JP2005225298A - Steering column holding device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the practicality of a steering column holding device for holding a steering column on a vehicle body in a vehicle steering system.
SOLUTION: The column holding device 14 is provided with mechanisms 42 and 44 for realizing a tilting operation and a jumping operation as a series of operations. In the tilting operation, the axis line (UL to DL) of the column 12 intersects the standard line NL relatively on the vehicle front side, and in the jumping operation, the axis line (UL to OL) of the column 12 is relatively back to the standard line NL. A mechanism is adopted in which the position of the column 12 changes in a state of crossing on the sides. Specifically, the movement of the portion where the column 12 is held by the holding mechanism 42 on the front side of the vehicle is prohibited, and the movement of the portion where the column 12 is held by the holding mechanism 44 on the rear side of the vehicle is allowed. By doing so, the tilting operation is realized, and the reverse operation is realized, the jumping operation is realized, and the mechanism is made such that these states continue.
[Selection] Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to a steering column holding device for holding a steering column constituting a vehicle steering system on a vehicle body (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “column holding device” or simply “holding device”).

  A vehicle steering system is a system that steers wheels by operating an operation member such as a steering wheel. This system usually includes a steering column (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as “column”). The column generally includes a steering shaft (hereinafter abbreviated as “shaft”) and a steering tube (hereinafter abbreviated as “tube”) that rotatably holds the column. It is comprised and is hold | maintained at a vehicle body in the state which the operation member was attached to the edge part of the vehicle rear side of a shaft. More specifically, it is held on a reinforcement (hereinafter, sometimes abbreviated as “instrument panel R / F”) of an instrument panel (hereinafter abbreviated as “instrument panel”) by a predetermined holding device.

On the other hand, the steering system has a function (hereinafter referred to as “tilt function”) for changing the angle at which the column is held in order to adjust the operation position of the operation member, more specifically, the operation position in the height direction. In addition, in order to retract the operation member in consideration of the driver getting on and off the vehicle, for example, it is required to have a function for jumping up the column (hereinafter referred to as a “flying function”). . Therefore, it has been studied to provide the holding device with mechanisms for realizing two functions (referred to as “tilt mechanism” and “leap mechanism”, respectively). For example, there are techniques described in the following patent documents.
JP-A-11-321665 Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-32226

  However, in the holding device described in the above-mentioned patent document, since the tilt mechanism and the jumping mechanism are provided as independent mechanisms, there is a problem that the apparatus itself is complicated, for example. Further, the two mechanisms must be individually operated for each of the column tilting operation and the jumping operation, and there is a problem that the operability related to these operations is not good. The problem illustrated here is an example, but due to such a problem, the conventional holding device is not satisfactory in terms of practicality. Therefore, in view of such circumstances, the present invention has been made with the object of improving the practicality of the steering column holding device and consequently the practicality of the steering system.

  In order to solve the above problems, a steering column holding device of the present invention includes (A) an axis intersection (a column axis and a standard line (a line corresponding to an axis when the column is located at a standard position) in a vehicle side view). Tilting operation in which the column position change with change in the axial gradient is allowed, with the position of the intersection of It is characterized by comprising a series of operation realizing mechanisms for realizing as a series of operations a jumping operation in which a column position change accompanied by a change in the axial gradient in a state of being located on the side is allowed.

Effects and effects of the invention

  The steering column holding device of the present invention is a device that allows or allows the column to perform the above two operations. In the tilting operation, since the axis intersection is located on the front side of the vehicle, it is possible to adjust the height position of the operation member in a state where the inclination angle does not change much. Further, in the jumping operation, since the axis intersection is relatively located on the rear side of the vehicle, it is possible to retract the operation member relatively large while avoiding interference with the instrument panel. In addition, since a mechanism in which the tilt mechanism and the jumping mechanism are integrated so that these two actions become a series of actions, that is, one mechanism in which the tilt mechanism and the jumping mechanism are combined is adopted. As a result, the column holding device of the present invention is highly practical. The operation, effects, and various specific aspects of the present invention will be described in detail in the following [Aspect of the Invention] section.

Aspects of the Invention

  In the following, some aspects of the invention that can be claimed in the present application (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “claimable invention”, which is a concept including the present invention) will be exemplified and described. As with the claims, each aspect is divided into sections, each section is numbered, and is described in a form that cites the numbers of other sections as necessary. This is merely for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the claimable inventions, and is not intended to limit the combinations of the constituent elements constituting those inventions to those described in the following sections. In other words, the claimable invention should be construed in consideration of the description accompanying each section, the description of the embodiments, etc., and as long as the interpretation is followed, another aspect is added to the form of each section. In addition, an aspect in which constituent elements are deleted from the aspect of each item can be an aspect of the claimable invention.

  In the following items, (1) corresponds to claim 1, (3) corresponds to claim 2, (4) corresponds to claim 3, (5) corresponds to claim 4, ( (6) corresponds to claim 5 and (12) corresponds to claim 6.

(1) A steering column holding device that holds a steering column that holds an operation member at an end portion on the vehicle rear side on a vehicle body,
(A) Corresponding to the axis of the steering column and the axis of the steering column when the steering column is located at the standard position in a side view of the vehicle, which is an operation for adjusting the height position of the operating member. (B) a tilting operation in which the position variation of the steering column with a change in the axis gradient is allowed in a state where the axis intersection that is a point intersecting the standard line that is a line is relatively located on the vehicle front side; The steering column is allowed to fluctuate with a change in the axial gradient in a state in which the axis intersection is located on the rear side of the vehicle relative to the position in the tilt operation, which is an operation for retracting the operation member. A steering column holding device comprising a series of motion realizing mechanisms for realizing a jumping motion as a series of motions.

  The tilt operation is an operation performed to adjust the position of the operation member such as the steering wheel in the height direction according to the physique, posture, etc. of the driver, and the tilt angle of the operation member does not change greatly for that purpose. It is desirable. Generally speaking, the tilting operation according to the aspect of this section is a rotation operation centered on a point relatively far from the driver in front of the vehicle, and therefore, the variation in the tilt angle of the operation member can be reduced. . On the other hand, considering the instrument panel interference with the column movement, the column jumping operation cannot be sufficiently performed when the axis intersection is located on the vehicle front side. Generally speaking, the jumping movement in the aspect of this section is a rotation centered on a point relatively close to the driver, that is, a position close to the driver of the instrument panel, and therefore the operating member is retracted to a sufficiently high position. It becomes possible to make it. Furthermore, the column holding device according to the aspect of this section is configured to include a series operation realizing mechanism as one mechanism in which the two operations are performed as a series operation. Since the column has one operating mechanism, the configuration of the apparatus is simplified or simplified. In that sense, it can be said that the series operation realizing mechanism is a mechanism in which the tilt mechanism and the jump mechanism are integrated, that is, a mechanism in which the tilt mechanism and the jump mechanism are combined. In addition, according to the aspect of this section, since there is one operation mechanism, the operation for operating the column is simplified, and good operability is obtained. The column holding device according to the aspect of this section has several advantages as listed here and is a highly practical device.

  The “standard line” in this section is a line corresponding to the axis of the column when the column is located at the standard position, and the “standard position” is, for example, a normal state in a steering operation state. This means a position. For example, any one position in the middle or end of the tilt operation range can be set as the standard position. "Axis intersection" is an intersection of an axis and a standard line at a fulcrum from the side of the vehicle, and may be an intersection when a three-dimensional intersection occurs, but in general, the axis of a column is within one plane. In this case, the axis intersection is an actual intersection. Further, the “position fluctuation” of the column referred to in this section is a concept including both parallel movement and rotational movement.

