JP6558081B2 - Steering device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a steering device.

  A technique using a capsule is widely known as a support structure of a steering device that gives a steering angle to a wheel as the steering wheel rotates. For example, in Patent Document 1, when an excessive load is applied to a steering column attached to a vehicle body via a capsule and the steering column is pushed forward of the vehicle body, a part of the capsule is cut so that the steering column is moved forward of the vehicle body. The technique is described in which the driver (operator) is protected from pushing up the steering wheel (secondary collision).

JP 2007-69800 A

When the steering column is attached to the vehicle body via a capsule as in the technique described in Patent Document 1, the steering column falls when the capsule is cut. For this reason,
When the set value of the separation load at which the steering column moves forward of the vehicle body is lowered in order to further protect the operator who is light in weight from the secondary collision, the steering column is likely to fall due to a malfunction. If the steering column falls due to a malfunction, it becomes difficult to perform the steering operation thereafter. For this reason, it has been difficult to lower the set value of the separation load.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a steering device that can suppress the falling of the steering column due to malfunction even when the set value of the separation load at which the steering column moves forward of the vehicle body is lowered. With the goal.

In order to achieve the above object, a steering apparatus according to the present invention includes a cylindrical inner column that rotatably supports an input shaft connected to a steering wheel, and at least a part of the inner column is inserted inside. An outer column that is cylindrical and has a slit that is cut out at one end on the insertion side of the inner column, and is fixed to a vehicle body side member, supports the outer column, and the outer column together with a telescopic friction plate that is a plate material. The outer column bracket to be tightened, the telescopic friction plate and the outer column bracket penetrating the rod to support the telescopic friction plate, the inner column supported by the telescopic friction plate and exposed by the slit. The inner column bracket to be disposed, the inner column and Characterized in that it comprises a shear pin that releasably coupling the inner column bracket.

Thereby, in the steering device according to the present invention, when an excessive load is applied to the steering wheel, the load is transmitted to the inner column via the input shaft, thereby moving the inner column forward. On the other hand, the telescopic friction plate does not move. This
Shear force is applied to the shear pin. For this reason, when an excessive load exceeds the allowable shear force of the shear pin, the shear pin is cut. When the shear pin is cut, the connection between the inner column and the telescopic friction plate is released. When the connection between the inner column and the telescopic friction plate is released, the inner column is supported in the axial direction by the frictional force generated between the inner column and the outer column. For this reason, the inner column of the steering column can be moved forward of the vehicle body. Even if the shear pin is cut, the outer column remains supported by the outer column bracket fixed to the vehicle body side member. Moreover, the inner column remains supported by the outer column. For this reason, even if the shear pin is cut, the steering column does not fall. Therefore, the steering device according to the present invention can suppress the dropping of the steering column due to a malfunction even if the set value of the separation load at which the steering column moves forward of the vehicle body is lowered.

As a desirable aspect of the present invention, the inner column bracket is preferably a plate-like member.

Thereby, an inner column bracket can be formed by the press work etc. with respect to a steel plate, for example. That is, less processing is required to form the inner column bracket. Therefore, in the steering device, the inner column bracket can be easily manufactured, and can be manufactured at a low cost in mass production.

As a desirable aspect of the present invention, the inner column bracket includes a main body portion that extends along the slit, and an arm portion that connects the main body portion and the telescopic friction plate.
A root portion protruding from the main body portion.

  As a result, the left and right multi-plates are less likely to be distorted by the impact load during the secondary collision. For this reason, in the steering device, since the variation in the separation position is suppressed, it is easy to set the separation load.

  As a desirable mode of the present invention, it is preferable that the column bracket has a reinforcing rib formed from a root portion to a tip portion.

As a result, the rigidity of the arm portion was improved, and the left and right multi-plates were less likely to be twisted by the impact load at the time of the secondary collision. For this reason, in the steering device, variation in the allowable shearing force of the shearing portion is suppressed.

As a preferred aspect of the present invention, the telescopic friction plates are disposed on both sides of the inner column bracket, and the arm portions are coupled to the telescopic friction plates disposed on both sides of the inner column bracket, It is preferable that the portions are provided at positions on both sides of the arm portion with the body portion interposed therebetween.

Thereby, when a load is applied to the inner column bracket, the inner column bracket receives a tightening force from both sides, so that the posture of the inner column bracket when the shearing portion is cut is stabilized. Therefore, the posture when the inner column starts to move is more easily kept straight with respect to the axial direction. Therefore, since the inner column can easily move straight in the axial direction, the movement of the inner column is prevented or the frictional force generated between the inner column and the outer column is suppressed from becoming larger than a predetermined value. .

As a preferred aspect of the present invention, the inner column is provided with a first hole, the inner column bracket is provided with a second hole that is overlapped with the first hole, and the shear pin is connected to the first hole. It is preferable to be inserted at a position straddling the second hole.

Thereby, an inner column and an inner column bracket are connected by inserting a shear pin into the first hole and the second hole. For this reason, the steering device can facilitate assembly.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, even if it lowers the setting value of the separation load which a steering column moves to a vehicle body front, the steering apparatus which can suppress the fall of the steering column by malfunctioning can be provided.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the periphery of the steering device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view of the steering device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the steering apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the steering device according to the present embodiment as viewed from above the vehicle body. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the stopper in FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the inner column bracket in FIG. FIG. 11 is a view taken in the direction of arrow E in FIG. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the inner column bracket according to the present embodiment. FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the periphery of a shear pin. FIG. 14 is a view showing only the shear pin in FIG. 14 as a side view. FIG. 15 is an enlarged sectional view showing the periphery of the shear pin after being cut. FIG. 16 is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of displacement of the steering column and the load required to move the steering column for the comparative example. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the amount of displacement of the steering column and the load necessary to move the steering column in the present embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Embodiments (embodiments) for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
The present invention is not limited by the contents described in the following embodiments. The constituent elements described below include those that can be easily assumed by those skilled in the art and those that are substantially the same.
Furthermore, the constituent elements described below can be appropriately combined.

(Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the periphery of the steering device according to the present embodiment. FIG.
It is a side view of the steering device concerning this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the steering apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the steering device according to the present embodiment as viewed from above the vehicle body. In the following description, the direction on the front side of the vehicle body VB when the steering device 100 is attached to the vehicle body VB among the directions along the rotation center axis Zr to be described later is simply referred to as the front. Of the directions along the rotation center axis Zr, the steering device 100 is mounted on the vehicle body VB.
The direction of the rear side of the vehicle body VB when attached to is simply described as rear. Further, among the directions orthogonal to the rotation center axis Zr, the direction on the upper side of the vehicle body VB when the steering device 100 is attached to the vehicle body VB is simply described as upward. Of the directions orthogonal to the rotation center axis Zr, the direction on the lower side of the vehicle body VB when the steering device 100 is attached to the vehicle body VB is simply referred to as the downward direction. That is, in FIG. 2, the left side in the figure is the front, the right side in the figure is the rear, the upper side in the figure is the upper side, and the lower side in the figure is the lower side.

(Steering device)
The steering device 100 includes a steering wheel 14, a steering shaft 15, a universal joint 16, a lower shaft 17, and a universal joint 18 in the order in which a force given by an operator is transmitted, and is joined to the pinion shaft 19. ing.

The steering shaft 15 includes an input shaft 151 and an output shaft 152. Input shaft 151
, One end is connected to the steering wheel 14 and the other end is connected to the output shaft 152. For example, the surface of the input shaft 151 is coated with a resin. Thereby, the input shaft 151 is connected to the output shaft 152 through the resin. The output shaft 152 has one end connected to the input shaft 151 and the other end connected to the universal joint 16. In this embodiment, the input shaft 151 and the output shaft 152 are carbon steel for machine structure (SC material),
It is formed from a general steel material such as a carbon steel pipe for machine structure (STKM material) or a cold rolled steel plate (SPCC material).

The lower shaft 17 has one end connected to the universal joint 16 and the other end connected to the universal joint 18. One end of the pinion shaft 19 is connected to the universal joint 18.

In addition, the steering device 100 includes a cylindrical inner column 51 that supports the input shaft 151 so as to be rotatable about the rotation center axis Zr, and a cylindrical outer column 54 into which at least a part of the inner column 51 is inserted. And a steering column 5 including The inner column 51 is disposed behind the outer column 54. For example, the inner column 51 and the outer column 54 are formed of a carbon steel pipe for machine structure (STKM material) or an aluminum alloy for die casting (ADC material).

The steering apparatus 100 includes an outer column bracket 52 that is fixed to the vehicle body side member 13 and supports the outer column 54. The outer column bracket 52 is formed of a general steel material such as a cold rolled steel plate (SPCC material). The outer column bracket 52 includes a mounting plate portion 522 that is fixed to the vehicle body side member 13 and a frame-shaped support portion 521 that is integrally formed with the mounting plate portion 522. The mounting plate portion 522 of the outer column bracket 52 is
As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, it has a mounting hole 522h, and is fixed to the vehicle body side member 13 using a fixing member such as the mounting hole 522h and a bolt. The frame-shaped support portions 521 of the outer column bracket 52 are disposed on both sides of the outer column 54 and tighten the outer column 54. Further, the frame-like support portion 521 is provided with a tilt adjustment hole 521h that is a long hole that is long in the vertical direction of the vehicle body VB.

The outer column 54 has a pivot bracket 55 provided at the front end. The pivot bracket 55 is supported by the vehicle body side member 12 so as to be rotatable about the rotation shaft 551. The rotation shaft 551 is parallel to the horizontal direction, for example. Thus, the outer column 54 is supported so as to be swingable in the vertical direction.

5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the outer column 54 includes two rod penetrating portions 31, a first slit 541, and a second slit 542. The rod penetration part 31 is a member that protrudes downward from the outer wall of the inner column 51, for example, and has a rod penetration hole 31h that is a round hole. The rod through holes 31h of the two rod penetrating parts 31 are opposed to each other with the first slit 541 interposed therebetween. Moreover, the rod penetration part 31
A part of is opposed to the frame-shaped support portion 521. The rod 33 has two rod through holes 31h.
And through the tilt adjustment hole 521 h of the frame-shaped support portion 521 and connected to the operation lever 53.

The first slit 541 is a long hole in which one end of the outer column 54 on the insertion side of the inner column 51 is cut out. The first slit 541 is provided at a position between the two rod penetrating portions 31. Since the outer column 54 has the first slit 541, the inner diameter decreases when tightened. Thus, in a state where the outer column 54 is tightened, the outer column 54 is covered at a portion where the outer column 54 covers the inner column 51.
The inner wall is in contact with the outer wall of the inner column 51. For this reason, a frictional force is generated between the outer column 54 and the inner column 51. For example, in this embodiment, the outer wall of the inner column 51 is coated with a low friction material for reducing friction with the outer column 54.

As shown in FIG. 5, the steering device 100 includes a first telescopic friction plate 21 and a second telescopic friction plate 22 in order to strengthen the tightening holding force with respect to the steering column 5. For example, the first telescopic friction plate 21 and the second telescopic friction plate 22 are formed of a general steel material such as a cold rolled steel plate (SPCC material). The first telescopic friction plate 21 is a plate-like member having a telescopic adjustment hole 21h which is a long hole whose longitudinal direction is the rotation center axis Zr direction.
The first telescopic friction plates 21 are disposed on both sides of the outer column 54, for example. More specifically, the first telescopic friction plates 21 are arranged so as to overlap each other at a position between the frame-shaped support portion 521 and the rod penetration portion 31. The second telescopic friction plate 22 is a member formed by bending a plate material, for example, and has a substantially U shape when viewed from the rotation center axis Zr direction. The second telescopic friction plate 22 includes two friction portions 221 disposed between the two first telescopic friction plates 21, a connecting portion 222 that connects the two friction portions 221, and a bent portion provided in the connecting portion 222. 223,
including.

