JP6759786B2 - Support bracket for steering device and steering device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a steering device support bracket for supporting the steering column on a vehicle body, and a steering device including the steering device support bracket.

As shown in FIG. 34, the steering device for imparting a steering angle to the steering wheels transmits the movement of the steering wheel 1 to the steering gear unit via the steering shaft 2 and imparts a steering angle to the left and right steering wheels 3. I try to do it. As such a steering device, a steering device capable of adjusting the position of the steering wheel 1 according to the physique and the driving posture of the driver has been conventionally known and widely implemented.

35 and 36 show a steering device having a conventional structure described in Patent Document 1. This steering device includes a tilt / telescopic mechanism that can adjust the vertical position and the front-rear position of the steering wheel 1 according to the physique and driving posture of the driver, and further includes an electric power steering device. The steering device is a steering shaft 2 having a steering wheel 1 fixed to a rear end portion (the right end portion in FIG. 35. The front-rear direction is represented by the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The same applies to the entire specification and claims). A steering column 4 that rotatably supports the steering shaft 2 inside, a steering force assisting device (assisting device) 5 for applying an auxiliary torque to the steering shaft 2, and the rotation of the steering shaft 2. Based on this, a steering gear unit 7 for displacement (pushing and pulling) the tie rods 6 and 6 is provided.

Of these, the steering shaft 2 is formed by combining an inner shaft 8 arranged in the front and an outer shaft 9 arranged in the rear so that rotational force can be transmitted and relative displacement in the axial direction is possible. The inner shaft 8 and the outer shaft 9 are displaced relative to each other in the axial direction to enable adjustment of the front-rear position of the steering wheel 1, and in the event of a collision, the total length of the steering shaft 2 is shortened.

The steering column 4 is formed by fitting the front end side portion of the outer column 11 arranged rearward to the rear end side portion of the inner column 10 arranged in the front so as to allow relative displacement in the axial direction. In addition to making it possible to adjust the front-rear position of the steering wheel 1, in the event of a collision, the total length is shortened together with the steering shaft 2. The front end portion (left end portion in FIG. 35) of the inner column 10 is coupled and fixed to the rear end surface of the gear housing 12 constituting the steering force assisting device 5. Further, the inner shaft 8 is inserted into the gear housing 12, and the front end portion of the inner shaft 8 is coupled to an input shaft constituting the steering force assisting device 5. Further, the front end portion of the output shaft 13 which is also connected to the input shaft via a torsion bar and also constitutes the steering force assisting device 5 is projected from the front end surface of the gear housing 12.

Further, of the inner and outer columns 10 and 11 constituting the steering column 4, the inner column 10 arranged on the front side is attached to a part of the vehicle body 15 by the lower bracket 14 via the gear housing 12. It is supported. Further, the lower bracket 14 is the gear housing centered on a tilt shaft 16 arranged in the width direction (the “width direction” in the present specification and claims is the width direction of the vehicle body on which the steering device is installed). 12 is swingably supported.

On the other hand, of the inner and outer columns 10 and 11 constituting the steering column 4, the outer column 11 arranged on the rear side has a portion closer to the front end of the outer column 11 having a support bracket 17 which is an object of the present invention. It is supported by a part of. Such a support bracket 17 is composed of a mounting plate portion 54 and a pair of support plate portions 22, 22 so that it can be detached (fallen off) forward when a strong forward impact is applied. It is supported by the vehicle body 15 via the stop capsules 18 and 18.

Further, the outer column 11 is movably supported in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction with respect to the support bracket 17 so that the front-rear position and the up-down position of the steering wheel 1 can be adjusted. For this purpose, a pair of clamp portions 20 are formed on the lower surface of the front end portion of the outer column 11 with slits 19 extending in the axial direction of the outer column 11 and sandwiching the slits 19 from both sides in the width direction. 20 is integrally formed with the outer column 11. Such a pair of clamp portions 20, 20 are arranged in a state of being sandwiched from both sides in the width direction by the pair of support plate portions 22, 22. Further, elongated holes 21 and 21 for adjusting telesco are formed at positions where the pair of clamp portions 20 and 20 are aligned with each other, respectively. Then, a part of the pair of support plate portions 22 and 22 is aligned with each other, and a part of the pair of telescopic adjusting elongated holes 21 and 21 is aligned with a part of the front-rear direction. Within the scope of the specification and claims, the "vertical direction" means the vertical direction of the vehicle body on which the steering device is installed) to form long tilt adjusting elongated holes 23, 23.

Further, in a state where the pair of clamp portions 20 and 20 are sandwiched by the pair of support plate portions 22 and 22 constituting the support bracket 17, the adjustment rod 24 is inserted into the pair of telescopic adjustment elongated holes. It is inserted in the width direction through the 21 and 21 and the pair of elongated holes for tilt adjustment 23 and 23. Further, the nut 25 is fixed to a portion of the tip of the adjusting rod 24 that protrudes from the outer surface of one of the pair of support plate portions 22, 22 (on the right side of FIG. 36). A thrust bearing 86 and a pressing plate 87 are provided between the outer surface of one of the support plate portions 22 and the nut 25. An engaging piece 88 is provided on the inner surface of the pressing plate 87, and the engaging piece 88 is formed in the one support plate portion 22 in the tilt adjusting elongated hole 23 along the tilt adjusting elongated hole 23. It is engaged only to allow displacement (with rotation blocked).

Further, at the base end portion of the adjustment rod 24, the adjustment lever 26 is provided on a portion of the pair of support plate portions 22, 22 protruding from the outer surface of the support plate portion 22 of the other (left side in FIG. 36). The base end portion is coupled and fixed, and a cam device 78 is provided between the outer surface of the other support plate portion 22 and the adjusting lever 26. The cam device 78 expands or contracts the axial dimension based on the relative displacement between the driven side cam 89 and the driven side cam 90, and the driven side cam 90 is attached to the other support plate portion 22. The formed elongated hole 23 for tilt adjustment is engaged only with the displacement along the elongated hole 23 for tilt adjustment (while the rotation is blocked). On the other hand, the drive side cam 89 can be rotated together with the adjustment rod 24 by the adjustment lever 26.

Further, the front end portion of the output shaft 13 constituting the steering force assisting device 5 is connected to the rear end portion of the intermediate shaft 29 via a universal joint 28. Further, the input shaft 31 of the steering gear unit 7 is connected to the front end portion of the intermediate shaft 29 via another universal joint 30. Further, the steering gear unit 7 includes a rack and a pinion (not shown), and the input shaft 31 is coupled to the pinion. Further, the rack that meshes with the pinion has both tie rods 6 and 6 connected to both ends, and by pushing and pulling these tie rods 6 and 6 based on the axial displacement of the rack, the steering wheels are steered. A desired steering angle is given to 3 (see FIG. 34). Further, the steering force assisting device 5 applies an auxiliary torque to the output shaft 13 in a predetermined direction with a predetermined magnitude via a worm reducer by an electric motor 32.

When adjusting the position of the steering wheel 1, the drive side cam 89 is rotationally driven by rotating the adjustment lever 26 in a predetermined direction (generally downward), and the axial direction of the cam device 78 Shrink the dimensions. Then, the distance between the inner side surfaces of the driven side cam 90 and the pressing plate 87, which are a pair of pressing portions, facing each other is widened, and the pair of support plate portions 22, 22 is paired. The force holding down the clamp portions 20 and 20 is released. At the same time, the inner diameter of the fitting holding portion in which the rear portion of the inner column 10 is fitted in the front portion of the outer column 11 is elastically expanded, and the front inner peripheral surface of the outer column 11 and the rear outer peripheral surface of the inner column 10 are formed. The surface pressure acting on the contact portion of the is reduced. In this state, the vertical position and the front-rear position of the steering wheel 1 can be adjusted within a range in which the adjusting rod 24 can be displaced inside the telesco adjusting elongated hole 21 and the tilt adjusting elongated hole 23.

After moving the steering wheel 1 to a desired position, the adjusting lever 26 is rotated in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction (generally upward) to expand the axial dimension of the cam device 78. As a result, the distance between the inner surfaces of the driven cam 90 and the pressing plate 87 facing each other is shortened, and the pair of support plate portions 22 and 22 strengthens the pair of clamp portions 20 and 20. Suppress. At the same time, the inner diameter of the fitting holding portion in which the rear portion of the inner column 10 is fitted in the front portion of the outer column 11 is elastically reduced, and the front inner peripheral surface of the outer column 11 and the rear outer peripheral surface of the inner column 10 are formed. Increase the surface pressure acting on the contact part of the. In this state, the vertical position and the front-rear position of the steering wheel 1 are held at the adjusted positions.

By the way, in the case of the steering device having the conventional structure as described above, the mounting plate portions 54 constituting the support bracket 17 are provided on the bridge plate portion 55 provided at the center in the width direction and on both sides of the bridge plate portion 55 in the width direction. It is composed of a pair of side plate portions 56, 56 provided. In the case of such a support bracket 17, if the accuracy of the mounting surface (not shown) provided on the vehicle body 15 is poor, the influence of this accuracy may affect the pair of support plate portions 22, 22. There is sex.
The reason for this will be explained in detail below.
For example, when the mounting surface of the vehicle body 15 is inclined (shaped in a C shape) with respect to the width direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 36) as shown by the alternate long and short dash line α in FIG. In the assembled state, the pair of side plate portions 56, 56 constituting the mounting plate portion 54 also follow the mounting surface of the vehicle body 15 in the width direction as shown by the alternate long and short dash line α in FIG. Tilt. When the pair of side plate portions 56, 56 are inclined in this way and the influence of this inclination extends to the pair of support plate portions 22, 22, these pair of support plate portions 22, 22 are shown in FIG. As shown by the alternate long and short dash line β, the lower ends are inclined (deformed) in the direction of approaching each other. As a result, the pair of support plate portions 22 and 22 abut on the outer column 11 at a portion different from the portion that should originally abut, and the holding force of the pair of clamp portions 20 and 20 changes. As a result, the operability when adjusting the position of the steering wheel 1 may be deteriorated.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-214291

In view of the above circumstances, the present invention ensures the rigidity of the support bracket even when the accuracy of the mounting surface of the vehicle body is not sufficient, and the influence of this accuracy is at least among the pair of support plate portions. It was invented to realize a structure that does not easily reach one of the support plates.

