JP2002096744A - Tilt steering system - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] To provide a tilt-type steering device provided with a spring that is easy to assemble and that does not easily fall even when a force is applied from the outside, while ensuring ease of assembly. A both ends 14d and 14e of a winding spring 14 are bent in a substantially U shape, and a notch 8v and a hole 8w formed in one of a tilt bracket and a steering column 1.
Respectively, and after assembly, both ends 14d,
Since the pulling force is transmitted from the hole 14w to the notch 8v and the hole 8w, the end portion 14e hardly falls off from the hole 8w even if a force is applied from the outside.
By engaging the one end 14e of the first hole 14e with the hole 8w and subsequently engaging the other end 14d with the notch 8v, assemblability can be ensured.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a tilt type steering device, and more particularly to a tilt type steering device using a tilt balance spring.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Vehicles driven by various drivers often employ a tilt steering device having a tilt mechanism so that the position of a steering wheel can be adjusted according to the physique and driving posture of the driver. The tilt mechanism is a mechanism for adjusting the tilting position of the steering wheel within a predetermined range, and fixes the steering column at a desired position (swing angle) with a tilt pivot serving as a swing center of the steering shaft and the steering column. (For example, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 7-13647).

[0003]

By the way, in recent years, an air bag has been provided on a steering wheel in order to reduce an impact force on a driver at the time of a vehicle collision. Therefore, the weight of the steering wheel tends to increase.

[0004] On the other hand, when the restraint of the steering column is released during tilt adjustment, the steering column tilts downward due to the weight of the steering wheel. There is a problem that the weight must be supported by hand.

In order to solve such a problem, it has been practiced to use a biasing force of a spring to bias a steering column to a position near a neutral position of an adjustment allowance with a steering wheel mounted. However, urging the steering column with the tension spring near the neutral position of the adjustment allowance must secure a space corresponding to the length of the tension spring, and can be used for all tilt-type steering devices. Not necessarily.

Therefore, when there is not enough space for providing a tension spring, a helical spring is used instead to bias the steering column. When urging the steering column using such a winding spring, either the pressing force or the pulling force of the winding spring can be used. In the case where the pressing force of the coil spring is used, it is often relatively easy to assemble due to its configuration, but there is a problem that it easily falls off when it receives a force from the outside. On the other hand, in the case where the tensile force of the wound spring is used, it is difficult to fall even if it receives a force from the outside due to its configuration, but there is a problem that it is difficult to assemble.

[0007] In view of the problems of the prior art, an object of the present invention is to provide a tilt-type steering device provided with a spring that is not easily dropped even when subjected to an external force, while ensuring ease of assembly. I do.

[0008]

A tilt type steering apparatus according to the present invention is a tilt type steering apparatus capable of adjusting a tilting position of a steering wheel. The tilt type steering apparatus includes a tilt bracket fixed to a vehicle body and a tilt bracket. A distance bracket that is swingably supported,
A steering column held by the distance bracket, and a single winding spring that biases the steering column with respect to the tilt bracket; both ends of the winding spring are bent into a substantially U-shape; And it is respectively engaged with two receiving portions formed on one of the tilt bracket and the steering column, and after assembling, a pulling force is transmitted from the both ends to the two receiving portions, One of the receiving portions is a hole, and the other of the receiving portions is a notch.

[0009]

The tilt type steering apparatus according to the present invention is a tilt type steering apparatus capable of adjusting a tilting position of a steering wheel, and is supported by a tilt bracket fixed to a vehicle body and swingably with respect to the tilt bracket. A distance bracket, a steering column held by the distance bracket, and a single helical spring for urging the steering column with respect to the tilt bracket. Both ends of the helical spring are substantially U-shaped. And are engaged with two receiving portions formed on one of the tilt bracket and the steering column, respectively, so that a tensile force is transmitted from the both ends to the two receiving portions after assembly. And one of the receiving portions is a hole, and the other of the receiving portions is a notch. In, hard to fall even when subjected to external force, and was initially engage one end of said coil spring in the hole, followed by engaging the other end to said notch, can be secured assembling.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of the tilt steering device according to the first embodiment. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a view of the configuration of FIG. 1 cut along line II-II and viewed in the direction of the arrow. In FIG. 1, a steering shaft 3 having a steering wheel (not shown) attached to an upper end (right end in FIG. 1) is inserted into a tubular steering column 1, and is attached to a support portion 5 attached to an end of the steering column 1. On the other hand, it is rotatably supported by the bearing 4. Note that the steering column 1 is fitted to the upper end (the right end in FIG. 1) of the inner tube 1a whose lower end (the left end in FIG. 1) is pivotally supported at the pivot point 1b with respect to the vehicle body.

A distance bracket 2 is attached to the lower surface of the steering column 1 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the distance bracket 2 has a pair of legs 2a and 2b having openings 2c and 2d, respectively. The tilt bolt 6 is inserted into the openings 2c and 2d of the distance bracket 2.

