JP2019006283A - Steering device - Google Patents

Abstract

To establish a structure in which a holding force of a distance bracket is enhanced by a support bracket.SOLUTION: A pair of side plate portions 52a, 52b of a distance bracket 17a is provided integrally with an outer column, and a pair of support plate portions 36a, 36b configures a support bracket 18a. The side plate portions 52a, 52b are respectively between the support plate portion 36a and an inner column 14a and between the support plate portion 36b and the inner column 14a. When an adjustment lever 26a is operated to hold a steering wheel in an adjusted position, the inner column 14a is pushed upward by column pressing portions 56a, 56b provided at the side plate portions 52a, 52b and thereby a pair of width increasing portions 58a, 58b provided at the side plate portions 52a, 52b is pressed to expand outward in a width direction. Then, the width increasing portions 58a, 58b are respectively supported between a support plate portion 46a and the inner column 14a and between a support plate portion 46b and the inner column 14a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to an improvement in a steering device for giving a steering angle to a steering wheel of a vehicle such as an automobile.

  A steering apparatus for an automobile is described in, for example, Patent Document 1 and is configured as shown in FIG. 21 so that rotation of the steering wheel 1 is applied to the input shaft 3 of the steering gear unit 2. As the input shaft 3 rotates, the pair of left and right tie rods 4 and 4 are pushed and pulled to give a steering angle to the wheels (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. 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. It is connected to the. The illustrated example also incorporates an electric assist device that reduces the force required to operate the steering wheel 1 using the electric motor 10 as an auxiliary power source.
In the present specification and claims, the front-rear direction, the width direction (left-right direction), and the up-down direction refer to the front-rear direction, the width direction (left-right direction), and the up-down direction of the vehicle unless otherwise specified.

  The illustrated structure 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. In order to constitute the tilt mechanism, the steering column 6 is supported with respect to the vehicle body 11 so as to be capable of swinging around the pivot 12 installed in the width direction. In order to constitute a telescopic mechanism, the steering column 6 has a structure in which a rear outer column 13 and a front inner column 14 are telescopically combined. Further, the steering shaft 5 has a structure in which a rear outer shaft 15 and a front inner shaft 16 are combined so as to be able to transmit torque and extend / contract by spline engagement or the like. Further, a distance bracket 17 fixed to a portion near the rear end of the outer column 13 is supported by a support bracket 18 supported and fixed to the vehicle body 11 so as to be able to be displaced in the vertical direction and the front-rear direction.

  In the case of a steering device that can adjust the position of the steering wheel as described above, it is possible to switch between a state in which the position of the steering wheel can be adjusted and a state in which the steering wheel can be held at the adjusted position by using a clamp mechanism. Conventionally considered. A specific structure of such a clamp mechanism will be described with reference to FIG. 22 described in Patent Document 2.

  In the case of the illustrated structure, a slit 19 is formed on the lower surface of the outer column 13, and a distance bracket 17 is provided at a portion sandwiching the slit 19 from both sides in the width direction. In addition, a pair of telescopic adjustment long holes 21 and 21 which are long in the front-rear direction are formed in the pair of side plate portions 20a and 20b constituting the distance bracket 17. On the other hand, in the support bracket 18 supported and fixed to the vehicle body, a pair of support plate portions 22a and 22b disposed on both sides in the width direction of the both side plate portions 20a and 20b has a long tilt adjustment slot 23 which is long in the vertical direction. , 23 are formed. Then, the adjusting rod 24 is inserted in the width direction into both the tilt adjusting long holes 23 and 23 and the both telescopic adjusting long holes 21 and 21.

  Further, a nut 25 is provided at a tip portion of the adjustment rod 24 at a portion protruding from the outer side surface in the width direction of one of the pair of support plate portions 22a and 22b (right side in FIG. 22). It is screwed. On the other hand, at the base end portion of the adjusting rod 24, a portion protruding from the outer side in the width direction of the other support plate portion 22b (the left side in FIG. 22) of the pair of support plate portions 22a and 22b, The adjustment lever 26 is fixed. A cam device 27 is provided between the adjusting lever 26 and the outer side surface of the other support plate portion 22b in the width direction. Based on the operation of the adjusting lever 26, the width of the cam device 27 can be enlarged or reduced.

  In addition, an eccentric cam 28 is fitted and fixed around the intermediate portion of the adjusting rod 24 so as not to be relatively rotatable. The eccentric cam 28 enters the outer column 13 through the slit 19.

  When adjusting the vertical position or the front-rear position of the steering wheel 1 (see FIG. 21), the adjustment lever 26 is swung in a predetermined direction to reduce the width direction dimension of the cam device 27. Thereby, the frictional force which acts between the width direction inner side surface of both the said support plate parts 22a and 22b and the width direction outer side surface of the said both side plate parts 20a and 20b is made small. At the same time, a gap is interposed between the outer peripheral surface of the eccentric cam 28 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14. As a result, it is possible to adjust the position of the steering wheel 1 within a range in which the adjusting rod 24 can be displaced in both the tilt adjusting long holes 23, 23 and the both telescopic adjusting long holes 21, 21. Become.

  On the other hand, after the position of the steering wheel 1 is adjusted, the adjusting lever 26 is swung in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction, and the dimension in the width direction of the cam device 27 is expanded. Thereby, the frictional force which acts between the width direction inner side surface of both the said support plate parts 22a and 22b and the width direction outer side surface of the said both-sides plate parts 20a and 20b is enlarged. At the same time, the outer peripheral surface of the eccentric cam 28 is pressed toward the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14, and the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer column 13 are frictionally engaged. As a result, the steering wheel 1 is held at the adjusted position.

  In the case of the steering device having the conventional structure as described above, the inner surface in the width direction of the both support plate portions 22a and 22b and the outer surface in the width direction of the both side plate portions 20a and 20b that are elastically deformed inward in the width direction. The distance bracket 17 is held by the support bracket 18 only by a frictional force acting between them. For this reason, there is still room for improvement in terms of improving the holding force of the distance bracket 17 by the support bracket 18.

JP 2014-104786 A JP 2010-30579 A

  In view of the circumstances as described above, the present invention realizes a structure capable of improving the holding force of a distance bracket by a support bracket.

The steering device of the present invention includes a steering column, a support bracket, a distance bracket, and an adjustment rod.
Of these, the steering column has a hollow cylindrical shape such as a cylindrical shape or a rectangular tube shape, and is for rotatably supporting the steering shaft on the inner diameter side thereof. The outer column and the inner column side of the outer column have a shaft. And an inner column that is fitted to be capable of displacement in the direction.
The support bracket is supported and fixed to the vehicle body, and has a pair of support plate portions disposed on both sides in the width direction of the steering column.
The distance bracket includes a pair of side plate portions disposed between a width direction inner side surface of the pair of support plate portions and an outer peripheral surface of the steering column (inner column).
The adjusting rod penetrates at least one of the pair of support plate portions in a width direction through the first through plate and the pair of side plate portions in the width direction. The pair of second through holes provided in the state of being provided are provided so as to be inserted in the width direction.

Particularly in the case of the steering device of the present invention, the distance bracket is provided integrally with a part of the outer column, and the inner column is sandwiched between the pair of side plate portions in the width direction. Yes.
In addition, a column pressing portion that presses the inner column in a direction away from the adjustment rod in the vertical direction is provided.
Of the pair of side plate portions, the distance between the inner side surfaces in the width direction is increased toward the opposite side of the adjustment rod (column pressing portion) across the central axis of the inner column with respect to the vertical direction. Is reduced linearly or curvilinearly, and a pair of widened portions are provided that are pushed outward in the width direction by the inner column that is displaced away from the adjusting rod.

  When the steering device of the present invention is implemented, for example, as in the invention described in claim 2, the column pressing portion is provided below the central axis of the inner column in the vertical direction, and the inner column in the vertical direction. The pair of widened portions can be provided above the central axis.

  When the steering device of the present invention is implemented, for example, as in the invention described in claim 3, of the inner side surfaces in the width direction of the pair of side plate portions, the vertical direction with respect to the pair of widened portions. Concerning the portion adjacent to the adjustment rod side (for example, the portion aligned with the center axis of the inner column with respect to the vertical direction), a recess is formed which is not in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the inner column by being recessed outward in the width direction. Can do.

When the steering device of the present invention is implemented, the column pressing portion can be provided on each of a pair of side plate portions constituting the distance bracket, for example, as in the invention described in claim 4.
Specifically, of the pair of side plate portions, the portion positioned between the central axis of the inner column and each of the second through holes in the vertical direction (for example, the portion where the second through holes are formed). The column pressing portion can be provided in a state of projecting in a direction approaching each other (inward in the width direction) at a portion adjacent to the inner column side in the vertical direction.
In this case, the inner side surface in the width direction of each of the column pressing portions is inclined in the direction toward the outer side in the width direction with increasing distance from the adjusting rod in the vertical direction. The distance between them is increased as the distance from the adjusting rod increases in the vertical direction.

