JPH09240492A - Steering device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a steering device with low noise, small size, and low cost which can perform tilt and/or telescopic movements. SOLUTION: Annular ultrasonic motors 45a, 45b are coaxially provided on an outer periphery near the lower end of a fixed column tube 21 as a drive means to perform tilt and telescopic movements. A position adjustment means 4 to make a movable column tube 22 to be performed tilt movement by an ultrasonic motor 45a is composed of a screw shaft 41 rotated and driven by the ultrasonic motor 45a and a screw nut assembly 42 screwed with the shaft and combined with the movable column tube 22.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention of the present application relates to a vehicle steering system, and more particularly, to a tilting motion and / or a tilting motion caused by an annular ultrasonic motor arranged coaxially with a steering shaft.
Alternatively, the present invention relates to a steering device that performs telescopic movement.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A steering device in which a telescopic movement is performed by an annular ultrasonic motor arranged coaxially with a steering shaft is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 of Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 4-86577.

This steering device has a fixed column tube fixed to a vehicle body at a predetermined inclination angle, a movable column tube axially movably mounted on the fixed column tube, and a rotatably arranged inside the fixed column tube. The lower steering shaft is rotatably arranged in the first movable column tube, and the upper end of the lower steering shaft is connected to the steering wheel and the lower end of the lower steering shaft is movably connected to the upper end of the lower steering shaft. And a ring-shaped ultrasonic motor coaxially mounted on the upper end of the fixed column tube. An ultrasonic motor has a stator fixed to a fixed column tube and a rotor rotatably supported by the fixed column tube, and a male screw formed on the outer circumference of the rotor has a female screw formed on the inner circumference of the movable column tube. The movable column is moved up and down in an oblique direction by being screwed with the screw and operating the ultrasonic motor in the forward and reverse directions.

[0004]

Ultrasonic motors have low noise during operation and are suitable as motors to be arranged in the passenger compartment. However, in the above-described conventional steering device, since the ultrasonic motor is housed in the movable column tube, the diameter of the movable column tube is increased, and the space below the steering device (the space for housing the driver's legs) is reduced. It's hard to get big.

Further, in the above conventional steering device, since the diameter of the screwed portion between the rotor and the movable column tube is large,
The frictional resistance torque during operation is large, and therefore the output torque of the ultrasonic motor needs to be large, which is large and costly.

[0006] The invention of this application is a steering device for performing a tilting motion and / or a telescopic motion by an annular ultrasonic motor arranged coaxially with the steering shaft, which is low in noise during motion, small in size and low in cost. An object is to provide a steering device.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a steering device including a fixed column tube fixed to a vehicle body at a predetermined inclination angle and a fixed column tube movably mounted on the fixed column tube. The mounted first movable column tube, the lower steering shaft rotatably arranged in the fixed column tube, and the rotatably arranged in the first movable column tube, and the steering wheel is provided at the upper end thereof. An upper steering shaft connected to the lower steering shaft at its lower end and movably connected to the upper end of the lower steering shaft; and an annular ultrasonic motor device coaxially mounted on the outer periphery of the fixed column tube and having an output gear. An input member meshing with the output gear, an output member connected to the first movable column tube, and an output member and a front member. Wherein comprising an interlocking means for operatively connecting the input gear is obtained by a movable column tube positioning means for moving said first movable column tube in accordance with the operation of the ultrasonic motor device.

In the above structure, when the first movable column tube is mounted on the fixed column tube so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis as described in claim 2, the normal rotation of the ultrasonic motor device is performed. The reverse rotation causes the movable column tube to tilt.

In the above structure, as described in claim 3, when the first movable column tube is mounted on the fixed column tube so as to be movable in the axial direction,
The movable column tube makes a telescopic motion by the normal rotation and the reverse rotation of the ultrasonic motor device.

The movable column tube position adjusting means is
Specifically, as set forth in claim 4, the screw nut connected to the first movable column tube and the fixed column tube are attached to the screw nut, and screwed with the screw nut and rotationally connected to the input gear. It can be equipped with a screw shaft.