FIG. 3 is a view showing the tilt bolt 6 together with the cushioning member 7. The tilt bolt 6, which is a bolt member,
It has a shape in which a head 6a, a prism (a part of a shaft) 6b, a shaft 6c, and a male screw 6d are connected,
An opening 6e is formed in the shaft 6c.

In FIG. 2, a tilt bracket 8 is disposed near the legs 2a and 2b of the distance bracket 2 through which the tilt bolt 6 is inserted. The tilt bracket 8 includes a pair of legs 8a, 8b and legs 8a, 8b.
Has a U-shaped spring portion 8c riveted to the spring. Slots 8d and 8e are formed in the legs 8a and 8b, respectively. The long hole 8d of the leg 8a has an oval shape, and the female screw 6d of the tilt bolt 6 is inserted therethrough.
As is apparent from FIG. 4 showing the side shape of the long hole 8e of b, it has a substantially rectangular shape, and the prism 6b of the tilt bolt 6 is inserted therethrough. At the time of assembling, a nut 16 with a loosening preventive applied to the female screw portion is screwed into the male screw portion 6d of the tilt bolt 6.

As shown in FIG. 4, a short rectangular tubular buffer member 7 is fitted around the prism 6b of the tilt bolt 6, and is interposed between the rectangular bolt 6e and the elongated hole 8e.
As a material of the cushioning member 7, polyurethane rubber is preferable in consideration of durability and the like, but rubbers such as NBR and a resin may be used.

The biasing portion 8 of the spring portion 8c made of a spring steel plate
f and 8g extend downward in FIG. 1 similarly to the legs 8a and 8b, but have a shape such that their lower ends face inward. Leg 2a of distance bracket 2
Is disposed between the urging portion 8f and the leg 8a, and the leg 2b of the distance bracket 2 is disposed between the urging portion 8g and the leg 8b.

A disk 9 is provided between the urging portions 8f and 8g of the spring portion 8c and around the shaft portion 6c of the tilt bolt 6.
The pressing block 10 is slidably disposed along the shaft portion 6c. Between the disc 9 and the pressing block 10,
A tilt lever 11 whose axial cross section is partially elliptical inserted into the opening 6 e of the tilt bolt 6 is arranged.

The tilt bracket 8 has arms 8h and 8i extending on both sides in FIG.
The tilt bracket 8 is fixed to a vehicle body (not shown) via mountings 12 and 13 attached to 8i.

In FIG. 1, a bellows-shaped shock absorbing member 15 is arranged at the lower end of the steering column 1 (left side in FIG. 1) and on the outer periphery of the inner tube 1a.

The tilt bracket 8 and the steering column 1 are connected by a winding spring 14 which is a tilt balance spring. When the steering column 1 is set in a free state by the urging force of the winding spring 14, the weight is reduced by its own weight. The tilting of the steering column 1 is suppressed, and the steering column 1 is maintained at a tilt neutral position. This configuration will be described more specifically.

FIG. 5 is a view of the configuration of FIG. 1 cut along the line VV and viewed in the direction of the arrow, and FIG. 6 is a view of a part of the configuration of FIG. 1 viewed from the opposite direction. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view showing the configuration around the coil spring shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 8 is an enlarged view showing the configuration around the coil spring shown in FIG.

In FIG. 5, the tilt bracket 8 has hook portions 8s and 8t extending from both sides. The tips of the hanging portions 8s and 8t are bent downward in the figure.
The hanging portion 8s has a substantially J-shaped notch 8v (FIG. 7) as a receiving portion, and the hanging portion 8t has a hole 8w (FIG. 8) as a receiving portion.

As shown in FIG. 5, the coil spring 14 has a line-symmetrical shape, and has a central U-shaped arm portion 14a.
And the winding part 14 connected to both sides of the U-shaped arm part 14a
b, 14c and hooks 14d, 14e at both ends. The hooks 14d and 14e are substantially U-shaped. The catching portion 14d is notch 8 of the receiving portion 8s.
v, the hooking portion 14e is engaged with the hole 8w of the receiving portion 8t.

In FIG. 5, a substantially circular flange 1 is brought into contact with the lower end of the steering column 1 (FIG. 1).
6 are arranged. Lower end 1 of flange 16 in FIG.
6a first extends in the radial direction, is subsequently bent in the axial direction, and is further bent in the radial direction (see FIGS. 6 to 8). In addition, from both sides of the lower end 16a in FIG.
6b and 16c extend radially downward.

The hook portions 8s and 8t are formed by press-forming a plate material. As shown in FIG.
Where Y is the width of the insertion path 8x and Z is the length, (φX + (φX × 0.02)) ≦ Y ≦ (φX + (φ
X × 0.08)) φX × 0.3 (where the width is Y) ≦
When Z is satisfied, the drop prevention is more effective.

