JP2015214320A - Telescopic steering device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a structure which can prevent axial separation of inner and outer columns 14a, 15a in an assembled state so as to install components in a vehicle body without increasing the number of components.SOLUTION: An axially long, engaging long hole 26 is provided in a front upper part of an outer column 15a. An engaging piece 28 is integrally formed in a rear upper part of an inner column 14a, and the engaging piece 28 is advanced into the engaging long hole 26 allowing displacement along the engaging long hole 26. In a state of being installed in the vehicle body, relative displacement of the inner and outer columns 14a, 15a within a telescopic adjustment range is permitted on the basis of displacing the engaging piece 28 along the engaging long hole 26. In a state before installed in the vehicle body, axial separation of the inner and outer columns 14a, 15a can be prevented on the basis of the engagement of a front end edge of the engaging long hole 26 and the engaging piece 28.

Description

  The present invention is a telescopic steering device in which the front and rear positions of the steering wheel can be adjusted according to the physique and driving posture of the driver, and the steering column is configured in a state before being assembled to the vehicle body and a state after the secondary collision. It is related with the improvement of the structure which can prevent that the front side column and the back side column which perform are separated in an axial direction. The telescopic steering device that is the subject of the present invention includes a structure that can adjust only the front-rear position of the steering wheel, as well as a structure that allows the height position to be adjusted in addition to the front-rear position. Including.

  The automobile steering apparatus is configured as shown in FIG. 17, and the rotation of the steering wheel 1 is transmitted to the input shaft 3 of the steering gear unit 2, and a pair of left and right tie rods 4 are associated 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. In the illustrated example, an electric assist device that reduces the operating force of the steering wheel 1 is incorporated. For this purpose, an electric motor 10 serving as a power source for applying auxiliary force is provided at the front end of the steering column 6 by supporting it on a housing 11 fixed to the front end of the steering column 6. The output torque of the electric motor 10 is applied to the steering shaft 5 through a gear unit or the like provided in the housing 11. In the present specification and claims as a whole, the front-rear direction, left-right direction (width direction), and up-down direction refer to the front-rear direction, left-right direction (width direction), and up-down direction of the vehicle unless otherwise specified. .

  In the case of the illustrated example, a tilt mechanism for adjusting the vertical position of the steering wheel 1 and a telescopic mechanism for adjusting the front-rear position are provided according to the physique and driving posture of the driver. In addition, it is a tilt / telescopic steering device. For this purpose, the steering column 6 is supported with respect to the vehicle body 12 so as to be capable of swinging around a pivot 13 installed in the left-right direction. The steering column 6 has a structure in which the rear part of the inner column 14 and the front part of the outer column 15 are fitted so as to be capable of relative displacement in the axial direction. At the same time, the steering shaft 5 includes a rear portion of an inner shaft 16 that is rotatably supported on the inner diameter side of the inner column 14, and an outer shaft 17 that is rotatably supported on the inner diameter side of the outer column 15. The front part is structured to be able to transmit torque and to be relatively displaced in the axial direction by spline engagement or the like. The displacement bracket 18 fixed to the outer column 15 is supported by the support bracket 19 supported by the vehicle body 12 so as to be able to be displaced in the vertical direction and the front-rear direction.

  The displacement bracket 18 is formed with a telescopic adjustment long hole 20 which is long in the axial direction of the outer column 15. The support bracket 19 includes a pair of support plate portions 21 that sandwich the displacement bracket 18 from the left and right sides. In addition, in the portions of the support plate portions 21 that are aligned with each other, a tilt adjusting long hole 22 that is a through hole and that is long in the vertical direction is formed. Then, an adjustment rod 23 is inserted through both of the tilt adjusting long holes 22 and the telescopic adjusting long holes 20. The adjustment rod 23 is provided with a pair of pressing portions in a state where both the support plate portions 21 are sandwiched from both sides in the left-right direction, and both the pressing portions are operated by an expansion / contraction device that operates based on an operation of an adjustment lever (not shown). The interval between each other can be enlarged or reduced.

  When adjusting the vertical position or the front / rear position of the steering wheel 1, the distance between the pressing parts is increased by rotating the adjustment lever in a predetermined direction around the adjustment rod 23. As a result, the frictional force acting between the inner side surfaces of the support plate portions 21 and both side surfaces of the displacement bracket 18 is reduced. In this state, the position of the steering wheel 1 is adjusted within a range in which the adjusting rod 23 can be displaced within the tilt adjusting long holes 22 and the telescopic adjusting long holes 20. After the adjustment, the distance between the pressing parts is reduced by rotating the adjusting lever in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction. Accordingly, the frictional force is increased and the steering wheel 1 is held at the adjusted position.

  In the case of the steering device described above, as shown in the drawing, in the state assembled to the vehicle body 12 (normal state after completion of assembly), the axially displaceable range of the inner and outer columns 14 and 15 is telescopically adjusted. The range (the range in which the adjustment rod 23 can be displaced in the telescopic adjustment long hole 20) is restricted. Therefore, the inner and outer columns 14 and 15 are not excessively displaced in the extending direction of the steering column 6 and separated in the axial direction.

