JP2010269629A - Steering device for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely prevent the locking of addendum of a steering device having a position adjusting function. <P>SOLUTION: The steering device for vehicles includes: first tilt locking teeth 22, which are provided on a fixed bracket 15 that restrains displacement along with a steering wheel in tilt adjustment and which forms a line in teeth alignment direction H1 that intersects perpendicularly the tightening direction of a tightening mechanism; a first holder 36, which is provided on a lock bolt, which moves along with the steering wheel at the time of the tilt adjustment; a first inclined surface 36a, which is inclined to the teeth alignment direction H1 provided on the holder; a first locking teeth forming body 35, which is retained by the first inclined surface 36a so that it can be displaced in the inclined direction K1; and second tilt locking teeth 23, which are formed on the first locking teeth forming body 35 and can engage with the first tilt locking teeth 22. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle steering apparatus.

Some vehicle steering devices include a tilt adjustment mechanism that can adjust the position of a steering wheel up and down. The tilt adjustment mechanism is provided with a tilt lock mechanism for locking the position of the steering wheel after the tilt adjustment (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
The tilt lock mechanism of Patent Document 1 includes a tilt lock tooth portion formed on an upper clamp fixed to the vehicle body, and a lock tooth portion formed on a movable member whose position is adjusted in conjunction with the steering wheel. The two tooth portions mesh with each other to be tilt-locked.

JP 2008-81026 A

  At the time of tilt lock, the tooth lock state where only the tooth tips of the tilt lock tooth portion and the lock tooth portion are in contact with each other is brought about, and the both tooth portions may not be engaged with each other. In particular, in the tilt mechanism, the tilt lock tooth portion and the lock tooth portion relatively rotate around the tilt axis, and as a result, the tooth trace directions of both tooth portions may be inclined, so that the tooth tip lock state is likely to occur. When the tooth tip is locked, the operation lever cannot be rotated to the normal tilt lock position, and tilt lock cannot be performed. For this reason, it is necessary to shift the position of the steering wheel up and down and retighten the operation lever, resulting in a decrease in operability.

  In Patent Document 1, in order to prevent tooth tip locking, a specific peak portion of at least one tooth portion of the tilt lock tooth portion and the lock tooth portion is higher than and adjacent to the adjacent tooth portion. The pressure angle of the tooth tip is made smaller than the other peak portions. As a result, when the tilt lock tooth portion and the lock tooth portion mesh with each other, the specific mountain portion first contacts with the counterpart mountain portion and the inclined surfaces and meshes with each other while sliding, thereby preventing tooth tip lock.

However, in Patent Document 1, there is a concern that the tooth tip lock state may occur when the tooth tips of the specific peak part and the counter part peak part face each other.
Similar problems also exist in a vehicle steering apparatus having a telescopic adjustment function for adjusting the position of the steering wheel back and forth.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle steering apparatus that can reliably prevent tooth tip locking.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is characterized in that a regulated member (15) in which a displacement accompanying the steering wheel (2) is regulated during tilt adjustment or telescopic adjustment, and the tilt adjustment or At the time of telescopic adjustment, the movable member (21) that is displaced together with the steering wheel and the movable member are pressed against the regulated member along the tightening direction (X1) in accordance with the rotation operation of the operation lever (14). A tightening mechanism (20), a first lock tooth (22) provided on one of the regulated member and the movable member and arranged in a tooth alignment direction (H1) perpendicular to the tightening direction; A holder (36) provided on the other of the regulated member and the movable member, an inclined surface (36a) provided on the holder and inclined with respect to the tooth alignment direction, and the inclined surface of the holder Therefore, the lock tooth forming body (35) held so as to be displaceable in the inclination direction (K1) of the inclined surface and the lock tooth forming body are formed parallel to the tooth alignment direction of the first lock teeth. A vehicle steering apparatus (1) comprising: second lock teeth (23) that are arranged in a tooth alignment direction (H2) and that can mesh with the first lock teeth.

A second aspect of the present invention is the vehicle steering apparatus according to the first aspect, further comprising an elastic member (39) that elastically biases the lock tooth forming body to a predetermined position in the tilt direction. .
A third aspect of the present invention includes the guide mechanism (41) for guiding the displacement of the lock tooth forming body in the inclined direction according to the first or second aspect, and the guide mechanism is a guide provided on the holder. A vehicle steering apparatus comprising: a portion (36c); and a guided portion (35c) provided on the lock tooth forming body and engaged with the guide portion.

  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.

  According to the first aspect of the invention, when the movable member is pressed against the regulated member, even if the tops of the first and second lock teeth come into contact with each other, the amount of the clamping force acting on the inclined surface is reduced. The force generates a force that relatively displaces the apexes in the tooth alignment direction. As a result, the tooth surfaces of the first and second lock teeth can be reliably engaged with each other, and the occurrence of the tooth tip lock state can be reliably prevented. In particular, when the holder receives a force in a predetermined direction parallel to the tooth alignment direction, the lock tooth forming body bites in a wedge shape between the first lock teeth and the inclined surface of the holder. A very high lock holding force can be obtained.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the lock tooth forming body can be automatically returned to the predetermined position in the inclined direction in the unlocked state, the first and second lock teeth in the unlocked state can be The interval can be made constant. As a result, variation in the tightening force of the tightening mechanism can be reduced.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the lock tooth forming body can be moved with respect to the holder while maintaining the tooth alignment directions of the first and second lock teeth in parallel. As a result, the tooth surfaces of the first and second lock teeth can be reliably engaged with each other, and the occurrence of the tooth tip lock state can be reliably prevented.

1 is a side view of a vehicle steering apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a main part around a holding mechanism in FIG. 1. It is an enlarged view of the principal part of FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of the principal part of the holding mechanism of FIG. It is a perspective view of the lock tooth formation unit of FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of the lock tooth formation unit of FIG. It is sectional drawing which follows the VII-VII line of FIG. Fig.8 (a) is sectional drawing which follows the VIII-VIII line of FIG. 7, is a sectional view which shows the state in which the tooth formation unit was adjusted in position and before tightening, and FIG. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the lock tooth forming unit illustrated in FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the lock tooth forming unit shown in FIG. 8B is further tightened, and FIG. 9B is a diagram of the lock tooth forming unit shown in FIG. 9A. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which tightening was completed. FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of a first modified example of the guide mechanism of the first holder and the lock tooth forming body of FIG. 3, and FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the first holder of FIG. FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view of a second modification of the guide mechanism with the lock tooth forming body, and FIG. 10C is a third modification of the guide mechanism with the first holder and the lock tooth forming body of FIG. It is sectional drawing.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a side view of a vehicle steering apparatus 1 (hereinafter also simply referred to as a steering apparatus 1) according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the following, front and rear, left and right, and top and bottom of the vehicle body are simply referred to as front and rear, left and right, and top and bottom.
Referring to FIG. 1, a steering device 1 is a telescopic steering shaft 3 that transmits rotation of a steering wheel 2 disposed at one end to a wheel (not shown), and is rotatably supported while covering the steering shaft 3. A retractable jacket tube 4 and a holding mechanism 5 for holding the jacket tube 4.