Further, when the invention described in claim 4 as described above is carried out, the widening based on a virtual plane orthogonal to the central axis of the adjusting rod is used as in the invention described in claim 5, for example. The inclination angle of the inner side surface in the width direction of the portion and the inclination angle of the inner side surface in the width direction of the column pressing portion can be made different from each other.
In this case, for example, as in the invention described in claim 6, the inclination angle of the inner side surface in the width direction of the widened portion can be made smaller than the inclination angle of the inner side surface in the width direction of the column pressing portion. On the contrary, as in the invention described in claim 7, the inclination angle of the inner side surface in the width direction of the widened portion can be made larger than the inclination angle of the inner side surface in the width direction of the column pressing portion.
Alternatively, the inclination angle of the inner side surface in the width direction of the widened portion and the inclination angle of the inner side surface in the width direction of the column pressing portion can be made the same.

When the steering device of the present invention is implemented, the column pressing portion is provided around the adjustment rod (for example, integrally or relatively unrotatable) as in the invention described in claim 8, for example. It can also be constituted by an eccentric cam whose distance from the center to the outer peripheral surface changes according to the circumferential position.
In carrying out the present invention, the column pressing portion provided on the side plate portion as in the invention described in claim 4 and the column pressing portion provided in the adjustment rod (eccentricity as in the invention described in claim 8) Cam) can be provided on either one or both at the same time.

When the steering device of the present invention is implemented, the inner column is formed in a polygonal cylinder shape (for example, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 square cylinder shape, etc.) as in the invention described in claim 9. It is also possible to configure it to be not limited to a regular polygonal cylinder.
Alternatively, the inner column can be formed in a cylindrical shape.

When the steering apparatus of the present invention is implemented, for example, as in the invention described in claim 10, the outer column is on the front side (lower side) and the inner column is on the rear side (upper side), respectively. The distance bracket can be integrally provided at the rear end of the outer column.
In this case, for example, as in the invention described in claim 11, the outer column can be integrally formed with a gear housing constituting an electric assist device disposed in front of the outer column.
When carrying out the invention described in claim 11, for example, as in the invention described in claim 12, the outer columns are separated in the width direction and each of them extends in the front-rear direction. It has a pair of column side plates, the front end portions of the column side plates are connected to the gear housing, and the side plate portions can be integrally provided at the rear end portions of the column side plates.
Furthermore, when carrying out the invention described in claim 12, for example, as in the invention described in claim 13, the rear end portions of the pair of side plate portions (column side plates) are connected to the inner side. It can be connected in the width direction by a connecting portion arranged so as to straddle the column.
Alternatively, as in the invention described in claim 14, the rear end portions of the pair of side plate portions (column side plates) can be separated from each other without being connected in the width direction.

  When the steering device of the present invention is implemented, for example, as in the invention described in claim 15, the inner column is on the front side (lower side) and the outer column is on the rear side (upper side), respectively. The distance bracket can be integrally provided at the front end portion of the outer column.

When the steering device of the present invention is implemented, for example, as in the invention described in claim 16, the support bracket is bent in the width direction outward from the upper end portions of the pair of support plate portions. A pair of mounting plate portions are provided. And between at least one mounting plate portion of the pair of mounting plate portions and the support plate portion that hangs downward (for example, bent at a substantially right angle) from the inner end in the width direction of the mounting plate portion ( Reinforcing ribs can be provided, for example, so as to be bridged at the bent portions and corner portions.
In other words, at least one of a bent portion of the mounting plate portion and the supporting plate portion arranged on one side in the width direction and a bent portion of the mounting plate portion and the supporting plate portion arranged on the other side in the width direction. Further, a reinforcing rib can be provided.

  When the reinforcing rib as described above is provided, the reinforcing rib can be integrally formed with the support bracket, or can be fixed separately by welding or the like. For example, when the support bracket is manufactured by subjecting a light alloy material (raw material) such as an aluminum alloy to extrusion molding, pultrusion molding, die casting, etc., the reinforcing rib is integrated with the support bracket. Can be built. On the other hand, when the support bracket is manufactured by pressing (punching, bending) or the like on a metal plate, the reinforcing rib can be separated and fixed to the support bracket.

When the reinforcing rib is provided, the shape of the reinforcing rib is not particularly limited. For example, a flat plate shape, a triangular prism shape (for example, a right triangular prism shape), a cylindrical shape (for example, a quarter cylindrical shape), a prismatic shape, or the like can be employed.
In addition, the reinforcing rib can have a hollow structure that is open on both sides in the front-rear direction.
Alternatively, the reinforcing rib can be a solid structure.
Further, the reinforcing rib may be provided with a thinning portion that is open only in the upper part (or only in the lower part).
Further, the formation range of the reinforcing rib is not particularly limited. For example, the bent portion between the mounting plate portion and the support plate portion is formed directly above the first through hole provided in the support plate portion (a range that is aligned with the first through hole in the front-rear direction). Can do. Further, the reinforcing rib can be provided continuously or intermittently over the entire length in the front-rear direction of the bent part, or can be provided in a part of the front-rear direction of the bent part.
Further, the reinforcing rib and the pair of widened portions can be provided at a position where they are aligned in the vertical direction (superimposed in the width direction).

  When the steering device of the present invention is implemented, for example, as in the invention described in claim 17, one of the support plate portions is placed below the other support plate portion. The first through hole can be provided only on one of the supporting plate portions. In this case, the lower end portion of the other support plate portion can be positioned above the adjustment rod.

According to the steering device of the present invention having the above-described configuration, it is possible to improve the holding force of the distance bracket by the support bracket.
That is, in the case of the present invention, when the steering wheel is held at the adjusted position, the column pressing portion presses the inner column in the direction away from the adjusting rod in the vertical direction and displaces it in the direction. Then, the pair of widened portions provided on the pair of side plate portions constituting the distance bracket are expanded outward in the width direction by the inner column. Accordingly, the pair of widened portions are sandwiched between the inner surface in the width direction of the pair of support plate portions constituting the support bracket and the outer peripheral surface of the inner column. Here, since the distance between the inner surfaces in the width direction of the pair of widened portions becomes smaller toward the displacement direction of the inner column (the direction away from the adjusting rod), the pair of widened portions are wedged. Due to the effect, the pair of support plate portions can be strongly clamped between the inner surface in the width direction and the outer peripheral surface of the inner column. Therefore, according to the present invention, the holding force of the distance bracket by the support bracket can be improved.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the pair of widened portions can be pressed against the inner surface in the width direction of the upper end side portion having high rigidity in the width direction among the pair of support plate portions. Therefore, the holding force can be further improved.
Furthermore, according to the invention described in claim 16, since the rigidity in the width direction of the support plate portion can be increased more effectively, the holding force can be further improved.

The perspective view of a steering device which shows the 1st example of embodiment of this invention. The perspective view which abbreviate | omits a support bracket similarly from FIG. The perspective view which takes out and shows the outer column similarly provided with the distance bracket and the gear housing integrally. Similarly side view. Similarly AA sectional drawing of FIG. The figure equivalent to FIG. 3 which shows the 2nd example of embodiment of this invention. The perspective view which takes out and shows the outer column in which the distance bracket was integrally provided regarding the 3rd example of embodiment of this invention. The figure equivalent to FIG. 5 which shows the 4th example of embodiment of this invention. The figure equivalent to FIG. 5 which shows the 5th example of embodiment of this invention. The figure equivalent to FIG. 5 which shows the 6th example of embodiment of this invention. The figure equivalent to FIG. 5 which shows the 7th example of embodiment of this invention. The figure equivalent to FIG. 5 which shows the 8th example of embodiment of this invention. The figure equivalent to FIG. 5 which shows the 9th example of embodiment of this invention. The figure equivalent to FIG. 5 which shows the 10th example of embodiment of this invention. The figure equivalent to FIG. 5 which shows the 11th example of embodiment of this invention. The figure equivalent to FIG. 5 which shows the 12th example of embodiment of this invention. The figure equivalent to FIG. 5 which shows the 13th example of embodiment of this invention. The figure equivalent to FIG. 5 which shows the 14th example of embodiment of this invention. The figure equivalent to FIG. 5 which shows the 15th example of embodiment of this invention. The schematic diagram equivalent to the BB cross section of FIG. 19 similarly. The partial cut side view which shows an example of the steering apparatus known conventionally. The figure equivalent to the CC cross section of FIG. 21 shown in order to demonstrate the clamp mechanism of a conventional structure. The figure equivalent to FIG. 8 which shows the modification of embodiment of this invention.

[First example of embodiment]
A first example of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The automobile steering device of the present example is capable of adjusting the front / rear position and the vertical position of the steering wheel 1 (see FIG. 21), and includes a steering column 6a, a steering shaft 5a, a support bracket 18a, and a distance bracket 17a. And a clamp mechanism 29 including an adjusting rod 24a and the like.

