JP2016068589A - Support device for steering column - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a structure which can prevent that a steering column moves ahead of a vehicle body side bracket before the vehicle body side bracket is removed from a vehicle body at a secondary collision while suppressing an increase of a cost and weight.SOLUTION: A column-side bracket 12a which is firmly arranged at a steering column 6a is constituted of a pair of gripped plate parts 28a, 28b which are different from each other in thickness dimensions with respect to a width direction. An upper face of a column-side communication hole 19a which is formed at the thicker-dimension gripped plate part 28a and long in a fore-and-aft direction is made to be a column-side inclined face 30 which is inclined to a direction approximating a center axis of a regulation rod 23a as progressing toward the inside of the width direction. A wedge block 31 having a wedge-side inclined face 34 on an upper face is inserted into the column-side communication hole 19a in a state that the wedge block is loosely fit to the regulation rod 23a. When an interval between a pair of support plate parts 21a, 21a which constitute a vehicle body side bracket 13a is narrowed, the wedge-side inclined face 34 is pressed against the column-side inclined face 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an improvement in a support device for a steering column for supporting a steering column constituting a telescopic steering device capable of adjusting a front and rear position of a steering wheel in accordance with a driver's physique and driving posture with respect to a vehicle body. .

  The steering apparatus for an automobile is configured as shown in FIG. 7, 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 as the input shaft 3 rotates. 4 is pushed and pulled to give a steering angle to the front wheels. The steering wheel 1 is supported and fixed to the rear end portion of the steering shaft 5, and the steering shaft 5 is rotatably supported by the steering column 6 with a cylindrical steering column 6 inserted in the axial direction. doing. 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 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. .

  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 driver's physique and driving posture are widely known in the past. It has been. In order to constitute the tilt mechanism, the steering column 6 is supported with respect to the vehicle body 10 so as to be capable of swinging displacement about the pivot 11 installed in the left-right direction. Further, a column side bracket 12 provided at an intermediate portion of the steering column 6 is supported so as to be able to be displaced in the vertical direction and the front and rear direction with respect to the vehicle body side bracket 13 supported by the vehicle body 10. Among these, in order to constitute a telescopic mechanism that enables displacement in the front-rear direction, the steering column 6 has a structure in which an outer column 14 and an inner column 15 are telescopically combined so that the steering shaft 5 can be expanded and contracted. The outer shaft 16 and the inner shaft 17 are combined with each other so as to be able to transmit torque and extend and contract by spline engagement or the like. Note that the illustrated example also incorporates an electric power steering apparatus that reduces the force required to operate the steering wheel 1 using the electric motor 18 as an auxiliary power source.

  When the tilt mechanism or telescopic mechanism is a manual structure excluding an electric type, the position of the steering wheel 1 can be adjusted or fixed at the adjusted position based on the operation of the adjustment lever. I can do it. As for the structure of such a manual tilt mechanism and telescopic mechanism, various structures have been widely known and practiced. For example, in the case of the structure shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the column side bracket 12 (a pair of sandwiched plate portions) provided in the outer column 14 is arranged in the axial direction of the outer column 14 which is the front-rear position adjustment direction. Column side through holes 19 and 19 which are long long holes (telescopic adjustment long holes) are formed. Further, the vehicle body side bracket 13 is provided with a mounting plate portion 20 for supporting and fixing to the vehicle body 10 and a state in which the vehicle body side bracket 13 is suspended from the mounting plate portion 20. Support plate portions 21, 21. Then, vehicle body side through holes 22 and 22 which are long holes (tilt adjusting long holes) in the vertical direction are formed at positions facing each other in the width direction among these support plate portions 21 and 21. ing. The adjusting rod 23 is inserted into the vehicle body side through holes 22 and 22 and the column side through holes 19 and 19. The adjusting rod 23 is provided with a pair of pressing portions 24a and 24b with the support plate portions 21 and 21 being sandwiched from both sides in the left-right direction. Then, by rotating an adjustment lever 25 provided at one axial end portion (left end portion in FIG. 8) of the adjustment rod 23 around the adjustment rod 23, a distance between the pressing portions 24a and 24b is established. Can be scaled.

  When the vertical position or the front / rear position of the steering wheel 1 is adjusted, the adjusting lever 25 is rotated (swinged) in a predetermined direction (generally downward), thereby allowing the pressing portions 24a and 24b to be connected to each other. Increase the interval. As a result, the frictional force acting between the inner side surfaces of the support plate portions 21 and 21 and the outer side surfaces of the column side bracket 12 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 in the column side through holes 19 and 19 and the vehicle body side through holes 22 and 22. After the adjustment, the distance between the pressing parts 24a and 24b is reduced by rotating the adjusting lever 25 in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction (generally upward). Accordingly, the frictional force is increased and the steering wheel 1 is held at the adjusted position.

  Further, the above-described steering apparatus is provided with the steering wheel in order to reduce the impact load applied to the driver when a secondary collision occurs in which a driver's body collides with the steering wheel 1 in the event of a collision. 1 has a function to allow the forward displacement. For this purpose, a structure is employed in which the vehicle body side bracket 13 is supported to the vehicle body 10 so as to be able to be detached forward by an impact during a secondary collision. Specifically, the mounting plate portion 20 constituting the vehicle body side bracket 13 is provided with a pair of locking notches (not shown) in a state of opening at the rear end edge. Locking capsules 27 and 27 fixed to the vehicle body 10 are locked by bolts 26 and 26 to both the locking notches, respectively. Each of the locking capsules 27, 27 has a locking groove (not shown) for engaging the left and right side edges of the locking notches on the left and right side surfaces, and the bolts 26, 26 at the center. A through hole (not shown) for insertion is formed.

  In the event of a collision, a large impact load directed forward is applied from the driver's body to the steering column 6 via the steering wheel 1 and the steering shaft 5. The steering shaft 5 and the steering column 6 tend to reduce the overall length while absorbing impact energy. As a result, the column side bracket 12 tends to be displaced forward together with the steering column 6 (outer column 14), whereas the both locking capsules 27, 27 remain as they are together with the bolts 26, 26. Stop in position. As a result, the both locking capsules 27, 27 are allowed to come out rearward from the both locking notches, and the steering wheel 1 is allowed to be displaced forward.

