JP2017185874A - Position adjustment device for steering wheel - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a structure capable of firmly holding a position of a steering wheel in a state capable of maintaining a position after adjustment for a vertical position or a longitudinal position of a steering wheel.SOLUTION: A position adjustment device for steering comprises a support bracket 14a constituted of one other of support plate parts 22a, a lateral outer side surface of which including a first fixed side teeth part 45a, and a second fixed side teeth part 46a; and a movable side lock member 47 supported in a state vertically displaceable with an adjustable rod 17a, including a first movable side teeth part 57, and a second movable side teeth part 60. The first and second fixed side teeth parts 45a, 46a and the first and second movable parts 57, 60 are vertically engaged in a locked state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an improvement in a position adjustment device for a steering wheel having a function of making it possible to adjust the longitudinal position or vertical position of a steering wheel for steering an automobile, for example.

  The automobile steering device is configured as shown in FIG. 23, and transmits the rotation of the steering wheel 1 to the input shaft 3 of the steering gear unit 2, and a pair of left and right tie rods 4 in accordance with the rotation of the input shaft 3. 4 is pushed and pulled to give a steering angle to the front wheels. The steering wheel 1 is supported and fixed at the rear end portion of the steering shaft 5, and the steering shaft 5 is rotatably supported by the steering column 6 with the cylindrical steering column 6 inserted in the axial direction. Has been. Further, the front end portion of the steering shaft 5 is connected to the rear end portion of the intermediate shaft 8 via a universal joint 7, and the front end portion of the intermediate shaft 8 is connected to the input shaft 3 via another universal joint 9. Connected to.

  Conventionally, the steering apparatus as described above includes a tilt mechanism for adjusting the vertical position of the steering wheel 1 and a telescopic mechanism for adjusting the front-rear position according to the physique and driving posture of the driver. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). In the illustrated structure, the upper front end portion of the housing 10 fixed to the front end portion of the steering column 6 is formed in the width direction with respect to the vehicle body 11 in order to constitute a tilt mechanism (the width direction refers to the width direction of the vehicle body, The tilt shaft 12 arranged in the left-right direction is the same throughout the present specification and claims). A displacement bracket 13 is provided on the lower surface of the intermediate portion of the steering column 6 in the axial direction, and a support bracket 14 is provided with the displacement bracket 13 sandwiched from both sides in the width direction. A tilt adjustment slot 15 that is long in the vertical direction is formed in each of the pair of left and right support plate portions 22, 22 constituting the support bracket 14. Telescopic adjustment through-holes 16 are formed in portions that are aligned with a part of 15 respectively. Then, the adjusting rod 17 is inserted in a state where both the tilt adjusting long holes 15 and the telescopic adjusting long holes 16 are inserted in the width direction. Further, in order to constitute the telescopic mechanism, the steering shaft 5 and the steering column 6 are configured to be extendable, and the telescopic adjustment long holes 16 are long holes in the front-rear direction. Then, by operating an adjustment lever (not shown) provided at one end of the adjustment rod 17, the force for holding the displacement bracket 13 from both sides in the width direction is adjusted by the support bracket 14, and the position of the steering wheel 1 is adjusted. It is possible to switch between a possible state and a state in which it can be held at the adjusted position.

A more specific structure of the steering device as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.
The steering column 6 is slidably fitted to the front part of the outer column 18 arranged on the rear side and the rear part of the inner column 19 arranged on the front side, so that the entire length can be expanded and contracted. Among these, for example, a slit 20 is provided in the front part of the outer column 18 made by die-casting a light alloy so that the inner diameter of the front part can be elastically expanded and reduced. Further, a pair of left and right sandwiched portions 21 and 21 is provided at a portion sandwiching the slit 20 from both the left and right sides, and the pair of sandwiched portions 21 and 21 constitutes the displacement bracket 13. The pair of sandwiched portions 21 and 21 are formed with telescopic adjustment long holes 16 and 16 that are long in the front-rear direction. In addition, a pair of left and right support plate portions 22 and 22 provided on the support bracket 14 are arranged in a portion where the displacement bracket 13 is sandwiched from both left and right sides, and each of the pair of support plate portions 22 and 22 is provided. Tilt adjusting slots 15, 15 are formed in a partial arc shape centering on the tilt axis 12 (see FIG. 23) and long in the vertical direction. The adjusting rod 17 is inserted in the width direction into the long holes 15 and 15 for both tilt adjustments and the long holes 16 and 16 for both telescopic adjustments.

  Further, an adjusting lever 23 is provided at one end of the adjusting rod 17 in the axial direction (the left end in FIG. 25), a nut 24 is provided at the other end in the axial direction (the right end in FIG. 25), and a thrust is provided at a portion near one end in the axial direction. A cam device 28 composed of a bearing 25 and a driving cam 26 and a driven cam 27 is provided, respectively, and the inner side surfaces of the pair of support plate portions 22, 22 based on the swing of the adjusting lever 23. It is configured to expand and contract the interval between each other.

  When adjusting the position of the steering wheel 1, the adjusting lever 23 is swung in a predetermined direction (generally downward), and the drive cam 26 is rotated in the rotational direction when switching to the unlocked state. Rotate in a certain unlocking direction. Then, the axial dimension of the cam device 28 is reduced, and the distance between the driven cam 27 and the nut 24 is increased. As a result, the surface pressure of the contact portion between the inner surface of the pair of support plate portions 22 and 22 and the outer surface of the pair of sandwiched portions 21 and 21 is reduced or lost, and at the same time, the outer column 18 The inner diameter of the front end portion of the outer column 18 is elastically expanded, and the contact pressure between the inner peripheral surface of the front end portion of the outer column 18 and the outer peripheral surface of the rear end portion of the inner column 19 is reduced. In this state, the vertical position and the front / rear position of the steering wheel 1 can be adjusted within a range in which the adjusting rod 17 can move in the tilt adjusting long holes 15 and 15 and the telescopic adjusting long holes 16 and 16.

  In order to hold the steering wheel 1 at a desired position, after the steering wheel 1 is moved to the desired position, the adjusting lever 23 is swung in the reverse direction (generally upward). As a result, the drive cam 26 is rotated in the lock direction, which is the rotation direction when switching to the locked state. And the axial direction dimension of the said cam apparatus 28 is expanded, and the space | interval of the inner surface of the said one pair of support plate parts 22 and 22 is shortened. In this state, the surface pressure of the abutting portion between the inner side surface of the pair of support plate portions 22 and 22 and the outer side surface of the pair of sandwiched portions 21 and 21 rises, and at the same time, the front end of the outer column 18 The inner diameter of the portion is elastically reduced, and the surface pressure of the contact portion between the inner peripheral surface of the front end portion of the outer column 18 and the outer peripheral surface of the rear end portion of the inner column 19 is increased. Can be held in the position.

  In the steering device having the above-described configuration, the vertical position of the steering wheel 1 is determined by the frictional force acting between the pair of support plate portions 22 and 22 and the pair of sandwiched portions 21 and 21. Although the front and rear positions are held at the adjusted positions, for example, a structure capable of holding the steering wheel 1 more firmly is required from the viewpoint of enhancing the protection of the driver at the time of a secondary collision or the like. ing.

JP 2009-227181 A

  In view of the circumstances as described above, the present invention is to realize a structure that can firmly hold the position of the steering wheel in a state in which the vertical position or the front-rear position of the steering wheel can be held at the adjusted position. Invented.

The steering wheel position adjusting device of the present invention includes a displacement bracket, a fixed bracket, an adjusting rod, a pair of pressing portions, and an expansion / contraction device.
Among these, the displacement bracket is fixed to a part of the steering column, and a first through hole is formed so as to penetrate in the width direction.
The fixed side bracket has a pair of support plate portions provided in a state where the displacement side bracket is sandwiched from both sides in the width direction, and a pair of second passages is provided in a portion where the pair of support plate portions are aligned with each other. A hole is formed and fixed to the vehicle body side.
The adjusting rod is provided in a state of being inserted through the first through hole and the pair of second through holes in the width direction.
The pair of pressing portions are provided at portions protruding from the outer surfaces of the pair of support plate portions at both ends of the adjustment rod.
The said expansion / contraction apparatus is for expanding / contracting the space | interval of said one pair of press parts.
Further, at least one of the first through hole and the pair of second through holes is an adjustment long hole that is long in a position adjustment direction, which is a direction in which the position of the steering wheel should be adjustable. Yes. The position adjustment direction is the front-rear direction when the position of the steering wheel is adjusted by a telescopic mechanism, and the vertical direction when the position of the steering wheel is adjusted by a tilt mechanism.
Then, an unlocked state in which the position of the steering wheel in the position adjustment direction can be adjusted based on the expansion / contraction of the pair of pressing portions by the expansion / contraction mechanism, and a position after adjusting the steering wheel It is possible to switch between lock states that can be held in

In particular, the steering wheel position adjusting device according to the present invention includes a lock mechanism that engages with the concave and convex portions in the position adjusting direction in the locked state.
Such a lock mechanism has a pair of fixed side teeth, a movable side lock member, and a cam.
Of these, the pair of fixed-side teeth are provided directly or via other members on the bracket formed with the adjustment long hole in the fixed-side bracket and the displacement-side bracket.
The movable-side lock member includes a pair of widenable portions and a pair of movable-side teeth provided on a portion of the pair of widenable portions facing the pair of fixed-side teeth. Have. Such a movable side lock member is supported together with the adjustment rod so as to be capable of displacement in the position adjustment direction.
The cam portion is provided directly on the adjustment rod or via another member, and is disposed between the pair of widenable portions, so that the distance between the pair of widenable portions can be increased or decreased.
In the locked state, the position of the pair of fixed-side teeth and the pair of movable-side teeth is adjusted in the position adjustment direction by increasing the distance between the pair of widenable portions by the cam portion. (The pair of fixed side teeth and the pair of movable side teeth mesh with each other in the position adjusting direction). On the other hand, in the unlocked state, the cam portion is used to reduce the distance between the pair of widenable portions, thereby adjusting the position of the pair of fixed tooth portions and the pair of movable tooth portions. Do not engage the concave and convex with respect to the direction.

  When the steering wheel position adjusting device of the present invention as described above is implemented, specifically, as in the invention described in claim 2, the pair of widenable portions are connected to the locked state and the unlocked portion. It can be provided in a state that can be swung and displaced in accordance with the switching to the locked state.

  In the case of implementing the steering wheel position adjusting device of the present invention as described above, the movable side locking member is additionally added together with the adjusting rod in the case of a secondary collision as in the invention described in claim 3. Prior to the displacement in the position adjusting direction, a pressing member that presses the pair of widenable portions in a direction in which the distance between the pair of widenable portions increases can be provided.

  When the steering wheel position adjusting device of the present invention as described above is implemented, specifically, as in the invention described in claim 4, the center of the movable side lock member is set to the central axis of the adjusting rod. It is possible to adopt a configuration that is positioned above.

  When the steering wheel position adjusting device of the present invention as described above is implemented, specifically, as in the invention described in claim 5, each convex portion constituting the pair of fixed side teeth is provided. And an asymmetrical shape with respect to the position adjustment direction, and an inclination direction with respect to the position adjustment direction of each convex portion constituting one fixed side tooth portion of the pair of fixed side tooth portions, and the pair of fixed portions. The inclination direction with respect to the position adjusting direction of each convex portion constituting the other fixed side tooth portion of the side tooth portions can be made the same.

  Alternatively, as in the invention described in claim 6, each of the convex portions constituting the pair of fixed side teeth is made asymmetrical with respect to the position adjustment direction, and among the pair of fixed side teeth, An inclination direction of each convex portion constituting one fixed side tooth portion with respect to the position adjusting direction, and the position adjusting direction of each convex portion constituting the other fixed side tooth portion of the pair of fixed side tooth portions. The inclination direction can be reversed.

  When the steering wheel position adjusting device of the present invention as described above is implemented, specifically, as in the invention described in claim 7, the adjusting long holes are formed on the pair of support plate portions. A vertical hole (tilt adjustment long hole) formed in a state of extending vertically in positions aligned with each other. The lock mechanism is provided on the outer side in the width direction of at least one of the pair of support plate portions.

  Alternatively, as in the invention described in claim 8, the adjustment elongated holes are formed in a vertically elongated hole (tilt adjustment) formed in the state where the pair of support plate portions are vertically extended at positions where they are aligned with each other. Long holes). The lock mechanism is provided on the inner side in the width direction of at least one of the pair of support plate portions.