The friction part 221 has a rod through hole 22h which is a round hole. The rod 33 passes through the telescopic adjustment hole 21h and the rod through hole 22h. The connecting portion 222 has two friction portions 22.
Since 1 is connected and integrated, the operation of disposing the friction portion 221 between the two first telescopic friction plates 21 is facilitated. Further, the connecting portion 222 has the bent portion 223, so that the bent state can be maintained. Thereby, even if the fastening state of the outer column bracket 52 changes and the distance between the two friction parts 221 changes, the connecting part 222 is difficult to pull the friction part 221. For this reason, when the friction part 221 is pulled by the connection part 222, possibility that a clearance gap will arise between the friction part 221 and the 1st telescopic friction board 21 is reduced.

Note that the first telescopic friction plate 21 does not necessarily have to be disposed at a position between the frame-shaped support portion 521 and the rod penetration portion 31. For example, the first telescopic friction plate 21 may be disposed outside the frame-shaped support portion 521. That is, the first telescopic friction plate 21 may be disposed on the opposite side of the rod penetrating portion 31 with the frame-shaped support portion 521 interposed therebetween.

When the frame-shaped support portion 521 is tightened, the friction portions 221 of the first telescopic friction plate 21 and the second telescopic friction plate 22 are pressed against the rod penetration portion 31 of the outer column 54 by the frame-shaped support portion 521. Thereby, between the frame-shaped support part 521 and the 1st telescopic friction board 21, between the 1st telescopic friction board 21 and the friction part 221 of the 2nd telescopic friction board 22, the 1st telescopic friction board 21 and the rod penetration part. A frictional force is generated between each of them. For this reason,
Compared with the case where the first telescopic friction plate 21 and the second telescopic friction plate 22 are not provided, the surface where the frictional force is generated increases. The frame-shaped support portion 521 can tighten the outer column 54 more firmly by the first telescopic friction plate 21 and the second telescopic friction plate 22.

When the operation lever 53 is rotated, the tightening force with respect to the frame-shaped support portion 521 is loosened, and the frictional force between the frame-shaped support portion 521 and the outer column 54 is eliminated or reduced.
Thereby, the tilt position of the outer column 54 can be adjusted. In the present embodiment, the steering device 100 includes a first spring 56 and a second spring 57 as shown in FIG. The first spring 56 and the second spring 57 are, for example, coil springs. One end of the first spring 56 is attached to the attachment plate portion 522, and the other end of the first spring 56 is attached to the outer column 54. The first spring 56 assists the vertical movement of the steering column 5 during tilt adjustment, and suppresses the falling of the steering column 5. One end of the second spring 57 is attached to the attachment plate portion 522, and the other end of the second spring 57 is attached to the operation lever 53. The second spring 57 applies a preload to the rod 33 via the operation lever 53. Specifically, the second spring 57 applies a preload to the rod 33 in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the tilt adjustment hole 521h. Thereby, rattling of the rod 33 during tilt adjustment is suppressed.

When the operation lever 53 is rotated, the tightening force on the frame-like support portion 521 is loosened, and the width of the first slit 541 of the outer column 54 is increased. As a result, the force with which the outer column 54 tightens the inner column 51 is eliminated, so that the inner column 5
The frictional force when 1 slides is lost. Thus, the operator can adjust the telescopic position by pushing and pulling the inner column 51 through the steering wheel 14 after rotating the operation lever 53.

6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. As shown in FIG.
0 includes a rotation stop 543.

The rotation stopper 543 is formed integrally with the outer column 54, for example, and is disposed at the rear end of the outer column 54. The rotation stopper 543 is an annular member that covers the inner column 51 over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction. The rotation stopper 543 is located behind the rod penetrating portion 31 and the first slit 541. Since the annular rotation stopper 543 is arranged behind the first slit 541, the first slit 541 is a long hole whose both ends are closed. As a result, the deformation of the outer column 54 during tightening is less likely to concentrate on the rear end of the first slit 541. That is, the deformation of the outer column 54 during tightening is likely to be uniform between the front side and the rear side of the rod 33. For this reason, it becomes easy to set the frictional force between the inner column 51 and the outer column 54 during tightening.

More specifically, the rotation stopper 543 includes a base portion 546 and a bridge portion 54 as shown in FIG.
4 and a rotation restricting portion 545. The base 546 is a member that covers, for example, the upper side of the inner column 51. When viewed in the direction of the rotation center axis Zr, the base portion 546 is substantially U-shaped, and both side surfaces of the base portion 546 are in contact with the inside of the frame-like support portion 521. The base 5 in the axial direction of the rod 33
The width of 46 is substantially equal to the distance between the two opposing frame-like support portions 521. The bridge portion 544 is a member that covers, for example, the lower side of the inner column 51 and connects the end portions of the base portion 546 to each other. When viewed in the direction of the rotation center axis Zr, the bridge portion 544 is substantially U-shaped and faces the inner column 51 with a gap. Bridge portion 5 in the axial direction of the rod 33
The width of 44 is smaller than the width of the base 546. As a result, the lower end of the base 546
A rotation restricting portion 545 as a step portion is formed on both sides of the outer column 54. The rotation restricting portion 545 faces the upper end 212 of the first telescopic friction plate 21 with a gap. At the time of the secondary collision, the upper end portion 212 of the first telescopic friction plate 21 is connected to the rotation restricting portion 54.
By contacting 5, rotation of an inner column bracket 4 described later is suppressed. Also,
Since the first telescopic friction plate 21 and the rotation stopper 543 do not interfere with each other at normal times, the adjustment of the telescopic position is not hindered by the rotation stopper 543.

The bridge portion 544 connects the end portions of the base portion 546 to each other and is located behind the first slit 541. In other words, the bridge portion 544 blocks the opening of the first slit 541.
As a result, entry of foreign matter into the first slit 541 when the inner column 51 slides with respect to the outer column 54 is suppressed. Further, since the ends of the base portion 546 are connected to each other by the bridge portion 544, the deformation amount of the base portion 546 at the time of fastening is reduced.
It becomes easy to become equal on both sides of 44.