  In the mode described in this section, the position of the axis intersection is fixed at a fixed position in each of the tilting operation and the jumping operation, and when the operation is changed, the axis intersection position is changed between the respective fixed positions. An aspect may be sufficient and the position of an axis line intersection may change continuously. Further, the position change locus may be such that it rotates about one point in the tilt operation and rotates about another point in the jumping operation, as if the rotation center moves. The column may be operated while drawing, and the tilting operation and the jumping operation may be divided for convenience for the sake of convenience. In the latter case, a clear region between the tilting operation and the jumping operation is not set, but such an aspect is also included in the aspect described in this section.

  The column holding device described in this section is not limited to that used in a general steering system such as so-called power steering. For example, a system in which wheels are steered by the driving force of a drive source provided in the steered part under electrical control, regardless of the operating force applied to the operating member of the operating part, that is, a so-called steer-by-wire type It may be employed in a steering system. Some of these systems do not have a shaft for transmitting the operating force to the steered part, but there is a support device with a structure that supports the operating member so that it can be operated even in such an operating part. In some cases, however, a holding device for holding the vehicle body is required. In this case, the device that supports the operation member is referred to as a steering column, and the column holding device according to the aspect of this section can be adopted as a device that holds the steering column.

  (2) The series operation realizing mechanism includes the tilt operation in which the position fluctuation of the steering column with a constant position fluctuation locus is allowed, and the jumping in which the position fluctuation of the steering column with a constant position fluctuation locus is allowed. The steering column holding device according to item (1), wherein the operation is realized as a series of operations.

  If the column position fluctuation trajectory is constant in both the tilting operation and the jumping operation as in the aspect of this section, the tilting operation and the jumping operation are performed within the constant operation. As a result, a more practical steering system can be constructed. “Position fluctuation trajectory” in this section is not a concept such as a movement trajectory of the center of gravity of a column, but a concept such as a set of movement trajectories of geometric points constituting a column. In other words, in the case where both parallel movement and rotational movement are performed simultaneously, the position variation trajectory represents both the parallel movement and the rotational movement.

  (3) The apparatus according to (1) or (2), further comprising a single operation prohibiting mechanism that prohibits both the tilting operation and the jumping operation by prohibiting the position variation of the steering column. Steering column holding device.

  The “operation prohibiting mechanism” referred to in this section includes, for example, a mechanism for fixing the column at an arbitrary fluctuation position, in other words, a lock mechanism. In other words, the aspect of this section can realize the steering system with excellent operability with respect to the column operation because the column position fluctuation can be locked in both the tilting operation and the jumping operation by operating one lock mechanism. The

  (4) The series of motion realizing mechanisms includes position variation force applying means for applying a position variation force, which is a force that varies the position of the steering column in the direction in which the operation member is displaced upward, to the steering column ( The steering column holding device according to any one of items 1) to (3).

  The position variation force applying means referred to in this section includes, for example, means for applying a force in a direction in which the column jumps up. According to the aspect of this section, for example, it is possible to automate the lifting of the column and to easily adjust the position in the height direction of the operation member. The “position fluctuation force applying means” may be an urging means, for example, a means for applying an urging force using an elastic member such as a spring or rubber, or an actuator driven by a motor, fluid pressure or the like. It may be a simple means. Although not included in the aspect of this section, a position variation force applying means that applies a position variation force in the opposite direction, specifically, a position variation force in a direction in which the operating member is displaced downward is employed. It is also possible.

(5) The series of operation realizing mechanisms is
A track having a vehicle body side engaging portion provided in a vehicle body and a column side engaging portion provided in the steering column, wherein the column side engaging portion is defined with respect to the vehicle body side engaging portion. The column body engaging means having a structure in which the column-side engaging portion is displaced at least in a direction perpendicular to the standard line by engaging with a slidable movement along a prescribed track, two positions separated from each other Each of the front engagement means and the rear engagement means is provided with one each, and the column side engagement portions of the front engagement means and the rear engagement means are moved along the prescribed track. The steering column holding device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the tilt operation and the jumping operation are realized as a series of operations by changing or changing a mutual relationship.

  The mode of this section is a mode in which the specific configuration of the series operation realizing mechanism is limited. In the aspect of this section, for example, the column is configured to be held by the vehicle body at each of two parts spaced apart in the front-rear direction, and each of the two parts is displaced in the height direction. The aspect comprised so that said series of operation | movement may be implement | achieved by changing or changing the state of the relative displacement in the height direction of these two site | parts is contained. More simply, for example, if the relative displacement is changed in a relatively small range, a tilting operation can be realized, and if it is changed in a relatively large range, a jumping operation can be realized. It is.

  The “specified trajectory” referred to in this section is not a concept that means a substantial object such as a member that forms a trajectory, but a concept that means an abstract thing such as a route or a trajectory when moved. It may be linear or curvilinear. Further, “the column side engaging portion is displaced at least in a direction perpendicular to the standard line” does not mean to move only in a direction perpendicular to the standard line, but has a movement direction component in that direction. It is a concept that broadly includes movement made in a direction intersecting the standard line. In addition, the “change or change in the mutual relationship of the movement state” includes, for example, a state in which movement of at least one column side engagement portion, which is described in detail later, is allowed and prohibited. Various modes that change or change the relative positional relationship, relative speed relationship, relative relationship regarding movement allowance / prohibition state, etc., including the mode of switching, the mode in which the difference in the distance from the standard line of each column side engaging portion varies Embodiments are included. Furthermore, the relative positional relationship between the column side engaging portions of each of the two column vehicle body engaging means and the relative positional relationship between the vehicle body side engaging portions may be configured to be maintained in a constant state. Moreover, you may be comprised so that a change is possible. That is, for example, the two column engaging portions and the two vehicle body engaging portions may be fixed to the column and the vehicle body, respectively, and if necessary, for example, two column side engaging portions Or at least one of the two vehicle body side engaging portions may be provided so as to be movable in a direction crossing the prescribed track.

  (6) The column-side engaging portion movement prohibition in which the series of operation realizing mechanisms prohibits the movement of the column-side engaging portion along the prescribed track in each of the front engaging means and the rear engaging means. Means for prohibiting the movement of the column side engaging portion in the front engaging means along the prescribed track by the column engaging portion movement prohibiting means, and the column engaging portion of the rear engaging means. By setting the first state to allow movement along the prescribed track, the tilting operation is realized, and movement along the prescribed track of the column side engaging portion in the rear engagement means is performed on the column side engagement. The jumping operation is realized by setting the second state to be prohibited by the joint movement prohibiting means and allowing the column side engaging portion of the front engaging means to move along the prescribed trajectory, Serial is used for realizing the said lift-up operation and the tilting operation as a series of operations by the first state and the second state continues (5) steering column retaining device according to claim.

  The aspect described in this section is a more specific aspect of the series operation realizing mechanism when the two column vehicle body engaging means are employed. To put it plainly, the aspect of this section is an aspect in which each of the two column side engaging portions is switched between a state in which the movement of each of the two column side engaging portions is permitted and a state in which the movement is prohibited. If the column side engagement portion of the rear engagement means is moved in a state where the position of the column side engagement portion in the front engagement means is fixed, the position of the column will fluctuate in a state where the axis intersection is relatively forward. On the contrary, if the column side engaging portion of the front engaging means is moved in a state where the position of the column side engaging portion in the rear engaging means is fixed, the column can be moved with the axis crossing located relatively rearward. Change position. In the aspect described in this section, the tilting operation and the jumping operation are selectively realized by switching between the two movement states.

  (7) The column side engaging portion movement prohibiting means prohibits the movement of the column side engaging portion along the specified track at a predetermined position on the specified track, so that the series The motion realization mechanism includes a tilt operation in which the position variation of the steering column with a constant position variation locus is allowed and a jumping operation in which the position variation of the steering column with a constant position variation locus is allowed as a series of operations. The steering column holding device according to item (6) to be realized.

  As in the aspect described in this section, by fixing the position of the column side engaging portion at a fixed position, the above-described column position fluctuation trajectory can be obtained in both the tilting operation and the jumping operation. A constant operation is performed.

