JP3725762B2 - Shock absorbing electric power steering system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an impact absorbing electric power steering apparatus used for absorbing an impact acting on a driver at the time of a vehicle collision.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, various shock absorbing electric power steering devices have been proposed. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-338147 supports a steering shaft 50 as shown in FIG. A cylindrical column 51 attached to the member, a sensor housing 53 accommodating a torque sensor, and an impact absorbing member 54 that connects the column 51 and the sensor housing 53 and is plastically deformed by the displacement of the column 51 due to an impact. A shock absorbing electric power steering apparatus is disclosed.
[0003]
The upper bracket 52 is provided with a plate-like member 52 a disposed in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the column 51. A central portion of the plate-like member 52a is provided with a column 51 and an opening 52b for inserting the steering shaft 50 inserted into the column 51, and the periphery of the opening 52b and the column 51 are welded. The upper bracket 52 is integrated with the column 51. Further, the upper bracket 52 is fixed to the vehicle body side member by a screw 55. The upper bracket 52 is plastically deformed and absorbs a part of the impact by an impact that is applied when the steering wheel provided at the end of the steering shaft 50 collides with the driver.
[0004]
The shock absorbing member 54 has five plate-shaped square portions and is connected to the sensor housing 53 by being welded directly to the sensor housing 53. The shock absorbing member 54 is connected to the column 51 by being welded to the plate-like member 52a of the upper bracket 52.
Specifically, the shock absorbing member 54 includes a first rectangular portion 54a disposed at a right angle to the axial direction of the steering shaft 50, and a second portion connected to two opposite sides of the first rectangular portion 54a. The rectangular part 54b and the third rectangular part 54c, and the fourth rectangular part 54b connected to the second rectangular part 54b and the third rectangular part 54c, respectively, and integrated with two opposite sides of the plate-like member 52a. A square portion 54d and a fifth square portion 54e are provided. The first rectangular portion 54a is formed with an opening 54a1 into which the sensor housing 53 having the steering shaft 50 inserted is inserted at the center thereof. The shock absorbing member 54 is integrated with the sensor housing 53 by welding the periphery of the opening 54 a 1 and the sensor housing 53.
[0005]
The second rectangular portion 54b and the third rectangular portion 54c are inclined with respect to the axial direction of the steering shaft 50 from one side connected to the first rectangular portion 54a, and are moved to the column 51 in the direction from the sensor housing 53 to the column 51. It extends so that it may leave | separate from the steering shaft 50 as it approaches. The second square part 54b and the third square part 54c are connected to one side, which is the extended end, of one side of the fourth square part 54d and the fifth square part 54e, respectively. A boundary between the portion 54b and the fourth rectangular portion 54d and a boundary between the third rectangular portion 54c and the fifth rectangular portion 54e are formed.
The fourth rectangular portion 54d is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the steering shaft 50 from one side connected to the second rectangular portion 54b, and the fourth rectangular portion 54d moves toward the column 51 in the direction from the sensor housing 53 toward the column 51. It is extended to approach. Similarly, the fifth rectangular portion 54e is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the steering shaft 50 from one side connected to the third rectangular portion 54c, and is steered as it approaches the column 51 in the direction from the sensor housing 53 to the column 51. It extends so as to approach the shaft 50.
[0006]
As described above, in this conventional shock absorbing electric power steering apparatus, the steering shaft 50 and the like are inserted by the first to fifth rectangular portions 51a to 54e of the connecting member and the plate-like member 52a of the upper bracket 52. An integral frame 56 is configured, and the column 51 and the sensor housing 53 are integrally connected by the frame 56. When the impact is applied, the plate member 52a is displaced toward the first rectangular portion 54a by the displacement of the column 51 due to the impact, and the frame 56 is plastically deformed so that the frame 56 is crushed. The shock was absorbed. Further, in this conventional shock absorbing electric power steering device, the plastic deformation generated at the boundary between the second rectangular portion 54b and the fourth rectangular portion 54d and the boundary between the third rectangular portion 54c and the fifth rectangular portion 54e, respectively, Even when the distance between the column 51 and the sensor housing 53 is short, the shock can be absorbed.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional shock absorbing electric power steering apparatus as described above, in the frame body 56 including the shock absorbing member 54 and the plate-like member 52a of the upper bracket 52, the second rectangular portion 54b and the fourth rectangular portion 54d are the first. The first rectangular portion 54a and the plate-like member 52a are extended from the steering shaft 50 in directions away from the steering shaft 50, respectively. The third rectangular portion 54c and the fifth rectangular portion 54e are respectively extended from the first rectangular portion 54a and the plate-like member 52a from the steering shaft 50. It was extended in the direction of leaving. Therefore, in this conventional shock absorbing electric power steering device, the frame 56, particularly the boundary between the second rectangular portion 54b and the fourth rectangular portion 54d and the boundary between the third rectangular portion 54c and the fifth rectangular portion 54e. Each part protrudes greatly in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the steering shaft 50, making it difficult to make the device compact. Further, in this conventional shock absorbing electric power steering apparatus, the frame 56 is plastically deformed in the direction away from the steering shaft 50 (the direction of arrow B in the figure) due to the displacement of the column 51 due to the impact. Therefore, when this conventional shock absorbing electric power steering apparatus is used, it is necessary to consider the dimension that the frame body 56 is further plastically deformed to the outside during the impact action, for example when it is stored in the dashboard of an automobile. It was necessary to secure an installation space larger than the external dimensions of the device.
