JP2014051182A

JP2014051182A - Steering device and method of manufacturing the same

Info

Publication number: JP2014051182A
Application number: JP2012196809A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Kaname Yasuda; 要安田; Shoichi Abe; 正一阿部; Shin Mihara; 伸三原; Seiichi Moriyama; 誠一森山; Nobuyuki Nishimura; 信幸西村; Kiyoshi Sadakata; 清定方
Original assignee: NSK Ltd
Current assignee: NSK Ltd
Priority date: 2012-09-07
Filing date: 2012-09-07
Publication date: 2014-03-20
Anticipated expiration: 2032-09-07
Also published as: JP5954062B2

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a structure for reducing cost while securing rigidity of a steering column.SOLUTION: Stopper parts 24a, 24a are formed by forming cuts in a circumferential direction at a plurality of circumferential portions of a rear end part of a steering column 6b, and bending axially adjacent parts to the cuts. At the same time, fitting parts 25a, 25a are formed by pressing a plurality of circumferential portions of an outer circumferential surface of the steering column 6b inward in a radial direction. Placement of these respective fitting parts 25a, 25a are biased vertically in attached states. An outer ring 20 of a ball bearing 19 is internally fitted and fixed to inner circumference surfaces of the respective fitting parts 25a, and at the same time, a caulking part 26 is formed by plastically deforming a rear end edge of the steering column 6b inward in the radial direction.

Description

この発明は、自動車の操舵輪に蛇角を付与する為のステアリング装置及びその製造方法の改良に関する。 The present invention relates to an improvement in a steering device and a manufacturing method thereof for imparting a snake angle to a steering wheel of an automobile.

自動車用のステアリング装置は、図１０に示す様に構成して、ステアリングホイール１の回転をステアリングギヤユニット２の入力軸３に伝達し、この入力軸３の回転に伴って左右１対のタイロッド４、４を押し引きして、前車輪に舵角を付与する様にしている。前記ステアリングホイール１は、ステアリングシャフト５の後端部に支持固定されており、このステアリングシャフト５は、円筒状のステアリングコラム６を軸方向に挿通した状態で、このステアリングコラム６に回転自在に支持されている。又、前記ステアリングシャフト５の前端部は、自在継手７を介して中間シャフト８の後端部に接続し、この中間シャフト８の前端部を、別の自在継手９を介して、前記入力軸３に接続している。 The automobile steering apparatus is configured as shown in FIG. 10, and transmits the rotation of the steering wheel 1 to the input shaft 3 of the steering gear unit 2, and a pair of left and right tie rods 4 in accordance with the rotation of the input shaft 3. 4 is pushed and pulled to give a steering angle to the front wheels. The steering wheel 1 is supported and fixed at the rear end portion of the steering shaft 5, and the steering shaft 5 is rotatably supported by the steering column 6 with the cylindrical steering column 6 inserted in the axial direction. Has been. Further, the front end portion of the steering shaft 5 is connected to the rear end portion of the intermediate shaft 8 via a universal joint 7, and the front end portion of the intermediate shaft 8 is connected to the input shaft 3 via another universal joint 9. Connected to.

この様な操舵装置で、運転者の体格や運転姿勢に応じて、前記ステアリングホイール１の上下位置を調節する為のチルト機構や、前後位置を調節する為のテレスコピック機構が、従来から広く知られている。このうちのチルト機構を構成する為に、前記ステアリングコラム６を車体１０に対して、幅方向に設置した枢軸１１を中心とする揺動変位を可能に支持している。又、前記ステアリングコラム６の後端寄り部分に固定した変位ブラケットを、前記車体１０に支持した支持ブラケット１２に対して、上下方向及び前後方向の変位を可能に支持している。このうち、前後方向の変位を可能とするテレスコピック機構を構成する為に、前記ステアリングコラム６を、アウタコラム１３とインナコラム１４とをテレスコープ状に伸縮自在に組み合わせた構造とし、前記ステアリングシャフト５を、アウタチューブ１５とインナシャフト１６とを、スプライン係合等により、トルク伝達自在に、且つ、伸縮自在に組み合わせた構造としている。尚、図示の例は、電動モータ１７を補助動力源として前記ステアリングホイール１を操作する為に要する力の低減を図る、電動式パワーステアリング装置も組み込んでいる。 With such a steering device, a tilt mechanism for adjusting the vertical position of the steering wheel 1 and a telescopic mechanism for adjusting the front-rear position according to the physique and driving posture of the driver have been widely known. ing. In order to constitute the tilt mechanism, the steering column 6 is supported with respect to the vehicle body 10 so as to be capable of swinging around the pivot 11 installed in the width direction. Further, a displacement bracket fixed to a portion near the rear end of the steering column 6 is supported so as to be able to be displaced in the vertical direction and the front-rear direction with respect to the support bracket 12 supported on the vehicle body 10. Among these, in order to constitute a telescopic mechanism that enables displacement in the front-rear direction, the steering column 6 has a structure in which an outer column 13 and an inner column 14 are telescopically combined to expand and contract, and the steering shaft 5 The outer tube 15 and the inner shaft 16 are combined with each other so as to be able to transmit torque and expand and contract by spline engagement or the like. The illustrated example also incorporates an electric power steering device that reduces the force required to operate the steering wheel 1 using the electric motor 17 as an auxiliary power source.

前記ステアリングコラム６（アウタコラム１３）は、製造コストを抑える為、鉄系合金等の電縫管（原管）により造られる事が多い。この様な円筒状のアウタコラム１３は、図１１に示す様に、後端部内周面に切削加工を施す事により、段差部１８を形成している。そして、この段差部１８に、単列深溝型の玉軸受１９等、ラジアル荷重及びスラスト荷重を支承可能な軸受を構成する外輪２０の前端面を突き当てて前記玉軸受１９の前記アウタコラム１３に対する軸方向の位置決めを図った状態で、前記外輪２０をこのアウタコラム１３の後端部に、締り嵌めで内嵌固定している。又、前記玉軸受１９を構成する内輪２１を、ステアリングシャフト５を構成するアウタチューブ１５の軸方向中間部に外嵌固定している。この様な構造により、前記ステアリングシャフト５を、前記ステアリングコラム６に、前記玉軸受１９を介して回転自在に支持している。 The steering column 6 (outer column 13) is often made of an electric sewing tube (original tube) made of an iron-based alloy or the like in order to reduce manufacturing costs. As shown in FIG. 11, such a cylindrical outer column 13 forms a stepped portion 18 by cutting the inner peripheral surface of the rear end portion. Then, a front end surface of an outer ring 20 constituting a bearing capable of supporting a radial load and a thrust load, such as a single row deep groove type ball bearing 19, is abutted against the stepped portion 18, and the ball bearing 19 against the outer column 13. The outer ring 20 is internally fitted and fixed to the rear end portion of the outer column 13 with an interference fit in a state where the axial positioning is achieved. Further, the inner ring 21 constituting the ball bearing 19 is externally fitted and fixed to the intermediate portion in the axial direction of the outer tube 15 constituting the steering shaft 5. With such a structure, the steering shaft 5 is rotatably supported on the steering column 6 via the ball bearings 19.

図１２〜１３は、特許文献１に記載された、ステアリング装置を構成するステアリングコラム６ａを示している。このステアリングコラム６ａは、軸方向中間部の周方向複数箇所を等間隔にコ字形に打ち抜くと共に、打ち抜いた内側部分を径方向内方に曲げ形成する事で、複数の舌片２２を設けている。又、打ち抜き成形された開口部２３の周縁部のうち、この開口部２３の前端縁及び左右両側縁のそれぞれの中央部を径方向内方に向け塑性変形させる事で、ストッパ部２４と嵌合部２５、２５とをそれぞれ形成している。そして、これら各ストッパ部２４の後端面に、玉軸受１９の外輪２０の前端面を突き当てて軸方向の位置決めを図ると共に、この外輪２０の外周面を、前記各嵌合部２５、２５の内周面に内嵌固定する。又、前記各舌片２２の先端面（前端面）を、前記外輪２０の後端面に係合させ、この外輪２０をこれら各舌片２２と前記各ストッパ部２４とで軸方向両側から挟持する事により、前記玉軸受１９が軸方向に変位するのを阻止する。 12 to 13 illustrate a steering column 6a described in Patent Document 1 and constituting a steering device. This steering column 6a is provided with a plurality of tongue pieces 22 by punching a plurality of circumferential locations in the axial intermediate portion into a U-shape at equal intervals and bending the punched inner portion radially inward. . In addition, among the peripheral portions of the punched opening 23, the center portion of the front end edge and the left and right side edges of the opening 23 is plastically deformed radially inward to be fitted to the stopper portion 24. The portions 25 and 25 are formed. Then, the front end surface of the outer ring 20 of the ball bearing 19 is abutted against the rear end surface of each of the stopper portions 24 to achieve axial positioning, and the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring 20 is connected to the fitting portions 25, 25. It is fitted and fixed to the inner peripheral surface. Further, the front end face (front end face) of each tongue piece 22 is engaged with the rear end face of the outer ring 20, and the outer ring 20 is sandwiched between the tongue pieces 22 and the stopper portions 24 from both sides in the axial direction. This prevents the ball bearing 19 from being displaced in the axial direction.

