JPH04108482U - car steering device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] (with amendments) [Purpose] To increase the crash space on the dash panel side for the steering shaft equipped with a collapsible mechanism and improve the safety of occupants in the event of a head-on collision. [Structure] The tip of a steering shaft 1 having a collapsible mechanism for shock absorption is connected to a steering gear unit side intermediate shaft 5 via a cross joint member 6, and is connected to a through hole 13a of a dash panel 12 of the intermediate shaft 5. In a steering device for an automobile in which a set plate 15 for sealing the same hole is provided, a slit 17, 18a, 18b
is provided, thereby forming a weakened portion for inducing deformation toward the front side of the vehicle body, and the deformation of the deformed portion substantially expands the crash stroke of the dash panel 12 side toward the rear of the vehicle body.

Description

[Detailed explanation of the idea]

0001

[Industrial application field]

The present invention relates to a steering device for an automobile.

0002

[Conventional technology]

In recent automobile steering devices, the steering shaft section has, for example, A collapsible mechanism with a tube structure is installed, and the collapsible mechanism protects the vehicle in the event of a head-on collision. Increasingly, cars are designed to absorb shocks and improve driver safety. . In an automobile steering system equipped with the collapsible mechanism, the first thing to do is to The primary impact input from the axle and vehicle body side to the driver side is This is alleviated by absorbing damping using a bull mechanism, and the driver then Steering shaft caused by movement interference in the direction of the steering wheel The driver's safety is ensured by elastically absorbing the secondary impact force in the direction toward the tip of the foot. It is designed to ensure that

0003 However, the above collapsible mechanism alone can absorb all of the above impact force. If so, the shock absorption stroke of the collapsible mechanism must be made considerably large. However, there is a certain limit to the setting of the shock absorption stroke due to the structure. In addition, there is generally an engine or transmission attached to the end extension of the steering shaft. In the event of a head-on collision, due to the installation of the It must also be assumed that setbacks may occur.

0004 Therefore, in recent automobile shock-absorbing steering devices, the above-mentioned conventional type Steering shaft of steering device with collapsible mechanism (steering shaft) ram) first connect the tip to the intermediate shaft via a joint member such as a cross joint. connected to the steering gear unit side via the intermediate shaft. The intermediate shaft is connected to the pinion shaft. At the point member, make a predetermined angle below the extension axis of the steering shaft. By bending it in the shape of a square and connecting it in a cross state, it is possible to bend it upward. The primary impact input to the rear of the vehicle is directed directly to the axial direction of the steering shaft. This will prevent the steering shaft from acting in the opposite direction and causing the steering shaft to move backward toward the driver. Efforts have been made to prevent this from occurring (see, for example, Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 131867/1986).

[0005]

[Problem that the idea aims to solve]

By the way, the shock absorption stroke of the collapsible mechanism as mentioned above is not necessary due to the design. However, while the above-mentioned length is secured due to the retreat of the engine, Interference distance between the intermediate shaft and steering shaft tip and the dash panel (Clearance) is naturally designed to ensure a crash space of a certain distance or more. has been established.

[0006] However, as shown in the dummy experiment of FIG. 4, for example, the dash panel 12 The through hole portion 13 of the intermediate shaft 5 is usually equipped with a set plate for attaching a sealing member such as a boot. The set plate 15 is designed to be attached with a fitting plate 15. As a result of the ribs for fitting sealing members such as the flange and the above-mentioned boots, the above-mentioned Before contacting the dash panel 12, the intermediate shaft 5 touches the set plate 1. 5 and raise the rear end wheel portion of the steering shaft 1. In addition, there is a concern that the steering shaft 1 itself may be hit backwards, so the above-mentioned It is also expected that crush space will be constrained. As a result, for example, If the airbag is installed on the steering wheel side of the relevant steering device. In such cases, the airbag inflation position may deviate upward from its original proper position. Also, consider that the lower end of the steering wheel may easily interfere with the occupant's chest. There is a possibility that it will be obtained.