[0008]
In view of the conventional problems as described above, it is an object of the present invention to provide an impact-absorbing electric power steering device that can make the device compact and can be installed in a smaller installation space. To do.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The present invention provides an impact absorbing device including a steering shaft, a steering column that supports the steering shaft and is attached to a vehicle body side member, and a housing that houses at least a reduction gear and supports a motor for generating steering assist force. Type electric power steering device, which is fixed to one side of the steering column and the housingAndThe other sideNisuriFreely engagedAndBoth sides of the steering columnInA pair of long members disposed along the axial direction of the steering shaft, and provided on each of the pair of long members, and the steering column is displaced toward the housing by the action of an impact, and the long members A movement resistance applying portion that applies a movement resistance to the long material by plastic deformation when the shaft moves in the axial direction of the steering shaft.The elongate member is slidable in the axial direction with respect to a guide portion provided on the other side of the steering column and the housing, to which the elongate member is not fixed, and in the horizontal and vertical directions with respect to the shaft. Are engaged so that displacement is regulated(Claim 1).
[0010]
  In the shock absorbing electric power steering apparatus configured as described above, a pair of long members are attached to both sides of the steering column.FromAlong the axial direction of the steering shaftAnd slidable in the axial direction of the steering shaftSince it arrange | positions, the width | variety of the direction orthogonal to the said axial direction of the said apparatus can be made compact. Furthermore, at the time of impact actionMove in the axial direction of the steering shaftFor each long materialThe moving resistance application part is plastically deformed to the long material.By applying the movement resistance, it is possible to absorb the energy of the impact, so that the device can be attached to the dashboard of an automobile with a small installation space.
[0011]
  Further, in the shock absorbing electric power steering device (Claim 1), the long material is provided on the other side of the steering column and the housing.Axial direction with respect to the provided guideThe tip portion of the end portion that is slidably engaged may be formed in a tapered shape, and the tapered tip portion may be inserted into a hole provided on the other side (Claim 2). In this case, since the end portion of the long material functions as the movement resistance applying portion, the number of members for absorbing the impact can be reduced, and the movement resistance applying portion can be easily configured. .
[0012]
  Further, in the shock absorbing electric power steering device (Claim 1), the long material is provided on the other side of the steering column and the housing.Axial direction with respect to the provided guideAn elongated hole is provided at an end portion that is slidably engaged, and a bolt that is inserted through the elongated hole and engaged with the other side so that the elongated hole functions as the movement resistance applying portion. You may provide the channel | path comprised below the diameter of the front-end | tip part in the said elongate hole (Claim 3). In this case, an elongated hole through which the tip of the bolt is inserted is provided at the end of the elongated material, and the elongated hole functions as the movement resistance imparting portion, so that the number of members for absorbing shock is reduced. In addition, it is possible to easily configure the movement resistance applying unit.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the shock absorbing electric power steering device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an impact absorbing electric power steering apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, a steering wheel (not shown) is connected to one end portion 1 a of the steering shaft 1, and a steering force responsive to the operation of the driver is transmitted to the steering shaft 1. On the other hand, for example, a rack and pinion type steering gear is connected to the other end 1b, and a wheel (not shown) is steered by steering the steering wheel. The steering shaft 1 is divided into two parts, one end 1a (upper) side and the other end 1b (lower) side, and these are connected by a known spline or the like so as to be expandable and contractable in the axial direction.