上述の様な特許文献１に記載されたステアリングコラム６ａの場合、玉軸受１９を、軸方向の位置決めを図った状態で、このステアリングコラム６ａの内周面に内嵌固定する為の構造を、前述した従来構造の第１例の様に切削加工を施す事なく実現できて、前記ステアリングコラム６ａの製造コストの増大を抑えられる。但し、前記特許文献１に記載された従来構造の第２例の場合、製造コストをより一層抑える面からは改良の余地がある。即ち、この従来構造の第２例の場合、先ず、前記ステアリングコラム６ａの軸方向中間部に打ち抜き加工を施して前記各舌片２２及び前記各開口部２３を設けた後、これら各開口部２３の前端縁及び左右両端縁中央部を径方向内方に向け押圧する事で、前記各ストッパ部２４及び前記各嵌合部２５、２５を設ける。次いで、これら各ストッパ部２４により前記玉軸受１９の軸方向の位置決めを図りつつ、この玉軸受１９を前記各嵌合部２５、２５の内周面に内嵌する。その後、前記各舌片２２を径方向内方に折り曲げる事で、前記玉軸受１９の軸方向変位を阻止する。この為、工程数が増大したり、或いは複雑な金型が必要になる等により、製造コストが増大する可能性がある。又、前記ステアリングコラム６ａの周方向複数箇所に、径方向に貫通する状態で、比較的大きな開口部２３を設けている為、前記玉軸受１９の設置部分で、前記ステアリングコラム６ａの剛性が低下する可能性がある。 In the case of the steering column 6a described in Patent Document 1 as described above, a structure for internally fitting and fixing the ball bearing 19 to the inner peripheral surface of the steering column 6a in a state where the ball bearing 19 is positioned in the axial direction, This can be realized without cutting as in the first example of the conventional structure described above, and an increase in the manufacturing cost of the steering column 6a can be suppressed. However, in the case of the second example of the conventional structure described in Patent Document 1, there is room for improvement from the viewpoint of further reducing the manufacturing cost. That is, in the case of the second example of the conventional structure, first, the tongue portions 22 and the openings 23 are provided by punching the intermediate portion in the axial direction of the steering column 6a. The stopper portions 24 and the fitting portions 25 and 25 are provided by pressing the front edge and the center of the left and right edges toward the inside in the radial direction. Next, the ball bearing 19 is fitted into the inner peripheral surfaces of the fitting portions 25 and 25 while the ball bearing 19 is positioned in the axial direction by the stopper portions 24. Thereafter, each of the tongue pieces 22 is bent radially inward to prevent the ball bearing 19 from being displaced in the axial direction. For this reason, there is a possibility that the manufacturing cost increases due to an increase in the number of processes or the need for a complicated mold. Further, since a relatively large opening 23 is provided at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the steering column 6a so as to penetrate in the radial direction, the rigidity of the steering column 6a is reduced at the portion where the ball bearing 19 is installed. there's a possibility that.

特開平１１−３４２８５３号公報JP-A-11-342853

本発明は、上述の様な事情に鑑みて、ステアリングコラムの内側にステアリングシャフトを、軸受を介して回転自在に支持するステアリング装置を、前記ステアリングコラムの剛性を確保しつつ、生産性を向上し、低コストで造れる構造及びその製造方法を実現すべく発明したものである。 In view of the circumstances as described above, the present invention improves the productivity of a steering device that rotatably supports a steering shaft inside a steering column via a bearing while ensuring the rigidity of the steering column. Invented to realize a structure that can be manufactured at low cost and a method for manufacturing the structure.

本発明のステアリング装置及びその製造方法のうち、請求項１に記載のステアリング装置は、ステアリングコラムと、ステアリングシャフトとを備える。
このうちのステアリングコラムは、中空円管状で、車体に支持される。
又、前記ステアリングシャフトは、後端部にステアリングホイールを固定し、前記ステアリングコラム内に、軸受を介して回転自在に支持されている。
特に、本発明のステアリング装置に於いては、前記ステアリングコラムの周方向複数箇所（少なくとも２箇所以上）に設けた周方向の切り込みに対して、このステアリングコラムの中央側（前記軸受を圧入する開口部とは反対側）で、且つ、これら各切り込みと軸方向に隣接する部分を径方向内方に向け曲げ成形する事で、複数のストッパ部を設けている。そして、前記軸受の外輪の外端面を、これら各ストッパ部に突き当てる事により軸方向の位置決めを図っている。又、前記ステアリングコラムの外周面のうち、軸方向に関して前記各切り込みに対しこのステアリングコラムの開口側の周方向複数箇所（少なくとも３箇所以上）を、径方向内方に塑性変形させる事により、複数の嵌合部を設けている。そして、前記軸受の外輪を、これら各嵌合部に内嵌固定している。更に、これら各嵌合部を、周方向に関して不均等に配置している。 Among the steering apparatus and the manufacturing method thereof according to the present invention, the steering apparatus according to claim 1 includes a steering column and a steering shaft.
Among these, the steering column has a hollow circular tube shape and is supported by the vehicle body.
The steering shaft has a steering wheel fixed to a rear end portion thereof, and is rotatably supported in the steering column via a bearing.
In particular, in the steering device of the present invention, the center side of the steering column (opening for press-fitting the bearing) with respect to circumferential notches provided at a plurality (at least two or more) in the circumferential direction of the steering column. A plurality of stopper portions are provided by bending a portion adjacent to each of the cuts in the axial direction inwardly in the radial direction. Then, the outer end surface of the outer ring of the bearing is abutted against each of the stopper portions to achieve axial positioning. Further, a plurality of circumferential positions (at least three positions) on the opening side of the steering column with respect to the respective incisions in the axial direction on the outer peripheral surface of the steering column are plastically deformed radially inward, thereby causing a plurality of The fitting part is provided. And the outer ring | wheel of the said bearing is internally fitted and fixed to these each fitting part. Furthermore, these fitting parts are arranged unevenly in the circumferential direction.

上述の様な本発明のステアリング装置を実施する場合に好ましくは、請求項２に記載した発明の様に、前記各嵌合部の配置を、取付状態（前記ステアリング装置を車体に取り付けた状態）での上下方向に偏らせる。
又、好ましくは請求項３に記載した発明の様に、前記軸受を、前記ステアリングコラムの端部に内嵌固定し、このステアリングコラムの端縁を径方向内方に塑性変形して成るかしめ部により、前記軸受の抜け止めを図る。 When the steering device of the present invention as described above is implemented, preferably, as in the invention described in claim 2, the arrangement of the respective fitting portions is in an attached state (a state in which the steering device is attached to the vehicle body). Bias up and down at
Preferably, as in the invention described in claim 3, the bearing is fitted and fixed to the end of the steering column, and the end of the steering column is plastically deformed radially inward. Thus, the bearing is prevented from coming off.

又、請求項４に記載のステアリング装置の製造方法は、ステアリングコラムの外周面の周方向複数箇所に、周方向の切り込みを入れつつ、これら各切り込みに対して、このステアリングコラムの中央側で、軸方向に隣接する部分を径方向内方に向けて曲げ成形する（切り曲げ加工を施す）事で、前記各ストッパ部を設ける。これと同時に、前記ステアリングコラムの外周面のうち、軸方向に関して前記各切り込みに対しこのステアリングコラムの開口側で、周方向に関して不均等な複数箇所を、径方向内方に向け押圧して塑性変形させる事で、その内周面の内径が、周方向に隣接する部分の内径よりも小さい嵌合部を設ける。 Further, in the manufacturing method of the steering device according to claim 4, while making circumferential incisions at a plurality of circumferential positions on the outer peripheral surface of the steering column, with respect to each of these incisions, on the center side of the steering column, The respective stopper portions are provided by bending a portion adjacent to the axial direction inward in the radial direction (performing cutting and bending). At the same time, on the opening side of the steering column with respect to each notch in the axial direction on the outer peripheral surface of the steering column, a plurality of non-uniform portions in the circumferential direction are pressed radially inward to cause plastic deformation. By doing so, a fitting portion in which the inner diameter of the inner peripheral surface is smaller than the inner diameter of the portion adjacent in the circumferential direction is provided.

