, and a swing end of the swing arm 42. A return spring 43 that urges outward (in a direction away from the axis X), a support frame 44 provided at the oscillating end of the oscillating arm 42, and an urging force of the pushing spring 45 against the support frame 44. A lock body 46 (an example of a rocking lock body) urged so as to push out the fixed tube 4 in the radial direction, an insertion hole 8K formed on the front end side of the outer tube 8 of the movable tube A, and the lower shaft 3 And a lock ring 47 fixedly provided on the outer peripheral surface.

  The swing arm 42 is swingably supported by a support shaft 41 having an axis posture orthogonal to the axis X and is housed in a housing space at the front end of the fixed tube 4. A contact portion 42A is integrally formed at an intermediate portion of the swing arm 42, and the contact portion 42A is disposed at a position where it can contact the outer tube 8 of the movable tube A. When the front end of the outer tube 8 comes into contact with the contact portion 42 </ b> A, the swing arm 42 is maintained in the unlocked position shown in FIG. 12 by the urging force of the return spring 43.

  The insertion hole 8K is formed at a position that allows the lock body 46 to protrude in a direction close to the axis X when the movable tube A reaches the lock region F beyond the telescopic adjustment region E. The lock ring 47 has a shape in which a plurality of engagement recesses 47 </ b> A are formed on the outer periphery of the ring main body portion, and is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the lower shaft 3 by welding or adhesion techniques.

  With this configuration, when the movable tube A reaches the lock region F, the front end portion of the outer tube 8 comes into contact with the contact portion 42A of the swing arm 42, and the swing arm 42 swings. Let By this swinging, the lock body 46 protrudes inward in a state of being inserted through the insertion hole 8K of the outer tube 8, and reaches a position where it can engage with the engagement recess 33A of the lock ring 47.

  In this situation, when the lock body 46 is in a rotational phase that can be engaged with the engagement recess 47A of the lock ring 47, the lock body 46 is engaged with the engagement recess 47A of the lock ring 47 as shown in FIGS. Are engaged with each other and the rotation of the lower shaft 3 is prevented, so that the steering wheel 1 cannot be rotated.

  Unlike this, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, when the lock body 46 is in a rotational phase in which it cannot engage with the engagement recess 47 </ b> A of the lock ring 47, the steering wheel 1 is slightly rotated to lock the lock body 46. The body 46 reaches a rotational phase in which it can engage with the engaging recess 47A of the lock ring 47, and the lock body 46 protrudes by the urging force of the push spring 45 to reach a connected state.

  When the movable tube A moves to the telescopic adjustment region E from this connected state, the swing arm 42 is returned to the unlocked position by the urging force of the return spring 43, and the lock body 46 is connected to the engaging recess 47A. Is released, and the steering wheel 1 can be rotated.

  Also in the third embodiment, as in the first and second embodiments, when a strong impact is applied to the vehicle body, the inner tube 7 inserted into the outer tube 8 absorbs the impact as shown in FIG. While operating in the contracting direction, the upper shaft 2 operates in a contracting direction with respect to the lower shaft 3. During this operation, the upper shaft 2 can be moved until the front end of the upper shaft 2 hits the flange 3C of the lower shaft 3. As a result, when absorbing the impact, it is possible to increase the stroke regardless of the telescopic adjustment position and absorb the impact satisfactorily.

[Effect of the embodiment]
Thus, according to the present invention, the position of the steering wheel 1 can be adjusted in the telescopic adjustment region E. Using the telescopic adjustment region E as a reference, the rotation lock mechanism L causes the steering wheel 1 to rotate by contracting the movable tube A until reaching the lock region F formed at the end of the movable tube A in the contraction direction. Make it impossible.

  That is, in the steering structure of the present invention, the dimension of the column portion in the direction of the axis X requires a dimension obtained by adding the length of the lock area F to the length of the telescopic adjustment area E.

  At the time of shock absorption, the inner tube 7 and the upper shaft 2 are integrally moved toward the front end portion of the fixed tube 4 while the outer tube 8 of the movable tube A is held by the fixed tube 4. In the steering structure of the present invention, since the region corresponding to the lock region F is formed on the end side in the contraction direction of the movable tube A, it is possible to secure a moving region between the inner tube 7 and the upper shaft 2 at the time of impact absorption. The impact can be absorbed well with a long stroke.