  The steering column 6a can axially displace the front portion of the inner column 14a disposed on the rear side (upper side) on the inner diameter side of the rear portion of the outer column 13a disposed on the front side (lower side). By making it fit in, the entire length can be expanded and contracted.

  Of these, the outer column 13a is made by die-casting a light alloy such as an aluminum alloy or a magnesium alloy, and the gear housing 31 (rear housing) that constitutes the electric assist device 30 disposed in the front. The element 33c) and the distance bracket 17a disposed around the rear end portion are integrally provided.

  In the case of this example, the outer column 13a is composed of a pair of column side plates 32a and 32b which are separated in the width direction and extend in the front-rear direction. Both the column side plates 32a and 32b are respectively related to a substantially rectangular flat plate-like standing wall portion 35a and 35b provided in the upper portion and a virtual plane provided in the lower or intermediate portion and orthogonal to the central axis of the outer column 13a. The cross-sectional shape is composed of partial cylindrical portions 36a and 36b having a substantially partial arc shape. In other words, the standing wall portions 35a and 35b are provided in a standing state at the upper end portions of the two partial cylindrical portions 36a and 36b.

  A plurality of (five in the example shown in the drawing) are formed on the upper surfaces of the standing wall portions 35a and 35b, respectively, in a state where the thinned portions (concave portions) 37 and 37 having a rectangular cross section are separated in the front-rear direction. A concave arc-shaped holding recess 38 having a radius of curvature slightly larger than the radius of curvature of the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14a is provided on the inner surface in the width direction of each of the partial cylindrical portions 36a, 36b.

  The front end portions of the column side plates 32a and 32b having the above-described configuration are disc-shaped rear housing elements among the front, middle, and rear housing elements 33a, 33b, and 33c constituting the gear housing 31. (Cover) It is connected with 33c, respectively. Thus, both the column side plates 32a and 32b are provided integrally with the rear housing element 33c. In other words, the column side plates 32a and 32b are cantilevered by the rear housing element 33c. Also, between the front side width direction outer side surfaces of both the column side plates 32a and 32b, the portion that is aligned with the central axis of the outer column 13a in the vertical direction and the rear surface of the rear housing element 33c are substantially between. Triangular plate-shaped reinforcing portions 34 are provided.

  In addition, an upper slit 39 extending in the front-rear direction is provided in a portion surrounded by three sides by the compatible wall portions 35a and 35b (upper end portions of both partial cylindrical portions 36a and 36b) and the rear housing element 33c. . Similarly, a lower slit 40 extending in the front-rear direction is provided in a portion surrounded on three sides by the lower end portions of the partial cylindrical portions 36a and 36b and the rear housing element 33c. The rear end portions of the upper and lower slits 39 and 40 are opened rearward.

  Further, the rear end portions of both the column side plates 32 a and 32 b (side plate portions 52 a and 52 b described later) are connected in the width direction by an annular connecting portion 41. The annular connecting portion 41 includes a pair of arm portions 42a and 42b and an annular portion 43. The front end portions of both arm portions 42a and 42b are connected to the column side plates 32a and 32b (side plates). Of the rear end surfaces of the portions 52a and 52b), the portion is connected to a portion aligned with the central axis of the outer column 13a in the vertical direction. Further, the rear end portions of the both arm portions 42a and 42b are connected to both end portions in the width direction of the annular portion 43. In this state, the central axis of the annular portion 43 is used as the central axis of the outer column 13a. Match. The inner peripheral surface of the annular portion 43 is formed in a partial cylindrical surface shape, and the inner column 14a can be inserted through the inner column 14a. Therefore, the upper half portion of the annular portion 43 is disposed so as to straddle the width of the upper portion of the inner column 14a, and the lower half portion of the annular portion 43 extends below the inner column 14a. It is arranged so as to straddle the width direction. In the annular portion 43, either the upper half portion or the lower half portion can be omitted.

  A support pipe 76 is provided at a front end portion of the gear housing 31 (front housing element 33a) provided integrally with the outer column 14a. The outer column 14a and the gear housing 31 have a width that is the same as the width of the support pipe 76. The pivot 12 inserted in the direction is supported so as to be capable of only swinging displacement in the vertical direction with respect to the vehicle body 11 (see FIG. 21). For this reason, the outer column 14a is supported so as to be capable of only swinging displacement in the vertical direction with its front-rear position restricted with respect to the vehicle body 11.

  On the other hand, the inner column 14a is an electric sewing tube or a drawing tube made of a light alloy such as an iron alloy, an aluminum alloy, or a magnesium alloy, and has a simple cylindrical shape as a whole. A substantially cylindrical or columnar guide portion 44 is provided on the upper surface of the front portion of the inner column 14a. And, with the front part of the inner column 14a fitted inside the rear part of the outer column 13a, the guide part 44 cannot be displaced in the width direction inside the upper slit 39, and A displacement in the direction is made possible. For this reason, the inner column 14a is fitted into the outer column 13a so as not to rotate relative to the outer column 13a and to allow relative displacement in the front-rear direction.

  The steering shaft 5a spline-engages a female spline tooth formed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer shaft 15a disposed on the front side and a male spline tooth formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner shaft 16a disposed on the rear side. Thus, the entire length can be expanded and contracted and torque transmission is possible. The steering shaft 5a having such a configuration is rotatably supported inside the steering column 6a. Specifically, a rolling bearing capable of supporting a radial load and an axial load, such as a single-row deep groove type ball bearing, on the inner end of the inner column 16a near the rear end of the inner shaft 16a. Therefore, only the rotation is supported. For this reason, the inner shaft 16a moves in the axial direction in synchronization with the inner column 14a, and the steering shaft 5a expands and contracts accordingly. Such a steering shaft 5a is rotatably supported on the inner side of the steering column 6a, and its rear end portion projects rearward from the rear end opening of the steering column 6a. The steering wheel 1 (see FIG. 21) can be supported on the rearward projecting portion.

  The support bracket 18a is integrally formed by extruding (or drawing) a light alloy material such as an aluminum alloy. The support bracket 18a is an intermediate portion of the steering column 6a (the rear end side of the outer column 13a). It is arranged around (part). In this example, the support bracket 18a includes a pair of mounting plate portions 45a and 45b for supporting and fixing to the vehicle body, and a pair of support plate portions 46a and 46b for sandwiching the distance bracket 17a from both sides in the width direction. The bridge portion 47 and a pair of reinforcing ribs 48a and 48b are provided.

  Both the mounting plate portions 45a and 45b are provided on both sides of the upper width direction of the support bracket 18a, and each of the mounting plate portions 45a and 45b has a shape in which a portion near the inner end in the width direction is bent obliquely upward, and is disposed in the horizontal direction. Yes. Further, in order to support and fix the support bracket 18a so as not to be detached from the vehicle body 11, in the vertical direction, a bolt or a stud (not shown) is inserted through a substantially central portion of the mounting plate portions 45a and 45b. Through holes 49 and 49 are formed.

  The both support plate portions 46a, 46b are arranged in parallel with each other in a state of being separated in the width direction, bent at a right angle from the inner end portions of the mounting plate portions 45a, 45b, respectively, and hung downward. Is provided. The support plate portions 46a and 46b are disposed on both sides of the steering column 6a in the width direction. In addition, tilt adjusting long holes 23a and 23a corresponding to the first through holes described in the claims are formed at positions where the support plate portions 46a and 46b are aligned with each other. The long holes 23a and 23a for tilt adjustment have a partial arc shape with the pivot 12 as the center.

  The bridge portion 47 is provided at the center portion in the upper width direction of the support bracket 18a, has a substantially flat cross section, and has inner end portions in the width direction of the mounting plate portions 45a and 45b (support plate portions 46a and 46b). The upper ends of each other are continuous in the width direction.

  The reinforcing ribs 48a and 48b are provided at two corners (bent portions) between the lower surfaces of the mounting plate portions 45a and 45b and the outer side surfaces of the supporting plate portions 46a and 46b. Each corner is continuously provided over the entire length in the front-rear direction. However, the reinforcing ribs 48a and 48b may be formed directly above the tilt adjusting long holes 23a and 23a (in a range aligned with the tilt adjusting long holes 23a in the front-rear direction). In the case of this example, both the reinforcing ribs 48a and 48b are each formed into a substantially right triangular prism shape, and spaces 50 and 50 each having a substantially isosceles triangular section (saddle shape) opening on both sides in the front-rear direction are provided inside each. In this way, the whole has a hollow structure. As a result, the solid portions 51 and 51 (portions other than the spaces 50 and 50) of the both reinforcing ribs 48a and 48b are each formed in a flat plate shape, and incline in the outward direction in the width direction as they go upward. It is provided so as to be bridged between the lower surface of the intermediate portion in the width direction of the mounting plate portions 45a and 45b and the outer surface in the width direction of the upper end portion of the support plate portions 46a and 46b.