上述の様な請求項４に記載した発明を実施する場合に好ましくは、請求項５に記載した
発明の様に、前記ステアリングコラム内に、外周面の周方向に関して不均等な複数箇所に凹部を設けた中子を、この中子の先端面の軸方向位置が、前記軸受をこのステアリングコラム内に組み付けた状態でこの軸受の外輪の端面が位置する軸方向位置と一致する様に、挿入量を規制して挿入する。又、前記ステアリングコラムの径方向外方で、且つ、周方向に関する位相が前記中子の凹部と一致する部分に押圧パンチを、周方向複数箇所に剪断工具の刃部を、それぞれ配置する。これら押圧パンチ及び剪断工具は、それぞれの外周面に設けた被駆動側傾斜面を、押し板に支持されてこの押し板と共に変位するスライドブロックの駆動側傾斜面と係合させる事により、この押し板が上下方向に変位するのに伴い、径方向に変位する様にする。そして、この押し板を下方に変位させる事に伴い、前記押圧パンチ及び前記剪断工具を径方向内方に変位させ、このうちの押圧パンチの内周面に設けた凸部により前記ステアリングコラムの外周面を押圧する事で、前記各嵌合部を形成する。これと共に、前記剪断工具の刃部によりこのステアリングコラムの外周面に切り込みを形成し、更に、この刃部を前記中子の先端面に沿って径方向内方に変位させ、この切り込みに隣接する部分を径方向内方に曲げ成形する事で、前記各ストッパ部を形成する。 In the case of carrying out the invention described in claim 4 as described above, preferably, as in the invention described in claim 5, recesses are provided in a plurality of portions that are uneven in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface in the steering column. Insert the core so that the axial position of the front end surface of the core matches the axial position where the end surface of the outer ring of the bearing is located when the bearing is assembled in the steering column. Is regulated and inserted. Further, a pressing punch is disposed at a portion radially outward of the steering column and a phase in the circumferential direction coincides with the concave portion of the core, and blade portions of the shearing tool are disposed at a plurality of circumferential positions. These pressing punches and shearing tools are driven by engaging a driven side inclined surface provided on each outer peripheral surface with a driving side inclined surface of a slide block supported by the pressing plate and displaced together with the pressing plate. As the plate is displaced in the vertical direction, it is displaced in the radial direction. Then, as the pressing plate is displaced downward, the pressing punch and the shearing tool are displaced radially inward, and the outer periphery of the steering column is formed by a convex portion provided on the inner peripheral surface of the pressing punch. Each said fitting part is formed by pressing a surface. At the same time, a notch is formed in the outer peripheral surface of the steering column by the blade portion of the shearing tool, and the blade portion is displaced radially inward along the tip surface of the core, and is adjacent to the notch. Each of the stoppers is formed by bending the portion radially inward.

又、好ましくは請求項６に記載した発明の様に、前記各ストッパ部及び前記各嵌合部を前記ステアリングコラムの端部に形成し、このステアリングコラムの端部に前記軸受を、圧入治具により軸方向に押圧して圧入する際に、この圧入治具の先端部に設けられ、先端に向う程径方向外方に向う方向に傾斜した、断面形状が部分円弧状の凹曲面やテーパ面等の傾斜面部により、このステアリングコラムの端縁を径方向内方に向け塑性変形させて、かしめ部を形成する。尚、このかしめ部の数及び周方向に関する位相は、特に問わない。即ち、このかしめ部を、前記ステアリングコラムの端部に全周に亙って設ける事もできるし、この端部の周方向複数箇所に間欠的に設ける事もできる。
この場合に好ましくは、請求項７に記載した発明の様に、前記各押圧パンチの凸部により前記ステアリングコラムの外周面を押圧する押圧量を、このステアリングコラムの端縁に向う程徐々に少なくする。そして、前記各嵌合部のうちの端縁寄り部分に、開口端縁に向う程径方向外方に向う方向に傾斜した、テーパ状のガイド部を設ける。 Preferably, as in the invention described in claim 6, each stopper portion and each fitting portion are formed at an end portion of the steering column, and the bearing is attached to the end portion of the steering column. When pressing and pressing in the axial direction, a concave curved surface or tapered surface with a partially arcuate cross section is provided at the tip of the press-fitting jig and is inclined in the direction of the radial outward as it goes to the tip. The edge of the steering column is plastically deformed inward in the radial direction by an inclined surface portion such as, and a caulking portion is formed. The number of the caulking portions and the phase related to the circumferential direction are not particularly limited. That is, the caulking portion can be provided over the entire circumference of the end portion of the steering column, or can be provided intermittently at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the end portion.
In this case, preferably, as in the invention described in claim 7, the amount of pressing of the outer peripheral surface of the steering column by the convex portion of each pressing punch is gradually reduced toward the edge of the steering column. To do. And the taper-shaped guide part which inclined in the direction which goes to radial direction outward is provided in the part near the edge of each said fitting part toward the opening edge.

上述の様に構成する本発明によれば、ステアリングコラムの内側にステアリングシャフトを、軸受を介して回転自在に支持するステアリング装置を、前記ステアリングコラムの剛性を確保しつつ、生産性を向上して、低コストで得られる。
即ち、本発明の場合、前記軸受の軸方向の位置決めを図る為のストッパ部を、ステアリングコラムの外周面の周方向複数箇所に、周方向の切り込みを入れつつ、これら各切れ込みに対して、このステアリングコラムの中央側で、軸方向に隣接する部分を径方向内方に向けて曲げ成形する事により設ける。この為、前述の図１２〜１３に示した従来構造の第２例の様に、ステアリングコラム６ａの外周面に径方向に貫通した状態で、比較的大きな開口部２３を設ける必要がなく、前記ステアリングコラムの剛性低下を抑えられる。 According to the present invention configured as described above, the steering device that rotatably supports the steering shaft on the inside of the steering column via the bearing can improve the productivity while ensuring the rigidity of the steering column. Can be obtained at low cost.
That is, in the case of the present invention, the stopper portion for positioning the bearing in the axial direction is provided with a plurality of circumferential incisions in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the steering column. It is provided by bending the axially adjacent portion radially inward on the center side of the steering column. Therefore, as in the second example of the conventional structure shown in FIGS. 12 to 13 described above, it is not necessary to provide a relatively large opening 23 in a state where the outer peripheral surface of the steering column 6a penetrates in the radial direction. Reduces the rigidity of the steering column.

又、前記軸受の外輪を、周方向に関して間欠的に設けられ、且つ、その内周面の内径が、周方向に隣接する部分の内径よりも小さい嵌合部に内嵌固定している為、前記外輪をステアリングコラムに、容易に、しかもがたつきなく内嵌できる。
更に、本発明の場合、前記各嵌合部を周方向に関し不均等に配置している。この為、これら各嵌合部を、製造誤差（寸法のばらつき）が比較的大きな塑性加工により形成した場合に、これら各嵌合部と前記軸受の外輪との締め代が過度に大きくなるのを抑えられる。この結果、この軸受の回転抵抗の増大を抑えつつ、必要とする方向のがたつきを防止して、同方向の剛性を高くできる。 Further, since the outer ring of the bearing is intermittently provided in the circumferential direction, and the inner diameter of the inner circumferential surface thereof is internally fitted and fixed to a fitting portion smaller than the inner diameter of the portion adjacent in the circumferential direction, The outer ring can be fitted into the steering column easily and without rattling.
Furthermore, in the case of this invention, each said fitting part is arrange | positioned unevenly regarding the circumferential direction. For this reason, when these fitting parts are formed by plastic working with relatively large manufacturing errors (size variations), the allowance between the fitting parts and the outer ring of the bearing becomes excessively large. It can be suppressed. As a result, while suppressing an increase in the rotational resistance of the bearing, it is possible to prevent rattling in the required direction and increase the rigidity in the same direction.