Among the steering device support bracket and the steering device of the present invention, the steering device support bracket according to claim 1 includes a mounting plate portion, a pair of support plate portions, and a fixed side through hole.
Of these, the mounting plate portion is supported (fixed) to the vehicle body in the used state (the state of being assembled to the vehicle body). In other words, this mounting plate portion has a support portion (fixed portion) for supporting (fixing) to the vehicle body in the used state. The mounting plate portion can be supported directly with respect to the vehicle body or via another member.
The pair of support plate portions is provided in a state of hanging downward from two positions separated in the width direction of the lower surface of the mounting plate portion. Such a pair of support plate portions are arranged so as to sandwich the steering column from the width direction in the used state.
The fixed side through holes are formed in each of the pair of support plate portions. Such a fixed side through hole is, for example, a long hole for tilt adjustment that is long in the vertical direction when incorporated into a steering device provided with a tilt mechanism capable of adjusting the height position of the steering wheel.
On the other hand, when it is incorporated into a steering device that does not have the tilt mechanism, the fixed side through hole is a circular hole.

In particular, the support bracket for a steering device of the present invention is provided in a state in which the mounting plate portion extends outward in the width direction from a bridge portion provided in the middle portion in the width direction and both end edges in the width direction of the bridge portion. It consists of a pair of side plates. Such a pair of side plate portions is a portion for supporting (fixing) to the vehicle body in a used state.
Then, in the middle portion in the front-rear direction of the inner end portion in the width direction of at least one of the pair of side plate portions, the first side plate portion is long in the front-rear direction through the one side plate portion in the thickness direction. A slit or a recess long in the front-rear direction is formed. The first slit (long recess in the front-rear direction) that is long in the front-rear direction can be formed by, for example, one slit (recess) that is long in the front-rear direction, or is formed in a state of being separated in the front-rear direction. It can also be configured by a plurality of slits (recesses). When a first slit (long recess in the front-rear direction) long in the front-rear direction is formed by a plurality of slits (recesses) in this way, each slit (recess) needs to have a long shape in the front-rear direction. There is no.

When implementing the support bracket for a steering device of the present invention, additionally, the inner edge in the width direction of the one side plate portion and the outer edge in the width direction of the bridge portion on the one side plate portion side. A pair of reinforcing portions are formed in a continuous portion with and in a state of being separated in the front-rear direction.
When such a configuration is adopted, preferably, among the inner end portions in the width direction of the one side plate portion, the portion between the pair of reinforcing portions in the front-rear direction is long in the front-rear direction. Form one slit or a recess that is long in the front-back direction.
Further, in the support bracket for a steering device of the present invention, the widthwise outer edge of the first slit or the widthwise outer edge of the recess located between the pair of reinforcing portions in the front-rear direction is the above 1. It is arranged outside the width direction of the outer edge of each of the pair of reinforcing portions, or is arranged at the same width position as the outer edge of each of the pair of reinforcing portions in the width direction.

When the support bracket for the steering device of the present invention as described above is implemented, specifically, as in the invention described in claim 2, the distance with respect to the width direction of the bridge portion increases toward the outside in the width direction. It is composed of a pair of inclined plate portions inclined in the increasing direction (arranged in a substantially C shape) and a continuous plate portion in which the inner edges of the pair of inclined plate portions in the width direction are continuous in the width direction. Can do things.
When the support bracket for a steering device of the present invention is implemented, specifically, as in the invention described in claim 3, the pair of support plate portions are attached to the mounting plate portion (of which, for example, the said A configuration that welds to the bridge portion) can be adopted. In other words, a configuration in which the pair of support plate portions are fixed (coupled) to the mounting plate portion via a welded portion can be adopted. In this case, of the pair of support plate portions, the welded portion of the support plate portion located on the same side as the one side plate portion in the width direction is wider than the first slit or the recess. It should be located inside the direction.

Further, in the present invention, the steering device according to claim 4 is provided in a state of being sandwiched between a support bracket and a pair of support plate portions constituting the support bracket, and the steering shaft can be rotated inside. It is equipped with a steering column for supporting in a state.
The support bracket is the steering device support bracket according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

More specifically, the structure of the steering device of the present invention includes, for example, a steering column, a displacement bracket, a support bracket, an adjustment rod, a pair of pressing portions, and a scaling device.
Of these, the steering column is for supporting the steering shaft in a rotatable state inside in the used state.
The displacement bracket is fixed to a part of the steering column, for example, and a displacement side through hole is formed so as to penetrate in the width direction. For example, in the case of a steering device provided with a telescopic mechanism capable of adjusting the front-rear position of the steering wheel, such a displacement-side through hole is a long hole for telescopic adjustment that is long in the front-rear direction, and is provided with the telescopic mechanism. In the case of a steering device without a steering device, a circular hole is used.
The support bracket is the support bracket for a steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
The adjusting rod is provided with the displacement side through hole and the fixed side through hole inserted in the width direction.
The pair of pressing portions are provided at both ends of the adjusting rod at portions protruding from the outer surface of the pair of supporting plate portions constituting the support bracket.
The expansion / contraction device is for expanding / contracting the distance between the pair of pressing portions.
Then, based on the expansion / contraction of the expansion / contraction mechanism, the front / rear position (when the telescopic mechanism is provided) or the vertical position (when the tilt mechanism is provided) of the steering wheel can be adjusted in an unlocked state, and the steering wheel is moved. It is possible to switch between the locked state that can be held at the adjusted position.

According to the present invention configured as described above, even if the accuracy of the mounting surface of the vehicle body is not sufficient, the effect of this accuracy is at least one of the pair of support plate portions while ensuring the rigidity of the support bracket. It can be made difficult to reach the support plate part of.
The reason why the rigidity of the support bracket can be ensured is that at least one side plate portion is continuous with the inner edge in the width direction and the end edge of the bridge portion in the width direction on the side plate portion side. This is because a pair of reinforcing portions are formed in the portions in a state of being separated in the front-rear direction.
Further, the reason why the influence of the accuracy can be made difficult to extend to at least one support plate portion of the pair of support plate portions is within the width direction of at least one side plate portion of the pair of side plate portions. This is because the first slit is provided at the end. That is, in the case of the present invention, by providing such a first slit, the rigidity of the portion of one of the side plate portions that matches the first slit in the width direction is lowered, and one of the side plates is provided. The side plate portion can be easily deformed with the portion where the first slit is formed as a fulcrum. Therefore, the accuracy of the mounting surface of the vehicle body is not sufficient, and even if one of the side plate portions is deformed in the assembled state, the effect of this deformation is at least one of the pair of support plate portions. It can be difficult to reach the support plate part of. As a result, the holding state of the steering column by these pairs of support plate portions can be improved.

It is a figure which shows one example of the Embodiment of this invention, and is the figure which shows typically the state which the steering apparatus is seen from the side. FIG. 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line AOOA of FIG. 1, which is also partially omitted. Similarly, a side view showing a state in which the outer column and the support bracket are taken out and viewed from one side in the width direction. Similarly, a perspective view showing a state in which the outer column and the support bracket are taken out and viewed from the rear and the lower side. Similarly, a perspective view showing a state in which the outer column and the support bracket are taken out and viewed from the rear and upper sides. Similarly, a perspective view showing a state in which the outer column is taken out and viewed from the rear and upper sides. Similarly, a side view showing a state in which the outer column is taken out and viewed from one side in the width direction. Similarly, a side view showing a state in which the outer column is taken out and viewed from the other side in the width direction. Similarly, a bottom view showing a state seen from below of FIG. 7. Similarly, a sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. Similarly, a sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. Similarly, a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD of FIG. Similarly, the figure which shows the state which took out the support bracket and looked at from the rear. Similarly, a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE of FIG. Similarly, a perspective view showing a state in which the support bracket is taken out and viewed from the rear and upper sides. Similarly, a perspective view showing a state in which the support bracket is taken out and viewed from the front and the upper side. Similarly, a perspective view showing a state in which the support bracket is taken out and viewed from the rear and the lower side. Similarly, a perspective view showing a state in which the support bracket is taken out and viewed from the front and the lower side. Similarly, a schematic view (a) of an example of the reinforcing portion of the embodiment and a schematic diagram (b) to (f) showing another example of the reinforcing portion. Similarly, it is a partial plan view showing one half of the mounting plate portion in the width direction when viewed from above, and is a view (A) showing an example of the shape of the slit and a view showing another example of the shape of the slit ( B). A partial perspective view of a support bracket showing a first example of a reference example related to the present invention. Similarly, a plan view showing the support bracket as viewed from above. Similarly, the same figure as in FIG. Similarly, the same figure as in FIG. The same figure as FIG. 21 which shows the 2nd example of the reference example which concerns on this invention. Similarly, the same figure as in FIG. Similarly, the same figure as in FIG. 24. The same figure as FIG. 21 which shows the 3rd example of the reference example which concerns on this invention. Similarly, the same figure as in FIG. Similarly, the same figure as in FIG. 24. The same figure as FIG. 21 which shows the 4th example of the reference example which concerns on this invention. Similarly, the same figure as in FIG. Similarly, the same figure as in FIG. 24. The schematic perspective view which shows an example of the steering apparatus mounted on a vehicle. FIG. 6 is a schematic side view showing an example of a steering device having a conventional structure. FIG. 35 is a sectional view taken along line FF of FIG. 35.

[Example of Embodiment]
An example of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 20. The steering device incorporating the support bracket 17a of this example rotatably supports the steering shaft 2a on the inner diameter side of the cylindrical steering column 4a supported by the vehicle body 15a via a plurality of rolling bearings (not shown). ing. Then, the steering wheel 1 (see FIGS. 34 to 36) is fixed to the rear end portion of the steering shaft 2a that protrudes rearward from the rear end opening of the steering column 4a.

Further, an electric motor 32a, which is a power source for applying an auxiliary force, is provided at the front end of the steering column 4a by supporting it on a gear housing 12a fixed to the front end of the steering column 4a. Then, the output torque (auxiliary force) of the electric motor 32a is applied to the steering shaft 2a via the speed reducer provided in the gear housing 12a. Further, the gear housing 12a is supported and fixed to the vehicle body 15a via a lower bracket 14a.

In the case of the steering device of this example, a tilt mechanism for adjusting the vertical position of the steering wheel 1 and a telescopic mechanism for adjusting the front-rear position are provided according to the physique and driving posture of the driver. I have.