  When implementing the steering wheel position adjusting device of the present invention as described above, specifically, as in the invention described in claim 9, the adjusting long hole is provided in the displacement side bracket in the front-rear direction. Let it be a longitudinal hole (telescopic adjustment long hole) formed in an elongated state. The locking mechanism is provided on the outer side in the width direction of at least one of the pair of sandwiched portions constituting the displacement side bracket.

Alternatively, as in the invention described in claim 10, the adjustment long hole is a front / rear direction long hole (telescopic adjustment long hole) formed in the displacement side bracket in a state of extending in the front / rear direction. And the said locking device is provided in the width direction inner side of at least one to-be-clamped part of a pair of to-be-clamped parts which comprise the said displacement side bracket.
Further, when the steering wheel position adjusting device of the present invention as described above is implemented, specifically, when switching from the unlocked state to the locked state, as described in the invention described in claim 11, A contact portion between the cam portion and the pair of widenable portions can be configured to be displaced in a direction approaching the center position of the pair of widenable portions with respect to the position adjustment direction.

According to the steering wheel position adjusting device of the present invention configured as described above, the position of the steering wheel in a state where the vertical position or the front-rear position of the steering wheel can be held at the adjusted position (locked state). Can be held firmly.
That is, in the case of the present invention, in the locked state, the fixed side bracket or the pair of fixed side teeth provided on the bracket formed with the adjustment long hole of the displacement side bracket, and the position along with the adjustment rod. The pair of movable side teeth of the movable side lock member supported so as to be able to be displaced in the adjustment direction are engaged with each other in an uneven manner (engaged) with respect to the position adjustment direction. For this reason, even when a shocking load in the position adjustment direction is applied to the steering wheel in the locked state, the steering wheel can be prevented from being displaced in the position adjustment direction based on the uneven engagement.

The figure similar to FIG. 25 which shows the 1st example of embodiment of this invention. Similarly, it is the figure which shows the lock mechanism of the state where the driven side cam is omitted as viewed from the outside in the width direction, and shows the unlocked state (a), the intermediate state (b), The figure which shows a state (c). Similarly, an enlarged view (a) of a portion corresponding to the A portion in FIG. 2B and an enlarged view (b) of a portion corresponding to the B portion. Similarly, II sectional drawing of FIG.2 (c). Similarly, the perspective view which takes out and shows an adjustment rod and a movable side locking member. Similarly, the perspective view which shows the state which looked at the driven cam from the width direction inner side. The perspective view which abbreviate | omits the driven cam and shows the lock mechanism which shows the other example of a 1st, 2nd fixed side tooth | gear part. Similarly, the figure which shows the lock mechanism in the state seen from the width direction outer side. Similarly, the perspective view shown in the state which looked at the locking mechanism from the width direction outer side. The figure equivalent to FIG. 3 which shows the 2nd example of embodiment of this invention. The figure (a) equivalent to Drawing 2 (a) and the figure equivalent to Drawing 2 (c) showing the 3rd example of an embodiment of the invention. Similarly, the figure which looked at the driven cam from the width direction inner side. The figure similar to Drawing 2 (a) showing the 4th example of an embodiment of the invention. Similarly, the roll sectional view of FIG. The figure similar to FIG. 1 which shows the 5th example of embodiment of this invention. Similarly, FIG. 2A corresponding to FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B corresponding to FIG. 2B, and FIG. 2C corresponding to FIG. ). Similarly, the figure which shows the state which looked at the locking mechanism from the width direction outer side in the state which omitted the movable side locking member. Similarly, the perspective view of the lock mechanism which abbreviate | omits a driven cam and shows it. FIG. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the ha ha section of FIG. 20 showing a sixth example of an embodiment of the present invention. Similarly, FIG. 2A corresponding to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B corresponding to FIG. Similarly, the C section enlarged view (a) of Drawing 20 (a), and the D section enlarged view (b). The figure similar to FIG. 19 which shows the 7th example of embodiment of this invention. The partial side view which shows an example of the conventional structure of a steering device. The partial side view for demonstrating the specific structure of a steering device. FIG. 25 is a sectional view of the knee of FIG. 24.

[First example of embodiment]
A first example of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The basic structure of the steering apparatus to which the steering wheel position adjusting apparatus of this example can be applied is substantially the same as the structure of the steering apparatus shown in FIG.
That is, the steering device to which the steering wheel position adjusting device of this example can be applied transmits the rotation of the steering wheel 1 to the input shaft 3 of the steering gear unit 2 in the same manner as the steering device described in FIG. As the input shaft 3 rotates, a pair of left and right tie rods 4 and 4 are pushed and pulled through a rack and pinion mechanism to give a steering angle to the wheels.

  The steering wheel 1 is supported and fixed to the rear end portion of the steering shaft 5. The steering shaft 5 is rotatably supported by the steering column 6a in a state where the cylindrical steering column 6a is inserted in the axial direction. Has been. Further, as shown in FIG. 23, 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 another universal joint. 9 is connected to the input shaft 3. In order to apply a steering assist force to the steering shaft 5, an electric motor 27 (see FIG. 23) serving as a power source is provided in front of the steering column 6a.

  The steering shaft 5 that supports and fixes the steering wheel 1 at the rear end is provided at the front end of the outer shaft 28 provided on the rear side (right side in FIG. 23) and the rear of the inner shaft 29 provided on the front side (left side in FIG. 23). The front and rear positions of the outer shaft 28 can be adjusted by spline engagement with the end portions. Such a steering shaft 5 is supported inside the steering column 6a by a single row deep groove type ball bearing (not shown) so as to be rotatable only.

  The steering column 6a is slidably fitted to the front part of the outer column 18a arranged on the rear side and the rear part of the inner column 19a arranged on the front side, so that the entire length can be expanded and contracted. Among these, for example, a slit 20a is provided at the front and upper end of the outer column 18a made by die casting of a light alloy so that the inner diameter of the front can be elastically expanded / contracted. Further, a pair of left and right sandwiched portions 21a and 21a is provided at a portion sandwiching the slit 20a from both left and right sides, and the pair of sandwiched portions 21a and 21a constitutes a displacement bracket 13a. In such a pair of sandwiched portions 21a, 21a, telescopic adjustment long holes 16a, 16a that are long in the front-rear direction are formed.

  A housing 10 (see FIG. 23) is fixed to the front end of the steering column 6a (the inner column 19a), and the upper front end of the housing 10 is disposed in the width direction with respect to the vehicle body 11. The tilt shaft 12 supports the tilt shaft 12 in a state where it can swing in the vertical direction around the tilt shaft 12. In the housing 10, a worm-type speed reducer including a worm and a worm wheel (not shown) constituting an electric assist mechanism is disposed. Then, based on the torque acting on the inner shaft 29, the worm is rotationally driven by the electric motor 27 fixed to the housing 10, thereby applying a steering assist force to the steering shaft 5.

  A support bracket 14a is provided in a state where the displacement bracket 13a is sandwiched from both sides in the width direction. The support bracket 14 a includes a mounting plate portion 30 provided on the upper portion and a pair of left and right support plate portions 22 a and 22 b that hang downward from the mounting plate portion 30. In the case of this example, the upper end edges of the pair of support plate portions 22 a and 22 b are continuous by the connecting plate portion 31, and the upper surface of the connecting plate portion 31 is located at the center in the width direction of the mounting plate portion 30. It is fixed to the bottom by welding. Such a support bracket 14a is supported by the mounting plate portion 30 via a pair of release capsules 32 and 32 (see FIG. 25) with respect to the vehicle body so that the support bracket 14a can be released forward during a secondary collision. Yes.

The pair of support plate portions 22a and 22b are formed with a pair of tilt adjusting long holes 15a and 15b which are partially arc-shaped around the tilt shaft 12 and are long in the vertical direction. The pair of tilt adjusting long holes 15a and 15b can be formed in a rectangular shape that is long in the vertical direction, instead of a partial arc shape. In the case of this example, the pair of telescopic adjustment long holes 16a, 16a are the first through holes described in the claims, and the pair of tilt adjustment long holes 15a, 15b are the second through holes, Each corresponds. Further, the pair of tilt adjusting long holes 15a and 15b correspond to the adjusting long holes recited in the claims, and the forming direction (vertical direction) of the pair of tilt adjusting long holes 15a and 15b. Corresponds to the position adjustment direction.
With the above configuration, the vertical position of the steering wheel 1 can be adjusted based on the rocking displacement about the tilt shaft 12, and based on the expansion and contraction of the steering shaft 5 and the steering column 6a, The front-rear position of the steering wheel 1 can be adjusted.

An adjusting rod 17a is inserted in the width direction into the pair of tilt adjusting long holes 15a and 15b and the pair of telescopic adjusting long holes 16a and 16a.
Such an adjustment rod 17a includes a male screw portion (not shown) formed at one axial end portion (the right end portion in FIG. 1), a cam portion 33 formed at the axial intermediate portion, and an axial other end portion ( And a head 34 formed on the left end of FIG.

The cam portion 33 is disposed inside the tilt adjustment long hole 15b of the other (left side in FIG. 1) of the pair of tilt adjustment long holes 15a and 15b of the adjustment rod 17a. To the portion adjacent to the inner side surface in the width direction of the head 34.
Specifically, the cam portion 33 includes a pair of flat surface portions 35a and 35b formed so as to be cut out in two flat positions parallel to each other on the opposite side with respect to the radial direction of the outer peripheral surface, A pair of pressing curved surface portions 36a, 36b formed in a portion between the pair of flat surface portions 35a, 35b with respect to the circumferential direction of the adjusting rod 17a and having an arc cross section centering on the central axis of the cam portion 33; have. Such a cam portion 33 has a two-fold symmetry (a shape that overlaps itself when rotated 180 °), and the distance between the pair of flat surface portions 35a, 35b is the pair of flat surfaces 35a, 35b. It is smaller than the distance between the apexes of the press curved surface portions 36a and 36b. In the case of this example, in a state where the position of the steering wheel shown in FIG. 2 (a) can be adjusted (unlocked state), the pair of flat surface portions 35a and 35b are connected to the pair of tilt adjusting elongated holes 15a, They are arranged so as to be parallel (including substantially parallel) to the forming direction (vertical direction) of 15b. The cam portion 33 is in an arbitrary range of the adjusting rod 17a as long as it includes a portion disposed between a pair of widenable portions 52a and 52b constituting a movable side lock member 47 described later. Can be provided. For example, a portion of the adjustment rod 17a other than the male screw portion and the head portion 34 can be used as the cam portion 33 over the entire length. Further, a cylindrical member provided on a member different from the adjusting rod 17a and having a pair of flat surface portions and a pair of pressing curved surface portions on the outer peripheral surface is attached to the outer peripheral surface in the axially intermediate portion of the adjusting rod 17a. The cam portion can be configured by fitting and fixing.

  In the case of this example, the nut 24a screwed into the male threaded portion of the adjusting rod 17a and one of the pair of support plate portions 22a and 22b (right side in FIG. 1). A pressing plate 25 and a thrust bearing 26a are arranged in this order from the side of the one support plate portion 22a in the portion between the two plates 22a.

  Further, a driven cam 37 is provided between the head 34 of the adjusting rod 17a and the other support plate 22b of the pair of support plates 22a, 22b (left side in FIG. 1). A driving cam 38, an adjusting lever 23, and a lock mechanism 39 are arranged.

  The driven cam 37, together with the driving cam 38, constitutes a cam device corresponding to the expansion / contraction mechanism described in the claims. The driven cam 37 is made of, for example, sintered metal, has a central hole for inserting the adjusting rod 17a, and has a substantially annular plate shape as a whole. Further, the driven cam 37 has a driven cam surface which is an uneven surface in the circumferential direction on the outer side surface in the width direction (left side surface in FIG. 1). On the other hand, the driven cam 37 has cam side engaging convex portions 40a and 40b protruding inward in the width direction at four positions in the circumferential direction on the inner side surface in the width direction (right side surface in FIG. 1). .

In the case of this example, as shown in FIG. 6, two cam side engaging convex portions 40a, 40a arranged on the front side in the assembled state among the cam side engaging convex portions 40a, 40b are as follows. The wide protrusions 41a and 41a having a square shape (or a substantially square shape) provided on the outer side in the width direction and the front end surfaces (inner width surfaces in the width direction) of these wide protrusions 41a and 41a It consists of narrow convex portions 42a, 42a provided in a state of projecting inward in the width direction from the side halves.
On the other hand, among the cam-side engagement projections 40a and 40b, two cam-side engagement projections 40b and 40b arranged on the rear side in the assembled state are provided on the outer side in the width direction. Wide protrusions 41b and 41b having a square shape (or a substantially square shape) viewed from the direction and a state in which they protrude inward in the width direction from the front half of the front end face (inner width end face) of each of the wide protrusions 41b and 41b The narrow convex portions 42b and 42b are provided.