  On the other hand, in a state before being assembled to the vehicle body 12 or in a state where the support bracket 19 is detached from the vehicle body 12 due to a secondary collision, the support bracket 19 can be displaced together with the outer column 15. The regulation of the adjustment range does not work. Therefore, in a state before being assembled to the vehicle body 12 or a state in which the support bracket 19 is detached from the vehicle body 12 due to a secondary collision, the inner and outer columns 14 and 15 are excessively extended in the extending direction of the steering column 6. May be displaced relative to each other and separated in the axial direction.

  In addition to the example shown in the figure, the telescopic steering device is configured such that the front part of the outer column that is externally fitted to the rear part of the inner column is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the adjustment lever is rotated in a predetermined direction. Based on this, it is also conventionally known that the front column of the outer column is reduced in diameter to increase the surface pressure between the front inner peripheral surface of the outer column and the rear outer peripheral surface of the inner column. ing. In such a structure, the inner and outer columns are displaced relative to each other in the axial direction due to the increased surface pressure even in a state before being assembled to the vehicle body or in a state where the support bracket is detached from the vehicle body due to a secondary collision. Can be prevented. However, in each of these states, when the adjustment lever rotates in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction, and the surface pressure decreases accordingly, the inner and outer columns can be relatively displaced. Therefore, in this case, the inner and outer columns may be excessively displaced in the extension direction of the steering column and separated in the axial direction.

  In any case, if the inner and outer columns 14 and 15 are separated in the axial direction as described above, the inner and outer shafts 16 and 17 may be separated in the axial direction. And when such separation of the members 14 and 15 (16, 17) occurs before the assembly to the vehicle body 12, it is necessary to recombine the members 14, 15 (16, 17). For this reason, there is an inconvenience that extra work is required. Further, when the inner and outer shafts 16 and 17 are separated due to a secondary collision, torque transmission via the steering shaft 5 becomes impossible. For this reason, for example, when the accident vehicle is moved to the road shoulder or brought into a repair shop, there arises a disadvantage that steering based on the operation of the steering wheel 1 cannot be performed.

  On the other hand, Patent Document 1 describes a structure that prevents the inner column and the outer column from being separated by connecting the inner column and the outer column constituting the steering column with a connecting wire. By adopting such a structure, the above-mentioned disadvantages can be prevented. However, in the case of the structure described in Patent Document 1, the cost is increased due to the increase in the number of parts because the connecting wire is required.

JP 2012-1189 A

  In view of the circumstances as described above, the present invention has a structure capable of preventing separation of the front side column and the rear side column in the state before being assembled to the vehicle body or in the state after the secondary collision without increasing the number of parts. Invented to realize the above.

  The telescopic steering device of the present invention has an engagement slot formed in one part of the rear part of the front column and the front part of the rear column in a state before being assembled to the vehicle body or in a state after the secondary collision. The front side and the rear side columns are prevented from being separated from each other with respect to the direction in which the steering column extends, by engaging one end edge of the steering wheel and an engagement piece formed integrally with the other part. is there.

Specifically, the telescopic steering device according to the present invention includes a rear portion of a cylindrical front side column disposed on the front side in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body and a front side of the cylindrical rear side column disposed on the rear side. And a steering column formed by fitting the portion with each other so as to be capable of relative displacement in the axial direction. Then, in the state of being assembled to the vehicle body, the axially displaceable range of both the front and rear columns is restricted to a telescopic adjustment range that is a predetermined range.
In particular, the telescopic steering device of the present invention includes an engagement long hole and an engagement piece.
Of these, the engagement slot is formed in one part of the rear part of the front column and the front part of the rear column in the axial direction of the one part.
The engaging piece is integrally formed with the other part of the rear part of the front column and the front part of the rear column, and the one of the peripheral surfaces of the other part The projecting portion is provided with a projecting portion projecting in a radial direction from the peripheral surface on the part side, and the projecting portion is allowed to enter the engaging long hole so as to be displaced along the engaging long hole.
Further, the protruding portion can be displaced along the engagement long hole within the telescopic adjustment range.
Further, the present invention relates to a direction in which the steering column extends based on the engagement between the projecting portion and one end edge which is an end edge on the distal end side of the one portion among the two longitudinal end edges of the engagement elongated hole The separation of the front side column and the rear side column is prevented.

  When implementing the telescopic steering device of the present invention, preferably, a storage hole is formed in the front part of the other part as in the invention described in claim 2. The engaging piece is provided integrally with the other portion in a state where the engaging piece is connected to a part of the inner peripheral edge of the storage hole. The engaging piece is provided with the protruding portion protruding in the radial direction from the inside of the storage hole toward the one portion. In addition, a part of the projecting portion is provided with an inclined portion that is inclined in a direction in which a radial projecting amount from the storage hole decreases toward the distal end side of the other portion on the distal end side of the other portion. . In addition, an engagement portion that is engageable with one end edge of the engagement long hole is provided on a proximal end side of the other portion at a part of the protruding portion. Further, the engaging piece can be retracted to the inside of the storage hole based on elastic deformation.