  However, in the case of the steering device having the above-described structure, if the force for holding the steering wheel 1 in the adjusted position, that is, the holding force for the column side bracket 12 by the vehicle body side bracket 13 is weak, When the next collision occurs, the outer column 14 may inadvertently move (relative displacement) with respect to the vehicle body side bracket 13. In the case of the conventional structure, the force that prevents the relative displacement between the outer column 14 and the vehicle body side bracket 13 at the time of the secondary collision is such that both the inner side surfaces of the support plate portions 21 and 21 and the column side bracket 12 are both. Only the frictional force acting on the portion between the outer side surfaces (two sets of friction surfaces) is present. Further, the magnitude of this frictional force is determined by the tightening axial force (for example, about 4 kN) based on the both pressing portions 24a and 24b and the friction coefficient μ (the metal plates constituting the support plate portions 21 and 21 and the column side bracket 12). In this case, for example, a value obtained by multiplying the product by, for example, about 0.1 to 0.2) by the number of friction surfaces (two sets) is generally 1 to 1.5 kN (= 4 kN × μ × 2 in the conventional structure). ) For this reason, if such a frictional force is larger than the separation load (usually about 2 to 3 kN) of both the locking capsules 27, 27, the outer column 14 is against the vehicle body side bracket 13 at the time of a secondary collision. Inadvertent movement to the front can be prevented, but in the case of the conventional structure, the detachment load tends to be larger than the friction force, so that the vehicle body side bracket 13 is detached from the vehicle body 10. Before the operation, the outer column 14 may move forward with respect to the vehicle body side bracket 13. When such a movement occurs, the way in which an impact is applied to the vehicle body side bracket 13 changes. Therefore, it is difficult to design an impact absorbing mechanism based on the vehicle body side bracket 13 being detached from the vehicle body 10. There is a possibility.

  For example, when a secondary collision occurs in the state where the front and rear positions of the steering wheel 1 are in the middle or rear end, the steering wheel 1 may move vigorously to the front end position within the adjustable range. Under such circumstances, the vehicle body side bracket 13 is detached from the vehicle body 10 after the steering wheel 1 is displaced to the front end position. In this state, the steering wheel 1 is displaced in a forward direction, so that it is difficult to tune the separation load required to disengage the vehicle body side bracket 13 from the vehicle body 10.

  In view of such circumstances, conventionally, it has been considered to prevent the steering column from moving forward relative to the vehicle body side bracket before the vehicle body side bracket is detached from the vehicle body. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a structure in which a plurality of friction plates are provided to increase the number of sets of friction surfaces and increase the frictional force to prevent relative displacement between the steering column and the vehicle body side bracket. ing. According to such a structure, the frictional force acting on the steering column can be made larger than the separation load of the vehicle body side bracket, and the steering column is moved forward of the vehicle body side bracket before the vehicle body side bracket is detached from the vehicle body. Can be prevented from moving to. However, such a structure is not preferable because the cost and weight increase significantly as the number of parts increases.

JP 10-35511 A

In view of the circumstances as described above, the present invention has been invented to realize a structure capable of preventing an inadvertent movement of a steering column relative to a vehicle body side bracket while suppressing an increase in cost and weight.
More specifically, a structure capable of preventing the steering column from moving forward with respect to the vehicle body side bracket before the vehicle body side bracket is detached from the vehicle body at the time of a secondary collision is realized.

The steering column support device of the present invention includes a steering column, a column side bracket, a vehicle body side bracket, a pair of column side through holes, a pair of vehicle body side through holes, an adjustment rod, and a pair of pressing members. A part.
Among these, the steering column rotatably supports a steering shaft having a steering wheel fixed to an axial end portion (rear end portion) inside thereof.
The column side bracket is provided by being fixed integrally or separately to a part of the steering column in the axial direction.
The vehicle body side bracket has a mounting plate portion provided at an upper portion and a pair of support plate portions suspended from the mounting plate portion, and the column side bracket is sandwiched from both sides in the width direction by the both support plate portions. In the state, it is supported by the vehicle body by the mounting plate portion.
Both the column side through-holes are formed at positions facing each other in the width direction in the column side bracket.
The both vehicle body side through holes are formed in portions of the both support plate portions that are opposed to each other in the width direction and aligned with a part of the both column side through holes.
The adjusting rod is disposed in the width direction in a state where the both column side through holes and the vehicle body side through holes are respectively inserted in the width direction.
The two pressing portions are respectively arranged in portions that protrude outward in the width direction from the outer surfaces of the support plate portions around the adjusting rod.
And the support apparatus for steering columns of this invention expands / contracts the space | interval of the said both support plate parts by expanding / contracting the space | interval of the said both press parts.

In particular, in the case of the steering column support device of the present invention, both the column side through holes are long holes (telescopic adjustment long holes) that are long in the front-rear direction.
Further, with respect to at least one of the column side through holes, at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface defining the column side through hole is directed toward the inner side in the width direction. The column-side inclined surface is inclined in a direction approaching the central axis of the adjusting rod.
In addition, on the inner side of the column-side through hole having the column-side inclined surface, on the surface facing the column-side inclined surface, the wedge side is inclined in the same direction as the column-side inclined surface (with the same inclination angle). The wedge block having the inclined surface is inserted in a state of loose fitting (loosely fitting so as to allow relative displacement in the width direction) to the adjustment rod.
And when the space | interval of both the said support plate parts is made small, the said wedge block is pressed toward the width direction inner side, and the said wedge side inclined surface is pressed against the said column side inclined surface.

  Further, when the steering column support device of the present invention as described above is implemented, the vehicle body side bracket is used, for example, using a locking capsule or the like as in the invention described in claim 2. The vehicle body is supported so as to be disengaged forward based on the impact load applied in the secondary collision.