[0014]
A cylindrical column jacket 2 constituting a steering column is mounted on the upper side of the steering shaft 1. The column jacket (steering column) 2 rotatably supports the steering shaft 1 and is attached to a vehicle body side member (not shown) provided on an automobile dashboard or the like. Specifically, the column jacket 2 is attached to the vehicle body side member via, for example, a U-shaped one-way bracket 6. Further, one end portion of a shaft tube 3 inserted through an intermediate portion of the steering shaft 1 is slidably connected to the inner cylinder surface of the column jacket 2. The other end of the shaft tube 3 is connected to a housing 4 described later.
[0015]
The one-way bracket 6 constitutes an upper-side bracket for integrally fixing the column jacket 2 and the vehicle body side member, and is integrally attached to the column jacket 2 by welding, for example. A metal or synthetic resin capsule 7 is attached to each mounting seat formed at both ends of the one-way bracket 6. The capsule 7 is attached to the vehicle body side member by a bolt that is communicated with a notch provided in the mounting seat and that is inserted through a long hole formed in the capsule 7. At that time, the mounting seat and the capsule 7 are integrated by a pin formed by filling a small hole formed over the both with a synthetic resin. Moreover, the notch provided in the one-way bracket 6 is opened to the steering wheel side. As a result, when an impact generated at the time of the collision between the steering wheel and the driver acts from the column jacket 2, the synthetic resin pin filled in the small hole is sheared to absorb a part of the impact. The one-way bracket 6 and the capsule 7 are separated, and the column jacket 2 is detached from the vehicle body.
[0016]
On the lower side of the steering shaft 1, a sensor housing portion 4 a that houses a torque sensor (not shown) for detecting torque (steering force) transmitted by the steering shaft 1, and the rotational speed of the steering shaft 1 And a gear housing portion 4b that houses a reduction gear (not shown) having a reduction gear for obtaining a desired torque. The housing 4 is disposed away from the column jacket 2 and supports a motor 5 for generating a steering assist force. Moreover, the housing 4 is attached to a vehicle body side member via a lower bracket 9 integrated with, for example, a bolt. The motor 5 is controlled to rotate based on the torque detected by the torque sensor, and transmits the rotational force as a steering assist force to the steering gear. Thereby, the steering operation of the steering wheel by the driver can be optimally assisted.
[0017]
The housing 4 is provided with a guide portion 4c having a groove 4c1 for fitting with the pair of long materials 8. The housing 4 is connected to the column jacket 2 via the long material 8 and the one-way bracket 6.
The pair of long members 8 are for absorbing the impact at the time of the collision described above, and are slidably engaged with the guide portion 4 c of the housing 4. Each elongate member 8 is formed at an intermediate portion between one end portion 8a fixed to the one-way bracket 6 by welding, the other end portion 8b meshing with the guide portion 4c of the housing 4, and the one end portion 8a and the other end portion 8b. And a formed bellows portion 8c.
[0018]
  In addition, the pair of long members 8 are arranged on both sides of the column jacket 2.FromIt is arranged along the axial direction of the steering shaft 1. As a result, in the shock absorbing electric power steering device of this embodiment, unlike the above-described conventional example, the columns separated from each other without providing a portion protruding in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the steering shaft 1. The jacket 2 and the housing 4 are connected. In addition to the above description, the one end 8a may be fixed to the one-way bracket 6 by known fastening means such as a bolt.
[0019]
Further, in each long material 8, when the impact is applied, the bellows portion 8 c is plastically deformed in accordance with the relative movement of the long material 8 with respect to the column jacket 2, and movement that imparts movement resistance to the long material 8. Functions as a resistance applying unit.
Specifically, the bellows portion 8c includes a plurality of convex recesses 8d configured to be contractible with deformation resistance, and is fixed to the plate-like one end portion 8a and the other end portion 8b by welding or the like. Each convex recessed part 8d is comprised by the metal body formed, for example in the hollow shape. At the time of impact, the bellows portion 8c is pushed in the direction of arrow A in the figure by the displacement of the column jacket 2, and the convex recess 8d on the housing 4 abuts against the guide portion 4c and contracts for each convex recess 8d ( By generating a plastic deformation and applying a movement resistance to the long material 8 that moves to the housing 4 side, the energy of the impact can be absorbed surely and effectively.