In order to form a telescopic mechanism, the steering column 4a is loosely fitted to the rear end of the inner column 10a arranged in the front and the front end of the outer column 11a arranged in the rear so as to allow relative displacement in the axial direction. The total length can be expanded and contracted. Further, the outer column 11a of these is supported so as to be movable in the front-rear direction with respect to the support bracket 17a of this example. Further, the steering shaft 2a rotatably supported inside the steering column 4a can be torque-transmitted and expanded / contracted by spline engaging the inner shaft 8 (see FIG. 35) and the outer shaft 9a. It has a combined structure.

Further, in order to form the tilt mechanism, the steering column 4a is supported with respect to the vehicle body 15a so as to be able to swing around the tilt shaft 16a installed in the width direction, and the outer column 11a is supported by the outer column 11a. It is movably supported in the vertical direction with respect to the support bracket 17a.

Further, in the case of the illustrated structure, the outer column 11a is made of a light alloy such as an aluminum alloy or a magnesium alloy, and has a cylindrical shape arranged in the first half of the held portion main body 34 and the second half. The portion 35 is integrally formed in the axial direction. Then, the held portion main body 34 is supported with respect to the support bracket 17a so as to be movable in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction. For this reason, an axial slit 36 extending in the axial direction is formed on the lower surface of the held portion main body 34 in a state where the front end portion thereof is opened to the front end surface of the held portion main body 34. Further, in the lower half portion of the held portion main body 34, the circumferential slits 37a and 37b extending in the circumferential direction are formed in the portion closer to the front end and the portion closer to the rear end, respectively. Of these, the circumferential slit 37a on the front side is formed so as to intersect the portion near the front end of the axial slit 36 in the circumferential direction, whereas the circumferential slit 37b on the rear side is the axial slit. It is formed so as to intersect the rear end portions of 36 in the circumferential direction. Then, in the case of this example, a pair of clamp portions 38 are formed on both side portions in the width direction of the sandwiched portion main body 34 surrounded on three sides by the axial slits 36 and the circumferential slits 37a and 37b. , 38 are formed.

Since the pair of clamp portions 38, 38 are surrounded on three sides by the axial slit 36 and the circumferential slits 37a, 37b, the rigidity in the width direction is lower than that of the other portions. , It can be elastically deformed in the width direction (the inner diameter can be elastically expanded and contracted). Further, the pair of clamp portions 38, 38 have a partially cylindrical inner peripheral surface, and are provided on portions adjacent to both sides of the axial slit 36 in the circumferential direction, and have a shape extending in the axial direction. Have. Further, a flat plate-shaped overhanging plate portion 39, 39 is provided at the lower end portion of the outer surface of the pair of clamp portions 38, 38 in the width direction so as to project outward in the width direction. The outer surfaces of the overhanging plate portions 39, 39 in the width direction are flat pressing surfaces 40, 40. Further, it extends in the width direction between the upper surface of each of the overhanging plate portions 39, 39 and the cylindrical upper end portion to the intermediate portion of the outer surface of the pair of clamp portions 38, 38 in the width direction. A plurality (five in the illustrated example) of the flat plate-shaped reinforcing ribs 51, 51 are provided in a state of being separated in the front-rear direction.

Further, a reinforcing bridge portion 41 is provided integrally with the outer column 11a in a lower portion of the clamped portion main body 34 so as to cover the pair of clamp portions 38, 38 from below. The reinforcing bridge portion 41 is composed of a reinforcing plate portion 42 and a pair of connecting portions 43a and 43b, and the shape seen from the width direction is substantially U-shaped (U-shaped). Of these, the reinforcing plate portion 42 is arranged below the pair of clamp portions 38, 38, and is provided so as to extend in the width direction and the front-rear direction. Further, the reinforcing plate portion 42 is a pair of a flat plate portion 44 arranged parallel to the central axis of the outer column 11a and a pair of the flat plate portions 44 extending downward from the lower surfaces of both end portions in the width direction. It is provided with downward extending portions 45, 45, and is configured to have a substantially U-shaped cross section. Further, a notch 46 penetrating in the vertical direction is formed in the intermediate portion in the width direction of the front end portion of the reinforcing plate portion 42 (flat plate portion 44). Further, between the lower surface of the intermediate portion in the width direction of the flat plate portion 44 and the inner surface surface of the pair of downward extending portions 45, 45 in the width direction, flat plate-shaped reinforcing connecting plates 52, 52 extending in the width direction are provided. , A plurality (three in the illustrated example) are provided in a state of being separated in the front-rear direction.

Further, of the pair of connecting portions 43a and 43b, the connecting portion 43a arranged in front extends upward from both side portions in the width direction (both side portions of the notch 46) of the front end portion of the reinforcing plate portion 42. It is provided in a state, and is provided on the lower surface of the front end portion of the held portion main body 34, which is adjacent to the front side of the circumferential slits 37a and 37b, and on both side portions in the circumferential direction sandwiching the axial slit 36. It is connected. On the other hand, the connecting portion 43b arranged on the rear side is provided so as to extend upward from the rear end portion of the reinforcing plate portion 42, and the shaft of the lower surface of the rear end portion of the sandwiched portion main body 34. It is connected to a portion adjacent to the rear end of the rear end portion of the directional slit 36.

In the case of the illustrated example, by providing the reinforcing bridge portion 41 as described above, the torsional rigidity of the outer column 11a is improved, and between the reinforcing bridge portion 41 and the pair of clamp portions 38, 38. The gaps 47 and 47, which are substantially U-shaped (U-shaped) when viewed from the width direction, are formed, respectively. Among these gaps 47, 47, the pair of clamp portions 38, 38 exist between the tip end portion (lower end portion) and the upper surface of the reinforcing plate portion 42 (flat plate portion 44), respectively. The space extending in the axial direction of the outer column 11a is a telescopic adjusting elongated hole 21a, 21a for inserting the adjusting rod 24 in the width direction.

Further, torque (force in the twisting direction) acting on the outer column 11a is applied to a portion of the outer column 11a on both side surfaces in the width direction, which is separated in the vertical direction by sandwiching the pair of clamp portions 38, 38. A pair of torque transmission surfaces 49a and 49b for transmitting to the inner surfaces of the pair of support plate portions 22a and 22a constituting the support bracket 17a are provided, respectively.

Of the pair of torque transmission surfaces 49a and 49b, in order to form the torque transmission surfaces 49a and 49a on the upper side, the outer column 11a (holding portion main body 34) has both side surfaces in the width direction in the vertical direction. At a portion overlapping the central axis of the outer column 11a, linear ridges 50a and 50a that project outward in the width direction and are long in the axial direction of the outer column 11a are provided. The outer surfaces of the ridges 50a and 50a in the width direction are flat surfaces, and the torque transmission surfaces 49a and 49a on the upper side are used. On the other hand, in order to form the torque transmission surfaces 49b and 49b on the lower side, the outer column is projected outward in the width direction at the lower end of each of the lower extending portions 45 and 45 in the width direction. Linear ridges 50b and 50b that are long in the axial direction of 11a are provided. The outer surfaces of the ridges 50b and 50b in the width direction are flat surfaces, and the lower torque transmission surfaces 49b and 49b are used. Therefore, each of the pair of torque transmission surfaces 49a and 49a has a shape extending in the axial direction of the outer column 11a, and is related to the width direction as compared with the pair of clamp portions 38 and 38. The rigidity is high enough. Further, in the vertical intermediate portion (above each of the ridge portions 50b, 50b) of the outer surfaces of the downward extending portions 45, 45 in the width direction, a recess 53 recessed inward in the width direction, A plurality of 53 (six in the illustrated example) are provided in a state of being separated in the front-rear direction.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, in a state where no external force is applied to the outer column 11a, the width dimension Ha between the torque transmission surfaces 49a and 49a on the upper side and the torque transmission surfaces 49b and 49b on the lower side are each other. The width dimension Hb of the above pair and the width dimension Hc of the pressing surfaces 40, 40 of the pair of clamp portions 38, 38 are the same as each other (Ha = Hb = Hc). Therefore, the pair of torque transmission surfaces 49a and 49b on one side in the width direction and the pressing surface 40 located between the pair of torque transmission surfaces 49a and 49b are positioned on the same virtual plane. A pair of torque transmission surfaces 49a and 49b on the other side in the width direction and a pressing surface 40 located between the pair of torque transmission surfaces 49a and 49b are located on the same virtual plane. When it is necessary to increase the clamping force of the pair of clamp portions 38, 38, the width dimension Hc can be made larger than the width dimensions Ha and Hb (Hc> Ha = Hb). ..

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the front-rear direction dimensions (X, Z) of the pair of torque transmission surfaces 49a and 49b are made larger than the front-rear direction dimensions (Y) of the pressing surface 40 (X>. Y, Z> Y). Further, the front-rear direction dimensions (X, Z) of the pair of torque transmission surfaces 49a and 49b are almost the same (X≈Z). As a result, the distance from the central portion of the pair of telescopic adjusting elongated holes 21a and 21a in the front-rear direction to the front end edge portion of the pair of torque transmission surfaces 49a and 49b and the pressing surface 40 and the rear end edge portion. The distances are made to be almost the same.

However, in the case of carrying out this example, the adjustment lever 26 is operated even when the front-rear position of the steering wheel 1 (see FIGS. 34 to 36) is changed by offsetting the pressing surface 40 in the axial direction. The force can be made difficult to change. Specifically, when the steering wheel 1 is displaced to the rear side as much as possible, the fitting allowance between the rear end portion of the inner column 10a and the front end portion of the outer column 11a becomes short. Therefore, the pressing surface 40 tightens the rear end side portion of the inner column 10a, but since the rear end side portion of the inner column 10a has lower rigidity than the intermediate portion, the tightening reaction force is high. It becomes low, and the operating force of the adjusting lever 26 becomes low. Therefore, by offsetting the pressing surface 40 forward, it is possible to press the intermediate portion of the inner column 10a having a higher rigidity than the rear end side portion, and the tightening reaction force can be increased. Further, even when the steering wheel 1 is moved forward to increase the fitting allowance between the inner column 10a and the outer column 11a, the rigidity of the inner column 10a changes little and the tightening reaction force changes. It becomes difficult. As a result, even when the front-rear position of the steering wheel 1 is changed, the change in the operating force of the adjusting lever 26 can be suppressed.