  Also, the front-rear direction of the front side surfaces of the narrow convex portions 42a, 42a of the cam side engaging convex portions 40a, 40a and the rear side surfaces of the narrow convex portions 42b, 42b of the cam side engaging convex portions 40b, 40b. The distance is slightly smaller than the width in the front-rear direction of the other tilt adjusting elongated hole 15b.

Such a driven-side cam 37 is in a state in which relative rotation with respect to the adjusting rod 17a is possible in a state in which a portion closer to the other end in the axial direction of the adjusting rod 17a is inserted into the center hole, and in the width direction (this The adjustment rod 17a is externally fitted in such a state that relative displacement in the axial direction) is possible.
Further, in the assembled state, the front side surface of each of the narrow convex portions 42a, 42a is brought close to and opposed to the front side edge of the tilt adjusting long hole 15b, and the rear side surface of each of the narrow convex portions 42b, 42b. Is placed in close proximity to the rear edge of the other tilt adjusting slot 15b (see FIG. 4). Regardless of the displacement in the width direction of the driven cam 37 when shifting between the unlocked state and the state in which the steering wheel 1 can be held at the adjusted position (locked state), The heights of the narrow convex portions 42a and 42b are regulated so that the narrow convex portions 42a and 42b are disposed inside the other tilt adjusting long hole 15b.
Further, the front half of the inner end surface (tip surface) in the width direction of each of the wide protrusions 41a and 41a is the front side of the other tilt adjusting long hole 15b on the outer side surface in the width direction of the other support plate portion 22b. While facing a portion adjacent to the edge in the width direction via a contact or a gap, the rear half portion of the inner end surface (tip surface) in the width direction of each of the wide convex portions 41b and 41b is connected to the other support plate portion 22b. It is made to contact | abut to the part adjacent to the rear side edge of said other tilt adjustment long hole 15b among the width direction outer surfaces.

On the other hand, the drive side cam 38 is made of, for example, sintered metal, has a center hole through which the adjustment rod 17a is inserted, and has a substantially octagonal plate shape as a whole. In the case of this example, the inner peripheral surface of the center hole of the drive side cam 38 has a shape capable of non-circular fitting with the outer peripheral surface of the cam portion 33 of the adjusting rod 17a. Further, on the inner side surface in the width direction of the drive side cam 38 (the right side surface in FIG. 1), a drive side cam surface that is an uneven surface in the circumferential direction is formed. Further, on the outer side surface in the width direction of the driving side cam 38, a driving side engaging convex portion 43 protruding outward in the width direction is provided. Such a drive side cam 38 is assembled in the center hole in a state in which the outer peripheral surface (a part of the cam portion 33) near the other end in the axial direction of the adjustment rod 17a is non-circularly fitted. Further, in this state, the driving side engaging convex portion 43 is engaged with a lever side through hole 44 provided at the base end portion of the adjusting lever 23. In this way, the drive side cam 38 can be rotated integrally with the adjustment lever 23.
In addition, the drive side cam 38 and the adjustment rod 17a can be integrally rotated by press-fitting a portion near the other axial end of the adjustment rod 17a into the center hole of the drive side cam 38. .
With the configuration as described above, the adjusting lever 23, the driving cam 38, and the adjusting rod 17a are assembled so as to be integrally rotatable.

The lock mechanism 39 includes a first fixed side tooth portion 45a, a second fixed side tooth portion 46a, a movable side lock member 47, and a cam portion 33 provided on the adjustment rod 17a. ing. Such a locking mechanism 39 is for restricting the vertical displacement of the adjusting rod 17a in the locked state by the concave-convex engagement.
The first and second fixed side teeth 45a and 46a are parallel to the direction (vertical direction) of the other tilt adjusting long hole 15b on the outer surface in the width direction of the other support plate 22b. Parallel to the direction in which the tilt adjusting elongated hole is formed, as will be described later, the first and second fixed side teeth 45a and 46a and the first and second of the movable side lock member 47 in the locked state. As a result of engaging the movable side teeth 57, 60 in a concave-convex manner, the holding force in the vertical direction of the steering wheel 1 can be increased, including a substantially parallel state. It is comprised by the several uneven | corrugated | grooved part made.

  Specifically, in the case of this example, at the two positions on the outer side surface in the width direction of the other support plate portion 22b, the front portion and the rear portion of the other tilt adjustment long hole 15b. A pair of vertical convex portions 48a and 48b are formed in a state of projecting outward in the width direction in parallel with the direction in which the other tilt adjusting long hole 15b is formed. In the assembled state, the inner surface in the width direction of the driven cam 37 is in contact with the outer surface in the width direction of the pair of vertical protrusions 48a and 48b. The first fixed-side tooth portion 45a is formed on the rear side surface of one (front) vertical projection 48a of the pair of vertical projections 48a and 48b, and the other (rear). The second fixed-side tooth portion 46a is formed on the front side surface of the vertical protrusion 48b. As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, a pair of vertical protrusions 48a and 48b are formed at both ends in the front-rear direction of the plate-like member provided separately from the other support plate 22b. The first and second fixed side teeth 45a and 46a may be formed on the rear and front sides of the vertical projections 48a and 48b. When such a configuration is adopted, this plate member is fixed to the other support plate portion 22b by welding.

In the case of this example, each convex part 49a, 49b which comprises said 1st, 2nd fixed side tooth | gear part 45a, 46a has respectively made the same inclination direction regarding an up-down direction. Specifically, in the case of this example, as shown in FIG. 3, the center position X in the vertical direction of the base end portion of each convex portion 49a, 49b constituting the first and second fixed side tooth portions 45a, 46a. ₁ and, like the tip portions of the vertically central position _{X 2} parallel to the street and the axial direction of the adjusting rod 17a of the virtual plane _{P 45a,} the _{P 46a,} formation direction (up and down the other tilt adjusting long hole 15b Exist on a virtual plane orthogonal to the direction). Each of the convex portions 49a and 49b has a symmetrical shape with respect to the virtual planes P _45a and P _46a .

The movable-side lock member 47 is made of an elastic metal plate and includes a frame portion 50, a pair of continuous portions 51a and 51b, and a pair of widenable portions 52a and 52b.
Of these, the frame portion 50 is a plate-like member having a rectangular frame shape as viewed from the outside in the width direction in the assembled state, and includes a lower frame portion 53 disposed below and an upper portion disposed on the upper side. The frame portion 54, the front frame portion 55 disposed on the front side, and the rear frame portion 56 disposed on the rear side are configured.

The pair of continuous portions 51a and 51b are continuous with the frame portion 50 and the pair of widenable portions 52a and 52b.
Specifically, in the case of this example, one (front) continuous portion 51a of the pair of continuous portions 51a, 51b has a lower end edge at a middle portion in the front-rear direction of the upper end edge of the lower frame portion 53. Continuing to the front end. Such one continuous part 51a inclines in the direction which goes to the width direction inner side, so that it goes upwards. The upper end edge of the one continuous portion 51a is continuous with the lower end edge of one (front) widenable portion 52a of the pair of widenable portions 52a and 52b.

  The other (rear) continuous portion 51b of the pair of continuous portions 51a, 51b has an upper end edge continuous to a rear end portion of the middle portion in the front-rear direction of the lower end edge of the upper frame portion 54. The other continuous part 51b is inclined in the direction toward the inner side in the width direction as it goes downward. The lower end edge of the other continuous portion 51b is continuous with the upper end edge of the other (rear) widenable portion 52b of the pair of widenable portions 52a and 52b.

Each of the pair of widenable portions 52a and 52b is a plate-like member that is long in the direction in which the other tilt adjusting long hole 15b is formed, and is spaced apart in the front-rear direction and arranged in parallel with each other.
One such widenable portion 52 a is provided in a state where the lower end edge is continuous with the upper end edge of the one continuous portion 51 a and is offset inward in the width direction with respect to the frame portion 50. Further, a first movable side tooth portion 57 composed of a plurality of concave and convex portions formed alternately in the forming direction of the other tilt adjusting long hole 15b is formed on the front end surface of the one widenable portion 52a. Is formed. Such a first movable side tooth portion 57 is opposed to the first fixed side tooth portion 45a in the front-rear direction. Further, on the rear end surface of the one widenable portion 52a, a flat surface-like first pressed surface 58 in an unlocked state (free state) and parallel to the direction in which the other tilt adjusting long hole 15b is formed. Is formed. Further, a pair of through-holes 59a whose one widenable portion 52a penetrates in the widthwise direction and has a rectangular shape when viewed from the widthwise direction at two positions spaced apart in the vertical direction of the one widenable portion 52a. , 59a are formed.

The other widenable portion 52 b is provided in a state where the upper end edge is continuous with the lower end edge of the other continuous portion 51 b and is offset inward in the width direction with respect to the frame portion 50. Further, a second movable side tooth portion 60 composed of a plurality of concave and convex portions alternately formed in the forming direction of the other tilt adjusting long hole 15b is formed on the rear end surface of the other widenable portion 52b. Is formed. Such a second movable side tooth part 60 is opposed to the second fixed side tooth part 46a in the front-rear direction. Further, a flat second pressed surface 61 is formed on the rear end surface of the other widenable portion 52b, which is parallel to the direction in which the other tilt adjusting long hole 15b is formed. Further, a pair of through-holes 59b having a rectangular shape when viewed from the width direction are penetrated in the width direction at two positions spaced apart in the vertical direction of the other width-expandable portion 52b. 59b are formed.
The thickness dimension of the pair of widenable portions 52a and 52b having the above-described configuration is smaller than the height dimension of the pair of vertical convex portions 48a and 48b of the other support plate portion 22b.
Also, the first pressed surface 58 and the second pressed surface in a free state before the movable side locking member 47 is assembled between the other support plate portion 22b and the driven side cam 37. The distance (gap) with the pressed surface 61 is substantially the same (slightly small) as the distance between the pair of flat surface portions 35a and 35b constituting the cam portion 33.

In the case of this example, the first movable side tooth portion 57 and the second movable side tooth portion 60 have shapes that can mesh with the first and second fixed side tooth portions 45a and 46a. The convex portions 62a and 62b constituting the first movable side tooth portion 57 and the second movable side tooth portion 60 have the same inclination direction with respect to the vertical direction (see FIG. 3).
Specifically, in the case of this example, as shown in FIG. 3, the vertical center position Y of the base end portions of the convex portions 62 a and 62 b constituting the first and second movable side tooth portions 57 and 60. ₁ and the virtual planes P ₅₇ and P ₆₀ that pass through the center Y _{2 in} the vertical direction of the tip and parallel to the axial direction of the adjusting rod 17a are formed in the direction in which the other tilt adjusting elongated hole 15b is formed ( It exists on the virtual plane β orthogonal to the vertical direction. Further, the respective convex portions 62a, 62b has a symmetric shape with respect to the virtual plane _{P 57, P 60.}

The movable side lock member 47 having the above configuration is assembled in a state where the cam portion 33 of the adjusting rod 17a is inserted between the first pressed surface 58 and the second pressed surface 61. It has been. In this state, the first pressed surface 58 is elastically brought into contact with the flat surface portion 35a of the cam portion 33, and the second pressed surface 61 is elastically contacted with the flat surface portion 35b of the cam portion 33. It is made to contact. Further, when the wide protrusions 41a and 41a of the driven cam 37 are inserted inside the pair of through holes 59a and 59a of the one widenable part 52a, one of the other widenable part 52b is inserted. The wide convex portions 41b and 41b of the driven cam 37 are inserted inside the pair of through holes 59b and 59b. Further, in the unlocked state, there are front-rear direction gaps 63a and 63a between the rear side edges of the through holes 59a and 59a and the rear side surfaces of the wide protrusions 41a and 41a. . On the other hand, there are front-rear direction gaps 63b and 63b between the front side edges of the through holes 59b and 59b and the front side surfaces of the wide protrusions 41b and 41b.
In the case of the present example, in the unlocked state, the pair of flat surface portions 35a and 35b of the cam portion 33 are tilted to the other of the first and second pressed surfaces 58 and 61, respectively. The center position of the first and second pressed surfaces 58 and 61 (the one and the other widenable portions 52a and 52b) with respect to the forming direction (vertical direction) of the adjustment long hole 15b (in this example, the vertical direction) It is in contact with the part including the center position.