  The other end of the steering shaft 3 is inserted into an insertion hole 8 provided in the dash panel 7 that partitions the engine compartment and the compartment of the vehicle. The central axis of the steering shaft 3 is disposed obliquely with respect to the vehicle front-rear direction X3 (corresponding to the left-right direction in FIG. 1) so that the steering wheel 2 is on the upper side. In this state, the jacket tube 4 is supported by the vehicle body side member 9 via the holding mechanism 5. Here, the vehicle body side member 9 may be a part of the vehicle body, or may be a member fixed to a part of the vehicle body. The holding mechanism 5 includes a tilt adjustment mechanism 10 and a telescopic adjustment mechanism 11.

  The jacket tube 4 includes a lower jacket tube 12 and an upper jacket tube 13 that are fitted in the axial direction S1 of the steering shaft 3 so as to be slidable relative to each other. One end of the steering shaft 3 and the upper jacket tube 13 are connected to each other via a bearing (not shown) so as to be relatively rotatable and movable in the axial direction S1 of the steering shaft 3.

In the steering device 1, the tilt adjustment mechanism 10 and the telescopic adjustment mechanism 11 can be operated with one operation lever 14. The tilt adjustment mechanism 10 and the telescopic adjustment mechanism 11 share a single operation lever 14 but can be operated independently.
FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a main part around the holding mechanism 5. Referring to FIG. 2, the holding mechanism 5 includes a fixed bracket 15 connected to the vehicle body side member 9, and a tilt direction Y <b> 1 and a telescopic direction Z <b> 1 with respect to the fixed bracket 15 (corresponding to a vertical direction in FIG. 2). The movable bracket 17 is relatively movable, a lock tooth forming unit 19 to be described later, and a fastening mechanism 20 for fastening the fixed bracket 15 and the movable bracket 17 to each other. The tightening mechanism 20 includes a lock bolt 21 that extends in the left-right direction of the vehicle body.

  1 and 2, the tilt direction Y1 is a direction orthogonal to both the axial direction S1 of the steering shaft 3 and a first tightening direction X1 to be described later. This corresponds to the tangential direction of an arc centered on the central axis of a tilt central axis (not shown) extending in the vertical direction. The telescopic direction Z1 is a direction that coincides with the axial direction S1 of the steering shaft 3 or a direction parallel to this direction.

  FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of the holding mechanism 5 of FIG. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the fixing bracket 15 has a plurality of first tilt lock teeth 22 as first lock teeth for tilt lock. The lock tooth forming unit 19 has a plurality of second tilt lock teeth 23 as second lock teeth for tilt lock.

The movable bracket 17 has a plurality of first telescopic lock teeth 24 as first lock teeth for telescopic locking. The lock tooth forming unit 19 has a plurality of second telescopic lock teeth 25 as second lock teeth for telescopic locking.
With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the fixed bracket 15 and the movable bracket 17 are tightened by the tightening mechanism 20 to achieve a locked state in which the position adjustment of the steering wheel 2 is restricted. In this locked state, the side plates 15b, 15c of the fixed bracket 15 and the side plates 17b, 17c of the movable bracket 17 are in contact with each other in a pressed state, and the first and second tilt lock teeth 22, 23 are also in contact with each other. The first and second telescopic lock teeth 24 and 25 are engaged with each other.

2 and 4, the fixing bracket 15 is formed in a U-shape as a whole, and is fixed to a flat mounting plate 15h fixed to the vehicle body side member 9 and a lower surface of the mounting plate 15h. And a pair of side plates 15b, 15c depending from a pair of left and right ends of the top plate 15a.
The side plates 15b and 15c of the fixing bracket 15 are formed with insertion holes 15f and 15g, respectively, through which the lock bolts 21 are inserted. Each of the insertion holes 15f and 15g has a pair of edges facing each other in the axial direction S1 of the steering shaft 3 in order to guide the lock bolt 21 in the tilt direction Y1 during tilt adjustment. A pair of edge portions of the insertion holes 15f and 15g extend substantially straight in the tilt direction Y1. Note that the pair of edge portions of each insertion hole 15 f, 15 g may be formed in an arc shape centering on the central axis of the tilt central axis disposed on the vehicle front side with respect to the holding mechanism 5.

  A plurality of first tilt lock teeth 22 are formed on both sides of the outer surface 15d of the left side plate 15c of the fixed bracket 15 with the insertion hole 15g sandwiched forward and backward. The plurality of first tilt lock teeth 22 formed on the front side of the insertion hole 15g and the plurality of first tilt lock teeth 22 formed on the rear side of the insertion hole 15g are configured in the same manner. Yes. Below, it demonstrates along the some 1st tilt lock teeth 22 formed in the front side of the penetration hole 15g.

  The movable bracket 17 includes an arc-shaped fixed plate 17a fixed to the lower portion of the upper jacket tube 13, and a pair of side plates 17b and 17c that respectively hang down from a pair of left and right ends of the fixed plate 17a. The movable bracket 17 is fixed to the upper jacket tube 13 so that the movable bracket 17 can be moved along with the steering wheel 2 in the telescopic direction Z1 via the upper jacket tube 13 and the steering shaft 3 and the like.

The lateral plates 17b and 17c of the movable bracket 17 are respectively formed with laterally long holes 17f and 17g through which the lock bolts 21 are inserted. Each of the horizontally long holes 17f and 17g is orthogonal to a second tightening direction X2 described later and extends substantially straight in the telescopic direction Z1.
The outer side surfaces 17d of the side plates 17b and 17c of the movable bracket 17 are in contact with the corresponding inner side surfaces of the side plates 15b and 15c of the fixed bracket 15, respectively.

  A plurality of first telescopic lock teeth 24 are formed on each of the edges on both sides of the laterally long hole 17g on the outer side surface 17d of the left side plate 17c of the movable bracket 17 so as to sandwich the upper and lower sides. The plurality of first telescopic lock teeth 24 formed on the upper side of the laterally long hole 17g and the plurality of first telescopic lock teeth 24 formed on the lower side of the laterally long hole 17g are configured in the same manner. Yes. Hereinafter, a description will be given in accordance with the plurality of first telescopic lock teeth 24 formed on the upper side of the horizontally long hole 17g.