In the case of this example, the thickness of the solid portions 51, 51 of both the reinforcing ribs 48a, 48b is substantially the same as the thickness of the both support plate portions 46a, 46b. In addition, the inclination angle θ ₄₈ (inclination angle with reference to a virtual plane orthogonal to the central axis of the adjustment rod 24a) of the solid portions 51, 51 of both the reinforcing ribs 48a, 48b is 40 °. The inclination angle θ ₄₈ can be arbitrarily set. For example, with respect to the entire range of movement of the steering wheel 1 in the vertical direction (tilt direction), the vertical range α of the connecting portion between the reinforcing ribs 48a and 48b and the support plate portions 46a and 46b (see FIG. 5). However, as will be described later, the inner column 14a can be determined so as to overlap with a part of the range β that presses the widened portions 58a, 58b outward in the width direction based on the displacement of the inner column 14a upward. Further, the tilt angle theta ₄₈ is preferable from the viewpoint of improving the rigidity enough to increase, it can be determined in consideration of interference with other members.

  The distance bracket 17a is integrally provided with the outer column 13a at the rear end (second half) of the outer column 13a by die-casting a light alloy such as an aluminum alloy or a magnesium alloy. A pair of side plate portions 52a and 52b is provided.

  The both side plate portions 52a and 52b are respectively disposed between the inner side surfaces in the width direction of the pair of support plate portions 46a and 46b constituting the support bracket 18a and the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14a. Have been). Such side plate parts 52a and 52b are built-up parts 53a whose widthwise outer side surfaces are flat surfaces on the upper and lower side portions of the widthwise outer side surfaces of the rear end portions of the column side plates 32a and 32b. , 53b, and rectangular plate-like hanging plate portions 54a and 54b that hang downward respectively at the lower end portion. In the case of this example, the width direction outer side surfaces of the both side plate portions 52a and 52b are located on the outermost side in the width direction, and the lower build-up portion 53b The part constituted and the part constituted by each of the hanging plate parts 54a and 54b are offset inward in the width direction. Such side plate portions 52a and 52b are provided with insertion holes 55 and 55, column pressing portions 56a and 56b, concave portions 57a and 57b, and widened portions 58a and 58b in this order from the bottom.

  Each of the insertion holes 55 and 55 corresponds to a second through hole described in the claims, and is formed in a portion closer to the lower end of each of the side plate portions 52a and 52b (a central portion of the hanging plate portions 54a and 54b). It is formed so as to penetrate in the width direction. In the case of this example, each of the insertion holes 55 is a simple circular hole.

  The column pressing portions 56a and 56b are positioned between the center axis O (see FIG. 5) of the inner column 14a and the insertion holes 55 and 55 in the vertical direction of the side plate portions 52a and 52b. In the case of this example, it is provided by the lower half of the partial cylindrical portions 36a, 36b of the column side plates 32a, 32b. It is configured. For this reason, the inner side surfaces (pressing surfaces) in the width direction of the column pressing portions 56a and 56b are configured in a concave arc shape having a curvature radius slightly larger than the curvature radius of the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14a. As it goes downward, it inclines in a curve toward the inner side in the width direction. Therefore, the distance between the inner side surfaces in the width direction of both the column pressing portions 56a and 56b increases toward the upper side.

  Each of the widened portions 58a and 58b is provided at a portion near the upper end of each of the side plate portions 52a and 52b that is located on the opposite side of the adjustment rod 24a across the central axis O of the inner column 14a with respect to the vertical direction. In this example, the column side plates 32a and 32b are constituted by upper half portions of the partial cylindrical portions 36a and 36b. For this reason, the inner surface in the width direction of each of the widened portions 58a, 58b is formed in a concave arc shape having a radius of curvature slightly larger than the radius of curvature of the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14a. It is curving in a direction toward the inward direction. Accordingly, the distance between the inner surfaces in the width direction of both the widened portions 58a and 58b becomes smaller toward the upper side. Furthermore, in the case of this example, the both widened portions 58a, 58b are provided at positions that align with the two reinforcing ribs 48a, 48b in the vertical direction (positions that overlap in the width direction).

  Each of the recesses 57a and 57b is a portion of the inner side surface in the width direction of each of the side plate portions 52a and 52b that is adjacent to the lower side with respect to each of the widened portions 58a and 58b. The column 14a is provided in a state of being recessed outward in the width direction at a portion aligned with the central axis O of the column 14a. In the illustrated example, each of the recesses 57a and 57b is configured to have a substantially rectangular cross section whose vertical dimension is larger than the width dimension, and is not in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14a. Yes.

  The clamp mechanism 29 is for switching between a state in which the position of the steering wheel 1 can be adjusted and a state in which the steering wheel 1 can be held in the adjusted position. The clamp mechanism 29 includes an adjustment rod 24a, an adjustment lever 26a, and an expansion / contraction mechanism. And a cam device 27a.

  The adjusting rod 24a is an iron bowl-shaped member, and the both tilt adjusting long holes 23a and 23a and the both insertion holes 55 and 55 are inserted in the width direction, respectively. Further, a male screw part 59 is formed at the distal end of the adjusting rod 24a, and a head 60 is provided at the proximal end. Then, a nut 61 is screwed into the male screw portion 59, and the thrust bearing 62 and the pressing plate are sequentially arranged between the nut 61 and the outer side surface in the width direction of the support plate portion 46b on the other side in the width direction. 63. Further, an engagement piece (not shown) provided on the inner surface of the pressing plate 63 is inserted into the tilt adjusting long hole 23a formed in the support plate portion 46b on the other side in the width direction, and the tilt adjusting long hole 23a. Engagement is possible only with displacement along (with rotation prevented).

  Further, the base end portion of the adjusting lever 26a is coupled and fixed to a portion of the base end portion of the adjusting rod 24a that protrudes from the width direction outer surface of the support plate portion 46a on one side in the width direction. The cam device 27a is provided between the adjusting lever 26a and the width direction outer side surface of the support plate portion 46a on one side in the width direction. The cam device 27a expands and contracts the width direction dimension based on the relative rotation of the drive side cam 64 and the driven side cam 65, and the driven side cam 65 is connected to the support plate portion on the one side in the width direction. Only the displacement along the tilt adjusting long hole 23a is engaged with the tilt adjusting long hole 23a formed in 46a (in a state in which the rotation is prevented). On the other hand, the drive side cam 64 can be rotated together with the adjustment rod 24a by the adjustment lever 26a.

  The clamp mechanism 29 having the above-described configuration expands / contracts the width direction dimension of the cam device 27a based on the operation of the adjustment lever 26a, so that the inside of the pressing plate 63, which is a pair of pressing portions, in the width direction. The distance between the side surface and the inner surface in the width direction of the driven cam 65 can be increased or decreased.

  In the case of this example, in order to stably hold the steering wheel 1 at the adjusted position, a first friction plate 66 and a plurality of (four in the illustrated example) second friction plates 67, 67 are provided. Is provided. Of these, the first friction plate 66 has a substantially U-shape, and includes a bottom plate portion 68 and a pair of friction plate main bodies 69 bent at a right angle from both ends in the width direction of the bottom plate portion 68. 69. The first friction plate 66 is disposed so as to cover the distance bracket 17a (side plate portions 52a and 52b) from below and from the outside in the width direction. The second friction plates 67 and 67 are each formed in a rectangular plate shape, and are disposed so as to sandwich the friction plate bodies 69 and 69 from both sides in the width direction. That is, each said 2nd friction plates 67 and 67 are between the width direction inner side surface of each said friction plate main body 69 and 69, and the width direction outer side surface of each said side plate part 52a, 52b (hanging board part 54a, 54b). The portions and the friction plate main bodies 69 are arranged on the outer sides in the width direction. Further, the second friction plates 67 and 67 arranged in this manner are fixed to the inner column 14 a via a support member 70. Also, a circular hole formed so as to penetrate the friction plate bodies 69 and 69 in the width direction, and a longitudinal direction formed so as to penetrate the second friction plates 67 and 67 in the width direction. The adjusting rod 24a is inserted into the long holes 71, 71.

Next, the operation of each part when the steering wheel 1 is held at the adjusted position will be described in detail.
First, when the adjustment lever 26a is rotated upward (in the lock direction) from a state in which the position of the steering wheel 1 can be adjusted, the distance between the drive side cam 64 and the driven side cam 65 is increased. The dimension in the width direction of the cam device 27a is increased. As a result, the distance in the width direction between the inner surface in the width direction of the driven cam 65 and the inner surface in the width direction of the pressing plate 63 is reduced.

  Then, the pair of support plate portions 46a and 46b constituting the support bracket 18a are elastically deformed toward the inner side in the width direction so that the lower end portions thereof approach each other. At the same time, the pair of side plate portions 52a and 52b constituting the distance bracket 17a is pressed inward in the width direction by the support plate portions 46a and 46b. And these both-sides board parts 52a and 52b are elastically deformed toward the width direction inner side so that each lower end part mutually approaches.