  When the telescopic steering device according to the present invention is implemented, for example, as in the invention described in claim 3, the engaging piece is formed on the other portion, on the tip side of the other portion. It is assumed that it is formed by bending a portion surrounded on three sides by an open substantially U-shaped cut or through hole.

When implementing the telescopic steering device of the present invention, for example, as in the invention described in claim 4, in addition to the steering column, a steering shaft, a displacement bracket, a telescopic adjustment long hole, A support bracket, a through hole, an adjustment rod, a pair of pressing portions, and an adjustment lever are provided.
Among these, the steering shaft is rotatably supported on the inner diameter side of the steering column, and supports and fixes a steering wheel to a rear end portion that protrudes from a rear end opening of the steering column. Torque transmission between the rear portion of the front shaft supported only on the inner diameter side of the side column and the front shaft portion supported only rotatably on the inner diameter side of the rear column, and Suppose that they are fitted so as to be capable of relative displacement in the axial direction.
The displacement bracket is fixed to a part of the rear column.
Further, the telescopic adjustment long hole is formed in the displacement bracket so as to be long in the axial direction of the rear column in a state where the displacement bracket penetrates in the width direction.
The support bracket includes a pair of support plate portions that sandwich the displacement bracket from both sides in the width direction, and is supported by the vehicle body.
Further, the through hole is provided in a portion where the both support plate portions are aligned with each other.
The adjusting rod is provided in a state where the both through holes and the telescopic adjusting long hole are inserted in the width direction.
Further, the both pressing portions are provided at portions projecting from the outer surfaces of the both support plate portions at both ends of the adjusting rod.
The adjusting lever is provided at one end of the adjusting rod, and is rotated around the adjusting rod (including the case where the adjusting lever is rotated together with the adjusting rod). It shall be scaled.
In addition, a range in which the adjustment rod can be displaced in the telescopic adjustment long hole in a state where the distance between the two pressing portions is widened is defined as the telescopic adjustment range.

  In the case of the telescopic steering device of the present invention configured as described above, both the front side and rear side columns constituting the steering column are telescopic without increasing the number of parts and being assembled to the vehicle body. Without hindering relative displacement within the adjustment range, it is possible to prevent separation between the front side column and the rear side column in a state before being assembled to the vehicle body or in a state after the secondary collision.

That is, in the case of the present invention, in the state before being assembled to the vehicle body or in the state after the secondary collision, both the front side column and the rear side column can be relatively displaced in the axial direction even outside the telescopic adjustment range. However, even in such a state, the displacement in the direction in which the steering column extends is limited based on the engagement between the protrusion of the engagement piece and one end edge of the engagement long hole, and both the front side and the rear side are limited. Separation of columns can be prevented.
On the other hand, when assembled to the vehicle body, the front and rear columns are relatively displaced within the telescopic adjustment range based on the displacement of the protrusion of the engagement piece along the engagement long hole. I can tolerate it.
Further, the engagement elongated hole is formed integrally with one part of the rear part of the front column and the front part of the rear column, and the engagement piece is integrated with the other part. Is formed. For this reason, the number of parts and the number of assembly steps do not increase with the provision of the engagement elongated hole and the engagement piece.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the operation of allowing the protrusion of the engagement piece to enter the engagement elongated hole can be performed in one step simultaneously with the assembly operation of the steering column. That is, when assembling this steering column, first, the circumferential phase of the engagement elongated hole provided on the one part side and the projecting part provided on the other part side coincide with each other. In this state, the tip of the one part and the tip of the other part are fitted in the axial direction. Next, the one part and the other part are relatively displaced in a direction in which the axial dimension of the fitted part is increased. If it does so, the front-end edge of this one site | part will contact | abut to the inclination part of the said protrusion part first. When the relative displacement is further advanced in this state, the projecting portion is elastically retracted inside the storage hole as the inclined portion is pushed in the axial direction by the tip edge of the one portion. It will be a thing. In this state, when the relative displacement is further advanced, the tip of the one part passes the outer diameter side or the inner diameter side of the protrusion, and then the protrusion is connected to one end of the engagement elongated hole. When the alignment is performed, the engagement piece is elastically restored, so that the protruding portion enters the engagement long hole.
In this way, according to the invention described in claim 2, the operation of allowing the protrusion to enter the engagement long hole can be performed in one step simultaneously with the assembly operation of the steering column. For this reason, the assembly man-hour does not increase with the addition of the operation | work which makes the said protrusion approach in the said engagement long hole.