The tightening mechanism 20 includes a lock bolt 21, a nut 27 that is screwed into the male screw 21 a of the lock bolt 21, and an operation lever 14 that rotates the nut 27.
The lock bolt 21 extends in the left-right direction, a pair of insertion holes 15f, 15g of the pair of side plates 15b, 15c of the fixed bracket 15, a pair of laterally long holes 17f, 17g of the pair of side plates 17b, 17c of the movable bracket 17, and The insertion hole of the lock tooth forming unit 19 is inserted.

  A disc portion 28 protrudes from the right end portion of the lock bolt 21. A serration 29 is formed on the outer periphery of the disk portion 28. The serration 29 is fitted with an anti-rotation adjusting stopper 30 that restricts relative rotation. The adjustment stopper 30 is locked to the lock bolt 21 by a push nut 31. The adjustment stopper 30 is engaged with the edge of the insertion hole 15f of the right side plate 15b of the fixed bracket 15, whereby the rotation of the lock bolt 21 is restricted with respect to the insertion hole 15f. The movement of the lock bolt 21 in the axial direction S2 of all the lock bolts 21 is restricted. Further, during the tilt adjustment, the adjustment stopper 30 is movable in the tilt direction Y1 along the edge of the right insertion hole 15f.

The operation lever 14 is coupled to the nut 27 so as to be able to rotate together. The nut 27 is screwed into a male screw 21 a formed at the left end of the lock bolt 21. As the nut 27 rotates with respect to the lock bolt 21, the nut 27 is displaced in the axial direction S2 of the lock bolt 21.
A washer 32 is interposed between the nut 27 and the lock tooth forming unit 19. An elastic member 33 and a pair of collars 33a and 33b are interposed between the side plate 17b of the movable bracket 17 and the lock tooth forming unit 19 in order to press the lock tooth forming unit 19 toward the operation lever 14 side. ing.

  The lock tooth forming unit 19 and the nut 27 are connected to each other so that the lock bolt 21 can move in the axial direction S2 of the lock bolt 21. Further, the lock tooth forming unit 19 and the nut 27 are relatively rotatable around the central axis of the lock bolt 21. Further, the lock tooth forming unit 19 and the pair of edges of the insertion hole 15 g of the left side plate 15 c of the fixed bracket 15 are engaged with each other so as to be non-rotatable about the central axis of the lock bolt 21.

  When the nut 27 is rotated to one side in the circumferential direction of the lock bolt 21 by the turning operation of the operation lever 14, the nut 27 is displaced toward the lock tooth forming unit 19 and presses the lock tooth forming unit 19. More specifically, along the first tightening direction X1 (right direction), the lock tooth forming unit 19 as a movable member at the time of tilt adjustment is used as a fixed bracket 15 as a member to be regulated at the time of tilt adjustment. To the left side plate 15c. On the other hand, the disc portion 28 at the right end of the lock bolt 21 is in contact with the right plate 15 b of the fixing bracket 15.

  As a result, the left side plate 15c of the fixed bracket 15 and the left side plate 17c of the movable bracket 17 engage with each other in a pressed state, and the right side plate 15b of the fixed bracket 15 and the right side plate 17b of the movable bracket 17 engage with each other in a pressed state. To do. At the same time, the first tilt lock teeth 22 and the second tilt lock teeth 23 mesh with each other. Thereby, tilt lock is achieved.

  At the same time that tilt lock is achieved, telescopic lock is achieved as follows. That is, as described above, the fixed bracket 15 and the movable bracket 17 are tightened together. Accordingly, along the second tightening direction X2 (left direction), the left side plate 17c of the movable bracket 17 as the movable member at the time of telescopic adjustment is locked as the regulated member side at the time of telescopic adjustment. The tooth forming unit 19 is pressed. As a result, the first telescopic lock teeth 24 and the second telescopic lock teeth 25 mesh with each other. Thereby, telescopic locking is achieved.

  On the other hand, when the nut 27 is rotated to the other circumferential direction of the lock bolt 21 by the turning operation of the operation lever 14, the nut 27 is displaced in the direction away from the lock tooth forming unit 19 (left side). At the same time, the lock tooth forming unit 19 moves along with the nut 27 in one axial direction of the lock bolt 21 (corresponding to the second tightening direction X2) by the urging force of the elastic member 33. Thereby, the meshing of the first tilt lock teeth 22 and the second tilt lock teeth 23 is released. That is, the tilt lock is released. Simultaneously with the release of the tilt lock, the meshing of the first telescopic lock teeth 24 and the second telescopic lock teeth 25 is also released. That is, the telescopic lock is released. In this state, tilt adjustment and telescopic adjustment are possible.

  1 and 2, when the tilt adjustment is performed, the steering wheel 2, the steering shaft 3, the jacket tube 4, the movable bracket 17, the lock bolt 21, the nut 27, the operation lever 14, the lock The tooth forming unit 19 can move integrally in the tilt direction Y1, and each of these members functions as a movable member that is displaced together with the steering wheel 2 during tilt adjustment.

On the other hand, the fixed bracket 15 is fixed and functions as a regulated member that regulates the accompanying displacement with the steering wheel 2 during tilt adjustment.
Further, when performing the telescopic adjustment, the steering wheel 2, the steering shaft 3, the jacket tube 4, and the movable bracket 17 are integrally movable in the telescopic direction Z1, and these members are used during the telescopic adjustment. It functions as a movable member that is displaced together with the steering wheel 2.

On the other hand, each member of the fixing bracket 15, the lock bolt 21, the nut 27, the operation lever 14, and the lock tooth forming unit 19 is subject to the displacement that is accompanied with the steering wheel 2 during telescopic adjustment. Functions as a regulating member.
The fixed bracket 15 and the movable bracket 17 that are relatively movable in the tilt direction Y1 form a tilt adjustment mechanism 10 that can adjust the position of the steering wheel 2 with respect to the tilt direction Y1. Further, a telescopic adjustment mechanism 11 capable of adjusting the position of the steering wheel 2 with respect to the telescopic direction Z1 is formed by the fixed bracket 15 and the movable bracket 17 that are relatively movable in the telescopic direction Z1. In addition, the tilt lock mechanism and the telescopic lock mechanism include a left side plate 15 c of the fixed bracket 15 and a lock tooth forming unit 19.

In this embodiment, in order to prevent the tooth tip lock of the tilt lock mechanism and the telescopic lock mechanism, the lock tooth forming unit 19 is configured as follows.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the lock tooth forming unit 19 of FIG. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the lock tooth forming unit 19 of FIG.
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the lock tooth forming unit 19 is disposed so as to face the left side plate 15 c of the fixing bracket 15. The lock tooth forming unit 19 includes a first lock tooth forming body 35 for tilt locking, a first holder 36 for holding the first lock tooth forming body 35, and a first lock tooth forming body for telescopic locking. 2, and a second holder 38 that holds the second lock tooth forming body 37.

  Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, second tilt lock teeth 23 are formed on first lock tooth forming body 35. The second telescopic lock teeth 25 are formed on the second lock tooth forming body 37. The first lock tooth forming body 35 is held by the first inclined surface 36a of the first holder 36 so as to be displaceable in the first inclined direction K1 thereof. Further, the first lock tooth forming body 35 and the second holder 38 are fitted to each other so as to be able to move integrally in the axial direction S2 of the lock bolt 21. The second lock tooth forming body 37 is held by the second inclined surface 38a of the second holder 38 so as to be displaceable in the second inclined direction K2.

Further, the lock tooth forming unit 19 includes a first elastic member 39 that elastically biases the first lock tooth forming body 35 in the first inclined direction K1, and a second lock tooth forming body 37 as the second. And a second elastic member 40 that elastically biases in the inclination direction K2.
The first elastic member 39 includes, for example, a coil spring that can be expanded and contracted in the first inclination direction K1. One end of the first elastic member 39 with respect to the first inclination direction K1 is fixed to the first lock tooth forming body 35, and the other end of the first elastic member 39 is the first end. It is fixed to the holder 36.

  By being urged by the first elastic member 39, the first lock tooth forming body 35 is held by the first holder 36 at the first predetermined position (home position) in the first tilt direction K1. ing. When the first lock tooth forming body 35 is displaced from the first predetermined position along the first inclined direction K1, the first elastic member 39 is elastically deformed. The elastic restoring force of the first elastic member 39 at this time is the first predetermined position in the first inclination direction K1 when the first lock tooth forming body 35 overcomes the urging force of the elastic member 33 (see FIG. 2). Set to return to.

The second elastic member 40 includes, for example, a coil spring that can be expanded and contracted in the second inclination direction K2. One end of the second elastic member 40 with respect to the second inclination direction K2 is fixed to the second lock tooth forming body 37, and the other end of the second elastic member 40 is the second end. It is fixed to the holder 38.
By being urged by the second elastic member 40, the second lock tooth forming body 37 is held by the second holder 38 at the second predetermined position in the second inclined direction K2. Similarly to the first elastic member 39, the second elastic member 40 elastically biases the second lock tooth forming body 37 to the second predetermined position in the second inclined direction K2. ing.

Further, the lock tooth forming unit 19 includes a first guide mechanism 41 that guides the displacement of the first lock tooth forming body 35 in the first tilt direction K1, and a second lock in the second tilt direction K2. And a second guide mechanism 42 for guiding the displacement of the tooth forming body 37.
The first guide mechanism 41 includes a pair of guide surfaces 36 c as guide portions provided in the first holder 36 and a pair of guided surfaces as guide portions provided in the first lock tooth forming body 35. 35c.

  The pair of guide surfaces 36c and the pair of guided surfaces 35c that are opposed to each other are engaged with each other. For example, the guide surface 36c and the guided surface 35c facing each other are slidably in contact with each other. Thus, when the first lock tooth forming body 35 moves along the first inclined surface 36a of the first holder 36, the first lock tooth formation around the axis perpendicular to the first inclined surface 36a is formed. The inclination of the body 35 can be prevented.

The pair of guide surfaces 36c have a dovetail shape, and the pair of guided surfaces 35c have a dovetail shape and are fitted to each other. Thereby, the first lock tooth forming body 35 is maintained in contact with the first inclined surface 36 a of the first holder 36.
The second lock tooth forming body 37 and the second holder 38 are connected to each other via the second guide mechanism 42. Accordingly, the second lock tooth forming body 37 is maintained in contact with the second inclined surface 38a of the second holder 38.

  The relationship between the pair of guide surfaces 38c and the pair of guided surfaces 37c in the second guide mechanism 42 is the same as the relationship between the pair of guide surfaces 36c and the pair of guided surfaces 35c in the first guide mechanism 41. Accordingly, when the second lock tooth forming body 37 moves along the second inclined surface 38a of the second holder 38, the second lock tooth forming body around the axis perpendicular to the second inclined surface 38a. The inclination of 37 can be prevented.

The pair of guide surfaces 38c have a dovetail shape, and the pair of guided surfaces 37c have a dovetail shape and are fitted to each other. Accordingly, the second lock tooth forming body 37 is maintained in contact with the first inclined surface 38a of the second holder 38.
3 and 6, the lock tooth forming unit 19 has an insertion hole that penetrates the lock bolt 21 in the axial direction S2. The lock bolt 21 is inserted through the insertion hole. The insertion hole of the lock tooth forming unit 19 includes an insertion hole 37 d that penetrates the second lock tooth formation body 37, an insertion hole 35 d that penetrates the first lock tooth formation body 35, and an insertion hole 36 d that penetrates the first holder 36. And an insertion hole 38d penetrating the second holder 38.

  The insertion hole 36 d of the first holder 36 and the insertion hole 38 d of the second holder 38 are fitted to the lock bolt 21. On the other hand, the insertion hole 37 d of the second lock tooth formation body 37 and the insertion hole 35 d of the first lock tooth formation body 35 are formed as long holes, and are inserted with a gap between them and the lock bolt 21. is doing. As a result, the second lock tooth forming body 37 and the first lock tooth forming body 35 are guided by the guide mechanisms 41 and 42 in the range of the gap, respectively, and can move in the radial direction of the lock bolt 21. It has become.

  The lock tooth forming unit 19 is connected to the lock bolt 21 so that it can move integrally in the tilt direction Y1 during tilt adjustment. The lock bolt 21 functions as a movable member for tilt adjustment that is displaced together with the steering wheel 2 during tilt adjustment. On the other hand, for telescopic adjustment, the accompanying displacement with the steering wheel 2 is restricted during telescopic adjustment. Functions as a regulated member.

  Therefore, it can be said that the first holder 36 of the lock tooth forming unit 19 is provided on the lock bolt 21 as the movable member for tilt adjustment described above, because the lock bolt 21 is inserted into the insertion hole 36d. Similarly, the second holder 38 of the lock tooth forming unit 19 is provided on the lock bolt 21 as a regulated member for telescopic adjustment because the lock bolt 21 is inserted into the insertion hole 38d. I can say that.

The first holder 36 has a facing surface 36e facing the nut 27, a first inclined surface 36a provided on the opposite side of the facing surface 36e, and the pair of guide surfaces 36c described above. Further, the insertion hole 36d passes through the opposing surface 36e and the first inclined surface 36a.
In the first holder 36, the first inclined surface 36a, the opposing surface 36e, and the pair of guide surfaces 36c are integrally formed of a single material. The pair of guide surfaces 36c may be formed by separate members and fixed to each other.