例えば、請求項２に記載した発明によれば、前記各嵌合部の配置を、取付状態に於ける上下方向に偏らせている為、車体に支持されたステアリングコラムに対する前記軸受の上下方向に関する支持剛性を高くでき、延いては、前記車体に対するステアリングシャフトの同方向に関する支持剛性を高くできる。この結果、走行時等に加わる上下方向の衝撃に拘らず、ステアリングホイールの振動を抑えられる。
又、請求項４に記載した発明によれば、前記各ストッパ部と前記各嵌合部とを、同時に（１工程で）形成できる為、工程数を削減し、生産性を向上して、製造コストを削減できる。 For example, according to the invention described in claim 2, since the arrangement of the fitting portions is biased in the vertical direction in the attached state, the vertical direction of the bearing relative to the steering column supported by the vehicle body is related. The support rigidity can be increased, and as a result, the support rigidity in the same direction of the steering shaft with respect to the vehicle body can be increased. As a result, the vibration of the steering wheel can be suppressed regardless of the vertical impact applied during traveling or the like.
In addition, according to the invention described in claim 4, since each stopper portion and each fitting portion can be formed simultaneously (in one step), the number of steps can be reduced, productivity can be improved, and manufacturing can be performed. Cost can be reduced.

本発明の実施の形態の第１例を、ステアリングコラムと軸受とを、取り出した状態で示す部分断面図（Ａ）と、（Ａ）のａ−ａ断面図（Ｂ）。FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view (A) showing a first example of an embodiment of the present invention in a state in which a steering column and a bearing are taken out, and a sectional view taken along the line aa in FIG. 同じくステアリングコラムを、軸受を組み付ける以前の状態で示す、図１と同方向から見た断面図（Ａ）、（Ａ）のｂ−ｂ断面図（Ｂ）、（Ａ）のｃ−ｃ断面図（Ｃ）、ステアリングコラムを径方向外方から見た状態で嵌合部の形状を示す正投影図（Ｄ）、同じくストッパ部の形状を示す正投影図（Ｅ）。Similarly, the steering column is shown in a state before assembling the bearing, and is a cross-sectional view (A) from the same direction as FIG. 1, a bb cross-sectional view (B) in FIG. (C) An orthographic projection view (D) showing the shape of the fitting portion in a state where the steering column is viewed from the outside in the radial direction, and an orthographic projection view (E) showing the shape of the stopper portion. ストッパ部の形状の別例を示す、図２の（Ｂ）と同様の図（Ａ）、同じく（Ｅ）と同様の図（Ｂ）。The figure (A) similar to (B) of FIG. 2 which shows another example of the shape of a stopper part, and the figure (B) similar to (E). ステアリングコラムの端部に、前記ストッパ部を形成する状態を示す要部断面図。The principal part sectional view showing the state where the stopper part is formed in the end of the steering column. 同じく嵌合部を形成する状態を示す要部断面図。The principal part sectional drawing which similarly shows the state which forms a fitting part. 図４のｄ−ｄ断面図。Dd sectional drawing of FIG. ステアリングコラムの端部に前記軸受を圧入する手順を工程順に示す断面図。Sectional drawing which shows the procedure which press-fits the said bearing in the edge part of a steering column in order of a process. 本発明の実施の形態の第２例を示す、図１の（Ｂ）と同様の図。The figure similar to (B) of Drawing 1 showing the 2nd example of an embodiment of the invention. 本発明の実施の形態の第２例を示す、図２の（Ｃ）と同様の図。The figure similar to (C) of Drawing 2 showing the 2nd example of an embodiment of the invention. 従来から知られているステアリング装置の第１例を、一部を切断した状態で示す略側面図。The schematic side view which shows the 1st example of the steering apparatus conventionally known in the state which cut | disconnected a part. 同じくステアリングコラムの後端部の断面図。Sectional drawing of the rear-end part of a steering column similarly. 従来構造の第２例を、ステアリングコラムを取り出して示す斜視図。The perspective view which takes out a steering column and shows the 2nd example of conventional structure. 同じくステアリングコラムの内側に軸受を内嵌した状態で示す要部拡大断面図。The principal part expanded sectional view similarly shown in the state which fitted the bearing inside the steering column.

［実施の形態の第１例］
図１〜７は、本発明の実施の形態の第１例を示している。尚、本例を含めて、本発明のステアリング装置及びその製造方法の特徴は、ステアリングコラム６ｂの内側に、ステアリングシャフト５（図１０〜１１参照）を回転自在に支持する為の玉軸受１９の如き転がり軸受等の軸受を、軸方向の位置決めを図った状態で内嵌固定する構造を、前記ステアリングコラム６ｂの剛性を確保しつつ、低コストで実現する点にある。その他の部分の構造及び作用は、前述した図１０〜１１に示した従来構造の第１例を含め、従来から知られているステアリング装置と同様であるから、同等部分に関する図示並びに説明は、省略若しくは簡略にし、以下、本例の特徴部分を中心に説明する。尚、本例のステアリング装置に組み込む軸受は、単列深溝型の玉軸受１９に限らず、ラジアル荷重及びスラスト荷重を支承可能な軸受であれば、種々の構造のものを使用できる。 [First example of embodiment]
1 to 7 show a first example of an embodiment of the present invention. The feature of the steering device and the manufacturing method thereof according to the present invention including this example is that a ball bearing 19 for rotatably supporting the steering shaft 5 (see FIGS. 10 to 11) is provided inside the steering column 6b. A structure in which such a bearing such as a rolling bearing is fitted and fixed in an axially positioned state is realized at a low cost while ensuring the rigidity of the steering column 6b. Since the structure and operation of the other parts are the same as those of the steering apparatus conventionally known including the first example of the conventional structure shown in FIGS. 10 to 11 described above, illustration and description of equivalent parts are omitted. Or, for simplicity, the following description will focus on the features of this example. The bearing incorporated in the steering device of the present embodiment is not limited to the single row deep groove type ball bearing 19, and various types of bearings can be used as long as they can support a radial load and a thrust load.

本例の場合、前記ステアリングコラム６ｂの後端部｛図１及び図２の（Ａ）の右端部｝の周方向複数箇所に等間隔（図示の例では径方向反対側２箇所）に、ストッパ部２４ａ、２４ａを設けている。又、軸方向に関してこれら両ストッパ部２４ａ、２４ａよりも開口端縁側で、且つ、周方向に関する位相がこれら両ストッパ部２４ａ、２４ａから外れた部分の周方向複数箇所（図示の例の場合３箇所）に、周方向に隣接する部分よりも内径（内接円の直径）が小さい、嵌合部２５ａ、２５ａを設けている。但し、これら各嵌合部２５ａ、２５ａのうちの何れかの嵌合部２５ａを、前記両ストッパ部２４ａ、２４ａのうちの何れかのストッパ部２４ａと周方向に関する位相を同じとする事もできる。何れにしても、前記各嵌合部２５ａ、２５ａの断面形状は、前記ステアリングコラム６ｂの本体部分と同心円状の、部分円弧状としている。 In the case of this example, stoppers are provided at equal intervals (two locations on the opposite side in the radial direction) at a plurality of circumferential positions on the rear end portion of the steering column 6b {right end portion in FIGS. 1 and 2A}. Portions 24a and 24a are provided. Further, a plurality of circumferential locations (three locations in the example shown in the figure) at the opening edge side of both the stopper portions 24a and 24a with respect to the axial direction and the phase with respect to the circumferential direction deviate from both the stopper portions 24a and 24a. ) Are provided with fitting portions 25a and 25a having a smaller inner diameter (diameter of the inscribed circle) than a portion adjacent in the circumferential direction. However, any one of the fitting portions 25a and 25a may have the same phase in the circumferential direction as any one of the stopper portions 24a of the stopper portions 24a and 24a. . In any case, the cross-sectional shape of each of the fitting portions 25a, 25a is a partial arc shape concentric with the main body portion of the steering column 6b.

