JP2014073834A - Telescopic steering device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a telescopic steering device where an inner column can stably be held on an inside diameter side of an outer column.SOLUTION: An outer column 13d and a movable bracket 22b are bulged and formed integrally by a hydroforming process or the like. Projections 23a and 23a constituting a support part 26 of the outer column 13d are abutted on an outer circumferential surface of an inner column 14c at only three spots in a circumferential direction thereof. First and second friction plates 31 and 32 are arranged alternately in interval portions between an inside surface of each of supporting plates 27 and 27 of a fixed side bracket 12b in a width direction and each of parts 25a and 25a to be held of the movable bracket 22b for each of these interval portions.

Description

  The present invention relates to an improvement in a telescopic steering device for adjusting the front-rear position of a steering wheel. Specifically, the inner column is stably held on the inner diameter side of the outer column by improving the structure of the outer column that constitutes the steering column and the structure of the outer column that supports the inner column. A possible structure is realized at low cost.

  The automobile steering apparatus is configured as shown in FIG. 16, 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.

  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 in the width direction with respect to the vehicle body 10 (the width direction is the width direction of the vehicle body and coincides with the left-right direction. Description and claims) The same is applied to the entire range.) The rocking displacement centering on the pivot 11 installed is supported. Further, the movable bracket fixed to the rear end portion of the steering column 6 with respect to the fixed bracket 12 supported by the vehicle body 10 is vertically and longitudinally (the longitudinal direction is the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body). This is the same throughout the present specification and claims). 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.

  In the case of a tilt mechanism or a telescopic mechanism, the position of the steering wheel 1 can be adjusted or fixed at the adjusted position based on the operation of the adjustment lever, except for the electric mechanism. For example, in Patent Document 1, as shown in FIGS. 17 to 18, on the basis of the rotation of the hook-shaped member 19 by the adjusting lever 18, the axial dimension of the cam device 20 is expanded and contracted and the cam member 21 is oscillated and displaced. The structure is described. In the case of this conventional structure, the movable bracket 22 fixed to the outer column 13a is engaged with and disengaged from the fixed bracket 12a based on the expansion / contraction of the cam device 20. Further, based on the rocking displacement of the cam member 21, whether the inner column 14a is slidable with respect to the outer column 13a is switched.

The outer columns 13 and 13a and the inner columns 14 and 14a constituting the steering device as described above are an inner peripheral surface near the front end of the outer columns 13 and 13a and a rear end of the inner columns 14 and 14a. The outer peripheral surface is fitted in a state where relative displacement in the axial direction is possible. When manufacturing the outer columns 13 and 13a, first, the outer column main body is formed by an aluminum die casting method. Thereafter, the inner peripheral surface of the outer column main body is cut and finished.
The movable bracket 22 is provided separately from the outer columns 13 and 13a, and is welded and fixed to a part of the outer columns 13 and 13a.

  In the case of such a steering device, the cutting for accurately finishing the inner diameter of the outer columns 13 and 13a is troublesome and increases the processing cost. Further, since the inner peripheral surfaces of the outer columns 13 and 13a and the outer peripheral surfaces of the inner columns 14 and 14a are fitted over the entire circumference, the inner diameter accuracy of the outer columns 13 and 13a is not sufficient. The uneven contact occurs, and the inner columns 14 and 14a cannot be stably held on the inner diameter side of the outer columns 13 and 13a.

  Therefore, in Patent Document 2, a plurality of protruding portions protruding radially inward from the inner peripheral surface are formed at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface of the outer column overlapping with the outer peripheral surface of the inner column, A structure is described in which the tip end portion (radially inner end portion) of each raised portion is brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the inner column.

  FIG. 19 shows the structure of the telescopic steering device described in Patent Document 2. When manufacturing the outer column 13b which comprises this telescopic steering apparatus, an outer column main body is first shape | molded by the aluminum die-casting method, the hydroforming method, etc. Thereafter, forging and broaching are performed at a plurality of circumferential positions (11 in the figure) of the outer circumferential surface of the outer column main body that overlap with the outer circumferential surface of the inner column 14b. Ridges 23, 23 projecting radially inward from the top are formed. Further, in the assembled state, the tips of the raised portions 23, 23 are brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14b.

  In the case of the outer column 13b, it is only necessary to perform cutting (broaching or the like) only on the tip portions of the raised portions 23 and 23. For this reason, the machining cost can be reduced as compared with the case where the entire circumference of the inner circumferential surface of the outer column is cut. However, the method of forming the outer column 13b is different from the method of forming the raised portions 23, 23. For this reason, processing takes time and processing costs increase.

  Further, in order to stably support the inner column 14b on the inner diameter side of the outer column 13b without uneven contact or rattling, all the raised portions 23, 23 and the inner column It is preferable that the contact state with the outer peripheral surface of 14b is the same. However, when a large number of (11 in the illustrated example) raised portions 23, 23 are provided as in the outer column 13b, the processing for making the contact state the same is troublesome.

  FIG. 20 shows the structure of the outer column 13c shown in Patent Document 2 as well. The outer column 13c has a cylindrical shape formed by bending a plate-shaped material and welding circumferential edges (upper edges in FIG. 20) to each other. Further, support claws 24 and 24 are formed at three positions in the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface of the outer column 13c, which face the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14b in the assembled state. Each of the support claw portions 24, 24 is formed by pressing the outer column 13c and bending it further radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the outer column 13c.

  A movable bracket 22a is provided on a part of the outer peripheral surface of the outer column 13c in the axial direction. Each of the movable side brackets 22a is formed by bending the plate-shaped material, one end edge is connected to the outer peripheral surface, and the other end edge is welded to the outer peripheral surface. , 25.

  In the case of such an outer column 13c, the support claw portions 24, 24 are formed at substantially equal intervals at three locations in the circumferential direction. For this reason, the process for making the contact | abutting state of the front-end edge of all the support nail | claw parts 24 and 24 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14b the same is easy. However, each of the support claw portions 24, 24 has a cantilever-like structure formed by bending inward in the radial direction from the inner peripheral surface of the outer column 13c. For this reason, it is difficult to secure rigidity for stably supporting the inner column on the inner diameter side of the outer column 13c.

  Further, in the case of the telescopic steering devices having the conventional structures described above, if the axial dimension of the portion where the outer column and the inner column overlap in the radial direction becomes longer, the rigidity in the width direction of the movable bracket becomes higher and the deflection becomes greater. It becomes difficult. For this reason, it is necessary to change the operating force applied to the adjustment lever according to the axial dimension of the portion where the outer column and the inner column overlap in the radial direction. As a result, the operability of the adjusting lever is not stable, and there is a possibility that stable support rigidity (clamping force) cannot be applied to the inner column.

  Further, in Patent Document 3, in order to stably hold the steering wheel at the adjusted position, the inner side surfaces of both support plate portions of the fixed side bracket and the outer side surfaces of both sandwiched portions of the movable side bracket are disclosed. Describes the structure of a telescopic steering device in which a plate-like first friction plate and a second friction plate are alternately provided for each of the intermediate portions. The structure of each of the first and second friction plates and the structure for supporting each of the first and second friction plates are described in Patent Document 3, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted. To do.

In the case of such a telescopic steering device, the contact pressure (friction force) of the contact surfaces of the support plate portions, the sandwiched portions, and the first and second friction plates is increased. Thus, the steering wheel can be stably held at the adjusted position. However, in such a telescopic steering device, the outer column and the movable bracket constituting the telescopic steering device are made by casting a light alloy such as an aluminum alloy or a magnesium alloy. For this reason, similarly to the structure shown in FIGS. 17 to 18, it is conceivable that the cutting work for accurately finishing the inner diameter of the outer column is troublesome and the processing cost increases.
Incidentally, there is Patent Document 4 as a publication describing a technique related to the present invention.

JP 2001-322552 A JP 2008-302751 A JP 2008-1000059 A1 JP 2006-255785 A

  In view of the circumstances as described above, the present invention has been devised on the inner column side of the outer column by devising the structure of the outer column that constitutes the steering column and the structure of the portion that supports the inner column. The invention has been invented to realize a structure that can stably hold the inner column and can obtain stable operability without increasing the operating force applied to the adjusting lever.

The telescopic steering device of the present invention includes a steering column, a steering shaft, a fixed side bracket, a movable side bracket, a bowl-shaped member, and an adjustment lever.
Among these, the steering column is formed by combining an outer column and an inner column so as to be extendable and contractible. Of these, the outer column has a cylindrical shape capable of expanding and reducing at least a part of the inner diameter in the axial direction, and has a support portion for supporting the inner column on the inner peripheral surface. The inner column is arranged on the inner diameter side of the outer column, and is supported by a support portion of the outer column so as to be axially displaceable.
The steering shaft is rotatably supported on the inner diameter side of the steering column, and a steering wheel is mounted on a rear end portion protruding rearward from the rear end opening of the steering column.
The fixed side bracket is provided in a fixed part with the inner column of the outer column being able to expand and contract from both sides in the width direction, and a pair of left and right support plates capable of expansion and contraction in the width direction. Part.
The movable side bracket is molded integrally with the outer column by plastic working from the outer column constituting the steering column, and can be expanded and contracted in the width direction as the support plate portions expand and contract in the width direction. It has a pair of sandwiched parts.
The flange-shaped member is inserted in the vehicle body side through hole formed at a position where the both support plate portions are aligned with each other and the column side through hole formed in the both sandwiched portions in the width direction. It is arranged. Then, with the rotation of the adjustment lever, the distance between the surfaces of the two support plate portions facing each other is enlarged or reduced.
The adjusting lever is provided at a base end portion of the bowl-shaped member, and expands or contracts the interval with rotation.

In particular, in the telescopic steering device of the present invention, the outer column including the support portion for supporting the inner column is formed by inflating the hollow tube radially outward.
Further, the movable bracket is bulged and formed integrally with the outer column (hydroforming method, press working, bulging, vacuum forming, air blow molding, explosion forming, etc.).
The outer column support portion and the inner column outer peripheral surface are in contact with each other at three or more locations in the circumferential direction.
Further, the first friction supported by the movable side bracket is provided between the sandwiched portions of the movable side bracket and the inner side surfaces of the support plate portions of the fixed side bracket. The plates and the second friction plates supported by the hook-shaped members are alternately arranged in a state that can be interlocked with the movement of the hook-shaped members.

When the telescopic steering device of the present invention as described above is implemented, for example, as in the invention described in claim 2, the outer column including the support portion is formed by removing the hollow tube from the radial direction by a hydroforming method. Inflate in the direction and mold.
The movable bracket is swelled and formed integrally with the outer column by a hydroforming method.

  In the case of implementing the telescopic steering device of the present invention as described above, preferably, as in the invention described in claim 3, the outer column support portion and the inner column outer peripheral surface are arranged in a circumferential direction. Contact only at three locations.

  Further, when the telescopic steering device of the present invention as described above is implemented, it is preferable that the inner peripheral surface of the support portion of the outer column is finished by cutting or pressing as in the invention described in claim 4. Apply.

Further, when the telescopic steering device of the present invention as described above is implemented, the outer column is preferably arranged behind the inner column as in the fifth aspect of the present invention.
The movable bracket is provided with both the sandwiched portions and a pair of inclined portions.
Of these, the column-side through holes formed in both the sandwiched portions are elongated holes that are long in the axial direction of the outer column.
Further, one end of each of the inclined portions is connected to the both sandwiched portions, the two inclined portions are extended from the both sandwiched portions in a direction approaching each other with respect to the width direction, and the other ends are continued via the continuous portion.
Then, the angle formed by the two inclined portions and the direction in which the two support plate portions press the two sandwiched portions at a position aligned with the column side through hole in the axial direction is increased toward the rear.

Further, when the telescopic steering device of the present invention as described above is implemented, the outer column is preferably arranged behind the inner column as in the sixth aspect of the present invention.
Further, the movable side bracket is provided with both the sandwiched portions and a bottom portion that makes the both sandwiched portions continuous in the width direction.
Of these, the column-side through holes formed in both the sandwiched portions are elongated holes that are long in the axial direction of the outer column.
And the 1st long hole long in an axial direction is formed in the width direction middle part of the bottom.

Alternatively, as in the invention described in claim 7, the movable side bracket is provided with the both sandwiched portions and a bottom portion that makes the both sandwiched portions continuous in the width direction.
Further, the rear end in the axial direction of the bottom portion and the outer peripheral surface of the outer column are continued by the rear end side continuous portion.
And the 2nd long hole long in the width direction is formed in the said rear-end side continuous part.

  Further, when the telescopic steering device of the present invention as described above is implemented, preferably, as in the invention described in claim 8, at least each of the outer columns with respect to the column side through hole and the axial direction. A long column hole in the axial direction is formed at a position where the portions are aligned with each other.

  Further, when the invention described in claim 8 is carried out, specifically, as in the invention described in claim 9, the column long hole is connected to the inner part of the support portion of the outer column. It is formed on the movable bracket side with respect to the circumferential direction from a virtual plane passing through the center axis of the circle and orthogonal to both support plate portions of the fixed bracket.

  Preferably, when carrying out the invention described in claim 8 or claim 9, preferably, as in the invention described in claim 10, both the sandwiched portions and the both sandwiched portions are mounted on the movable side bracket. A bottom portion is provided that allows the sandwiched portions to be continuous in the width direction. Further, the rear end in the axial direction of the bottom portion and the outer peripheral surface of the outer column are continued by the rear end side continuous portion. And the position regarding the axial direction of the rear-end part of the said column long hole is made back rather than the said rear-end side continuous part.