  (8) Each of the front engagement means and the rear engagement means has a guide portion that forms the prescribed track on one of the vehicle body side engagement portion and the column side engagement portion, and The other of the vehicle body side engaging portion and the column side engaging portion is structured to have a guided portion guided by the guide portion and relatively moved therewith. The steering column holding device according to (6) or (7), wherein the steering column holding device is capable of moving along the prescribed trajectory.

  The aspect described in this section is an aspect in which a limitation relating to the specific structure of the column vehicle body engaging means is added. For example, by adopting a structure in which a track forming member and a moving member that moves along it are combined, such as a combination of a long hole that will be described later and a slide body that fits and slides, the guide portion and the guided portion are It is possible to configure. In addition, for example, a structure including an engagement shaft provided on each of the vehicle body side and the column side and a connecting member that connects the engagement shafts is adopted to constitute the guide portion and the guided portion. It is also possible to do. Both of the two column vehicle body side engagement means can be configured to have a guide portion on the same side of the column and the vehicle body, or both can be configured to have a guide portion on different sides. Is possible.

  (9) Each of the front engagement means and the rear engagement means has an elongated hole as the guide portion and a slide body that slides in the elongated hole as the guided portion ( The steering column holding device according to item 8).

  The mode described in this section is a mode in which the guide portion and the guided portion are configured by the long hole and the slide body described above. For example, by using a structure such as a long hole and a shaft member fitted thereto, the column vehicle body engaging means has a relatively simple structure.

  (10) The prescribed track formed by the guide portion of the front engagement means is an arc track centered on the guided portion of the rear engagement means, and the guide portion and the guided portion are A predetermined track formed by the guide portion of the rear engagement means is provided with a fixed position on one of the vehicle body and the steering column, and an arc track centered on the guided portion of the front engagement means In addition, the steering column holding device according to item (8) or (9), wherein the guide portion and the guided portion are provided at positions fixed to the other of the vehicle body and the steering column.

  According to the aspect described in this section, the column side engagement portions and the vehicle body side engagement portions of each of the two column vehicle body engagement means are maintained at a constant relative positional relationship between the two column side engagement portions. Since each of the engaging portions can be displaced, the column vehicle body engaging means has a simpler structure. This is particularly effective in the above-described aspect in which the guide portion and the guided portion are configured by the long hole and the slide body.

  (11) Each of the prescribed trajectories in the front engagement means and the rear engagement means is a finite one extending substantially in the vertical direction when the steering column is in a standard position, A first urging means for applying a first urging force to the steering column, which is a force for positioning the column side engaging portion of the front engaging means at an upper end of the prescribed track; and a column of the rear engaging means. A second urging force for locating the side engaging portion at the upper end of the prescribed track and overcoming the first urging force to rotate the vehicle rear side in an upward direction; The steering column holding device according to any one of (6) to (10), further comprising two urging means.

  The mode described in this section is more specific in a mode in which two column vehicle body engaging means are employed and each of the two column side engaging portions is switched between a state in which the movement is permitted and a state in which the movement is prohibited. This is one aspect. In a state where the position of the column side engaging portion is fixed to the upper end portion of the finite track of the rear engaging means, the tilt operation is performed by allowing the movement of the column side engaging portion of the front engaging means, In a state where the position of the column side engaging portion is fixed to the upper end portion of the finite track of the front engaging means, the jumping operation is performed by allowing the movement of the column side engaging portion of the rear engaging means. It will be. In the aspect of this section, the above-mentioned column side engaging portion movement prohibition is caused by each of the structures defining the upper end portion of the finite track in the two column vehicle body engaging means and each of the first and second urging means. Means will be constructed. In addition, assuming that the second urging means constitutes the position fluctuation force applying means described above, the jumping operation can be automated by the urging force applied by the second urging means. The urging force in this section is “applied to the steering column”, but this does not mean only the force that directly urges the column, but it is applied to the column via some member or mechanism. It is a concept that includes acting force. Further, the means for generating the urging force is not particularly limited, and for example, means using an elastic force such as a spring can be employed.

  (12) The series of motion realizing mechanisms is configured to move the column side engaging portion of the front engaging means along the prescribed track and follow the prescribed track of the column engaging portion of the rear engaging means. Both column side engaging part movement linking means for linking the movement, and the distance from the standard line of the column side engaging part of the front engaging means and the column side engaging of the rear engaging means The front engagement means and the rear engagement means so that the difference in distance from the standard line, which is the difference between the distance from the standard line of the section and the two column-side engagement sections, moves together. The specified trajectory is defined in both of them, and the tilting operation is realized in a state where the difference from the standard line distance is relatively small, and the jumping operation is performed in a state where the difference from the standard line distance is relatively large. To realize (5) the steering column retaining device according to claim.

  The aspect described in this section is another more specific aspect of the series operation realizing mechanism in the case where the two column vehicle body engaging means are employed. In another aspect described above, the structure is such that the movement of the other column side engaging portion is allowed while the movement of one column side engaging portion of the two column vehicle body engaging means is prohibited. However, in the aspect of this section, the column side engaging portions of the two column vehicle body engaging means are interlocked. By setting the specified trajectory so that the difference between the distance to the standard line changes with the interlock, the tilting operation and the jumping operation are realized as a series of operations. If the relationship between the two column side engaging portions is based on a certain discipline, the column position fluctuation trajectory will be constant.

  (13) The front engaging means includes a first connecting member that connects the vehicle body side engaging portion and the column side engaging portion in a state of being relatively rotatable and is connected to the first engaging member. When the connecting member rotates about the vehicle body side engaging portion, the column side engaging portion moves along the circular arc track having the first radius which is a set radius as the prescribed track. A second connection for connecting the vehicle body side engaging portion and the column side engaging portion to each other in a state of relatively rotating engagement with each of the vehicle body side engaging portion and the column side engaging portion. And a second radius of which the column side engagement portion is set to be larger than the first radius as the prescribed track by rotating the second connecting member around the vehicle body side engagement portion. Rotate around the vehicle body side engaging part along the circular arc trajectory The steering column holding device according to item (12), wherein both the column side engaging portion movement linking means link the rotation of the first connecting member and the rotation of the second rotating member. .

  The aspect described in this section is an aspect in which the configuration of the column vehicle body engaging means is limited to a more specific one in the aspect in which the column side engaging portions of the two column vehicle body engaging means are interlocked. The two column vehicle body engaging means are provided with connecting members (links in a flat manner) for connecting the vehicle body side engaging portion and the column side engaging portion of each means so that the distances are different from each other. By linking these operations, the two column-side engaging portions are interlocked so that the above-described distance difference from the standard line changes. In addition, various mechanisms, such as a link mechanism and a gear mechanism, can be employed for interlocking the two connecting members. In addition, the “arc trajectory” in this section is a concept including a circular trajectory that is an arc trajectory having a 360 ° arc.

  (14) In the item (12) or (13), the series operation realizing mechanism includes a biasing unit that applies a biasing force to the steering column to rotate the steering column in a direction in which the rear side of the vehicle is directed upward. The steering column holding device as described.

  The aspect described in this section is an aspect that includes the urging means as the above-described position variation force applying means in the above aspect in which both the column side engaging portions of the two column vehicle body engaging means are interlocked. It is possible to automate column lifting by the biasing force of the biasing means. Note that the urging force in this section is “applied to the steering column” as in the above-described embodiment, but it does not mean only the force that directly urges the column. It is a concept that also includes the force acting on the column via. Further, the means for generating the biasing force is not particularly limited, and for example, a means using an elastic force such as a spring can be employed.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition to the following examples, the present invention is implemented in various modes including various modes modified and improved based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, including the mode described in the above [Mode of Invention]. be able to.

<First Example>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a steering system employing the steering column holding device of the first embodiment, and more specifically, a view of an operating portion thereof viewed from the side of the vehicle. The system includes a steering wheel 10 that is an operation member, and a steering column 12 that supports the steering wheel 10 at an end portion on the vehicle rear side (right side in the drawing). The column 12 is employed as a device for holding the column 12 on the vehicle body, specifically the instrument panel R / F 16.