  When the both side plate portions 52a and 52b are elastically deformed as described above, both the column pressing portions 56a and 56b are displaced inward in the width direction so as to approach each other. The inner side surfaces in the width direction of both the column pressing portions 56a and 56b press (push up) the inner column 14a upward. That is, as described above, since the inner side surfaces in the width direction of both the column pressing portions 56a and 56b are inclined in the direction toward the inner side in the width direction as they go downward, the width of the both column pressing portions 56a and 56b. A displacement inward in the direction (inward in the width direction) can be converted into a force that presses the inner column 14a upward.

  Then, both the widened portions 58a, 58b are pushed out (pressed) outward in the width direction by the inner column 14a displaced upward. That is, as described above, since the inner surface in the width direction of each of the widened portions 58a and 58b is inclined in the direction toward the inner side in the width direction as it goes upward, the inner column 14a is displaced upward (upward Can be converted into a force that pushes and widens both the widened portions 58a and 58b to both sides in the width direction. In addition, in the case of the present example, the respective concave portions (thin portions) 57a and 57b are provided in portions of the support plate portions 46a and 46b adjacent to the lower portions of the widened portions 58a and 58b. The both widened portions 58a, 58b can be pushed and expanded with a light force. As a result, the widened portions 58a and 58b are sandwiched between the inner surface in the width direction of the support plate portions 46a and 46b and the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14a.

Further, in this state, the inner column 14a is subjected to a pressing force from the widened portions 58a, 58b at two positions separated in the circumferential direction of the upper half portion, and in the circumferential direction of the lower half portion. A pressing force is applied from the two column pressing portions 56a and 56b to two positions separated from each other.
In the case of this example, the steering wheel 1 is held at the adjusted position as described above.

  In addition, in the case of the present example, the friction plate bodies 69 and 69 constituting the first friction plate 66 are caused to elastically deform the both support plate portions 46a and 46b, so that the second friction plates 67 and 67 are formed. Is sandwiched from both sides in the width direction (friction contact). Thereby, the inner column 14a can be made difficult to be relatively displaced in the front-rear direction with respect to the distance bracket 17a (outer column 13a).

  On the other hand, when the position of the steering wheel 1 is adjusted, the adjustment lever 26a is rotated downward (in the unlocking direction) from the state where the position of the steering wheel 1 is held. And the width direction dimension of the said cam apparatus 27a is made small, and the distance of the width direction of the width direction inner surface of the said press plate 63 and the width direction inner surface of the said driven cam 65 is extended. Thereby, both the said support board parts 46a and 46b and the said both-sides board parts 52a and 52b return to a free state from an elastic deformation state.

  Particularly in the case of this example, when the both side plate portions 52a and 52b return to the free state, the elastic restoring force of the annular portion 43 constituting the annular connecting portion 41 can be used. That is, when the both side plate portions 52a and 52b are elastically deformed inward in the width direction, the arm portions 42a and 42b constituting the annular connecting portion 41 are displaced in a direction approaching each other in the width direction, and the annular portion 43 is It is elastically deformed so as to be crushed in the width direction. For this reason, if the dimension in the width direction of the cam device 27a is reduced, the annular portion 43 is elastically restored. Therefore, the both side plate portions 52a and 52b can be appropriately returned to the free state using this force. Further, when the width of the cam device 27a is reduced, the engagement between the first friction plate 66 (friction plate main bodies 69 and 69) and the second friction plates 67 and 67 is released.

  When both the column pressing portions 56a and 56b are displaced outward in the width direction along with the elastic recovery of the both side plate portions 52a and 52b, the both column pressing portions 56a and 56b press the inner column 14a upward. This force is released, and the inner column 14a is displaced (retracted) downward. As a result, the force acting so as to push both the widened portions 58a, 58b outward in the width direction is also released. As a result, these widened portions 58a and 58b are not strongly clamped between the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14a and the inner surfaces in the width direction of the support plate portions 46a and 46b. Further, the pressing force (holding force) acting on the inner column 14a from the both widened portions 58a, 58b and the both column pressing portions 56a, 56b is also lost. As a result, the position of the steering wheel 1 can be adjusted in the front-rear direction and the vertical direction.

According to the steering apparatus of this example having the above-described configuration, it is possible to improve the holding force of the distance bracket 17a by the support bracket 18a.
That is, when the steering wheel 1 is held at the adjusted position, the both widened portions 58a sandwiched between the widthwise inner side surfaces of the support plate portions 46a and 46b and the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14a. , 58b, the intervals between the inner side surfaces in the width direction are made smaller toward the displacement direction (upward) of the inner column 14a. For this reason, the both widened portions 58a and 58b can be strongly sandwiched between the inner side surfaces of the support plate portions 46a and 46b in the width direction and the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14a due to the wedge effect. In addition, in the case of this example, both the widened portions 58a and 58b have a width due to the fact that they are on the connecting portion side of the both support plate portions 46a and 46b with the both mounting plate portions 45a and 45b. The reinforcing ribs 48a and 48b are not only pressed against the portion having a high rigidity in the direction but also on the outer side in the width direction of the portion (the portion near the upper end pressed by the widened portions 58a and 58b). Based on the pressing force of the both widened portions 58a, 58b, the support plate portions 46a, 46b are effectively prevented from elastically deforming outward in the width direction. For this reason, it is possible to sufficiently increase the surface pressure between both side surfaces in the width direction of the widened portions 58a and 58b, the inner side surfaces in the width direction of the support plate portions 46a and 46b, and the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14a. it can. Therefore, according to this example, the holding force of the distance bracket 17a by the support bracket 18a can be improved.

  In the case of this example, the outer column 13a is provided integrally with the gear housing 31 (rear housing element 33c) that constitutes the electrical assisting device 30, and therefore includes the outer column 13a. The rigidity in the width direction of the steering column 6a can be increased. Furthermore, the reinforcing ribs 48a and 48b (solid portions 51 and 51) are respectively bridged between the lower surfaces of the mounting plate portions 45a and 45b and the widthwise outer surfaces of the support plate portions 46a and 46b. Is provided. Therefore, the rigidity in the width direction can be increased with respect to the both support plate portions 46a and 46b. Therefore, according to this example, the support rigidity in the width direction of the steering column 6a can be improved.

  Further, in the case of this example, the outer column 13a, the distance bracket 17a, and the rear housing element 33c are integrally formed, so that the number of parts as a whole steering device can be reduced.

[Second Example of Embodiment]
A second example of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The steering apparatus of this example is different from the structure of the first example of the above-described embodiment only in the structure of the outer column 13b.

  In the case of this example, the rear ends of the pair of column side plates 32a, 32b constituting the outer column 13b are not connected in the width direction, and the structure of the first example of the above embodiment is provided. The annular connection part 41 (refer FIGS. 1-4) is not provided.

In the case of this example having the above-described configuration, the structure of the outer column 13b can be simplified, so that the manufacturing cost can be reduced.
About another structure and an effect, it is the same as that of the case of the 1st example of the said embodiment.

[Third example of embodiment]
A third example of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the case of the steering device of this example, the outer column 13c is disposed on the rear side (upper side), and the inner column 14a (see FIG. 1 and the like) is disposed on the front side (lower side). For this reason, in the case of this example, the outer column 13c is arranged in the opposite direction with respect to the front-rear direction with respect to the case of the first example of the embodiment, and a cylindrical portion 72 is provided at the rear end portion. A pair of column side plates 32 a and 32 b are provided in front of the cylindrical portion 72. In addition, a distance bracket 17b is integrally provided at the front end portion of the outer column 13c instead of the gear housing 31 (see FIG. 1 and the like) constituting the electric assist device 30. In addition, telescopic adjustment long holes 21a, 21a that are long in the front-rear direction, corresponding to the second through holes described in the claims, are formed at the lower ends of the pair of side plate portions 52c, 52d constituting the distance bracket 17b. Is forming.

In the case of this example having the above-described configuration, the holding force of the distance bracket 17b by the support bracket 18a (see FIG. 1 and the like) can be improved as in the case of the first example of the embodiment. When the outer column 13c is disposed on the rear side as in this example, the support bracket 18a can be detached forward from the vehicle body 11 (see FIG. 21) using, for example, a capsule. Can be supported.
About another structure and an effect, it is the same as that of the case of the 1st example of the said embodiment.

[Fourth Example of Embodiment]
A fourth example of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the case of the steering apparatus of this example, the structures of the distance bracket 17c and the support bracket 18b are different from the structure of the first example of the above-described embodiment.