Note that the rotation stopper 543 is not necessarily formed integrally with the outer column 54, and may be attached as a separate member to the rear end portion of the outer column 54, for example.
Further, if the steering device 100 does not have a tilt adjustment function, the rotation stopper 543 may be provided as a protrusion protruding from the surface (inner surface) of the frame-like support portion 521 that faces the outer column 54. The bridge portion 544 is not necessarily provided as a part of the rotation stopper 543 and may be disposed at a position different from the rotation stopper 543. Further, the bridge portion 544 may not be provided.

7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the stopper in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the steering device 100 includes a stopper 7. The stopper 7 is attached to a position exposed in the second slit 542 in the inner column 51.

The stopper 7 includes, for example, a bolt 71, a backing plate 72, a washer 73, and a spacer 74.
And an energization plate 75. The contact plate 72 is a metal plate-like member having a cylindrical protrusion. A cylindrical protrusion of the contact plate 72 is fitted from the inner side of the inner column 51 into a through hole provided at a position exposed in the second slit 542 of the inner column 51. The contact plate 72 has a female screw on the inner wall of the cylindrical protrusion. The bolt 71 is fastened to the female screw of the contact plate 72. The washer 73 is disposed between the bolt head of the bolt 71 and the contact plate 72. The bottom surface of the washer 73 has a shape that follows the shape of the outer wall of the inner column 51. Thereby, the posture of the bolt 71 is stabilized. The spacer 74 is a member for filling a gap between the inner wall of the second slit 542 and the bolt 71 and a gap between the inner wall of the second slit 542 and the contact plate 72. The spacer 74 is a resin member provided with a through hole, for example. The bolt 71 and the contact plate 72 are disposed inside the through hole of the spacer 74. The energization plate 75 is, for example, a metal plate member. The energization plate 75 is fixed by being sandwiched between the head of the bolt 71 and the spacer 74, for example, and is in contact with the outer column 54. Thereby, the inner column 51 is in an energized state with the outer column 54 via the contact plate 72, the bolt 71, and the energizing plate 75. In the present embodiment, for example, when body grounding is performed for a horn, it is necessary to flow electricity from the input shaft 151 to the vehicle body VB side. However, since the input shaft 151 is connected to the output shaft 152 through the resin coating, electricity does not flow from the input shaft 151 to the output shaft 152. In addition, since the outer wall of the inner column 51 is coated with a low friction material, electricity does not flow from the outer wall of the inner column 51 to the outer column 54. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the stopper 7 has a function of flowing the electricity transmitted from the input shaft 151 to the inner column 51 to the outer column 54.

The stopper 7 is attached to the inner column 51 and can slide while facing the inner wall of the second slit 542 when telescopic adjustment is performed. Spacer 7
Since 4 is made of resin, the stopper 7 slides smoothly with respect to the second slit 542. The stopper 7 regulates the adjustment range of the telescopic position by contacting the second end inner wall 542e which is the rear end of the second slit 542 when adjusting the telescopic position. Also,
Since the spacer 74 is in contact with the inner wall of the second slit 542, the stopper 7 suppresses the rotation of the inner column 51 around the rotation center axis Zr.

9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the inner column bracket in FIG. FIG. 11 is a view taken in the direction of arrow E in FIG. FIG.
2 is a perspective view of the inner column bracket according to the present embodiment. The steering device 100 includes an inner column bracket 4 formed in a plate shape from a metal such as an aluminum alloy or a steel material. More specifically, the inner column bracket 4 is
It is formed by pressing a hot rolled mild steel plate (SPHC material) or a cold rolled steel plate (SPCC material). Alternatively, the inner column bracket 4 is made of high-tensile steel (high-tensile material) such as hot rolled steel plate (SAPH material) for automobile structure, carbon steel for machine structure (SC material), rolled steel material for general structure (SS material), It may be formed. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the inner column bracket 4 is disposed below the inner column 51.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the inner column bracket 4 includes, for example, a main body portion 40 and an arm portion 41. The main body 40 is a plate-like member along the first slit 541 and is in contact with the inner column 51. As shown in FIG. 12, the inner column side surface 401 of the main body portion 40 is formed in a shape along the shape of the outer wall of the inner column 51. The main body 40 includes, for example, two circular recesses 45 on the surface opposite to the inner column side surface 401. A chamfered portion 40 e is provided at the rear end of the inner column side surface 401. For example, the chamfered portion 40e is inclined so as to move away from the inner column 51 toward the rear. The chamfered portion 40e may not be provided.

  The arm part 41 includes a root part 43, a tip part 42, and a reinforcing rib part 44. The arm portion 41 connects the main body portion 40 and the first telescopic friction plate 21. Specifically, the arm portion 41 is integral with the main body portion 40 and connects two sets of first telescopic friction plates 21 facing each other on both sides of the inner column bracket 4 as shown in FIG. The root portion 43 is a member that protrudes from the front end portion of the main body portion 40 toward the first telescopic friction plates 21 on both sides. The distal end portion 42 is provided at both ends of the arm portion 41 and is inserted into a hole provided in the first telescopic friction plate 21. For example, the distal end portion 42 is formed narrower than the root portion 43.

  The reinforcing rib portion 44 is formed by extruding to the side opposite to the inner column side surface 401 by pressing. As shown in FIG. 12, the reinforcing ribs 44 may be extended in a T shape in the axial direction of the main body portion 40 from the substantially central portion of the arm portions 41, although provided in almost the entire area of the arm portions 41. . Due to the structure of this reinforcing rib, the rigidity of the arm portion 41 is further improved, so that the left and right multi-plates are less likely to be twisted by the impact load at the time of the secondary collision, and variation in the allowable shear force of the shearing portion is suppressed. The

As shown in FIG. 11, the inner column bracket 4 is connected to first telescopic friction plates 21 disposed on both sides of the outer column 54. The inner column bracket 4 is supported by the first telescopic friction plate 21 by inserting the front end portion 42 into a hole provided in the first telescopic friction plate 21. Also, the first arranged on both sides of the outer column 54
The telescopic friction plates 21 are opposed to each other with the arm portion 41 interposed therebetween. The inner column bracket 4 is connected to the inner column 51 by the main body 40.