  The column 12 includes a steering main shaft (hereinafter, may be abbreviated as “main shaft”, which is a kind of steering shaft) 20 and a steering tube 22 that rotatably holds the main shaft 20. Is something. A steering wheel 10 is attached to the end of the main shaft 20 on the vehicle rear side. Although illustration is omitted, the end portion on the front side of the vehicle is connected to an extendable intermediate shaft via a universal joint so that an operating force applied to the steering wheel 10 can be transmitted to the steering device. ing.

  The column 12 is tilted so that the end portion on the rear side of the vehicle is positioned above the end portion on the front side, that is, two locations of the end portion and the center portion of the tube 22 on the front side of the vehicle, that is, the column 12 It is attached to the vehicle body at two locations separated from each other in the axial direction. The instrument panel R / F 16 is provided with a mounting portion 24, and a front support bracket 30 and a rear support bracket 32 as a support member are fastened to the mounting portion 24. On the other hand, the tube 22 is provided with a front supported bracket 34 and a rear supported bracket 36 fixedly provided at the front end as supported members. The front support bracket 30 and the front supported bracket 34 are engaged, and the rear support bracket 32 and the rear supported bracket 36 are engaged via a front support shaft 38 and a rear support shaft 40, respectively. Thus, the column 22 is held on the instrument panel R / F 16 by the front holding mechanism 42 and the rear holding mechanism 44 which are two holding mechanisms.

  FIG. 2 shows the entire column 12 and the column holding device 14 in an enlarged manner, FIG. 3 shows an AA section in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 shows a part of a BB section in FIG. FIG. 5 shows a CC cross section in FIG. In addition, with reference to these drawings, the two holding mechanisms 42 and 44 in the column holding device 14 will be described in order.

  The front holding mechanism 42 includes a front support bracket 30, a front supported bracket 34, and a front support shaft 38. The front support bracket 30 is formed by bending a belt-like member into a U shape, and the upper portion in the drawing is formed by an instrument panel R / F 16 by two bolts 50 and a female screw member 52 in which two female screw holes are formed. It is fastened to the mounting part. Each of the two side portions of the front support bracket 30 that are positioned in parallel with each other is provided with arc-shaped elongated holes 54 that are positioned coaxially with each other. Further, the front supported bracket 34 has a channel shape formed by bending a plate-like member into a U-shape, and the lower ends of the facing flange portions are joined and fixed to the tube 22. In each of the flange portions, elongated holes 56 extending linearly at an angle slightly inclined with respect to the axis of the column 12 are formed coaxially with each other.

  The front supported bracket 34 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the two side portions of the front support bracket 30 with a space therebetween. The front support shaft 38 is composed of a head portion and a shaft portion, and the shaft portion penetrates both the long hole 54 and the long hole 56. A retaining ring 58 is fixed to a tip portion of the front support shaft 38 opposite to the head portion to prevent the front support shaft 38 from falling off, and the front support bracket 30 and the front supported bracket 34 are supported. Between the front support shaft 38 and the front support shaft 38 with an annular spacer 60 fitted therein, and the relative movement in the axial direction of the front support shaft 38 between the front support bracket 30 and the front supported bracket 34 is restricted. Has been.

  The hole width of the long hole 56 of the front supported bracket 34 is larger than the outer diameter of the front support shaft 38. On the outer periphery of the shaft portion of the front support shaft 38, two resin collars 62 having a cylindrical shape with a part of the periphery cut off are fitted, and the front support shaft 38 is connected to the elongated hole 56 through the collar 62. The front support shaft 38 and the front supported bracket 34 are rotatable relative to each other. The elongated hole 56 is provided with a convex portion 64 for slightly narrowing the width of the hole. The front support shaft 38 is positioned on the front side of the convex portion 64 so that the elongated hole 56 extends. The relative movement of the front support shaft 38 in the direction with the front supported bracket 34 is prohibited. On the other hand, the hole width of the long hole 54 of the front support bracket 30 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the shaft portion of the front support shaft 38. The front support shaft 38 and the front support bracket 30 are relatively rotatable and long. Relative movement along the hole 54 is possible.

  A latching rod 70 is fixed to the upper portion of the front support bracket 34 in a state of being passed to both sides. A tension coil spring 74 is hooked between the hook rod 70 and the front support shaft 38 in a state of passing through a spring hole 72 formed in the upper surface portion of the front supported bracket 34. The front support shaft 38 is normally positioned at the upper end portion of the elongated hole 56 of the front support bracket 34 by being biased by the tensile force of the spring 74.

  The front holding mechanism 42 is provided with a belt-like EA plate (energy absorbing plate) 76 as an impact energy absorbing member for absorbing energy of a secondary collision with the driver's steering wheel 10 at the time of a vehicle collision. ing. Two EA plates 76 are provided so as to be aligned in the axial direction of the front support shaft 38 with the spring 74 interposed therebetween, and one end of each of the EA plates 76 surrounds the front support shaft 38 and both flanges of the supported bracket 34. It is fixed to three rods 78 passed to the section. On the other hand, when the driver makes a secondary collision with the steering wheel 10 at a certain speed, the rear support bracket 32 and the mounting portion 24 of the instrument panel R / F 16 are configured to be relatively movable as will be described later. The front support shaft 38 can be moved to the vehicle rear side beyond the convex portion 64 in the elongated hole 56 by deformation of the collar 62. That is, the column 12 can be moved forward in the axial direction thereof by the secondary collision. With this movement, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 4, the front support shaft 38 is engaged and the EA plate 76 is deformed, and the column 12 moves forward while receiving the force required for this deformation. By moving, the impact energy is absorbed.

  The rear holding mechanism 44 includes a rear support bracket 32, a rear supported bracket 36, and a rear support shaft 40. The rear support bracket 32 includes a mounting seat portion 90 attached to the mounting portion 24 of the instrument panel R / F 16 and a bearing portion 94 provided with a shaft hole 92 through which the rear support shaft 40 is inserted. On the upper surface of the mounting seat 90, male screw pins 96 each having a male screw formed at the tip end are erected, and these male screw pins 96 extend to the mounting portion 24 of the instrument panel R / F 16 in the axial direction of the column 12. The nut 100 is screwed into the male screw at the tip. The mounting portion 24 and the mounting seat 90 are fastened by a male screw pin 96 and a nut 100 with a resin spacer 102 interposed. The fastening is relatively loose. When the driver collides with the steering wheel 10 at a certain speed, the spacer 102 is deformed and the rear support bracket 32 is attached to the mounting portion 24. On the other hand, it can move to the vehicle front side in the axial direction of the column 12.

  The rear supported bracket 36 is formed by bending a plate-like member into a U shape, and is fixed to the tube 22 with the column 12 held in the lower part of the U shape. The rear supported bracket 36 has long holes 110 that are coaxially formed in each of two side portions that are positioned in parallel to each other. The long hole 110 is formed in a relatively short arc shape. The rear supported bracket 36 is positioned in a state where the bearing portion 94 of the rear support bracket 32 is sandwiched between both side portions, and the shaft portion of the rear support shaft 40 passes through the elongated hole 110 and the shaft hole 92. It is said that. The hole width of the long hole 110 and the inner diameter of the shaft hole 92 are slightly larger than the outer diameter of the shaft portion of the rear support shaft 40. Further, the outer dimension of the rear support bracket 32 in the axial direction of the rear support shaft 40 is slightly smaller than the inner dimensions of both sides of the rear supported bracket 36. Therefore, the rear support bracket 32 and the rear supported bracket 36 are relatively rotatable and relatively movable in the direction in which the elongated hole 110 extends.