In the case of this example, the column pressing portions 56c and 56d are moved closer to each other in a portion adjacent to the upper side of the insertion holes 55 and 55 of the pair of side plate portions 52e and 52f constituting the distance bracket 17c ( It is provided in a state of projecting inward in the width direction. For this reason, the lower surface of each said column press part 56c, 56d comprises a part of said each insertion hole 55,55. Further, such column pressing portions 56c and 56d enter the portion between the outer peripheral surface (both side portions in the lower surface width direction) of the inner column 14a and the adjusting rod 24a in the vertical direction. Each of the column pressing portions 56c and 56d has a substantially right triangle shape (wedge shape) in cross section, and the inner side surface (pressing surface) in the width direction corresponding to the hypotenuse is inward in the width direction as it goes downward. Inclined in the direction toward For this reason, the space | interval of the width direction inner side surfaces of the said column press part 56c, 56d becomes large, so that it goes upwards. In the illustrated example, the inclination angle θ ₅₆ (inclination angle with reference to a virtual plane orthogonal to the central axis of the adjusting rod 24a) of the inner side surfaces in the width direction of the column pressing portions 56c, 56d is 60 °. The tilt angle θ ₅₆ can be set arbitrarily, but can be set within a range of 15 ° ≦ θ ₅₆ ≦ 85 °, for example.

In the case of this example, the widened portion 58c is formed at the upper end of each of the side plate portions 52e and 52f that is located on the opposite side of the adjustment rod 24a across the central axis of the inner column 14a with respect to the vertical direction. , 58d are provided. Each of the widened portions 58c and 58d is inclined on the inner side surface in the width direction so that the width dimension (plate thickness) increases toward the upper side. Specifically, the inner surfaces in the width direction of the widened portions 58c and 58d are linearly inclined in the direction toward the inner side in the width direction as they go upward, and the respective cross-sectional shapes are wedge shapes (right triangle shapes). It is configured. For this reason, the space | interval of the width direction inner side surfaces of the said both widened parts 58c and 58d becomes small, so that it goes upwards. In the illustrated example, the inclination angle θ ₅₈ (inclination angle with reference to a virtual plane orthogonal to the central axis of the adjusting rod 24a) of the widthwise inner side surfaces of the widened portions 58c, 58d is 30 °. Incidentally, the inclination angle theta ₅₈ is can be arbitrarily set, for example, it can be set in the range of _{1 ° ≦ θ 58 ≦ 45 °} .

  Further, the pair of mounting plate portions 45c and 45d constituting the support bracket 18b are each formed in a rectangular flat plate shape, and the bridge portion 47a provided between the mounting plate portions 45c and 45d is substantially cross-sectional. It has a U-shape. Reinforcing ribs 48c and 48d provided at the corners of the lower surfaces of both the mounting plate portions 45c and 45d and the width direction outer surfaces of the support plate portions 46a and 46b are provided in a space 50a having a right-angled triangular section on both sides in the front-rear direction. It has a hollow structure in which 50a is opened.

In the case of this example having the above-described configuration, the column pressing portions 56c and 56d and the widened portions 58c and 58d are each configured in a wedge shape. The column pressing portions 56c and 56d and the widened portions are widened. The inner side surfaces in the width direction of the portions 58c and 58d are formed into flat surfaces. Therefore, the column pressing portions 56c and 56d and the widened portions 58c and 58d can be smoothly displaced with respect to the inner column 14a. Further, in the case of this example, each of the widened portion 58c, the inclination angle theta ₅₈ in the width direction in the side surface of the 58d, to reduce each column pressing portion 56c, the inclined angle theta ₅₆ in the width direction in the side surface of 56d Therefore, it is possible to increase the force for expanding both the widened portions 58c and 58d outward in the width direction.
About another structure and an effect, it is the same as that of the case of the 1st example of the said embodiment.

[Fifth Example of Embodiment]
A fifth example of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the case of the steering apparatus of this example, the column pressing portion 56e which constitutes the distance bracket 17d, the inclination angle theta ₅₆ and widened portion 58e in the width direction in the side surface of 56f, only the inclination angle theta ₅₈ in the width direction in the side surface of 58f is This is different from the structure of the fourth example of the embodiment described above.

In the case of this example, each column pressing portion 56e, and the inclined angle theta ₅₆ in the width direction in the side surface of 56f, the respective widened portion 58e, is the same as the inclination angle theta ₅₈ in the width direction in the side surface of 58f. In the structure shown in FIG. 9A, the inclination angle θ ₅₆ of the inner side surface in the width direction of each column pressing portion 56e, 56f is set to 45 °, and the inner side surface in the width direction of each of the widened portions 58e, 58f. the inclination angle theta ₅₈ is set to 45 °. On the other hand, in the structure shown in FIG. 9B, the inclination angle θ ₅₆ of the inner side surface in the width direction of the column pressing portions 56e and 56f is set to 30 °, and the width of the widened portions 58e and 58f. a tilt angle theta ₅₈ in the direction in side is set to 30 °.

In the case of this example having the above-described configuration, the holding force of the distance bracket 17d by the support bracket 18b can be improved as in the case of the first example of the embodiment. In addition, compared with the structure shown in FIG. 9A, the structure shown in FIG. 9B can increase the force for expanding both the widened portions 58e and 58f outward in the width direction.
About another structure and an effect, it is the same as that of the case of the 1st example of the said embodiment, and the 4th example.

[Sixth Example of Embodiment]
A sixth example of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the case of the steering apparatus of this example, the column pressing portion 56g constituting the distance bracket 17e, the inclination angle theta ₅₆ and widened portion 58g in the width direction in the side surface of the 56h, only the inclination angle theta ₅₈ in the width direction in the side surface of 58h is This is different from the structures of the fourth and fifth examples of the embodiment described above.

In the case of this example, the inclination angle θ ₅₆ of the inner side surface in the width direction of each column pressing portion 56g, 56h is set to 30 °, and the inclination angle θ ₅₈ of the inner side surface in the width direction of each of the widened portions 58g, 58h is set. The angle is 45 °. In other words, each column pressing portion 56 g, the tilt angle theta ₅₆ in the width direction in the side surface of 56h, the respective widened portion 58 g, is made smaller than the inclination angle theta ₅₈ in the width direction in the side surface of 58h.

In the case of this example having the above-described configuration, the holding force of the distance bracket 17e by the support bracket 18b can be improved as in the case of the first example of the embodiment.
About another structure and an effect, it is the same as that of the case of the 1st example of the said embodiment, and the 4th example.

[Seventh example of embodiment]
A seventh example of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the case of the steering device of this example, only the structure of the support bracket 18c is different from that of the fourth example of the above embodiment.

  In the case of this example, between the lower surface of the pair of mounting plate portions 45c and 45d constituting the support bracket 18c and the outer side surface in the width direction of the pair of support plate portions 46a and 46b, The reinforcing ribs 48c and 48d (see FIG. 8 etc.) are not provided as in the case of the fourth example (and the first example).

Also in this example having the above-described configuration, the pair of widened portions 58c and 58d are connected to the mounting plate portions 45c and 45d among the pair of support plate portions 46a and 46b. Since it can be pressed toward the inner side surface in the width direction of a certain upper end portion, a sufficient holding force of the distance bracket 17c by the support bracket 18c can be secured. In addition, the weight of the support bracket 18c can be reduced.
About another structure and an effect, it is the same as that of the case of the 1st example of the said embodiment, and the 4th example.

[Eighth Example of Embodiment]
An eighth example of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the case of the steering apparatus of this example, only the structure of the support bracket 18d is different from the cases of the fourth example and the seventh example of the above embodiment.

  In the case of the support bracket 18d of this example, between the lower surface of the mounting plate portion 45d arranged on the other side in the width direction (left side in FIG. 12) and the outer side surface in the width direction of the support plate portion 46b arranged on the other side in the width direction. The reinforcing rib is omitted from the part. Between the lower surface of the mounting plate part 45c arranged on one side in the width direction (right side in FIG. 12) and the outer side surface in the width direction of the support plate part 46a arranged on one side in the width direction, a fourth example of the above embodiment Similarly to the above, a reinforcing rib 48c is provided.

In the case of this example having the above-described configuration, the support plate portion 46b on the other side in the width direction is easily bent in the width direction as compared with the structure of the fourth example of the embodiment, but this support plate portion 46b. Is pressed toward the inner side in the width direction by the pressing plate 63, and even when the pair of widened portions 58c and 58d are pushed outward in the width direction, the surface pressure of the contact portion can be sufficiently increased. Furthermore, in the case of this example, the weight of the support bracket 18d can be reduced.
About another structure and an effect, it is the same as that of the case of the 1st example of the said embodiment.

[Ninth Embodiment]
A ninth example of the embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIG. The steering apparatus of this example is different from the structure of the fourth example of the above-described embodiment only in the structure of the support bracket 18e.

In the case of the support bracket 18e of this example, the shape (cross-sectional shape) of the pair of reinforcing ribs 48e and 48f is different from that of the fourth example of the above embodiment. That is, in the case of this example, compared with the case of the fourth example of the embodiment, the ratio of the width dimension to the vertical dimension is increased, and the cross-sectional shape is a right isosceles triangle. Therefore, the inclination angle θ ₄₈ of the solid portions 51a, 51a constituting the reinforcing ribs 48e, 48f is larger than that in the fourth example of the embodiment (in the example shown, the inclination angle θ ₄₈ is 45 °). Further, the volumes of the spaces 50b, 50b opened on both front and rear sides of the reinforcing ribs 48e, 48f are made larger than in the case of the fourth example of the embodiment.