  Further, when the steering column support device of the present invention as described above is implemented, the wedge block is moved outward in the width direction by an elastic member such as a spring or rubber, for example, as in the third aspect of the invention. Press elastically toward

  When the steering column support device of the present invention is implemented, for example, as in the invention described in claim 4, at least one of the wedge side inclined surface and the column side inclined surface is inclined. The surface is subjected to low friction treatment (surface treatment such as coating treatment, plating treatment, shot treatment) for reducing the friction coefficient of the contact portion (sliding contact portion) between the wedge side inclined surface and the column side inclined surface.

  Further, when the steering column support device of the present invention is implemented, the inclination angle of the wedge side inclined surface and the column side inclined surface with respect to the central axis of the adjusting rod is restricted to 45 ° or less, for example. Preferably, for example, as in the invention described in claim 5, it is regulated within a range of 2 ° to 30 °.

When the steering column support device of the present invention is implemented, for example, as in the invention described in claim 6, the steering column is configured by combining the outer column and the inner column so that they can be expanded and contracted.
Further, the column side bracket is constituted by a pair of sandwiched plate portions fixed to the outer column in a state of sandwiching the slit in the width direction.
Further, the column-side inclined surface is formed only in one column-side through hole of the both column-side through-holes.
Further, of the both sandwiched plate portions, the one sandwiched plate portion in which the column side through-hole having the column side inclined surface is formed is made thicker in the width direction than the other sandwiched plate portion. Increase Thereby, the width direction position of the slit is shifted from the center position in the width direction of the steering column.

According to the steering column support device of the present invention configured as described above, it is possible to prevent the steering column from inadvertently moving with respect to the vehicle body side bracket while suppressing an increase in cost and weight.
That is, in the case of the present invention, when the interval between the pair of support plate portions constituting the vehicle body side bracket is reduced, the wedge block inserted inside the column side through hole formed in the column side bracket, Press inward in the width direction and press the wedge side inclined surface formed on at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the wedge block against the column side inclined surface formed in the column side through hole. Can do. For this reason, the frictional force with respect to the movement of the steering column relative to the vehicle body side bracket is a portion between the inner side surfaces of the support plate portions and the outer side surfaces of the column side brackets (two sets of friction surfaces). In addition, it can also be generated by a portion between the wedge-side inclined surface and the column-side inclined surface (a friction force can be generated by a total of three or more sets). Thus, according to the present invention, the number of sets of friction surfaces can be increased simply by inserting a wedge block inside the column side through hole, so that the steering column can be mounted on the vehicle body side while suppressing an increase in cost and weight. Inadvertent movement in the front-rear direction with respect to the bracket can be prevented. According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to effectively prevent the steering column from moving forward with respect to the vehicle body side bracket before the vehicle body side bracket is detached from the vehicle body.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the wedge block is moved outward in the width direction when the distance between the support plate portions is increased in order to adjust the front / rear position of the steering wheel. The wedge-side inclined surface and the column-side inclined surface can be separated from each other, or the frictional force acting between these inclined surfaces can be sufficiently reduced. For this reason, when adjusting the front-back position of the steering wheel, the force required to move the steering column in the front-rear direction with respect to the vehicle body side bracket can be prevented from becoming excessive.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, even when the wedge side inclined surface and the column side inclined surface rub against each other in the front-rear direction, the frictional force acting on the steering column can be reduced. For this reason, it is possible to effectively prevent the force required to move the steering column in the front-rear direction with respect to the vehicle body side bracket.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the force that moves the wedge block inward in the width direction (the axial direction of the adjusting rod) is efficient for the force that the wedge-side inclined surface presses the column-side inclined surface. Can convert well.

  Further, according to the invention described in claim 6, since the thickness dimension in the width direction of one of the sandwiched plate portions constituting the column side bracket is increased, the outer peripheral surface of the inner column is connected to the outer column of the outer column. It becomes easy to hold in the vertical direction by the inner peripheral surface. For this reason, the support rigidity in the vertical direction of the inner column with respect to the outer column can be increased.

The side view of a steering device which shows the 1st example of embodiment of this invention. Similarly, sectional drawing equivalent to FIG. The disassembled perspective view which shows the state which took out the member inserted in an outer column and a column side through-hole similarly, and was seen from the front and the downward direction of the 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 of embodiment of this invention. The figure similar to FIG. 2 which shows the 4th example of embodiment of this invention. The schematic side view which shows an example of the steering device provided with the support apparatus for steering columns of the conventional structure. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 7.

[First example of embodiment]
A first example of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Also in the case of the steering device of this example, a tilt mechanism for adjusting the vertical position of the steering wheel 1 (see FIG. 7) and a telescopic for adjusting the front-rear position according to the physique and driving posture of the driver. Each mechanism is provided.

  In order to configure a telescopic mechanism, the steering column 6a is structured such that the outer column 14a arranged on the rear side and the inner column 15a arranged on the front side are telescopically expanded and contracted. The column 14a is supported so as to be movable in the front-rear direction with respect to the vehicle body side bracket 13a. A steering shaft 5a, which is rotatably supported inside the steering column 6a and has the steering wheel 1 at one end in the axial direction (rear end, right end in FIG. 1), an outer shaft 16a and an inner shaft 17a. Are combined so that torque can be transmitted and expanded and contracted by spline engagement or the like.

  Further, in order to constitute a tilt mechanism, the steering column 6a is supported with respect to the vehicle body 10 (see FIG. 7) so as to be able to swing and swing around a pivot 11 installed in the width direction, and the outer column. 14a is supported so as to be vertically movable with respect to the vehicle body side bracket 13a.