The facing surface 36e forms a plane perpendicular to the axial direction S2 of the lock bolt 21.
The first inclined surface 36a is inclined with respect to the opposing surface 36e and is formed flat. The inclination direction K1 (the direction in which the maximum inclination line extends) of the first inclined surface 36a is inclined with respect to the first tooth alignment direction H1 of the first tilt lock teeth 22. The first inclined surface 36 a faces the first tilt lock tooth 22 along the axial direction S <b> 2 of the lock bolt 21. Further, the distance L1 between the first inclined surface 36a and the top of the first tilt lock tooth 22 with respect to the axial direction S2 of the lock bolt 21 gradually becomes narrower along the tilt direction Y1. .

  The first inclined surface 36a receives the first lock tooth forming body 35 so as to be capable of relative sliding in the first inclined direction K1. For example, when the nut 27 is tightened, the first inclined surface 36 a presses the first lock tooth forming body 35, and the fixed bracket 15 and the movable bracket 17 are interposed via the first lock tooth forming body 35. The side plates are pressed against each other. When the force pressing the first lock tooth forming body 35 is small, that is, when the nut 27 is not sufficiently tightened, the first inclined surface 36a causes the first lock tooth forming body 35 to move to the first inclination. It is slidably held in the direction K1.

The pair of guide surfaces 36c oppose each other in a direction orthogonal to the first tilt direction K1. Each guide surface 36c includes a portion that is parallel to the first inclined direction K1 and is spaced apart from the first inclined surface 36a. The distance between the pair of guide surfaces 36 c is equal to the distance between the opposing portions of the pair of guided surfaces 35 c of the first lock tooth forming body 35.
The pair of guide surfaces 36c are disposed on both sides of the first inclined surface 36a and are formed to rise from the edge of the first inclined surface 36a. The pair of guide surfaces 36c and the first inclined surface 36a define a concave groove extending in the first inclined direction K1. This concave groove has a dovetail shape.

  The first lock tooth forming body 35 includes a facing surface 35e facing the first inclined surface 36a of the first holder 36, and a plurality of second tilt lock teeth arranged on the opposite side of the facing surface 35e. 23, a groove 35f as a fixing surface for fixing the second holder 38, and the above-described pair of guided surfaces 35c. Further, an insertion hole 35d passes through the facing surface 35e and the groove portion 35f.

In the first lock tooth forming body 35, the facing surface 35e, the second tilt lock tooth 23, the groove portion 35f, and the pair of guided surfaces 35c are integrally formed of a single material. Note that at least one of the second tilt lock teeth 23 and the pair of guided surfaces 35c may be formed by another member and fixed to each other.
The facing surface 35 e receives the pressing force when the nut 27 is tightened through the first inclined surface 36 a of the first holder 36. The facing surface 35e is engaged with the first inclined surface 36a of the first holder 36, and is in contact with the first inclined surface 36a of the first holder 36 so as to be relatively slidable. For example, the facing surface 35e is formed by an inclined surface that can follow the first inclined surface 36a of the first holder 36. This inclined surface is inclined with respect to the tooth alignment direction H <b> 1 of the first tilt lock tooth 22.

The groove portion 35f is disposed on the opposite side of the facing surface 35e, is orthogonal to the axial direction S2 of the lock bolt 21, and faces the outer surface 15d of the left side plate 15c of the fixing bracket 15.
The second tilt lock teeth 23 are respectively disposed with the groove portion 35f interposed therebetween. The plurality of second tilt lock teeth 23 disposed on the front side of the groove 35f and the plurality of second tilt lock teeth 23 disposed on the rear side of the groove 35f are configured in the same manner. Hereinafter, a description will be given according to the plurality of second tilt lock teeth 23 arranged on the front side of the groove portion 35f.

The second tilt lock teeth 23 can mesh with the first tilt lock teeth 22. The plurality of second tilt lock teeth 23 are arranged in the tooth alignment direction H2. The tooth alignment direction H2 of the second tilt lock teeth 23 and the tooth alignment direction H1 of the first tilt lock teeth 22 are parallel to each other.
The pair of guided surfaces 35c are disposed opposite to each other on both sides of the opposing surface 35e. The pair of guided surfaces 35c has an ant tenon shape. The distance between the pair of guided surfaces 35c increases as the distance from the opposing surface 35e decreases.

  7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the second holder 38 is engaged with the groove portion 35 f of the first lock tooth forming body 35 so as to be able to move in the telescopic direction Z <b> 1. The second holder 38 protrudes from the groove 35f toward the left side plate 17c of the movable bracket 17. The second holder 38 is inserted into the insertion hole 15 g of the left side plate 15 c of the fixed bracket 15.

  The second holder 38 includes a facing surface 38e facing the first lock tooth forming body 35, a second inclined surface 38a provided on the opposite side of the facing surface 38e, and the pair of guide surfaces 38c described above. And a pair of engaging surfaces 38g engaged with the edge of the insertion hole 15g of the left side plate 15c of the fixing bracket 15. Further, an insertion hole 38d passes through the opposing surface 38e and the second inclined surface 38a.

In the second holder 38, the second inclined surface 38a, the opposing surface 38e, the pair of guide surfaces 38c, and the pair of engagement surfaces 38g are integrally formed of a single material. Note that at least one of the pair of guide surfaces 38c and the pair of engagement surfaces 38g may be formed of a separate member and fixed to each other.
With reference to FIGS. 3 and 7, the facing surface 38 e forms a plane perpendicular to the axial direction S <b> 2 of the lock bolt 21.

  The second inclined surface 38a is inclined with respect to the facing surface 38e and is formed flat. The inclination direction K2 of the second inclined surface 38a (the direction in which the maximum inclination line extends) is inclined with respect to the tooth alignment direction H3 of the first telescopic lock teeth 24. The second inclined surface 38 a faces the first telescopic lock teeth 24 along the axial direction S2 of the lock bolt 21. Further, the distance L2 between the second inclined surface 38a and the top of the first telescopic lock tooth 24 with respect to the axial direction S2 of the lock bolt 21 is gradually narrowed toward the front along the telescopic direction Z1. .

  Referring to FIGS. 3 and 6, the pair of guide surfaces 38c face each other in a direction orthogonal to the inclination direction K2. Each guide surface 38c includes a portion that is parallel to the tilt direction K2 and spaced from the second tilt surface 38a. The pair of guide surfaces 38c are arranged in parallel to each other. The distance between the pair of guide surfaces 38 c is equal to the distance between the pair of guided surfaces 37 c of the second lock tooth forming body 37.