In the case of this example having the above-described configuration, the rigidity in the vertical direction of the pair of mounting plate portions 45c and 45d can be improved.
About another structure and an effect, it is the same as that of the case of the 1st example of the said embodiment, and the 4th example.

[Tenth example of embodiment]
A tenth example of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The steering device of this example is different from the structure of the fourth example of the above-described embodiment only in the structure of the support bracket 18f.

  The support bracket 18f is integrally formed by subjecting a light alloy material such as an aluminum alloy to extrusion molding (or pultrusion molding), and a pair of lower surfaces of the pair of mounting plate portions 45c and 45d. Solid reinforcing ribs 48g and 48h are provided between the outer side surfaces in the width direction of the support plate portions 46a and 46b (corner portions). Further, the reinforcing ribs 48g and 48h are formed in a right triangular prism shape (a cross-sectional right triangle shape).

In the case of this example having the above-described configuration, the rigidity in the width direction of the support plate portions 46a and 46b can be further improved as compared with the case of the fourth example of the embodiment.
About another structure and an effect, it is the same as that of the case of the 1st example of the said embodiment, and the 4th example.

[Eleventh example of embodiment]
An eleventh example of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The steering apparatus of this example is different from the structure of the tenth example of the above-described embodiment only in the structure of the support bracket 18g.

  The support bracket 18g is integrally formed by die casting of a light alloy such as an aluminum alloy. The support bracket 18g is integrally formed with the lower surface of the pair of mounting plate portions 45c and 45d and the pair of support plate portions 46a and 46b. Solid reinforcing ribs 48g and 48h are provided between the side surfaces (corner portions). Further, the reinforcing ribs 48g and 48h are formed in a right triangular prism shape (a cross-sectional right triangle shape). In the case of this example, in particular, a plurality of thickness-removing portions 73, 73 are opened inside the reinforcing ribs 48g, 48h in a state of opening at the upper surfaces of the inner end portions in the width direction of the mounting plate portions 45c, 45d. Forming. A plurality of these thinning portions 73 and 73 are formed inside each of the reinforcing ribs 48g and 48h in a state of being separated in the front-rear direction. In the illustrated example, each of the thinning portions 73 and 73 has a triangular prism shape (right triangular prism shape).

In the case of this example having the above-described configuration, the weight of the support bracket 18g can be reduced as compared with the structure of the tenth example of the embodiment that does not include the respective thinning portions 73 and 73. it can.
About another structure and an effect, it is the same as that of the case of the 1st example of the said embodiment, a 4th example, and a 10th example.

[Twelfth example of embodiment]
A twelfth example of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The steering device of this example is different from the structure of the fourth example of the above-described embodiment only in the structure of the support bracket 18h.

  The support bracket 18h is formed by subjecting a metal plate such as a stainless steel plate to stamping or bending by press working, and the support bracket 18h is not limited to the pair of reinforcing ribs 48i and 48j. Processing at the same time. Such reinforcing ribs 48i and 48j are substantially right triangles and flat plates provided on the rear end edge portions of the pair of mounting plate portions 45c and 45d near the inner ends in the width direction so as to protrude rearward. The element piece is bent at a right angle downward and fixed to the rear end edges of the pair of support plate portions 46a and 46b by welding or the like. Therefore, in the case of this example, both the reinforcing ribs 48i and 48j are formed in a flat plate shape and are provided only at the rear end portion of the support bracket 18h.

In the case of this example having the above-described configuration, the rigidity in the width direction of the support plate portions 46a and 46b can be increased for an inexpensive support bracket 18h manufactured by pressing a steel plate.
About another structure and an effect, it is the same as that of the case of the 1st example of the said embodiment, and the 4th example.

[13th Embodiment]
A thirteenth example of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The steering apparatus of this example is different from that of the twelfth example of the above embodiment only in the structure of the distance bracket 17d (and the outer column) and the structure of the inner column 14b.

  In the case of this example, the distance bracket 17d is manufactured by punching or bending by pressing a metal plate such as a stainless steel plate. The inner column 14b is not a simple cylinder but a polygonal cylinder (a regular dodecagonal cylinder in the illustrated example).

In the case of this example having the above-described configuration, the inner side surfaces of the column bracket pressing portions 56i and 56j and the widened portions 58i and 58j provided in the distance bracket 17d, respectively, in the width direction, and the inner column The sides constituting the outer peripheral surface of 14b can be brought into contact with each other by surface contact, and both end portions of these sides can be held with a sufficiently strong force. For this reason, the holding force of the inner column 14b can be improved.
About another structure and an effect, it is the same as that of the case of the 1st example of the said embodiment, and a 12th example.

[Fourteenth example of embodiment]
A fourteenth example of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the steering device of this example, the structure of the support bracket 18i and its peripheral structure are different from the structure of the fourth example of the above-described embodiment.

  In the case of the support bracket 18i of the present example, the vertical dimension of the support plate portion 46c arranged on the other side in the width direction of the pair of support plate portions 46a and 46c is the support plate portion 46a arranged on one side in the width direction. The lower end portion of the support plate portion 46c on the other side in the width direction is positioned higher than the lower end portion of the support plate portion 46a on the one side in the width direction. More specifically, in the case of this example, the position of the lower end portion of the support plate portion 46c on the other side in the width direction is made to coincide with the position of the lower end portion of the reinforcing rib 48d (solid portion 51). Therefore, the tilt adjusting long hole 23a provided in the support plate portion 46a on one side in the width direction is not provided in the support plate portion 46c on the other side in the width direction.

  For this reason, in the case of this example, the adjustment rod 24b is shorter than that used in the fourth example of the embodiment, and the pressure plate 63 provided around the adjustment rod 24b is used. The inner side surface in the width direction is in direct contact with the outer side surface in the width direction of the side plate portion 52f on the other side in the width direction constituting the distance bracket 17c.

In the case of this example having the above-described configuration, the support plate portion 46c on the other side in the width direction is not pressed inward in the width direction by the pressing plate 63, but the distance bracket 17c is not pressed. Since the pair of widened portions 58c and 58d constituting the same are strongly pressed against the inner surfaces in the width direction of the both support plate portions 46a and 46c, the distance bracket 17c can be held with a sufficiently large force by the support bracket 18i. Further, in the case of this example, a key lock unit (not shown) provided around the rear end side of the inner column 14b can be moved to the vehicle front side from the support bracket 18i at the time of a secondary collision or the like. Therefore, a large contraction stroke of the steering column 6a can be secured, and the driver's protection can be enhanced.
About another structure and an effect, it is the same as that of the case of the 1st example of the said embodiment, and a 4th example.

[Fifteenth example of embodiment]
A fifteenth example of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the case of the steering device of this example, the structure for pushing up the inner column 14a upward is different from the case of each example of the above embodiment.

  In the case of this example, in order to push the inner column 14a upward, not only a pair of column pressing portions 56c and 56d are provided on the distance bracket 17e, but also an intermediate portion in the axial direction of the adjusting rod 24a. Around the periphery, an eccentric cam 74 corresponding to the column pressing portion described in the claims is fixed so as not to be relatively rotatable. The eccentric cam 74 has a non-circular shape such as a substantially elliptical shape or a substantially oval shape in cross section with respect to a virtual plane orthogonal to the central axis of the adjusting rod 24a, and the distance from the center to the outer peripheral surface is the circumferential direction. It changes according to the position. In the case of this example, the lower end portions of the pair of side plate portions 52e, 52f constituting the distance bracket 17e are connected in the width direction by the lower connecting portion 75.

  In order to maintain the position of the steering wheel 1 (see FIG. 21), the eccentric cam 74 is rotated in the predetermined direction together with the adjusting rod 24a by rotating the adjusting rod 24a in the predetermined direction by the adjusting lever 26a. Let Accordingly, the inner column 14 a is pushed upward by the eccentric cam 74. At the same time, the inner column 14a is pushed upward by the pair of column pressing portions 56c and 56d that are displaced inward in the width direction, as in the case of each example of the embodiment described above.

  On the other hand, in order to make the position of the steering wheel 1 adjustable, the adjusting rod 24a is rotated in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction by the adjusting lever 26a. Accordingly, the eccentric cam 74 is rotated together with the adjustment rod 24a in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction. The inner column 14 a is retracted downward while being supported by the outer peripheral surface of the eccentric cam 74.

In the case of this example, when shifting to a state where the position of the steering wheel 1 can be held, not only the inner column 14a is pushed upward by the eccentric cam 74 but also the both column pressing portions 56c, 56d. Can also be pushed upward. For this reason, the force which presses this inner column 14a upward can be enlarged.
When the present invention is carried out, it is possible to employ a configuration in which the inner column 14a is pushed upward only by the eccentric cam 74. That is, the pair of column pressing portions 56c and 56d can be omitted.
Other structures, operations, and effects are the same as those in the first and fourth examples of the above-described embodiment.