In order to detachably connect the inner column bracket 4 and the inner column 51, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 0, the first hole 51h is formed in the inner column 51, and the recess 45 of the main body 40 is formed.
A second hole 40h is formed in the bottom surface of the. The first hole 51h and the second hole 40h communicate with each other. For example, in the present embodiment, two each of the first hole 51h and the second hole 40h are provided, and the inner circumference is the same. By inserting the shear pin 9 at a position straddling the first hole 51h and the second hole 40h, the inner column bracket 4 and the inner column 51 are detachably connected. Further, the first hole 51h and the second hole 40h are arranged at positions where the distances from the first telescopic friction plates 21 arranged on both sides of the inner column bracket 4 are equal.

Further, the inner column bracket 4 is arranged so that at least a part thereof fits into the first slit 541 of the outer column 54. Specifically, inner column bracket 4
Is fitted so as to face the inner wall of the first slit 541.

The inner column bracket 4 can slide while facing the inner wall of the first slit 541 when telescopic adjustment is performed. The inner column bracket 4 is in contact with the first end inner wall 541e that is the inner wall of the front end of the first slit 541 when adjusting the telescopic position, thereby restricting the adjustment range of the telescopic position. As shown in FIG. 9, the distance from the stopper 7 to the front end of the second slit 542 is longer than the distance from the inner column bracket 4 to the first end inner wall 541e. Thereby, after the inner column bracket 4 is detached from the inner column 51, the amount of forward movement (stroke amount) of the inner column 51 is ensured to be a predetermined amount or more. Therefore, in this embodiment, the front limit of the telescopic position is restricted by the inner column bracket 4 and the first end inner wall 541e, and the rear limit of the telescopic position is restricted by the stopper 7 and the second end inner wall 542e. Has been.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the periphery of a shear pin. FIG. 14 is a view showing only the shear pin in FIG. 13 as a side view. In the present embodiment, the shear pin 9 includes an outer pin 91 and an inner pin 92. The outer pin 91 and the inner pin 92 are made of a resin such as polyacetal, for example.

As shown in FIG. 13, the outer pin 91 is a cylindrical member that penetrates the first hole 51h and the second hole 40h. The outer pin 91 includes, for example, a main body portion 911, a retaining portion 912,
A flange portion 913 and a guide hole 91h are provided. The main body 911 is cylindrical,
It penetrates the first hole 51h and the second hole 40h. The retaining portion 912 is provided at one end of the main body portion 911 and is located inside the inner column 51. The retaining portion 912 is cylindrical and has an outer periphery larger than the inner periphery of the first hole 51h and the inner periphery of the second hole 40h. As a result, the retaining portion 912 is hooked on the inner wall of the inner column 51, so that the outer pin 91 is unlikely to fall out of the first hole 51h and the second hole 40h. The flange portion 913 includes the main body portion 9.
11 and is located outside the second hole 40h in the radial direction of the inner column 51. The flange portion 913 has a disk shape, for example, and has an outer periphery larger than the inner periphery of the first hole 51h and the inner periphery of the second hole 40h. Thereby, since the flange part 913 is hooked on the bottom face of the recessed part 45, the outer pin 91 becomes difficult to come off from the 1st hole 51h and the 2nd hole 40h. The guide hole 91h is a through hole that penetrates from the flange portion 913 to the retaining portion 912.

In the present embodiment, the outer pin 91 is pressed into the first hole 51h and the second hole 40.
is inserted in h. By inserting the outer pin 91 into the first hole 51h and the second hole 40h, the first hole 51h and the second hole 40h are positioned. For example, the retaining portion 912 is inserted into the first hole 51h and the second hole 40h from the second hole 40h side. The retaining portion 912 is formed so that the outer periphery of the end portion 91e opposite to the main body portion 911 is smaller than the inner periphery of the first hole 51h and the inner periphery of the second hole 40h. Accordingly, the retaining portion 912 is easily inserted into the second hole 40h.

The outer pin 91 may be inserted into the first hole 51h and the second hole 40h from the first hole 51h side. The outer pin 91 may be press-fitted after providing a rib or the like on the outer wall of the main body 911.

As shown in FIG. 14, the outer pin 91 includes one notch 91 s provided from the retaining portion 912 toward the flange portion 913. When the retaining portion 912 is inserted into the second hole 40h, the width ds of the notch 91s in the circumferential direction of the outer pin 91 is decreased, so that the outer periphery of the retaining portion 912 is decreased. As a result, the retaining portion 912 has the first hole 51h and the second hole 4
It is easy to pass 0h. In the following description, the width ds of the notch 91s in the circumferential direction of the outer pin 91 is simply referred to as the width ds of the notch 91s.

The outer pin 91 may include a plurality of notches 91s. When there are a plurality of notches 91s, the plurality of notches 91s are preferably arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the outer pin 91.

In a state before the outer pin 91 passes through the first hole 51h and the second hole 40h, the outer periphery of the main body 911 is larger than the inner periphery of the first hole 51h and the inner periphery of the second hole 40h. And in the state where the outer pin 91 penetrates the first hole 51h and the second hole 40h,
By deforming the main body 911, the outer periphery of the main body 911 is equal to the inner periphery of the first hole 51h and the inner periphery of the second hole 40h. Accordingly, the main body portion 911 pushes the inner wall of the first hole 51h and the inner wall of the second hole 40h. For this reason, the clearance gap between the main-body part 911 and the inner wall of the 1st hole 51h and the clearance gap between the main-body part 911 and the inner wall of the 2nd hole 40h become difficult to produce. Thereby, the play of the outer pin 91 is suppressed.

The inner pin 92 is a member that is inserted into the guide hole 91 h of the outer pin 91. The inner pin 92 includes a body portion 921 and a large diameter portion 922, for example. Body part 921
Is cylindrical and penetrates the guide hole 91h. The large diameter portion 922 is provided at both ends of the body portion 921 and is located outside the guide hole 91h. The large diameter portion 922 has a guide hole 91.
The outer periphery is larger than the inner periphery of h. As a result, the large diameter portion 922 contacts the edges of both ends of the guide hole 91 h, so that the inner pin 92 is unlikely to fall out of the outer pin 91.