Further, in order to support the outer column 14a so as to be movable in the front-rear direction and the vertical direction with respect to the vehicle body side bracket 13a, a slit 29 is formed in an axially extending state on the lower surface of the front end portion of the outer column 14a. By doing so, the inner diameter of the front end portion of the outer column 14a can be elastically expanded / contracted. Then, a pair of sandwiched plate portions 28a and 28b constituting the column side bracket 12a are integrally formed with the outer column 14a on the lower surface of the front end portion of the outer column 14a (the slit 29 is separated from each other in the width direction). In a state sandwiched from both sides in the width direction). In the case of this example, the thickness dimension Ta in the width direction of one of the sandwiched plate portions 28a and 28b (left side in FIG. 2 and right side in FIG. 3) It is larger than the thickness dimension Tb in the width direction of the sandwiched plate portion 28b (right side in FIG. 2, left side in FIG. 3) (Ta> Tb). Specifically, the thickness dimension Ta is increased by about 1.5 to 3 times the thickness dimension Tb. Thereby, in the case of this example, the position in the width direction of the slit 29 is shifted from the center position Y _{6a in} the width direction of the steering column 6a (outer column 14a) to the right in FIG.

In addition, column-side through holes 19a and 19b, which are long telescopic adjustment long holes in the front-rear direction, are provided at positions facing each other in the width direction (positions aligned with each other) of the both sandwiched plate portions 28a and 28b. Is formed. Of these two column side through holes 19a and 19b, the upper surface defining the one column side through hole 19a formed in the sandwiched plate portion 28a having a large thickness dimension in the width direction is the full length in the front-rear direction. Accordingly, both the column side through holes 19a and 19b are inclined with respect to the central axis X _23a of the adjusting rod 23a inserted in the width direction. Specifically, as the upper surface of the one column side through hole 19a is directed inward in the width direction (right side in FIG. 2, left side in FIG. 3), the direction closer to the central axis X _23a of the adjustment rod 23a (downward) The column side inclined surface 30 is formed on the upper surface. In contrast, the lower surface defining said one column side hole 19a is in a flat surface parallel to the center axis X _23a of the adjusting rod 23a. For this reason, the width dimension in the vertical direction of the one column side through hole 19a becomes smaller toward the inner side in the width direction. Further, of both the column side through holes 19a and 19b, both the upper and lower surfaces defining the other column side through hole 19b formed in the sandwiched plate portion 28b having a small thickness in the width direction are both has a flat surface parallel to the center axis X _23a of the adjusting rod 23a, the width dimensions for the vertical direction of the other column side hole 19b, is constant over the entire width.

  In the case of this example, the wedge block 31 is inserted inside the one column side through hole 19a with the adjustment rod 23a loosely fitted (loosely fitted to allow relative displacement in the width direction). Yes. On the other hand, a spacer 32 is inserted inside the other column side through hole 19b in a state of being externally fitted (freely fitted) to the adjustment rod 23a. In addition, a release spring 33 is provided at a portion around the intermediate portion of the adjusting rod 23a between the wedge block 31 and the spacer 32 in the width direction.

The wedge block 31 is made of a metal such as steel or aluminum alloy or a synthetic resin, and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape (trapezoidal columnar shape) as a whole. The wedge block 31 is inserted into the one column side through hole 19a, and the column side Like the column side inclined surface 30, the wedge that is inclined in the direction closer to the central axis X _23a of the adjusting rod 23 a (downward direction) is formed on the upper surface facing the inclined surface 30 in the vertical direction. A side inclined surface 34 is formed. In the case of this example, the inclination angle α of the wedge-side inclined surface 34 and the column-side inclined surface 30 with respect to the central axis X _23a of the adjusting rod 23a is the same, specifically, the inclination angle α is 2 ° to 30 °. It is regulated in the range of °. The wedge block 31 is formed with an insertion hole 35 through which the adjustment rod 23a is inserted in a state of penetrating in the width direction. The inner diameter dimension of the insertion hole 35 is constant over the entire width, and is slightly larger than the outer diameter dimension of the adjustment rod 23a (the flange portion 39). For this reason, the wedge block 31 can be displaced relative to the adjusting rod 23a in the axial direction (width direction). The wedge block 31 has a dimension in the width direction (dimension l in FIG. 3) slightly larger than a dimension in the width direction of the one column side through hole 19a, and a dimension in the front-rear direction (dimension m in FIG. 3). ) Is sufficiently shorter than the dimension in the front-rear direction of the column side through hole 19a, and the dimension in the vertical direction (dimension n in FIG. 3) is slightly smaller than the dimension in the vertical direction of the column side through hole 19a. An annular groove 36 is formed around the opening of the insertion hole 35 on the inner side surface in the width direction of the wedge block 31 (the right side surface in FIG. 2). The inner diameter dimension of the concave groove 36 is slightly larger than the outer diameter dimension of the release spring 33. The wedge block 31 having such a configuration is inserted into the inner side of the one column side through hole 19a from the outer side in the width direction (left side in FIG. 2), and the outer side surface in the width direction (on the rear side in the insertion direction). The side surface is in contact with an inner side surface (a peripheral portion of the vehicle body side through hole 22a) of a support plate portion 21a, which will be described later, facing each other in the width direction. In this example, the surface of the wedge block 31 (at least the wedge-side inclined surface 34) is subjected to a low-friction process for reducing the coefficient of friction with the column-side inclined surface 30. Specifically, as this low friction process, a coating process or a plating process with a synthetic resin such as a fluororesin, a shot peening process with a solid lubricant, or the like can be employed. Further, the wedge block 31 itself can be formed of a synthetic resin having a low coefficient of friction with the metal material constituting the column side bracket 12a (the sandwiched plate portion 28a).