The perspective view seen from the rear upper part which shows the 1st example of embodiment of this invention. Similarly disassembled perspective view. Sectional drawing shown in the state assembled | attached to a vehicle body. The center part enlarged view of FIG. Sectional drawing shown in the state before assembling | attaching to a vehicle body or the state after a secondary collision, and the front-end edge of an engagement long hole, and the engagement piece contact | abutted. The center part enlarged view of FIG. The partial expanded sectional view shown in the state just before fitting the edge parts of both inner and outer columns. As the ends of the inner and outer columns are fitted to each other, the operation of engaging the engagement elongated hole with the engagement piece is performed in time series (A) → (B) → (C). The principal part expanded sectional view shown in order of. The principal part expanded sectional view (b) which shows the engagement piece (A) formed from the inner part of the substantially U-shaped cut | interruption, and the engagement piece (B) formed from the inner part of the substantially U-shaped through-hole. The figure (a) seen from the upper side. Sectional drawing which shows the 2nd example of embodiment of this invention in the state assembled | attached to a vehicle body. The center part enlarged view of FIG. FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11, showing a state before being assembled to the vehicle body or a state after a secondary collision, and showing a state in which the rear end edge of the engagement long hole is in contact with the engagement piece. The partial expanded sectional view shown in the state just before fitting the edge parts of both inner and outer columns. The principal part sectional drawing which shows other 3 examples of the shape of the inclination part of an engagement piece. The principal part sectional drawing which shows another example of the shape of the front-end | tip edge of an engagement piece. The principal part top view (A) which shows another example of the planar shape of an engagement piece, and its aa sectional drawing (B). The partial cutting schematic side view which shows an example of the steering apparatus known conventionally. The figure similar to FIG. 8 which shows the 3rd example of embodiment of this invention. The figure similar to FIG. 9 which shows the 4th example of embodiment of this invention.

[First example of embodiment]
FIGS. 1-9 has shown the 1st example of embodiment of this invention corresponding to Claims 1-4. The telescopic steering device of this example includes a tilt mechanism in addition to the telescopic mechanism. Such a telescopic steering device of this example includes a steering column 6a, a displacement bracket 18a, a telescopic adjustment long hole 20a, a steering shaft 5a, a support bracket 19a, and a tilt adjustment long hole 22a which is a through hole. 22a, an adjustment rod 23a, a pair of pressing portions 24a, 24b, an adjustment lever 25, an engagement long hole 26, a storage hole 27, and an engagement piece 28.

  Among these, the steering column 6a has a front portion of a cylindrical outer column 15a, which is a rear side column, fitted on a rear portion of a cylindrical inner column 14a, which is a front side column, so as to be axially displaceable. Become. Both the columns 14a and 15a are made of an elastic metal such as an iron-based alloy or an aluminum-based alloy. A housing 11a for installing components of the electric assist device such as an electric motor 10a and a speed reducer is coupled and fixed to the front end of the inner column 14a. A support tube 29 is fixed to the upper front end of the housing 11a in a state of being disposed in the width direction. The housing 11a supports the vehicle body so as to be capable of swinging displacement about a pivot shaft such as a bolt (not shown) inserted through the support tube 29.

The displacement bracket 18a is fixed to the upper part of the front portion of the outer column 15a. In the case of this example, the displacement bracket 18a is composed of a pair of sandwiched pieces 30 and 30 spaced in the width direction.
Further, the telescopic adjustment long hole 20a extends in the axial direction of the outer column 15a in a state where the both sandwiched pieces 30, 30 penetrate the both sandwiched pieces 30, 30 in the width direction at positions where the both sandwiched pieces 30, 30 are aligned with each other. Is provided.

  The steering shaft 5a is capable of transmitting torque by spline engagement between the front portion of the inner shaft 16a, which is the front shaft, and the front portion of the outer shaft 17a, which is the rear shaft, in the axial direction. The outer fitting is made possible so that the displacement of is possible. The inner shaft 16a is supported on the inner diameter side of the inner column 14a, and the outer shaft 17a is supported on the inner diameter side of the outer column 15a. By means of a possible rolling bearing, it is supported in such a way that it can only rotate, either directly or via another member. Therefore, the steering shaft 5a expands and contracts in accordance with the expansion and contraction of the steering column 6a. A steering wheel 1 (see FIG. 17) is supported and fixed at a portion of the rear end portion of the outer shaft 17a that protrudes rearward from the rear end opening of the outer column 15a.

The support bracket 19a includes a mounting plate portion 31 for supporting the vehicle body, and a pair of support plate portions 32a and 32b that are suspended from the lower surface of the mounting plate portion 31 and are substantially parallel to each other.
Further, both the tilt adjusting long holes 22a and 22a are formed in the portions where the both supporting plate portions 32a and 32b are aligned with each other, and have a partial arc shape centering on the pivot. Such a support bracket 19a allows the vehicle body to drop forward due to an impact load applied during a secondary collision, but normally supports the steering column 6a with sufficient rigidity.

  The adjusting rod 23a is provided in a state of being inserted through the telescopic adjusting long hole 20a and the tilt adjusting long holes 22a, 22a in the width direction. Then, both pressing portions 24a and 24b are provided at both end portions of the adjusting rod 23a and projecting from the outer surfaces of the supporting plate portions 32a and 32b. The interval between 24a and 24b can be enlarged or reduced. Expanding / contracting devices for expanding / contracting the distance between the pressing portions 24a, 24b by the adjusting lever 25 have been conventionally used, such as a cam device composed of a driving cam and a driven cam, and a screw device composed of a bolt and a nut. Various widely known structures can be employed. Regardless of which structure is adopted, the adjusting lever 25 is provided at one end of the adjusting rod 23a, and rotates around the adjusting rod 23a, thereby expanding or reducing the distance between the pressing portions 24a and 24b.

