JP3218130B2 - Shock absorbing steering device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a shock absorbing steering device used for absorbing a shock acting on a driver at the time of a vehicle collision.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A shock absorbing type steering device includes a column for supporting a handle shaft, and a bracket integrated with the column and attached to a vehicle body via a screw shaft, and a screw shaft formed in the bracket is inserted. In the hole, the screw shaft is relatively movable with respect to the bracket along the column axis direction, and the bracket is deformed by the relative movement of the screw shaft to absorb impact energy at the time of a vehicle collision. Kaikai 49-8572
No. 6, JP-A-59-180963). In order to deform the bracket by the relative movement of the screw shaft, the width of the screw shaft insertion hole is gradually narrowed than the diameter of the screw shaft, a thin connection is provided in the screw shaft insertion hole, or the screw shaft insertion hole is The width is partially reduced from the diameter of the screw shaft, or the width of the screw shaft insertion hole is reduced from the middle of the diameter of the screw shaft.

[0003]

In the above-mentioned conventional configuration,
When mounting the bracket to the vehicle body, there is nothing to prevent the screw shaft from moving relative to the bracket in the screw shaft insertion hole. Was in contact with the narrow part and the joint part of. Therefore, when the bracket is attached to the vehicle body via the screw shaft, there has been a problem that the bracket cannot be quickly positioned with respect to the vehicle body.

[0004] Further, in the conventional configuration, there is a problem that the bracket is not smoothly deformed and the impact energy cannot be sufficiently absorbed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a shock absorbing steering apparatus which can solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention comprises a column for supporting a handle shaft, and a bracket integrated with the column and attached to a vehicle body via a screw shaft, and a screw shaft formed on the bracket. In the shock absorbing type steering device in which the screw shaft is relatively movable along the column axis direction with respect to the bracket in the insertion hole, and the bracket is deformed by the relative movement of the screw shaft to absorb impact energy at the time of a vehicle collision, in that the bracket, c of the screw shaft protrudes from the edge of the screw shaft insertion hole into the hole inwards
A protrusion is provided to abut on the outer periphery on the handle side, and the screw shaft insertion hole is open on the side opposite to the handle. An auxiliary through hole is formed in the bracket along the screw shaft insertion hole, and a portion between the screw shaft insertion hole and the auxiliary through hole is preferably deformed toward the auxiliary through hole by a relative movement of the screw shaft to the bracket. .

[0007]

According to the structure of the present invention, when the bracket is attached to the vehicle body, the projection can be brought into contact with the outer periphery of the screw shaft in the screw shaft insertion hole, thereby positioning the bracket with respect to the vehicle body. The screw shaft insertion hole is on the opposite side of the handle.
The screw shaft protrudes due to impact.
Push the width of the screw shaft insertion hole through the protrusion to expand the bracket
Bends and absorbs the impact energy
Wear. The portion of the bracket between the screw shaft insertion hole and the auxiliary through hole is deformed toward the auxiliary through hole by the relative movement of the screw shaft with respect to the bracket, thereby absorbing impact energy at the time of a vehicle collision. .