  As described above, in the case of the telescopic steering device of the present invention, the outer column including the support portion for supporting the inner column and the movable side bracket provided integrally with the outer column are bulged by, for example, a hydroform method. It is molded integrally by molding. For this reason, even when the support portion is composed of a plurality of (three or more) raised portions, the processing cost can be reduced and a support portion having high rigidity can be obtained. Further, the movable bracket and the outer column are provided separately, and a troublesome fixing work such as welding is not necessary.

  Further, a first friction plate supported by the movable side bracket at each portion between the inner side surface in the width direction of the support plate portion of the fixed side bracket and both sandwiched portions of the movable side bracket. In addition, the second friction plates supported by the hook-shaped member are alternately arranged in a state where the movement and the interlocking of the hook-shaped member are possible. For this reason, the sum total of the friction areas of the both supporting plate portions, the both sandwiched portions, and the first and second friction plates can be increased (the frictional force is increased). As a result, the steering wheel can be stably held at the adjusted position.

  Further, in the case of the invention described in claim 3, the support portion provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer column and the outer peripheral surface of the inner column overlapping with the support portion are brought into contact with each other at only three locations in the circumferential direction. Support in the state. For this reason, the said support part can be reliably contact | abutted to the outer peripheral surface of the said inner column. Further, since there are only three contact points, it is easy to process to make the contact state equal in all the contact points.

  Further, in the case of the invention described in claim 4, the inner peripheral surface of the outer column support portion is subjected to finishing processing by cutting or pressing. For this reason, it is possible to stably support the inner column by the support portion while reducing the processing cost as compared with the case of cutting the entire outer peripheral surface of the outer column.

  In the case of the invention described in claim 5, the two inclined portions of the movable side bracket and the pair of support plate portions of the fixed side bracket, which are aligned with the column side through hole in the axial direction, The angle formed by the direction in which the sandwiched portion is pressed is increased as it advances backward. For this reason, the rigidity in the width direction of both sandwiched portions of the movable bracket decreases as it moves rearward. As a result, even when the axial dimension of the portion where the outer column and the inner column overlap in the radial direction is long (the axial length of the steering column is the shortest), the operating force applied to the adjustment lever is reduced. Stable operability can be obtained without increasing the size.

  In the case of the invention described in claim 6, a first long hole extending in the axial direction is formed in the intermediate portion in the width direction of the bottom portion of the movable bracket. For this reason, the rigidity in the width direction of both sandwiched portions of the movable bracket can be reduced as compared with the case where the long hole is not formed. As a result, even when the axial dimension of the portion where the outer column and the inner column overlap in the radial direction is long, stable operability can be obtained without increasing the operating force applied to the adjustment lever.

  Further, in the case of the invention described in claim 7, a second length that is long in the width direction is formed in the rear end side continuous portion that continues the axial rear end portion of the bottom portion of the movable bracket and the outer peripheral surface of the outer column. A hole is formed. For this reason, the rigidity in the width direction of both sandwiched portions of the movable bracket at the axial rear end can be reduced. As a result, even when the axial dimension of the portion where the outer column and the inner column overlap in the radial direction is long, stable operability can be obtained without increasing the operating force applied to the adjustment lever. it can.

  Further, in the case of the invention described in claims 8 to 9, a long column long hole in the axial direction is provided at a position where at least a part of the outer column is aligned with the column side through hole in the axial direction. Forming. For this reason, the rigidity in the width direction of both sandwiched portions of the movable bracket with respect to the position aligned with the column long hole can be reduced. As a result, even when the axial dimension of the portion where the outer column and the inner column overlap in the radial direction is long, stable operability can be obtained without increasing the operating force applied to the adjustment lever. it can.

  Further, in the case of the invention described in claim 10, the position of the rear end portion of the column long hole in the axial direction is made continuous with the axial rear end of the bottom portion of the movable column and the outer peripheral surface of the outer column. It is located behind the end side continuous part. For this reason, the rigidity in the width direction of both sandwiched portions of the movable bracket at the axial rear end can be reduced. As a result, in the structure having the rear end side continuous portion, even when the axial dimension of the portion where the outer column and the inner column overlap in the radial direction is long, the operating force applied to the adjustment lever is increased. Stable operability can be obtained without any problems.

The partial side view which shows the 1st example of embodiment of this invention. Similarly, AA sectional drawing of FIG. Similarly, it is sectional drawing which takes out and shows only an outer column. The figure similar to FIG. 2 which shows the 2nd example of embodiment of this invention. The figure similar to FIG. 2 which shows the 3rd example. The figure similar to FIG. 2 which shows the 4th example. The side view which takes out only an outer column and shows the 5th example. Similarly, BB sectional drawing of FIG. The side view which takes out only an outer column and shows the 6th example of embodiment of this invention. Similarly, CC sectional view (a) and DD sectional view (b) of FIG. 9 showing only the outer column taken out. A seventh example of the embodiment of the present invention is a side view (a) showing only the outer column taken out, and a bottom view (b) showing a first example of a long hole formed in the bottom of the outer column. The bottom view (c) which shows two examples. Similarly, EE sectional drawing of FIG. In the eighth example of the embodiment of the present invention, a side view (a) showing only the outer column taken out, and the rear end portion of the movable side bracket and the outer peripheral surface of the outer column are formed in the rear end side continuous portion. The bottom view (b) which shows the 1st example of the long hole which was made, and the bottom view (c) which similarly shows a 2nd example. The 9th example of embodiment of this invention WHEREIN: The side view which takes out and shows only an outer column. Similarly, FF sectional drawing of FIG. The partial cutaway side view which shows one example of the steering device for motor vehicles incorporating the telescopic steering device. Vertical side view showing a first example of a conventionally known telescopic steering device GG sectional drawing of FIG. The figure similar to FIG. 18 which shows the 2nd example of the telescopic steering apparatus known conventionally. The front view which takes out only the outer column and shows the 3rd example.

[First example of embodiment]
1 to 3 show a first example of an embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claims 1 to 4. The feature of the telescopic steering device of the present invention including this example is that the structure of the outer column constituting the steering column and the structure of the portion holding the inner column inside the outer column are devised. In addition, in this example, in addition to the telescopic mechanism for adjusting the front / rear position of the steering wheel 1 (see FIG. 16), the tilt mechanism for adjusting the vertical position is similar to the structure shown in FIGS. The present invention is applied to a structure provided with. However, the present invention can also be applied to a structure that does not include this tilt mechanism. Further, the structure other than the characteristic part of the present invention and the operation method of the telescopic steering device are substantially the same as the structure of the conventionally known telescopic steering device including the structure shown in FIGS. For the parts configured in the same manner as in the prior art, the illustration and description will be omitted or simplified, and hereinafter, the characteristic parts of this example will be mainly described.

The telescopic steering device of this example is similar to the telescopic steering device having the conventional structure described above, the steering shaft 5, the steering column 6a, the fixed side bracket 12b, the movable side bracket 22b, the hook-like member 19, and the adjusting lever. 18.
In the steering column 6a, the outer column 13d is an upper column on the steering wheel 1 side and the inner column 14c is a lower column far from the steering wheel 1 in the same manner as the structure shown in FIGS. .

  Particularly in the case of the telescopic steering device of this example, the outer column 13d has a cylindrical shape in which at least a part of the inner diameter in the axial direction can be elastically expanded and contracted, and the inner column 14c is disposed on the inner diameter side of the outer column 13d. A support portion 26 is provided for fitting and supporting the displacement in the axial direction.

  Further, the support portion 26 is radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the inner peripheral surface of the outer column 13d at three equally spaced positions in the portion overlapping the inner column 14c in the radial direction. It consists of ridges 23a and 23b formed in a state of projecting toward the direction. Of these, the raised portion 23a is formed at one position on the inner peripheral surface above FIGS. On the other hand, the raised portions 23b are formed at two positions shifted from the raised portions 23a at equal intervals in the circumferential direction (in the present example, shifted by 120 degrees). And the front-end edge (radial direction inner side edge) of these each protruding part 23a, 23b is contact | abutting with the outer peripheral surface of the said inner column 14c. As will be described later, the tips of the raised portions 23a and 23b are securely attached to the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14c without increasing the processing accuracy of the raised portions 23a and 23b constituting the support portion 26. From the viewpoint of contact, the number of the raised portions 23a and 23b is preferably three in this example. However, the number of the raised portions 23a and 23b can be more than three (for example, two on the left and on the right, for a total of four) in consideration of the balance of processing cost and the like. The positions where the raised portions 23a and 23b are formed are not limited to the circumferentially equidistant positions on the inner peripheral surface of the outer column 13d. However, it is not biased toward the semicircular side, but is distributed in a range exceeding the semicircular circumference.

  Further, in the assembled state shown in FIG. 2, the outer column 13d has both end faces in the width direction (left and right direction in FIG. 2) of the outer peripheral surface of the outer column 13d and both support plate portions 27 of the fixed bracket 12b. , 27 are in contact with the inner surface of the belt. In this way, the support rigidity in the width direction is increased, and the steering column 6a is less likely to vibrate in the width direction.

Further, each of the raised portions 23a, of the 23b, the ridges 23b formed in the lower 2, and 23b, the the outer circumferential surface of the inner column 14c, as the support plates the center _{O 14} of the inner column It abuts against a virtual plane α orthogonal to the portions 27, 27 at a position inclined by an angle θ (30 degrees in this example) on the movable bracket 22b side (downward in FIG. 2). Increasing this angle θ (decreasing the dimension in the width direction of the raised portions 23b, 23b formed in the lower part of FIG. 2) can increase the support rigidity of the outer column 6a in the vertical direction, The moldability of the movable bracket 22b described later can be improved. However, the magnitude of the angle θ is appropriately determined in consideration of the thicknesses of the first friction plates 31, 31 and the second friction plates 32, 32, which will be described later.

  Such an outer column 13d (including the support portion 26) applies a hydraulic pressure (for example, water pressure) to the inner peripheral surface of a metal tube that is a hollow member made of a steel plate or an aluminum alloy. It is molded by the hydroform method that plastically deforms outward in the direction. In the method of forming the outer column 13d by this hydroforming method, for example, the metal tube as a material is set in a mold having an inner surface shape corresponding to the outer surface shape of the outer column 13d to be enlarged. . Then, both ends of the metal tube are closed with a shaft pushing tool or the like, and a high hydraulic pressure is applied to the metal tube. By applying the hydraulic pressure, the diameter of the metal tube is increased outward in the radial direction until it is in close contact with the inner surface of the cavity of the mold, thereby forming the outer column 13d. Moreover, after shaping | molding by a hydroform construction method, the finishing part by cutting or press is given to the front-end | tip part of each protruding part 23a, 23b which comprises the said support part 26 as needed. The method of forming the outer column 13d is not limited to the hydroform method, but may be press processing, bulge processing, vacuum forming, air blow molding, explosion molding, or the like.

Further, the movable side bracket 22b is formed integrally with the outer column 13d by the hydroforming method described above at the front end portion of the outer column 13d and fitted to the rear end portion of the inner column 14c. Yes.
In the case of this example, the movable side bracket 22b is provided so as to protrude downward from the front end portion of the outer column 13d, and the width of a pair of support plate portions 27, 27 constituting the fixed side bracket 12b. Along with expansion and contraction in the direction, a pair of sandwiched portions 25a and 25a and a bottom portion 28 that can be expanded and contracted in the width direction are provided. In addition, vehicle body side through holes 29 and 29 that can be inserted through the flange-like member 19 and that are long in the vertical direction are formed at positions where the both support plate portions 27 and 27 of the fixed side bracket 12b are aligned with each other. . In this manner, as in the structure of the steering apparatus having the tilt mechanism shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, the pivot 11 (see FIG. 16) in which the steering column 6a is installed in the width direction with respect to the vehicle body 10 (see FIG. 16). The rocking displacement centering around (see FIG. 16) is supported.

Of the raised portions 23a and 25b of the outer column 13d, one end of each of the sandwiched portions 25a and 25a is continuous from the lower end of the raised portions 23b and 23b formed below the FIGS. The pair of support plate portions 27 and 27 are formed substantially parallel to each other. Further, the dimension W in the width direction between the inner side surfaces in the width direction of the support plate portions 27 and 27 is the length D between the outer side surfaces in the width direction (left and right direction in FIG. 2) of the sandwiched portions 25a and 25a. The sum T _ALL (T _ALL = 2T ₃₁ + 2T ₃₂ ) of the thickness T _{31 of} all the first friction plates ₃₁ and ₃₁ and the thickness T _{32 of} each of the second friction plates ₃₂ and ₃₂ , which will be described later. (W≈D + T _ALL ).

  Further, column-side through holes 30, 30 that are long in the axial direction are formed at positions where the both sandwiched portions 25a, 25a are aligned with each other. Each of the column side through holes 30, 30 can also be formed by a hydroforming method (see Patent Document 4).

  The bottom portion 28 is provided in a state in which the lower end edges of the sandwiched portions 25a and 25a are continuous. Accordingly, the movable side bracket 22b has a box shape with the lower and front sides opened. Note that the method of forming the movable side bracket 22b integrally with the outer column 13d is not limited to the hydroform method, but may be press processing, bulge processing, vacuum forming, air blow molding, explosion molding, or the like.