  The pair of guide surfaces 38c are disposed on both sides of the second inclined surface 38a, and are formed to rise from the edge of the second inclined surface 38a. The pair of guide surfaces 38c and the second inclined surface 38a define a concave groove extending in the second inclined direction K2. This concave groove has a dovetail shape. The distance between the pair of guide surfaces 38c increases as the distance from the second inclined surface 38a approaches.

  Referring to FIGS. 3 and 7, second inclined surface 38a receives second lock tooth forming body 37 so as to be relatively slidable and relatively displaceable in inclined direction K2. For example, when the nut 27 is strongly tightened, the second inclined surface 38 a presses the second lock tooth forming body 37 and prevents the movement of the second lock tooth forming body 37. Further, when the force for pressing the second lock tooth forming body 37 is small, that is, when the nut 27 is not sufficiently tightened, the second inclined surface 38a causes the second lock tooth forming body 37 to move in the inclination direction K2. Is slidable.

  The pair of engaging surfaces 38g includes a plane extending from both end edges of the facing surface 38e so as to be orthogonal to the facing surface 38e. The pair of engaging surfaces 38g oppose each other in the direction along the telescopic direction Z1. The pair of engaging surfaces 38g are arranged in parallel to each other. The interval between the pair of engaging surfaces 38g is equal to the interval between the pair of edges of the insertion hole 15g of the left side plate 15c of the fixed bracket 15.

  When the pair of engaging surfaces 38g engage with the edge of the insertion hole 15g, the movement of the second holder 38 in the telescopic direction Z1 is restricted. As a result, the movement of the lock tooth forming unit 19 and the lock bolt 21 is prevented. It is regulated. Further, the pair of engaging surfaces 38g are fitted to the edge of the insertion hole 15g, thereby restricting the rotation of the lock tooth forming unit 19 around the central axis of the lock bolt 21.

With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the second lock tooth forming body 37 is held by the second holder 38 and protrudes from the second holder 38 toward the left side plate 17 c of the movable bracket 17. The second lock tooth forming body 37 is inserted through the insertion hole 15 g of the left side plate 15 c of the fixed bracket 15.
The second lock tooth forming body 37 includes a facing surface 37e facing the second inclined surface 38a of the second holder 38 and a plurality of second telescopic lock teeth arranged on the opposite side of the facing surface 37e. 25 and the pair of guided surfaces 37c described above. Further, the insertion hole 37d passes through the second lock tooth forming body 37.

In the second lock tooth forming body 37, the facing surface 37e, the second telescopic lock teeth 25, and the pair of guided surfaces 37c are integrally formed of a single material. The pair of guided surfaces 37c may be formed by separate members and fixed to each other.
With reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 7, the facing surface 37 e receives a pressing force when the nut 27 is tightened via the second inclined surface 38 a of the second holder 38. The opposing surface 37e is engaged with the second inclined surface 38a of the second holder 38, and is in contact with the second inclined surface 38a of the second holder 38 so as to be relatively slidable. For example, the facing surface 37e is formed by an inclined surface that can follow the second inclined surface 38a of the second holder 38. This inclined surface is inclined with respect to the tooth alignment direction H3 of the first telescopic lock teeth 24.

  The second telescopic lock teeth 25 are respectively disposed with the insertion hole 37d interposed therebetween. The plurality of second telescopic lock teeth 25 disposed above the insertion hole 37d and the plurality of second telescopic lock teeth 25 disposed below the insertion hole 37d are configured in the same manner. Yes. Hereinafter, a description will be given in accordance with the plurality of second telescopic lock teeth 25 arranged on the upper side of the insertion hole 37d.

The second telescopic lock teeth 25 can mesh with the first telescopic lock teeth 24. The plurality of second telescopic lock teeth 25 are arranged in the tooth alignment direction H4. The tooth alignment direction H4 of the second telescopic lock teeth 25 and the tooth alignment direction H3 of the first telescopic lock teeth 24 are parallel to each other.
The pair of guided surfaces 37c are arranged in parallel to each other on both sides of the opposing surface 37e. The pair of guided surfaces 37c has an ant tenon shape. The distance between the pair of guided surfaces 37c increases as the distance from the opposing surface 37e decreases.

  3 and 4, the fixing bracket 15 is fixed to the vehicle body and does not move in the tilt direction Y1 when the tilt is adjusted. The left side plate 15c of the fixed bracket 15 functions as a regulated member that regulates the accompanying displacement with the steering wheel 2 during tilt adjustment. As described above, the first tilt lock teeth 22 are provided on the left side plate of the fixed bracket 15 as the regulated member for tilt adjustment.

  Each first tilt lock tooth 22 is formed in a cross-sectional chevron shape. The top of each first tilt lock tooth 22 extends straight in the tooth trace direction. The plurality of first tilt lock teeth 22 are arranged at equal intervals in the tooth alignment direction H1 orthogonal to the tooth trace direction. The tooth trace direction is a direction that intersects the tilt direction Y1, for example, a direction that is orthogonal. The tooth alignment direction H1 is set parallel to the tilt direction Y1.

  Each second tilt lock tooth 23 is formed in a cross-sectional chevron shape. The top of each second tilt lock tooth 23 extends straight in the tooth trace direction. The plurality of second tilt lock teeth 23 are arranged at equal intervals in the tooth alignment direction H2 orthogonal to the tooth trace direction. The tooth trace direction is a direction that intersects the tilt direction Y1, for example, a direction that is orthogonal. Further, the tooth alignment direction H2 is set parallel to the tilt direction Y1.

  The movable bracket 17 is connected to the steering wheel 2 so as to be able to move with respect to the telescopic direction Z1. The left side plate 17c of the movable bracket 17 functions as a movable member that is displaced together with the steering wheel 2 during telescopic adjustment. Thus, the first telescopic lock teeth 24 are provided on the left side plate 17c of the movable bracket 17 as a movable member for telescopic adjustment.

  Each first telescopic lock tooth 24 is formed in a cross-sectional chevron shape. The top of each first telescopic lock tooth 24 extends straight in the direction of the tooth trace. The plurality of first telescopic lock teeth 24 are arranged at equal intervals in the tooth alignment direction H3 orthogonal to the tooth trace direction. The tooth trace direction is a direction that intersects the telescopic direction Z1, for example, a direction that is orthogonal. Further, the tooth alignment direction H3 is set parallel to the telescopic direction Z1.

  Each second telescopic lock tooth 25 is formed in a cross-sectional chevron shape. The top of each second telescopic lock tooth 25 extends straight in the tooth trace direction. The plurality of second telescopic lock teeth 25 are arranged at equal intervals in the tooth alignment direction H4 orthogonal to the tooth trace direction. The tooth trace direction is a direction that intersects the telescopic direction Z1, for example, a direction that is orthogonal. The tooth alignment direction H4 is set parallel to the telescopic direction Z1.