[0008]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The shock-absorbing electric power steering device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 has a cylindrical first column 2a, a Teflon bush 3 press-fit into the first column 2a, and one end of the Teflon bush 3 And a second column 2b into which the first column 2a and the second column 2b are inserted.
The relative movement in the axial direction with respect to the column 2b is restricted unless a certain force or more acts.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first column 2a
Is a cylindrical first handle shaft 5 via a bearing 4
I support. A handle (not shown) is connected to one end of the first handle shaft 5, and one end of the second handle shaft 7 is inserted into the other end so as to be relatively movable in the axial direction and not to be relatively rotatable. As shown in FIG. 4, a pair of peripheral grooves 8 are formed on the outer periphery of the second handle shaft 7, and a through hole 9 communicating with the peripheral groove 8 is formed in the first handle shaft 5,
The resin 60 is filled in the through hole 9 and the peripheral groove 8. As a result, relative axial movement between the first handle shaft 5 and the second handle shaft 7 is restricted unless a certain force or more acts. In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, the inner peripheral shape of the first handle shaft 5 and the outer peripheral shape of the second handle shaft 7 are non-circular, so that the relative position between the first handle shaft 5 and the second handle shaft 7 is increased. Rotation is regulated.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the other end of the second column 2b is integrated with a sensor housing 71 of a torque sensor 70 for detecting a rotational torque of a steering wheel transmitted to a steering wheel. . The torque sensor 70 includes a third handle shaft 73 connected to the other end of the second handle shaft 7 via a pin 93, and a torsion bar 78 connected to the third handle shaft 73 via the pin 93. Are connected to the torsion bar 78 via a pin 94, and the bearing 80 is attached to the sensor housing 71.
a, fourth handle shaft 74 supported via 80b
And a detection coil 83 that generates a magnetic flux passing through a magnetic detection ring 81 attached to the third handle shaft 73 and a magnetic detection ring 82 attached to the fourth handle shaft 74. Both detection rings 81 and 8 based on torsion of torsion bar 78 due to resistance
The transmission torque is detected by a change in the output of the detection coil 83 due to the relative rotation of FIG. The fourth handle shaft 74
A gear 85 is fitted to the outer periphery of the steering gear, and the gear 85 is connected to a steering assist motor 86 attached to the sensor housing 71.
And the motor 86 is driven in accordance with the torque detected by the torque sensor 70, whereby a steering assisting force in accordance with the detected torque is applied. Note that this torque sensor 70
For example, the one disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 43236/1992 can be used.

As shown in FIG. 3, one end of a fifth handle shaft 76 is connected to the fourth handle shaft 74 via a universal joint 75, and the other end of the fifth handle shaft 76 is connected to the sixth handle shaft 77. It is inserted into one end so as to be axially relatively movable and relatively non-rotatable. A peripheral groove 78 is formed on the outer periphery of the fifth handle shaft 76, and a through hole 79 communicating with the peripheral groove 78 is formed in the sixth handle shaft 77, and the through hole 79 and the peripheral groove 78 are formed.
Is filled with the resin 68. As a result, relative axial movement between the fifth handle shaft 76 and the sixth handle shaft 77 is restricted unless a certain force or more acts. The outer peripheral shape of the fifth handle shaft 76 and the inner peripheral shape of the sixth handle shaft 77 are non-circular, so that the relative rotation between the fifth handle shaft 76 and the sixth handle shaft 77 is restricted. The sixth handle shaft 7
For example, an input shaft of a rack and pinion type steering gear is connected to the steering wheel 7 via a universal joint 95, and the rotation of the input shaft is transmitted to steering wheels.

An upper bracket 11 is welded to the first column 2a. The upper bracket 11
Is a pair of side walls 11a, 11b and respective side walls 11a, 11b.
b, connecting walls 11c connecting one end of
Support portions 11d and 11e extend radially outward of the first column 2a from the other end of 1b. Each support 11d, 1
1e has notches 11d ', 1
1e 'is formed, and aluminum connecting members 20, 21 are inserted into the notches 11d', 11e '. That is, a pair of grooves 20a ', 20b', 21a ', 21b' is formed in each connecting member 20, 21 along the column axis direction, and the supporting portions 11d are formed in the grooves 20a ', 20b', 21a ', 21b'. , 11e are inserted along the periphery of the notches 11d ', 11e' so as to be relatively movable along the column axis direction. As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG.
A plurality of through-holes are formed at portions along the periphery of the notches 11d 'and 11e' of 1d and 11e, through-holes communicating with the through-holes are formed in the connecting members 20 and 21, and both holes are filled with the resin 61. Have been. As a result, the axial relative movement between the upper bracket 11 and the connecting members 20 and 21 is restricted unless a certain force or more acts.

As shown in FIG. 11, a pair of screw shafts 40 implanted in the vehicle body side member 45 are inserted into bolt through holes 35 of the connecting members 20 and 21, and a nut 41 screwed to the screw shaft 40. And the connecting member 20 with the vehicle body side member 45,
The connection members 20 and 21 are fixed to the vehicle body by being sandwiched. The bolt holes 35 are elongated in the column axis direction in the longitudinal direction, and are capable of coping with misalignment between members due to manufacturing errors.