The pair of widenable portions 52 a and 52 b are disposed between the widthwise outer surface of the other support plate portion 22 b and the widthwise inner surface of the driven cam 37. In this way, the pair of widenable portions 52a and 52b are prevented from coming off in the width direction. In the case of this example, the thickness dimension of the pair of widenable portions 52a and 52b is made smaller than the height dimension of the pair of vertical protrusions 48a and 48b of the other support plate portion 22b. Yes. Therefore, between the widthwise outer side surface of the pair of widenable portions 52a and 52b and the widthwise inner side surface of the driven cam 37, or within the widthwise direction of the pair of widenable portions 52a and 52b. There is a slight gap in the width direction between the side surface and the width direction outer surface of the other support plate portion 22b.
The frame portion 50 is disposed so as to surround the driven cam 37.

Next, the operation of the steering wheel position adjusting device of this example will be described.
When the steering wheel 1 is in a state (locked state) in which the vertical position and front / rear position of the steering wheel 1 can be held at the adjusted position, the adjustment lever in a state (unlocked state) in which the position of the steering wheel 1 can be adjusted 23 is swung in a predetermined direction (generally upward). Thereby, the space | interval of the said driven cam 37 and the said press plate 25 is shortened by expanding the axial direction dimension of the said cam apparatus. As a result, the frictional force acting on the contact portion between the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 19a and the inner peripheral surface of the outer column 18a and the width direction of the pair of sandwiched portions 21a and 21a constituting the displacement bracket 13a Friction force acting on the contact portion between the outer side surface and the width direction inner side surface of the pair of support plate portions 22a and 22b constituting the support bracket 14a, and the width direction of the pair of support plate portions 22a and 22b The frictional force acting on the contact portion between the outer side surface and the driven side cam 37 and the inner side surface in the width direction of the pressing plate 25 is increased to be locked.

Next, the operation of the lock mechanism 39 will be described.
In the above-described operation, when the adjusting rod 17a rotates with the swing of the adjusting lever 23, the cam portion 33 of the adjusting rod 17a moves between the pair of widenable portions 52a and 52b, as shown in FIG. Rotate as shown in (a) → (b) → (c). 2 (a) → (b), the first pressed surface 58 of the first pressed surface 58 (the one widened portion) is rotated with the rotation of the cam portion 33. The upper part (the side far from the one continuous part 51a) of the upper part in the vertical direction of the possible part 52a) is one of the pair of flat surface parts 35a, 35b of the cam part 33 (left side in FIG. 2). Is pressed against the upper end of the flat surface portion 35a. Then, in accordance with this pressing, the one widenable portion 52a elastically swings in the direction away from the other widenable portion 52b (counterclockwise in FIG. 2) around the one continuous portion 51a. Do (elastically displaced). Then, as shown in FIG. 2B, the upper end portion of the first fixed side tooth portion 45a and the upper end portion of the first movable side tooth portion 57 are engaged (concave engagement).

  On the other hand, when shifting from FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B, the second pressed surface 61 of the second pressed surface 61 (the other width can be increased) as the cam portion 33 rotates. The portion below the center position in the vertical direction of the portion 52b) (the side farther from the other continuous portion 51b) is the other of the pair of flat surface portions 35a, 35b of the cam portion 33 (to the right in FIG. 2). It is pressed by the lower end part of the flat surface part 35b. Then, with this pressing, the other widenable portion 52b elastically swings in a direction away from the one widenable portion 52a (counterclockwise direction in FIG. 2) around the other continuous portion 51b. Do (elastically displaced). Then, as shown in FIG. 2B, the portion near the lower end of the second fixed side tooth portion 46a and the lower end portion of the second movable side tooth portion 60 are engaged (concave engagement).

  Further, when the cam portion 33 further rotates from the above-described state and shifts from FIG. 2B to FIG. 2C, the cam portion 33 and the first pressed portion are accompanied by the rotation of the cam portion 33. The direction in which the contact portion with the surface 58 (the position where the first pressed surface 58 is pressed) approaches the vertical center position of the first pressed surface 58 (the one widenable portion 52a) ( Displaces downward). With such displacement of the abutting portion, the displacement of the one widenable portion 52a changes from swinging around the one continuous portion 51a as described above to parallel movement forward. In other words, from the state shown in FIG. 2 (b), the one widenable portion 52a has a portion closer to the upper end of the first fixed side tooth portion 45a and the first movable side tooth portion 57. 2 (b) in the clockwise direction around the meshing portion with the upper end of the. As a result, the first fixed-side tooth portion 45a and the first movable-side tooth portion 57 mesh with each other over the entire length of the first movable-side tooth portion 57 (concave / convex engagement). In other words, the convex portions 49a and 49a constituting the first fixed side tooth portion 45a and the convex portions 62a and 62a constituting the first movable side tooth portion 57 are vertically arranged. Superimpose on.

  On the other hand, when the transition from FIG. 2B to FIG. 2C occurs, the cam portion 33 and the second pressed surface 61 come into contact with the cam portion 33 (the second pressed surface). The position where the surface 61 is pressed is displaced in a direction (upward) approaching the vertical center position of the second pressed surface 61 (the other widenable portion 52b). Along with such displacement of the contact portion, the displacement of the other widenable portion 52b changes from swinging around the other continuous portion 51b as described above to parallel movement backward. In other words, from the state shown in FIG. 2 (b), the other widenable portion 52b has a portion closer to the lower end of the second fixed side tooth portion 46a and the second movable side tooth portion 60. 2 (b) in the clockwise direction around the meshing portion with the lower end portion of the. As a result, the second fixed-side tooth portion 46 a and the second movable-side tooth portion 60 are engaged with each other over the entire length of the second movable-side tooth portion 60 (uneven engagement). In other words, the convex portions 49b and 49b that constitute the second fixed side tooth portion 46a and the convex portions 62b and 62b that constitute the second movable side tooth portion 60 are in the vertical direction. Superimpose on.

As described above, the frame portion 50 constitutes the frame portion 50 in accordance with the displacement of the one and the other widenable portions 52a and 52b when moving from FIG. 2 (b) to (c). The upper frame portion 54 is elastically displaced backward, and the lower frame portion 53 is also elastically displaced forward (the front frame portion 55 and the rear frame portion 56 are rotated in the clockwise direction in FIG. 2B). Elastically deforms into a quadrilateral shape.
As described above, in the case of this example, the direction of displacement (swing) of the one and the other widenable portions 52a and 52b when moving from FIG. 2 (a) to (b), and FIG. 2 (b). When the transition from the state shown in FIG. 2C to the state shown in FIG. 2C is made, the direction of displacement (swing) of the one and the other widenable portions 52a and 52b is different, so in the state shown in FIG. The tip of each convex part 49a, 49a (49b, 49b) formed in the upper end portion of the first fixed side tooth portion 45a (the lower end portion of the second fixed side tooth portion 46a); The tip of each convex part 62a, 62a (62b, 62b) formed in the upper end part of the one movable side tooth part 57 (the lower end part of the second movable side tooth part 60) comes into contact with each other normally. Even if it is not meshed, when it shifts from the state shown in FIG. 2B to the state shown in FIG. It is thing.

  As described above, the vertical position of the steering wheel 1 in the locked state is determined by the first and second fixed side teeth 45a and 46a and the first and second movable side teeth 57, It is firmly fixed by concave and convex engagement with 60.

  When switching from the locked state to the unlocked state, by swinging the adjusting lever 23 in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction (generally downward), the axial dimension of the cam device is reduced, The distance between the driven cam 37 and the pressing plate 25 is increased. Thereby, each said friction force becomes small. When the adjusting rod 17a rotates with the swing of the adjusting lever 23, the cam portion 33 of the adjusting rod 17a moves between the pair of widenable portions 52a and 52b, as shown in FIG. → (b) → Rotate as shown in (a). With this rotation, the pair of widenable portions 52a and 52b swing around the pair of continuous portions 51a and 51b in a direction approaching each other. Then, the meshing (concave engagement) between the first and second fixed side teeth 45a and 46a and the first and second movable side teeth 57 and 60 is released. In this state, the position of the steering wheel 1 is within a range in which the adjusting rod 17a can be displaced inside the pair of tilt adjusting long holes 15a and 15b and the pair of telescopic adjusting long holes 16a and 16b. Can be adjusted. When switching from the unlocked state to the locked state, the positional relationship between the cam-side engaging convex portions 40a and 40b and the through holes 59a and 59b formed in the pair of widenable portions 52a and 52b is as follows. It changes as shown in (a) → (b) → (c) of FIG. That is, in the locked state, there is a front-rear direction gap between the front side edge of each of the through holes 59a, 59a and the front side surface of each of the wide convex portions 41a, 41a. On the other hand, a clearance in the front-rear direction exists between the rear edge of each through-hole 59b, 59b and the rear side surface of each of the wide convex portions 41b, 41b.

According to this example having the above-described configuration, the position of the steering wheel in the vertical direction can be firmly held in a state where the steering wheel can be held at the adjusted position (locked state).
That is, in this example, in the locked state, the first and second fixed side teeth 45a and 46a provided on the other support plate 22b of the support bracket 14a fixed to the vehicle body and the movable The first and second movable side teeth 57 and 60 of the side lock member 47 are engaged with each other. Such a movable side lock member 47 is supported so as to be able to be displaced synchronously with respect to the adjustment rod 17a by engagement of the cam side engagement convex portions 40a and 40b and the through holes 59a and 59b. Yes. For this reason, for example, even when a large upward impact force is applied to the steering wheel 1 in the case of a secondary collision, the first and second fixed side teeth 45a and 46a and the first and second movable parts Due to the large holding force based on the meshing with the side teeth 57 and 60, the steering wheel 1 can be prevented from being displaced in the vertical direction (for example, jumping up). As a result, the position of the airbag inflated behind the steering wheel 1 can be maintained at an appropriate position, and the driver can be easily protected by this airbag. For example, when a driver gets on and off the vehicle and leans on the steering wheel 1 and a downward impact load is applied to the steering wheel 1, the steering wheel 1 is displaced downward. You can prevent things.

  In the case of this example, in the locked state, between the pair of widenable portions 52a and 52b in the width direction outer side surface and the width direction inner side surface of the driven side cam 37, or A slight gap in the width direction exists between the inner surface in the width direction of the widenable portions 52a and 52b and the outer surface in the width direction of the other support plate portion 22b. For this reason, a large amount of friction is generated between the widthwise side surfaces of the pair of widenable portions 52a and 52b and the widthwise inner side surface of the driven cam 37 and the widthwise outer side surface of the other support plate portion 22b. There is no power. As a result, when shifting from the locked state to the unlocked state, the pair of widenable portions 52a and 52b do not become difficult to swing and displace.

[Second Example of Embodiment]
A second example of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The lock mechanism that constitutes the steering wheel position adjusting device of this example is the first example of the embodiment described above, with the structure of the convex portions 49c and 49d constituting the first and second fixed side teeth 45b and 46b. It is different from the case of.
That is, the first fixed-side tooth portion 45b and the second fixed-side tooth portion 46b are opposite in the inclination direction with respect to the vertical direction of the convex portions 49c and 49d constituting each.
Specifically, in the present embodiment, the respective convex portions 49c, the 49c, each of these protrusions 49c, the vertical center position X ₁ of the base end portion of the 49c, similarly to the vertical center position X ₂ of the tip portion And an asymmetric shape with respect to a virtual plane P _45b parallel to the axial direction of the adjusting rod 17a, and this virtual plane P _45b is orthogonal to the direction (vertical direction) in which the other tilt adjusting long hole 15b is formed. The virtual plane β is inclined in the direction toward the upper side (or the lower side) toward the rear.

On the other hand, the convex portions 49d and 49d constituting the second fixed side tooth portion 46b are point-symmetric with the convex portions 49c and 49c constituting the first fixed side tooth portion 45b in the state shown in FIG. The shape is a shape that overlaps when rotated 180 °. That is, the respective convex portions 49d, the 49d, each of these convex portions 49d, and the vertical center position _{X 1} of the base end portion of the 49d, also the axis of the distal end portion of the vertical center position _{X 2} and the street the adjusting rod 17a while the asymmetrical shape with respect to a virtual plane parallel P _46b in a direction, the virtual plane P _46b, with respect to the virtual plane beta, is inclined in the direction toward the downward and toward the front (or upper).