Further, the engagement long hole 26 is a central portion in the width direction of the front upper portion of the outer column 15a, and is sandwiched between the sandwiched pieces 30, 30 in the axial direction of the outer column 15a. Is formed. In the case of this example, the front portion of the outer column 15a corresponds to one portion described in the claims, and the front end side of the outer column 15a similarly corresponds to the tip side of the one portion. .
The storage hole 27 is formed in a rectangular shape at the center in the width direction of the rear upper part of the inner column 14a.
The engagement piece 28 is provided integrally with the inner column 14a in a state in which the rear end edge, which is the base end edge, is connected to the rear end edge of the inner peripheral edge of the storage hole 27. Yes. In the case of this example, the rear part of the inner column 14a corresponds to the other part described in the claims, and the rear end side of the inner column 14a also corresponds to the front end side of the other part. . In the case of this example, the engagement piece 28 extends forward from the rear end edge of the storage hole 27 in the axial direction of the inner column 14a, and the front half, which is the front half, protrudes upward. It is formed in a circular arc plate shape. Of the portion formed in the shape of a circular arc plate, a portion protruding from the inner side of the storage hole 27 toward the outer diameter side that is the outer column 15 a side is a protruding portion 33. In addition, the rear end portion of the upper surface of the projecting portion 33 is formed as an inclined portion 34 that is inclined in a direction in which the projecting amount from the storage hole 27 decreases toward the rear end side. Further, a portion of the front end edge of the engagement piece 28 corresponding to the front end edge of the protrusion 33 is an engagement portion 35. Further, the engagement piece 28 can be elastically deformed, and the protrusion 33 can be retracted inside the storage hole 27 based on the elastic deformation. As described above, the protrusion 33 of the engagement piece 28 is inserted into the engagement long hole 26 in the engagement long hole 26 in a state where the front portion of the outer column 15a is externally fitted to the rear portion of the inner column 14a. 26 is displaceable along 26.

  Further, in the case of this example, the engagement piece 28 is formed in the center in the width direction of the rear upper part of the inner column 14a, and is a substantially U-shaped through hole or cut open on the rear end side of the inner column 14a. Is formed by bending a portion surrounded by three sides. In addition, the process for forming these through-holes or cuts and the bending process may be performed in order or in one behavior. In any case, in the case of this example, the storage hole 27 is formed as the engaging piece 28 is formed as described above.

  In the case of this example, the operation of causing the protrusion 33 of the engagement piece 28 to enter the engagement long hole 26 can be performed in one step simultaneously with the operation of assembling the steering column 6a. That is, in the case of this example, when assembling the steering column 6a, first, the protrusion 33 of the engagement piece 28 provided at the rear portion of the inner column 14a and the front portion of the outer column 15a are provided. In a state where the circumferential phases of the engagement long holes 26 are matched with each other, the rear end portion of the inner column 14a and the front end portion of the outer column 15a are fitted in the axial direction. Next, the inner and outer columns 14a and 15a are relatively displaced in a direction in which the axial dimension of the fitted portion is increased. Then, first, as shown in FIG. 8A, the front end edge of the outer column 15 a comes into contact with the inclined portion 34 of the protruding portion 33. In this state, when the relative displacement is further advanced, as the inclined portion 34 is pushed in the axial direction by the front end edge of the outer column 15a, as shown in FIG. Is retracted elastically inside the storage hole 27. In this state, when the relative displacement is further advanced, the front end portion of the outer column 15a passes through the outer diameter side of the protruding portion 33, and then the protruding portion 33 is connected to the front end portion of the engagement long hole 26. At the time of alignment, as shown in FIG. 5C, the engagement piece 28 is elastically restored and the protrusion 33 enters the engagement long hole 26.

  In the case where the engagement piece 28 is formed as described above, as schematically shown in FIG. 9A, a portion surrounded on three sides by a substantially U-shaped cut 36 formed in the outer column 15a. In the case where the engagement piece 28 is formed by bending it, the outer peripheral edge of the engagement piece 28 and the storage hole 27 are formed when the engagement piece 28 is elastically retracted inside the storage hole 27. May be caught on the basis of the presence of burrs or the like, and the evacuation may not be performed smoothly. Therefore, in order to eliminate such a possibility, it is preferable to perform a deburring process on the outer peripheral edge and the inner peripheral edge. On the other hand, as schematically shown in FIG. 9B, the engaging piece 28 is bent by bending a portion surrounded on three sides by a substantially U-shaped through-hole 37 formed in the outer column 15a. Is formed, a sufficient gap is present between the outer peripheral edge of the engagement piece 28 and the inner peripheral edge of the storage hole 27. Therefore, when the engagement piece 28 is elastically retracted to the inside of the storage hole 27, the outer peripheral edge of the engagement piece 28 and the inner peripheral edge of the storage hole 27 are caught due to the presence of burrs or the like. Can be prevented, and the evacuation can be performed smoothly.