  The first friction plates 31 and 31 and the second friction plate are disposed between the inner side surfaces of the support plate portions 27 and 27 and the outer side surfaces of the sandwiched portions 25a and 25a. Plates 32 and 32 are arranged. In the case of this example, one first friction plate 31 and one second friction plate 32 are disposed for each of the above-described portions. Each of the first and second friction plates 31 and 32 has the second friction plates 32 and 32 arranged on the inner side in the width direction of the first friction plates 31 and 31. The positional relationship between the first and second friction plates 31 and 32 in the width direction can be reversed from the case of this example.

  Each of the first friction plates 31, 31 is a plate-like member that is made of a light alloy such as an iron alloy, an aluminum alloy, or a magnesium alloy and that is long in the front-rear direction. The first friction plates 31, 31 are arranged at least in positions in alignment with the column-side through-holes 30, 30 of the sandwiched portions 25 a, 25 a in the front-rear direction in which the hook-shaped member 19 can be inserted. A long first friction plate side through-hole 33 is formed. Each of the first friction plates 31, 31 can be displaced in the width direction at the rear end portion and the front end portion by the guide pins 34, 34 on both the sandwiched portions 25 a, 25 a. However, it supports in the state which blocked | prevented the displacement of an axial direction and an up-down direction. That is, each of the first friction plates 31 and 31 is supported with respect to the movable side column 22b so as to be movable in conjunction with the movable side column 22b in the axial direction and the vertical direction.

  On the other hand, each said 2nd friction plates 32 and 32 are light alloy plate-shaped members, such as an iron-type alloy, or an aluminum-type alloy, a magnesium-type alloy. In addition, a second friction plate side through hole 35 is formed at a central position of each of the second friction plates 32, 32 so that the hook-like member 19 can be inserted so as not to rattle. That is, the second friction plates 32 and 32 can move in conjunction with the hook-like member 19 in a state where the hook-like member 19 is inserted into the second friction plate-side through hole 35. .

The outer column 13d and the first and second friction plates 31 and 32 constituting the telescopic steering device of this example are assembled in a state as shown in FIG. In the state where each member is assembled as shown in FIG. 2, when adjusting the position of the steering wheel 1 in the front-rear direction, the adjusting lever 18 is rotated in a predetermined direction to The space | interval regarding the width direction of the holding nut 36 which is a pressing member provided in one end (right end of FIG. 2) of the member 19 and the head 37 which is also a pressing member provided in the other end is expanded.
Then, the distance between the inner surfaces of the support plate portions 27, 27 is elastically expanded, and both the support plate portions 27, 27, the first friction plates 31, 31, and the second second plates. The contact pressure between the friction plates 32 and 32 and the sandwiched portions 25a and 25a between the members 27, 31, 32, and 25a is reduced or lost. Along with this, the surface pressure of the fitting portion between the support portion 26 of the outer column 13d and the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14c is reduced or lost, and the outer column 13d and the inner column 14c are axially ( It becomes a state in which relative displacement is possible in the front-rear direction. As a result, the position of the steering wheel 1 in the front-rear direction and the vertical direction can be adjusted.

  Further, after the position adjustment, if the adjusting lever 18 is rotated in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction, the distance between the holding nut 36 and the head 37 is reduced. Then, the interval between the inner surfaces of the both support plate portions 27, 27 is reduced, and both the support plate portions 27, 27, the first friction plates 31, 31, and the second friction plates 32, The surface pressure of the contact portion between the members 27, 31, 32, and 25a between the two pinched portions 25a and 25a is increased. Accordingly, the surface pressure of the fitting portion between the support portion 26 of the outer column 13d and the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14c increases. As a result, the steering wheel 1 is supported at the adjusted position. In the operation for supporting the steering wheel 1 at the adjusted position, the inner and outer surfaces of the support plate portions 27 and 27 are connected to the both covers through the first and second friction plates 31 and 32, respectively. In addition to pressing the sandwiching portions 25a, 25a, the outer column 13d is also pressed on the both end surfaces in the width direction by the inner side surfaces of the support plate portions 27, 27, thereby the outer column 13d. The inner diameter of the column 13d can be enlarged or reduced.

  As described above, in the telescopic steering device of this example, the outer column 13d including the support portion 26 and the movable bracket 22b provided integrally with the outer column 13d are formed by a hydroforming method. For this reason, the processing cost can be reduced as compared with the conventional structure shown in FIGS.

  Further, the support portion 26 provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer column 13d and the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14c overlapping the support portion 26 are brought into contact with each other only at three locations in the circumferential direction. For this reason, without raising the processing precision of each protruding part 23a, 23b which comprises the said support part 26, these each protruding part 23a, 23b can be reliably contact | abutted to the outer peripheral surface of the said inner column 14c.

  If the processing accuracy of the support portion 26 is not sufficient by the hydroform method alone, the tip portion of each raised portion 23a, 23b of the support portion 26 is subjected to finishing processing by cutting or pressing. However, in the case of this example, the number of these raised portions 23a, 23b is only three. For this reason, it is sufficient that the diameters of the inscribed circles of the three raised portions 23a and 23b be the same in the axial direction, so that the finishing process by the cutting or pressing is not particularly troublesome. The inner column 14c can be stably supported by the support portion 26.

  Further, the raised portions 23a and 23b constituting the support portion 26 are formed in a mountain shape by a hydroforming method. Therefore, the rigidity for supporting the inner column 14c can be increased as compared with the conventional structure shown in FIG.

  The first friction plates 31 and 31 and the second friction plates 32 and 32 are provided for each portion between the inner side surfaces of the support plate portions 27 and 27 and the sandwiched portions 25a and 25a. And are provided. For this reason, each of the support plate portions 27, 27, the first friction plates 31, 31, the second friction plates 32, 32, and the sandwiched portions 25a, 25a. The frictional force can be increased by widening the sum of the friction areas of the contact portions between the members 27, 31, 32, and 25a. As a result, the steering wheel 1 can be stably held at the adjusted position. The number of the friction plates 31 and 32 can be increased as in the structure described in Patent Document 3. By increasing the number, the holding force for holding the steering wheel 1 in the adjusted position can be increased.

[Second Example of Embodiment]
FIG. 4 shows a second example of an embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claims 1 to 4. In the case of the telescopic steering device of this example, as in the first example of the above-described embodiment, the inner surfaces in the width direction of both support plate portions 27, 27 of the fixed side bracket 12b and both sandwiched portions of the movable side bracket 22b One first friction plate 31a, 31a and one second friction plate 32a, 32a are arranged for each part between the width direction outer side surfaces of 25a, 25a. In the case of this example, the dimension W related to the width direction between the inner surfaces in the width direction of both the support plate portions 27, 27 is the length D between the outer surfaces in the width direction of the both sandwiched portions 25a, 25a, and The sum T _ALL (T _ALL = 2T _32a ) of the second friction plates 32a and 32a and the thickness T _32a is substantially the same (W≈D + T _ALL ).

  Of these, the first friction plates 31a, 31a are similar to the structure of the first friction plates 31, 31 of the first example of the above-described embodiment, and are iron-based alloys, aluminum-based alloys, magnesium-based alloys. A plate-like member made of a light alloy such as an alloy and extending in the front-rear direction. Further, the first friction plates 31, 31 are long in the front-rear direction in which the hook-like member 19 can be inserted at a position aligned with at least the column-side through holes 30, 30 of the sandwiched portions 25a, 25a. A first friction plate side through hole 33a is formed. Each of the first friction plates 31a and 31a has a rear end portion and a front end portion that are similar to the first friction plates 31 and 31 of the first example of the embodiment. The sandwiched portions 25a and 25a are supported by guide pins 34 and 34 (see FIG. 1) in a state in which only displacement in the width direction is possible. That is, each of the first friction plates 31a and 31a is supported in a state where the first friction plates 31a and 31a can move in conjunction with the movable column 22b in the front-rear direction and the vertical direction.

  On the other hand, each of the second friction plates 32a and 32a includes a pair of friction plate portions 38 and 38 arranged in parallel to each other, and a continuous portion 39 that continuously connects the lower end portions of the friction plate portions 38 and 38. The cross-sectional shape is substantially U-shaped. Each of the second friction plates 32a and 32a is formed by bending a plate-like member made of a light alloy such as an iron alloy, an aluminum alloy, or a magnesium alloy. Further, a pair of second friction plate side through holes 35a, 35a, through which the flange-like member 19 can be inserted, are formed in portions where the friction plate portions 38, 38 are aligned with each other. ing. That is, the second friction plates 32a, 32a move in conjunction with the flange-like member 19 in a state where the flange-like member 19 is inserted into the second friction plate side through holes 35a, 35a. Is possible.

  Each of the first friction plates 31a and 31a and the second friction plates 32a and 32a as described above includes the inner side surfaces in the width direction of both support plate portions 27 and 27 of the fixed bracket 12b and the movable plate. Each second friction plate 32a, with the continuous portion 39 of one second friction plate 32a, 32a facing downward for each portion between the sandwiched portions 25a, 25a of the side bracket 22b. The first friction plates 31a and 31a are disposed in a state of being sandwiched between the friction plate portions 38 and 38a of 32a.

  In the case of such a telescopic steering device of this example, the first friction plates 31a, 31a and the second friction plates 32a, 32a are further provided than the structure of the first example of the embodiment described above. The frictional force can be increased by widening the sum of the friction areas of the contact portions. For this reason, the steering wheel 1 can be stably held at the adjusted position. Other structures, functions, and effects are the same as those of the first example of the embodiment.

[Third example of embodiment]
FIG. 5 shows a third example of the embodiment of the invention corresponding to claims 1 to 4. The movable bracket 22c constituting the telescopic steering device of this example is provided in a state of protruding upward from the front end portion of the outer column 13e. Such a movable side bracket 22c has a substantially symmetrical structure with respect to the radial direction (vertical direction) with respect to the movable side bracket 22b of the first example of the embodiment shown in FIGS. It consists of a pair of sandwiched portions 25b and 25b and a bottom portion 28a.

  Of these, both the sandwiched portions 25b and 25b are provided in a state of being continuous upward from the main body portion of the outer column 13e, and are parallel to each other. Further, the bottom portion 28a is provided in a state in which one end edges (the upper end edges in FIG. 5) of the both sandwiched portions 25b and 25b are continuous in the width direction. In addition, the processing method of the outer column 13e and the movable bracket 22c is not limited to the hydroform method, as in the first example of the embodiment described above, but press processing, bulge processing, vacuum forming, air blow molding, Explosive molding may be used.

  Similarly to the first example of the embodiment, column-side through-holes 30 and 30 that are long in the axial direction are formed in the portions where the sandwiched portions 25b and 25b of the movable bracket 22c are aligned with each other. ing.

  Further, the above-described implementation is performed for each portion between the inner surface in the width direction of both support plate portions 27 and 27 of the fixed side column 12b and the outer surface in the width direction of both sandwiched portions 25b and 25b of the movable side bracket 22c. One first friction plate 31 and one second friction plate 32 having the same structure as the first example of the embodiment are arranged.

  Regarding the operation of the telescopic steering device of this example as described above when adjusting the position of the steering wheel 1 (see FIG. 16) in the front-rear direction and the operation when fixing the steering wheel 1 to the position after the position adjustment, This is the same as the operation of the telescopic steering device having the conventional structure shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 in the first example of the embodiment.

  In the telescopic steering device of this example, the movable bracket 22c is provided in a state of protruding upward from the front end portion of the outer column 13e. For this reason, it is possible to facilitate the design of a structure that can prevent interference with the driver's knee or the like without disposing the hook-shaped member 19 below the front end portion of the outer column 13e. Other structures, functions, and effects are the same as those of the first example of the embodiment.

[Fourth Example of Embodiment]
FIG. 6 shows a fourth example of an embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claims 1 to 4. The structures of the outer column 13e and the movable bracket 22c constituting the telescopic steering device of this example are the same as the structure of the third example of the above embodiment.

  Further, the above-described implementation is performed for each portion between the inner surface in the width direction of both support plate portions 27 and 27 of the fixed side column 12b and the outer surface in the width direction of both sandwiched portions 25b and 25b of the movable side bracket 22c. One first friction plate 31a and one second friction plate 32a having the same structure as the second example of the embodiment are arranged. Other structures, operations, and effects are the same as those of the third example of the embodiment.

[Fifth Example of Embodiment]
FIGS. 7-8 has shown the 5th example of embodiment of this invention corresponding to Claims 1-4. The movable side bracket 22d constituting the telescopic steering device of the present example is formed integrally with the outer column 13f by the hydroforming method, as in the examples of the above-described embodiment, and can be expanded and contracted in the width direction. It has a pair of sandwiched portions 25a, 25a and a pair of inclined portions 40, 40.

Of these, both of the sandwiched portions 25a and 25a are continuous from the lower ends of the raised portions 23b and 23b formed at the lower side of FIG. 8 among the raised portions 23a and 23b of the outer column 13f, It is formed substantially parallel to the support plate portions 27, 27 of the fixed side bracket 12b. Further, column-side through holes 30, 30 that are long in the axial direction are formed at positions where the both sandwiched portions 25a, 25a are aligned with each other.
Further, one end of each of the inclined portions 40, 40 is continuous with the other end of the both sandwiched portions 25a, 25a so as to approach each other in the width direction (left-right direction in FIG. 8) (FIG. 8). The other ends of the two ends are continuous via the continuous portion 41. The structure of the outer column 13f other than the two inclined portions 40, 40 is the same as the structure of the outer column 13d of the first example of the embodiment described above.