  A male screw is formed at the tip of the rear support shaft 40 opposite to the head. The rear holding mechanism 44 has an operation lever 112, and a female screw is formed on the boss portion 114 thereof, and the male screw of the rear support shaft 40 is screwed with the female screw. A ridge 116 is formed on the head of the rear support shaft 40, and this ridge 116 is engaged with a groove 118 formed in the rear supported bracket 36. Therefore, the rear support shaft 40 is prohibited from rotating about its axis, and the lever portion 120 of the operation lever 112 is pushed down (FIG. 2 shows the pushed state), thereby supporting the boss portion 114 and the rear support shaft 40. The both side portions of the rear supported bracket 36 and the bearing portion 94 of the rear support bracket 32 are strongly held by the head of the shaft 40. In this state, relative rotation and relative movement between the rear support bracket 32 and the rear supported bracket 36 are prohibited. In this state, relative rotation and relative movement between the front support bracket 30 and the front supported bracket 34 are also prohibited, that is, position variation of the column 12 is prohibited.

  A connecting bar 122 is fixed between both side portions of the rear supported bracket 36 in a state of being passed to them. A latch pin 124 is provided at each end of the connecting bar 122 and the mounting seat 90 of the rear support bracket 32 on the front side of the vehicle, and both ends of the latch pin 124 are latched. In this state, a tension coil spring 126 is provided. The rear supported bracket 36 is biased by the tensile force of the spring 74, and in the state where the operation lever 112 is pulled up and the relative movement between the rear support bracket 32 and the rear supported bracket 36 is allowed, The rear support shaft 40 is positioned at a state where the rear support shaft 40 is positioned at the lower end portion of the elongated hole 110 of the rear supported bracket 36 (in FIG. 2, a state positioned at the center position of the elongated hole 110 is shown).

  It should be noted that the spring force of the spring 126 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “rear spring 126”) provided in the rear holding mechanism 44 is the spring force of the spring 74 (hereinafter also referred to as “front spring 74”) provided in the front holding mechanism 42. It is considerably stronger than the spring force. In addition, a long hole 54 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “front long hole 54”) provided in the front support racket 30 is formed in an arc shape centered on the axis of the rear support shaft 40. In addition, a long hole 110 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “rear long hole 110”) provided in the rear supported bracket 36 is formed on an arc centered on the axis of the front support shaft 38. It has become a thing.

  Next, the operation of the column 12 while being held on the vehicle body by the column holding device 14 will be described. The state shown in FIG. 2 is defined as a state where the column 12 is in the standard position, and the axis of the column 12 in this state is defined as the standard line NL. In this state, the operation lever 112 is operated while the driver is holding the steering wheel 10 to allow the position variation of the column 12 to be allowed. Next, if the driver applies a force to move the steering wheel 10 downward in this state, the front support shaft 38 is positioned at the upper end of the front elongated hole 54 by the biasing force of the front spring 74. In this state, it is possible to change the position of the rear support shaft 40 until the rear support shaft 40 is positioned at the upper end of the rear elongated hole 110 against the urging force of the rear spring 126. The axis of the column 12 in this state (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “column axis”) is the axis DL shown in the figure. Further, if the driver weakens the force for holding the steering wheel 10 from the standard position, the column 12 remains in a state where the front support shaft 38 is positioned at the upper end of the front long hole 54, and the rear support shaft 40. It is possible to change the position of the rear elongated hole 110 until it is positioned at the lower end of the rear elongated hole 110. The column axis in this state is the axis UL shown in the figure. In a state where the column axis is located between the axis DL and the axis UL, the position variation of the column 12 is a rotation operation around the axis of the front support shaft 38 located at the upper end portion of the front elongated hole 54, In this case, an axis intersection that is an intersection between the column axis and the standard line NL is located on the vehicle front side from the point TP shown in the drawing.

  Furthermore, if the driver weakens the force that holds the steering wheel 10 or if the driver stops holding the steering wheel 10, the spring force of the rear spring 126 overcomes the spring force of the front spring 74, and the column As shown in FIG. 13, the position of the front support shaft 38 is located at the lower end portion of the front elongated hole 54 while the rear support shaft 40 is positioned at the lower end portion of the rear elongated hole 110. Will do. The column axis in this state is the axis OL shown in the figure. The position variation of the column 12 in a state where the column axis is located between the axis UL and the axis OL is a rotation operation around the axis of the rear support shaft 40 located at the lower end of the rear elongated hole 110, In this case, the axis line intersection is located on the vehicle rear side from the point TP shown in the drawing. In the state shown in FIG. 13, that is, when the position of the column axis is changed from the state where the column axis is located on the axis OL to the state where the column axis is located on the axis UL, if the driver applies a downward force while holding the steering wheel 10. Good.

  Referring to FIG. 7 showing the operation of the column 12 collectively, a range in which the column axis is between the axis DL and the axis UL is a range in which the column 12 is positioned during vehicle operation. In that range, the change in the tilt angle of the steering wheel 10 is small, and the operation is suitable for adjusting the height position of the steering wheel 150. That is, a suitable tilting operation is performed in this range. Therefore, for convenience, this range can be set as the tilt operation range. Further, in a range where the column axis is between the axis UL and the axis OL, the steering wheel 10 is retracted, that is, the column 12 is jumped up. In this jumping operation, since it is a pivoting operation centered on a point close to the driver, the influence of the column 12 jumping operation on the instrument panel 130 is more specifically, interference between the column cover 132 and the instrument panel 130. The steering wheel 10 can be sufficiently retracted in a state where the portion of the instrument panel 130 where the instrument is provided is sufficiently large. In the retracted state, the driver can easily get on and off the vehicle.

  According to the column holding device 14, as described above, the tilting operation and the jumping operation are performed as a series of operations while drawing a constant position fluctuation locus. Therefore, the column holding device 14 is supposed to include a series of operation realizing mechanisms. More specifically, in the front holding mechanism 42, the front support bracket 30 and the front support shaft 38 held by the front supported bracket 34 are provided on the vehicle body as the column side engaging portion provided on the column 12. Each of the column body engaging portions functions as the vehicle body side engaging portion, and the column body engaging portion including them includes a structure in which the column side engaging portion is displaced at least in a direction perpendicular to the standard line NL along the prescribed track. The front engaging means which is one of the combining means is configured. Further, in the rear holding mechanism 44, the rear supported bracket 36 is used as a column side engaging portion provided in the column 12, and the rear supporting bracket 32 and the rear support shaft 40 held by the rear supported bracket 32 are used as vehicle body side engaging portions, respectively. It is supposed to function, and the rear engagement means, which is another column vehicle body engagement means, is configured including them.

  Further, in the front holding mechanism 42, the front long hole 54 provided in the front support bracket 30 functions as a guide part that forms a finite prescribed track, and the front support shaft 38 is a slide body that fits into the front long hole 54. However, it functions as a guided part that is guided by the guide part and moves relatively. Similarly, in the rear holding mechanism 44, the rear elongated hole 110 provided in the rear supported bracket 36 functions as a guide portion that forms a finite prescribed track, and the rear support shaft 40 that is a slide body guides to the guide portion. Thus, it functions as a guided portion that moves relatively. Further, a column side engagement portion movement prohibiting means is configured including the upper end portion of the front elongated hole 54 and the front spring 74, and the movement of the front supported bracket 34 and the front support shaft 38 along the prescribed track is performed by the means. A first state in which the movement of the rear supported bracket 36 in the prohibited state along the specified trajectory is allowed is realized, and the tilt operation is realized. Similarly, another column side engagement portion movement prohibiting means is configured including the lower end portion of the rear elongated hole 110 and the rear spring 126, and the movement of the rear supported bracket 36 along the specified track is prohibited by this means. In the second state, the second state in which the movement of the front supported bracket 32 and the front support shaft 38 along the specified trajectory is allowed is realized, and the above-described jumping operation is realized. In addition, by changing the mutual relationship between the movement states of the two column side engaging portions along the prescribed trajectory, that is, by switching between the state in which the movement of the column engaging portions is prohibited and the state in which the movement is allowed. Since the first state and the second state are alternately realized, the tilting operation and the jumping operation are alternately realized, and these operations are continuously performed so that the operations are realized as a series of operations. is there.