  In the case of this example, when the front / rear position or the vertical position of the steering wheel 1 is adjusted, the pressing levers 24a are moved by swinging the adjusting lever 25 in a predetermined direction (generally downward). , 24b is widened. Thereby, the surface pressure of the contact portion between the both side surfaces of the displacement bracket 18a and the inner surfaces of the support plate portions 32a and 32b is reduced or lost. In this state, the position of the steering wheel 1 is adjusted within a range in which the adjustment rod 23a can be displaced within the telescopic adjustment long hole 20a and the tilt adjustment long holes 22a and 22a. After the adjustment, the distance between the pressing portions 24a and 24b is reduced by swinging the adjustment lever 25 in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction (generally upward). Thereby, the surface pressure of the both contact portions is increased, and the steering wheel 1 is held at the adjusted position. In the case of this example, the telescopic adjustment range is a range in which the adjustment rod 23a can be displaced within the telescopic adjustment long hole 20a in a state in which the surface pressure of the both contact portions is reduced or lost.

  In the case of the telescopic steering device of the present example configured as described above, the inner and outer columns 14a and 15a are not telescopically connected to the vehicle body without increasing the number of parts and the number of assembly steps. Without interfering with relative displacement within the adjustment range, the inner and outer columns 14a, 15a are in a state before being assembled to the vehicle body or in a state where the support bracket 19a is detached from the vehicle body due to a secondary collision. Can be prevented.

  That is, in the case of this example, in a state before being assembled to the vehicle body or in a state where the support bracket 19a is detached from the vehicle body due to a secondary collision, the support bracket 19a can be displaced together with the outer column 15a. Telescope adjustment range regulation does not work. However, even in such a state, in this example, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 6, the engagement portion 35 of the engagement piece 28 and the front end edge which is one end edge of the engagement long hole 26 are separated. Based on the engagement, the inner and outer columns 14a and 15a can be prevented from being separated from each other in the direction in which the steering column 6a extends.

  On the other hand, in the state assembled to the vehicle body, the inner and outer columns 14a and 15a are moved to the telescopic adjustment range based on the displacement of the protrusion 33 of the engagement piece 28 along the engagement long hole 26. It is possible to allow relative displacement within. For this reason, in the case of this example, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 4, regardless of the position of the adjustment rod 23 a in the telescopic adjustment long hole 20 a in the positional relationship in the state where it is assembled to the vehicle body. The axial dimension α from the front end edge of the engagement long hole 26 to the engagement portion 35 of the engagement piece 28 is always the axial distance from the front end edge of the telest adjustment long hole 20a to the adjustment rod 23a. X or more (α ≧ X), and the axial dimension β from the rear end edge of the engagement long hole 26 to the inclined portion 34 of the engagement piece 28 is the rear end edge of the telest adjustment long hole 20a. The formation position and dimensions of each part are regulated so that the axial distance Y is not less than Y (β ≧ Y) from the adjustment rod 23a.

The engagement long hole 26 is formed integrally with the front portion of the outer column 15a, and the storage hole 27 and the engagement piece 28 are formed integrally with the rear portion of the inner column 14a. Therefore, the number of parts does not increase with the provision of the engagement long hole 26, the storage hole 27, and the engagement piece 28.
Further, as described above, the operation of allowing the protrusion 33 of the engagement piece 28 to enter the engagement long hole 26 can be performed in one step simultaneously with the assembly operation of the steering column 6a. For this reason, the number of assembling steps does not increase with the addition of the operation of inserting the protruding portion 33 into the engagement long hole 26.

[Second Example of Embodiment]
FIGS. 10-13 has shown the 2nd example of embodiment of this invention corresponding to Claims 1-4. In comparison with the structure of the first example described above, in the case of this example, the arrangement relationship between the engagement long hole 26a, the storage hole 27a, and the engagement piece 28a is reversed inside and outside in the radial direction. That is, in the case of this example, the engagement long hole 26a is provided in the center in the width direction of the rear upper part of the inner column 14b, and the storage hole 27a and the engagement hole are formed in the width direction center of the front upper part of the outer column 15b. A joining piece 28 is provided. In the case of this example, a folded portion 38 folded to the inner diameter side of the inner column 14b is formed on the inner peripheral edge of the engagement long hole 26a by burring, and the rear of the inner column 14b The strength and rigidity of the portion where the engagement long hole 26a is formed at the end are increased. In the case of this example, the rear portion of the inner column 14b corresponds to one portion described in the claims, and the rear end side of the inner column 14b similarly corresponds to the front end side of the one portion. . The front portion of the outer column 15b corresponds to the other portion described in the claims, and the front end side of the outer column 15b similarly corresponds to the front end side of the other portion.
Since other configurations and operations are the same as those in the case of the first example described above, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping illustrations and descriptions are omitted.