Further, as described in claim 5, the first movable column tube is attached to the fixed column tube so as to be axially movable to the fixed column tube, and the first movable column tube is horizontal axis. It is mounted via a second movable column tube mounted so as to be rotatable around, and the upper steering shaft is axially movable to the upper end of the lower steering shaft and to the lower steering shaft at its lower end. The ultrasonic motor device is connected to the lower end of the upper steering shaft via an intermediate steering shaft connected to the lower end of the upper steering shaft by a universal joint, and the ultrasonic motor device has a first annular shape having a first output gear. An annular second ultrasonic motor having an ultrasonic motor and a second output gear and operable independently of the first ultrasonic motor. Includes bets, the movable column tube positioning means comprises first intends the first output gear meshed 1
An input gear, a first output member connected to the first movable column tube, a first interlocking means for operatively connecting the first output member and the first input gear, and a first gear meshing with the second output gear By providing a two-input gear, a second output member connected to the second movable column tube, and second interlocking means for operatively connecting the second output member and the second input gear, Tilt movement and telescopic movement can be performed.

Further, as described in claim 6, the first movable column tube is attached to the fixed column tube so as to be axially movable to the fixed column tube, and the first movable column tube is the first movable column tube. It is mounted via a second movable column tube which is mounted so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis, and the upper steering shaft is axially moved to the upper end of the lower steering shaft and to the lower steering shaft at the lower end thereof. The ultrasonic motor device is connected to a lower end of the upper steering shaft via an intermediate steering shaft connected to the lower end of the upper steering shaft by a universal joint, and the ultrasonic motor device has an annular shape having a first output gear. An annular second ultrasonic wave having a first ultrasonic motor and a second output gear and operable independently of the first ultrasonic motor The movable column tube position adjusting means is connected to the first input gear that meshes with the first output gear and the first movable column tube so as to be rotatable about a second horizontal axis. First screw nut,
A first screw shaft rotatably mounted on the second movable column tube about a third horizontal axis, screwed with the first screw nut, and rotationally connected to the first input gear, and the second output gear. A second input gear that meshes with, a second screw nut connected to the second movable column tube, and a fixed column tube, and is screwed with the second screw nut and rotationally connected to the second input gear. By providing the second screw shaft, the tilt movement and the telescopic movement can be performed, and the alignment between the first screw shaft and the first screw nut during these movements can be automatically compensated. it can.

[0013]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of a steering device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG.
[FIG. 3] is a view of the steering device 1 as seen from the lateral direction of the vehicle, in which a part thereof is cut away. FIG. 2 is a view of the steering device 1 as viewed from above the vehicle, with a part cut away. FIG. 3 is a view seen from the same direction as FIG. 1, and shows a portion different from FIG. 1 in a broken manner. FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing the details of the movable column tube position adjusting mechanism for performing the tilt movement, and FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing the details of the ultrasonic motor and the movable column tube position adjusting mechanism for performing the tilt movement.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the steering system 1 includes a fixed column tube 21 fixed to a vehicle body (not shown) at a predetermined inclination angle, a first movable column tube 22 and a second movable column. A tube 23 is provided. The first movable column tube 22 is pivotally mounted and supported on the upper end of the second movable column tube 23 by a pair of horizontal pins 5 and 5. The second movable column tube 23 is arranged so that it can move in and out of the fixed column tube 21.
1 is connected and supported.

A lower steering shaft 31 is rotatably disposed in the fixed column tube 21. The lower steering shaft 31 is rotatably connected at its lower end to an input shaft of a mechanism (labor saving in the figure) for moving the steered wheels. An upper steering shaft 32 is rotatably arranged in the first movable column tube 22, and an intermediate steering shaft 34 is rotatably arranged in the second movable column tube 23. The steering wheel 2 is fixed to the upper end of the upper steering shaft 32, and the lower end of the upper steering shaft 32 is rotatably connected to the upper end of the intermediate steering shaft 34 by a universal joint 33. The intermediate steering shaft 34 is rotatably connected to the lower steering shaft 31 so as to be slidable in the axial direction.

An annular ultrasonic motor device 45 is coaxially arranged around the lower end of the fixed column tube 21. The ultrasonic motor device 45 is, as shown in FIG. 5, adjacent to each other and independently operable.
a and the second ultrasonic motor 45b. Each of the ultrasonic motors 45a and 45b is a traveling wave type ultrasonic motor, and the motor case 20 together with the circuit board 19 on which the circuit components 19a, 19b and 19c constituting an electric control circuit for controlling these ultrasonic motors are mounted. It is stored inside. The motor case 20 is fixed to the fixed column 21.

The ultrasonic motor 45a is a fixed stator 1.
1, a rotatable rotor 13 and a spring 15 for pressing the rotor 13 against the stator 11. The ultrasonic motor 45b includes a fixed stator 12 and a rotatable rotor 14.
And a spring 16 for pressing the rotor 14 against the stator 12. Output gears 9 and 10 are integrally formed on the outer circumferences of the rotors 11 and 12, respectively.