  Further, with the outer column 13f constituting the telescopic steering device of this example assembled, the inner side surfaces of the support plate portions 27 and 27 of the fixed side bracket 12b in the width direction and the cover of both the movable side brackets 22d. Between the sandwiching portions 25a and 25a, the first and second friction plates 31 and 32 of the first example of the above-described embodiment, or the second example of the embodiment, are provided for each part between these. The first and second friction plates 31a and 32a are arranged.

  In the case of such a structure of this example, the lower end portions of the both sandwiched portions 25a, 25a are continuous by the inclined portions 40, 40. For this reason, the rigidity in the width direction of both the sandwiched portions 25a, 25a can be lowered, and a stable support rigidity (clamping force) can be imparted to the inner column 14c. Other structures, functions, and effects are the same as those of the first example of the embodiment.

[Sixth Example of Embodiment]
9 to 10 show a sixth example of an embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claims 1 to 5. In the case of the telescopic steering device of the present example, the outer column 13g is arranged behind the inner column 14c, similarly to the structure shown in FIGS.
Similarly to the first example of the above embodiment, the column-side through hole which is long in the axial direction is positioned at the position where the both sandwiched portions 25a, 25a of the movable bracket 22e provided integrally with the outer column 13g are aligned with each other. 30 and 30 are formed.

  Further, the inclined portions 40a, 40a of the movable side bracket 22e and the support plate portions 27, 27 of the fixed side bracket 12b, which are aligned with both the column side through holes 30, 30 in the axial direction, are arranged on the both sides. The angle formed by the direction α for pressing (clamping) the clamping parts 25a, 25a is increased toward the rear (right side in FIG. 9).

That is, both the inclined portions 40a, 40a of the movable side bracket 22e and the both support plate portions 27, 27 are in the position aligned with the rear end portions of the column side through holes 30, 30 in the axial direction. An angle θ ₂ (see FIG. 10B) formed by a direction α for pressing (clamping) both of the sandwiched portions 25a and 25a is a position aligned with the front end portion of the column side through holes 30 and 30 in the axial direction. The angle θ ₁ of the similar part is larger than {see FIG. 10A} (θ ₂ > θ ₁ ). And the angle of the same part changes continuously in the middle part.

Further, the distance between the inner peripheral surface of the continuous portion 41a between the inclined portions 40a and 40a and the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14c at a position aligned with the column side through holes 30 and 30 in the axial direction is determined as follows. The way is bigger.
That is, the distance L ₂ between the inner peripheral surface of the continuous portion 41a and the lower end of the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14c at a position aligned with the rear end portion of the column side through holes 30, 30 in the axial direction. {Refer to FIG. 10 (b)} is larger than the distance L _{1 of the same} portion (refer to FIG. 10 (a)) at the position aligned with the front end portion of the column side through holes 30, 30 (see L _{1). <L} 2). The structure of the outer column 13g other than the two inclined portions 40a, 40a is the same as the structure of the outer column 13d of the first example of the embodiment described above.

  In the case of the telescopic steering device of this example configured as described above, the rigidity in the width direction of both the sandwiched portions 25a and 25a of the movable bracket 22e is lowered toward the rear. Therefore, the axial force of the portion where the outer column 13g and the inner column 14c overlap in the radial direction is stable without greatly changing the operating force applied to the adjusting lever 18 (see FIG. 2). Operability can be obtained. As a result, stable support rigidity (clamping force) can be imparted to the inner column 14c.

  That is, when no measures are taken (the structure of this example is not adopted), the axial length of the portion where the outer column 13g and the inner column 14c overlap in the radial direction is long { When the flange-shaped member 19 (see FIG. 2) is present near the rear end of the column side through-holes 30, 30 (right side in FIG. 9)}, the distance in the width direction between the sandwiched portions 25a, 25a is reduced. Therefore, the force required for the operation (the operating force applied to the adjusting lever 18) increases.

  On the other hand, when the axial dimension of the portion where the outer column 13g and the inner column 14c overlap in the radial direction is short {the hook-shaped member 19 is closer to the front end of the column side through holes 30, 30 (see FIG. When it is present on the left side}, the force required to reduce the distance in the width direction between the sandwiched portions 25a, 25a may be relatively small.

  Thus, if the operating force applied to the adjustment lever 18 differs depending on the axial dimension of the portion where the outer column 13g and the inner column 14c overlap in the radial direction, the steering wheel 1 (see FIG. 16) The operability (operation feeling) when adjusting the position in the front-rear direction is not stable.

  On the other hand, if the rigidity in the width direction of both sandwiched portions 25a and 25a of the movable bracket 22e is lowered as it goes rearward as in the structure of this example, the outer column 13g and the inner column 14c Regardless of the overlapping state in the radial direction, the operability of the adjusting lever 18 is stabilized so that the tightening torque of the adjusting lever 18 required to fix the columns 13g and 14c is not greatly different. Can be planned. As a result, stable support rigidity (clamping force) can be imparted to the inner column 14c. Other structures, operations, and effects are the same as those of the first example of the embodiment.

[Seventh example of embodiment]
FIGS. 11 to 12 show a seventh example of the embodiment of the invention corresponding to claims 1 to 4 and 6. Also in the case of the telescopic steering device of the present example, the outer column 13h is arranged behind the inner column 14c, similarly to the structure shown in FIGS.
The outer column 13h has the same basic structure as the outer column 13d of the first example of the embodiment shown in FIGS.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 11 (b) and 11 (c), the outer column 13h has at least one pair of the left and right column side through holes 30, 30 at the center in the width direction of the bottom portion 28 of the movable side bracket 22f. The long holes 42 and 42a which are long in the axial direction, corresponding to the first long holes in the claims, are formed at positions aligned with respect to the axial direction.
Of these, the long hole 42 shown in FIG. 11B is substantially aligned with the column side through holes 30, 30 in the position in the axial direction.
On the other hand, the dimension in the axial direction of the long hole 42a shown in FIG. 11C is larger than the dimension in the axial direction of the column side through holes 30 and 30 and the long hole 42. That is, the long hole 42a is formed in the axial direction from the front side in the axial direction of the column side through-holes 30 and 30 of the bottom portion 28 to the axial rear end of the bottom portion 28 and the outer peripheral surface of the outer column 13h. Is formed up to the outer peripheral surface of the outer column 13h through a rear end side continuous portion 43 that is continuous.
Such long holes 42 and 42a can also be formed by a hydroforming method (see Patent Document 4).

  In the telescopic steering device of this example, the elongated holes 42 and 42a are formed in the bottom portion 28 of the movable bracket 22f, whereby the rigidity in the width direction of the bottom portion 28 and the sandwiched portions 25a and 25a is formed. Is low. In particular, as shown in FIG. 11 (c), the long hole 42a is connected to the bottom portion 28 through a rear end side continuous portion 43 that connects the rear end portion of the bottom portion 28 and the outer peripheral surface of the outer column 13h. By forming the outer column 13h up to the outer peripheral surface, the rigidity of the bottom portion 28 and the portions near the rear ends of the sandwiched portions 25a and 25a can be sufficiently reduced. Therefore, regardless of the axial dimension of the portion where the outer column 13h and the inner column 14c overlap in the radial direction, the adjusting lever 18 (see FIG. 2) required to fix these columns 13h and 14c. It is possible to stabilize the operability of the adjusting lever 18 so that the tightening torque is not greatly different. As a result, stable support rigidity (clamping force) can be imparted to the inner column 14c.

  In addition, this example can be implemented in combination with each example of the said embodiment. In particular, when the present example is implemented in combination with the fifth example or the sixth example of the embodiment, the both inclined portions 40 and 40a are portions corresponding to the bottom portion 28. Moreover, this example can be applied regardless of the support structure of the outer column and the inner column. Other structures, operations, and effects are the same as those of the first example of the embodiment.

[Eighth Example of Embodiment]
FIG. 13 shows an eighth example of an embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claims 1 to 4 and 7. The outer column 13i constituting the telescopic steering device of this example has the same basic structure as the outer column 13d of the first example of the embodiment shown in FIGS.

  Further, the outer column 13i has a width direction shown in FIG. 13 (b) in a rear end side continuous portion 43 that continues the axial rear end of the bottom portion 28 of the movable bracket 22g and the outer peripheral surface of the outer column 13i. A long oblong hole 44 corresponding to the second oblong hole in the claims is formed. The shape of the width direction long hole 44 is not limited to the oval shape of the present example, and may be a long rectangular shape that is long in the width direction. Further, like the width direction long hole 44a shown in FIG. 13C, it can be formed until both end portions in the width direction reach both the sandwiched portions 25a and 25a of the movable side bracket 22g.

According to the telescopic steering device of this example, the rigidity in the width direction of the rear end portion in the axial direction of the movable bracket 22g can be reduced. That is, since the rear end side continuous portion 43 exists at the axial rear end of the movable bracket 22g, the rigidity in the width direction is higher than that of the axial front end. Therefore, the width direction long holes 44, 44a are formed to reduce the rigidity in the width direction of the rear end portion in the axial direction of the movable bracket 22g. As a result, the column 13h and the inner column 14c (see FIG. 2) are required to fix the columns 13h and 14c, regardless of the overlapping state (the axial dimension of the overlapping portion) in the radial direction. The operability of the adjusting lever 18 can be stabilized so that the tightening torque of the adjusting lever 18 (see FIG. 2) does not vary greatly.
In addition, this example can be implemented in combination with each example of the said embodiment. Other structures, functions, and effects are the same as those of the first example of the embodiment.

[Ninth Embodiment]
FIGS. 14-15 has shown the 9th example of embodiment of this invention corresponding to Claims 1-4 and 8-10. The outer column 13j constituting the telescopic steering device of this example has the same basic structure as the outer column 13h of the seventh example of the embodiment described above.

  Further, the outer column 13j has a rear end portion in the axial direction of the movable bracket 22h from a portion slightly forward of the axial direction of the column side through holes 30 and 30 in the axial direction of the outer column 13j. (A rear end side continuous portion 43 in which the rear end in the axial direction of the bottom portion 28 and the outer peripheral surface of the outer column 13j are connected to each other) Column long holes 45, 45 are formed. The front end positions in the axial direction of both the column long holes 45, 45 are not limited to the positions in this example, and can be formed to a position ahead of the front ends of the column side through holes 30, 30.

Moreover, both of these columns long holes 45, 45 in the circumferential direction of the outer column 13j, passes through the center axis _{O 13} of the inscribed circle of the supporting portion 26 of the outer column 13j (an outer circumferential surface of the inner column 14c), Further, with respect to the movable side bracket 22h side (below FIGS. 14 and 15) from the virtual plane β orthogonal to the both support plate portions 27, 27 of the fixed side bracket 12b, each raised portion 23a that constitutes the support portion 26, It is formed above the raised portions 23b and 23b formed below 23b.

  In the case of this example, both the column long holes 45, 45 are formed at two positions in the circumferential direction of the outer column 13j. The number to be determined is appropriately determined in consideration of the support rigidity (clamping force) of the outer column 13j with respect to the inner column 14c.

According to such a telescopic steering device of this example, the rigidity in the width direction of the movable bracket 22h at the position aligned with the column long holes 45, 45 in the axial direction can be reduced. In particular, since the rear end side continuous portion 43 exists at the axial rear end of the movable bracket 22h, the rigidity in the width direction is higher than that of the axial front end. Therefore, in the case of this example, the position of the rear end portions of the column long holes 45, 45 in the axial direction is slightly rearward of the rear end side continuous portion 43. For this reason, the rigidity regarding the width direction of the axial direction rear-end part of the said movable side bracket 22h can be made low. As a result, the adjustment lever 18 (see FIG. 5) required to fix both the columns 13j and 14c regardless of the overlapping state (the axial dimension of the overlapping portion) in the radial direction between the outer column 13j and the inner column 14c. 2), the operability of the adjusting lever 18 can be stabilized.
In addition, this example can be implemented in combination with each example of the said embodiment. Other structures, operations, and effects are the same as those of the seventh example of the embodiment.

In each of the above-described embodiments, a steering apparatus including a tilt mechanism for adjusting the vertical position of the steering wheel in addition to the telescopic mechanism for adjusting the front-rear position of the steering wheel has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to the structure of a steering apparatus provided with only a telescopic mechanism.
Further, the front-rear direction of the outer column and the inner column constituting the steering column is not limited. The inner column may be on the rear side, and the outer column may be on the rear side.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Steering wheel 2 Steering gear unit 3 Input shaft 4 Tie rod 5 Steering shaft 6, 6a Steering column 7 Universal joint 8 Intermediate shaft 9 Universal joint 10 Car body 11 Axis 12, 12a, 12b Fixed side bracket 13, 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d , 13e, 13f, 13g, 13h, 13i, 13j Outer column 14, 14a, 14b, 14c Inner column 15 Outer tube 16 Inner shaft 17 Electric motor 18 Adjustment lever 19, 19a Hook-shaped member 20 Cam device 21 Cam member 22, 22a , 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e, 22f, 22g, 22h Movable bracket 23, 23a, 23b Raised portion 24 Support claw portion 25, 25a, 25b Clamped portion 26, 26a Support portion 27 Support plate portion 28 28a Bottom 29 Vehicle body side through hole 30 Column side through hole 31, 31a First friction plate 32, 32a Second friction plate 33, 33a First friction plate side through hole 34 Guide pin 35, 35a Second friction plate Side through hole 36 Retaining nut 37 Head 38 Friction plate part 39 Continuous part 40, 40a Inclined part 41, 41a Continuous part 42, 42a Long hole 43 Rear end side continuous part 44, 44a Width direction long hole 45 Column long hole

  The present invention relates to an improvement in a telescopic steering device for adjusting the front-rear position of a steering wheel. Specifically, the inner column is stably held on the inner diameter side of the outer column by improving the structure of the outer column that constitutes the steering column and the structure of the outer column that supports the inner column. A possible structure is realized at low cost.