When the present invention is implemented, an appropriate shape can be adopted for the engagement piece.
For example, regarding the cross-sectional shape of the inclined portion provided on the engagement piece, a linear shape S ₁ as shown in FIG. 14A, or a character having a bent portion at the intermediate portion as shown in FIG. It is also possible to adopt a shape S ₂ or a concave curve shape S ₃ as shown in FIG. Among these, when the square shape S ₂ or the concave curve shape S ₃ is adopted, the inclination angle on the base end side can be reduced, so that the front end portion of the counterpart column can be easily climbed when the steering column is assembled.
As for the shape of the engagement portion provided at the tip of the engagement piece, a planar shape S ₄ perpendicular to the central axis of the column as shown in FIG. It is also possible to increase the stopper strength when abutting with.
Further, regarding the planar shape of the engagement piece (the shape seen from the radial direction of the column), the trapezoidal shape S in which the width on the base end side is wider than the width on the tip end side as shown in FIG. ₅ can be used to increase the strength of the engagement piece. Further, the cross-sectional shape of the engaging piece (for example, the cross-sectional shape aa in FIG. 16A) cut along a virtual plane orthogonal to the central axis of the column is an arc shape as shown in FIG. as S _6, it is also possible to increase the strength of the engaging piece.

  FIG. 18 is a view similar to FIG. 8 showing a third example of the embodiment of the present invention. In the third embodiment, the outer column 15 a is thicker than the inner column 34. That is, the width in the vertical direction in FIG. 18 is larger in the outer column 15a. In this embodiment, the outer column 15a is preferably made of a light alloy, and the inner column 34 is preferably made of a steel material. Even if the outer column 15a is thick, an increase in weight can be suppressed. Further, since the outer column 15a is thick, the outer column 15a is further less affected by plastic deformation or the like even when the inner column 34 is inserted into the outer column 15a. Further, even when the engagement long hole 26 of the inner column 34 and the engagement portion 35 of the outer column 15a are abutted as shown in FIG. 18C, the outer column 15a is thick, so that a more stable abutment is achieved. Is possible. Here, the outer column 15a is preferably manufactured by a die casting method. However, when the outer column 15a is manufactured by die casting, it is necessary to provide a draft in the engagement long hole 26, and a radial section of the engagement long hole 26 is provided. Is not perfectly vertical. However, by making the outer column 15a thick as in the present embodiment, even if the cross section of the engagement long hole 26 is not vertical, it can be stably abutted. More specifically, it is preferable that the thickness of the outer column 15 a at least in the portion of the engagement long hole 26 is 120% or more of the thickness of the protruding portion 33 of the inner column 34. More preferably, it is 200% or more. In these cases, it is not essential to increase the thickness over the entire length (all) of the outer column 15a, and it is sufficient if at least the engagement portion has the above relationship. Although the third example of the embodiment has been described with reference to FIG. 18 similar to FIG. 8, it can also be applied to a modification of the engagement piece shown in FIG.

  FIG. 19 is a view similar to FIG. 9 showing a fourth example of the embodiment of the present invention. In both the forms shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the tip of the engagement piece 28 has an R shape. In the form shown in FIG. 19B, the engaging piece 28 is formed by bending a portion surrounded on three sides by a substantially U-shaped through hole 37 formed in the outer column 15a (FIG. 9 ( B)). As a result, it is possible to reduce the influence of burrs and the like. Further, when removing burrs by shot processing or honing, for example, it is possible to prevent shot materials and abrasives (agents) from remaining in the gaps. Thereafter, the cleaning operation can be easily performed. Since the distal end portion of the engagement piece 28 has an R shape, even when the engagement piece 28 strikes the engagement long hole 26, the engagement piece 28 can strike stably. The side wall portion of the engagement long hole 26 may have an R shape.

  Here, the third example and the fourth example of the embodiment of the present invention can be implemented in combination with other embodiments, respectively or simultaneously. Further, when implementing the third example and the fourth example of the embodiment of the present invention, the material and the like of the outer column 15a and the inner column 34 are adjusted, and the material between the outer column 15a and the inner column 34 is adjusted. It is preferable to provide a difference in hardness. Preferably, the inner column 34 is high in hardness and the outer column 15a is low in hardness. In addition, it is preferable that the above relationship is established at least between the engagement piece 28 and the side wall portion of the engagement long hole 26. Since the engagement long hole 26 is softer than the engagement piece 28, the possibility that the engagement piece 28 breaks at the time of abutting can be greatly reduced, and the reliability is improved.