The output gear 9 meshes with the input gear 26 of the movable column tube position adjusting mechanism 4 for tilting movement. As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4, and 5, the movable column tube position adjusting mechanism 4 is located between the pair of arms 22 a and 22 a provided on the first movable column tube 22 and is located between the pair of horizontal pins 4.
6, 46, a screw nut assembly 42 pivotally attached to the first movable column tube 22, a screw shaft 41 screwed to the screw nut assembly 42, and a connecting shaft for rotationally connecting the screw shaft 41 and the input gear 26. 44. The screw nut assembly 42 includes pins 46, 46.
A female screw member 422 made of resin is integrally formed on the inner peripheral side of the metal sleeve 421 supported by the. The screw shaft 41 is rotatably supported by the support member 47 at a portion 41a where the male screw is not formed. Support member 47
Is pivotally attached to the pair of arms 23a and 23a of the second movable column tube 23 by the pair of horizontal pins 48 and 48. The connecting shaft 44 and the screw shaft 41 are rotationally connected by a joint 43, and the spline forming portion 44a of the connecting shaft 44 is rotationally connected to the input gear 26 so as to be slidable in the axial direction. The movable column tube position adjusting mechanism 4a for telescopic movement includes a screw nut 49 fixed to a bracket 24 provided with the fixed column tube 21, and a screw shaft rotatably supported by the bracket 24 and screwed with the screw nut 49. 40, and an input gear 51 that is rotationally connected to the screw shaft 40 and meshes with the output gear 10.

Next, the operation will be described. Ultrasonic motor 45a
Rotation of the movable column tube position adjusting mechanism 4, the input gear 26, the connecting shaft 44 and the screw shaft 41 are driven and rotated in one direction, and the screw nut is screwed by the screw shaft 41 and the screw nut assembly 42. As the assembly 42 is moved upward, the first movable column tube 22 rotates around the pins 5 and 5 in the counterclockwise direction in FIG.
Mainly, the height of the steering wheel 2 increases. Conversely, when the ultrasonic motor 45a is rotated in the reverse direction, the input gear 26, the connecting shaft 44 and the screw shaft 41 of the movable column tube position adjusting mechanism 4 are driven and rotated in the other direction, and the screw shaft 41 and the screw nut assembly 42 are moved. Since the screw nut assembly 42 is moved downward by screwing with, the first movable column tube 22 rotates clockwise around the pins 5 and 5 in FIG. 1, and mainly the height of the steering wheel 2 decreases. The position of the first movable column tube 22 is maintained by screwing the screw shaft 41 and the screw nut assembly 42 together. The alignment of the transmission system from the input gear 26 to the movable column tube 22 during such tilting movement is performed by axial sliding between the input gear 26 and the connecting shaft 44, and rotation of the screw shaft 41 around the pins 48, 48. Rotation, pins 46, 46 of the screw nut assembly 42
Compensated by turning around.

When the ultrasonic motor 45b is rotated in the forward direction, the input gear 51 of the movable column tube position adjusting mechanism 4a and the screw shaft 40 are driven and rotated in one direction, and the screw shaft 40 and the screw nut 49 are screwed together to screw the screw. Since the nut 49 is moved upward, the second movable column tube 23 moves diagonally upward, and mainly the vehicle front-rear direction position of the steering wheel 2 shifts rearward. Conversely, when the ultrasonic motor 45b is rotated in the reverse direction, the input gear 51 of the movable column tube position adjusting mechanism 4a and the screw shaft 40 are driven and rotated in the other direction, and the screw shaft 40 and the screw nut 49 are screwed together to screw the screw. Since the nut 49 is moved upward, the second movable column tube 23 moves diagonally downward, and mainly the vehicle front-rear direction position of the steering wheel 2 shifts forward. The position of the second movable column tube 23 is maintained by screwing the screw shaft 40 and the screw nut 49.

The steering device 1 includes an ultrasonic motor 45.
It has the advantage of low noise during tilting and telescopic movements. Since the ultrasonic motor device 45 is arranged on the outer circumference of the fixed column tube, it is advantageous in taking up a large space below the steering device. Further, as the movable column tube position adjusting mechanism, an input gear meshing with the output gear of the ultrasonic motor, a screw shaft rotationally connected to the input gear, and a screw nut screwed with the screw shaft and connected to the movable column tube are used. Therefore, the frictional resistance torque is small, which is advantageous for downsizing of the ultrasonic motor. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size and cost of the steering device.