  The automobile steering apparatus is configured as shown in FIG. 16, 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.

  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 in the width direction with respect to the vehicle body 10 (the width direction is the width direction of the vehicle body and coincides with the left-right direction. Description and claims) The same is applied to the entire range.) The rocking displacement centering on the pivot 11 installed is supported. Further, the movable bracket fixed to the rear end portion of the steering column 6 with respect to the fixed bracket 12 supported by the vehicle body 10 is vertically and longitudinally (the longitudinal direction is the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body). This is the same throughout the present specification and claims). 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.

  In the case of a tilt mechanism or a telescopic mechanism, the position of the steering wheel 1 can be adjusted or fixed at the adjusted position based on the operation of the adjustment lever, except for the electric mechanism. For example, in Patent Document 1, as shown in FIGS. 17 to 18, on the basis of the rotation of the hook-shaped member 19 by the adjusting lever 18, the axial dimension of the cam device 20 is expanded and contracted and the cam member 21 is oscillated and displaced. The structure is described. In the case of this conventional structure, the movable bracket 22 fixed to the outer column 13a is engaged with and disengaged from the fixed bracket 12a based on the expansion / contraction of the cam device 20. Further, based on the rocking displacement of the cam member 21, whether the inner column 14a is slidable with respect to the outer column 13a is switched.

The outer columns 13 and 13a and the inner columns 14 and 14a constituting the steering device as described above are an inner peripheral surface near the front end of the outer columns 13 and 13a and a rear end of the inner columns 14 and 14a. The outer peripheral surface is fitted in a state where relative displacement in the axial direction is possible. When manufacturing the outer columns 13 and 13a, first, the outer column main body is formed by an aluminum die casting method. Thereafter, the inner peripheral surface of the outer column main body is cut and finished.
The movable bracket 22 is provided separately from the outer columns 13 and 13a, and is welded and fixed to a part of the outer columns 13 and 13a.

  In the case of such a steering device, the cutting for accurately finishing the inner diameter of the outer columns 13 and 13a is troublesome and increases the processing cost. Further, since the inner peripheral surfaces of the outer columns 13 and 13a and the outer peripheral surfaces of the inner columns 14 and 14a are fitted over the entire circumference, the inner diameter accuracy of the outer columns 13 and 13a is not sufficient. The uneven contact occurs, and the inner columns 14 and 14a cannot be stably held on the inner diameter side of the outer columns 13 and 13a.

  Therefore, in Patent Document 2, a plurality of protruding portions protruding radially inward from the inner peripheral surface are formed at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface of the outer column overlapping with the outer peripheral surface of the inner column, A structure is described in which the tip end portion (radially inner end portion) of each raised portion is brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the inner column.

  FIG. 19 shows the structure of the telescopic steering device described in Patent Document 2. When manufacturing the outer column 13b which comprises this telescopic steering apparatus, an outer column main body is first shape | molded by the aluminum die-casting method, the hydroforming method, etc. Thereafter, forging and broaching are performed at a plurality of circumferential positions (11 in the figure) of the outer circumferential surface of the outer column main body that overlap with the outer circumferential surface of the inner column 14b. Ridges 23, 23 projecting radially inward from the top are formed. Further, in the assembled state, the tips of the raised portions 23, 23 are brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14b.

  In the case of the outer column 13b, it is only necessary to perform cutting (broaching or the like) only on the tip portions of the raised portions 23 and 23. For this reason, the machining cost can be reduced as compared with the case where the entire circumference of the inner circumferential surface of the outer column is cut. However, the method of forming the outer column 13b is different from the method of forming the raised portions 23, 23. For this reason, processing takes time and processing costs increase.

  Further, in order to stably support the inner column 14b on the inner diameter side of the outer column 13b without uneven contact or rattling, all the raised portions 23, 23 and the inner column It is preferable that the contact state with the outer peripheral surface of 14b is the same. However, when a large number of (11 in the illustrated example) raised portions 23, 23 are provided as in the outer column 13b, the processing for making the contact state the same is troublesome.

  FIG. 20 shows the structure of the outer column 13c shown in Patent Document 2 as well. The outer column 13c has a cylindrical shape formed by bending a plate-shaped material and welding circumferential edges (upper edges in FIG. 20) to each other. Further, support claws 24 and 24 are formed at three positions in the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface of the outer column 13c, which face the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14b in the assembled state. Each of the support claw portions 24, 24 is formed by pressing the outer column 13c and bending it further radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the outer column 13c.

  A movable bracket 22a is provided on a part of the outer peripheral surface of the outer column 13c in the axial direction. Each of the movable side brackets 22a is formed by bending the plate-shaped material, one end edge is connected to the outer peripheral surface, and the other end edge is welded to the outer peripheral surface. , 25.

  In the case of such an outer column 13c, the support claw portions 24, 24 are formed at substantially equal intervals at three locations in the circumferential direction. For this reason, the process for making the contact | abutting state of the front-end edge of all the support nail | claw parts 24 and 24 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14b the same is easy. However, each of the support claw portions 24, 24 has a cantilever-like structure formed by bending inward in the radial direction from the inner peripheral surface of the outer column 13c. For this reason, it is difficult to secure rigidity for stably supporting the inner column on the inner diameter side of the outer column 13c.

  Further, in the case of the telescopic steering devices having the conventional structures described above, if the axial dimension of the portion where the outer column and the inner column overlap in the radial direction becomes longer, the rigidity in the width direction of the movable bracket becomes higher and the deflection becomes greater. It becomes difficult. For this reason, it is necessary to change the operating force applied to the adjustment lever according to the axial dimension of the portion where the outer column and the inner column overlap in the radial direction. As a result, the operability of the adjusting lever is not stable, and there is a possibility that stable support rigidity (clamping force) cannot be applied to the inner column.

  Further, in Patent Document 3, in order to stably hold the steering wheel at the adjusted position, the inner side surfaces of both support plate portions of the fixed side bracket and the outer side surfaces of both sandwiched portions of the movable side bracket are disclosed. Describes the structure of a telescopic steering device in which a plate-like first friction plate and a second friction plate are alternately provided for each of the intermediate portions. The structure of each of the first and second friction plates and the structure for supporting each of the first and second friction plates are described in Patent Document 3, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted. To do.

In the case of such a telescopic steering device, the contact pressure (friction force) of the contact surfaces of the support plate portions, the sandwiched portions, and the first and second friction plates is increased. Thus, the steering wheel can be stably held at the adjusted position. However, in such a telescopic steering device, the outer column and the movable bracket constituting the telescopic steering device are made by casting a light alloy such as an aluminum alloy or a magnesium alloy. For this reason, similarly to the structure shown in FIGS. 17 to 18, it is conceivable that the cutting work for accurately finishing the inner diameter of the outer column is troublesome and the processing cost increases.
Incidentally, there is Patent Document 4 as a publication describing a technique related to the present invention.

JP 2001-322552 A JP 2008-302751 A JP 2008-1000059 A1 JP 2006-255785 A

  In view of the circumstances as described above, the present invention has been devised on the inner column side of the outer column by devising the structure of the outer column that constitutes the steering column and the structure of the portion that supports the inner column. The invention has been invented to realize a structure that can stably hold the inner column and can obtain stable operability without increasing the operating force applied to the adjusting lever.

The telescopic steering device of the present invention includes a steering column, a steering shaft, a fixed side bracket, a movable side bracket, a bowl-shaped member, and an adjustment lever.
Among these, the steering column is formed by combining an outer column and an inner column so as to be extendable and contractible. Of these, the outer column has a cylindrical shape capable of expanding and reducing at least a part of the inner diameter in the axial direction, and has a support portion for supporting the inner column on the inner peripheral surface. The inner column is arranged on the inner diameter side of the outer column, and is supported by a support portion of the outer column so as to be axially displaceable.
The steering shaft is rotatably supported on the inner diameter side of the steering column, and a steering wheel is mounted on a rear end portion protruding rearward from the rear end opening of the steering column.
The fixed side bracket is provided in a fixed part with the inner column of the outer column being able to expand and contract from both sides in the width direction, and a pair of left and right support plates capable of expansion and contraction in the width direction. Part.
The movable side bracket is molded integrally with the outer column by plastic working from the outer column constituting the steering column, and can be expanded and contracted in the width direction as the support plate portions expand and contract in the width direction. It has a pair of sandwiched parts.
The flange-shaped member is inserted in the vehicle body side through hole formed at a position where the both support plate portions are aligned with each other and the column side through hole formed in the both sandwiched portions in the width direction. It is arranged. Then, with the rotation of the adjustment lever, the distance between the surfaces of the two support plate portions facing each other is enlarged or reduced.
The adjusting lever is provided at a base end portion of the bowl-shaped member, and expands or contracts the interval with rotation.

Particularly, in the case of the telescopic steering device of the present invention, a support portion for supporting the inner column is formed at a position aligned with the column side through hole in the axial direction on the inner peripheral surface of the outer column. It said outer column, including the supporting portion is molded by inflating a hollow tube radially outward.
Further, the movable bracket is bulged and formed integrally with the outer column (hydroforming method, press working, bulging, vacuum forming, air blow molding, explosion forming, etc.).
The outer column support portion and the inner column outer peripheral surface are in contact with each other at three or more locations in the circumferential direction.
Further, the first friction supported by the movable side bracket is provided between the sandwiched portions of the movable side bracket and the inner side surfaces of the support plate portions of the fixed side bracket. The plates and the second friction plates supported by the hook-shaped members are alternately arranged in a state that can be interlocked with the movement of the hook-shaped members.

When the telescopic steering device of the present invention as described above is implemented, for example, as in the invention described in claim 2, the outer column including the support portion is formed by removing the hollow tube from the radial direction by a hydroforming method. Inflate in the direction and mold.
The movable bracket is swelled and formed integrally with the outer column by a hydroforming method.

  In the case of implementing the telescopic steering device of the present invention as described above, preferably, as in the invention described in claim 3, the outer column support portion and the inner column outer peripheral surface are arranged in a circumferential direction. Contact only at three locations.

  Further, when the telescopic steering device of the present invention as described above is implemented, it is preferable that the inner peripheral surface of the support portion of the outer column is finished by cutting or pressing as in the invention described in claim 4. Apply.

Further, when the telescopic steering device of the present invention as described above is implemented, the outer column is preferably arranged behind the inner column as in the fifth aspect of the present invention.
Further, the movable side bracket is provided with both the sandwiched portions and a bottom portion that makes the both sandwiched portions continuous in the width direction.
Of these, the column-side through holes formed in both the sandwiched portions are elongated holes that are long in the axial direction of the outer column.
And the 1st long hole long in an axial direction is formed in the width direction middle part of the bottom.

  As described above, in the case of the telescopic steering device of the present invention, the outer column including the support portion for supporting the inner column and the movable side bracket provided integrally with the outer column are bulged by, for example, a hydroform method. It is molded integrally by molding. For this reason, even when the support portion is composed of a plurality of (three or more) raised portions, the processing cost can be reduced and a support portion having high rigidity can be obtained. Further, the movable bracket and the outer column are provided separately, and a troublesome fixing work such as welding is not necessary.

  Further, a first friction plate supported by the movable side bracket at each portion between the inner side surface in the width direction of the support plate portion of the fixed side bracket and both sandwiched portions of the movable side bracket. In addition, the second friction plates supported by the hook-shaped member are alternately arranged in a state where the movement and the interlocking of the hook-shaped member are possible. For this reason, the sum total of the friction areas of the both supporting plate portions, the both sandwiched portions, and the first and second friction plates can be increased (the frictional force is increased). As a result, the steering wheel can be stably held at the adjusted position.

  Further, in the case of the invention described in claim 3, the support portion provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer column and the outer peripheral surface of the inner column overlapping with the support portion are brought into contact with each other at only three locations in the circumferential direction. Support in the state. For this reason, the said support part can be reliably contact | abutted to the outer peripheral surface of the said inner column. Further, since there are only three contact points, it is easy to process to make the contact state equal in all the contact points.

  Further, in the case of the invention described in claim 4, the inner peripheral surface of the outer column support portion is subjected to finishing processing by cutting or pressing. For this reason, it is possible to stably support the inner column by the support portion while reducing the processing cost as compared with the case of cutting the entire outer peripheral surface of the outer column.

Further, in the case of the invention described in claim 5 , a first long hole that is long in the axial direction is formed in the intermediate portion in the width direction of the bottom portion of the movable bracket. For this reason, the rigidity in the width direction of both sandwiched portions of the movable bracket can be reduced as compared with the case where the long hole is not formed. As a result, even when the axial dimension of the portion where the outer column and the inner column overlap in the radial direction is long, stable operability can be obtained without increasing the operating force applied to the adjustment lever.