又、本例の場合、前記各嵌合部２５ａ、２５ａを、周方向に関して不均等に配置している。具体的には、これら各嵌合部２５ａ、２５ａの周方向に関する配置を、前記ステアリングコラム６ｂを車体１０（図１０参照）に取り付けた状態で、上下方向に偏った位置としている。即ち、前記各嵌合部２５ａ、２５ａのそれぞれの周方向の間隔は、上側の嵌合部２５ａと下側の嵌合部２５ａ、２５ａの中心とのそれぞれが成す角度をθ_１、下側の嵌合部２５ａ、２５ａの中心同士の成す角度をθ_２とした場合に、前記上側の嵌合部２５ａ、２５ａに関する角度θ_１を、下側の嵌合部２５ａ、２５ａ同士に関する角度θ_２よりも大きく（θ_１＞θ_２）する事により、周方向に不均等に配置している。即ち、前記上側の嵌合部２５ａは、上下方向の仮想線Ｍ上に存在し、前記下側の嵌合部２５ａ、２５ａは、この仮想線Ｍから少しだけ（θ_２／２ずつ、例えば２０〜４０度ずつ）周方向に傾いた位置に存在する。言い換えれば、３箇所の嵌合部２５ａ、２５ａのうちの２箇所が、図２の（Ｃ）の下側に、前記仮想線Ｍを挟んで設けられ、他の１箇所が、図２の（Ｃ）の上側に、この仮想線Ｍ上に設けている。そして、前記下側２箇所の嵌合部２５ａ、２５ａ同士の周方向に関する間隔を、これら下側２箇所の嵌合部２５ａ、２５ａと前記上側１箇所の嵌合部２５ａとのそれぞれの周方向に関する間隔よりも小さくしている。 In the case of this example, the fitting portions 25a and 25a are unevenly arranged in the circumferential direction. Specifically, the arrangement of the fitting portions 25a and 25a in the circumferential direction is set to a position deviated in the vertical direction with the steering column 6b attached to the vehicle body 10 (see FIG. 10). That is, the circumferential spacing of each of the fitting portions 25a, 25a is such that the angle formed by the upper fitting portion 25a and the center of the lower fitting portion 25a, 25a is θ ₁ , fitting portion 25a, the angle between the centers of 25a when the theta _2, the upper fitting portion 25a, the angle theta ₁ relates 25a, the lower side of the fitting portion 25a, than the angle theta ₂ relates 25a together Is also made large (θ ₁ > θ ₂ ), so that they are unevenly arranged in the circumferential direction. That is, the upper fitting portion 25a is present in the vertical direction of the virtual line on M, the lower fitting portion 25a, 25a is slightly from the imaginary line M (θ _2/2 by, for example, 20 It exists at a position inclined in the circumferential direction (about 40 degrees). In other words, two of the three fitting portions 25a, 25a are provided on the lower side of FIG. 2C with the virtual line M in between, and the other one is ( It is provided on the imaginary line M above C). And the space | interval regarding the circumferential direction of the said lower two fitting parts 25a and 25a is each circumferential direction of these lower two fitting parts 25a and 25a and the said upper one fitting part 25a. Is less than the interval.

そして、前記両ストッパ部２４ａ、２４ａに、前記玉軸受１９を構成する外輪２０の前端面を突き当ててこの玉軸受１９の前記ステアリングコラム６ｂに対する軸方向の位置決めを図りつつ、前記外輪２０を前記各嵌合部２５ａ、２５ａに締り嵌めで内嵌している。更に、前記ステアリングコラム６ｂのうちで、前記外輪２０の後端面よりも後方に突出した後端縁部のうちで、周方向に関して前記各嵌合部２５ａ、２５ａと整合する部分を径方向内方に塑性変形させて、かしめ部２６、２６を形成している。そして、前記外輪２０を前記両ストッパ部２４ａ、２４ａとこのかしめ部２６、２６とで挟持する事により、前記玉軸受１９の軸方向変位を阻止している The front end surface of the outer ring 20 constituting the ball bearing 19 is abutted against the stopper portions 24a and 24a to position the ball bearing 19 in the axial direction with respect to the steering column 6b. It fits in each fitting part 25a, 25a by interference fitting. Further, in the steering column 6b, a portion of the rear end edge protruding rearward from the rear end face of the outer ring 20 is aligned radially inward with the fitting portions 25a and 25a in the circumferential direction. The caulking portions 26, 26 are formed by plastic deformation. The outer ring 20 is sandwiched between the stopper portions 24a, 24a and the caulking portions 26, 26, thereby preventing the ball bearing 19 from being displaced in the axial direction.

本例のステアリング装置を構成するステアリングコラム６ｂは、電縫管或いは引き抜き管等のパイプ材にプレス加工を施す事で、前記両ストッパ部２４ａ、２４ａ及び前記各嵌合部２５ａ、２５ａを同時に形成する。更に、後端部に前記玉軸受１９を圧入すると同時に、前記ステアリングコラム６ｂの後端縁部を塑性変形させ、前記各かしめ部２６、２６を形成する。以下、このステアリングコラム６ｂを造り、更にこのステアリングコラム６ｂの後端部に前記玉軸受１９を保持固定する手順を説明する。 The steering column 6b constituting the steering device of the present example simultaneously forms the stopper portions 24a and 24a and the fitting portions 25a and 25a by pressing a pipe material such as an electric sewing tube or a drawing tube. To do. Further, the ball bearing 19 is press-fitted into the rear end portion, and at the same time, the rear end edge portion of the steering column 6b is plastically deformed to form the caulking portions 26, 26. Hereinafter, a procedure for manufacturing the steering column 6b and holding and fixing the ball bearing 19 on the rear end portion of the steering column 6b will be described.

前記ステアリングコラム６ｂは、先ず、図４〜６に示す様なプレス装置２７にセットして、このステアリングコラム６ｂの後端部に前記両ストッパ部２４ａ、２４ａ及び前記各嵌合部２５ａ、２５ａを形成する。前記プレス装置２７に各方向（軸方向、径方向及び周方向）の変位を阻止した状態で支持されたステアリングコラム６ｂの先端部（図４〜５の上端部）に、周方向に関して不均等な複数箇所（図示の例では３箇所）に、それぞれ軸方向に長い凹部２８、２８を設けた、中子２９の先端部（図４〜５の下端部）を挿入する。この中子２９の挿入量は、この中子２９の先端面（図４〜５の下端面）の軸方向位置が、前記玉軸受１９を前記ステアリングコラム６ｂに組み付けた状態で、この玉軸受１９の外輪２０の前端面が位置する軸方向位置と一致する様に規制する。この状態で、前記中子２９は、抑え治具３０により径方向、周方向及び軸方向（少なくともこの中子２９の前記ステアリングコラム６ｂの先端部に対する挿入量が増える方向）の変位を阻止される。 The steering column 6b is first set on a press device 27 as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, and the stoppers 24a and 24a and the fitting portions 25a and 25a are provided at the rear end of the steering column 6b. Form. The tip of the steering column 6b (upper end in FIGS. 4 to 5) supported by the pressing device 27 in a state where displacement in each direction (axial direction, radial direction and circumferential direction) is prevented is uneven in the circumferential direction. The tip end portion (the lower end portion in FIGS. 4 to 5) of the core 29, which is provided with recesses 28 and 28 that are long in the axial direction, is inserted into a plurality of locations (three locations in the illustrated example). The insertion amount of the core 29 is such that the axial position of the tip surface (the lower end surface in FIGS. 4 to 5) of the core 29 is such that the ball bearing 19 is assembled to the steering column 6b. The outer ring 20 is regulated so as to coincide with the axial position where the front end face of the outer ring 20 is located. In this state, the core 29 is prevented from being displaced by the restraining jig 30 in the radial direction, the circumferential direction, and the axial direction (at least the direction in which the insertion amount of the core 29 increases with respect to the tip of the steering column 6b). .