[0020]
As described above, in the shock absorbing electric power steering apparatus according to the present embodiment, the pair of long members 8 are arranged along the axial direction of the steering shaft 1 on both sides of the column jacket 2. The width in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction can be made compact. Further, at the time of impact action, the bellows portion 8c gives a movement resistance to the long material 8 which moves relative to the housing 4 in the direction along the axial direction of the steering shaft 1, thereby providing an impact. Therefore, the apparatus can be attached to a dashboard of an automobile with a small installation space. In other words, in the shock absorbing electric power steering device of the present embodiment, since each convex recess 8d of the bellows portion 8c is contracted and deformed to impart movement resistance, unlike the above conventional example, after shock absorption. An increase in the outer dimension can be suppressed, and the device can be attached in a small installation space.
[0021]
Further, in the shock absorbing electric power steering device of the present embodiment, the bellows portion (movement resistance applying portion) 8c as described above is provided in the middle portion of the long material 8, so that the number of members for shock absorption is small. Fewer electric power steering devices can be configured.
Further, in the shock absorbing electric power steering device of the present embodiment, as described above, the other end portion 8b of each long member 8 is engaged with the guide portion 4c so that the housing 4 and each long member 8 are Therefore, it is possible to make the mounting work of the member for absorbing the shock easier than that of the above-mentioned conventional example, and hence the time required for the assembly work of the apparatus can be reduced. .
[0022]
In addition, the structure of the engaging part of the guide part 4c of the housing 4 and the other end part 8b of the elongate material 8 is not limited to said groove | channel 4c1 and the other end part 8b fitted to it. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, for example, the engaging portion is constituted by the other end portion 8d formed in a convex cross section and a guide portion 4d provided with a hole portion 4d1 for inserting the other end portion 8d. May be. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the engaging portion may be constituted by the other end portion 8e formed in a horizontally long rectangular section and the guide portion 4e provided with a hole portion 4e1 for inserting the other end portion 8e. Good. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, the engaging portion may be constituted by the other end portion 8f formed in a columnar shape and a guide portion 4f provided with a through hole 4f1 for inserting the other end portion 8f. As described above, the configuration of the engaging portion may be anything as long as the guide portion and the other end portion engage with each other and the long member 8 can be slidably engaged with the housing 4.
[0023]
Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the structure which provided the bellows part 8c in the intermediate part of the elongate material 8 and provided movement resistance was demonstrated, it is not limited to this, For example, as shown in FIG. Further, the movement resistance applying portion may be formed by the long material 10 itself on the side where the long material 10 is slidably engaged.
More specifically, in FIG. 5, the other end portion 10a of the long material 10 is inserted into a hole 4g1 provided in the guide portion 4g and engaged with the housing 4 (FIG. 1). The other end portion 10a is formed in a taper shape whose width dimension (dimension indicated by “H” in the drawing) increases from the tip toward the one-way bracket 6 (FIG. 1) so as to function as the movement resistance applying portion. Has been. Moreover, the opening shape of the hole part 4g1 is formed in the taper shape similar to the thing of the front-end | tip part of the other end part 10a inserted in there. In addition, the said elongate material 10 is comprised with metals, such as aluminum which tends to produce plastic deformation rather than the guide part 4g comprised, for example with metals, such as iron and stainless steel.
[0024]
With the above configuration, the long material 10 moves in the direction of the arrow A in the figure due to the displacement of the column jacket 2 (FIG. 1) in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment during the impact action. At this time, since the other end portion 10a is formed in a tapered shape as described above, the other end portion 10a is plasticized by a portion around the hole portion 4g1 in accordance with the relative movement of the long material 10 with respect to the housing 4. Causes deformation. And the impact resistance can be absorbed by giving a movement resistance to the elongate material 10 like the thing of the said embodiment. Moreover, since the movement resistance providing part is formed by the long material 10 itself on the side in which the long material 10 is slidably engaged, the above-described embodiment in which the shavera part is fixed to the intermediate part by welding. Compared to the above, the long material 10 can be easily formed, and the movement resistance applying portion can be easily configured.