The partial side view which shows the 1st example of embodiment of this invention. Similarly, AA sectional drawing of FIG. Similarly, it is sectional drawing which takes out and shows only an outer column. The figure similar to FIG. 2 which shows the 2nd example of embodiment of this invention. The figure similar to FIG. 2 which shows the 3rd example. The figure similar to FIG. 2 which shows the 4th example. The side view which takes out only an outer column and shows the 5th example. Similarly, BB sectional drawing of FIG. The side view which takes out only an outer column and shows the 6th example of embodiment of this invention. Similarly, CC sectional view (a) and DD sectional view (b) of FIG. 9 showing only the outer column taken out. A seventh example of the embodiment of the present invention is a side view (a) showing only the outer column taken out, and a bottom view (b) showing a first example of a long hole formed in the bottom of the outer column. The bottom view (c) which shows two examples. Similarly, EE sectional drawing of FIG. In the eighth example of the embodiment of the present invention, a side view (a) showing only the outer column taken out, and the rear end portion of the movable side bracket and the outer peripheral surface of the outer column are formed in the rear end side continuous portion. The bottom view (b) which shows the 1st example of the long hole which was made, and the bottom view (c) which similarly shows a 2nd example. The 9th example of embodiment of this invention WHEREIN: The side view which takes out and shows only an outer column. Similarly, FF sectional drawing of FIG. The partial cutaway side view which shows one example of the steering device for motor vehicles incorporating the telescopic steering device. Vertical side view showing a first example of a conventionally known telescopic steering device GG sectional drawing of FIG. The figure similar to FIG. 18 which shows the 2nd example of the telescopic steering apparatus known conventionally. The front view which takes out only the outer column and shows the 3rd example.

[First example of embodiment]
1 to 3 show a first example of an embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claims 1 to 4. The feature of the telescopic steering device of the present invention including this example is that the structure of the outer column constituting the steering column and the structure of the portion holding the inner column inside the outer column are devised. In addition, in this example, in addition to the telescopic mechanism for adjusting the front / rear position of the steering wheel 1 (see FIG. 16), the tilt mechanism for adjusting the vertical position is similar to the structure shown in FIGS. The present invention is applied to a structure provided with. However, the present invention can also be applied to a structure that does not include this tilt mechanism. Further, the structure other than the characteristic part of the present invention and the operation method of the telescopic steering device are substantially the same as the structure of the conventionally known telescopic steering device including the structure shown in FIGS. For the parts configured in the same manner as in the prior art, the illustration and description will be omitted or simplified, and hereinafter, the characteristic parts of this example will be mainly described.

The telescopic steering device of this example is similar to the telescopic steering device having the conventional structure described above, the steering shaft 5, the steering column 6a, the fixed side bracket 12b, the movable side bracket 22b, the hook-like member 19, and the adjusting lever. 18.
In the steering column 6a, the outer column 13d is an upper column on the steering wheel 1 side and the inner column 14c is a lower column far from the steering wheel 1 in the same manner as the structure shown in FIGS. .

  Particularly in the case of the telescopic steering device of this example, the outer column 13d has a cylindrical shape in which at least a part of the inner diameter in the axial direction can be elastically expanded and contracted, and the inner column 14c is disposed on the inner diameter side of the outer column 13d. A support portion 26 is provided for fitting and supporting the displacement in the axial direction.

  Further, the support portion 26 is radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the inner peripheral surface of the outer column 13d at three equally spaced positions in the portion overlapping the inner column 14c in the radial direction. It consists of ridges 23a and 23b formed in a state of projecting toward the direction. Of these, the raised portion 23a is formed at one position on the inner peripheral surface above FIGS. On the other hand, the raised portions 23b are formed at two positions shifted from the raised portions 23a at equal intervals in the circumferential direction (in the present example, shifted by 120 degrees). And the front-end edge (radial direction inner side edge) of these each protruding part 23a, 23b is contact | abutting with the outer peripheral surface of the said inner column 14c. As will be described later, the tips of the raised portions 23a and 23b are securely attached to the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14c without increasing the processing accuracy of the raised portions 23a and 23b constituting the support portion 26. From the viewpoint of contact, the number of the raised portions 23a and 23b is preferably three in this example. However, the number of the raised portions 23a and 23b can be more than three (for example, two on the left and on the right, for a total of four) in consideration of the balance of processing cost and the like. The positions where the raised portions 23a and 23b are formed are not limited to the circumferentially equidistant positions on the inner peripheral surface of the outer column 13d. However, it is not biased toward the semicircular side, but is distributed in a range exceeding the semicircular circumference.

  Further, in the assembled state shown in FIG. 2, the outer column 13d has both end faces in the width direction (left and right direction in FIG. 2) of the outer peripheral surface of the outer column 13d and both support plate portions 27 of the fixed bracket 12b. , 27 are in contact with the inner surface of the belt. In this way, the support rigidity in the width direction is increased, and the steering column 6a is less likely to vibrate in the width direction.

Further, each of the raised portions 23a, of the 23b, the ridges 23b formed in the lower 2, and 23b, the the outer circumferential surface of the inner column 14c, as the support plates the center _{O 14} of the inner column It abuts against a virtual plane α orthogonal to the portions 27, 27 at a position inclined by an angle θ (30 degrees in this example) on the movable bracket 22b side (downward in FIG. 2). Increasing this angle θ (decreasing the dimension in the width direction of the raised portions 23b, 23b formed in the lower part of FIG. 2) can increase the support rigidity of the outer column 6a in the vertical direction, The moldability of the movable bracket 22b described later can be improved. However, the magnitude of the angle θ is appropriately determined in consideration of the thicknesses of the first friction plates 31, 31 and the second friction plates 32, 32, which will be described later.

  Such an outer column 13d (including the support portion 26) applies a hydraulic pressure (for example, water pressure) to the inner peripheral surface of a metal tube that is a hollow member made of a steel plate or an aluminum alloy. It is molded by the hydroform method that plastically deforms outward in the direction. In the method of forming the outer column 13d by this hydroforming method, for example, the metal tube as a material is set in a mold having an inner surface shape corresponding to the outer surface shape of the outer column 13d to be enlarged. . Then, both ends of the metal tube are closed with a shaft pushing tool or the like, and a high hydraulic pressure is applied to the metal tube. By applying the hydraulic pressure, the diameter of the metal tube is increased outward in the radial direction until it is in close contact with the inner surface of the cavity of the mold, thereby forming the outer column 13d. Moreover, after shaping | molding by a hydroform construction method, the finishing part by cutting or press is given to the front-end | tip part of each protruding part 23a, 23b which comprises the said support part 26 as needed. The method of forming the outer column 13d is not limited to the hydroform method, but may be press processing, bulge processing, vacuum forming, air blow molding, explosion molding, or the like.

Further, the movable side bracket 22b is formed integrally with the outer column 13d by the hydroforming method described above at the front end portion of the outer column 13d and fitted to the rear end portion of the inner column 14c. Yes.
In the case of this example, the movable side bracket 22b is provided so as to protrude downward from the front end portion of the outer column 13d, and the width of a pair of support plate portions 27, 27 constituting the fixed side bracket 12b. Along with expansion and contraction in the direction, a pair of sandwiched portions 25a and 25a and a bottom portion 28 that can be expanded and contracted in the width direction are provided. In addition, vehicle body side through holes 29 and 29 that can be inserted through the flange-like member 19 and that are long in the vertical direction are formed at positions where the both support plate portions 27 and 27 of the fixed side bracket 12b are aligned with each other. . In this manner, as in the structure of the steering apparatus having the tilt mechanism shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, the pivot 11 (see FIG. 16) in which the steering column 6a is installed in the width direction with respect to the vehicle body 10 (see FIG. 16). The rocking displacement centering around (see FIG. 16) is supported.

Of the raised portions 23a and 25b of the outer column 13d, one end of each of the sandwiched portions 25a and 25a is continuous from the lower end of the raised portions 23b and 23b formed below the FIGS. The pair of support plate portions 27 and 27 are formed substantially parallel to each other. Further, the dimension W in the width direction between the inner side surfaces in the width direction of the support plate portions 27 and 27 is the length D between the outer side surfaces in the width direction (left and right direction in FIG. 2) of the sandwiched portions 25a and 25a. The sum T _ALL (T _ALL = 2T ₃₁ + 2T ₃₂ ) of the thickness T _{31 of} all the first friction plates ₃₁ and ₃₁ and the thickness T _{32 of} each of the second friction plates ₃₂ and ₃₂ , which will be described later. (W≈D + T _ALL ).

  Further, column-side through holes 30, 30 that are long in the axial direction are formed at positions where the both sandwiched portions 25a, 25a are aligned with each other. Each of the column side through holes 30, 30 can also be formed by a hydroforming method (see Patent Document 4).

  The bottom portion 28 is provided in a state in which the lower end edges of the sandwiched portions 25a and 25a are continuous. Accordingly, the movable side bracket 22b has a box shape with the lower and front sides opened. Note that the method of forming the movable side bracket 22b integrally with the outer column 13d is not limited to the hydroform method, but may be press processing, bulge processing, vacuum forming, air blow molding, explosion molding, or the like.

  The first friction plates 31 and 31 and the second friction plate are disposed between the inner side surfaces of the support plate portions 27 and 27 and the outer side surfaces of the sandwiched portions 25a and 25a. Plates 32 and 32 are arranged. In the case of this example, one first friction plate 31 and one second friction plate 32 are disposed for each of the above-described portions. Each of the first and second friction plates 31 and 32 has the second friction plates 32 and 32 arranged on the inner side in the width direction of the first friction plates 31 and 31. The positional relationship between the first and second friction plates 31 and 32 in the width direction can be reversed from the case of this example.

  Each of the first friction plates 31, 31 is a plate-like member that is made of a light alloy such as an iron alloy, an aluminum alloy, or a magnesium alloy and that is long in the front-rear direction. The first friction plates 31, 31 are arranged at least in positions in alignment with the column-side through-holes 30, 30 of the sandwiched portions 25 a, 25 a in the front-rear direction in which the hook-shaped member 19 can be inserted. A long first friction plate side through-hole 33 is formed. Each of the first friction plates 31, 31 can be displaced in the width direction at the rear end portion and the front end portion by the guide pins 34, 34 on both the sandwiched portions 25 a, 25 a. However, it supports in the state which blocked | prevented the displacement of an axial direction and an up-down direction. That is, each of the first friction plates 31 and 31 is supported with respect to the movable side column 22b so as to be movable in conjunction with the movable side column 22b in the axial direction and the vertical direction.

  On the other hand, each said 2nd friction plates 32 and 32 are light alloy plate-shaped members, such as an iron-type alloy, or an aluminum-type alloy, a magnesium-type alloy. In addition, a second friction plate side through hole 35 is formed at a central position of each of the second friction plates 32, 32 so that the hook-like member 19 can be inserted so as not to rattle. That is, the second friction plates 32 and 32 can move in conjunction with the hook-like member 19 in a state where the hook-like member 19 is inserted into the second friction plate-side through hole 35. .

The outer column 13d and the first and second friction plates 31 and 32 constituting the telescopic steering device of this example are assembled in a state as shown in FIG. In the state where each member is assembled as shown in FIG. 2, when adjusting the position of the steering wheel 1 in the front-rear direction, the adjusting lever 18 is rotated in a predetermined direction to The space | interval regarding the width direction of the holding nut 36 which is a pressing member provided in one end (right end of FIG. 2) of the member 19 and the head 37 which is also a pressing member provided in the other end is expanded.
Then, the distance between the inner surfaces of the support plate portions 27, 27 is elastically expanded, and both the support plate portions 27, 27, the first friction plates 31, 31, and the second second plates. The contact pressure between the friction plates 32 and 32 and the sandwiched portions 25a and 25a between the members 27, 31, 32, and 25a is reduced or lost. Along with this, the surface pressure of the fitting portion between the support portion 26 of the outer column 13d and the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14c is reduced or lost, and the outer column 13d and the inner column 14c are axially ( It becomes a state in which relative displacement is possible in the front-rear direction. As a result, the position of the steering wheel 1 in the front-rear direction and the vertical direction can be adjusted.

  Further, after the position adjustment, if the adjusting lever 18 is rotated in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction, the distance between the holding nut 36 and the head 37 is reduced. Then, the interval between the inner surfaces of the both support plate portions 27, 27 is reduced, and both the support plate portions 27, 27, the first friction plates 31, 31, and the second friction plates 32, The surface pressure of the contact portion between the members 27, 31, 32, and 25a between the two pinched portions 25a and 25a is increased. Accordingly, the surface pressure of the fitting portion between the support portion 26 of the outer column 13d and the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14c increases. As a result, the steering wheel 1 is supported at the adjusted position. In the operation for supporting the steering wheel 1 at the adjusted position, the inner and outer surfaces of the support plate portions 27 and 27 are connected to the both covers through the first and second friction plates 31 and 32, respectively. In addition to pressing the sandwiching portions 25a, 25a, the outer column 13d is also pressed on the both end surfaces in the width direction by the inner side surfaces of the support plate portions 27, 27, thereby the outer column 13d. The inner diameter of the column 13d can be enlarged or reduced.

  As described above, in the telescopic steering device of this example, the outer column 13d including the support portion 26 and the movable bracket 22b provided integrally with the outer column 13d are formed by a hydroforming method. For this reason, the processing cost can be reduced as compared with the conventional structure shown in FIGS.

  Further, the support portion 26 provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer column 13d and the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14c overlapping the support portion 26 are brought into contact with each other only at three locations in the circumferential direction. For this reason, without raising the processing precision of each protruding part 23a, 23b which comprises the said support part 26, these each protruding part 23a, 23b can be reliably contact | abutted to the outer peripheral surface of the said inner column 14c.