Further, the first movable side tooth portion 57a has a shape that can mesh with the first fixed side tooth portion 45b.
Specifically, the convex portion 62c which constitutes the first movable-side tooth portion 57a, the 62c, each of these protrusions 62c, the vertical direction center position Y ₁ of the base end portion of the 62c, likewise the upper and lower tip while asymmetrical shape with respect to the direction center position Y ₂ and parallel to the axial direction of the street the adjustment rod 17a to an imaginary plane P _57a, the lower the virtual plane P _57a, with respect to the virtual plane beta, the more toward the front It is inclined in the direction toward (or upward).

On the other hand, the second movable side tooth portion 60a has a shape that can mesh with the second fixed side tooth portion 46b.
Specifically, the second of each convex section 62d constituting the moving-side tooth part 60a, the 62d, each of these convex portions 62d, and the vertical center position Y ₁ of the base end portion of the 62d, likewise the upper and lower tip while asymmetrical shape with respect to the direction center position Y ₂ and parallel to the axial direction of the street and the adjustment rod 17a to an imaginary plane P _60a, the virtual plane P _60a, with respect to the virtual plane beta, increases toward the rear It is inclined in the direction toward the upper side (or the lower side).

According to such a structure of this example, the upward displacement (for example, jumping) of the steering wheel 1 is caused by the meshing between the second fixed side tooth portion 46b and the second movable side tooth portion 60a. Compared with the first example of the embodiment, the steering wheel 1 can be prevented more effectively, and the first fixed side tooth portion 45b and the first movable side tooth portion 57a are engaged with each other. Compared to the first example of the embodiment, the downward displacement can be prevented more effectively.
Other structures, operations, and effects are the same as those in the first example of the embodiment described above.

[Third example of embodiment]
A third example of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The lock mechanism 39a constituting the steering wheel position adjusting device of the present example includes first and second fixed-side tooth portions 45a and 46a, a movable-side lock member 47a, and a cam portion 33 provided on the adjusting rod 17a. The upper and lower pressing portions 69 and 70 are provided on the driven cam 37a.
Of these, the structure of the first and second fixed tooth portions 45a, 46a is the same as that of the first example of the embodiment described above.
The movable side lock member 47a has a frame part 50, a pair of continuous parts 51a, 51b, and a pair of widenable parts 52c, 52d.
The structure of the frame part 50 and the pair of continuous parts 51a and 51b is the same as that of the first example of the embodiment described above.
Each of the pair of widenable portions 52c, 52d is a plate-like member that is long in the direction in which the other tilt adjusting long hole 15b is formed (the longitudinal direction coincides with the direction in which the other tilt adjusting long hole 15b is formed). It is. Such a pair of widenable portions 52c and 52d are arranged in a state of being separated in the front-rear direction and parallel to each other.

  One (front) widenable part 52c of the pair of widenable parts 52c, 52d has a lower edge that is the upper edge of one (frontal) continuous part 51a of the pair of continuous parts 51a, 51b. It is provided in a state offset to the inner side in the width direction with respect to the frame portion 50. A first movable side tooth portion 57 is formed on the front end surface of the one widenable portion 52c. Such a first movable side tooth portion 57 is opposed to the first fixed side tooth portion 45a in the front-rear direction. Further, an upwardly inclined surface 65a, a first pressed surface 58a, and a downwardly inclined surface 66a are formed in order from the top in the vertical middle portion of the rear end surface of the one widenable portion 52c. Of these, the upward inclined surface 65a is a flat surface inclined downward toward the rear. The first pressed surface 58a has a flat surface parallel to the direction in which the other tilt adjusting long hole 15b is formed. The downward inclined surface 66a is a flat surface inclined upward as it goes rearward.

  Further, a through-hole 59c having a trapezoidal shape when viewed from the width direction is formed in the intermediate portion in the vertical direction of the one width-expandable portion 52c. Specifically, in the case of this example, the upper edge of the through hole 59c is inclined in a downward direction as it goes forward. On the other hand, the lower edge of the through-hole 59c is inclined in the upward direction as it goes forward. The front and rear edges of the through hole 59c have a flat surface parallel to the direction in which the other tilt adjusting long hole 15b is formed.

The other (backward) widenable part 52d of the pair of widenable parts 52c, 52d has a point-symmetrical shape (a shape that overlaps when rotated 180 °) with the one widenable part 52c. In such other widenable portion 52d, the upper edge is continuous with the lower edge of the other (rear) continuous portion 51b of the pair of continuous portions 51a, 51b. It is provided in a state offset to the inner side in the width direction. A second movable side tooth portion 60 is formed on the rear end surface of the other widenable portion 52d. Such a second movable side tooth part 60 is opposed to the second fixed side tooth part 46a in the front-rear direction. Further, an upwardly inclined surface 65b, a second pressed surface 61a, and a downwardly inclined surface 66b are formed in order from the top in the vertical middle portion of the front end surface of the other widenable portion 52d. Of these, the upward inclined surface 65b is a flat surface inclined upward as it goes rearward. The second pressed surface 61a is a flat surface parallel to the direction in which the tilt adjusting long hole 15b is formed. The downward inclined surface 66b has a flat surface shape that is inclined downward toward the rear.
Further, a through hole 59d having a rectangular shape when viewed from the width direction is formed in the intermediate portion in the vertical direction of the other width-expandable portion 52d.

Further, in the case of this example, the cam side engagement has a circular shape that protrudes inward in the width direction at two positions in the front-rear direction of the radial intermediate portion of the inner side surface in the width direction of the driven cam 37a. Protrusions 40c and 40d are formed.
Such cam side engaging convex portions 40c and 40d are arranged inside the through holes 59c and 59d in the assembled state.
In the unlocked state shown in FIG. 11 (a), one of the cam side engaging convex portions 40c, 40d (front), the outer peripheral surface of the cam side engaging convex portion 40c, and the through hole 59c, A gap in the front-rear direction exists between the side edges. Further, in the locked state shown in FIG. 11B, there is a vertical gap between the outer peripheral surface of the one cam side engaging convex portion 40c and the upper and lower edges of the through hole 59c. 67a and 67b exist.

  On the other hand, in the unlocked state, between the outer peripheral surface of the other (rear) cam side engagement convex portion 40d of the cam side engagement convex portions 40c and 40d and the front edge of the through hole 59d, There is a longitudinal gap. In the locked state, there are vertical gaps 68a and 68b between the outer peripheral surface of the other cam side engaging convex portion 40d and the upper and lower edges of the through hole 59d. Yes.

The upper pressing portion 69 is positioned at two positions between the cam-side engagement convex portions 40c and 40d in the circumferential direction on the radially inner end portion of the inner side surface in the width direction of the driven cam 37a. And the lower pressing portion 70 are provided. In the case of this example, the upper pressing portion 69 and the lower pressing portion 70 correspond to the pressing members described in the claims.
Of these, the upper pressing portion 69 has a substantially trapezoidal shape when viewed from the circumferential direction, and is formed in a state of protruding inward in the width direction from the inner surface in the width direction of the driven cam 37a.
The lower surface of the upper pressing portion 69 has a curved surface shape in which the middle portion in the front-rear direction is recessed most upward. Specifically, the lower surface has a shape along one (upper) pressing curved surface portion 36a of the cam portion 33 formed on the adjustment rod 17a (the curvature radius of the lower surface is the curvature radius of the one pressing curved surface portion 36a). A slightly larger shape). Further, the front surface of the upper pressing portion 69 is an inclined surface that is inclined in a direction upward as it goes forward. Furthermore, the rear surface of the upper pressing portion 69 is an inclined surface that is inclined in the upward direction toward the rear.

  The shape of the lower pressing portion 70 viewed from the circumferential direction is a substantially trapezoidal shape that is symmetrical with the upper pressing portion 69 in the vertical direction, and protrudes inward in the width direction from the inner surface in the width direction of the driven cam 37a. It is formed in the state.

In the case of this example, in the unlocked state shown in FIG. 11A, the lower surface of the upper pressing portion 69 is in contact with or close to the one pressing curved surface portion 36a in the vertical direction, and the lower side. The upper surface of the pressing portion 70 is in contact with or close to the other pressing curved surface portion 36b in the vertical direction.
Further, the front surface of the upper pressing portion 69 is in contact with or in close proximity to the upward inclined surface 65a of the one widenable portion 52c, and the rear surface is also in contact with or close to the upward inclined surface 65b of the other widenable portion 52d. .
On the other hand, the front surface of the lower pressing portion 70 is in contact with or in close proximity to the downward inclined surface 66a of the one widenable portion 52c, and the rear surface thereof is also in contact with or close to the downward inclined surface 66b of the other widenable portion 52d. Yes.

On the inner side surface in the width direction of the upper pressing portion 69, an upper guide protrusion 71 having a front-rear dimension slightly smaller than the front-rear dimension of the other tilt adjusting long hole 15b is formed.
On the other hand, on the inner side surface in the width direction of the lower pressing portion 70, a lower guide convex portion 72 is formed whose front-rear dimension is slightly smaller than the front-rear direction dimension of the other tilt adjusting long hole 15b. .
Such an upper guide protrusion 71 and a lower guide protrusion 72 are inserted inside the other tilt adjusting long hole 15b. With this configuration, the vertical displacement of the driven cam 37a with respect to the other tilt adjusting long hole 15b is guided.

The operation at the time of switching from the unlocked state shown in FIG. 11A to the locked state shown in FIG. 11B is the same as that of the first example of the embodiment described above.
Particularly in the case of this example, in the locked state, between the front surface of the upper pressing portion 69 and the upward inclined surface 65a of the one widenable portion 52c, and the front surface of the lower pressing portion 70 and one widening thereof. Vertical gaps 73a and 73b exist between the downwardly inclined surface 66a of the possible portion 52c. Further, between the rear surface of the upper pressing portion 69 and the upward inclined surface 65b of the other widenable portion 52d, and the downward inclined surface 66b of the rear surface of the lower pressing portion 70 and the other widenable portion 52d. In between, there are vertical gaps 74a, 74b. The vertical dimensions of the vertical gaps 73a and 74a and the vertical gaps 73b and 74b are smaller than the vertical dimensions of the vertical gaps 67a and 68a.

  In the case of this example having the above-described configuration, when a large upward impact force is applied to the steering wheel 1 during a secondary collision, and the adjustment rod 17a is displaced upward via the outer column 18a, the adjustment rod The driven cam 37a is displaced upward together with 17a. On the other hand, the movable side lock member 47a is not displaced upward while the vertical gaps 67a and 68a are present. Before each of the vertical gaps 67a and 68a disappears, the vertical gaps 73b and 74b disappear, and the front and rear surfaces of the lower pressing portion 70 are the pair of widenable portions 52c. , 52d is in contact with the downward inclined surfaces 66a, 66b. When the adjustment rod 17a is further displaced upward from here, the pair of the pair of the lower pressing portions 70 is based on the longitudinal component of the force that the front and rear surfaces of the lower pressing portion 70 press the downward inclined surfaces 66a and 66b. The widenable portions 52c and 52d are pressed away from each other. As a result, the engagement of the meshing portions between the first and second fixed side teeth 45a and 46a and the first and second movable side teeth 57 and 60 can be strengthened.

  When a downward shocking load is applied to the steering wheel 1, the front and rear surfaces of the upper pressing portion 69 have the upward inclined surfaces 65a and 65b of the pair of widenable portions 52c and 52d. By pressing, the pair of widenable portions 52c and 52d are pressed away from each other.

In the case of this example, the upper edge of the through hole 59c formed in the one widenable portion 52c is inclined downward as it goes forward, and the lower edge goes upward as it goes forward. It is inclined in the direction. For this reason, in the locked state, when the adjustment rod 17a is displaced in the vertical direction and the one cam side engagement convex portion 40c comes into contact with the upper edge or the lower edge of the through hole 59c, From this cam side engaging convex part 40c, the pressing force in the direction away from the other widenable part 52d (direction approaching the first fixed side tooth part 45a) is applied to the one widenable part 52c. I can do it. As a result, the engagement of the meshing portion between the first fixed side tooth portion 45a and the first movable side tooth portion 57 can be strengthened.
It should be noted that the above-described operation and effect can be obtained by making the through hole 59d of the other widenable portion 52d trapezoidal. Further, the shape of each of the through holes 59c and 59d is not limited to the shape of this example. For example, the shape viewed from the width direction can be circular.
Other structures, operations, and effects are the same as those in the first example of the embodiment described above.