[0025]
In addition to the one shown in FIG. 5, a long hole deformation type or friction type shock absorbing structure shown in FIG. 6 may be used for the movement resistance applying unit. Specifically, as shown in the figure, the guide portion 4h has a hole portion 4h1 for inserting the other end portion 11a, and a female screw portion 4h2 that communicates with the hole portion 4h1 and engages the bolt 12. And provide. On the other hand, the other end 11a of the long material 11 is provided with a long hole 11b having a bolt hole 11b1 into which the tip of the bolt 12 is inserted and a passage 11b2 communicating with the bolt hole 11b1. The width dimension of the passage 11b2 (dimension indicated by “J” in the drawing) is set to be equal to or less than the diameter of the tip end of the bolt 12 so that the long hole 11b functions as the movement resistance applying portion. And the front-end | tip part of the volt | bolt 12 is inserted in the above-mentioned bolt hole 11b1, and the guide part 4h and the other end part 11a are engaged with this volt | bolt 12. FIG. As a result, when the long material 11 moves in the direction of the arrow A in the figure due to the displacement of the column jacket 2 (FIG. 1), the elongated hole 11b is connected to the tip of the bolt 12 in the same manner as in the above embodiment. Friction resistance is generated between them, and plastic deformation is further generated. By imparting movement resistance to the long material 11, energy of impact can be absorbed.
[0026]
Moreover, you may attach the movement resistance provision part comprised separately from the elongate material to the engaging part of the said guide part and the other end part of an elongate material. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a so-called curl-type shock absorbing structure may be provided at an engaging portion between the guide portion 4 i and the other end portion 13 a of the long material 13. Specifically, the other end portion 13a of the long material 13 is inserted into the hole portion 4i1 of the guide portion 4i, and a plate-like member 14 bent in a U shape is wound around the distal end thereof. . This plate-like member 14 functions as a movement resistance applying portion that restricts the movement of the long material 13 and gives a movement resistance to the long material 13, and one end thereof is fixed to the guide portion 4 i ( The other end portion is not fixed to the guide portion 4i and the long material 13, but protrudes from the hole portion 4i1 between the hole portion 4i1 and the other end portion 13a of the guide portion 4i. As a result, when the long member 13 moves in the direction of the arrow A in FIG. 1 due to the displacement of the column jacket 2 (FIG. 1), the plate-like member 14, the other end 13a, and the hole are moved. A frictional resistance is generated between the portion 4i1 and plastic deformation occurs in the plate-like member 14 in accordance with the relative movement of the long material 13, and a movement resistance due to the plastic deformation is given to the long material 13 so as to Can absorb the energy of
[0027]
In addition to the one shown in FIG. 7, a bending-type shock absorbing structure shown in FIG. 8 may be provided at the engaging portion between the guide portion 4j and the other end portion 15a. Specifically, the long material 15 is connected to the guide portion 4j by a bending plate (movement resistance applying portion) 16 after the other end portion 15a is inserted into the hole portion 4j1 of the guide portion 4j. The bending plate 16, the guide portion 4j, and the other end portion 15a are fixed by, for example, welding. As a result, when the long material 15 is moved in the direction of the arrow A in the figure due to the displacement of the column jacket 2 (FIG. 1), bending is performed according to the relative movement of the long material 15 as in the above-described embodiment. While plastic deformation is generated in the plate 16, the impact energy can be absorbed by giving the long material 15 movement resistance due to the plastic deformation.
[0028]
In addition to the description of each embodiment described above, for example, a telescopic (telescopic steering) function can be added to the shock absorbing electric power steering apparatus shown in FIG. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the connecting member 17 fixed to the column jacket 2 and movable in the axial direction together with the column jacket 2 is disposed in contact with the one-way bracket 6. As shown in FIG. 10, the connecting member 17 is provided with a pair of elongated holes 17a and 17b opened in a direction parallel to the axial direction, and the lock bolt 18 shown in FIG. 17b is inserted. The lock bolt 18 is inserted into the elongated holes 17a and 17b, the pair of elongated members 8 and a through hole (not shown) provided in the one-way bracket 6 and screwed to the nut 19 to be fixed to the one-way bracket 6. The connecting member 17 is tightened in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. Connected to the nut 19 is a telescopic lever 20 that is rotatable about the axis of the lock bolt 18. The telescopic lever 20 loosens the tightening of the one-way bracket 6 and the connecting member 17 by the lock bolt 18, and the column jacket 2 and the steering shaft 1 can move in the axial direction. When such a telescopic function is added, the impact at the time of impact action is transmitted to the one-way bracket 6 and the pair of long members 8 via the connecting member 17 and the lock bolt 18 fixed to the column jacket 2, The energy is absorbed as in the above embodiment.