  If the processing accuracy of the support portion 26 is not sufficient by the hydroform method alone, the tip portion of each raised portion 23a, 23b of the support portion 26 is subjected to finishing processing by cutting or pressing. However, in the case of this example, the number of these raised portions 23a, 23b is only three. For this reason, it is sufficient that the diameters of the inscribed circles of the three raised portions 23a and 23b be the same in the axial direction, so that the finishing process by the cutting or pressing is not particularly troublesome. The inner column 14c can be stably supported by the support portion 26.

  Further, the raised portions 23a and 23b constituting the support portion 26 are formed in a mountain shape by a hydroforming method. Therefore, the rigidity for supporting the inner column 14c can be increased as compared with the conventional structure shown in FIG.

  The first friction plates 31 and 31 and the second friction plates 32 and 32 are provided for each portion between the inner side surfaces of the support plate portions 27 and 27 and the sandwiched portions 25a and 25a. And are provided. For this reason, each of the support plate portions 27, 27, the first friction plates 31, 31, the second friction plates 32, 32, and the sandwiched portions 25a, 25a. The frictional force can be increased by widening the sum of the friction areas of the contact portions between the members 27, 31, 32, and 25a. As a result, the steering wheel 1 can be stably held at the adjusted position. The number of the friction plates 31 and 32 can be increased as in the structure described in Patent Document 3. By increasing the number, the holding force for holding the steering wheel 1 in the adjusted position can be increased.

[Second Example of Embodiment]
FIG. 4 shows a second example of an embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claims 1 to 4. In the case of the telescopic steering device of this example, as in the first example of the above-described embodiment, the inner surfaces in the width direction of both support plate portions 27, 27 of the fixed side bracket 12b and both sandwiched portions of the movable side bracket 22b One first friction plate 31a, 31a and one second friction plate 32a, 32a are arranged for each part between the width direction outer side surfaces of 25a, 25a. In the case of this example, the dimension W related to the width direction between the inner surfaces in the width direction of both the support plate portions 27, 27 is the length D between the outer surfaces in the width direction of the both sandwiched portions 25a, 25a, and The sum T _ALL (T _ALL = 2T _32a ) of the second friction plates 32a and 32a and the thickness T _32a is substantially the same (W≈D + T _ALL ).

Of these, the first friction plates 31a, 31a are similar to the structure of the first friction plates 31, 31 of the first example of the above-described embodiment, and are iron-based alloys, aluminum-based alloys, magnesium-based alloys. A plate-like member made of a light alloy such as an alloy and extending in the front-rear direction. Further, each first friction plate 31a, a 31a, at least the two nipped portion 25a, in a position aligned with both the column-side holes 30 and 30 25a, long the rod-shaped member 19 into the insertion possible front-rear direction A first friction plate side through hole 33a is formed. Each of the first friction plates 31a and 31a has a rear end portion and a front end portion that are similar to the first friction plates 31 and 31 of the first example of the embodiment. The sandwiched portions 25a and 25a are supported by guide pins 34 and 34 (see FIG. 1) in a state in which only displacement in the width direction is possible. That is, each of the first friction plates 31a and 31a is supported in a state where the first friction plates 31a and 31a can move in conjunction with the movable column 22b in the front-rear direction and the vertical direction.

  On the other hand, each of the second friction plates 32a and 32a includes a pair of friction plate portions 38 and 38 arranged in parallel to each other, and a continuous portion 39 that continuously connects the lower end portions of the friction plate portions 38 and 38. The cross-sectional shape is substantially U-shaped. Each of the second friction plates 32a and 32a is formed by bending a plate-like member made of a light alloy such as an iron alloy, an aluminum alloy, or a magnesium alloy. Further, a pair of second friction plate side through holes 35a, 35a, through which the flange-like member 19 can be inserted, are formed in portions where the friction plate portions 38, 38 are aligned with each other. ing. That is, the second friction plates 32a, 32a move in conjunction with the flange-like member 19 in a state where the flange-like member 19 is inserted into the second friction plate side through holes 35a, 35a. Is possible.

  Each of the first friction plates 31a and 31a and the second friction plates 32a and 32a as described above includes the inner side surfaces in the width direction of both support plate portions 27 and 27 of the fixed bracket 12b and the movable plate. Each second friction plate 32a, with the continuous portion 39 of one second friction plate 32a, 32a facing downward for each portion between the sandwiched portions 25a, 25a of the side bracket 22b. The first friction plates 31a and 31a are disposed in a state of being sandwiched between the friction plate portions 38 and 38a of 32a.

  In the case of such a telescopic steering device of this example, the first friction plates 31a, 31a and the second friction plates 32a, 32a are further provided than the structure of the first example of the embodiment described above. The frictional force can be increased by widening the sum of the friction areas of the contact portions. For this reason, the steering wheel 1 can be stably held at the adjusted position. Other structures, functions, and effects are the same as those of the first example of the embodiment.

[Third example of embodiment]
FIG. 5 shows a third example of the embodiment of the invention corresponding to claims 1 to 4. The movable bracket 22c constituting the telescopic steering device of this example is provided in a state of protruding upward from the front end portion of the outer column 13e. Such a movable side bracket 22c has a substantially symmetrical structure with respect to the radial direction (vertical direction) with respect to the movable side bracket 22b of the first example of the embodiment shown in FIGS. It consists of a pair of sandwiched portions 25b and 25b and a bottom portion 28a.

  Of these, both the sandwiched portions 25b and 25b are provided in a state of being continuous upward from the main body portion of the outer column 13e, and are parallel to each other. Further, the bottom portion 28a is provided in a state in which one end edges (the upper end edges in FIG. 5) of the both sandwiched portions 25b and 25b are continuous in the width direction. In addition, the processing method of the outer column 13e and the movable bracket 22c is not limited to the hydroform method, as in the first example of the embodiment described above, but press processing, bulge processing, vacuum forming, air blow molding, Explosive molding may be used.

  Similarly to the first example of the embodiment, column-side through-holes 30 and 30 that are long in the axial direction are formed in the portions where the sandwiched portions 25b and 25b of the movable bracket 22c are aligned with each other. ing.

  Further, the above-described implementation is performed for each portion between the inner surface in the width direction of both support plate portions 27 and 27 of the fixed side column 12b and the outer surface in the width direction of both sandwiched portions 25b and 25b of the movable side bracket 22c. One first friction plate 31 and one second friction plate 32 having the same structure as the first example of the embodiment are arranged.

  Regarding the operation of the telescopic steering device of this example as described above when adjusting the position of the steering wheel 1 (see FIG. 16) in the front-rear direction and the operation when fixing the steering wheel 1 to the position after the position adjustment, This is the same as the operation of the telescopic steering device having the conventional structure shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 in the first example of the embodiment.

  In the telescopic steering device of this example, the movable bracket 22c is provided in a state of protruding upward from the front end portion of the outer column 13e. For this reason, it is possible to facilitate the design of a structure that can prevent interference with the driver's knee or the like without disposing the hook-shaped member 19 below the front end portion of the outer column 13e. Other structures, functions, and effects are the same as those of the first example of the embodiment.

[Fourth Example of Embodiment]
FIG. 6 shows a fourth example of an embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claims 1 to 4. The structures of the outer column 13e and the movable bracket 22c constituting the telescopic steering device of this example are the same as the structure of the third example of the above embodiment.

  Further, the above-described implementation is performed for each portion between the inner surface in the width direction of both support plate portions 27 and 27 of the fixed side column 12b and the outer surface in the width direction of both sandwiched portions 25b and 25b of the movable side bracket 22c. One first friction plate 31a and one second friction plate 32a having the same structure as the second example of the embodiment are arranged. Other structures, operations, and effects are the same as those of the third example of the embodiment.

[Fifth Example of Embodiment]
FIGS. 7-8 has shown the 5th example of embodiment of this invention corresponding to Claims 1-4. The movable side bracket 22d constituting the telescopic steering device of the present example is formed integrally with the outer column 13f by the hydroforming method, as in the examples of the above-described embodiment, and can be expanded and contracted in the width direction. It has a pair of sandwiched portions 25a, 25a and a pair of inclined portions 40, 40.

Of these, both of the sandwiched portions 25a and 25a are continuous from the lower ends of the raised portions 23b and 23b formed at the lower side of FIG. 8 among the raised portions 23a and 23b of the outer column 13f, It is formed substantially parallel to the support plate portions 27, 27 of the fixed side bracket 12b. Further, column-side through holes 30, 30 that are long in the axial direction are formed at positions where the both sandwiched portions 25a, 25a are aligned with each other.
Further, one end of each of the inclined portions 40, 40 is continuous with the other end of the both sandwiched portions 25a, 25a so as to approach each other in the width direction (left-right direction in FIG. 8) (FIG. 8). The other ends of the two ends are continuous via the continuous portion 41. The structure of the outer column 13f other than the two inclined portions 40, 40 is the same as the structure of the outer column 13d of the first example of the embodiment described above.

  Further, with the outer column 13f constituting the telescopic steering device of this example assembled, the inner side surfaces of the support plate portions 27 and 27 of the fixed side bracket 12b in the width direction and the cover of both the movable side brackets 22d. Between the sandwiching portions 25a and 25a, the first and second friction plates 31 and 32 of the first example of the above-described embodiment, or the second example of the embodiment, are provided for each part between these. The first and second friction plates 31a and 32a are arranged.

In the case of such a structure of this example, the lower end portions of the both sandwiched portions 25a, 25a are continuous by the inclined portions 40, 40. For this reason, the rigidity regarding the width direction of both the clamping parts 25a and 25a can be made low, and the stable support rigidity (clamping force) can be provided with respect to the inner column 14c (refer FIGS. 1-2) . Other structures, functions, and effects are the same as those of the first example of the embodiment.

[Sixth Example of Embodiment]
FIGS. 9-10 has shown the 6th example of embodiment of this invention corresponding to Claims 1-4 . In the case of the telescopic steering device of the present example, the outer column 13g is arranged behind the inner column 14c, similarly to the structure shown in FIGS.
Similarly to the first example of the above embodiment, the column-side through hole which is long in the axial direction is positioned at the position where the both sandwiched portions 25a, 25a of the movable bracket 22e provided integrally with the outer column 13g are aligned with each other. 30 and 30 are formed.

  Further, the inclined portions 40a, 40a of the movable side bracket 22e and the support plate portions 27, 27 of the fixed side bracket 12b, which are aligned with both the column side through holes 30, 30 in the axial direction, are arranged on the both sides. The angle formed by the direction α for pressing (clamping) the clamping parts 25a, 25a is increased toward the rear (right side in FIG. 9).

That is, both the inclined portions 40a, 40a of the movable side bracket 22e and the both support plate portions 27, 27 are in the position aligned with the rear end portions of the column side through holes 30, 30 in the axial direction. An angle θ ₂ (see FIG. 10B) formed by a direction α for pressing (clamping) both of the sandwiched portions 25a and 25a is a position aligned with the front end portion of the column side through holes 30 and 30 in the axial direction. The angle θ ₁ of the similar part is larger than {see FIG. 10A} (θ ₂ > θ ₁ ). And the angle of the same part changes continuously in the middle part.

Further, the distance between the inner peripheral surface of the continuous portion 41a between the inclined portions 40a and 40a and the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14c at a position aligned with the column side through holes 30 and 30 in the axial direction is determined as follows. The way is bigger.
That is, the distance L ₂ between the inner peripheral surface of the continuous portion 41a and the lower end of the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14c at a position aligned with the rear end portion of the column side through holes 30, 30 in the axial direction. {Refer to FIG. 10 (b)} is larger than the distance L _{1 of the same} portion (refer to FIG. 10 (a)) at the position aligned with the front end portion of the column side through holes 30, 30 (see L _{1). <L} 2). The structure of the outer column 13g other than the two inclined portions 40a, 40a is the same as the structure of the outer column 13d of the first example of the embodiment described above.

  In the case of the telescopic steering device of this example configured as described above, the rigidity in the width direction of both the sandwiched portions 25a and 25a of the movable bracket 22e is lowered toward the rear. Therefore, the axial force of the portion where the outer column 13g and the inner column 14c overlap in the radial direction is stable without greatly changing the operating force applied to the adjusting lever 18 (see FIG. 2). Operability can be obtained. As a result, stable support rigidity (clamping force) can be imparted to the inner column 14c.

  That is, when no measures are taken (the structure of this example is not adopted), the axial length of the portion where the outer column 13g and the inner column 14c overlap in the radial direction is long { When the flange-shaped member 19 (see FIG. 2) is present near the rear end of the column side through-holes 30, 30 (right side in FIG. 9)}, the distance in the width direction between the sandwiched portions 25a, 25a is reduced. Therefore, the force required for the operation (the operating force applied to the adjusting lever 18) increases.

  On the other hand, when the axial dimension of the portion where the outer column 13g and the inner column 14c overlap in the radial direction is short {the hook-shaped member 19 is closer to the front end of the column side through holes 30, 30 (see FIG. When it is present on the left side}, the force required to reduce the distance in the width direction between the sandwiched portions 25a, 25a may be relatively small.

  Thus, if the operating force applied to the adjustment lever 18 differs depending on the axial dimension of the portion where the outer column 13g and the inner column 14c overlap in the radial direction, the steering wheel 1 (see FIG. 16) The operability (operation feeling) when adjusting the position in the front-rear direction is not stable.