[0022]

The steering device according to the invention of this application is capable of performing tilting movement and / or telescopic movement by means of an annular ultrasonic motor arranged coaxially with the steering shaft, has low noise during movement, and is small in size. It is low cost.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a view of a steering device according to the invention of this application as seen from a lateral direction of a vehicle, in which a part thereof is cut away.

FIG. 2 is a view of the steering device as viewed from above the vehicle, with a part cut away.

FIG. 3 is a view seen from the same direction as FIG. 1, and shows a portion different from FIG. 1 in a cutaway manner.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing details of a movable column tube position adjusting mechanism for performing a tilt movement.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing details of an ultrasonic motor and a movable column tube position adjusting mechanism for performing a tilt movement.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Steering device 2 ... Steering wheel 4 ... Movable column tube position adjusting mechanism for tilt movement 4 ... Movable column tube position adjusting mechanism for telescopic movement 21 ... Fixed column tube 22 ... First movable column tube 23 ... Second movable column tube 31 ... Lower steering shaft 32 ... Upper steering shaft 34 ... Intermediate steering shaft 45 ... Ultrasonic motor device 45a ... First Ultrasonic motor 45b ... Second ultrasonic motor

Front page continuation (72) Inventor Toshiyuki Sasaki 44, Inami minami, Sakurai-cho, Anjo City, Aichi Prefecture 12 Okazaki Design Co., Ltd.

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A fixed column tube fixed to a vehicle body at a predetermined inclination angle, a first movable column tube movably mounted on the fixed column tube, and rotatably arranged in the fixed column tube. A lower steering shaft and an upper steering shaft that is rotatably disposed in the first movable column tube, is connected to a steering wheel at its upper end, and is movably connected to the upper end of the lower steering shaft at its lower end. An annular ultrasonic motor device coaxially mounted on the outer circumference of the fixed column tube and having an output gear, an input gear meshing with the output gear, and an output member connected to the first movable column tube, Interlocking means for operatively connecting the output member and the input gear to each other is provided in accordance with the operation of the ultrasonic motor device. A movable column tube position adjusting means for moving a first movable column tube. 2. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein the first movable column tube is attached to the fixed column tube so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis. 3. The steering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first movable column tube is attached to the fixed column tube so as to be movable in the axial direction. 4. The steering device according to claim 2, wherein the movable column tube position adjusting means is mounted on a screw nut connected to the first movable column tube and the fixed column tube. A steering device comprising a screw shaft screwed into the screw nut and rotationally connected to the input gear. 5. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein the first movable column tube is attached to the fixed column tube so as to be axially movable in the fixed column tube, and the first movable column tube. Is mounted via a second movable column tube rotatably mounted around a horizontal axis, and the upper steering shaft is axially attached to the upper end of the lower steering shaft and the lower steering shaft to the lower steering shaft. The movable motor is connected at its upper end to the lower end of the upper steering shaft via an intermediate steering shaft connected by a universal joint, and the ultrasonic motor device has an annular shape having a first output gear. A second annular motor having a first ultrasonic motor and a second output gear and capable of operating independently of the first ultrasonic motor. An ultrasonic motor, wherein the movable column tube position adjusting means has a first input gear that meshes with the first output gear, a first output member connected to the first movable column tube, and the first output. Member and said first
First interlocking means for operatively connecting the input gear, the second
A second input gear that meshes with the output gear, a second output member that is connected to the second movable column tube, and a second interlocking device that operatively connects the second output member and the second input gear are provided. A steering device characterized by the above. 6. The steering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first movable column tube is attached to the fixed column tube so as to be axially movable in the fixed column tube, and the first movable column tube. Is mounted via a second movable column tube rotatably mounted about a first horizontal axis, and the upper steering shaft is attached to the upper end of the lower steering shaft and the lower steering shaft to the lower steering shaft. Is movably connected in the direction, and is connected at its upper end to the lower end of the upper steering shaft via an intermediate steering shaft connected by a universal joint, and the ultrasonic motor device has a first output gear. And an annular first ultrasonic motor and a second output gear, which are operable independently of the first ultrasonic motor. And a second ultrasonic motor,
The movable column tube position adjusting means includes a first input gear that meshes with the first output gear, a first screw nut rotatably connected to the first movable column tube about a second horizontal axis, and the second A first screw shaft rotatably mounted on a movable column tube about a third horizontal axis, screwed with the first screw nut and rotationally connected to the first input gear, and meshed with the second output gear. Second input gear, second connected to the second movable column tube
A steering device comprising: a screw nut and a second screw shaft that is mounted on the fixed column tube, is screwed with the second screw nut, and is rotationally connected to the second input gear.