  Further, the front spring 74 disposed in the front holding mechanism 42 applies a first biasing force, which is a biasing force for positioning the front supported bracket 34 and the front support shaft 38 to the upper end of the specified track, to the column 12. The rear spring 126 disposed in the rear holding mechanism 44 functions as a first urging unit that performs the second urging force that is a urging force for positioning the rear supported bracket 36 at the upper end of the specified track. 12 to function as a second urging means to be applied to the second urging means. Further, the rear spring 126 functions as a position variation force applying unit that applies a position variation force, which is a force that varies the position of the column 12 in the direction in which the steering wheel 10 is displaced upward, to the column 12.

  Furthermore, in this column holding device 14, both the tilting operation and the jumping operation are prohibited by the operation of the operation lever 112 provided in the rear holding mechanism 44. By the operation lever 112 and the operation thereof, A single operation prohibiting mechanism is configured including a mechanism that prohibits relative rotation and relative movement between the rear supported bracket 36 and the rear supporting bracket 32.

<Second embodiment>
FIG. 8 shows a steering system that employs the steering column holding device of the second embodiment, and more specifically, a view of the operating portion thereof as seen from the side of the vehicle. This system includes a steering wheel 150 that is an operation member and a steering column 152 that supports the steering wheel 150 at an end portion on the vehicle rear side (right side in the drawing). A steering column holding device 154 includes: The column 152 is used as a device for holding the column 152 on the vehicle body, specifically, the instrument panel R / F 156.

  The column 152 includes a steering main shaft (hereinafter, may be abbreviated as “main shaft”, which is a kind of steering shaft) 160 and a steering tube 162 that rotatably holds the main shaft 160. Is something. A steering wheel 150 is attached to an end of the main shaft 160 on the vehicle rear side. Although not shown in the drawings, the end portion on the vehicle front side is connected to an extendable intermediate shaft via a universal joint so that an operation force applied to the steering wheel 150 can be transmitted to the steering device. ing. FIG. 9 shows an enlarged view of the column holding device 154 from the side viewpoint, and FIG. 10 shows an enlarged view of the column holding device 154 at the lower viewpoint (view from the direction perpendicular to the axis of the column 150). Hereinafter, the structure of the column holding device 154 will be described with reference to these drawings.

  The column holding device 154 is based on a frame 174 that is provided at a right angle to the top plate 170 and two side plates 170 that are parallel to each other, and various parts are assembled to the frame 174. It is configured. The top plate 170 has two mounting holes 176 formed as long holes. The frame 174 uses the mounting holes 176 to contact the mounting portion 178 of the instrument panel R / F 156. In the state, it is fixed to the instrument panel R / F 156 by bolts and nuts 180 which are fastening members. The top plate 170 is provided with a notch 182 for avoiding interference of the column 152 in a jumping operation described later. Although not shown in detail in the drawing, the mounting portion between the frame 174 and the instrument panel R / F 156 is slid between the upper surface of the top plate 170 and the lower surface of the mounting portion 178 when the driver's steering wheel 152 undergoes a secondary collision. The frame 174 and the instrument panel R / F 156 are configured to move relative to each other while being in contact with each other. By allowing the column 152 to move in the substantially axial direction while resisting the frictional force generated at the sliding contact portion, it is possible to absorb impact energy at the time of the secondary collision.

  Each of the side plates 172 is provided with two shaft holes in the lower part of the vehicle front side and the vehicle rear side. These shaft holes have engagement shafts 190 and 192, respectively (the front side is sometimes referred to as "vehicle body side front engagement shaft 190" and the rear side is referred to as "vehicle body side rear engagement shaft 192"). Is rotatably supported. Each of the vehicle body front side engagement shafts 190 has a disk-like front rotation support plate 194, and each of the vehicle body side rear engagement shafts 192 has a rear shape that generally has a fan plate and a belt plate combined. The rotation support plates 196 are pivotally supported so as to be rotatable. The engaging shafts 190 and 192 have a head having a diameter larger than that of the shaft portion, and a retaining ring 198 is fixed to an end opposite to the head, and the side plate 170 and the front rotation support plate 194 are fixed. A tubular spacer 200 is interposed between the rear rotation support plate 196 and the relative positions in the axial direction of the engagement shafts 190 and 192 between the side plate 172 and the front rotation support plate 194 and the rear rotation support plate 196 are set. It is regulated.

  The column 152 is held so as to be positioned between the two side plates 172. In the column 152, brackets 210 and 212 are provided at two locations that are separated from each other in the direction of the axis of the column 152 (sometimes referred to as "column axis") on both the left and right sides. The brackets 210 and 212 (sometimes located on the front side of the vehicle may be referred to as “front bracket 210”, and those located on the rear side of the vehicle may be referred to as “rear bracket 212”) have a channel shape and the end of the flange portion. Are joined and fixed to the tube 162. The brackets 210 and 212 are respectively provided with shaft holes, and the shaft holes are respectively engaged with the engagement shafts 214 and 216 (the front side is the “column-side front engagement shaft 214” and the rear side is (Sometimes referred to as “column-side rear engagement shaft 216”) is rotatably supported. A shaft hole 218 provided in the rear bracket 212 is an elongated hole extending in the column axis direction, and the column side rear engagement shaft 216 is movable along the shaft hole 218 in the column axis direction. Variations in the distance between the two engagement shafts 214 and 216 are allowed.

  The column-side front engagement shaft 214 is engaged with an engagement hole provided in the front rotation support plate 194 and is rotatably supported by the front rotation support plate 194. Further, the column-side rear engagement shaft 216 is engaged with an engagement hole provided in a band plate-like portion of the rear rotation support plate 196 and is rotatably supported by the rear rotation support plate 196. Similar to the engagement shafts 190 and 192, the engagement shafts 214 and 216 have a head portion having a diameter larger than that of the shaft portion, and a retaining ring 220 is fixed to an end portion opposite to the head portion. A tubular spacer 222 is interposed between the brackets 210 and 212 and the support plates 194 and 196, and the relative positions in the axial direction of the engagement shafts 214 and 216 between the brackets 210 and 212 and the support plates 194 and 196 are interposed. Is regulated.

  The outer periphery of the front rotation support plate 194 centered on the axis of the vehicle body side front engagement shaft 190 and the arc of the fan-like portion of the rear rotation support plate 196 centered on the axis of the vehicle body side rear engagement shaft 192 The gear teeth 230 and 232 are respectively formed on the outer peripheral portion forming the gears, and the gear teeth 230 and 232 mesh with each other. Therefore, the front rotation support plate 194 and the rear rotation support plate 196 are configured to rotate in conjunction with each other.

  The state shown in FIG. 9 shows a side view of the state where the column 152 is located at the standard position, and the column 152 is inclined such that the end portion on the vehicle rear side is located above the end portion on the front side. Is held in. In this state, the axis of the vehicle body side front engagement shaft 190 and the axis of the vehicle body side rear engagement shaft 192 are both located on the column axis in that state, that is, on the standard line NL. The axis of the column side front engagement shaft 214 is located at a position spaced apart from the axis of the vehicle body side front engagement shaft 190 toward the vehicle body front side on the standard line NL, and the column side rear engagement shaft The shaft center of 216 is located at a position spaced apart from the shaft center of the vehicle body side rear engagement shaft 192 on the standard line NL to the vehicle body rear side.

  From the above structure, for example, when a force is applied to move any part of the column 152 upward or downward, the column side front engagement shaft 214 and the column side rear engagement shaft 216 (hereinafter referred to as “column”). Each of the side engagement shafts 214 and 216 "may be collectively referred to as a vehicle body side front engagement shaft 190 and a vehicle body side rear engagement shaft 192 (hereinafter referred to as" vehicle body side engagement shafts 190 and 192 "). (In some cases) along a circular orbit trajectory centering on each axis, and rotating around each of these axes. By such an operation, the position of the column 152 is changed so as to draw a constant position change locus.