Next, the prevention of the tooth tip lock state will be described in the case of tilt lock. In the case of the telescopic lock, the tooth tip lock is prevented in the same manner as the tilt lock.
Fig.8 (a) is sectional drawing which follows the VIII-VIII line | wire of FIG. 7, is the sectional view which shows the state which the lock-tooth formation unit 19 is in the state where the position was adjusted, and before fastening, FIG. FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the lock tooth forming unit illustrated in FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the lock tooth forming unit 19 shown in FIG. 8B is further tightened, and FIG. 9B is a diagram showing the lock tooth forming unit shown in FIG. 9A. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which 19 fastening was completed.

  Referring to FIGS. 3 and 8A, when the tilt adjustment is performed, the tops of the first tilt lock teeth 22 and the second tilt lock teeth 23 are mutually aligned in the axial direction S2 of the lock bolt 21. Assume the case of facing each other. In this case, when the first lock tooth forming body 35 is displaced toward the left side plate 15c of the fixing bracket 15 in accordance with the turning operation of the operation lever 14 for tilt locking, the first tilt lock teeth 22 are displaced. And the tops of the second tilt lock teeth 23 abut against each other (see FIG. 8B).

  With reference to FIG. 8B and FIG. 9A, when the tightening force F1 is applied, a component force F2 in the tilt direction K1 is generated. Accordingly, the first lock tooth forming body 35 is displaced along the first inclined surface 36a of the first holder 36 in the direction K11 in the inclination direction K1 while the elastic member 39 is elastically compressed and deformed. Accordingly, the first tilt lock teeth 22 and the second tilt lock teeth 23 are displaced relative to each other in the tooth alignment directions H1 and H2, so that the first tilt lock teeth 22 and the second tilt lock teeth 23 The state where the apexes abut each other is eliminated, and the tooth surfaces engage with each other so as to mesh with each other. Thereby, tilt lock is achieved (see FIG. 9B).

  Referring to FIG. 9A, when the tooth surfaces of the first tilt lock tooth 22 and the second tilt lock tooth 23 face each other in the axial direction S2 of the lock bolt 21, they are in contact with each other. The tooth surfaces of the first tilt lock tooth 22 and the second tilt lock tooth 23 are engaged with each other while the tooth surfaces in contact with each other are engaged with each other. Thereby, tilt lock is achieved. At this time, when the lower tooth surface of the first tilt lock tooth 22 and the upper tooth surface of the second tilt lock tooth 23 are along each other (in the case of FIG. 9A), the first The lock tooth forming body 35 is displaced in the direction K11 in the inclination direction K1.

  Although not shown, conversely, when the upper tooth surface of the first tilt lock tooth 22 and the lower tooth surface of the second tilt lock tooth 23 are along each other, the first lock tooth forming body is formed. 35 cannot be displaced in the direction opposite to the direction K11 in the tilt direction K1, the first lock tooth forming body 35 moves in the tilt direction Y1 together with the first holder 36, the lock bolt 21, etc. Tilt lock is achieved.

Referring to FIG. 3, in the tilt lock state, the first lock tooth forming body 35 and the first inclined surface 36 a of the first holder 36 are fastened to each other by the fastening mechanism 20. The relative displacement between the lock tooth forming body 35 and the first inclined surface 36a of the first holder 36 is restricted.
With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, at the time of a vehicle collision, an excessive impact force is applied to the steering wheel 2 and may be pushed forward while lifting the steering wheel 2 upward. When such an excessive impact force is applied, the first lock tooth forming body 35 moves upward along the first inclined surface 36a of the first holder 36 in conjunction with the steering wheel 2 in the locked state. Trying to move upward (upward on the page of FIG. 3). However, because of the wedge effect, the steering wheel 2 is prevented from moving upward because the first tilt surface 36a of the first holder 36 and the first tilt lock tooth 22 are engaged.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 7, similarly, the second lock tooth forming body 37 interlocking with the steering wheel 2 that has received an excessive impact force in the locked state is connected to the second holder 38. However, due to the wedge effect, the steering wheel 2 is prevented from moving forward.
Referring to FIGS. 3 and 7, the vehicle steering apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes a first tilt lock tooth 22, a first holder 36, a first inclined surface 36a, and a first lock tooth. A formed body 35 and second tilt lock teeth 23 are provided.

  Thus, when the first lock tooth forming body 35 as the movable member is pressed against the side plate 15c of the fixed bracket 15 as the regulated member, the top portions of the first and second tilt lock teeth 22 and 23 are temporarily connected to each other. Even if they come into contact with each other, the force F2 of the tightening force F1 acting on the first inclined surface 36a generates a force that relatively displaces the apexes in the tooth alignment directions H1 and H2. As a result, the tooth surfaces of the first and second tilt lock teeth 22 and 23 can be reliably engaged with each other, and the occurrence of the tooth tip lock state can be reliably prevented.

In particular, when the first holder 36 receives a force in a predetermined direction parallel to the tooth alignment directions H1 and H2, for example, an upward impact force at the time of a collision, the first lock tooth forming body 35 has a first tilt. Since it wedges between the lock teeth 22 and the first inclined surface 36a of the first holder 36, a very high lock holding force can be obtained by the wedge effect.
In addition, the same effect is obtained by having the first telescopic lock teeth 24, the second lock tooth forming body 37 formed with the second telescopic lock teeth 25, and the second inclined surface 38a for holding the second lock tooth forming body 37. It can be obtained by the second holder 38. That is, when the movable bracket 17 as the movable member is pressed against the second lock tooth forming body 37 as the regulated member, the tops of the first and second telescopic lock teeth 24 and 25 are in contact with each other. However, a force that relatively displaces the apexes in the tooth alignment directions H3 and H4 is generated by the component force of the tightening force acting on the second inclined surface 38a. As a result, the tooth surfaces of the first and second telescopic lock teeth 24 and 25 can be reliably engaged with each other, and the occurrence of the tooth tip lock state can be reliably prevented.

In particular, when the second holder 38 receives a force in a predetermined direction parallel to the tooth alignment directions H3 and H4, for example, a forward impact force at the time of a collision, the second lock tooth forming body 37 is moved to the first telescope. Since it wedges between the lock teeth 24 and the second inclined surface 38a of the second holder 38, a very high lock holding force can be obtained by the wedge effect.
In the present embodiment, the vehicle steering apparatus 1 includes an elastic member 39 that elastically biases the first lock tooth forming body 35 to the first predetermined position in the tilt direction K1.