When practicing the present invention, the engagement piece can be formed after the rear portion of the front column and the front portion of the rear column are fitted. In this case, at the same time when the engagement piece is formed, a part of the engagement piece enters the engagement long hole. Therefore, in this case, it is not necessary to give elasticity to the engagement piece.
Further, the present invention is not limited to a structure in which the front column is an inner column and the rear column is an outer column, but is applicable to a structure in which the front column is an outer column and the rear column is an inner column. You can also. In any case, when the present invention is carried out, the material of both the front and rear columns can be used as long as the basic functions required for the steering device and the functions specific to the present invention can be secured. It doesn't matter. Different materials can be used for both the front and rear columns. When the column on which the engagement piece is provided is a light alloy die-cast molded product, the engagement piece can be formed simultaneously with the die-casting of the column.
Further, in the case where the engagement long hole is provided in the front portion of the outer column as in the above-described embodiments, the portion opposite to the engagement long hole and the radial direction is provided in the portion near the front end of the outer column. The front part of the outer column can be elastically expanded and contracted by providing a long circumferential slit in the removed part and opening the front end edge of the engagement long hole in the middle part of the circumferential slit. Can be. In this way, the front portion of the outer column can be elastically expanded / contracted based on the expansion / contraction of the distance between the pair of pressing portions provided at both ends of the adjustment rod. It is possible to increase or decrease the surface pressure of the contact portion between the inner peripheral surface of the front portion of the outer column and the rear outer peripheral surface of the inner column. As a result, the force for holding the steering wheel at the adjusted position can be increased.
Further, when the present invention is implemented, the circumferential positions for forming the engagement long holes and the engagement pieces with respect to both the front and rear columns are appropriately changed within a range in which interference with other mechanisms can be avoided. Is possible.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Steering wheel 2 Steering gear unit 3 Input shaft 4 Tie rod 5, 5a Steering shaft 6, 6a Steering column 7 Universal joint 8 Intermediate shaft 9 Universal joint 10 Electric motor 11, 11a Housing 12 Car body 13 Axis 14, 14a, 14b Inner column 15 15a, 15b Outer column 16, 16a Inner shaft 17, 17a Outer shaft 18, 18a Displacement bracket 19, 19a Support bracket 20, 20a Telescopic adjustment long hole 21 Support plate part 22, 22a Tilt adjustment long hole 23, 23a Adjustment Rod 24a, 24b Press part 25 Adjustment lever 26, 26a Engagement long hole 27, 27a Storage hole 28, 28a Engagement piece 29 Support pipe 30 Nipped piece 31 Mounting plate part 32a, 32b Support plate part 33, 33 a Protruding part 34, 34a Inclined part 35, 35a Engaging part 36 Cut line 37 Through hole 38 Folding part

Claims (4)

The rear part of the cylindrical front column arranged on the front side in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body and the front part of the cylindrical rear column arranged on the rear side are fitted so as to be capable of relative displacement in the axial direction. A telescopic steering device in which the relative displacement possible range in the axial direction of both the front and rear columns is restricted to a predetermined telescopic adjustment range in a state where the steering column is assembled to the vehicle body. In
An engagement slot and an engagement piece;
Of these, the engagement long hole is formed in one portion of the rear portion of the front column and the front portion of the rear column in the axial direction of the one portion,
The engaging piece is integrally formed with the other part of the rear part of the front column and the front part of the rear column, and the one part of the peripheral surfaces of the other part. A projecting portion projecting in a radial direction from the peripheral surface on the side, and this projecting portion is allowed to enter the engaging slot so that displacement along the engaging slot is possible,
The protrusion is displaceable along the engagement slot in the telescopic adjustment range,
Based on the engagement between the protruding portion and one end edge which is an end edge on the tip side of the one portion among the two longitudinal end edges of the engagement elongated hole, the steering column is related to a direction in which the steering column extends. A telescopic steering device characterized in that separation between the front and rear columns is prevented. A storage hole is formed in the front of the other part,
The engaging piece is provided integrally with the other part in a state of being connected to a part of the inner peripheral edge of the storage hole, and from the inside of the storage hole toward the one part side. The protruding portion protruding in the radial direction and the protruding amount in the radial direction from the storage hole toward the distal end side of the other portion provided at the distal end side of the other portion at a part of the protruding portion An inclined portion that is inclined in a decreasing direction, and an engaging portion that is provided on a proximal end side of the other portion at a part of the protruding portion and that can be engaged with one end edge of the engaging long hole. The protrusion can be retracted to the inside of the storage hole based on elastic deformation.
The telescopic steering device according to claim 1.   The engagement piece is formed by bending a portion surrounded on three sides by a substantially U-shaped cut or through hole formed at the other end of the other portion and opened at the distal end side of the other portion. The telescopic steering device according to any one of claims 1 and 2. In addition to the steering column, a steering shaft, a displacement bracket, a telescopic adjustment long hole, a support bracket, a through hole, an adjustment rod, a pair of pressing portions, and an adjustment lever are provided.
Among these, the steering shaft is rotatably supported on the inner diameter side of the steering column, and supports and fixes a steering wheel to a rear end portion protruding from a rear end opening of the steering column. Torque transmission between the rear portion of the front shaft supported only on the inner diameter side of the side column and the front shaft portion supported only rotatably on the inner diameter side of the rear column, and , Which is formed by fitting so as to be capable of relative displacement in the axial direction,
The displacement bracket is fixed to a part of the rear column,
The telescopic adjustment long hole is formed in the displacement bracket so as to extend in the axial direction of the rear column in a state of penetrating the displacement bracket in the width direction.
The support bracket includes a pair of support plate portions that sandwich the displacement bracket from both sides in the width direction, and is supported by the vehicle body,
The through hole is provided in a portion of the two support plate portions aligned with each other,
The adjustment rod is provided in a state of inserting both the through holes and the telescopic adjustment long hole in the width direction,
The both pressing parts are provided at portions projecting from the outer surfaces of the support plate parts at both ends of the adjusting rod,
The adjustment lever is provided at one end of the adjustment rod, and is based on rotating the adjustment rod as a center, and expands or contracts the interval between the two pressing portions.
The telescopic adjustment range is a range in which the adjustment rod can be displaced within the telescopic adjustment long hole in a state where the distance between the two pressing portions is widened.
The telescopic steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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