  The spacer 32 is made of a metal such as steel or aluminum alloy or a synthetic resin, and has a cylindrical shape as a whole, and an insertion hole 37 for inserting the adjustment rod 23a is inserted inside the spacer 32 in the width direction. Is formed. The inner diameter dimension of the insertion hole 37 is the same as or slightly larger than the outer diameter dimension of the adjustment rod 23a (the flange 39 and the male screw portion 41). An annular concave groove 38 is formed on the inner side surface in the width direction of the spacer 32 around the opening of the insertion hole 37. The inner diameter dimension of the concave groove 38 is slightly larger than the outer diameter dimension of the release spring 33. In the illustrated example, the depth dimension of the concave groove 38 (the dimension in the width direction) is set larger than the depth dimension of the concave groove 36 formed in the wedge block 31. The outer diameter of the spacer 32 is substantially the same as the dimension of the wedge block 31 in the front-rear direction (dimension m in FIG. 3), and is slightly smaller than the dimension of the other column side through hole 19b in the vertical direction. It is small and larger than the dimension in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body side through hole 22a described later. The dimension of the spacer 32 in the width direction is substantially the same as the dimension of the other column side through hole 19b in the width direction. The spacer 32 having such a configuration is inserted into the other column side through hole 19b from the outer side in the width direction (right side in FIG. 2), and the outer side surface in the width direction (the side surface on the rear side in the insertion direction). ) Are brought into contact with an inner side surface (a peripheral portion of the vehicle body side through hole 22a) of the support plate portion 21a, which will be described later, facing each other in the width direction. In the case of this example, the outer peripheral surface of the spacer 32 is also subjected to a low friction treatment for reducing the friction coefficient, like the surface of the wedge block 31, or the spacer 32 itself is subjected to surface friction. It is made of a synthetic resin with a low coefficient.

  The release spring 33 is made of a metal such as spring steel, and is provided in an elastically contracted state around the adjustment rod 23a and between the wedge block 31 and the spacer 32. ing. More specifically, one end of the release spring 33 in the width direction (the left end in FIG. 2) is inserted into the groove 36 formed on the inner surface of the wedge block 31 in the width direction. While abutting against the bottom, the other end in the width direction (the right end in FIG. 2) is inserted into the concave groove 38 formed on the inner surface in the width direction of the spacer 32, and abutted against the bottom of the concave groove 38. Yes. Thereby, the wedge block 31 and the spacer 32 are elastically pressed in a direction away from each other in the width direction.

  The vehicle body side bracket 13a is made of a metal plate such as steel or aluminum alloy, and includes a mounting plate portion 20a and a pair of support plate portions 21a and 21a. Of these, the mounting plate portion 20 a has a flat plate shape and is supported with respect to the vehicle body 10. In the case of this example, it is normally supported with respect to the vehicle body 10, but in the event of a collision accident, it is disengaged forward based on the impact of the secondary collision, allowing the outer column 14a to be displaced forward. Like. For this purpose, a pair of locking notches are formed in a state of opening at the rear end edge of the mounting plate portion 20a. The locking capsules 27a and 27a fixed to the vehicle body 10 are locked to the both locking notches by fixing members such as bolts or studs. The both locking capsules 27a and 27a are provided with locking grooves for engaging the left and right side edges of the locking notches on the left and right side surfaces of the locking capsules 27a and 27a, respectively. Each through hole is formed.

  The support plate portions 21a and 21a are provided in parallel with each other in a state of hanging from the mounting plate portion 20a. Of these support plate portions 21a, 21a, at positions facing each other in the width direction (positions aligned with each other) and with portions aligned with a part of each column side through hole 19a, 19b in the front-rear direction, Vehicle body side through holes 22a and 22a, which are long holes for tilt adjustment that are long in the vertical direction, are formed.

  Further, in the case of this example, both the column side through holes 19a, 19b in a state where the both sandwiched plate portions 28a, 28b (column side bracket 12a) are sandwiched in the width direction by the both support plate portions 21a, 21b. The adjustment is made from one side to the other (from the left side to the right side in FIG. 1) with respect to (the insertion hole 35 of the wedge block 31, the insertion hole 37 of the spacer 32, the release spring 33) and the vehicle body side through holes 22a and 22a. The rod 23a is inserted. The adjusting rod 23a has an outward flange-shaped head 40 fixed to the base end of a round bar-shaped flange 39, and a male threaded portion 41 formed at the tip. Further, a portion between the inner surface of the head 40 and the outer surface of one support plate 21a provided on the side facing the inner surface of the head 40 in the width direction around the adjusting rod 23a. The driven side cam 42 and the driving side cam 43 are arranged. Further, a nut 46 is screwed onto the male screw portion 41 protruding from the outer surface of the other support plate portion 21b at the tip end portion of the adjusting rod 23a in a state where the washer 44 and the thrust bearing 45 are externally fitted in this order. Yes.

  The driven cam 42 is formed by subjecting a metal material having required strength, rigidity, and wear resistance, such as an iron-based alloy, to a forging process and a required finishing process. An engagement protrusion 47 that is long in the vertical direction is formed on the right side of FIG. 2, a driven cam surface 48 is formed on the outer side (left side of FIG. Provided. Among these, the engagement convex portion 47 has a width dimension in the front-rear direction (front and back direction in FIG. 2), and the vehicle body side through hole 22a formed in the one support plate portion 21a with which the engagement convex portion 47 is engaged. Is slightly smaller than the width dimension in the front-rear direction, and the length dimension in the vertical direction is larger than the width dimension in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body side through hole 22a. The driven cam surface 48 is uneven in the circumferential direction, each of which has a plurality of flat top portions each present in the radial direction, and an inclined surface in which one circumferential end of each of the top portions is continuous on both sides in the circumferential direction. And the bottom part which makes the circumferential direction other end side of each of these inclined surfaces continue. Further, the through hole 49a is a circular hole having a size that allows the flange 39 to be inserted.

  The drive side cam 43 is constructed in the same manner as the driven side cam 42 described above. The drive side cam 43 is a through hole that penetrates the drive side cam surface 50 on the inner side surface (right side surface in FIG. 2) and the central portion in the axial direction. 49b are provided. The drive side cam 43 is supported at the base end portion (left end portion) of the flange portion 39 so as to be rotatable with respect to the adjustment rod 23a. In the case of this example, this drive side cam 43 is integrally provided at the base end portion of the crank-shaped adjustment lever 25a so that the drive side cam 43 can be rotationally driven by this adjustment lever 25a. . Further, by engaging the driving cam surface 50 and the driven cam surface 48, the dimension (width dimension) in the axial direction of the adjusting rod 23a, that is, the inner surface of the driven cam 42 is obtained. And a cam device 51 that expands and contracts the axial distance between the driving side cam 43 and the outer surface of the driving side cam 43. In the case of the present example, the cam device 51 (driven side cam 42) and the nut 46 disposed on the outer side in the width direction of the both support plate portions 21a, 21a are a pair of presses described in the claims. It corresponds to the part.