Accordingly, the first lock tooth forming body 35 can be automatically returned to the first predetermined position in the tilt direction K1 in the unlocked state, so that the first and second tilt lock teeth in the unlocked state can be obtained. The interval between 22 and 23 can be made constant. As a result, variation in the tightening force of the tightening mechanism 20 can be reduced.
The same effect can be obtained by the elastic member 40. That is, since the second lock tooth forming body 37 can be automatically returned to the second predetermined position in the tilt direction K2 in the unlocked state, the first and second telescopic lock teeth 24 in the unlocked state can be obtained. , 25 can be made constant. As a result, variation in the tightening force of the tightening mechanism 20 can be reduced.

Moreover, in this embodiment, the guide mechanism 41 which guides the displacement of the 1st lock tooth formation body 35 to the inclination direction K1 is provided. The guide mechanism 41 includes a guide surface 36 c provided on the first holder 36 and a guided surface 35 c provided on the first lock tooth forming body 35 and engaged with the guide surface 36 c.
Accordingly, the first lock tooth forming body 35 is moved relative to the first holder 36 in a state where the tooth alignment directions H1 and H2 of the first and second tilt lock teeth 22 and 23 are maintained in parallel. Can do. As a result, the tooth surfaces of the first and second tilt lock teeth 22 and 23 can be reliably engaged with each other, and the occurrence of the tooth tip lock state can be reliably prevented.

  The same effect can be obtained by the guide mechanism 42. That is, the second lock tooth forming body 37 can be moved with respect to the second holder 38 while maintaining the tooth alignment directions H3 and H4 of the first and second telescopic lock teeth 24 and 25 in parallel. it can. As a result, the tooth surfaces of the first and second telescopic lock teeth 24 and 25 can be reliably engaged with each other, and the occurrence of the tooth tip lock state can be reliably prevented.

Moreover, the following modifications can be considered about this embodiment. In the following description, the points different from the above-described embodiment will be mainly described. In addition, about another structure, it is the same as that of the above-mentioned embodiment.
For example, FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of a first modification of the guide mechanism 41 of the first holder 36 and the first lock tooth forming body 35 of FIG. 3, and FIG. FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view of a third modification of the guide mechanism 41. FIG.

Referring to FIG. 10 (a), in the guide mechanism 41 of the first modified example, the pair of guided surfaces 35c and the opposing surface 35e form a dovetail groove, A pair of guide surfaces 36c of the one holder 36 and the first inclined surface 36a are fitted. The pair of guide surfaces 36c and the first inclined surface 36a have an ant tenon shape as a whole.
Referring to FIG. 10B, in the guide mechanism 41 of the second modified example, a pair of guide surfaces 36c is formed as a dovetail groove in the center of the first inclined surface 36a. The guided surface 35c is formed with a dovetail-shaped protrusion at the center of the opposing surface 35e, and the protrusion is fitted into the groove.

Referring to FIG. 10C, in the guide mechanism 41 of the third modified example, a pair of guide surfaces 36c is formed in the center of the first inclined surface 36a with a dovetail-shaped protrusion, and a pair of guide surfaces 36c is formed. The guided surface 35c is formed with a dovetail groove in the center of the opposing surface 35e, and a protrusion is fitted into the groove.
The telescopic second holder 38 is provided on the lock bolt 21 as a regulated member during telescopic adjustment, and the first telescopic lock teeth 24 are provided on the movable bracket 17 as the movable member during telescopic adjustment. As described above, the first holder 36 for tilt is provided on the fixed bracket 15 as a member to be regulated at the time of tilt adjustment, and the first tilt lock tooth 22 is a movable member at the time of tilt adjustment, for example, a lock tooth. It may be provided in the forming unit 19. Similarly, the telescopic second holder 38 may be provided on the fixing member during telescopic adjustment, and the first telescopic lock tooth 24 may be provided on the regulated member during telescopic adjustment.

Further, the telescopic adjustment mechanism 11 and the telescopic lock mechanism may be eliminated. Alternatively, the tilt adjustment mechanism 10 and the tilt lock mechanism may be eliminated.
Further, in the above embodiment, the lock bolt 21 and the lock tooth forming unit 19 are moved in the axial direction S2 by tightening the nut 27. However, the nut (lock bolt end face) and the lock tooth forming unit 19 A cam mechanism may be provided between them, and the lock bolt 21 and the lock tooth forming unit 19 may be moved in the axial direction S2 via the cam mechanism by turning the operation lever.

  In addition, various design changes can be made within the scope of matters described in the claims.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Steering device for vehicles, 2 ... Steering wheel, 14 ... Operation lever, 15 ... Fixed bracket (controlled member at the time of tilt adjustment), 17 ... Movable bracket (movable member at the time of telescopic adjustment), 20 ... Tightening Mechanism 21... Lock bolt (movable member for tilt adjustment, restricted member for telescopic adjustment) 22. First tilt lock tooth (first lock tooth) 23. 2nd lock tooth), 24 ... 1st telescopic lock tooth (1st lock tooth), 25 ... 2nd telescopic lock tooth (2nd lock tooth), 35 ... 1st lock tooth formation body, 35c , 37c: guided surface (guided portion), 36: first holder, 36a: first inclined surface, 36c, 38c: guide surface (guide portion), 37: second lock tooth forming body, 38 ... Second holder, 38a ... Inclined surfaces of 39, 40 ... elastic member, 41, 42 ... guide mechanism, H1, H2, H3, H4 ... teeth alignment direction, K1, K2 ... inclined direction, X1, X2 ... tightening direction.

Claims (3)

A regulated member that is restrained from being accompanied with the steering wheel during tilt adjustment or telescopic adjustment;
A movable member that is displaced together with the steering wheel during the tilt adjustment or telescopic adjustment;
A tightening mechanism for pressing the movable member against the regulated member along the tightening direction in accordance with the rotation operation of the operation lever;
A first lock tooth provided on one of the regulated member and the movable member and arranged in a tooth alignment direction orthogonal to the tightening direction;
A holder provided on the other of the regulated member and the movable member;
An inclined surface provided on the holder and inclined with respect to the tooth alignment direction;
A lock tooth forming body that is held by the inclined surface of the holder so as to be displaceable in the inclined direction of the inclined surface;
A second lock tooth formed on the lock tooth forming body, arranged in a tooth alignment direction parallel to the tooth alignment direction of the first lock tooth, and meshable with the first lock tooth. A vehicle steering apparatus characterized by the above.   The vehicle steering apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an elastic member that elastically biases the lock tooth forming body to a predetermined position in the tilt direction.   3. The guide mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising: a guide mechanism that guides the displacement of the lock tooth forming body in the tilt direction, wherein the guide mechanism is provided on the holder and the lock tooth forming body. A vehicle steering apparatus comprising: a guided portion engaged with the guide portion.

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