又、このステアリングコラム６ｂの径方向外方で、且つ、周方向に関する位相が前記中子２９の凹部２８、２８と一致する部分に押圧パンチ３１を、同じくこれら各凹部２８、２８から外れた部分に剪断工具４４を、それぞれ配置する。これら各押圧パンチ３１及び両剪断工具４４は、前記プレス装置２７に対し径方向の変位を可能に支持されている。即ち、これら各押圧パンチ３１及び両剪断工具４４は、それぞれの先端面（図５の下端面）を抑えブロック３２に突き当てる事で、軸方向変位を阻止すると共に、それぞれの外周面の下端寄り部分に設けた被駆動側傾斜面３３を、スライドブロック３４、３４の内周面に設けた駆動側傾斜面３５と、それぞれ係合させている。これら各スライドブロック３４、３４は、プレス加工用ダイセットを構成し、プレス装置のラムにより押圧される押し板３６の上下方向変位に伴い、この押し板３６と共に上下方向に変位するもので、この押し板３６に支持固定された抑え筒３７により径方向の変位を阻止されている。即ち、この押し板３６の下方への変位に伴い、前記各スライドブロック３４が下方に変位すると、前記被駆動側、駆動側両傾斜面３３、３５同士の係合に基づいて、前記各押圧パンチ３１及び前記両剪断工具４４が径方向内方に変位する。これら各押圧パンチ３１の内周面は、前記ステアリングコラム６ｂの外周面と整合する形状となっており、前記中子２９の凹部２８、２８と整合する部分に、軸方向に長く、軸方向から見た形状が台形である凸部３８を設けている。一方、前記両剪断工具４４の内周面は、前記ステアリングコラム６ｂの外周面と整合する形状となっており、その先端部（図４の下端部）に刃部３９を設けている。それぞれが上述の様な形状を有する前記各押圧パンチ３１及び前記両剪断工具４４は、前記押し板３６の下方への変位に伴い、径方向内方に向け変位する。そして、これら各押圧パンチ３１及び両剪断工具４４の径方向内方への変位に伴って、これら両剪断工具４４の刃部３９が、前記ステアリングコラム６ｂの外周面に切り込みを形成しつつ、これら両切り込みに対してこのステアリングコラム６ｂの中央側（図４の下側）で軸方向に隣接する部分を、径方向内方に向けて曲げ成形する（切り曲げる）。そして、前記両刃部３９により押圧した部分に、前記両ストッパ部２４ａ、２４ａを形成する。これと同時に、前記各押圧パンチ３１の凸部３８が前記ステアリングコラム６ｂの外周面を押圧して、前記各嵌合部２５ａ、２５ａを形成する。尚、本例の場合、図１〜２に示す様に、前記両ストッパ部２４ａ、２４ａの形状を、四分の一球面状としている。但し、これら両ストッパ部２４ａ、２４ａは、前記両刃部３９の形状を変える事により、例えば図３に示す様に、周方向の切り込み長さを長くして、軸方向から見た形状を略三角形とする事もできる。又、本例の場合、これら各嵌合部２５ａ、２５ａを形成する際に、前記各押圧パンチ３１による押圧量を、前記ステアリングコラム６ｂの後端縁に向かう程徐々に少なくする事で、前記各嵌合部２５ａ、２５ａの後端部に、後端縁に向う程径方向外方に向う方向に傾斜したテーパ状のガイド部４０を設ける。この為に、前記中子２９の外周面と前記各押圧パンチ３１の内周面とを、このガイド部４０の形状に見合う形状にする。具体的には、これら各押圧パンチ３１の凸部３８のうちで、これら各ガイド部４０に整合する部分の高さを、図５の上方に向う程、徐々に低くする。尚、図５は、この様な形状を省略して描いている。 Further, a pressing punch 31 is provided at a portion that is radially outward of the steering column 6 b and whose phase in the circumferential direction coincides with the recesses 28, 28 of the core 29. A shearing tool 44 is disposed on each of the two. These pressing punches 31 and both shearing tools 44 are supported so as to be capable of displacement in the radial direction with respect to the pressing device 27. That is, the pressing punches 31 and the shearing tools 44 hold the respective front end surfaces (lower end surfaces in FIG. 5) against the block 32, thereby preventing axial displacement and moving closer to the lower ends of the respective outer peripheral surfaces. The driven side inclined surface 33 provided in the portion is engaged with the driving side inclined surface 35 provided on the inner peripheral surface of the slide blocks 34, 34, respectively. Each of these slide blocks 34, 34 constitutes a press working die set, and is displaced in the vertical direction together with the push plate 36 in accordance with the vertical displacement of the push plate 36 pressed by the ram of the press device. Displacement in the radial direction is prevented by a holding cylinder 37 supported and fixed to the push plate 36. That is, when each slide block 34 is displaced downward in accordance with the downward displacement of the push plate 36, the respective press punches are based on the engagement between the driven side and drive side inclined surfaces 33, 35. 31 and both the shear tools 44 are displaced radially inward. The inner peripheral surface of each pressing punch 31 has a shape that matches the outer peripheral surface of the steering column 6b, and is long in the axial direction at a portion that aligns with the recesses 28, 28 of the core 29. A convex portion 38 having a trapezoidal shape when viewed is provided. On the other hand, the inner peripheral surfaces of the two shearing tools 44 are aligned with the outer peripheral surface of the steering column 6b, and a blade portion 39 is provided at the tip (the lower end in FIG. 4). The pressing punches 31 and the shearing tools 44, each having the shape as described above, are displaced inward in the radial direction as the pressing plate 36 is displaced downward. Then, along with the displacement of each of the pressing punches 31 and the two shearing tools 44 in the radially inward direction, the blade portions 39 of the two shearing tools 44 form notches on the outer peripheral surface of the steering column 6b, A portion adjacent in the axial direction on the center side (lower side in FIG. 4) of the steering column 6b with respect to both incisions is bent and formed (cut and bent) inward in the radial direction. Then, the stopper portions 24 a and 24 a are formed in the portion pressed by the both blade portions 39. At the same time, the convex portion 38 of each pressing punch 31 presses the outer peripheral surface of the steering column 6b to form the fitting portions 25a and 25a. In the case of this example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the stopper portions 24a and 24a have a quarter-spherical shape. However, these stopper portions 24a and 24a are formed by changing the shape of the both blade portions 39 to increase the circumferential cut length, for example, as shown in FIG. It can also be. In the case of this example, when the fitting portions 25a and 25a are formed, the pressing amount by the pressing punches 31 is gradually decreased toward the rear end edge of the steering column 6b. A tapered guide portion 40 is provided at the rear end portion of each of the fitting portions 25a and 25a so as to be inclined in the radially outward direction toward the rear end edge. For this purpose, the outer peripheral surface of the core 29 and the inner peripheral surface of each pressing punch 31 are formed in a shape that matches the shape of the guide portion 40. Specifically, the height of the portion of the convex portion 38 of each pressing punch 31 that is aligned with each guide portion 40 is gradually lowered as it goes upward in FIG. In FIG. 5, such a shape is omitted.

上述の様にして、前記ステアリングコラム６ｂの後端部に、前記両ストッパ部２４ａ、２４ａ、及び、前記各嵌合部２５ａ、２５ａを形成したならば、前記ステアリングコラム６ｂを前記プレス装置２７から取り外し、次の軸受組み付け工程に移る。この軸受組み付け工程では、図７に示す様な圧入治具４１により、前記ステアリングコラム６ｂの後端部に前記玉軸受１９を組み付ける。即ち、この圧入治具４１の端面に設けた円環状の突条４２により、この玉軸受１９の外輪２０の後端面を前記ステアリングコラム６ｂに向け押圧し、この玉軸受１９をこのステアリングコラム６ｂの後端部内側に押し込む（圧入する）。そして、前記外輪２０の前端面を前記両ストッパ部２４ａ、２４ａに突き当てて、前記玉軸受１９の軸方向の位置決めを図ると共に、前記外輪２０の外周面を前記各嵌合部２５ａ、２５ａの内側に、締り嵌めで内嵌する。これと同時に、前記圧入治具４１の端面に設けられ、前記ステアリングコラム６ｂの端部の外形と整合する形状を有する円筒面部４５の奥端部で、円周方向に関し前記各嵌合部２５ａ、２５ａと整合する部分に設けた、先端に向う程径方向外方に向う方向に傾斜した傾斜面部である、断面形状が部分円弧状の凹曲面部４３により、前記ステアリングコラム６ｂのうち、前記外輪２０の後端面よりも突出した後端縁部で、周方向に関して前記各嵌合部２５ａ、２５ａと整合する部分（これら各嵌合部２５ａ、２５ａのガイド部４０）を径方向内方に向け塑性変形する事で、前記かしめ部２６、２６を形成する。前記外輪２０を締り嵌めで内嵌して保持する為の前記各嵌合部２５ａ、２５ａは、周方向に関して間欠的に設けているので、特に締め代の管理を厳密にしなくても（寸法精度を特に高くしなくても）、前記ステアリングコラム６ｂの後端部に前記外輪２０を、容易に、しかもがたつきなく内嵌できる。又、前記ステアリングコラム６ｂの外周面に形成する切り込みの周方向長さを調節する事により、前記各嵌合部２５ａ、２５ａの周方向に関する幅を調節して、前記玉軸受１９の前記ステアリングコラム６ｂに対する保持力を適切な大きさにできる。 As described above, when the stopper portions 24a and 24a and the fitting portions 25a and 25a are formed at the rear end portion of the steering column 6b, the steering column 6b is removed from the press device 27. Remove and move on to the next bearing assembly process. In this bearing assembly step, the ball bearing 19 is assembled to the rear end portion of the steering column 6b by a press-fitting jig 41 as shown in FIG. That is, the annular protrusion 42 provided on the end surface of the press-fitting jig 41 presses the rear end surface of the outer ring 20 of the ball bearing 19 toward the steering column 6b, and the ball bearing 19 is attached to the steering column 6b. Push into the rear end (press-fit). Then, the front end surface of the outer ring 20 is abutted against the stopper portions 24a and 24a to position the ball bearing 19 in the axial direction, and the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring 20 is fixed to the fitting portions 25a and 25a. Fits inside with an interference fit. At the same time, each of the fitting portions 25a in the circumferential direction is provided at the back end portion of the cylindrical surface portion 45 provided on the end surface of the press-fitting jig 41 and having a shape that matches the outer shape of the end portion of the steering column 6b. The outer ring of the steering column 6b is provided by a concave curved surface portion 43 having a partially arcuate cross section, which is an inclined surface portion that is provided in a portion aligned with 25a and is inclined in a radially outward direction toward the tip. The rear edge portion protruding from the rear end surface 20 of the 20 has a portion (guide portion 40 of each of the fitting portions 25a, 25a) aligned with the fitting portions 25a, 25a in the circumferential direction directed radially inward. The caulking portions 26 are formed by plastic deformation. The fitting portions 25a and 25a for holding the outer ring 20 in an interference fit are intermittently provided with respect to the circumferential direction. Therefore, even if the tightening margin is not strictly managed (dimensional accuracy) The outer ring 20 can be easily fitted into the rear end portion of the steering column 6b easily and without rattling. Further, by adjusting the circumferential length of the notches formed on the outer peripheral surface of the steering column 6b, the width in the circumferential direction of the fitting portions 25a, 25a is adjusted, and the steering column of the ball bearing 19 is adjusted. The holding force with respect to 6b can be made into a suitable magnitude | size.