[First Modification of Embodiment]
A modification of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In each of the above-described embodiments of the present invention, of the pair of side plate portions 46a to 46c, the distance from the adjustment rod to the opposite side of the adjustment rod across the central axis of the inner columns 14a and 14b in the vertical direction. An example in which a pair of widened portions 58a to 58j is provided in which the distance between the inner side surfaces in the width direction is reduced is shown. And by the wedge effect of both of the widened portions, the support plate portions 46a to 46c are strongly sandwiched between the inner surfaces in the width direction and the outer peripheral surfaces of the inner columns 14a and 14b. In the case of the steering device of this example, the pair of widened portions 58k, 58l is also provided with a portion where the distance between the inner side surfaces in the width direction becomes small, but in the portion where this distance becomes small, the outer periphery of the inner column 14a. There is no contact with the surface. The widened portions 58k and 58l are provided with contact portions 90a and 90b that are in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14a in a state close to line contact in the axial direction. Even in the case of the contact portions 90a and 90b as in this example, since the outer periphery of the inner column 14a itself is circular, the inner column 14a is pushed upward by the column pressing portions 56k and 56l. A wedge effect occurs at the contact portion between the outer peripheral surface of the column 14a and the contact portions 90a, 90b, and the widened portions 58k, 58l can firmly hold the inner column 14a. However, in the case of this example, the contact portions 90a, 90b and the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14a are in contact with each other in a state close to line contact, so that the inner column 14a is partially deformed by pressing by the column pressing portions 56k, 56l. Therefore, it is desirable that the inner peripheral surface of the widened portion and the outer peripheral surface of the inner column make contact over a certain range when the inner column is pressed by the column pressing portion as in the above embodiments. In the case of this example, the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14a is not limited to a circle, and may be a polygon such as an octagon, a pentagon, or a dodecagon.

  The present invention includes a structure having only a telescopic mechanism capable of adjusting the front-rear direction position of the steering wheel, a structure including only a tilt mechanism capable of adjusting the vertical position of the steering wheel, a structure including a telescopic mechanism and a tilt mechanism. It can be applied to a steering device.

  Further, when implementing the present invention, as the distance bracket, a structure that is vertically symmetrical with the structure of each example of the above-described embodiment can be adopted. When such a configuration is adopted, the description regarding the vertical direction is opposite to the case of each example of the above-described embodiment regarding the distance bracket. Moreover, when implementing this invention, it can also implement combining the structure of each example of embodiment mentioned above suitably.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Steering wheel 2 Steering gear unit 3 Input shaft 4 Tie rod 5, 5a Steering shaft 6, 6a Steering column 7 Universal joint 8 Intermediate shaft 9 Universal joint 10 Electric motor 11 Car body 12 Axis 13, 13a-13c Outer column 14, 14a, 14b Inner column 15, 15a Outer shaft (outer tube)
16, 16a Inner shaft 17, 17a-17f Distance bracket 18, 18a-18i Support bracket 19, 19a Slit 20a, 20b Side plate portion 21, 21a Telescopic adjustment long hole 22a, 22b Support plate portion 23, 23a Tilt adjustment long hole 24, 24a, 24b Adjustment rod 25 Nut 26, 26a Adjustment lever 27, 27a Cam device 28 Eccentric cam 29 Clamp mechanism 30 Electric assist device 31 Gear housing 32a, 32b Column side plate 33a Front housing element 33b Intermediate housing element 33c Rear housing element 34 Reinforcing part 35a, 35b Standing wall part 36a, 36b Partial cylindrical part 37 Carbide part 38 Holding recess part 39 Upper slit 40 Lower slit 41 Annular connecting part 42a, 42b Arm part 43 Annular part 44 Guide part 45a to 45d Mounting plate portion 46a, 46b, 46c Support plate portion 47, 47a Bridge portion 48a to 48j Reinforcement rib 49 Mounting hole 50, 50a, 50b Space 51, 51a Solid portion 52a-52h Side plate portion 53a, 53b Overlaying portion 54a, 54b Hanging plate part 55 Insertion hole 56a-56l Column pressing part 57a, 57b Recessed part 58a-58l Widened part 59 Male thread part 60 Head part 61 Nut 62 Thrust bearing 63 Pressing plate 64 Driving side cam 65 Driven side cam 66 First Friction plate 67 Second friction plate 68 Bottom plate portion 69 Friction plate body 70 Support member 71 Long hole 72 Cylindrical portion 73 Wall removal portion 74 Eccentric cam 75 Lower connection portion 76 Support tube 90a, 90b Contact portion

Claims (17)

A steering column for rotatably supporting the steering shaft on the inner diameter side, the outer column and an inner column fitted to the inner diameter side of the outer column so as to be capable of axial displacement;
A support bracket supported and fixed to the vehicle body, having a pair of support plate portions disposed on both sides in the width direction of the steering column;
A distance bracket having a pair of side plates disposed between the inner surface in the width direction of the pair of support plates and the outer peripheral surface of the steering column;
A first through hole provided in a state of penetrating at least one of the pair of support plate portions in the width direction, and a state of passing through the pair of side plate portions in the width direction. An adjustment rod provided in a state of being inserted through the pair of second through holes in the width direction,
The distance bracket is provided integrally with a part of the outer column, and the inner column is sandwiched between the pair of side plate portions in the width direction,
A column pressing portion that presses the inner column in a direction away from the adjustment rod in the vertical direction is provided,
Of the pair of side plate portions, the distance between the inner side surfaces in the width direction decreases toward the opposite side of the adjustment rod across the central axis of the inner column with respect to the vertical direction as the distance from the adjustment rod decreases. A widened part is provided,
Steering device.   The column pressing portion is provided below the central axis of the inner column in the vertical direction, and the pair of widened portions are provided above the central axis of the inner column in the vertical direction. The steering apparatus described in 1.   Of the inner side surfaces in the width direction of the pair of side plate portions, concave portions recessed outward in the width direction are provided in portions adjacent to the adjustment rod side in the vertical direction with respect to the pair of widened portions. Item 3. The steering device according to any one of Items 1-2. Of the pair of side plate portions, the column pressing portions projecting in the directions approaching each other are provided at portions located between the central axis of the inner column and the second through holes in the vertical direction. And
The width direction inner side surfaces of each column pressing portion are inclined in the direction toward the outer side in the width direction as they are separated from the adjustment rod in the vertical direction,
The steering apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an interval between inner side surfaces in the width direction of the column pressing portions is increased as the distance from the adjustment rod increases in the vertical direction.   The inclination angle of the inner side surface in the width direction of the widened portion and the inclination angle of the inner side surface in the width direction of the column pressing portion are different from each other based on a virtual plane orthogonal to the central axis of the adjusting rod. Item 5. The steering device according to Item 4.   The steering device according to claim 5, wherein an inclination angle of an inner side surface in the width direction of the widened portion is smaller than an inclination angle of an inner side surface in the width direction of the column pressing portion.   The steering apparatus according to claim 5, wherein an inclination angle of an inner side surface in the width direction of the widened portion is larger than an inclination angle of an inner side surface in the width direction of the column pressing portion.   The steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the column pressing portion is an eccentric cam provided around the adjustment rod.   The steering apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the inner column is configured in a polygonal cylindrical shape.   The outer column is disposed on the front side, the inner column is disposed on the rear side, and the distance bracket is integrally provided at a rear end portion of the outer column. The steering apparatus described in item 1.   The steering device according to claim 10, wherein the outer column is integrally formed with a gear housing that constitutes an electric assist device disposed in front of the outer column.   The outer column has a pair of column side plates that are separated in the width direction and extend in the front-rear direction, and front end portions of the column side plates are connected to the gear housing. The steering apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the side plate portions are integrally provided at a rear end portion of the side plate.   The steering device according to claim 12, wherein rear end portions of the pair of side plate portions are coupled in the width direction by a coupling portion disposed so as to straddle the inner column.   The steering device according to claim 12, wherein rear end portions of the pair of side plate portions are separated from each other without being connected in the width direction.   The inner column is disposed on the front side, the outer column is disposed on the rear side, and the distance bracket is integrally provided at a front end portion of the outer column. The steering device described in the item.   The support bracket is provided with a pair of attachment plate portions that are bent outward in the width direction from the upper end portions of the pair of support plate portions, and at least one of the pair of attachment plate portions is attached. The reinforcing rib is provided between the plate part and the support plate part that hangs downward from the inner end in the width direction of the mounting plate part, according to any one of claims 1 to 15. Steering device.   Of the two support plate portions, one support plate portion is hung down below the other support plate portion, and the first through hole is provided only in the one support plate portion. 16. The steering device according to any one of 16.

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