As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 6 and FIG.
The lower bracket 46 is integrated with the sensor housing 71 integrated with the column 2 b by three bolts 47. The lower bracket 46 has a first plate 46a perpendicular to the column axis direction and a second plate 46b parallel to the column axis direction, and one end of the first plate 46a and the handle-side end of the second plate 46b. And are linked. The fourth handle shaft 74 is inserted into a through hole 46c formed in the first plate 46a. As shown in FIG. 9, a pair of screw shaft insertion holes 48 and a pair of auxiliary through holes 49 are formed in the second plate 46 b along the radially inner edge of each screw shaft insertion hole 48 in the column radial direction. Have been.
The longitudinal direction of each screw shaft insertion hole 48 and each auxiliary through hole 49 is along the column axis direction, and each screw shaft insertion hole 48 is opened on the side opposite to the handle. A projecting portion 46 protruding inward from the radially inner side edge of each screw shaft insertion hole 48 in the column radial direction.
f is provided integrally with the second plate 46b. The width W on the handle side from the protrusion 46f of each screw shaft insertion hole 48
Is formed smaller than the outer diameter of the screw shaft 55. Also,
A hook 51 is provided from the end of the second plate 46b opposite to the handle to the side opposite to the first plate 46a. Since a reaction force of the steering assist torque applied by the motor 86 acts on the lower bracket 46, as shown by a virtual line in FIG. 6, between the connecting portions between the first plate 46a and the second plate 46b. May be provided with a reinforcing rib 46g to improve rigidity.

A pair of holding members 52 and 53 are fitted to both ends of the second plate 46b on the outer side in the column radial direction. As shown in FIG. 8, each of the holding members 52 and 53 includes surface portions 52a and 53a along the surface of the second plate 46b (the upper surface in FIG. 7).
b, 53b along the back surface of b, and its front surface 5
2a, 53a and connecting portions 52c, 53c connecting the back portions 52b, 53b, and the front portions 52a, 53a thereof.
The contact surfaces between the back plates 52b and 53b and the second plate 46b are coated with Teflon. Its surface 52
The screw shaft insertion notches 52d and 53d are formed in a and 53a and the back surfaces 52b and 53b, and the notches 52d and 53d open on the side opposite to the handle.

As shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 9, a pair of screw shafts 55 implanted in the vehicle body-side member 45 are connected to the screw shaft insertion holes 48 of the second plate 46b and the holding members 52 and 53. It is inserted into the notches 52d and 53d. At this time, the steering device 1 is positioned with respect to the vehicle body by bringing the protrusion 46f into contact with the outer periphery of the screw shaft 55. Further, the hook portion 51 of the second plate 46b abuts on the surface 45a of the vehicle body side member 45 on the side opposite to the handle. The second plate 46b and the holding members 52 and 53 are sandwiched between the nut 56 screwed to the screw shaft 55 and the vehicle body side member 45. Thus, the holding members 52 and 53 are fixed to the vehicle body, and the lower bracket 46 is attached to the vehicle body via the holding members 52 and 53. In addition, each holding member 52, 53
However, after being fitted into the second plate 46b and before being fixed to the vehicle body-side member 45, the back surface 52b of the coated Teflon is prevented from falling off by the lubricating action of the coated Teflon. Convex part 52 at 53b
e, 53e are provided, and a concave portion in which the convex portions 52e, 53e are fitted is provided in the second plate 46b.