  On the other hand, if the rigidity in the width direction of both sandwiched portions 25a and 25a of the movable bracket 22e is lowered as it goes rearward as in the structure of this example, the outer column 13g and the inner column 14c Regardless of the overlapping state in the radial direction, the operability of the adjusting lever 18 is stabilized so that the tightening torque of the adjusting lever 18 required to fix the columns 13g and 14c is not greatly different. Can be planned. As a result, stable support rigidity (clamping force) can be imparted to the inner column 14c. Other structures, operations, and effects are the same as those of the first example of the embodiment.

[Seventh example of embodiment]
FIGS. 11 to 12 show a seventh example of the embodiment of the invention corresponding to claims 1 to 5 . Also in the case of the telescopic steering device of the present example, the outer column 13h is arranged behind the inner column 14c, similarly to the structure shown in FIGS.
The outer column 13h has the same basic structure as the outer column 13d of the first example of the embodiment shown in FIGS.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 11 (b) and 11 (c), the outer column 13h has at least one pair of the left and right column side through holes 30, 30 at the center in the width direction of the bottom portion 28 of the movable side bracket 22f. The long holes 42 and 42a which are long in the axial direction, corresponding to the first long holes in the claims, are formed at positions aligned with respect to the axial direction.
Of these, the long hole 42 shown in FIG. 11B is substantially aligned with the column side through holes 30, 30 in the position in the axial direction.
On the other hand, the dimension in the axial direction of the long hole 42a shown in FIG. 11C is larger than the dimension in the axial direction of the column side through holes 30 and 30 and the long hole 42. That is, the long hole 42a is formed in the axial direction from the front side in the axial direction of the column side through-holes 30 and 30 of the bottom portion 28 to the axial rear end of the bottom portion 28 and the outer peripheral surface of the outer column 13h. Is formed up to the outer peripheral surface of the outer column 13h through a rear end side continuous portion 43 that is continuous.
Such long holes 42 and 42a can also be formed by a hydroforming method (see Patent Document 4).

  In the telescopic steering device of this example, the elongated holes 42 and 42a are formed in the bottom portion 28 of the movable bracket 22f, whereby the rigidity in the width direction of the bottom portion 28 and the sandwiched portions 25a and 25a is formed. Is low. In particular, as shown in FIG. 11 (c), the long hole 42a is connected to the bottom portion 28 through a rear end side continuous portion 43 that connects the rear end portion of the bottom portion 28 and the outer peripheral surface of the outer column 13h. By forming the outer column 13h up to the outer peripheral surface, the rigidity of the bottom portion 28 and the portions near the rear ends of the sandwiched portions 25a and 25a can be sufficiently reduced. Therefore, regardless of the axial dimension of the portion where the outer column 13h and the inner column 14c overlap in the radial direction, the adjusting lever 18 (see FIG. 2) required to fix these columns 13h and 14c. It is possible to stabilize the operability of the adjusting lever 18 so that the tightening torque is not greatly different. As a result, stable support rigidity (clamping force) can be imparted to the inner column 14c.

  In addition, this example can be implemented in combination with each example of the said embodiment. In particular, when the present example is implemented in combination with the fifth example or the sixth example of the embodiment, the both inclined portions 40 and 40a are portions corresponding to the bottom portion 28. Moreover, this example can be applied regardless of the support structure of the outer column and the inner column. Other structures, operations, and effects are the same as those of the first example of the embodiment.

[Eighth Example of Embodiment]
FIG. 13 shows an eighth example of the embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claims 1 to 4 . The outer column 13i constituting the telescopic steering device of this example has the same basic structure as the outer column 13d of the first example of the embodiment shown in FIGS.

Further, the outer column 13i has a width direction shown in FIG. 13 (b) in a rear end side continuous portion 43 that continues the axial rear end of the bottom portion 28 of the movable bracket 22g and the outer peripheral surface of the outer column 13i. A long hole 44 in the width direction, which is a long oval, is formed. The shape of the width direction long hole 44 is not limited to the oval shape of the present example, and may be a long rectangular shape that is long in the width direction, for example. Further, like the width direction long hole 44a shown in FIG. 13C, it can be formed until both end portions in the width direction reach both the sandwiched portions 25a and 25a of the movable side bracket 22g.

According to the telescopic steering device of this example, the rigidity in the width direction of the rear end portion in the axial direction of the movable bracket 22g can be reduced. That is, since the rear end side continuous portion 43 exists at the axial rear end of the movable bracket 22g, the rigidity in the width direction is higher than that of the axial front end. Therefore, the width direction long holes 44, 44a are formed to reduce the rigidity in the width direction of the rear end portion in the axial direction of the movable bracket 22g. As a result, the column 13h and the inner column 14c (see FIG. 2) are required to fix the columns 13h and 14c, regardless of the overlapping state (the axial dimension of the overlapping portion) in the radial direction. The operability of the adjusting lever 18 can be stabilized so that the tightening torque of the adjusting lever 18 (see FIG. 2) does not vary greatly.
In addition, this example can be implemented in combination with each example of the said embodiment. Other structures, functions, and effects are the same as those of the first example of the embodiment.

[Ninth Embodiment]
14 to 15 show a ninth example of the embodiment of the invention corresponding to claims 1 to 4 . The outer column 13j constituting the telescopic steering device of this example has the same basic structure as the outer column 13h of the seventh example of the embodiment described above.

  Further, the outer column 13j has a rear end portion in the axial direction of the movable bracket 22h from a portion slightly forward of the axial direction of the column side through holes 30 and 30 in the axial direction of the outer column 13j. (A rear end side continuous portion 43 in which the rear end in the axial direction of the bottom portion 28 and the outer peripheral surface of the outer column 13j are connected to each other) Column long holes 45, 45 are formed. The front end positions in the axial direction of both the column long holes 45, 45 are not limited to the positions in this example, and can be formed to a position ahead of the front ends of the column side through holes 30, 30.

Moreover, both of these columns long holes 45, 45 in the circumferential direction of the outer column 13j, passes through the center axis _{O 13} of the inscribed circle of the supporting portion 26 of the outer column 13j (an outer circumferential surface of the inner column 14c), Further, with respect to the movable side bracket 22h side (below FIGS. 14 and 15) from the virtual plane β orthogonal to the both support plate portions 27, 27 of the fixed side bracket 12b, each raised portion 23a that constitutes the support portion 26, It is formed above the raised portions 23b and 23b formed below 23b.

  In the case of this example, both the column long holes 45, 45 are formed at two positions in the circumferential direction of the outer column 13j. The number to be determined is appropriately determined in consideration of the support rigidity (clamping force) of the outer column 13j with respect to the inner column 14c.

According to such a telescopic steering device of this example, the rigidity in the width direction of the movable bracket 22h at the position aligned with the column long holes 45, 45 in the axial direction can be reduced. In particular, since the rear end side continuous portion 43 exists at the axial rear end of the movable bracket 22h, the rigidity in the width direction is higher than that of the axial front end. Therefore, in the case of this example, the position of the rear end portions of the column long holes 45, 45 in the axial direction is slightly rearward of the rear end side continuous portion 43. For this reason, the rigidity regarding the width direction of the axial direction rear-end part of the said movable side bracket 22h can be made low. As a result, the adjustment lever 18 (see FIG. 5) required to fix both the columns 13j and 14c regardless of the overlapping state (the axial dimension of the overlapping portion) in the radial direction between the outer column 13j and the inner column 14c. 2), the operability of the adjusting lever 18 can be stabilized.
In addition, this example can be implemented in combination with each example of the said embodiment. Other structures, operations, and effects are the same as those of the seventh example of the embodiment.

In each of the above-described embodiments, a steering apparatus including a tilt mechanism for adjusting the vertical position of the steering wheel in addition to the telescopic mechanism for adjusting the front-rear position of the steering wheel has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to the structure of a steering apparatus provided with only a telescopic mechanism.
Further, the front-rear direction of the outer column and the inner column constituting the steering column is not limited. The inner column may be on the rear side, and the outer column may be on the rear side.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Steering wheel 2 Steering gear unit 3 Input shaft 4 Tie rod 5 Steering shaft 6, 6a Steering column 7 Universal joint 8 Intermediate shaft 9 Universal joint 10 Car body 11 Axis 12, 12a, 12b Fixed side bracket 13, 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d , 13e, 13f, 13g, 13h, 13i, 13j Outer column 14, 14a, 14b, 14c Inner column 15 Outer tube 16 Inner shaft 17 Electric motor 18 Adjustment lever 19, 19a Hook-shaped member 20 Cam device 21 Cam member 22, 22a , 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e, 22f, 22g, 22h Movable bracket 23, 23a, 23b Raised portion 24 Support claw portion 25, 25a, 25b Clamped portion 26, 26a Support portion 27 Support plate portion 28 28a Bottom 29 Vehicle body side through hole 30 Column side through hole 31, 31a First friction plate 32, 32a Second friction plate 33, 33a First friction plate side through hole 34 Guide pin 35, 35a Second friction plate Side through hole 36 Retaining nut 37 Head 38 Friction plate part 39 Continuous part 40, 40a Inclined part 41, 41a Continuous part 42, 42a Long hole 43 Rear end side continuous part 44, 44a Width direction long hole 45 Column long hole

Claims (10)

A telescopic steering column, a steering shaft, a fixed bracket fixed to the vehicle body side, a movable bracket, a bowl-shaped member, and an adjustment lever are provided.
Of these, the steering column is formed by a cylindrical outer column that can expand and contract at least a part of the inner diameter in the axial direction, and a support portion that is disposed on the inner diameter side of the outer column and formed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer column. Combined with a cylindrical inner column that is fitted and supported so that it can be displaced in the axial direction,
The steering shaft is rotatably supported on the inner diameter side of the steering column, and a steering wheel is mounted on a rear end portion protruding rearward from the rear end opening of the steering column,
The fixed-side bracket is provided in a fixed portion with the inner diameter of the outer column being sandwiched from both sides in the width direction, and has a pair of support plate portions that can be expanded and contracted in the width direction. And
The movable bracket is formed integrally with the outer column by plastic working from the outer column, and has a pair of sandwiched portions that can be expanded and contracted in the width direction as the support plate portions expand and contract in the width direction. Have
The saddle-shaped member is disposed in the width direction in a state where the vehicle body side through hole formed at a position where both the support plate portions are aligned with each other and the column side through hole formed in the both sandwiched portions are inserted. , For expanding and reducing the distance between a pair of opposing surfaces of the two support plate parts,
In the telescopic steering device, the adjustment lever is provided at a base end portion of the bowl-shaped member, and is for expanding and contracting the distance between the pair of surfaces as it rotates.
An outer column including a support portion for supporting the inner column is formed by inflating a hollow tube radially outward,
The movable side bracket is formed by bulging integrally with the outer column,
The outer column support portion and the outer peripheral surface of the inner column are in contact with each other at three or more locations in the circumferential direction.
A first friction plate supported by the movable bracket for each portion between the sandwiched portions of the movable bracket and inner surfaces of the two support plate portions of the fixed bracket; A telescopic steering device characterized in that the second friction plates supported by the hook-shaped member are alternately arranged in a state where the movement of the hook-shaped member is possible. The outer column including the support part is formed by inflating a hollow tube radially outward by a hydroforming method,
The telescopic steering device according to claim 1, wherein the movable side bracket is formed by bulging and forming integrally with the outer column by a hydroforming method.   The telescopic steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein a support portion of the outer column and an outer peripheral surface of the inner column are in contact with each other only at three locations in a circumferential direction.   The telescopic steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inner peripheral surface of the support portion of the outer column is subjected to finishing processing by cutting or pressing. The outer column is disposed behind the inner column;
The movable bracket includes both the sandwiched portions and a pair of inclined portions,
Of these, the column side through holes formed in both the sandwiched portions are long holes in the axial direction of the outer column,
The both inclined portions are connected to the both sandwiched portions at one end, extend from both the sandwiched portions in a direction approaching each other with respect to the width direction, and the other ends are continuous via the continuous portion,
The angle formed by the both inclined portions and the direction in which the both sandwiched portions are pressed by the two support plate portions at a position aligned with the column side through-hole in the axial direction increases toward the rear. 4. The telescopic steering device according to any one of 4. The outer column is disposed behind the inner column;
The movable side bracket includes both the sandwiched portions and a bottom portion that is continuous between the both sandwiched portions in the width direction,
Of these, the column side through holes formed in both the sandwiched portions are long holes in the axial direction of the outer column,
The telescopic steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a first long hole that is long in the axial direction is formed in an intermediate portion in the width direction of the bottom portion. The movable side bracket includes both the sandwiched portions and a bottom portion that is continuous between the both sandwiched portions in the width direction,
The axial rear end of the bottom portion and the outer peripheral surface of the outer column are continued by a rear end side continuous portion,
The telescopic steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a second long hole that is long in the width direction is formed in the rear end side continuous portion.   8. The long column long hole in the axial direction is formed at a position where at least a part of the outer column is aligned with the column side through hole in the axial direction. A telescopic steering device according to claim 1.   The column long hole is movable with respect to the circumferential direction with respect to a virtual plane passing through the center axis of the inscribed circle of the support portion of the outer column and perpendicular to both support plate portions of the fixed side bracket. The telescopic steering device according to claim 8, wherein the telescopic steering device is formed on a side bracket side. The movable side bracket includes both the sandwiched portions and a bottom portion that is continuous between the both sandwiched portions in the width direction,
The axial rear end of the bottom portion and the outer peripheral surface of the outer column are continued by a rear end side continuous portion,
The telescopic steering device according to any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein a position of the rear end portion of the column long hole in the axial direction is rearward of the rear end side continuous portion.

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