Further, in the illustrated example, the upper ends of the pair of connecting portions 43a and 43b constituting the reinforcing bridge portion 41 are continuous with both ends in the front-rear direction of the ridge portions 50a and 50a, respectively. However, in the case of this example, the outer surfaces of the pair of connecting portions 43a and 43b in the width direction are located inside the pair of torque transmission surfaces 49a and 49b and the pressing surfaces 40 and 40 in the width direction. (Offset). As a result, the inner side surfaces of the pair of support plate portions 22a and 22a constituting the support bracket 17a described later do not come into contact with the outer surfaces of the pair of connecting portions 43a and 43b in the width direction.

The outer column 11a of this example has the above-described configuration, but since the shape of the outer column 11a is complicated, the basic configuration is viewed from another viewpoint. I will add a brief explanation of the case. In the outer column 11a of this example, a pair of sandwiched plate portions are integrally provided with the outer column 11a in a state where the axial slits 36 are sandwiched from both sides in the width direction, and both of the sandwiched plate portions are provided. The tip portions (lower end portions) are connected to each other in the width direction (by a portion corresponding to the reinforcing plate portion 42). Further, the outer surfaces of these two sandwiched plate portions in the width direction are each formed as a substantially flat surface-like tightening surface. Then, substantially U-shaped gaps (slits) 47 and 47 that communicate with the inner peripheral surface of the outer column 11a are formed at substantially the center positions of the respective tightening surfaces, and are surrounded by the respective gaps 47 and 47. These portions are the pair of clamp portions 38, 38. Further, the upper side and the lower side of each of the fastening surfaces are the torque transmission surfaces 49a and 49a, respectively.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 13 to 18, the support bracket 17a is made of a metal plate made of steel or an aluminum alloy, and has a mounting plate portion 54a and a pair of support plate portions 22a, 22a. It is composed of and. When the support bracket 17a is made of steel, the thickness dimension can be 1.3 to 2.6 mm (for example, 2.6 mm).
Of these, the mounting plate portion 54a is formed by pressing one plate-shaped member, and is provided at the bridge plate portion 55a provided at the center portion in the width direction and at both ends in the width direction 1 It is composed of a pair of side plate portions 56a and 56a.
Of these, the bridge plate portion 55a has a substantially U-shape with both sides open downward and in the front-rear direction. Specifically, the bridge plate portion 55a has a distance between the central plate portion 57 provided parallel to the width direction and the width direction from both end edges of the central plate portion 57 in the width direction toward the outside in the width direction. It is composed of a pair of laterally inclined plate portions 58, 58 provided in a state of being inclined in a direction of increasing (downward). Further, these pairs of laterally inclined plate portions 58, 58 have a larger length dimension in the front-rear direction toward the outside in the width direction. The front end portions of the pair of laterally inclined plate portions 58, 58 are located on the front side of the front end portion of the central plate portion 57, and the front overhanging portions 97, 97 are provided in the portion. There is. On the other hand, in the front-rear direction, the rear end edge of the central plate portion 57 and the rear end edge of the pair of laterally inclined plate portions 58, 58 are present on the same plane. Therefore, the anteroposterior dimension of the pair of laterally inclined plate portions 58, 58 is larger than the anteroposterior dimension of the central plate portion 57. In the case of this example, the central plate portion 57 is the continuous plate portion described in the claims, and the pair of laterally inclined plate portions 58, 58 are the pair described in the claims. Each corresponds to an inclined plate portion.

The pair of side plate portions 56a, 56a are fixed portions (support portions) fixed to the mounting surface of the vehicle body, have a substantially rectangular plate shape, and both ends in the width direction of the bridge plate portion 55a (the 1). It is provided in a state of extending outward in the width direction from the pair of laterally inclined plate portions 58, 58 (outer edge in the width direction). Therefore, the length dimension of the pair of side plate portions 56a, 56a in the front-rear direction is larger than the dimension of the central plate portion 57 in the same direction. Locking cutouts 59 and 59 are formed in such a pair of side plate portions 56a and 56a so as to be open to the trailing end edge. Locking capsules 18a fixed to the vehicle body 15a by fixing members such as bolts or studs are locked in the locking notches 59 and 59 in the assembled state. In this way, the support bracket 17a is normally supported with respect to the vehicle body 15a, but in the event of a collision, the support bracket 17a is displaced forward based on the impact of the secondary collision, and is in front of the outer column 11a. It is designed to allow displacement to.

The mounting plate portion 54a having the above configuration has the rigidity of the bridge plate portion 55a higher than the rigidity of the pair of side plate portions 56a, 56a. For this reason, in the case of this example, the rear rib 60 having a semicircular cross section that is long in the width direction, convex on the upper side, and concave on the lower side is formed in the portion near the rear end of the bridge plate portion 55a and the intermediate portion in the front-rear direction. It is formed in a state of being separated from the front rib 61 in the front-rear direction.
Specifically, the widthwise both ends of the rear rib 60 are larger than the widthwise both ends of the bridge plate portion 55a (the widthwise outer edge of the pair of laterally inclined plate portions 58, 58). It is formed in a state where it is located outside in the width direction. That is, both ends in the width direction of the rear rib 60 are positioned at the inner ends in the width direction of the pair of side plate portions 56a and 56a. In other words, the rear rib 60, the said bridge plate portion 55a 1 pair of side plate portions 56a, are formed in a state straddling the 56a. In the case of this example, of the rear ribs 60, one of the widthwise end edge of the bridge plate portion 55a and the pair of side plate portions 56a, 56a (right side of FIG. 15, left side of FIG. 16). ) Is located in a continuous portion (bent portion) with the side plate portion 56a, or of the rear rib 60, the widthwise end edge of the bridge plate portion 55a and the pair of side plate portions 56a, 56a. The portion of the other (left side of FIG. 15 and right side of FIG. 16) located in the continuous portion with the side plate portion 56a is the reinforcing portion of one of the pair of reinforcing portions described in the claims. Equivalent to.

On the other hand, the front rib 61 has a shorter length dimension in the width direction than the rear rib 60, and both end edges in the width direction are the width end edges of the mounting plate portion 54a (the pair of lateral edges). It is formed in a state of being located inside the inclined plate portions 58, 58 in the width direction from the outer edge in the width direction). That is, the front rib 61 is formed only on the bridge plate portion 55a.
With the above configuration, the rigidity of the bridge plate portion 55a is made higher than the rigidity of the pair of side plate portions 56a, 56a. Specifically, in the case of this example, since the rear rib 60 and the front rib 61 are formed in a state of being long in the width direction, the rigidity of the bridge plate portion 55a in the width direction (the pair of the above). The bending rigidity of the laterally inclined plate portions 58, 58 so as to bring them closer to each other) can be increased. Further, in the case of this example, since the rear rib 60 and the front rib 61 are provided in a state of being separated in the front-rear direction, the front end portion (rear end portion) of the bridge plate portion 55a is also the rear end portion. It is also possible to increase the rigidity against a force that causes the portion (front end portion) to be displaced in the vertical direction.

Further, the front end portions of the outer end portions in the width direction of the pair of laterally inclined plate portions 58, 58 constituting the bridge plate portion 55a (front overhanging portions 97, 97, which are front portions of the front rib 61), In a continuous portion (bent portion) of the pair of side plate portions 56a, 56a with the front end portion of the inner end portion in the width direction, the pair of laterally inclined plate portions 58, 58 and the pair of side plate portions 56a , 56a are crossed (straddled) to form a pair of side ribs 62, 62 having a concave lower side and a convex upper side. The widthwise dimensions of the pair of side plate portions 56a, 56a are sufficiently smaller than the dimensions of the rear rib 60 and the front rib 61 in the same direction, and the pair of side ribs 62, 62 are the continuous portions. It is provided only in the vicinity of. In the case of this example, these pairs of side ribs 62, 62 correspond to the other reinforcing portion of the pair of reinforcing portions described in the claims. Depending on the structure of the bridge plate portion 55a, the other reinforcing portion and the other second reinforcing portion may be formed in a state of being continuous in the width direction as in the above-mentioned rear rib 60. it can.
The pair of side ribs 62, 62 having the above configuration and both ends in the width direction of the rear rib 60 make both ends in the width direction of the bridge plate portion 55a (the pair of laterally inclined plate portions 58). , 58 in the width direction) and the rigidity of the continuous portion between the pair of side plate portions 56a and 56a in the width direction (for example, the front end portion or the rear end portion of the bridge plate portion 55a is upward. Alternatively, the rigidity against twisting with respect to the pair of side plate portions 56a, 56a is increased so as to be displaced downward. It is also possible to provide only one side rib 62 of the pair of side ribs 62, 62 and omit the other side rib 62.

Further, at the inner end portion of the pair of side plate portions 56a, 56a in the width direction, the pair of side plate portions 56a, 56a are vertically elongated in the front-rear direction at a portion that matches the front rib 61 in the front-rear direction. A pair of mounting-side slits 63, 63 having rounded rectangular shapes are formed so as to penetrate in the direction. In other words, at the inner ends in the width direction of the pair of side plate portions 56a, 56a, both ends in the width direction of the rear rib 60 and the pair of side ribs 62, 62 in the front-rear direction. The pair of mounting side slits 63, 63 penetrating the pair of side plate portions 56a, 56a in the vertical direction are formed in the intervening portion. In the case of this example, these pairs of mounting side slits 63, 63 correspond to the first slit described in the claims.

Further, as shown in FIG. 20A, the positions of the widthwise outer edge of the pair of mounting side slits 63, 63 are set to the widthwise outer edge of the rear rib 60 and the pair of side ribs 62. , 62 is located outside the width direction outer edge of 62. On the other hand, in the width direction, the widthwise inner edge of the pair of mounting side slits 63, 63 is the widthwise outer edge of the rear rib 60 and the widthwise outer edge of the pair of side ribs 62, 62. It is located inside in the width direction. As shown in FIG. 20B, with respect to the width direction, the widthwise outer edge of the pair of mounting side slits 63, 63 is the widthwise outer edge of the rear rib 60 and the pair. It can also be matched with the outer edge of the side ribs 62 and 62 in the width direction. Further, the front-rear direction dimension, the width direction dimension and the shape of the pair of mounting side slits 63, 63 are set in relation to the rigidity of the pair of side plate portions 56a, 56a. Further, the positions of the pair of mounting side slits 63, 63 in the front-rear direction can be changed within the range between both ends in the width direction of the rear rib 60 and the pair of side ribs 62, 62. .. Further, it is also possible to provide only one of the pair of mounting side slits 63 and 63 on the mounting side slit 63 and omit the other mounting side slit 63. Further, instead of the pair of mounting side slits 63, 63, a recess that is long in the front-rear direction can be formed. Further, instead of the pair of mounting side slits 63, 63, or recesses long in the front-rear direction, through holes or recesses formed in a state of being separated in the front-rear direction, in the front-rear direction described in the claims. A long first slit or recess can also be constructed.