According to the above configuration, the impact from the front due to the collision (primary collision) between the vehicle and the obstacle in front of the vehicle causes
The resin 60 connecting the first handle shaft 5 and the second handle shaft 7 is sheared, and the upper bracket 11
The resin 61 connecting the first handle shaft 76 and the sixth handle shaft 77 is sheared, and the upper bracket 11 is relatively moved with respect to the connection members 20, 21. And the first
The column 2a moves relative to the second column 2b, the sixth handle shaft 77 moves relative to the fifth handle shaft 76, and the impact energy is absorbed by the shearing of the resin and the friction between the relatively moving members. At this stage, the second
Since the hook portion 51 of the plate 46b abuts on the surface 45a of the vehicle body side member 45 on the side opposite to the handle, the lower bracket 46 is prevented from moving toward the handle with respect to the vehicle body side member 45. Next, the driver of the vehicle collides with the steering wheel (2
The lower bracket 46 relatively moves with respect to the vehicle body due to a rearward impact caused by the next collision). This allows
Since the screw shaft 55 relatively moves along the column axis direction in the screw shaft insertion hole 48, as shown in FIG.
Pushes and widens the width of the screw shaft insertion hole 48 via the protruding portion 46f, and a portion 46 between the screw shaft insertion hole 48 and the auxiliary through hole 49.
h bends and deforms toward the auxiliary through hole 49, and the column radially outer portion 46j is bent more than the screw shaft insertion hole 48 and deforms outwardly in the column radial direction. Absorbed.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the width of the screw shaft insertion hole 48 may be gradually narrowed toward the handle. As shown in FIG. 13, auxiliary through holes 49 and 49 ′ are formed along both inner and outer sides in the column radial direction of each screw shaft insertion hole 48, and projecting portions 46 f protruding from the both edges. 46f 'may be provided, and the width of the screw shaft insertion hole 48 may be gradually narrowed toward the handle. As shown in FIG. 14, the projecting portions 46 f, 46 f ′ that do not have the auxiliary through-hole 49 and protrude from both inner and outer edges in the column radial direction of each screw shaft insertion hole 48.
May be provided. As shown in FIG. 15, the projecting portions 46f, 46 protruding from both inner and outer edges in the column radial direction of each screw shaft insertion hole 48 without providing the auxiliary through hole 49.
f ′ may be provided, and the width of the screw shaft insertion hole 48 may be gradually narrowed toward the handle. As shown in FIG. 16, the projecting portions 4 protruding from both the inner and outer edges in the column radial direction of each screw shaft insertion hole 48 without providing the auxiliary through hole 49.
6f and 46f 'may be integrated. In the modification of FIGS. 14 and 16, the protrusion 46 of the screw shaft insertion hole 48 is used.
The width W on the handle side from f is smaller than the outer diameter of the screw shaft 55.

[0020]

According to the shock-absorbing steering apparatus of the present invention, positioning at the time of attachment to the vehicle body can be performed quickly, and the absorption of shock energy at the time of a vehicle collision can be facilitated.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partial plan view of a steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial sectional side view of the steering device according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a partial side view of the steering device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a partial side sectional view of the steering device according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line VV of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a partial side view of the steering device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a rear view of the lower bracket according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a holding member according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a partial plan view of the lower bracket according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a partial plan view showing the operation of the lower bracket according to the embodiment of the present invention.

11 is a sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a partial plan view of a lower bracket according to a modified example of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a partial plan view of a lower bracket according to a modified example of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a partial plan view of a lower bracket according to a modified example of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a partial plan view of a lower bracket according to a modified example of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a partial plan view of a lower bracket according to a modification of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2a First column 2b Second column 5 First handle shaft 7 Second handle shaft 46 Lower bracket 46f Projection 48 Screw shaft insertion hole 55 Screw shaft

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Mitsuhiro Yamada 300 Suzuki Co., Ltd., Takatsuka-cho, Hamamatsu-shi, Shizuoka Prefecture (56) References , U) (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B62D 1/16-1/20

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. A column for supporting a handle shaft,
A bracket integrated with this column and attached to the vehicle body via a screw shaft is provided, and the screw shaft is relatively movable along the column axis direction with respect to the bracket in the screw shaft insertion hole formed in the bracket, In a shock absorbing steering device that absorbs impact energy at the time of a vehicle collision by deforming a bracket due to the relative movement of the screw shaft, a handle of the screw shaft protrudes inward from the edge of the screw shaft insertion hole into the bracket. A shock-absorbing steering device characterized in that a projecting portion is provided in contact with the outer periphery of the steering wheel, and the screw shaft insertion hole is open on the side opposite to the handle. 2. An auxiliary through hole is formed in the bracket along the screw shaft insertion hole, and a portion between the screw shaft insertion hole and the auxiliary through hole faces the auxiliary through hole by relative movement of the screw shaft to the bracket. 2. The shock absorbing steering device according to claim 1, wherein the steering device is deformed.