[0007] Furthermore, as mentioned above, this problem is caused by conventional steering that does not involve an intermediate shaft. A similar situation occurs in the case of shafts.

[0008]

[Means to solve the problem] (1) Structure of the device claimed in claim 1 The invention recited in claim 1 of the present application is aimed at solving the above conventional problem. A steering shaft with a collapsible mechanism for shock absorption. The tip of the foot passes through the dash panel and connects to the steering gear unit. and is installed in the dash panel through hole of the steering shaft. In an automobile steering device provided with a top plate, the above-mentioned set plate is used. The rate includes the above-mentioned steering shaft when impact force is applied to the above-mentioned dash panel. A weak part that induces deformation toward the front of the vehicle body is formed at the interference part with the foot. It is structured with the following characteristics.

[0009] (2) Structure of the device claimed in claim 2 The automobile steering device according to the invention according to claim 2 also solves the above conventional problem. It was made for the purpose of The tip of the steering shaft is connected to the intermediate shaft via a joint member. The intermediate shaft also passes through the dash panel and connects to the steering gear unit. It is connected to the shaft side and is connected to the dash panel through hole of the intermediate shaft. In an automobile steering device provided with a set plate, the above set plate is provided with a set plate. On the top plate, when the collapsible mechanism of the above-mentioned steering shaft is activated, A weak part that induces deformation toward the front of the vehicle body is formed at the interference part with the above intermediate shaft. It is structured with the following characteristics:

0010

[Effect]

(1) Effect of the device claimed in claim 1 In the configuration of the automobile steering device according to the invention as described in claim 1, as described above, First, the tip of the steering shaft, which has a collapsible mechanism for shock absorption, is damaged. It passes through the steering panel and is connected to the steering gear unit, so the Due to the action of the collapsible mechanism described above, the above-mentioned first and second events occur in the event of a head-on collision. Effectively absorbs impact forces acting in both the front and rear directions of the steering shaft. I can do that. In this configuration, the dash panel through-hole section is further provided with a When the impact force is applied to the above-mentioned dash panel, the above-mentioned set plate is There is a weak part located at the interference part with the steering shaft that induces deformation towards the front of the vehicle. As a result, if the engine etc. were to move backwards and the dash panel would move toward the passenger compartment. Even if it deforms, the set plate will not be affected by the initial interference with the steering shaft. The flange of the set plate is easily deformed, so the flange etc. of the set plate cannot be steered like in the past. Do not poke the ring shaft backward or push the tip of the shaft downward. The original crash space end position where the dash panel itself touches The steering shaft will maintain a stable state until it is This can substantially expand the crush space.

[0011] (2) Effect of the device claimed in claim 2 In the structure of the automobile steering device according to the second aspect of the invention, as described above, First, the tip of the steering shaft, which has a collapsible mechanism for shock absorption, is Connected to the intermediate shaft on the steering gear unit side via an inlet member. Therefore, due to the action of the collapsible mechanism, the above-mentioned primary and It effectively absorbs the impact force acting in both the front and rear directions of the secondary steering shaft. can be collected. In addition, especially from the front side of the vehicle body toward the rear side of the vehicle interior, the above-mentioned intermediate When a large impact force that causes the shaft to retreat is applied, The joint that connects the shaft and steering shaft is bent upwards. To release the pressing force and prevent the steering shaft from being pushed straight backwards. Ru. In this configuration, the steering system of the set plate further includes: When the collapsible mechanism of the shaft is activated, there is a part of the vehicle that interferes with the intermediate shaft. As a result of the formation of a weak part that induces deformation toward the front, if the engine etc. were to move backwards, Even if the dash panel deforms toward the passenger compartment, the set plate will Since it is easily deformed due to interference with the intermediate shaft, the set piece Do not allow the shaft itself to hit the intermediate shaft backwards or push it downwards from the beginning. the above intermediate shaft until it is no longer in direct contact with the dash panel itself. will now remain stable, reducing the substantial crash space. Can be expanded.