[Fourth Example of Embodiment]
A fourth example of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
In the case of the lock mechanism 39b constituting the steering wheel position adjusting device of this example, the rear end of one (front) widenable part 52c of the pair of widenable parts 52c, 52d constituting the movable side lock member 47b. A first folded portion 75 that is folded back inward in the width direction from the rear end portion is formed in the portion (the end portion on the cam portion 33 side). On the other hand, the second end of the pair of widenable portions 52c and 52d that is folded back inward in the width direction from the front end portion (the end portion on the cam portion 33 side) of the other (rear) widenable portion 52d. The folded portion 76 is formed.
The first and second folded portions 75 and 76 are curved in a direction away from each other (away from the cam portion 33) toward the inner side in the width direction.

In the unlocked state, the rear side surface of the first folded portion 75 is elastically brought into contact with the flat surface portion 35a of the cam portion 33 formed on the adjustment rod 17a, and the second folded portion 76 is provided. The front side surface is elastically brought into contact with the flat surface portion 35 b of the cam portion 33.
According to such a structure of this example, the movable side locking member 47b is prevented from rattling, the rear end edge of the one widenable portion 52c (the contact portion with the flat surface portion 35a), and It is possible to prevent the front end edge (the contact portion with the flat surface portion 35b) of the other widenable portion 52d from biting into the pair of flat surface portions 35a and 35b.
In addition, the structure of this example is applicable to the various structures which belong to the technical scope of this invention including the structure of each example in embodiment mentioned above.
Other structures, operations, and effects are the same as those in the first example of the embodiment described above.

[Fifth Example of Embodiment]
A fifth example of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
In the case of the steering wheel position adjusting device of this example, four guide protrusions projecting inward in the width direction at four positions in the circumferential direction (two positions in the vertical direction) on the inner surface in the width direction of the driven cam 37b. 78a and 78b are provided. A front side surface of a pair of guide convex portions 78a, 78a disposed on the front side of each of these guide convex portions 78a, 78b, and a rear side surface of a pair of guide convex portions 78b, 78b that are also disposed on the rear side Is slightly smaller than the width in the front-rear direction of the other tilt adjusting slot 15b.

  In the case of this example, cam side engaging convex portions 40e and 40f projecting inward in the width direction are provided at two positions in the vertical direction on the inner side surface in the width direction of the driven cam 37b.

  The driven cam 37b having the above-described configuration is configured so that the front end surfaces of the guide convex portions 78a and 78a and the rear end surfaces of the guide convex portions 78b and 78b are connected to the front side of the other tilt adjusting long hole 15b. It is arranged inside the other tilt adjusting slot 15b in a state of being opposed to the edge and the rear edge. In this state, the inner end surfaces in the width direction of the respective guide convex portions 78a and 78b are located on the outer side in the width direction with respect to the inner end edge in the width direction of the other long hole 15b for tilt adjustment. On the other hand, the inner end surfaces in the width direction of the cam-side engaging projections 40e and 40f are located on the inner side in the width direction with respect to the inner edge in the width direction of the other tilt adjusting long hole 15b.

  In the case of the present example, the shape viewed from the width direction is the top and bottom of the other side surface in the width direction of the other support plate portion 22b adjacent to the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction of the other tilt adjusting long hole 15b. A substantially rectangular recess 77 that is long in the direction is formed. The shape of the recess 77 is not limited to the shape of this example.

Also in this example, the lock mechanism 39c is composed of first and second fixed side teeth 45c, 46c, a movable side lock member 47c, and a cam portion 33 provided on the adjustment rod 17a. Yes.
Of these, the first fixed-side tooth portion 45c is in the middle in the vertical direction on the front side surface of the recess 77, and the second fixed-side tooth portion 46c is in the middle in the vertical direction on the rear side surface of the recess 77. Each is formed.

  In the case of this example, the inclination direction with respect to the vertical direction of the first fixed side tooth portion 45c is opposite to the inclination direction with respect to the vertical direction of the second fixed side tooth portion 46c. That is, the pair of fixed side teeth 45c and 46c are configured in the same relationship as the structure of the second example of the embodiment described above.

The movable side lock member 47c includes a pair of widenable portions 52e, 52f, a pair of elastically deformable portions 79a, 79b, and a pair of support portions 80, 80, and the other tilt adjusting slot. It is arranged inside the recess 77 of 15b.
Each of the pair of widenable portions 52e and 52f is a plate-like member that is long in the direction in which the other tilt adjusting long hole 15b is formed. Such a pair of widenable portions 52e and 52f are spaced apart in the front-rear direction and arranged in parallel with each other. In the case of this example, the pair of widenable portions 52e and 52f are point-symmetrical shapes (shapes that overlap when rotated 180 °).

One (front) widenable part 52e of the pair of widenable parts 52e, 52f has a first movable side tooth part 57a formed on the front end surface. Such a first movable side tooth portion 57a faces the first fixed side tooth portion 45c in the front-rear direction. In the case of this example, the first movable side tooth portion 57a has the same structure as that of the second example of the embodiment described above.
Further, in the front-rear direction intermediate portion of the rear end surface of the one widenable portion 52e {the portion including the center position of the one widenable portion 52e with respect to the forming direction (vertical direction) of the other tilt adjusting long hole 15b}. A pressed portion 81 that protrudes rearward and has a rectangular shape when viewed from the width direction is provided. A flat pressed first pressed surface 58 b is provided on the rear end surface of the pressed portion 81.

The other (backward) widenable part 52f of the pair of widenable parts 52e, 52f has a second movable side tooth part 60a on the rear end surface. Such a second movable side tooth portion 60a faces the other fixed side tooth portion 46c in the front-rear direction. In the case of this example, the second movable side tooth portion 60a has the same structure as that of the second example of the embodiment described above.
Also, in the front-rear direction intermediate portion of the front end face of the other widenable portion 52f {the portion including the center position of the other widenable widthable portion 52f with respect to the forming direction (vertical direction) of the other tilt adjusting long hole 15b}. The other pressed portion 82 that protrudes forward and has a rectangular shape when viewed from the width direction is provided. A flat pressed second pressed surface 61 b is provided on the rear end surface of the other pressed portion 82.

The pair of elastic deformation portions 79a and 79b has a symmetrical shape with respect to the front-rear direction, and each includes a pair of elastic deformation elements 83a and 83b. Hereinafter, one (front) elastic deformation portion 79a of the pair of elastic deformation portions 79a and 79b will be described.
The pair of elastic deformation elements 83a and 83b constituting the one elastic deformation portion 79a has a symmetrical shape with respect to the vertical direction, and each has a plate-like shape when viewed from the width direction. It is configured. One (upper) elastic deformation element 83a of the pair of elastic deformation elements 83a and 83b has one end continuous to the upper end of the one widenable portion 52e and the other end. The outer peripheral surface of one (upper) support portion 80 of the pair of support portions 80 is continuous.
On the other hand, the other (lower) elastic deformation element 83b of the pair of elastic deformation elements 83a and 83b has one end continuous to the lower end of the one widenable portion 52e and the other end of the elastic deformation element 83b. It is continuous with the outer peripheral surface of the other (lower) support portion 80 of the pair of support portions 80.
Such a pair of elastic deformation elements 83a and 83b are elastically deformed in the front-rear direction, whereby the one widenable portion 52f can be displaced in the front-rear direction.
The other elastic deformation portion 79b of the pair of elastic deformation portions 79a and 79b has a symmetrical structure with respect to the one elastic deformation portion 79a in the front-rear direction, and the other elastic deformation portion 79b. The pair of elastic deformation elements 83a and 83b constituting the portion 79b are elastically deformed in the front-rear direction, so that the other widenable portion 52f can be displaced in the front-rear direction.

Each of the pair of support portions 80, 80 is configured as a plate having a substantially C-shape when viewed from the width direction. Both ends in the circumferential direction that define the openings of the pair of support portions 80, 80 are curved in a direction away from the front-rear direction.
One (upper) support portion 80 of the pair of support portions 80, 80 is between the pair of widenable portions 52e, 52f and above the cam portion 33 with the lower side opened. It is provided in the part located in. At such two positions in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the one support part 80, the other end part (lower end part) of one elastic deformation element 83a constituting the one elastic deformation part 79a and the other The other end portion (lower end portion) of one elastic deformation element 83a constituting the elastic deformation portion 79b is continuous.

  On the other hand, the other (lower) support portion 80 of the pair of support portions 80, 80 is between the pair of widenable portions 52f, 52f with the upper side opened, and the cam portion. It is provided in a portion located below 33. At such two positions in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the other support portion 80, the other end portion (upper end portion) of the other elastic deformation element 83b constituting the one elastic deformation portion 79a, and the other The other end portion (upper end portion) of the other elastic deformation element 83b constituting the elastic deformation portion 79b is continuous.

The movable-side lock member 47c having the above-described configuration is disposed inside the concave portion 77 in a state where the cam-side engaging convex portions 40e and 40f are inserted inside the pair of support portions 80 and 80, respectively. Has been placed.
Further, in the unlocked state shown in FIG. 16A, both circumferential ends defining the opening of the one support portion 80 are elastic to one (upper) pressing curved surface portion 36 a of the cam portion 33. And both ends in the circumferential direction defining the opening of the other support portion 80 are elastically in contact with the other (lower) pressing curved surface portion 36 b of the cam portion 33.
The first pressed surface 58b and the second pressed surface 61b are in contact with or in close proximity to the pair of flat surface portions 35a and 35b of the cam portion 33 in the front-rear direction.
In this way, by positioning the movable side lock member 47c in the front-rear direction and the vertical direction with respect to the adjustment rod 17a (the cam portion 33), the center of the movable side lock member 47c and the adjustment rod 17a (the above-mentioned The center of the cam portion 33) is made to coincide.

  In the case of this example, when the movable side lock member 47c is assembled as described above, when the vertical force is applied to the movable side lock member 47c, the movable rod lock member 47c and the driven rod 17a are driven. The side cam 37b can be slightly displaced in the vertical direction.

  In the case of this example having the above-described configuration, when the adjustment lever 23 swings, the cam portion 33 is moved when the unlocking state shown in FIG. 16A shifts to the locking state shown in FIG. , The pair of widenable portions 52e and 52f rotate as shown in (a) → (b) → (c) of FIG. 16 (a) → (b), the first pressed surface 58b (the one widened one of the first pressed surfaces 58b) with the rotation of the cam portion 33. The upper portion of the possible portion 52e) above the center position in the vertical direction is pressed against the upper end portion of the flat surface portion 35a of one of the pair of flat surface portions 35a and 35b of the cam portion 33 (left side in FIG. 16). . Then, the one widenable portion 52e swings counterclockwise in FIG. 16 around the lower end portion of the one widenable portion 52e, and is a portion closer to the upper end of the first fixed side tooth portion 45c. The convex portions 49c and 49c formed on the first movable side tooth portion 57a and the convex portions 62c and 62c formed on the first movable side tooth portion 57a mesh with each other (concave engagement).

  On the other hand, when moving from FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B, the second pressed surface 61b of the second pressed surface 61b is rotated along with the rotation of the cam portion 33. A portion below the center position in the vertical direction of the pressing surface 61b (the other widenable portion 52f) is the flat surface portion on the other (right side in FIG. 16) of the pair of flat surface portions 35a and 35b of the cam portion 33. 35b is pressed. Then, the other widenable portion 52f swings counterclockwise in FIG. 16 about the upper end portion of the other widenable portion 52f, and is close to the lower end of the second fixed side tooth portion 46c. The projecting portions 49d and 49d formed in the second meshing portion 49d and the projecting portions 62d and 62d formed in the portion near the lower end of the second movable side tooth portion 60a mesh with each other (concave and convex engagement).

  Further, when the cam portion 33 further rotates from the above-described state and shifts from FIG. 16B to FIG. 16C, the cam portion 33 and the first pressed portion are accompanied with the rotation of the cam portion 33. The direction in which the contact portion with the surface 58b (the position where the first pressed surface 58b is pressed) approaches the vertical center position of the first pressed surface 58b (the one widenable portion 52e) ( Displaces downward). Along with the displacement of the abutting portion, the displacement of the one widenable portion 52e is changed from swinging around the lower end portion of the one widenable portion 52e to the parallel movement forward. And change. In other words, from the state shown in FIG. 16 (b), the one widenable portion 52e has a portion near the upper end of the first fixed side tooth portion 45c and the first movable side tooth portion 57a. It swings in the clockwise direction of FIG. 16 (b) around the meshing part with the upper end part. As a result, the first fixed side tooth portion 45c and the first movable side tooth portion 57a mesh with each other over the entire length of the first movable side tooth portion 57a. In other words, the convex portions 49c and 49c constituting the first fixed side tooth portion 45c and the convex portions 62c and 62c constituting the first movable side tooth portion 57a are in the vertical direction. Superimpose on. As described above, when shifting from FIG. 16A to FIG. 16C, the one widenable portion 52c is displaced in a direction (front) away from the other widenable portion 52f.