[0029]
In the above description, one end portion of each long material is fixed to the one-way bracket, and the other end portion is slidably engaged with the housing. The structure that absorbs the energy of the impact by being moved relative to the housing in the direction along which the movement resistance is applied from the movement resistance application portion has been described. It may be configured to absorb the energy of impact by moving the material. In other words, one end of each long member is slidably engaged with the one-way bracket, the other end is fixed to the housing, and each long member is steered in the direction along the axial direction of the steering shaft when an impact is applied. The energy of impact may be absorbed by moving the column relative to the column and applying the movement resistance from the movement resistance applying unit.
[0030]
Moreover, although the structure which fixes the one end part of a elongate material to the one-way bracket integrated with the column jacket was demonstrated, you may fix an end part directly to a column jacket.
[0031]
【The invention's effect】
  The present invention configured as described above has the following effects. According to the shock absorbing electric power steering apparatus of claim 1, the pair of long members are arranged on both sides of the steering column.InSince it is slidably arranged along the axial direction of the steering shaft and in the axial direction of the steering shaft, the width of the device in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction can be made compact. In addition, during the impact action, the impact resistance is absorbed by the movement resistance applying part plastically deforming each long material moving in the axial direction of the steering shaft to give the long material a movement resistance. Therefore, the device can be attached to a dashboard of an automobile with a small installation space.
[0032]
  According to the shock absorbing electric power steering device of claim 2,Since the end portion of the long material functions as a movement resistance application portion, the number of members for absorbing shock can be reduced, and the movement resistance application portion can be easily configured.
[0033]
  According to the shock absorbing electric power steering apparatus of claim 3,While providing an elongated hole through which the tip of the bolt is inserted at the end of the elongated material and making the elongated hole function as the moving resistance imparting portion, the number of members for absorbing shock can be reduced. In addition, the movement resistance applying unit can be easily configured.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an impact absorbing electric power steering apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing another example of the guide portion and the other end portion in the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing still another example of the guide portion and the other end portion in the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing still another example of the guide portion and the other end portion in the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view showing another embodiment of a long material and a movement resistance applying portion.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view showing still another embodiment of a long material and a movement resistance applying portion.
FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view showing still another embodiment of a long material and a movement resistance applying portion.
FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view showing still another embodiment of a long material and a movement resistance applying portion.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a specific example of an impact absorbing electric power steering apparatus to which a telescopic function is added.
10 is an enlarged perspective view showing the telescopic plate shown in FIG. 9. FIG.
FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a conventional shock absorbing electric power steering apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Steering shaft
2 Column jacket (steering column)
4 Housing
5 Motor
8, 10, 11, 13, 15 Long material
8c Shabara part (moving resistance application part)
10a The other end (moving resistance applying part)
13b Slot (Moving resistance application part)
14 Plate-shaped member (movement resistance application part)
16 Bending plate (moving resistance application part)

Claims (3)

A shock absorbing electric power steering system including a steering shaft, a steering column that supports the steering shaft and is attached to a vehicle body side member, and a housing that houses at least a reduction gear and supports a motor for generating a steering assist force. an apparatus, it said engaged slidably engaged with one side of Rutotomoni other is fixed to the side of the steering column and said housing, said arranged along the axial direction of the steering shaft on both sides of the steering column When the steering column is displaced toward the housing by the action of an impact and the long material moves in the axial direction of the steering shaft, Due to plastic deformation, movement resistance is applied to the long material. Comprising a movement resistance application portion that Azukasuru, wherein the elongated member is the long material is not fixed, slidable in the axial direction relative to the guide portion provided on the other side of the steering column and the housing In addition, the shock absorbing electric power steering apparatus is engaged so that displacement is restricted in the horizontal and vertical directions with respect to the shaft . In the long material, a tip end portion of an end portion that is slidably engaged in the axial direction with respect to the guide portion provided on the other side of the steering column and the housing is formed in a tapered shape, 2. The shock absorbing electric power steering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tapered tip portion is inserted into a hole provided on the other side. In the elongated material, an elongated hole is provided at an end portion that is slidably engaged in the axial direction with respect to the guide portion provided on the other side of the steering column and the housing, and the elongated hole is The long hole is provided with a passage configured to be not more than the diameter of the tip of a bolt that is inserted through the elongated hole and engaged with the other side so as to function as the movement resistance applying portion. The shock absorbing electric power steering apparatus according to claim 1.

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