上述の様に構成する本発明のステアリング装置及びその製造方法によれば、前記ステアリングコラム６ｂの内側に前記ステアリングシャフト５を、前記玉軸受１９を介して回転自在に支持する構造を、前記ステアリングコラム６ｂの剛性を確保しつつ、低コストで実現できる。即ち、本例の場合、前記玉軸受１９の軸方向の位置決めを図る為の前記両ストッパ部２４ａ、２４ａと、この玉軸受１９を内嵌する為の前記各嵌合部２５ａ、２５ａとを１工程で形成する。更に、この玉軸受１９を前記ステアリングコラム６ｂの後端部に圧入すると同時に、このステアリングコラム６ｂの後端部に、前記玉軸受１９の抜け止めを図る為のかしめ部２６、２６を形成する。この為、前述の図１２〜１３に示した従来構造の第２例と比べ、工程数を削減する事ができて、生産性を向上し、製造コストを抑えられる。 According to the steering device and the manufacturing method thereof of the present invention configured as described above, a structure in which the steering shaft 5 is rotatably supported inside the steering column 6b via the ball bearings 19 is provided. This can be realized at a low cost while ensuring the rigidity of 6b. That is, in the case of this example, the stopper portions 24a, 24a for axial positioning of the ball bearing 19 and the fitting portions 25a, 25a for fitting the ball bearing 19 are 1 Form in the process. Further, the ball bearing 19 is press-fitted into the rear end portion of the steering column 6b, and at the same time, the caulking portions 26 and 26 for preventing the ball bearing 19 from coming off are formed at the rear end portion of the steering column 6b. For this reason, the number of steps can be reduced compared to the second example of the conventional structure shown in FIGS. 12 to 13 described above, the productivity can be improved, and the manufacturing cost can be suppressed.

又、前記ステアリングコラム６ｂの外周面に、周方向の切り込みを形成しつつ、これら両切り込みに対し、このステアリングコラム６ｂの中央側で軸方向に隣接する部分を曲げ成形する事により、前記両ストッパ部２４ａ、２４ａを形成している。即ち、前述の図１２〜１３に示した従来構造の第２例の様に、ステアリングコラム６ａの外周面に径方向に貫通した開口部２３を設ける必要がない。この為、前記ステアリングコラム６ｂの剛性の低下を最小限に抑えられる。
更に、前記各嵌合部２５ａ、２５ａを、周方向に関して不均等に配置している為、必要とする方向の剛性を高くできる。特に、本例の場合、前記各嵌合部２５ａ、２５ａの配置を、取付状態に於ける上下方向に偏らせている。この為、前記車体１０に支持された前記ステアリングコラム６ｂに対する前記玉軸受１９の上下方向に関する支持剛性を高くでき、延いては、前記車体１０に対するステアリングシャフト５（図１０〜１１参照）の同方向に関する支持剛性を高くできる。この結果、走行時等に加わる上下方向の衝撃に拘らず、ステアリングホイール１（図１０参照）の振動を抑えられる。
又、前記各嵌合部２５ａ、２５ａを設ける際に、これら各嵌合部２５ａ、２５ａの後端縁の押圧量を少なくする事で、前記各ガイド部４０を設けている。この為、前記ステアリングコラム６ｂの後端部に前記玉軸受１９を圧入する際に、前記各嵌合部２５ａ、２５ａを、加工精度が高い切削加工によらず、製造誤差（寸法のばらつき）が比較的大きな塑性加工により形成する本例の構造の場合にも、この圧入作業を行い易くできる。 Further, while forming circumferential incisions on the outer peripheral surface of the steering column 6b, the both stoppers are formed by bending the axially adjacent portions on the center side of the steering column 6b with respect to both incisions. Portions 24a and 24a are formed. That is, unlike the second example of the conventional structure shown in FIGS. 12 to 13 described above, it is not necessary to provide the opening 23 penetrating in the radial direction on the outer peripheral surface of the steering column 6a. For this reason, a decrease in the rigidity of the steering column 6b can be minimized.
Furthermore, since the fitting portions 25a and 25a are unevenly arranged in the circumferential direction, the rigidity in the required direction can be increased. In particular, in the case of this example, the arrangement of the fitting portions 25a and 25a is biased in the vertical direction in the attached state. For this reason, the support rigidity in the vertical direction of the ball bearing 19 with respect to the steering column 6b supported by the vehicle body 10 can be increased, and consequently, the steering shaft 5 (see FIGS. 10 to 11) with respect to the vehicle body 10 has the same direction. Support rigidity can be increased. As a result, the vibration of the steering wheel 1 (see FIG. 10) can be suppressed regardless of the vertical impact applied during traveling or the like.
Further, when the fitting portions 25a and 25a are provided, the guide portions 40 are provided by reducing the pressing amount of the rear end edges of the fitting portions 25a and 25a. For this reason, when the ball bearing 19 is press-fitted into the rear end portion of the steering column 6b, the fitting portions 25a and 25a are not subject to cutting with high machining accuracy, and there is a manufacturing error (dimensional variation). In the case of the structure of this example formed by relatively large plastic working, this press-fitting operation can be easily performed.

［実施の形態の第２例］
図８〜９は、本発明の実施の形態の第２例を示している。本例の場合、ステアリングコラム６ｃの後端部の周方向４箇所に設けた嵌合部２５ｂ、２５ｂを、このステアリングコラム６ｃを車体１０（図１０参照）に取り付けた状態での、上下方向に偏った配置としている。即ち、前記ステアリングコラム６ｃの後端部を、水平方向（図９の左右方向）の仮想線Ｎにより二分割したと仮定した場合、図９に示す様に、この仮想線Ｎと前記各嵌合部２５ａ、２５ａの中心とのそれぞれが成す角度θ_３（例えば５０〜７０度）を、上下方向の仮想線Ｍとこれら各嵌合部２５ａ、２５ａの中心とのそれぞれが成す角度θ_４（例えば４０〜２０度）よりも大きくしている（θ_３＞θ_４）。これにより、これら各嵌合部２５ａ、２５ａを、前記上下方向の仮想線Ｍに近い位置に偏った状態で設けている。 [Second Example of Embodiment]
8 to 9 show a second example of the embodiment of the present invention. In the case of this example, the fitting portions 25b and 25b provided at four locations in the circumferential direction of the rear end portion of the steering column 6c are arranged in the vertical direction with the steering column 6c attached to the vehicle body 10 (see FIG. 10). The arrangement is biased. That is, when it is assumed that the rear end portion of the steering column 6c is divided into two by a virtual line N in the horizontal direction (left-right direction in FIG. 9), as shown in FIG. An angle θ ₃ (for example, 50 to 70 degrees) formed by each of the centers of the portions 25a and 25a is an angle θ ₄ (for example, formed by each of the virtual line M in the vertical direction and the centers of the respective fitting portions 25a and 25a. 40 to 20 degrees) (θ ₃ > θ ₄ ). Thereby, these fitting parts 25a and 25a are provided in the state biased to the position close | similar to the virtual line M of the said up-down direction.