  In the case of this example having the above-described configuration, when adjusting the vertical position or the front-rear position of the steering wheel 1, the adjustment lever 25a is rotated (swinged) in a predetermined direction (generally downward). Let Thus, the axial distance (the axial dimension of the cam device 51) between the inner surface of the driven cam 42 and the outer surface of the driving cam 43 is reduced, and the inner surface of the driven cam 42 and the The axial distance from the inner surface of the nut 46 is increased (the distance between the inner surface of the driven cam 42 corresponding to the pair of pressing portions and the inner surface of the nut 46 is increased). And the space | interval of the inner side surfaces of both the said support plate parts 21a and 21a is enlarged, and between the inner side surfaces of these both support plate parts 21a and 21a, and both the outer side surfaces of both said clamping board parts 28a and 28b Reduce the acting frictional force. In this state, the wedge block 31 is moved outward in the width direction by the pressing force (elasticity) of the release spring 33. Thus, the wedge block 31 is relatively displaced outward in the width direction with respect to the sandwiched plate portion 28 a (one column side through hole 19 a), and the wedge side inclined surface 34 formed on the upper surface of the wedge block 31. Is sufficiently lowered from the column-side inclined surface 30 or the frictional force acting between the two inclined surfaces 30, 34. In this state, the position of the steering wheel 1 can be adjusted within a range in which the adjusting rod 23a can be displaced within the column side through holes 19a and 19b and the vehicle body side through holes 22a and 22a.

  After the adjustment of the vertical position or the front-rear position of the steering wheel 1, the adjustment lever 25a is rotated in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction (generally upward). As a result, the axial distance (the axial dimension of the cam device 51) between the inner surface of the driven cam 42 and the outer surface of the driving cam 43 is increased. The axial distance from the inner surface of the nut 46 is reduced (the interval between the inner surface of the driven cam 42 and the inner surface of the nut 46 corresponding to a pair of pressing portions is reduced). And the space | interval of the inner surface of both said support plate parts 21a and 21a is made small, and it acts between the inner surface of both these support plate parts 21a and 21a, and both the outer side surfaces of both said clamping board parts 28a and 28b. Increase the friction force. Furthermore, in the case of this example, the wedge block 31 is pressed toward the inner side in the width direction by the inner surface of the one support plate portion 21a. Thus, the wedge block 31 is relatively displaced inward in the width direction with respect to the sandwiched plate portion 28a (one column side through hole 19a), and the wedge side inclined surface 34 is pressed against the column side inclined surface 30. . A frictional force is applied (increased) between the wedge side inclined surface 34 and the column side inclined surface 35.

According to the steering apparatus of the present example having the above-described configuration, it is possible to prevent the outer column 14a from inadvertently moving with respect to the vehicle body side bracket 13a while suppressing an increase in cost and weight. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the outer column 14a from moving forward with respect to the vehicle body side bracket 13a before the vehicle body side bracket 13a is detached from the vehicle body 10.
That is, in the case of this example, when the interval between the both support plate portions 21a, 21a is reduced, the wedge block 31 inserted inside the one column side through hole 19a is directed inward in the width direction. The wedge side inclined surface 34 formed on the upper surface of the wedge block 31 can be pressed against the column side inclined surface 30 formed in the one column side through hole 19a. For this reason, the frictional force with respect to the movement of the outer column 14a relative to the vehicle body side bracket 13a is caused between the inner side surfaces of the support plate portions 21a and 21a and the outer side surfaces of the sandwiched plate portions 28a and 28b. In addition to the intermediate portion (two sets of friction surfaces), it can also be generated by the intermediate portion between the wedge side inclined surface 34 and the column side inclined surface 30. That is, according to the structure of this example, a friction force can be generated by three sets of friction surfaces. As described above, according to the structure of this example, the number of sets of friction surfaces can be increased only by inserting the wedge block 31 inside the one column side through hole 19a, while suppressing an increase in cost and weight. The outer column 14a can be prevented from inadvertently moving in the front-rear direction with respect to the vehicle body side bracket 13a. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent the outer column 14a from moving forward with respect to the vehicle body side bracket 13a before the vehicle body side bracket 13a is detached from the vehicle body 10. In the case of this example, the size (volume) of both the column side through holes 19a and 19b is set so that the wedge block 31 and the spacer 32 are inserted inside so as to be displaceable in the front-rear direction. The column side through holes 19 and 19 of the conventional structure shown in FIGS. Therefore, it is easy to reduce the weight of the outer column 14a, and it is possible to suppress an increase in the weight of the steering device from this aspect.

  In this example, the inclination angle α of the column-side inclined surface 30 and the wedge-side inclined surface 34 is restricted to a range of 2 ° to 30 °. Can be efficiently converted into a force by which the wedge-side inclined surface 34 presses the column-side inclined surface 30. For this reason, it becomes easy to increase the frictional force acting between the wedge side inclined surface 34 and the column side inclined surface 30. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the outer column 14a from moving forward.

  In the case of this example, the spacer 32 is inserted into the other column side through hole 19b, and the release spring 33 is provided between the spacer 32 and the wedge block 31. In order to adjust the position of the steering wheel 1, when the interval between the support plate portions 21 a and 21 a is increased, the wedge block 31 is moved outward in the width direction, and the wedge-side inclined surface 34 and the It is possible to sufficiently reduce the frictional force that is separated from the column-side inclined surface 30 or between the two inclined surfaces 30 and 34. For this reason, when the position of the steering wheel 1 is adjusted, it is possible to prevent a large frictional force from acting between the inclined surfaces 30 and 34, so that the outer column 14a is moved back and forth with respect to the vehicle body side bracket 13a. The force required to move in the direction can be prevented from becoming excessive. In addition, in the case of this example, since the surface of the wedge block 31 (and the surface of the spacer 32) is subjected to a low friction process, the outer column 14a is moved in the front-rear direction with respect to the vehicle body side bracket 13a. It is possible to more effectively prevent the force required to make it excessive.