0012

[Effect of the idea]

As mentioned above, the automobile steering wheel according to the invention described in claims 1 and 2 of the present application According to the clamping device, as mentioned above, the clamp between the dash panel side and the steering shaft is Dash resulting in being able to substantially expand the lash stroke The time it takes for the panel and steering shaft to interfere will also be longer. The probability is also lower. Therefore, for example, if an airbag is attached to the steering wheel, It is possible to ensure a sufficiently appropriate operating condition (occupant restraint condition) even when the This can effectively contribute to improving passenger safety.

[0013]

【Example】

1 to 3 show an automobile steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Ru.

[0014] First, FIG. 3 shows the overall configuration of the steering device itself, and the reference numeral 1 indicates For example, use the first and second tubes (inner and outer) 1a and 1b to absorb shock. A steering shaft with a collapsible mechanism that is configured by inserting each other through a mechanism. This is the main shaft. A wheel hub is attached to the rear end of the steering shaft 1. The steering wheel 2 is fixedly attached with bolts etc. via the tab 3. Ru. For example, an airbag case 3a is attached to the upper part of the wheel hub 3. The airbag case 3a is equipped with a gas generator and an airbag. It houses the airbag module. Further, numeral 10 is a steering shaft. A steering support part fixed to the dashboard side for mounting the steering wheel. A tilt mechanism 11 is attached to the ring support section.

[0015] On the other hand, a first cross joint 4 is attached to the tip of the steering shaft 1. An intermediate shaft 5 is connected thereto, for example as shown in FIG. The shaft 5 portion is inserted through the steering shaft formed on the dash panel 12 side. It passes through the through hole 13a and connects to the pinion shaft 7 on the steering gear unit side. and are connected via a second cross joint 6.

[0016] On the other hand, as shown in detail in FIG. A predetermined groove 20 recessed toward the front of the vehicle body is formed around the foot through-hole 13. A set plate 15 for sealing as shown in FIG. 1 is fitted into the groove 20. are combined. The set plate 15 is attached to the steering wheel on the dash panel 12 side. A rib 15a of a predetermined height is provided near the center portion corresponding to the through-hole portion 13a of the shaft. It has a through hole portion 13b surrounded by a periphery, and the above-mentioned ribbon is provided on the outer periphery of the through hole portion 13b. The dash panel has a flange piece 15b having a predetermined height higher than the dash panel 15a. When fitting into the concave groove 20 on the side of the flange 12, the flange piece 15b and the dash panel A sound insulating insulator 14 is sandwiched between the rear surface of the housing 12 and the rear surface of the housing 12.

[0017] In addition, mounting holes 15a to 1 on the dash panel 12 side are provided at predetermined locations on the bottom. 6c is formed, and furthermore, the above-mentioned flange piece 15a on the outer periphery is formed. Slits 1 are provided in the side walls extending from the bottom to the periphery on both sides of the interference part 19 with the intermediate shaft 5. 7, 18a and 18b are formed, and the wall is thin.

[0018] On the other hand, in this state, for example, as shown in FIG. A boot 9 with a rubber structure is fitted into the set plate 15. The rib 15a is fitted and fixed on the outer periphery of the rib 15a, thereby allowing the steering shaft to pass through. The sealing and sound insulation functions of the through holes 13a and 13b are realized.

[0019] Therefore, according to the above configuration, for example, when the vehicle is in a non-head-on collision situation as shown in FIG. A head-on collision occurs, causing the engine, transmission, etc. to retreat toward the passenger compartment. Assuming that the dash panel 12 has been moved backward, the dash panel 12 will also move backward, and the upper The rib 15a and upper flange piece 15b of the set plate 15 are connected to the intermediate shaft. It interferes with the upper surface of the foot 5.