又、本例の場合、前記ステアリングコラム６ｃの後端部に組み付けた玉軸受１９の抜け止めを図る、かしめ部２６ａ、２６ａを、このステアリングコラム６ｃの後端縁部のうちで、周方向に関する位相が、両ストッパ部２４ａ、２４ａと一致する部分に設けている。前記両かしめ部２６ａ、２６ａも、上述した実施の形態の第１例のかしめ部２６（図１参照）と同様に、前記玉軸受１９を、前記ステアリングコラム６ｃの後端部に圧入すると同時に形成する。尚、この玉軸受１９の抜け止めを図る為のかしめ部は、前記ステアリングコラム６ｃの後端縁部に（嵌合部の後端部に設けたガイド部の存在に関係なく）全周に亙って、或いは周方向の一部に設ける事もできる。
その他の部分の構成及び作用は、上述した実施の形態の第１例と同様であるから、重複する図示並びに説明は省略する。 Further, in the case of this example, the caulking portions 26a and 26a for preventing the ball bearing 19 assembled to the rear end portion of the steering column 6c from being connected to the circumferential direction in the rear end edge portion of the steering column 6c. The phase is provided at a portion where both the stopper portions 24a and 24a coincide. Both the caulking portions 26a and 26a are formed at the same time when the ball bearing 19 is press-fitted into the rear end portion of the steering column 6c, similarly to the caulking portion 26 (see FIG. 1) of the first example of the embodiment described above. To do. The caulking portion for preventing the ball bearing 19 from coming off is provided on the entire periphery of the rear end edge portion of the steering column 6c (regardless of the presence of the guide portion provided at the rear end portion of the fitting portion). Or it can also be provided in a part of the circumferential direction.
Since the configuration and operation of the other parts are the same as in the first example of the embodiment described above, overlapping illustrations and descriptions are omitted.

上述した、本発明の実施の形態の各例として示した構造及び製造方法は、ステアリングコラムの後端部に限らず、前端部或いは中間部に適用する事も可能である。この場合に、例えば軸受をラジアルニードル軸受とする事もできる。尚、中間部に適用する場合には、ステアリングコラムの端部外周縁をかしめる事で、軸受の抜け止めを図る事はできない。この場合、例えば嵌合部の内周面に軸受を内嵌固定した後、ステアリングコラムの一部を径方向内方に押圧して塑性変形させ、このステアリングコラムの内周面に凸部を形成する事で抜け止めを図る。
又、本発明は、前述の図１０に示した従来構造の第１例の様なテレスコピック機構を備えたステアリングコラム（アウタコラム或いはインナコラム）に限らず、テレスコピック機構を持たないステアリングコラムに適用する事もできる。 The structure and the manufacturing method shown as each example of the embodiment of the present invention described above can be applied not only to the rear end portion of the steering column but also to the front end portion or the intermediate portion. In this case, for example, the bearing can be a radial needle bearing. In addition, when applied to the intermediate portion, it is impossible to prevent the bearing from coming off by caulking the outer peripheral edge of the end portion of the steering column. In this case, for example, after the bearing is fitted and fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the fitting portion, a part of the steering column is pressed inward in the radial direction to be plastically deformed, and a convex portion is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the steering column. To prevent it from coming off.
The present invention is not limited to a steering column (outer column or inner column) provided with a telescopic mechanism as in the first example of the conventional structure shown in FIG. 10, but is applied to a steering column having no telescopic mechanism. You can also do things.

１ステアリングホイール
２ステアリングギヤユニット
３入力軸
４タイロッド
５ステアリングシャフト
６、６ａ〜６ｃステアリングコラム
７自在継手
８中間シャフト
９自在継手
１０車体
１１枢軸
１２支持ブラケット
１３アウタコラム
１４インナコラム
１５アウタチューブ
１６インナシャフト
１７電動モータ
１８段差部
１９玉軸受
２０外輪
２１内輪
２２舌片
２３開口部
２４、２４ａストッパ部
２５、２５ａ、２５ｂ嵌合部
２６、２６ａかしめ部
２７プレス装置
２８凹部
２９中子
３０抑え治具
３１パンチ
３２抑えブロック
３３被駆動側傾斜面
３４スライドブロック
３５駆動側傾斜面
３６押し板
３７抑え筒
３８凸部
３９刃部
４０ガイド部
４１圧入装置
４２突条
４３凹曲面部
４４剪断工具
４５円筒面部 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Steering wheel 2 Steering gear unit 3 Input shaft 4 Tie rod 5 Steering shaft 6, 6a-6c Steering column 7 Universal joint 8 Intermediate shaft 9 Universal joint 10 Car body 11 Axis 12 Support bracket 13 Outer column 14 Inner column 15 Outer tube 16 Inner shaft DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 17 Electric motor 18 Step part 19 Ball bearing 20 Outer ring 21 Inner ring 22 Tongue piece 23 Opening part 24, 24a Stopper part 25, 25a, 25b Fitting part 26, 26a Caulking part 27 Press device 28 Recess 29 Core 30 Holding jig 31 Punch 32 Holding block 33 Driven side inclined surface 34 Slide block 35 Driving side inclined surface 36 Push plate 37 Holding cylinder 38 Convex part 39 Blade part 40 Guide part 41 Press-fitting device 42 Projection line 43 Concave surface part 44 Shearing tool 45 Cylindrical surface

Claims

In a steering apparatus comprising a hollow cylindrical steering column supported by a vehicle body, a steering wheel fixed to a rear end portion, and a steering shaft rotatably supported via a bearing in the steering column.
The bearing has an end surface of the outer ring constituting the bearing at a center side of the steering column with respect to the circumferential notches provided at a plurality of circumferential positions of the steering column, and in the axial direction of the respective notches. Axial positioning is achieved by abutting against a plurality of stopper portions provided by bending the adjacent portions radially inward, and the outer ring of the bearing is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the steering column. A plurality of circumferential positions on the opening side of the steering column with respect to the incisions in the axial direction are internally fitted and fixed to a plurality of fitting portions provided by plastically deforming radially inwardly. A steering device characterized in that the fitting portions are arranged unevenly in the circumferential direction.

The steering device according to claim 1, wherein the arrangement of the fitting portions is biased in the vertical direction in the attached state.

The bearing is fitted and fixed to an end portion of the steering column, and a retaining portion formed by plastically deforming an end edge of the steering column radially inward is used to prevent the bearing from coming off. Item 3. The steering device according to any one of Items 1-2.

It is a manufacturing method of the steering device given in any 1 paragraph of Claims 1-3, Comprising: With respect to each of these incisions, making incisions of the peripheral direction in a plurality of places in the peripheral direction of the outer peripheral surface of said steering column. In addition, a stopper portion is provided by bending a portion adjacent in the axial direction on the center side of the steering column inward in the radial direction, and at the same time, each of the notches in the axial direction on the outer peripheral surface of the steering column. On the other hand, on the opening side of the steering column, by pressing a plurality of portions that are not uniform in the circumferential direction toward the inside in the radial direction and plastically deforming, the inner diameter of the inner circumferential surface of the portion adjacent to the circumferential direction is reduced. A method for manufacturing a steering device, wherein a fitting portion smaller than an inner diameter is provided.

In the steering column, a core provided with recesses at a plurality of positions that are uneven in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface is positioned in a state where the axial position of the tip surface of the core is assembled in the steering column. The insertion amount is restricted so that the end face of the outer ring of the bearing coincides with the axial position, and the steering column is radially outward and the phase in the circumferential direction coincides with the recess of the core. Press punches are placed on the parts to be operated, and blades of the shearing tool are arranged at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction. These pressing punches and shearing tools are supported by the push plates on the driven side inclined surfaces provided on the respective outer peripheral surfaces. By engaging with the drive-side inclined surface of the slide block that is displaced together with the push plate, the push plate is displaced in the radial direction as the push plate is displaced in the vertical direction, and the push plate is displaced downward. The pressing punch and the shearing tool are displaced inward in the radial direction by pressing the outer peripheral surface of the steering column by a convex portion provided on the inner peripheral surface of the pressing punch, and the fitting portions are And forming a notch in the outer peripheral surface of the steering column by the blade portion of the shearing tool, and displacing the blade portion radially inward along the tip surface of the core, and a portion adjacent to the notch The method for manufacturing a steering device according to claim 4, wherein each of the stopper portions is formed by bending the lens inward in the radial direction.

The stoppers and the fitting parts are formed at the end of the steering column, and when the bearing is pressed into the end of the steering column in the axial direction by a press-fitting jig, the press-fitting treatment is performed. A crimped portion is formed by plastically deforming an end edge of the steering column radially inward by an inclined surface portion that is provided at a tip portion of the tool and is inclined in a radially outward direction toward the tip. Item 6. The method for manufacturing a steering device according to any one of Items 4 to 5.

By gradually reducing the amount of pressing that presses the outer peripheral surface of the steering column by the convex portion of each pressing punch toward the edge of the steering column, The method for manufacturing a steering device according to claim 6, further comprising a tapered guide portion that is inclined in a direction toward the radially outward direction toward the opening edge.