The side view which shows the steering structure of the column part of 1st Embodiment Sectional drawing which shows the state in which the outer tube of 1st Embodiment exists in a telescopic adjustment area | region, and the state in a lock area | region The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows arrangement | positioning in the direction in alignment with the axial center of the structure of the rotation lock mechanism of 1st Embodiment. The cross-sectional view which shows arrangement | positioning centering on the axial center of the structure of the rotation lock mechanism of 1st Embodiment. The expanded sectional view showing the shock absorption structure of a 1st embodiment Sectional drawing which shows the movable tube at the time of the impact absorption of 1st Embodiment Side view showing the steering structure of the column portion of the second embodiment Sectional drawing which shows the state in which the outer tube of 2nd Embodiment exists in a telescopic adjustment area | region, and the state in a lock area | region Sectional drawing which shows the positional relationship of the lock piece and engagement ring of the rotation lock mechanism of 2nd Embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the movable tube at the time of the impact absorption of 2nd Embodiment Side view showing the steering structure of the column portion of the third embodiment Sectional drawing which shows the state which has the outer tube of 3rd Embodiment in a telescopic adjustment area | region. Sectional drawing which shows the positional relationship of the lock body and lock ring of the rotation lock mechanism in the locked state of 3rd Embodiment. The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the rocking | fluctuation attitude | position of the lock body and rocking | fluctuation arm of a rotation lock mechanism in the locked state of 3rd Embodiment Sectional drawing which shows the state which a lock body does not engage with a lock ring in the rotation lock mechanism of 3rd Embodiment. The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the position of the lock body in the state which the lock body does not engage with a lock ring, and the rocking | fluctuation posture of a rocking | fluctuating arm in the rotation lock mechanism of 3rd Embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the movable tube at the time of the impact absorption of 3rd Embodiment

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Steering wheel 2 Upper shaft 2A Fitting hole 3 Lower shaft 4 Fixed tube 8H Hole 11 Actuator (electric motor)
21 Lock member 21B Connected portion 22 Slide member 22B Connection portion 31 Lock piece 32 Projection spring 33A Engaging recess 43 Return spring 46 Swing lock body (lock body)
47A Engaging recess A Movable tube E Telescopic adjustment region E
F Lock region L Rotation lock mechanism T Telescopic adjustment mechanism X Shaft core

Claims (5)

The upper shaft that rotates with the operation force from the steering wheel and the lower shaft that transmits the rotation operation force to the steering wheel are connected to be able to transmit torque and move in the axial direction.
A fixed tube for inserting and supporting the lower shaft therein, a movable tube that moves integrally with the upper shaft in a state of being fitted to the upper shaft, and the fixed tube and the movable tube with respect to the fixed tube With telescopic adjustment mechanism to set the expansion and contraction position in the axial direction with
The movable tube is set to the lock region at the end in the contraction direction by the telescopic adjustment mechanism, and includes a rotation lock mechanism that reaches the connected state with the fixed tube and disables the rotation operation of the steering wheel,
The movable tube has an outer tube that is inserted and arranged in the fixed tube and connected to the telescopic adjustment mechanism, and an inner tube that frictionally fits inside the tube and supports the upper shaft, and has an impact action. Sometimes, the inner tube is provided with an impact absorbing structure that absorbs an impact by contracting the inside of the outer tube along the axial direction, and the rotation lock mechanism is provided on the lower side of the contracting operation direction of the inner tube. Steering structure of the vehicle that is arranged.   The telescopic adjustment mechanism includes an actuator that sets a position of the movable tube in the axial direction with respect to the fixed tube, and the actuator operates the movable tube in a telescopic adjustment region when the engine is operating, and the actuator when the engine is stopped. The vehicle steering structure according to claim 1, wherein the movable tube is operated from the telescopic adjustment region to the lock region.   The rotation lock mechanism is fitted and supported on the inner surface of the fixed tube and is fitted and supported so as to be movable in the axial direction with respect to the lower shaft and a lock member having a connected portion formed on the inner circumference. And a slide member formed with a connecting portion. When the movable tube reaches the lock region, the slide member moves by a pressing force from the movable tube, so that the connecting portion is connected to the connected portion. The vehicle steering structure according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle steering structure is connected to a portion. A fitting connection structure in which the lower shaft is fitted into a fitting hole formed in the upper shaft along the axial direction;
The rotation lock mechanism includes an engagement recess formed on an outer peripheral surface of the upper shaft, a lock piece that is movable in a radial direction of the fixed tube and is biased by a spring in a direction to engage with the engagement recess. A hole formed in the movable tube so as to allow movement of the lock piece in the direction of engagement when the movable tube reaches the lock region. 3. The vehicle steering structure according to 2. A fitting connection structure in which the lower shaft is fitted into a fitting hole formed in the upper shaft along the axial direction;
The rotation lock mechanism includes an engagement recess formed on an outer peripheral surface of the upper shaft, and a swing lock urged by a return spring in a direction movable in a radial direction of the fixed tube and away from the engagement recess. The swing lock body reaches a posture of engaging with the engaging recess by a pressing force from an end of the movable tube when the movable tube reaches the lock region. Or the steering structure of the vehicle of 2.

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