[0020] However, since the rib 15a is a single vertical wall and is relatively thin, It is easily deformed to the front side, and the flange piece 15a is on both sides of the interference part 19. As mentioned above, the slits 17, 18a, 18b are formed, and the flesh is The flange piece is thinner than the surrounding area and serves as a weak part to induce deformation. The interference part 19 of 15a is also easily deformed and broken due to interference with the intermediate shaft 5. The dash panel 12 applies a particularly large impact force to the intermediate shaft 5 itself. without pressing the insulator 14 until it comes into direct contact with the intermediate shaft 5. The crash will now move relatively smoothly.

As a result, with this configuration, the interference distance between the dash panel 12 side and the intermediate shaft 5 can be increased to _L2 as shown in the figure, compared to the conventional interference distance which was substantially _L1 in the figure. Therefore, the crash space can be increased, and the time it takes for the dash panel 12 to reach the steering shaft 1 side in the event of a head-on collision can be lengthened accordingly, and the impact caused by interference between the dash panel 12 and the intermediate shaft 5 can be increased. It becomes possible to reduce the probability of occurrence.

[0022] As a result, the airbag on the steering wheel 2 side always has sufficient responsiveness. The system now operates at the appropriate setting position, improving occupant protection (restraint) performance. Become so.

[0023] In general, the seat belts of 4-door cars are smaller than the seat belts of 2-door cars. The angle of belt inclination from the seat belt to the passenger is small, so the seat belt can restrain the passenger. It tends to take a long time. As a result, the amount of forward movement of the occupant for that long period of time is reduced. also becomes larger. Therefore, due to the presence of the set plate 15 as in the conventional case, the dash Interference between the panel 12 and the intermediate shaft 5 occurs quickly, and due to this early interference, the intermediate shaft 5 The upper surface of the shaft 5 is pushed significantly backward, and the rear end side of the steering shaft 1 is The amount of upward movement of the ring wheel 2 using the support portion 10 as a fulcrum increases. With such a configuration, interference between the lower end of the steering wheel 2 and the occupant is likely to occur. However, as in the configuration of this embodiment, the dash panel 12 and the intermediate If it becomes possible to substantially increase the interference distance with shaft 5, eventually The time it takes for the steering shaft 1 to displace is also longer, so the 4-door car This makes it possible to sufficiently cope with the length of the seatbelt restraint time in cases where the seatbelt is restrained.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing the configuration of a main part (set plate) of a steering device for an automobile according to the present invention.

[Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of the main parts of the device (A in Fig. 1).
- corresponds to the A line cutting section).

FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway side view showing the overall configuration of the device.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing conventional problems.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 is a steering shaft, 4 is a first cross joint, 5 is an intermediate shaft, 6 is a second cross joint,
7 is a pinion shaft, 9 is a boot, 12 is a dash panel, 13a is a steering shaft through hole, 15 is a set plate, 15a is a rib, 15b is a flange piece, 1
7, 18a, 18b are slits, and 19 is an intermediate shaft interference portion of the flange piece 15b.

Claims (2)

[Scope of utility model registration request] 1. A steering shaft having a collapsible mechanism for shock absorption has a distal end that passes through a dash panel and is connected to a steering gear unit, and a set plate is provided in the dash panel through hole of the steering shaft. In the steering device for an automobile, the set plate has a weakened portion located at an interference portion with the steering shaft when an impact force is applied to the dash panel to induce deformation toward the front side of the vehicle body. An automobile steering device characterized by: [Claim 2] The tip of a steering shaft having a collapsible mechanism for shock absorption is connected to an intermediate shaft via a joint member, and the intermediate shaft is further connected to a steering gear unit side through a dash panel. In the steering device for an automobile, in which a set plate is provided in the dash panel through hole of the intermediate shaft, the set plate includes:
A steering device for an automobile, characterized in that a weakened portion for inducing deformation toward the front side of the vehicle body is formed at an interference portion with the intermediate shaft when the collapsible mechanism of the steering shaft is activated.