  In the case of this example, since the thickness dimension in the width direction of one sandwiched plate portion 28a constituting the column side bracket 12a is increased, the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 15a is used as the outer column. It becomes easy to hold in the vertical direction by the inner peripheral surface of 14a. For this reason, the support rigidity in the vertical direction of the inner column 14a with respect to the outer column 14a can be increased. Furthermore, in the case of this example, the outer peripheral surface of the outer column 14a is positioned at a position that coincides with the central axis of the outer column 14a in the vertical direction, toward the inner surfaces of the support plate portions 21a and 21a. In the state of projecting in the width direction, pressed convex portions 52, 52 that are long in the axial direction are provided. For this reason, the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 15a is pressed by the inner peripheral surface of the outer column 14a by pressing the pressed convex portions 52, 52 in the width direction by the inner side surfaces of the support plate portions 21a, 21a. Can be effectively held (clamped) from both sides in the width direction.

[Second Example of Embodiment]
A second example of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the case of this example, unlike the case of the first example of the embodiment described above, the upper and lower surfaces of one column side through hole 19c formed in the sandwiched plate portion 28a having a large thickness dimension in the width direction. Only the lower surface is inclined with respect to the central axis X _23a of the adjusting rod 23a. Specifically, the inclined lower surface of the one column side hole 19c, inward in the widthwise direction as going to the (right side in FIG. 4), the adjusting rod 23a central axis (toward upward) toward the X _23a of Thus, the column side inclined surface 30a is formed on the lower surface. In contrast, the upper surface of the one column side hole 19c is in parallel to the flat surface with respect to the central axis X _23a of the adjusting rod 23a.

  In the case of this example, a wedge side inclined surface 34a inclined in the same direction as the column side inclined surface 30a is formed on the lower surface inside the one column side through hole 19c having the above-described configuration. The wedge block 31a is inserted.

In the case of this example having the above-described configuration, after the position of the steering wheel 1 (see FIG. 7) is adjusted, the distance between the pair of support plate portions 21a and 21a constituting the vehicle body side bracket 13a is reduced. Thus, even when the wedge-side inclined surface 34a is pressed against the column-side inclined surface 30a, the pressing force is applied to the lower side (front end side) of the sandwiched plate portion 28a, thereby the steering column 6a ( It is not necessary to transmit to the outer column 14a). For this reason, it is effective that the steering column 6a (steering wheel 1) shifts in the vertical direction regardless of the intention of the driver (operator) when the distance between the support plate portions 21a and 21a is reduced. Can be prevented.
About another structure and an effect, it is the same as that of the case of the 1st example of embodiment mentioned above.

[Third example of embodiment]
A third example of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the case of this example, a configuration in which the structures of the first example and the second example of the above-described embodiment are combined is adopted. That is, in the case of this example, the upper and lower surfaces of one column side hole 19d formed in the thickness dimension is larger the holding plate portion 28a in the width direction, it is inclined with respect to the central axis X _23a of the adjusting rod 23a ing. Specifically, tilting the upper surface of the one column side hole 19d, the widthwise inward as toward the (right side in FIG. 5), the adjusting rod 23a central axis (direction toward the downward) toward the X _23a of by, to form a column-side inclined surface 30b to the upper surface, a lower surface of the one column side hole 19d, as directed inward in the widthwise direction, the direction toward the central axis X _23a of the adjusting rod 23a (upward The column side inclined surface 30c is formed on the lower surface. In the case of this example, the adjusting rod 23a the both column side inclined surface 30b relative to the central axis X _23a of, and the absolute value of the inclination angle of 30c the same size.

  In this example, a wedge-side inclined surface 34b inclined in the same direction as the column-side inclined surface 30b is formed on the upper surface of the one column-side through hole 19d having the above-described configuration. A wedge block 31b having a wedge-side inclined surface 34c inclined in the same direction as the column-side inclined surface 30c is inserted on the lower surface thereof.

In the case of this example having the above-described configuration, when the distance between the pair of support plate portions 21a, 21a constituting the vehicle body side bracket 13a is reduced, the inner side of the one column side through hole 19d is formed. The inserted wedge block 31b is pressed toward the inner side in the width direction, and the wedge side inclined surface 34b formed on the upper surface of the wedge block 31b is pressed against the column side inclined surface 30b. The wedge side inclined surface 34c formed on the lower surface can be pressed against the column side inclined surface 30c. For this reason, in the case of this example, after adjusting the position of the steering wheel 1 (see FIG. 7), the number of sets of friction surfaces on which the frictional force is applied can be increased by two. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively prevent the outer column 14a from moving forward with respect to the vehicle body side bracket 13a before the vehicle body side bracket 13a is detached from the vehicle body 10 (see FIG. 7).
About another structure and an effect, it is the same as that of the case of the 1st example and 2nd example of embodiment mentioned above.

[Fourth Example of Embodiment]
A fourth example of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the case of this example, unlike the examples of the embodiments described above, the sandwiched plate portions 28c and 28d (column side bracket 12b) provided integrally with the outer column 14b are used as the front end portion of the outer column 14b. It is provided on the upper surface. Accordingly, the vertical positions of the column side through holes 19e, 19f formed in the both sandwiched plate portions 28c, 28d and the vehicle body formed in the pair of support plate portions 21b, 21b constituting the vehicle body side bracket 13b. The vertical direction positions of the side through holes 22b and 22b are formed above the case of each example of the embodiment. In the case of this example, a column-side inclined surface 30d is formed on the lower surface of one column-side through hole 19e, and the wedge-side inclined surface 34d is formed on the lower surface inside this one column-side through-hole 19e. A wedge block 31c is inserted.