The guide hole 91h may include a stepped portion with an enlarged inner periphery at the end. In this case, since the large diameter portion 922 is in contact with the edge of the stepped portion, the inner pin 92 is difficult to protrude from the end portion of the guide hole 91h.

In the present embodiment, the inner pin 92 is inserted into the guide hole 91h by press-fitting. For example, the large diameter portion 922 is inserted into the guide hole 91h from the flange portion 913 side. The large-diameter portion 922 is formed such that the outer periphery at the end portion 92 e opposite to the body portion 921 is smaller than the inner periphery of the outer pin 91. As a result, the large diameter portion 922 is guided to the guide hole 91.
It is easy to insert into h. Further, since the inner pin 92 includes the same large diameter portion 922 at both ends, the inner pin 92 can be inserted into the guide hole 91h from either end. Thereby, the assembly of the shear pin 9 becomes easy.

In the state before the inner pin 92 is inserted into the guide hole 91h, the outer periphery of the body portion 921 is larger than the inner periphery of the guide hole 91h. And in the state which the trunk | drum 921 has penetrated the guide hole 91h, the outer periphery of the trunk | drum 921 becomes equal to the inner periphery of the guide hole 91h because the trunk | drum 921 deform | transforms. Thus, the body portion 921 pushes the inner wall of the guide hole 91h radially outward. For this reason, the clearance gap between the trunk | drum 921 and the inner wall of the guide hole 91h becomes difficult to produce. Thereby, the play of the inner pin 92 is suppressed.

The body portion 921 pushes the inner wall of the guide hole 91h outward in the radial direction, whereby the width d of the notch 91s.
A force for expanding s acts on the outer pin 91. As a result, the outer pin 91 and the first hole 5
The frictional force generated between the inner wall of 1h and the inner wall of the second hole 40h is increased. Furthermore, since the width ds of the notch 91s in the retaining portion 912 is increased, the outer periphery of the retaining portion 912 is increased. Therefore, the shear pin 9 in which the outer pin 91 and the inner pin 92 are integrated is fixed at a position straddling the first hole 51h and the second hole 40h, and connects the inner column 51 and the inner column bracket 4.

The steering device 100 has the first hole 51 h and the second hole 40 by the outer pin 91.
Since the inner pin 92 is inserted and assembled after positioning h, it can be assembled easily.

In addition, the steering device 100 according to the present embodiment includes the first hole 51h and the second hole 40h.
By using the shear pin 9, the device for filling the resin member and the member for receiving the resin member are not required as compared with the case where the resin member is filled in the first hole 51h and the second hole 40h. For this reason, the steering device 100 according to the present embodiment can be easily assembled.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 13, it is preferable that the depth d1 of the recessed part 45 is more than the length d2 of the part which protrudes from the 2nd hole 40h of the shear pin 9. FIG. As a result, the shear pin 9 does not protrude beyond the surface of the inner column bracket 4. For this reason, possibility that the shear pin 9 will be damaged by external force is reduced.

When an excessive load is applied to the steering wheel 14, the load is transmitted to the inner column 51 via the input shaft 151, thereby moving the inner column 51 forward. On the other hand, the first telescopic friction plate 21 does not move. Thereby, a shearing force is applied to the shear pin 9.
When the shear pin 9 is cut, the connection between the inner column 51 and the first telescopic friction plate 21 is released. When the connection between the inner column 51 and the first telescopic friction plate 21 is released, the inner column 51 is supported in the axial direction by the frictional force generated between the inner column 51 and the outer column 54. . Therefore, when the operator collides with the steering hole 14 and an excessive load is applied, the force for moving the inner column 51 is reduced immediately after the excessive load is applied, and the impact is absorbed.

Even when the shear pin 9 is cut, the outer column 54 remains supported by the outer column bracket 52 fixed to the vehicle body side member 13. Further, the inner column 51 remains supported by the outer column 54. For this reason, share pin 9
Even if is cut, the steering column 5 does not fall.

In the present embodiment, the inner column bracket 4 is connected to each of the first telescopic friction plates 21 arranged on both sides of the inner column bracket 4 by arm portions 41 as shown in FIG. Thereby, when an axial load is applied to the inner column bracket 4, the inner column bracket 4 receives a tightening force from both sides. For this reason, the posture of the inner column bracket 4 when the shear pin 9 is cut is stabilized. Therefore, the posture when the inner column 51 starts to move is easily kept straight with respect to the axial direction. Therefore, it becomes easy for the inner column 51 to move straight in the axial direction.

Even if the inner column bracket 4 cannot receive the tightening force from both sides evenly, the stopper 7 is fitted in the second slit 542, so that the inner column 51 The two slits 542 are guided in the longitudinal direction, that is, the axial direction. For this reason, the attitude | position of the inner column bracket 4 when the shearing part 44 is cut | disconnected is stabilized.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged sectional view showing the periphery of the shear pin after being cut. As shown in FIG. 15, when the inner column 51 and the inner column bracket 4 move forward,
The front end of the inner column bracket 4 is in contact with the first end inner wall 541e. This
Since the movement of the inner column bracket 4 is restricted while the inner column 51 moves further forward, a shearing force is applied to the shear pin 9. When the shear force applied to the shear pin 9 exceeds the allowable shear force of the shear pin 9, the shear pin 9 is cut. When the share pin 9 is cut, the connection between the inner column 51 and the inner column bracket 4 is released.

Further, as described above, the main body portion 40 is provided with the chamfered portion 40e. Thereby, when the connection between the inner column 51 and the inner column bracket 4 is released, the inner column bracket 4 and the inner column 51 are less likely to interfere with each other. For this reason, variation in the separation load of the shear pin 9 is suppressed.