The pair of support plate portions 22a, 22a is provided so as to hang down from the mounting plate portion 54a and sandwich the front end portions (holding portion main body 34 and reinforcing bridge portion 41) of the outer column 11a from both sides in the width direction. ing.
Specifically, in the case of this example, the pair of support plate portions 22a and 22a are one plate-like member long in the vertical direction, and the support plate main bodies 64 and 64 and the reinforcing portions 65 and 65 are It is composed of welding ears 66 and 66.
Of these, the support plate main bodies 64, 64 are plate-shaped members parallel to each other in the vertical direction, are at positions facing each other in the width direction (positions that are aligned with each other), and the pair of elongated holes for telescopic adjustment 21a. A pair of elongated tilt adjusting holes 23a and 23a, which are long in the vertical direction, are formed in a portion of the 21a that matches a part in the front-rear direction.

Each of the reinforcing portions 65, 65 is formed by a convex shape on the outside in the width direction and a concave shape on the inside in the width direction, which is long in the vertical direction. Such reinforcing portions 65, 65 are formed by, for example, press working. Further, the rear end edges of the reinforcing portions 65, 65 are continuous with the front end edges of the support plate main bodies 64, 64. On the other hand, the front edge 85 {see FIG. 19 (a)} of each of these reinforcing portions 65, 65 is a free end that does not connect to other members and faces inward in the width direction. In this state, the outer surfaces of the reinforcing portions 65, 65 in the width direction are located outside the outer surfaces in the width direction of the support plate main bodies 64, 64 in the width direction, and the inner surfaces in the width direction (the support plates). The inner side surface in the width direction of the continuous portion with the main bodies 64 and 64) is located outside the inner side surface in the width direction of each of the support plate main bodies 64 and 64 in the width direction. Further, the front edge 85 of each of the reinforcing portions 65, 65 is located outside the inner side surface in the width direction of the support plate main bodies 64, 64 in the width direction. In this way, in the state where the position of the steering wheel 1 can be adjusted (unlocked state) and the state where the steering wheel 1 can be held at the adjusted position (locked state), the reinforcing portions 65, The front end edge 85 of 65 is prevented from contacting the pressing surfaces 40, 40 and the pair of torque transmitting surfaces 49a, 49b of the outer column 11a.
Further, the upper end edges of the reinforcing portions 65, 65 are located below the upper end edges of the support plate main bodies 64, 64 by the amount of the front-rear direction slits 72 described later.
By providing the reinforcing portions 65, 65 as described above, as compared with the case where the portions provided with the reinforcing portions 65, 65 are formed in a flat plate shape similar to the support plate main bodies 64, 64. Therefore, the section modulus in the width direction of the portion is high. As a result, the flexural rigidity (torsional strength) of the support plate portions 22a and 22a is increased as compared with the case where the reinforcing portions 65 and 65 are not provided.
In the case of this example, the reinforcing portion is provided at the front end portion of the support bracket, but it can also be provided at the rear end portion. Further, the reinforcing portion may be provided not only at the front end portion or the rear end portion of the support bracket but also at the intermediate portion in the front-rear direction.

The reinforcing portion is not limited to the above-mentioned shape {see FIG. 19 (a)}. For example, a reinforcing portion having a shape as schematically shown in FIG. 19 can be adopted. Specifically, the reinforcing portion 65a of FIG. 19B passes through the central axis of the outer column 11a in the assembled state, and is a virtual plane orthogonal to the support plate main bodies 64, 64 (paper surface of FIG. 19). The cross-sectional shape is an abbreviation shape with a convex shape on the outside in the width direction and a concave shape on the inside in the width direction. Specifically, the first reinforcing element 67 in which the reinforcing portion 65a is inclined toward the front side (lower side in FIG. 19) toward the outer side in the width direction (left side in FIG. 19), and the first reinforcing element 67. It is composed of a second reinforcing element 68 formed in a state of extending (bending) inward in the width direction from the front end edge of the. In such a reinforcing portion 65a, the rear end edge of the first reinforcing element 67 is continuous with the front end edges of the support plate main bodies 64, 64. Then, in the case of the structure shown in FIG. 19B, the widthwise inner end edge (right end edge in FIG. 19) of the second reinforcing element 68 is wider than the widthwise inner side surfaces of the support plate main bodies 64 and 64. It is located outside the direction.

Further, the reinforcing portion 65b in FIG. 19C has a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional shape with respect to the virtual plane, which is convex on the outside in the width direction and concave on the inside in the width direction. Specifically, the first reinforcing element 69 formed in a state in which the reinforcing portion 65b extends (bent) outward in the width direction from the front end edges of the respective support plate main bodies 64, 64, and the first The second reinforcing element 70 formed in a state of extending (bent) at a right angle to the front from the reinforcing element 69, and extending (bent) at a right angle inward in the width direction from the front end edge of the second reinforcing element 70. It is composed of a third reinforcing element 71 formed in the state. Then, in the case of the structure shown in FIG. 19C, the widthwise inner end edge (right end edge in FIG. 19) of the third reinforcing element 71 is wider than the widthwise inner side surfaces of the support plate main bodies 64 and 64. It is located outside the direction.

Further, the reinforcing portion 65c in FIG. 19D has a substantially L-shaped cross-sectional shape with respect to the virtual plane. Specifically, the first reinforcing element 69 formed in a state in which the reinforcing portion 65c extends (bent) outward in the width direction from the front end edges of the respective support plate main bodies 64, 64, and the first It is composed of a second reinforcing element 70 formed in a state of extending (bending) at a right angle to the front from the reinforcing element 69.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 19 (e) and 19 (f), the reinforcing portions 65d and 65e can be formed by the plate-shaped portions having a thicknesser in the width direction than the support plate main bodies 64 and 64. Of these, the reinforcing portion 65d shown in FIG. 19E does not change in thickness in the vertical direction and the front-rear direction. Further, the inner side surfaces in the width direction of the support plate main bodies 64 and 64 and the inner side surfaces in the width direction of the reinforcing portion 65d are present on the same surface.
On the other hand, the reinforcing portion 65e shown in FIG. 19 (f) has a larger thickness dimension toward the front over the entire length in the vertical direction. In this case, the inner side surface in the width direction of each of the support plate main bodies 64, 64 and the inner side surface in the width direction of the reinforcing portion 65e are present on the same surface, and the outer surface in the width direction of the reinforcing portion 65e is set to the front side. It is tilted toward the outside in the width direction toward. In the illustrated example, the reinforcing portions 65d and 65e are provided integrally with the respective support plate main bodies 64 and 64, but for example, a rod shape having a substantially rectangular cross section with respect to the virtual plane provided separately. (Or plate-shaped) members or substantially triangular rod-shaped (or plate-shaped) members are provided at two points on the front end portions {FIGS. 19 (e) and (f) of the outer surfaces of the support plate bodies 64 and 64 in the width direction. It is also possible to have a structure in which the portion indicated by the chain line} is joined by welding. Further, the front end portion of each support board book bodies 64 and 64 folded 180 degrees backwards, the folded portion can also be a reinforcing portion.
As described above, as the structure of the reinforcing portion, various structures capable of increasing the cross-sectional coefficient in the width direction as compared with the case where the reinforcing portion is not provided (the front end portions of the support plate main bodies 64 and 64) are used. Can be adopted.

The welding ear portions 66, 66 are directed upward in the width direction toward the upper side of the support plate portions 22a, 22a (the support plate main bodies 64, 64 and the reinforcing portions 65, 65). It is provided in a state of being inclined in the direction. Each of the welding ears 66, 66 has a portion of the lower end edge that matches the support plate main bodies 64, 64 in the front-rear direction, and is continuous with the upper end edges of the support plate main bodies 64, 64. There is. On the other hand, between the lower end edges of the welding ears 66, 66 that match the reinforcing portions 65, 65 in the front-rear direction and the upper end edges of the reinforcing portions 65, 65, both ends in the width direction. And front and rear slits 72 and 72 with an open front side are provided. Therefore, the lower end edges of the welding ears 66, 66 and the upper end edges of the reinforcing portions 65, 65 are not continuous (separated).

Further, of the pair of support plate portions 22a, 22a, in the front-rear direction, between the elongated holes 23a, 23a for tilt adjustment and the reinforcing portions 65, 65, and these reinforcing portions 65, Vertical slits 73, 73 that are long in the vertical direction and penetrate in the width direction are formed in a portion adjacent to the 65 (the boundary position between the support plate main bodies 64, 64 and the reinforcing portions 65, 65).

Specifically, the vertical slits 73, 73 are formed by hanging the reinforcing portions 65, 65 from the upper end portion to the lower end portion. In other words, the pair of vertical slits 73, 73 is tilted with respect to the vertical direction of the boundary positions between the support plate main bodies 64, 64 and the reinforcing portions 65, 65. It is formed by hanging from a portion located above the elongated holes 23a and 23a to a portion located below. However, in the case of this example, the vertical slits 73, 73 so that the upper ends and the lower ends of the vertical slits 73, 73 do not reach the upper ends and the lower ends of the support plate main bodies 64, 64. The vertical positions of the upper end and lower end of 73 and 73 are regulated. Preferably, although the structure is different from the structure shown in each figure, in the assembled state, the upper end portions and the lower end portions of the vertical slits 73, 73 have the pair of torque transmission surfaces 49a in the vertical direction. It is regulated so that it is located between 49b.