  Each of the two rear rotation support plates 196 is provided with an arc-shaped elongated hole 234 centered on the axis of the vehicle body side rear engagement shaft 192. On the other hand, another shaft hole is provided in a portion projecting downward from each of the two side plates 172 of the frame 174. A fixed shaft 236 is disposed so as to penetrate the shaft hole and the long hole 234. The head of the fixed shaft 236 is fixed to one of the two side plates 172, and the fixed shaft 236 cannot be rotated. A male screw is formed at the end of the fixed shaft 236 opposite to the head, and a female screw formed on the boss 242 of the operation lever 240 is screwed into the male screw. Further, a tubular spacer 244 is disposed between each of the two rear rotation support plates 196, and a tubular spacer 246 is disposed between each of the two rear rotation support plates 196 and each of the two side plates 172 of the frame 174. It is installed. With this structure, when the lever portion 248 of the operation lever 240 is operated downward (in the figure, the state of being operated downward is shown), the head of the fixed shaft 236 and the boss portion 242 The rear rotation support plate 196 and the side plate 172 are strongly sandwiched between the rear rotation support plate 196 and the rotation of the rear rotation support plate 196 around the axis of the vehicle body side rear engagement shaft 192 is prohibited. That is, the position variation of the column 152 is prohibited. When the fixed shaft 236 is in contact with the end of the long hole 234 provided in the rear rotation support plate 196, further rotation of the rear rotation support plate 196 is prohibited. That is, the fixed shaft 236 and the end portion of the elongated hole 234 also serve as a stopper that regulates a range in which the position of the column 152 can be changed. By operating the operation lever 240, it is possible to prohibit the position fluctuation of the column 152 at an arbitrary position within the range where the position fluctuation is possible.

  Further, between each of the two side plates 172 of the frame 174 and each of the two rear rotation support plates 196, a torsion is made around the vehicle body side rear engagement shaft 192, specifically around the spacer 200, respectively. A coil spring 250 is wound around, and each end portion of the torsion coil spring 250 is hooked on the lower end portion of the side plate 172 and the lower end portion of the strip plate-like portion of the rear rotation support plate 196. The torsion coil spring 250 is configured to apply a biasing force such that the column side rear engagement shaft 216 is directed upward, that is, the rear end portion of the column 152 is directed upward.

  Next, the operation of the column 152 in a state of being held on the vehicle body by the column holding device 154 will be described. The distance R1 between the front axes, which is the distance between the axis of the column side front engagement shaft 214 and the axis of the vehicle body side front engagement shaft 190, is the axis of the column side rear engagement shaft 216 and the vehicle body side rear engagement. It is larger than the distance R2 between the axes with the shaft 192. That is, the radius (corresponding to the second radius) of the arcuate track on which the column side rear engagement shaft 216 rotates is equivalent to the radius of the arcuate track on which the column side front engagement shaft 214 rotates (corresponding to the first radius). Has been bigger. Therefore, the amount of displacement of the axis of the column side rear engagement shaft 216 from the standard line NL, that is, the distance from the standard line is larger than that of the axis of the column side front engagement shaft 214. Therefore, the position of the column 152 is changed so that the end portion on the rear side of the vehicle moves largely up and down as compared with the end portion on the front side of the vehicle. Also, the difference between the distance to the standard line, which is the difference between the distance to the standard line of the column side front engagement shaft 214 and that of the column side rear engagement shaft 216, increases as the vertical displacement of the column 152 increases. As a result, the position of the column 152 varies with a change in the inclination gradient of its own axis.

  More specifically, in the case of a slight upward displacement from the standard position shown in FIG. 9, as shown in FIG. 11, the axis intersection that is the intersection of the column axis and the standard line NL is from the driver in front of the vehicle. Located far away (outside the range shown). Similarly, even when it is displaced slightly downward, the axis intersection is located at a position far away from the driver in front of the vehicle. The axis line DL shown in the figure is a terminal position of the position fluctuation downward of the column 152, and the axis line UL shown in the figure is an axis line that is symmetric with respect to the standard line NL of the axis line DL. In the range from the axis DL to the axis UL, the axis intersection is located relatively on the front side of the vehicle, and the variation in the inclination angle of the column axis relative to the standard line NL relative to the standard line NL is relatively small.

  The actual operation will be described as follows. In the state of being located at the standard position shown in FIG. 9, the operation lever 240 is operated while the driver is holding the steering wheel 150, and the column 152 is allowed to change in position. If the driver applies a force to move the steering wheel 150 downward in this state, the column 152 is moved to the position of the axis DL against the spring force of the torsion coil spring 250, that is, the urging force thereby. Is possible. Further, if the driver weakens the force that holds the steering wheel 150, the position of the column 152 can be changed to the position of the axis UL shown in the drawing using the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 250.

  Further, in a state where the column axis is at the axis UL, if the driver weakens the force that holds the steering wheel 150 or if the driver stops holding the steering wheel 150, the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 250 is reduced. By the action, the column 152 is moved to the position shown in FIG. In this state, the position of the axial center of the column side rear engagement shaft 216 is located at a position furthest away from the standard line NL on the circular arc track. Further, the position of the axial center of the column-side front engagement shaft 214 passes through a position farthest from the standard line NL on the circular arc track and is located at a position below the standard line NL. Due to such a positional relationship between the column-side engagement shafts 214 and 216, the intersection P between the axis OL and the standard line NL, which is the column axis in that state, is located on the relatively rear side of the vehicle. 152 is in a state of being inclined such that the rear side of the vehicle has greatly jumped up. When the position of the column 152 is changed from the state shown in FIG. 12, that is, the state where the column axis is located on the axis OL to the state located on the axis UL to the axis DL, the driver holds and lowers the steering wheel 150. You just need to add power.

  Referring to FIG. 13 that collectively shows the operation of the column 152, the range in which the column axis is between the axis DL and the axis UL is the range in which the column 152 is positioned during vehicle operation. The change in the tilt angle of the steering wheel 150 is small, and the operation is suitable for adjusting the height position of the steering wheel 150. That is, a suitable tilt operation is performed in this range. Therefore, although it is convenient, this range can be set as the range of the tilt operation. Further, the range in which the column axis is between the axis UL and the axis OL is a range in which the steering wheel 150 is retracted, that is, the column 152 is jumped up. Since the axis intersection is located at a position relatively close to the driver at the end position of the jumping operation, the influence on the instrument panel 260 of the column 152 is more specifically, the influence of the interference between the column cover 262 and the instrument panel 260. Therefore, the steering wheel 150 can be sufficiently retracted in a state where the portion of the instrument panel 260 where the instrument is provided is sufficiently large. In the retracted state, the driver can easily get on and off the vehicle.

  According to the column holding device 154, as described above, the tilting operation and the jumping operation are each performed as a series of operations while drawing a constant position fluctuation locus. That is, in the series of operations from the standard position to the jumping operation through the tilting operation, the position of the above-described axis intersection gradually changes toward the vehicle rear side, as if the rotation center of the column 152 is directed toward the vehicle rear side. The position changes so as to change gradually. For this reason, the column holding device 154 is supposed to include a series of operation realizing mechanisms. Note that the above-described difference from the standard line distance changes with a series of operations, and is relatively small in the tilt operation and relatively large in the jumping operation. In other words, by changing the mutual relationship between the movement states of the column side engagement shafts 214 and 216 between a small state and a large state with respect to the standard line distance, a tilt operation and a jumping operation are realized. Two states are realized as a series of operations by continuously performing two states.