In the case of this example having the above-described configuration, the arrangement position of the adjustment rod 23a in the vertical direction can be positioned higher than in the case of each example of the embodiment. For this reason, the position of the front-end | tip part (lower end part) of the adjustment lever 25a which connected the base end part to the said adjustment rod 23a can be located upwards compared with the case of each example of the said embodiment. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the size in the vertical direction related to the support device of the steering column 6a (to reduce the size).
About another structure and an effect, it is the same as that of the case of the 1st example of the said embodiment.

  In the structure of each example of the embodiment, the example in which the present invention is applied to the structure having both the tilt adjusting mechanism and the telescopic adjusting mechanism is shown. However, the present invention includes only the telescopic adjusting mechanism. Can be implemented with different structures. Moreover, when practicing the present invention, the low friction treatment may be performed only on the column side inclined surface without performing the low friction treatment on the wedge side inclined surface of the wedge side inclined surface and the column side inclined surface. In addition, a low friction treatment can be applied to both inclined surfaces. Furthermore, when carrying out the present invention, the pair of sandwiched plate portions constituting the column side bracket have the same thickness dimension in the width direction, and the width direction position of the slit is set to the center position in the width direction of the steering column. It may be arranged.

  In each example of the embodiment described above, an example in which a coil spring is used as an elastic member has been shown. However, in the case of carrying out the present invention, not only such a coil spring but also a plate spring or a torsion coil is used. A spring, a disc spring, etc. can be used. In addition to such a spring, a member made of rubber or synthetic resin can be used as the elastic member. In the case of carrying out the present invention, if the reaction force of the elastic member that presses the wedge block outward in the width direction can be supported by another part (for example, a part of the other sandwiched plate part), the spacer Can be omitted. Moreover, when implementing this invention, the structure which integrated the spacer and the elastic member can also be employ | adopted. In this case, for example, the whole can be made of a synthetic resin, and a portion corresponding to the elastic member can be formed in a bellows shape.

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 Car body 11 Axis 12, 12a, 12b Column side bracket 13, 13a, 13b Car body side Bracket 14, 14a, 14b Outer column 15, 15a Inner column 16, 16a Outer shaft 17, 17a Inner shaft 18 Electric motor 19, 19a-19f Column side through hole 20, 20a Mounting plate portion 21, 21a, 21b Support plate portion 22 , 22a, 22b Vehicle body side through hole 23, 23a Adjustment rod 24, 24a, 24b Press part 25, 25a Adjustment lever 26 Bolt 27, 27a Locking capsule 28, 28a-28d Nipped plate part 29 Slit 30 , 30a-30d Column side inclined surface 31, 31a-31c Wedge block 32 Spacer 33 Release spring 34, 34a-34d Wedge side inclined surface 35 Insertion hole 36 Concave groove 37 Insertion hole 38 Concave groove 39 Gutter 40 Head 41 Male thread 42 driven side cam 43 driving side cam 44 washer 45 thrust bearing 46 nut 47 engaging convex portion 48 driven side cam surface 49a, 49b through hole 50 driving side cam surface 51 cam device 52 pressed convex portion

Claims (6)

A steering column;
A column side bracket provided in a part of the steering column in the axial direction;
Among the column side brackets, a pair of column side through holes formed at positions facing each other in the width direction;
A mounting plate provided on the top and a pair of support plates hanging from the mounting plate, the mounting plate being sandwiched from both sides in the width direction by the two support plates; A vehicle body side bracket supported by the vehicle body by the part,
A pair of vehicle body side through-holes formed at positions facing each other in the width direction and aligned with a part of both the column side through-holes in the both support plate portions,
An adjustment rod inserted through the column side through holes and the vehicle body side through holes in the width direction;
A pair of pressing portions disposed around the adjustment rods at portions protruding outward in the width direction from the outer surfaces of the support plate portions,
A steering column support device that expands / contracts the distance between the two support plate parts by expanding / contracting the distance between the two pressing parts,
Both the column side through holes are long holes long in the front-rear direction,
Among these two column side through holes, with respect to at least one column side through hole, at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface that define the column side through hole is closer to the inner side in the width direction. It is a column side inclined surface that is inclined in a direction approaching the central axis of the adjusting rod,
A wedge block in which a wedge-side inclined surface inclined in the same direction as the column-side inclined surface is formed on a surface facing the column-side inclined surface inside the column-side through hole having the column-side inclined surface is the adjustment It is inserted in a loosely fitted state on the rod,
When the interval between the two support plate portions is reduced, the wedge block is pressed inward in the width direction, and the wedge side inclined surface is pressed against the column side inclined surface.
A steering column support device characterized by this.   2. The steering column support device according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle body side bracket is supported so as to be able to be detached forward based on an impact load applied to the vehicle body due to a secondary collision. 3.   The steering column support device according to claim 1, wherein the wedge block is elastically pressed toward the outside in the width direction by an elastic member.   The low friction process for reducing the friction coefficient between these both inclined surfaces is given to at least any one inclined surface among the said wedge side inclined surface and the said column side inclined surface. The support apparatus for steering columns as described in any one of 1-3.   The inclination angle of the wedge side inclined surface and the column side inclined surface with respect to the central axis of the adjusting rod is regulated within a range of 2 ° to 30 °. Steering column support device. The steering column is a combination of an outer column and an inner column that can be expanded and contracted,
The column side bracket is composed of a pair of sandwiched plate portions fixed to the outer column in a state of sandwiching the slit in the width direction,
Of the two column side through holes, the column side inclined surface is formed only in one column side through hole,
Of the both sandwiched plate portions, one sandwiched plate portion in which the column side through hole having the column side inclined surface is formed has a larger thickness dimension in the width direction than the other sandwiched plate portion. The steering column support device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a position in the width direction of the slit is shifted from a center position in the width direction of the steering column.

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