Each of the vertical slits 73 and 73 has a width of an upper slit 74 having a substantially circular shape when viewed from the width direction and an elliptical lower slit 75 whose shape when viewed from the width direction is long in the front-rear direction. The shape seen from the direction is linear, and the upper slit 74 and the lower slit 75 are formed by an intermediate slit 76 which is continuous in the vertical direction.
Such vertical slits 73, 73 are for appropriately lowering the rigidity around the pair of elongated tilt adjusting holes 23a, 23a. Further, the upper slit 74 and the lower slit 75 can prevent stress from concentrating around the slits 74 and 75.
The positions of the vertical slits 73 and 73 in the front-rear direction are not limited to the case of this example. For example, when the distance between the reinforcing portions 65, 65 and the pair of elongated holes 23a, 23a for tilt adjustment in the front-rear direction is large, the vertical slits 73, 73 are adjusted by tilting the pair. It can also be formed closer to the long holes 23a and 23a. In this case, preferably, the vertical slit is superimposed on the pair of pressing portions {for example, the driven side cam 90 (see FIG. 36) and the pressing plate 87} of the pair of support plate portions in the width direction. Form in a position that does not.

The upper end edges of the pair of support plate portions 22a and 22a having the above configuration are fixed to the outer end portion in the width direction of the lower side surface of the bridge plate portion 55a constituting the mounting plate portion 54a. That is, the upper end edges of the pair of support plate portions 22a and 22a have relatively high rigidity among the bridge plate portion 55a constituting the mounting plate portion 54a and the pair of side plate portions 56a and 56a. It is coupled and fixed to the bridge plate portion 55a (the pair of laterally inclined plate portions 58, 58 constituting the bridge plate portion 55a). The upper end edges of the pair of support plate portions 22a, 22a can also be fixed (for example, welded and fixed) to the pair of side plate portions 56a, 56a. In this case, the upper end edges of the pair of support plate portions 22a, 22a are placed on the inner portion of the pair of side plate portions 56a, 56a in the width direction of the pair of mounting side slits 63, 63. Try to fix it.

Specifically, in the case of this example, the pair of support plate portions 22a, 22a has the outer surfaces of the welding ear portions 66, 66 in the width direction on the pair of sides constituting the bridge plate portion 55a. The lower end of the outer side surface of each of the welding ears 66, 66 in the width direction is brought into contact with the lower end of the inner side surface of the widthwise inclined plates 58, 58, and the pair of laterally inclined plates It is welded and fixed to the outer edge of the portions 58 and 58 in the width direction. In other words, the lower end of the outer surface of each of the welding ears 66, 66 in the width direction and the outer edge (lower end edge) of the pair of laterally inclined plate portions 58, 58 in the width direction. , Joined via welds 77, 77. It should be noted that the upper end edges of the respective welding ears 66, 66 can be joined to the inner side surfaces of the pair of lateral inclined plate portions 58, 58 in the width direction by welding (via the welded portions).
As in this example, only the configuration in which the pair of support plate portions 22a and 22a are fixed to the mounting plate portion 54a (the bridge plate portion 55a or the pair of side plate portions 56a and 56a) by welding is sufficient. Instead, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the pair of support plate portions 22a and 22a and the mounting plate portion 54a are integrally provided. When such a configuration is adopted, preferably, the upper end edges of the pair of support plate portions 22a, 22a are attached to the mounting plate portion 54a (the bridge plate portion 55a or the pair of side plate portions 56a, Make it continuous with a part of 56a).

Further, in the case of this example, the adjusting rod 24 is inserted into the pair of telescopic adjusting elongated holes 21a and 21a and the pair of tilt adjusting elongated holes 23a and 23a in the width direction.
The adjusting rod 24 is provided at one end in the width direction (axial direction), a male screw portion 91 (see FIG. 36), a head 92 provided at the other end in the axial direction, and an intermediate portion in the width direction. It includes a shaft portion 93. Then, the adjusting rod 24 having such a configuration is inserted into the pair of telescopic elongated holes 21a and 21a and the pair of tilt adjusting elongated holes 23a and 23a. Then, among the shaft portions 93 of the adjustment rod 24, the pressing outerly fitted to the outer portion in the width direction of one of the pair of support plate portions 22a and 22a (right side in FIG. 2). The engaging piece 88 of the plate 87 (see FIG. 36) is engaged with the tilt adjusting elongated hole 23a formed in the one support plate portion 22a so as not to rotate relative to each other. Further, of the shaft portion 93 of the adjustment rod 24 (shaft portion), the drive-side cam 89 (FIG. 36) surrounds the portion of the shaft portion 93 protruding in the width direction from the outer surface of the support plate portion 22a of the other (left side in FIG. 2). A cam device 78 and an adjusting lever 26 including a driven side cam 90 and a driven side cam 90 are provided. As a result, based on the swing operation of the adjusting lever 26, the drive side cam 89 constituting the cam device 78 is rotated relative to the driven side cam 90, whereby the width dimension (axis) of the cam device 78 is rotated. (Directional dimension) is scaled.

Further, the illustrated steering device is used by incorporating a steering lock device, which is a kind of anti-theft device for vehicles. For this reason, a locking through hole 33 that penetrates in the radial direction is formed in the cylindrical portion 35 that constitutes the latter half of the outer column 11a. Further, a fixing portion 80 for supporting and fixing a lock unit (not shown) is provided on a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 35 that is separated from the locking through hole 33 in the circumferential direction. Then, using the pair of mounting flanges 81, 81 constituting the fixing portion 80, the lock unit is supported and fixed around the lock through hole 33, and a part of the steering shaft 2a. A key lock collar (not shown) is externally fitted and fixed (press-fitted) to a portion where the phase of the lock unit and the axial direction match. Then, when the ignition key is turned off, the tip of the lock pin constituting the lock unit is displaced toward the inner diameter side of the outer column 11a, and the key lock recess formed on the outer peripheral surface of the key lock collar. Engage in. As a result, the rotation of the steering shaft 2a is substantially disabled. In addition, to make it practically impossible, when the key is locked, the steering wheel 1 (see FIGS. 34 and 36) is set to a predetermined value or more (key lock regulation) with the key lock recess and the tip of the lock pin engaged. When rotated by a force (exceeding the value specified by), it means that the steering shaft 2a is allowed to rotate with respect to the key lock collar and, by extension, the steering column 4a. However, the steering shaft 2a does not rotate with a force sufficient to operate the steering wheel 1 in a normal driving posture in order to impart a desired steering angle to the steering wheels.

In the case of this example having the above configuration, in order to hold the steering wheel 1 in a desired position (when switching from the unlocked state to the locked state), after moving the steering wheel 1 to the desired position. , The adjusting lever 26 is rotated in a predetermined direction (generally upward) about the adjusting rod 24. Then, by expanding the width dimension of the cam device 78, the distance between the inner side surfaces of the pair of support plate portions 22a, 22a is shortened. At this time, in the case of this example, the inner surfaces of the pair of support plate portions 22a and 22a allow the pair of torque transmission surfaces 49a and 49b and the lower end portions of the pair of clamp portions 38 and 38. The pressing surfaces 40 and 40 formed on the (tip portion) are pressed. Then, the pair of support plate portions 22a, 22a in the vertical direction intermediate portion and the pair of clamp portions 38, 38 are bent inward in the width direction (elastically deformed) to form the inner column 10a. Elastically sandwich (hold) the outer peripheral surface. As a result, the steering wheel 1 can be held in the adjusted position. At this time, regardless of the position in the front-rear direction of the steering wheel 1, the front end edges 85 of the reinforcing portions 65, 65 provided on the support plate portions 22a, 22a form the pair of torque transmission surfaces 49a, 49b, and It is not in contact with the pressing surfaces 40, 40.

On the other hand, when adjusting the position of the steering wheel 1 (when switching from the locked state to the unlocked state), the adjusting lever 26 is shaken in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction (generally downward). Move it. Then, by reducing the width dimension of the cam device 78, the distance between the inner side surfaces of the pair of support plate portions 22a, 22a is widened. As a result, the pressing force of the pair of support plate portions 22a, 22a is reduced, so that the width dimension of the pair of clamp portions 38, 38 elastically expands, and the force for holding the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 10a. Decreases. In this state, the steering wheel 1 is positioned in the front-rear direction and up and down within a range in which the adjusting rod 24 can move within the pair of telescopic adjusting elongated holes 21a and 21a and the pair of tilt adjusting elongated holes 23a and 23a. The position can be adjusted.

In particular, according to the steering device of this example, even if the accuracy of the pair of side plate portions 56a, 56a or the mounting surface (not shown) on the vehicle body side is not sufficient, the influence of this accuracy is affected by the pair of support plates. It is possible to prevent the parts 22a and 22a from being covered.
The reason for this will be explained in detail below.
As described above, for example, the mounting surface on the vehicle body side is inclined (H-shaped) with respect to the width direction (left-right direction in FIG. 2) as shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. ) In the assembled state, the pair of side plate portions 56a, 56a are also inclined in the width direction following the mounting surface of the vehicle body, as shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. When the influence of the inclination of the pair of side plate portions 56a, 56a extends to the pair of support plate portions 22a, 22a, the lower ends of the pair of support plate portions 22a, 22a approach each other. Tilt (deform) to. As a result, the pair of support plate portions 22a, 22a abut on the outer column 11a at a portion different from the portion that should originally abut, or the holding force of the pair of clamp portions 38, 38 changes. As a result, the operability when adjusting the position of the steering wheel 1 may be deteriorated.
Therefore, in the case of this example, first, the rigidity of the bridge plate portion 55a constituting the mounting plate portion 54a is made higher than the rigidity of the pair of side plate portions 56a, 56a, and the rigidity of these pair of side plate portions is increased. The mounting side slits 63 and 63 are formed at the inner end portions of the 56a and 56a in the width direction (near the continuous portion with the bridge plate portion 55a). Therefore, these pairs of side plate portions 56a and 56a are inclined (deformed) with the portions where the mounting side slits 63 and 63 are formed as fulcrums, and the inclination (outer end side portion in the width direction) is inclined. The influence of (deformation so as to be displaced in the vertical direction) is less likely to reach the bridge plate portion 55a.
Further, in the case of this example, the pair of support plate portions 22a and 22a are joined to the bridge plate portion 55a by welding via the respective welding ear portions 66 and 66. That is, the pair of support plate portions 22a, 22a is not the pair of side plate portions 56a, 56a, but has high rigidity and is not easily affected by the inclination (deformation) of the pair of side plate portions 56a, 56a. It is directly coupled and fixed to the bridge plate portion 55a. With such a configuration, the influence of the inclination (deformation) of the pair of side plate portions 56a, 56a does not reach (and is difficult to) affect the pair of support plate portions 22a, 22a.