On the other hand, when shifting from FIG. 16 (b) to (c), as the cam portion 33 rotates, the contact portion between the cam portion 33 and the second pressed surface 61b (this second pressed surface). The position where the surface 61b is pressed is displaced in a direction (upward) approaching the vertical center position of the second pressed surface 61b (the other widenable portion 52f). Along with the displacement of the abutting portion, the displacement of the other widenable portion 52f changes from swinging around the upper end of the other widenable portion 52f as described above to parallel movement forward. And change. In other words, from the state shown in FIG. 16 (b), the other widenable portion 52f has a lower end portion of the second fixed side tooth portion 46c and the second movable side tooth portion 60a. It swings clockwise in FIG. 16 (b) around the meshing part with the lower end part of FIG. As a result, the second fixed side tooth portion 46c and the second movable side tooth portion 60a mesh with each other over the entire length of the second movable side tooth portion 60a. In other words, the convex portions 49d and 49d constituting the second fixed-side tooth portion 46c and the convex portions 62d and 62d constituting the second movable-side tooth portion 60a are in the vertical direction. Superimpose on. As described above, when shifting from FIG. 16A to FIG. 16C, the two widenable portions 52f are displaced in the direction away from the one widenable portion 52e (front).
Other structures, operations, and effects are the same as those in the first example of the embodiment described above.

[Sixth Example of Embodiment]
A sixth example of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
This example shows the structure of a steering wheel position adjusting device provided with a locking mechanism for strengthening the holding force of the steering wheel 1 in the front-rear direction position in the locked state.
Specifically, in the case of this example, the rear column 18b has, for example, a sufficient portion between the pair of support plate portions 22a and 22b of the support bracket 14a (see FIG. 25). A displacement bracket 13b having a substantially U-shaped cross section formed by bending a metal plate having a sufficient rigidity is fixed by welding or the like.
Further, telescopic adjustment through holes 16c, 16d extending in the axial direction (front-rear direction) are formed in each of the pair of sandwiched portions 21b, 21c constituting the displacement bracket 13b. In the case of this example, these telescopic adjustment through holes 16c and 16d correspond to the adjustment long holes described in the claims, and the front-rear direction corresponds to the position adjustment direction.

  Further, on the outer side surfaces in the width direction of the pair of sandwiched portions 21b and 21c, concave portions 84a and 84b that are long in the front-rear direction are formed in the portions adjacent to the telescopic adjustment through holes 16d in the front-rear direction and the vertical direction. ing.

In the case of this example, lock mechanisms 39d and 39e are provided for each of the pair of sandwiched portions 21b and 21c.
Hereinafter, the lock mechanism 39d provided in one (right side) of the pair of sandwiched portions 21b and 21c (right side) will be described. In the case of this example, the structure of the lock mechanism 39e provided in the other sandwiched portion 21c of the pair of sandwiched portions 21b and 21c is the same as the lock mechanism 39d provided in the one sandwiched portion 21b. Since it is the same, description is abbreviate | omitted.

The lock mechanism 39d includes first and second fixed side teeth 45d and 46d, a support member 85, a movable side lock member 47c, and a cam portion 33 provided on the adjustment rod 17a. .
Among these, the first and second fixed side teeth 45d and 46d are provided on the outer side surface in the width direction of the one sandwiched portion 21b, and each of them forms the telescopic adjustment through hole 16d (up and down). It is comprised by the several uneven | corrugated | grooved part formed by turns in (direction).
Specifically, in the case of this example, the first frame is formed on the lower surface of the upper frame portion constituting the rectangular frame-shaped frame member 89 that is provided separately from the one sandwiched portion 21b in the front-rear direction. The fixed side teeth 45d and the second fixed side teeth 46d are respectively formed on the upper side surface of the lower frame. Such a frame member 89 is fixed (for example, fixed by welding) to the inner surface of the recess 84a. In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, said 1st, 2nd fixed side tooth | gear part 45d and 46d can also be directly formed in the upper surface and lower surface of the said recessed part 84a.

In the case of this example, the convex portions 49a and 49b constituting the first and second fixed side teeth 45d and 46d have the same inclination direction with respect to the front-rear direction.
Specifically, the convex portions 49a constituting the first fixed-side tooth portion 45d, the 49a, each of these convex portions 49a, and the front-rear direction central position X ₁ of the base end portion of 49a, also the front and rear of the tip portion while asymmetrical shape with respect to the direction center position X ₂ and the street and the adjusting rod 17a virtual plane P _45d axially parallel to, the imaginary plane P _45d, forming direction (longitudinal direction of the telescopic adjusting long hole 16d ) Perpendicular to the virtual plane γ is inclined in the downward direction as it goes rearward (leftward in FIGS. 20 and 21). Note that the virtual plane P _45d can be inclined with respect to the virtual plane γ in a downward direction toward the front (rightward in FIGS. 20 and 21).

On the other hand, the convex portion 49b constituting the second fixed-side tooth portion 46d, the 49b, the front-rear direction central position of the convex portion 49b, a front-rear direction central position X ₁ of the base end portion of 49b, likewise tip while the asymmetrical shape with respect to a virtual plane parallel _{P 46d} in the axial direction of the X ₂ and the street and the adjusting rod 17a, the virtual plane _{P 46d,} with respect to the virtual plane gamma, rear (in FIG. 20, 21 It is inclined in the upward direction as it goes to the left. The virtual plane P _46d can be inclined with respect to the virtual plane in the upward direction as it goes forward (to the right of 20, 21).

The support member 85 is made of, for example, sintered metal, has a center hole through which the adjustment rod 17a is inserted, and has a substantially annular plate shape as a whole. The support member 85 is provided with four guide protrusions 86a and 86b protruding outward in the width direction at two positions in the circumferential direction on the outer surface in the width direction. The upper end surfaces of the pair of guide convex portions 86a and 86a disposed above the guide convex portions 86a and 86b and the lower end surfaces of the pair of guide convex portions 86b and 86b disposed below are respectively The flat surface is parallel to the direction in which the telescopic adjustment long holes 16d are formed.
Further, the support member 85 is provided with engagement convex portions 87a and 87b that protrude outward in the width direction and have a circular shape when viewed from the width direction, at two positions in the circumferential direction on the outer surface in the width direction. Yes.

The support member 85 having the above-described configuration is externally fitted to a portion of the cam portion 33 of the adjustment rod 17a adjacent to the inner side in the width direction of the one sandwiched portion 21b. The upper ends of the guide projections 86a and 86a are the upper edges of the telescopic adjustment long holes 16d, and the lower ends of the guide protrusions 86b and 86b are the lower edges of the telescopic adjustment long holes 16d. The telescopic adjustment long holes 16d are disposed in the state of being opposed to each other. In this state, the width direction outer end surfaces of the respective guide convex portions 86a and 86b are located on the outer side in the width direction with respect to the width direction outer end edge of the telescopic adjustment long hole 16d (positioned on the inner side of the concave portion 84a). doing).
The front end surfaces of the engaging projections 87a and 87b are located on the outer side in the width direction with respect to the outer edge in the width direction of the telescopic adjustment long hole 16d.
Further, in the case of this example, among the outer peripheral surface of the adjustment rod 17a, each of these support members 85, between the support member 85 constituting the lock mechanism 39d and the support member 85 constituting the lock mechanism 39e, 85 is provided with a coil spring 88 for applying elasticity in a direction away from each other.

  The movable side lock member 47c has the same structure as the movable side lock member 47c of the fifth example of the embodiment described above, and is rotated by 90 ° with respect to the arrangement mode of the fifth example of the embodiment. It is arranged with. The other structure of the movable side lock member 47c is the same as that of the fifth example of the above embodiment, and thus detailed description is omitted.

Such a movable side lock member 47c is formed by inserting the engagement protrusions 87a and 87b inside the pair of support portions 80 and 80 constituting the movable side lock member 47c. It arrange | positions inside the recessed part 84a of the clamping part 21b.
In the unlocked state shown in FIG. 20A, both circumferential ends defining the opening of one (front) support portion 80 of the pair of support portions 80, 80 are connected to the cam portion 33. Both the circumferential ends defining the opening of the other support portion 80 are elastically formed on one (front) pressing curved surface portion 36a, and the other (rear) pressing curved surface portion 36b of the cam portion 33 is elastically respectively provided. It is in contact.
Further, the first pressed surface 58b of the one (upper) widenable portion 52e is formed on one flat surface portion 35a of the cam portion 33, and the second pressed surface 61b of the other (lower) widenable portion 52f is formed. The cam portion 33 is in contact with or close to the other flat surface portion 35b.

  Further, since the thickness dimension (dimension in the width direction) of the movable side lock member 47c is made smaller than the depth dimension (dimension in the width direction) of the concave portion 84a, the width direction of the movable side lock member 47c. The outer side surface is located on the inner side in the width direction than the outer end edge in the width direction of the concave portion 84a. Accordingly, the movable side lock member 47c is not sandwiched between the inner surface in the width direction of one of the support plate portions 22a and 22b and the bottom surface of the recess 84a.

  In the case of this example having the above-described configuration, when the adjustment lever 23 swings, the cam portion 33 is moved when the unlocking state shown in FIG. 20A is shifted to the locking state shown in FIG. The pair of widenable portions 52e and 52f rotate counterclockwise in FIG. With this rotation, when the first pressed surface 58b is pressed against the one pressing curved surface portion 36a, the pair of elastic deformation elements 83a and 83b constituting the one elastic deformation portion 79a are elastically deformed. Then, the one widenable portion 52c is displaced in a direction (upward) away from the other widenable portion 52d. Then, the first fixed-side tooth portion 45c and the first movable-side tooth portion 57a are engaged (concave engagement).

  On the other hand, when the second pressed surface 61b is pressed against the other pressing curved surface portion 36b as the cam portion 33 rotates, a pair of elastic deformation elements constituting the other elastic deformation portion 79b. 83a and 83b are elastically deformed, and the other widenable portion 52f is displaced in a direction (downward) away from the one widenable portion 52e. Then, the second fixed-side tooth portion 46c and the second movable-side tooth portion 60a are engaged (concave engagement).

According to this example having the above-described configuration, the position of the steering wheel in the front-rear direction is engaged with the concave and convex portions in the state where the vertical position or the front-rear position of the steering wheel can be held at the adjusted position (locked state). It can hold firmly.
In particular, in the case of this example, the first and second fixed-side tooth portions 45d and 46d have the child shapes as described above, so that the forward displacement of the steering wheel can be held more firmly.

In the case of this example, the lock mechanism 39d and the lock mechanism 39e have the same structure. However, for example, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the inclination directions of the convex portions of the fixed side tooth portions are different. That is, the first and second fixed side teeth 45d and 46d of the lock mechanism 39d have the structure shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, and the first and second fixed side teeth 45d and 46d of the lock mechanism 39e. With respect to the structure shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, a symmetrical shape in the front-rear direction can be adopted.
In addition, as in the structure of the second example of the above-described embodiment, the first and second fixed side teeth 45d and 46d of the lock mechanism 39d (39e) have different inclination directions of the protrusions with respect to the front-rear direction. It is also possible to adopt a configuration that allows
Further, a configuration in which only one of the lock mechanisms 39d and 39e is provided may be employed.
Other structures, functions, and effects are the same as those in the first and fifth examples of the above-described embodiment.

[Seventh example of embodiment]
A seventh example of the embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIG.
Similarly to the seventh example of the above-described embodiment, this example also has a structure of a steering wheel position adjusting device provided with a lock mechanism for reinforcing the holding force of the steering wheel 1 in the front-rear direction position in the locked state. Is shown.
In the case of this example, the lock mechanisms 39f and 39g are provided inside the pair of sandwiched portions 21d and 21e constituting the displacement bracket 13c in the width direction.

  Specifically, of the inner surfaces in the width direction of the pair of sandwiched portions 21d, 21e, recesses 84c, 84d that are long in the front-rear direction are adjacent to the front-rear direction and the vertical direction of the telescopic adjustment through hole 16d. Is forming. The structure of each of the recesses 84c and 84d is the same as that of the recesses 84a and 84b of the sixth example of the embodiment described above.