As shown in FIG. 15, the shear pin 9 is cut along the cut surface BK2. The cut surface BK2 is generated in a portion of the shear pin 9 that straddles the first hole 51h and the second hole 40h. In the cross section shown in FIG. 15, the cut surface BK <b> 2 is on the extension line of the outer wall of the inner column 51, i.
It is located on the extension line of the inner column side surface 401 of zero. The outer pin 91 is cut at the main body portion 911, and the inner pin 92 is cut at the body portion 921. For this reason, the allowable shear force of the shear pin 9 is such that the cross-sectional area of the main body portion 911 and the body portion 921 at the cut surface BK2.
Depends on the cross-sectional area.

As shown in FIG. 14, the distance d from the flange portion 913 to the tip 91sb of the notch 91s.
3 is preferably larger than the distance d4 from the flange portion 913 to the outer wall of the inner column 51. As a result, the notch 91s is not included in the cut surface BK2 when the shear pin 9 is cut. For this reason, since the defect | deletion part for 91 s of notches is lose | eliminated in the cross section of the main-body part 911 in cut surface BK2, the variation in the allowable shear force of the shear pin 9 is suppressed.

Further, it is desirable that the inner column 51 moves straight in the axial direction after the shear pin 9 is cut. The direction in which the inner column 51 moves is the outer column 5.
4, the inner column 51 may be prevented from moving, or the frictional force generated between the inner column 51 and the outer column 54 may be larger than a predetermined value. This is because it becomes higher.

As shown in FIG. 10, the first hole 51h and the second hole 40h are provided at two different positions in the axial direction. For this reason, two shear pins 9 are arranged at different positions in the axial direction. If each of the first hole 51h and the second hole 40h is provided, that is, if one shear pin 9 is provided, the inner column bracket 4 may rotate around the shear pin 9. On the other hand, in this embodiment, rotation of the inner column bracket 4 is suppressed by arranging the two shear pins 9 at different positions in the axial direction. For this reason, the posture of the inner column bracket 4 when the shear pin 9 is cut is more stable.

The allowable shear force of the shear pin 9 is the number of the first holes 51h and the second holes 40h, the first
It can be adjusted by changing the cross-sectional area of the hole 51h and the second hole 40h and the material of the shear pin 9. For example, the number of the first holes 51h and the second holes 40h may be 1 or 3 or more, respectively. Further, the shear pin 9 may be formed of, for example, a metal containing a non-ferrous metal such as an aluminum alloy, rubber, plastic, or wood.

The shear pin 9 does not necessarily have to be configured by the outer pin 91 and the inner pin 92 described above. For example, the shear pin 9 includes the first hole 51h and the second hole 40h.
It may be formed by solidifying a resin or the like filled in a position straddling.

FIG. 16 is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of displacement of the steering column and the load required to move the steering column for the comparative example. FIG. 17 shows the present embodiment.
It is a figure which shows the relationship between the displacement amount of a steering column, and the load required in order to move a steering column. 16 and 17, the horizontal axis represents the amount of displacement of the steering column forward, and the vertical axis represents the load required to move the steering column forward.

The comparative example is an example in which the outer column is attached to the vehicle body via a capsule as in the technique described in Patent Document 1. In the comparative example, the outer column is arranged behind the inner column.When an excessive load is applied to the outer column, the rod contacts the end of the telescopic adjustment hole provided integrally with the outer column, and the bracket is attached. The load is transmitted to the capsule through the via. A force F2c shown in FIG. 16 indicates the allowable shear force of the capsule.

In the comparative example, the outer column is supported in the axial direction by a frictional force generated between the outer column and the inner column by tightening the bracket. A force F1c illustrated in FIG. 16 indicates the friction force supporting the outer column. The force F1c is smaller than the force F2c.
In order to prevent the outer column from moving due to a load applied during normal use, the force F1c needs to be maintained at a predetermined value or more.

In the comparative example, when a load of force F2c or more is applied to the outer column, the capsule is cut and the outer column is detached from the vehicle body. Thereafter, the outer column moves in the axial direction while absorbing the impact by the frictional force with the inner column. However, as described above, since the force F1c is maintained at a predetermined value or more, it is difficult to make the outer column move smoothly to make it easier to protect the operator from the secondary collision.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, the inner column 51 is a member that contacts the first telescopic friction plate 21 and the first telescopic friction plate 21 with the first friction force generated between the outer column bracket 52 and the outer column 54 by tightening. The second frictional force generated between the outer column bracket 52, the second telescopic friction plate 22, and the outer column 54 is supported in the axial direction. A force F1 illustrated in FIG. 17 indicates the first friction force, and a force F3 indicates the sum of the first friction force and the second friction force. A force F21 shown in FIG. 17 indicates the allowable shear force of the shear pin 9. The force F21 is smaller than the force F3 and larger than the force F1.

In the present embodiment, when a load of force F 21 or more is applied to the inner column 51, the shear pin 9 is cut and the inner column bracket 4 is detached from the first telescopic friction plate 21.
As a result, the connection between the inner column bracket 4 and the first telescopic friction plate 21 is released, so that the second frictional force described above does not act on the inner column 51. For this reason,
After the shear pin 9 is cut, the inner column 51 moves in the axial direction while absorbing the impact with the first frictional force described above. The steering apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a first
When the frictional force is set to be small, the movement of the inner column 51 can be smoothed to make it easier to protect the operator from the secondary collision.

In the present embodiment, even if the set value of the first frictional force is reduced, the second frictional force supplements the reduced amount of the first frictional force out of the force for supporting the inner column 51 in the axial direction. can do. For this reason, the steering device 100 according to the present embodiment adjusts the setting value of the first friction force and the setting value of the second friction force, so that the inner column 51 moves due to a load applied during normal use. It can suppress and it is easy to protect an operator from a secondary collision.