Further, in the case of this example, the upper end edges of the reinforcing portions 65, 65 having high rigidity among the pair of support plate portions 22a, 22a are not connected to the mounting plate portion 54a (the bridge plate portion 55a). Therefore, the pair of support plate portions 22a and 22a are likely to bend with respect to the mounting plate portion 54a (the bridge plate portion 55a). Therefore, even if the bridge plate portion 55a is deformed based on the inclination (deformation) of the pair of side plate portions 56a, 56a, the influence of the deformation of the bridge plate portion 55a is affected by the deformation of the pair. Support plate portions 22a, 22a can be made difficult to receive.

Further, according to this example, it is possible to both secure the strength of the outer column 11a and secure the holding force of the inner column 10a.
That is, in the case of this example, the pair of clamp portions 38, 38 for elastically sandwiching the outer peripheral surfaces of the inner column 10a on both sides of the outer column 11a in the width direction, and, for example, a steering lock device. The torque acting on the outer column 11a when the steering wheel 1 is operated with a large force while the steering wheel 1 is operated is applied to the inner surfaces of the pair of support plate portions 22a and 22a constituting the support bracket 17a. The torque transmission surfaces 49a and 49b for transmission are provided separately and independently. Therefore, it is sufficient for the pair of clamp portions 38, 38 to exert only the function of sandwiching the inner column 10a, and it is not necessary to secure the strength more than necessary, so that the pair of clamp portions 38, 38 can be greatly bent in the width direction. Become. On the other hand, the torque transmission surfaces 49a and 49b need only be able to exert the function of transmitting torque, and do not need to be greatly bent in the width direction. As a result, according to the steering device of this example, it is possible to secure both the strength of the outer column 11a and the holding force of the inner column 10a.

Further, in the case of this example, in order to hold the steering wheel 1 in a desired position, the pair of clamp portions 38, 38 are bent by the inner surfaces of the pair of support plate portions 22a, 22a. In this state, the inner side surfaces of the pair of support plate portions 22a, 22a are formed in portions having higher rigidity in the width direction than the pair of clamp portions 38, 38, and the pair of torque transmission surfaces 49a. , 49b is in contact (pressed). Therefore, the support rigidity of the outer column 11a can be increased. Further, the pair of torque transmission surfaces 49a and 49b for transmitting (bearing) the torque acting on the outer column 11a are provided in a portion where the distance from the central axis of the outer column 11a is large. Therefore, the force acting on the pair of torque transmission surfaces 49a and 49b can be suppressed to a low level, and sufficient strength can be secured on the pair of torque transmission surfaces 49a and 49b.

In the case of this example, the pair of support plate portions 22a and 22a are provided with the reinforcing portions 65 and 65, respectively. Therefore, the bending rigidity of the pair of support plate portions 22a and 22a with respect to the torque acting from the outer column 11a (the pair of torque transmission surfaces 49a and 49b) can be increased. As a result, it is possible to prevent the pair of support plate portions 22a and 22a from being plastically deformed (with the pair of torque transmission surfaces 49a and 49b as fulcrums and being largely bent in a dogleg shape) based on the torque. The vibration rigidity when holding the outer column 11a is increased, and the outer column 11a can be stably held. In particular, even when the thickness dimension of the support bracket 17a is reduced, the rigidity of the pair of support plate portions 22a and 22a can be ensured by providing the reinforcing portions 65 and 65, resulting in weight reduction and high height. It is possible to achieve both rigidity (improvement of durability).
Further, as described above, of the pair of support plate portions 22a and 22a, the pair of torque transmissions are provided to the highly rigid portions that are separated upward and downward from the vertical slits 73 and 73 in the vertical direction. If the outer columns 11a are brought into contact with the surfaces 49a and 49b, the support rigidity of the outer column 11a can be increased regardless of the presence of the vertical slits 73 and 73.

Further, in the case of this example, the vertical slits 73, 73 are provided in a continuous portion between the support plate main bodies 64, 64 constituting the pair of support plate portions 22a, 22a and the reinforcing portions 65, 65. Is forming. Therefore, of the pair of support plate portions 22a and 22a, portions existing between the vertical slits 73 and 73 and the pair of elongated holes for tilt adjustment 23a and 23a (the pair of tilts). The rigidity of the adjusting elongated holes 23a (around the 23a) can be appropriately reduced. That is, when the vertical slits 73, 73 are not formed, the reinforcing portions 65, 65 and the above 1 of the pair of support plate portions 22a, 22a due to the presence of the reinforcing portions 65, 65. The rigidity of the portion existing between the pair of elongated holes for tilt adjustment 23a and 23a is increased, and when switching from the unlocked state to the locked state, the pair of the pair of support plate portions 22a and 22a The portions around the elongated holes 23a and 23a for tilt adjustment are less likely to be elastically deformed, and the pair of support plate portions 22a and 22a reduces the force (pressing pressure) for pressing the pressing surfaces 40 and 40. There is a possibility of doing it. Therefore, in the case of this example, by providing the vertical slits 73, 73, the rigidity of the portion existing around the pair of elongated tilt adjusting holes 23a, 23a is appropriately reduced, as described above. Prevents a decrease in pressing pressure.

Further, in the case of this example, the front-rear direction dimension of the pair of lateral inclined plate portions 58, 58 is made larger than the front-rear direction dimension of the central plate portion 57, and the pair of lateral inclined plate portions 58 , 58 are positioned in front of the front end edge of the central plate portion 57, and the front overhanging portions 97 and 97 are provided in the portion. Therefore, each of the front projecting portions 97, 97 functions as a flange, and it is possible to prevent the front end portions of the pair of side plate portions 56a, 56a from being displaced in the vertical direction with respect to the rear end portion. ..
Further, in the case of this example, both ends in the width direction of the rear rib 60 are provided at the rear end portion in the front-rear direction of the continuous portion between the width direction end edge of the bridge plate portion 55a and the pair of side plate portions 56a, 56a. The pair of side ribs 62, 62 is provided at the front end portion in the front-rear direction of the continuous portion while being positioned. This also prevents the front end portions of the pair of side plate portions 56a, 56a from being displaced in the vertical direction with respect to the rear end portions.
By adopting each of the above configurations, even when the pair of mounting side slits 63, 63 is formed, the front end portions of the pair of side plate portions 56a, 56a are also in the vertical direction with respect to the rear end portion. It is possible to secure the rigidity in the direction of displacement (jumping up). Therefore, at the time of the secondary collision, the locking capsules 18a and 18a can be stably separated from the locking notches 59 and 59. As a result, it is possible to stabilize the detachment load when the support bracket 17a is detached forward and the posture of the outer column 11a at the time of the secondary collision.

[First Example of Reference Example Related to the Present Invention]
A first example of a reference example related to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 to 24.
The support bracket 17b of this reference example is made of a metal plate made of steel or an aluminum alloy, as in the case of the above-described embodiment, and is composed of a mounting plate portion 54b and a pair of support plate portions 22a and 22a. It is configured. As the structure of the pair of support plate portions 22a, 22a, the structure of one example of the above-described embodiment can be applied.

Further, the mounting plate portion 54b includes a bridging plate portion 55b, 1 pair of side plate portions 56b, which are fixed by welding to the both widthwise end portions of the bridge plate portion 55b, it is formed by the 56b.
Of these, the bridge plate portion 55b is a substantially hat type with both ends open in the downward and front-rear directions. Specifically, the bridge plate portion 55b has a central plate portion 57a provided in a state parallel to the width direction and a direction in which the central plate portion 57a is directed downward from both end edges in the width direction toward the outside in the width direction. A pair of laterally inclined plate portions 58a and 58a provided in an inclined state, and a pair of laterally inclined plate portions 58a and 58a parallel to the width direction and outward from the outer edge in the width direction. It is composed of a pair of joint plate portions 94, 94 extending in a state. In the case of this reference example, the outer end faces in the width direction of these pairs of joint plate portions 94, 94 are flat surfaces. When such a bridge plate portion 55b is made of steel, the thickness dimension of the bridge plate portion 55b can be 1.3 to 2.6 mm (for example, 2.6 mm).
In the case of this reference example, the bridge plate portion 55b is not provided with ribs corresponding to the rear rib 60, the front rib 61, and the side rib 62 provided in the structure of one example of the above-described embodiment.

Further, the pair of side plate portions 56b, 56b is separate from the bridge plate portion 55b, and is composed of a plate-shaped member having a thickness smaller than that of the bridge plate portion 55b. In the case of this reference example, the inner end faces in the width direction of the pair of side plate portions 56b, 56b are flat surfaces. The structure of the other pair of side plate portions 56b, 56b is basically the same as the structure of one example of the above-described embodiment. Then, the inner edge in the width direction of the pair of side plate portions 56b, 56b is welded to both end edges in the width direction of the bridge plate portion 55b (the outer edge in the width direction of the pair of joint plate portions 94, 94). Is fixed (joined) by (via the welded part). In the case of this reference example, the inner edge in the width direction of the pair of side plate portions 56b and 56b and the both end edges in the width direction of the bridge plate portion 55b (outer ends in the width direction of the pair of joint plate portions 94 and 94). The edge) extends over the entire length in the front-rear direction and is fixed (joined) by welding (via a welded portion).

In the case of this reference example having the above configuration, the thickness dimension of the pair of side plate portions 56b and 56b is made smaller than the thickness dimension of the bridge plate portion 55b. Therefore, the rigidity of the pair of side plate portions 56b and 56b can be made smaller than that of the bridge plate portion 55b. As a result, even when the pair of side plate portions 56b and 56b are inclined (deformed), the bridge plate portion 55b is affected by the inclination (deformation) as in the example of the above-described embodiment. It can be made not (difficult to receive). The structure of the other parts is the same as that of one example of the above-described embodiment.

[Second Example of Reference Example Related to the Present Invention]
A second example of a reference example related to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 25 to 27.
In the case of the support bracket 17c of this example, the portion is penetrated in the thickness direction through the intermediate portion in the front-rear direction of the joint portion between the bridge plate portion 55b constituting the mounting plate portion 54c and the pair of side plate portions 56c and 56c. The mounting side slits 63a and 63a that are long in the front-rear direction are formed.