Also in this example, lock mechanisms 39f and 39g are provided for each of the pair of sandwiched portions 21d and 21e.
Hereinafter, the lock mechanism 39f provided in one (right side) of the pair of sandwiched portions 21d and 21e (right side) will be described. Also in this example, the structure of the lock mechanism 39g provided in the other sandwiched portion 21e of the pair of sandwiched portions 21d and 21e is the same as the lock mechanism 39f provided in the one sandwiched portion 21d. Since it is the same as the structure of, description is omitted. As for the structure of the lock mechanism 39f, only the structure different from the structure of the lock mechanism 39d of the sixth example of the embodiment described above will be described.

The lock mechanism 39f includes first and second fixed side teeth 45d and 46d, a support member 85a, a movable side lock member 47c, and a cam portion 33 provided on the adjustment rod 17a. .
Among these, the structures of the first and second fixed side teeth 45d and 46d, the movable side locking member 47c, and the cam 33 are the same as those of the lock mechanism 39d of the sixth example of the above-described embodiment. is there.

In the case of this example, the support member 85 a is constituted by a cam device including a driving side cam 90 and a driven side cam 91.
Of these, the drive side cam 90 is made of, for example, sintered metal, has a center hole through which the adjusting rod 17a is inserted, and has a substantially disk shape as a whole. The inner peripheral surface of the central hole of the drive side cam 90 is shaped so that it can be non-circularly fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the cam portion 33 of the adjusting rod 17a. Further, on the outer side surface in the width direction of the drive side cam 90, a drive side cam surface which is an uneven surface in the circumferential direction is formed. Such a drive-side cam 90 is assembled in the center hole in a state in which the outer peripheral surface (a part of the cam portion 33) near the one end in the axial direction of the adjusting rod 17a is non-circularly fitted.

The driven cam 91 is made of sintered metal, has a center hole through which the adjusting rod 17a can be rotated relative to the adjusting rod 17a, and has a substantially annular plate shape as a whole. The driven cam 91 has a driven cam surface that is an uneven surface in the circumferential direction on the inner surface in the width direction. On the other hand, a pair of guide convex portions 86c and 86d projecting inward in the width direction are formed at two positions in the circumferential direction on the inner surface in the width direction of the driven cam 91. In addition, the outer side surface of the driven cam in the width direction protrudes outward in the width direction and is seen from the width direction at two positions between the pair of guide convex portions 86c and 86d in the circumferential direction. An engaging convex portion (not shown) having a circular shape is provided.
Such a driven-side cam 91 has a portion on the outer side in the width direction (one axial end side of the adjusting rod 17a) than the portion of the adjusting rod 17a in which the driving-side cam 90 is externally fitted in the center hole. Is inserted in a state in which axial displacement with respect to the adjusting rod 17a is possible.
In addition, the upper end surface of one (upper) guide convex portion 86c of the pair of guide convex portions 86c is made to face and oppose the upper edge of the telescopic adjustment long hole 16d, and the other (lower) guide convex portion is also made. The lower end surface of the portion 86d is made to face and oppose the lower edge of the telescopic adjustment long hole 16d. In this manner, the driven cam 91 is prevented from rotating.

  Each of the engaging convex portions is a pair of supporting portions 80 and 80 (see FIG. 20) constituting a movable side lock member 47c disposed inside the concave portion 84a of the one (right) clamped portion 21d. ) Is inserted inside.

In the case of this example having the above-described configuration, when switching from the unlocked state to the locked state, the driving cams 90, 90 rotate in a predetermined direction along with the rotation of the adjusting rod 17a, and the respective support The axial dimensions of the members 85a and 85a are expanded, and the driven cams 91 and 91 press the movable lock member 47c against the bottom surfaces of the recesses 84c and 84d. For this reason, rattling of the movable side lock member 47c can be prevented. When switching from the locked state to the unlocked state, the drive cams 90, 90 rotate in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction as the adjusting rod 17a rotates, and the support members 85a, 85a The axial dimension is reduced, and the pressing of the movable side lock member 47c is released.
Other structures, operations, and effects are the same as those in the sixth example of the above-described embodiment.

  The structures of the examples of the above-described embodiments can be implemented in appropriate combinations within a range where no technical contradiction occurs. The structures of the first to fifth examples of the embodiment are applied to the structure of the lock mechanism for strengthening the holding force in the front-rear direction position of the steering wheel as in the sixth and seventh examples of the embodiment. In the case, the explanation regarding each direction (the front-rear direction and the up-down direction) is appropriately read.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Steering wheel 2 Steering gear unit 3 Input shaft 4 Tie rod 5 Steering shaft 6, 6a Steering column 7 Universal joint 8 Intermediate shaft 9 Universal joint 10 Housing 11 Car body 12 Tilt shaft 13, 13a, 13b, 13c Displacement bracket 14, 14a Support bracket 15, 15a, 15b Tilt adjusting long hole 16, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d Telescopic adjusting through hole 17, 17a Adjusting rod 18, 18a, 18b Outer column 19, 19a Inner column 20, 20a Slit 21, 21a, 21b , 21c, 21d, 21e Clamped part 22, 22a, 22b Support plate part 23 Adjustment lever 24, 24a Nut 25 Press plate 26, 26a Thrust bearing 27 Electric motor 28 Outer shaft 29 Inner shaft 30 Mounting plate portion 31 Connecting plate portion 32 Release capsule 33 Cam portion 34 Head portion 35a, 35b Flat surface portion 36a, 36b Pressing curved surface portion 37, 37a, 37b Drive side cam 38 Drive side cam 39, 39a, 39b, 39c, 39d, 39e, 39f, 39g Lock mechanism 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, 40e, 40f Cam side engaging convex part 41a, 41b Wide convex part 42a, 42b Narrow convex part 43 Drive side engaging convex part 44 Lever Side through hole 45a, 45b, 45c, 45d First fixed side tooth portion 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d Second fixed side tooth portion 47, 47a, 47b, 47c Movable side lock member 48a, 48b Vertical convex portion 49a 49b, 49c, 49d, 49e, 49f Convex part 50 Frame part 51a, 51b Continuous part 52a, 52b, 5 c, 52d, 52e, 52f Widenable part 53 Lower frame part 54 Upper frame part 55 Front frame part 56 Rear frame part 57, 57a First movable side tooth part 58, 58a, 58b First pressed surface 59a , 59b, 59c, 59d Through hole 60, 60a Second movable side tooth portion 61, 61a, 61b Second pressed surface 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d Convex portion 63a, 63b Front-rear direction gap 65a, 65b Upward inclined surface 66a, 66b Downward inclined surface 67a, 67b Vertical gap 68a, 68b Vertical gap 69 Upper pressing part 70 Lower pressing part 71 Upper guide convex part 72 Lower guide convex part 73a, 73b Vertical gap
74a, 74b Vertical gap 75 First folded portion 76 Second folded portion 77 Recessed portion 78a, 78b Guide convex portion 79a, 79b Elastic deformation portion 80 Support portion 81 Pressed portion 82 Other pressed portion 83a, 83b Elastic deformation Element 84a, 84b, 84c, 84d Concave 85, 85a Support member 86a, 86b, 86c, 86d Guide convex part 87a, 87b Engaging convex part 88 Coil spring 89 Frame member 90 Drive side cam 91 Drive side cam 91

Claims (11)

A displacement side bracket fixed to a part of the steering column and having a first through hole formed in a state of penetrating in the width direction;
A pair of support plate portions provided in a state where the displacement side bracket is sandwiched from both sides in the width direction, and a pair of second through holes are formed in portions where the pair of support plate portions are aligned with each other; A fixed bracket fixed to the side,
An adjusting rod provided in a state of passing through the first through hole and the pair of second through holes in the width direction;
A pair of pressing portions provided at portions projecting from the outer surfaces of the pair of support plate portions at both ends of the adjustment rod;
An expansion / contraction mechanism that expands / contracts an interval between the pair of pressing portions,
At least one of the first through hole and the pair of second through holes is an adjustment long hole that is long in a position adjustment direction, which is a direction in which the position of the steering wheel should be adjustable,
An unlocked state in which the position of the steering wheel in the position adjustment direction can be adjusted based on the expansion / contraction of the gap between the pair of pressing portions by the expansion / contraction mechanism, and a position after adjusting the position of the steering wheel A steering wheel position adjustment device capable of switching between a lock state and a lock state
In the locked state, provided with a locking mechanism that engages with the concave and convex in the position adjustment direction,
The lock mechanism includes a pair of fixed side teeth, a movable side lock member, and a cam portion.
Of these, the pair of fixed-side teeth are provided directly or via other members on the bracket formed with the adjustment long hole of the fixed-side bracket and the displacement-side bracket,
The movable-side lock member includes a pair of widenable portions and a pair of movable-side teeth provided on a portion of the pair of widenable portions facing the pair of fixed-side teeth. And is supported in a state capable of displacement in the position adjustment direction together with the adjustment rod,
The cam portion is provided directly on the adjustment rod or via another member, and is disposed between the pair of widenable portions, and the distance between the pair of widenable portions can be expanded and contracted.
By increasing the distance between the pair of widenable portions by the cam portion in the locked state, the pair of fixed side teeth and the pair of movable side teeth are uneven in the position adjustment direction. In the unlocked state, by reducing the distance between the pair of widenable portions by the cam portion, the pair of fixed-side tooth portions and the pair of movable-side tooth portions are A steering wheel position adjusting device characterized in that the concave and convex portions are not engaged in the position adjusting direction.   2. The steering wheel position adjusting device according to claim 1, wherein the pair of widenable portions are provided so as to be swingable and displaceable in accordance with switching between the locked state and the unlocked state.   A direction in which the distance between the pair of widenable portions increases before the movable lock member is displaced in the position adjustment direction together with the adjustment rod during the secondary collision. The steering wheel position adjusting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a pressing member that presses the steering wheel.   The position adjusting device for a steering wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a center of the movable lock member is located on a central axis of the adjusting rod.   Each convex portion constituting the pair of fixed side teeth has an asymmetric shape with respect to the position adjustment direction, and each of the convex portions constituting one fixed side tooth of the pair of fixed side teeth. The inclination direction related to the position adjustment direction is the same as the inclination direction related to the position adjustment direction of each convex portion constituting the other fixed side tooth portion of the pair of fixed side tooth portions. 4. The steering wheel position adjusting device according to any one of 4.   Each convex portion constituting the pair of fixed side teeth has an asymmetric shape with respect to the position adjustment direction, and each of the convex portions constituting one fixed side tooth of the pair of fixed side teeth. The inclination direction with respect to the position adjustment direction and the inclination direction with respect to the position adjustment direction of each convex portion constituting the other fixed side tooth portion of the pair of fixed side tooth portions are opposite to each other. 4. The steering wheel position adjusting device according to any one of 4.   The adjustment long hole is a vertically elongated hole formed in a vertically extending state at a position where the pair of support plate portions are aligned with each other, and the locking mechanism includes the pair of support plate portions. The position adjustment apparatus of the steering wheel described in any one of Claims 1-6 provided in the width direction outer side of the at least one support plate part of these.   The adjustment long hole is a vertically elongated hole formed in a vertically extending state at a position where the pair of support plate portions are aligned with each other, and the locking mechanism includes the pair of support plate portions. The position adjustment apparatus of the steering wheel described in any one of Claims 1-6 provided in the width direction inner side of the at least one support plate part of these.   The adjustment long hole is a longitudinal long hole formed in the displacement-side bracket in a state of extending in the front-rear direction, and the lock mechanism includes a pair of sandwiched portions constituting the displacement-side bracket. 9. The steering wheel position adjusting device according to claim 1, wherein the steering wheel position adjusting device is provided on an outer side in the width direction of at least one of the sandwiched portions.   The adjustment long hole is a longitudinal long hole formed in a state of extending in the front-rear direction in the displacement-side bracket, and the locking device includes a pair of sandwiched portions constituting the displacement-side bracket. The steering wheel position adjusting device according to claim 1, wherein the steering wheel position adjusting device is provided on an inner side in the width direction of at least one of the sandwiched portions.   When switching from the unlocked state to the locked state, the contact portion between the cam portion and the pair of widenable portions is in a direction approaching the center position of the pair of widenable portions with respect to the position adjustment direction. The position adjusting device for a steering wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which is displaced.

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