On the other hand, the optimum value of the diameter φW of the hole 8w may be obtained from the linear φX and the curvature of the end 14e of the coil spring 14.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. In the state shown in FIG. 2, since the cross section of the tilt lever 11 interposed between the disk 9 and the pressing block 10 is located at the position of the major axis, the disk 9 and the pressing block 10 are pressed in a direction in which the disk 9 and the pressing block 10 are separated from each other. Between the nut 16 and the pressing block 10
The legs 2a and 2b of the distance bracket 2 are pinched with a strong force between the head and the head 6a of the tilt bolt 6, and the strong frictional force generated thereby prevents the movement of the steering column 1. I have.

If the position of the steering wheel (not shown) is inappropriate for the driver, the steering column 1 can be tilted. In FIG. 2, when the driver turns the tilt lever 11 to the unlock side (the arrow side), the cross section of the tilt lever 11 between the disk 9 and the pressing block 10 is located at the position of the short diameter. Since the pressing force on the plate 9 and the pressing block 10 is reduced, the legs 2a, 2b of the distance bracket 2 are no longer pinched, so that the steering column 1 can be tilted.

When assembling the coil spring 14, first, as shown in FIG. 5, one end 14e is connected to the hole 8w of the hook 8t.
, The U-shaped arm portion 14a of the coil spring 14
Is moved to the insertion path 8x entrance of the hook portion 8s by applying a force to the other end portion 14d so as to abut against the lower end 16a of the flange portion 16 and against the biasing force of the winding spring 14. Thereafter, the end portion 14d can be engaged with the notch 8v by passing through the insertion path 8x. Therefore,
Assembly can be performed smoothly.

On the other hand, after the assembly, the U-shaped arm portion 14a has the lower end 16a of the flange portion 16 and the claw portion 16b,
16c and one end 14
e is engaged with the hole 8w of the hook 8t so as to apply a pulling force, and the other end 14d is engaged with the hook 8s.
Is engaged with the notch 8v to apply a pulling force.

Accordingly, the helical spring 14 urges the tilt bracket 8 (that is, the vehicle body) in the direction of flipping the steering column 1 upward through the flange portion 16, thereby tilting the steering column 1. The adjustment range can be maintained at the neutral position. Therefore, at the time of tilt adjustment, the driver can swing the steering column 1 only by moving the steering wheel up and down with a small force. Also, even when the end portion 14d falls off from the notch 8v due to external force,
Another end 14e is maintained in a state engaged with the hole 8w,
This prevents the winding spring 14 from falling completely.

When it is desired to prevent the ends of the winding spring 14 from falling, the insertion path 8x of the notch 8v is crushed using a tool so that the width Y of the notch 8v is reduced by the linear φX of the winding spring 14. It is conceivable to make it smaller.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the present invention can be applied to both a tilt type steering apparatus having an electric assist mechanism and a normal tilt type steering apparatus.

[0033]

The tilt type steering apparatus according to the present invention has the following features.
A tilt type steering device capable of adjusting a tilting position of a steering wheel, comprising: a tilt bracket fixed to a vehicle body; a distance bracket swingably supported with respect to the tilt bracket; and a tilt bracket held by the distance bracket. A steering coil; and a single winding spring biasing the steering column with respect to the tilt bracket. Both ends of the winding spring are bent into a substantially U-shape, and the tilt bracket and the steering One of the columns is engaged with two receiving portions formed on one of the columns, and after assembly, a pulling force is transmitted from the both ends to the two receiving portions. One of the receiving portions has a hole. Since the other of the receiving portions is notched, it is difficult for the receiving portion to fall even when it receives a force from the outside, and First one end of the coil spring engaged with the hole, followed by by engaging the other end to said notch,
Assemblability can be secured.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a tilt-type steering device according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a view of the configuration of FIG. 1 cut along a line II-II and viewed in a direction of an arrow.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a tilt bolt 6 together with a cushioning member 7;

FIG. 4 is a view showing an assembling relationship between a long hole 8e of the tilt bracket 8, a tilt bolt 6, and a cushioning member 7;

FIG. 5 is a view of the configuration of FIG. 1 cut along a VV line and viewed in a direction of an arrow.

FIG. 6 is a view of a part of the configuration of FIG. 1 as viewed from a reverse direction.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view showing a configuration around a winding spring shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view showing a configuration around a winding spring shown in FIG. 6;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Steering column 2 Distance bracket 6 Tilt bolt 7 Buffer member 8 Tilt bracket 10 Press block 11 Tilt lever 14 Winding spring 16 Flange

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A tilt type steering device capable of adjusting a tilt position of a steering wheel, comprising: a tilt bracket fixed to a vehicle body; a distance bracket swingably supported with respect to the tilt bracket; A steering column held by a bracket, and a single helical spring for biasing the steering column with respect to the tilt bracket, both ends of the helical spring being bent into a substantially U shape, and Respectively engaged with two receiving portions formed on one of the tilt bracket and the steering column,
After assembly, a pulling force is transmitted from the both ends to the two receiving portions, one of the receiving portions is a hole, and the other of the receiving portions is a cutout.