Specifically, in the case of this example, both end faces in the width direction of the bridge plate portion 55b are flat surfaces. On the other hand, side plate side recesses 95, 95 recessed outward in the width direction are formed in the front-rear intermediate portion of the inner end faces in the width direction of the pair of side plate portions 56c, 56c. Then, both end faces in the width direction of the bridge plate portion 55b and portions of the inner end faces of the pair of side plate portions 56c and 56c in the width direction other than the side plate side recesses 95 and 95 are welded (welded). It is fixed (joined) (via the part). In the fixed state in this way, the bottom surface of the side plate side recesses 95, 95 and the portion of both end faces of the bridge plate portion 55b in the width direction facing the side plate side recesses 95, 95 in the width direction. The slits 63a and 63a on the mounting side are defined by the above.

In the case of this example having the above configuration, the rigidity of the bridge plate portion 55b constituting the mounting plate portion 54c is made higher than the rigidity of the pair of side plate portions 56c and 56c, and the rigidity of the pair of side plate portions 56c and 56c is increased. The mounting side slits 63a and 63a are formed in the side plate portions 56c and 56c. Therefore, these pairs of side plate portions 56c, 56c are likely to be inclined (deformed) with the portions where the mounting side slits 63a, 63a are formed as fulcrums, and the influence of this inclination (deformation) is the effect of the bridge. It is difficult to reach the plate portion 55b. As a result, also in the case of this example, the influence of the inclination (deformation) of the pair of side plate portions 56c, 56c affects the pair of support plate portions 22a, 22a, as in the case of the above-described embodiment. It can be prevented from reaching. Other structures, actions and effects are the same as those of the first example of the above-mentioned reference example.

[Third Example of Reference Example Related to the Present Invention]
A third example of a reference example related to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 28 to 30.
Also in the case of the support bracket 17d of this example, the portion is penetrated in the thickness direction through the intermediate portion in the front-rear direction of the joint portion between the bridge plate portion 55c constituting the mounting plate portion 54d and the pair of side plate portions 56c and 56c. The mounting side slits 63b and 63b that are long in the front-rear direction are formed. The structure of the pair of side plate portions 56c and 56c is the same as that of the second example of the above-mentioned reference example.

Specifically, in the case of this example, a pair of bridge-side recesses 96, 96 recessed inward in the width direction are formed in the front-rear intermediate portions of both end faces in the width direction of the bridge plate portion 55c. Then, the portions of the bridge plate portions 55b other than the bridge-side recesses 96 and 96 on both end faces in the width direction and the side plate sides of the pair of side plate portions 56c and 56c on the inner end surfaces in the width direction. The portions other than the recesses 95 and 95 are fixed (joined) by welding (via the welded portion). In this fixed state, the bottom surfaces of the bridge-side recesses 96 and 96 and the bottom surfaces of the side plate-side recesses 95 and 95 define the mounting-side slits 63b and 63b. Other structures, actions and effects are the same as those of the first and second examples of the above-mentioned reference examples.

[Fourth Example of Reference Example Related to the Present Invention]
A fourth example of a reference example related to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 31 to 33.
Also in the case of the support bracket 17e of this example, the bridge plate portion 55c constituting the mounting plate portion 54e and the pair of side plate portions 56b, 56b penetrate the joint portion in the front-rear direction and the intermediate portion in the thickness direction. The mounting side slits 63c and 63c that are long in the front-rear direction are formed. The structure of the bridge plate portion 55c is the structure of the third example of the reference example related to the present invention described above, and the structure of the pair of side plate portions 56b and 56b is the structure of the first example of the reference example described above. It is similar to the structure of.

In the case of this example having the above configuration, the portions of both end faces in the width direction of the bridge plate portion 55b other than the respective bridge side recesses 96 and 96 and the pair of side plate portions 56b and 56b in the width direction. The inner end surface is fixed (joined) by welding (via a welded portion). In the state of being fixed in this way, in the width direction with the bottom surfaces of the bridge-side recesses 96 and 96 and the bridge-side recesses 96 and 96 of the pair of side plate portions 56b and 56b in the width direction. The mounting side slits 63c and 63c are defined by the opposing portions. Other structures, actions and effects are the same as those of the first to third examples of the above-mentioned reference examples.

When carrying out the present invention, one example of the above-described embodiment and each reference example can be carried out in combination as appropriate.
Further, when the present invention is carried out, not only a structure having both a tilt mechanism and a telescopic mechanism, but also a structure having only one of the mechanisms or a structure having neither mechanism is provided. Can be applied to.
Further, the structure and shape of the reinforcing portion, the slit, and the mounting side slit provided on the support bracket are not limited to the structure of one example of the above-described embodiment.

Further, in one example of the above-described embodiment, the reinforcing portion is provided only at the front end portion of the support bracket from the viewpoint of preventing interference with the cam device or the like, but the reinforcing portion is provided only at the rear end portion of the support bracket. You can also do things. Alternatively, reinforcing portions may be provided at the front end and the rear end of the support bracket. Further, the reinforcing portion may not be formed at the front end portion or the rear end portion of the support bracket (it may be provided at the intermediate portion in the front-rear direction).
Further, it can be provided not only on the outer surface of the support plate portion but also on the inner side surface side (protruding to the inner side surface side).
Further, in one example of the above-described embodiment, the mounting side slits are formed on both of the pair of side plate portions constituting the mounting plate portion, but the mounting side slits are provided on only one of the side plate portions. It is also possible to adopt the configuration to be formed.

Further, the first slit or recess that is long in the front-rear direction is not limited to the one having a continuous shape in the front-rear direction like the pair of attachment-side slits 63, 63 of the example of the above-described embodiment, for example, front-rear. It can also be composed of a plurality of through holes or recesses formed in a state of being separated in the direction. When such a configuration is adopted, the shape of each through hole or each recess may be not only a shape long in the front-rear direction but also a shape having a circular shape when viewed from the vertical direction, for example. Further, the shapes of the through holes (each recess) do not have to be the same. Further, when the configuration in which the respective recesses are provided is adopted, the plate thickness of the portion of the side plate portion on which the respective recesses are formed exists at least around at least each of the recesses in the side plate portion. Make it smaller (thinner) than the plate thickness of the part (the part adjacent to the front-back direction and the width direction). Specifically, the lower surface of the portion of the side plate portion corresponding to each of the recesses is positioned on the same surface as the lower surface of the portion of the side plate portion that exists around each of the recesses.

1 Steering wheel 2, 2a Steering shaft 3 Steering wheel 4, 4a Steering column 5 Steering force assisting device 6 Tie rod 7 Steering gear unit 8, 8a Inner shaft 9, 9a Outer shaft 10, 10a Inner column 11, 11a Outer column 12, 12a Gear housing 13 Output shaft 14, 14a Lower bracket 15, 15a Body body 16, 16a Tilt shaft 17, 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d, 17e Support bracket 18, 18a Locking capsule 19 Slit 20 Clamp portion 21, 21a Telesco adjustment length Holes 22, 22a Support plate 23, 23a Tilt adjustment slot 24 Adjustment rod 25 Nut 26 Adjustment lever 28 Universal joint 29 Intermediate shaft 30 Universal joint 31 Input shaft 32, 32a Electric motor 33 Locking through hole 34 Holding part body 35 Cylindrical part 36 Axial slit 37a, 37b Circumferential slit 38 Clamp part 39 Overhang plate part 40 Pressing surface 41 Reinforcing bridge part 42 Reinforcing plate part 43a, 43b Connecting part 44 Flat plate part 45 Downward extension part 46 Notch 47 Gap 49a, 49b Torque transmission surface 50a, 50b Protruding part 51 Reinforcing rib 52 Reinforcing connecting plate 53 Recession 54, 54a, 54b, 54c, 54d, 54e Mounting plate part 55, 55a, 55b, 55c Bridge plate part 56, 56a , 56b, 56c Side plate 57, 57a Central plate 58, 58a Side tilt plate 59 Locking notch 60 Rear rib 61 Front rib 62 Side rib 63, 63a, 63b, 63c Mounting side slit 64 Support plate body 65 , 65a, 65b, 65c, 65d, 65e Reinforcing part 66 Welding ear part 67 First reinforcing element 68 Second reinforcing element 69 First reinforcing element 70 Second reinforcing element 71 Third reinforcing element 72 Front-rear direction slit 73 Vertical slit 74 Upper slit 75 Lower slit 76 Intermediate slit 77 Welded part 78 Cam device 80 Fixed part 81 Mounting flange 85 Front end edge 86 Thrust bearing 87 Pressing plate 88 Engagement piece 89 Driving side cam 90 Driven side cam 91 Male threaded part 92 Head 93 Shaft part 94 Joint plate part 95 Side plate side recess 96 Bridge Side recess 97 Front overhang

Claims (4)

Each of the mounting plate portion, a pair of support plate portions provided in a state of hanging downward from two positions separated in the width direction of the lower surface of the mounting plate portion, and the pair of support plate portions. A support bracket for a steering device having a formed fixed side through hole.
The mounting plate portion is a portion for supporting the vehicle body with a bridge portion provided in the middle portion in the width direction, and is provided in a state of extending outward in the width direction from both end edges in the width direction of the bridge portion. Consists of a pair of side plates
A first slit long in the front-rear direction that penetrates the one side plate portion in the thickness direction at the middle portion in the front-rear direction of the inner end portion in the width direction of at least one side plate portion of the pair of side plate portions. Or, a long recess is formed in the front-rear direction.
A pair of the inner edge in the width direction of the one side plate portion and the continuous portion of the both end edges in the width direction of the bridge portion on the side plate portion side in the front-rear direction. Reinforcement part is formed ,
The widthwise outer edge of the first slit or the widthwise outer edge of the recess located between the pair of reinforcing portions in the front-rear direction is the widthwise outer edge of each of the pair of reinforcing portions. It is arranged outside in the width direction, or is arranged in the same width direction as the outer edge of each of the pair of reinforcing portions in the width direction.
Support bracket for steering device. The bridge portion is continuous in the width direction with a pair of inclined plate portions inclined in a direction in which the distance in the width direction increases toward the outside in the width direction, and the inner edge edges of the pair of inclined plate portions in the width direction. The support bracket for a steering device according to claim 1, which is composed of a continuous plate portion. The pair of support plate portions are connected to the mounting plate portion via a welded portion.
Of the pair of support plate portions, the welded portion of the support plate portion located on the same side as the one side plate portion in the width direction is located inside the first slit or the recess in the width direction. The support bracket for a steering device according to any one of claims 1 and 2. Support bracket and
A steering column, which is provided between a pair of support plates constituting this support bracket and is used to support the steering shaft in a rotatable state, and a steering column.
It is a steering device equipped with
The support bracket is the support bracket for a steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
Steering device.

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