As described above, the steering device 100 according to the present embodiment includes the inner column 51, the outer column 54, the outer column bracket 52, the rod 33, the inner column bracket 4, and the shear pin 9. The inner column 51 is a cylindrical member that rotatably supports the input shaft 151 connected to the steering wheel 14. The outer column 54 has a cylindrical shape into which at least a part of the inner column 51 is inserted inside, and has a first slit 541 in which one end on the insertion side of the inner column 51 is cut out. The outer column bracket 52 is fixed to the vehicle body side member 13, supports the outer column 54,
The outer column 54 is tightened together with the telescopic friction plate (first telescopic friction plate 21) which is a plate material. The rod 33 penetrates the telescopic friction plate (first telescopic friction plate 21) and the outer column bracket 52, and supports the telescopic friction plate (first telescopic friction plate 21). The inner column bracket 4 is supported by a telescopic friction plate (first telescopic friction plate 21),
In addition, it is arranged to face the inner column 51 exposed by the first slit 541. The share pin 9 removably connects the inner column 51 and the inner column bracket 4.

Thereby, in the steering device 100 according to the present embodiment, when an excessive load is applied to the steering wheel 14, the load is applied to the inner column 5 via the input shaft 151.
1, the inner column 51 is moved forward. On the other hand, the first telescopic friction plate 21 does not move. Thereby, a shearing force is applied to the shear pin 9. For this reason, when the excessive load exceeds the allowable shear force of the shear pin 9, the shear pin 9 is cut. When the shear pin 9 is cut, the connection between the inner column 51 and the first telescopic friction plate 21 is released. When the connection between the inner column 51 and the first telescopic friction plate 21 is released, the inner column 51 is supported in the axial direction by the frictional force generated between the inner column 51 and the outer column 54. . For this reason, the inner column 51 of the steering column 5 can move forward. Even when the shear pin 9 is cut, the outer column 54 remains supported by the outer column bracket 52 fixed to the vehicle body side member 13. Further, the inner column 51 remains supported by the outer column 54. For this reason, even if the shear pin 9 is cut, the steering column 5 does not fall. Therefore, the steering device 100 according to the present embodiment can suppress dropping of the steering column 5 due to malfunction even if the set value of the separation load (allowable shearing force of the shear pin 9) at which the steering column 5 moves forward is lowered.

In the steering apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the inner column bracket 4 is
It is a plate-like member.

Thereby, the inner column bracket 4 can be formed, for example, by pressing the steel plate. That is, less processing is required to form the inner column bracket 4. Therefore, in the steering device 100, the inner column bracket 4 can be easily manufactured.

In the steering apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the inner column bracket 4 is
The main body 40 along the first slit 541, and the arm 41 that connects the main body 40 and the telescopic friction plate (first telescopic friction plate 21) are provided.

In the steering device 100 according to the present embodiment, the telescopic friction plates (first telescopic friction plates 21) are disposed on both sides of the inner column bracket 4. The arm portion 41 is connected to each telescopic friction plate (first telescopic friction plate 21) disposed on both sides of the inner column bracket 4.

  Thereby, the posture when the inner column 51 starts to move is more easily maintained straight with respect to the axial direction. Accordingly, since the inner column 51 is easily moved straight in the axial direction, the movement of the inner column 51 is hindered, or the frictional force generated between the inner column 51 and the outer column 54 is larger than a predetermined value. Is suppressed.

In the steering device 100 according to the present embodiment, the inner column 51 has a first hole 51h, and the inner column bracket 4 has a second hole 40h that overlaps the first hole 51h. The share pin 9 is inserted at a position straddling the first hole 51h and the second hole 40h.

Thereby, the inner column 51 and the inner column bracket 4 are connected by inserting the shear pin 9 into the first hole 51h and the second hole 40h. For this reason, the steering device 100 can facilitate assembly.

12, 13 Car body side member 14 Steering wheel 15 Steering shaft 151 Input shaft 152 Output shaft 16 Universal joint 17 Lower shaft 18 Universal joint 19 Pinion shaft 100 Steering device 21 First telescopic friction plate 21a First hole 22 Second telescopic friction plate 31 Rod penetration part 33 Rod 4 Inner column bracket 40 Main body part 40h Second hole 41 Arm part 42 Front end part 43 Root part 44 Reinforcement rib 5 Steering column 51 Inner column 51h First hole 52 Outer column bracket 53 Operation lever 54 Outer column 541 First 1 slit 541e first end inner wall 542 second slit 542e second end inner wall 7 stopper 9 shear pin 91 outer pin 92 inner pin BK2 cut surface VB vehicle body

Claims (5)

A cylindrical inner column that rotatably supports an input shaft connected to the steering wheel;
An outer column having a cylindrical shape into which at least a part of the inner column is inserted inside, and having a slit cut out at one end on the insertion side of the inner column;
An outer column bracket that is fixed to a vehicle body side member, supports the outer column, and tightens the outer column together with a telescopic friction plate that is a plate material;
A rod that penetrates the telescopic friction plate and the outer column bracket and supports the telescopic friction plate;
An inner column bracket that is supported by the telescopic friction plate and that is disposed to face the inner column exposed by the slit;
A shear pin for releasably connecting the inner column and the inner column bracket;
Equipped with a,
The inner column bracket includes a main body portion extending in a first direction along the slit, and an arm portion connecting the main body portion and the telescopic friction plate, and the main body portion and the arm portion include the inner column. The inner column side surface located on the side facing the
The inner column side surface of the main body part and the inner column side surface of the arm part are connected without a step,
The arm portion includes a root portion protruding from the main body portion, and a tip portion fixed to the telescopic friction plate ,
A steering device, wherein a reinforcing rib having a width in a second direction intersecting the first direction that is larger than a width in the second direction of the main body is provided on the arm portion . The reinforcing ribs are steering apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it is formed toward the tip of the arm portion from the body portion. Said inner column bracket, Ri plate member der,
The reinforcing ribs molded by press working, the steering apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in Rukoto protruding in a direction away from said inner column. The telescopic friction plates are disposed on both sides of the inner column bracket,
The arms are connected to the telescopic friction plates arranged on both sides of the inner column bracket,
The steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the distal end portions are provided at positions on both sides of the arm portion with the main body portion interposed therebetween. The inner column has a first hole,
The inner column bracket has a second hole that overlaps the first hole,
The steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the shear pin is inserted at a position straddling the first hole and the second hole.

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