  More specifically, regarding the configuration of the series of operation realizing mechanisms, the column side front engagement shaft 214 is used as the column side engagement portion provided in the column 152, and the vehicle body side front engagement shaft 190 is provided in the vehicle body. The column vehicle body engaging means is structured so that each of the column side engaging portions is displaced at least in the direction perpendicular to the standard line NL along the prescribed track. One forward engaging means is constituted. Similarly, the column side rear engagement shaft 216 functions as a column side engagement portion, and the vehicle body side rear engagement shaft 192 functions as a vehicle body side engagement portion. One column vehicle body engaging means is a rear engaging means. Further, a front rotation support plate 194 that connects the column side front engagement shaft 214 and the vehicle body side front engagement shaft 190 so as to be rotatable relative to each other serves as a first connection member. A rear rotation support plate 196 that connects the shaft 192 so as to be relatively rotatable functions as a second connecting member, and these are interlocked depending on the meshing of the gear teeth 230 and 232. By this interlocking, the column side engaging shafts 214 and 216 are rotated along an arcuate track that is a prescribed track, and their rotation, that is, their movement are linked. That is, both the column side engaging portion moving linking means are configured including the front rotating support plate 194, the rear rotating support plate 196, and the gear teeth 230, 232 for engaging them.

  Further, the torsion coil spring 250 functions as an urging unit that imparts an urging force to the steering column 152 to rotate the steering column 152 in a direction in which the rear side of the vehicle is directed upward, and a direction in which the steering wheel 150 is displaced upward. The position varying force, which is a force for varying the position of the column 152, functions as a position varying force imparting means for imparting to the column 152. Further, the column holding device 154 has a structure in which both the tilting operation and the jumping operation are prohibited by the operation of the operation lever 240. The operation lever 240, the side plate 172 of the frame 174, the rear rotation support plate 196, and the like. A single operation prohibiting mechanism is configured including a mechanism for prohibiting the relative rotation.

It is a figure which shows the steering system which employ | adopted the steering column holding | maintenance apparatus of 1st Example in the viewpoint from the side of a vehicle. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing the entire steering column and the steering column holding device of the first embodiment. It is a figure (AA sectional drawing in FIG. 2) which shows the front holding mechanism with which the steering column holding | maintenance apparatus of 1st Example is provided. It is a figure (a part of BB section in Drawing 3) showing the front maintenance mechanism with which the steering column maintenance device of the 1st example is provided. It is a figure (CC cross section in FIG. 2) which shows the back holding mechanism with which the steering column holding | maintenance apparatus of 1st Example is provided. It is a figure which shows the state which the steering column is located in the terminal position of the operation | movement in the jumping operation | movement implement | achieved by the steering column holding | maintenance apparatus of 1st Example. It is a figure which shows collectively the mode of the tilt operation | movement and jumping operation | movement implement | achieved by the steering column holding | maintenance apparatus of 1st Example. It is a figure which shows the steering system which employ | adopted the steering column holding | maintenance apparatus of 2nd Example in the fulcrum from the side of a vehicle. It is an enlarged view which shows the steering column and the whole steering column holding | maintenance apparatus of 2nd Example. It is a figure which shows the steering column holding | maintenance apparatus of 2nd Example in the viewpoint from the downward direction. It is a figure which shows the state which the steering column displaced upwards in the tilt operation implement | achieved by the steering column holding | maintenance apparatus of 2nd Example. It is a figure which shows the state which a steering column is located in a terminal position in the jumping operation | movement implement | achieved by the steering column holding | maintenance apparatus of 2nd Example. It is a figure which shows collectively the mode of the tilt operation | movement implement | achieved by the steering column holding | maintenance apparatus of 2nd Example, and a jumping-up operation | movement.

Explanation of symbols

10: Steering wheel 12: Steering column 14: Steering column holding device 16: Instrument panel reinforcement 30: Front support bracket 32: Back support bracket 34: Front support bracket 36: Back support bracket 38: Front support shaft 40: Back support Shaft 42: Front holding mechanism 44: Rear holding mechanism 54: Front elongated hole 74: Tensile coil spring (front spring) 110: Rear elongated hole 112: Operation lever 126: Tensile coil spring (rear spring) 130: Instrument panel 150 : Steering wheel 152: Steering column 154: Steering column holding device 156: Instrument panel reinforcement 174: Frame 190: Car body side front engaging shaft 192: Car body side rear engaging shaft 194: Front rotation support plate 196: Back rotation support plate 210: Front bracket 212: Rear bracket 214: Column side front engagement shaft 216: Column side rear engagement shaft 218: Shaft hole (long hole) 230, 232: Gear teeth 234: Long hole 236: Fixed shaft 240: Operation lever 250: Torsion coil spring 260: Instrument panel

Claims (6)

A steering column holding device that holds a steering column that holds an operation member at an end portion on the vehicle rear side on a vehicle body,
(A) Corresponding to the axis of the steering column and the axis of the steering column when the steering column is located at the standard position in a side view of the vehicle, which is an operation for adjusting the height position of the operating member. (B) a tilting operation in which the position variation of the steering column with a change in the axis gradient is allowed in a state where the axis intersection that is a point intersecting the standard line that is a line is relatively located on the vehicle front side; The steering column is allowed to fluctuate with a change in the axial gradient in a state in which the axis intersection is located on the rear side of the vehicle relative to the position in the tilt operation, which is an operation for retracting the operation member. A steering column holding device comprising a series of motion realizing mechanisms for realizing a jumping motion as a series of motions.   2. The steering column holding device according to claim 1, further comprising a single operation prohibiting mechanism that prohibits both the tilting operation and the jumping operation by prohibiting the position variation of the steering column.   2. The position change force applying means for applying a position change force to the steering column, the position change force being a force for changing the position of the steering column in a direction in which the operation member is displaced upward. The steering column holding device according to claim 2. The series of operation realizing mechanisms is
A track having a vehicle body side engaging portion provided in a vehicle body and a column side engaging portion provided in the steering column, wherein the column side engaging portion is defined with respect to the vehicle body side engaging portion. The column body engaging means having a structure in which the column-side engaging portion is displaced at least in a direction perpendicular to the standard line by engaging with a slidable movement along a prescribed track, two positions separated from each other Each of the front engagement means and the rear engagement means is provided with one each, and the column side engagement portions of the front engagement means and the rear engagement means are moved along the prescribed track. The steering column holding device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tilt operation and the jumping operation are realized as a series of operations by changing or changing a mutual relationship.   The sequential operation realizing mechanism includes a column side engaging portion movement prohibiting unit that prohibits movement of the column side engaging portion along the prescribed track in each of the front engaging means and the rear engaging means. The movement of the column side engaging portion in the front engaging means along the prescribed track is prohibited by the column engaging portion movement inhibiting means and the prescribed track of the column side engaging portion in the rear engaging means. The tilting operation is realized by setting the first state in which the movement along the column is allowed, and the movement of the column-side engagement portion in the rear engagement means along the prescribed track is the column-side engagement portion movement. The jumping operation is realized by setting the second state to be prohibited by the prohibiting means and allowing the column side engaging portion of the front engaging means to move along the prescribed track. Steering column retaining device according to claim 4 by state and the second state continues is used for realizing the said lift-up operation and the tilting operation as a series of acts. The series of movement realizing mechanisms includes a movement of the column side engagement portion of the front engagement means along the prescribed track, and a movement of the column engagement portion of the rear engagement means along the prescribed track. Both column side engaging part movement linking means for linking the front engaging means, the distance from the standard line of the column side engaging part of the front engaging means, and the column side engaging part of the rear engaging means. Both the front engaging means and the rear engaging means so that the difference from the standard line distance, which is the difference from the standard line, varies with the movement of the two column side engaging portions linked to each other. The specified trajectory is defined as defined above, and the tilt operation is realized in a state where the difference from the standard line distance is relatively small, and the jumping operation is realized in a state where the distance from the standard line is relatively large. Claims that are Steering column holding device as claimed in.

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