JP2008265646A - Vehicle steering device - Google Patents

Abstract

A vehicle steering device capable of improving the strength of a key lock hole even when a light alloy steering column is employed to reduce the weight to improve operability during tilt / telescopic adjustment. provide.
A steering column is formed by die casting using an aluminum alloy as a material. On the outer periphery of the steering column, a plurality of rectangular thin portions 26 are formed in the direction of the column axis P1 at positions spaced circumferentially with respect to the key lock hole 22, and between the adjacent thin portions 26 A plurality of stress concentration strength parts 27 are formed therebetween.
The stress-concentrated proof stress portion 27 is formed by starting from the vicinity of the four corners 22a to 22d of the key lock hole 22 and having a thickness greater than that of the thin-walled portion 26 and extending in a belt shape in the circumferential direction.
[Selection] Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle steering apparatus including a tilt / telescopic mechanism and a steering lock mechanism.

As a steering device for vehicles, a tilt / telescopic mechanism that can adjust the tilt (vehicle vertical direction) and telescopic (vehicle longitudinal direction) of the steering wheel, and the driver prevents the steering wheel from turning when the ignition key is pulled out from the keyhole. An apparatus including a steering lock mechanism is known (for example, Patent Document 1).
When the ignition lock is turned to the lock position and pulled out from the key hole, the steering lock mechanism has a key lock hole formed on the outer periphery of the steering column by a lock pin protruding from the key cylinder connected to the steering column toward the axis of the steering shaft. Is a mechanism that locks the steering wheel connected to the steering shaft by disabling the rotation of the steering shaft by engaging the locking recess provided on the outer periphery of the steering shaft. When the ignition key is inserted, the steering column is arranged on the vehicle rear side (near the steering wheel) in consideration of operability during rotation.
WO 2006-011378

However, in the above-described vehicle steering device, a steering lock mechanism, which is a heavy object, is disposed on the vehicle rear side of the steering column, so that there is a problem that operations such as tilting of the steering wheel become heavy during tilt / telescopic adjustment. .
In order to improve the operability during tilt / telescopic adjustment, it is conceivable to reduce the weight by forming the steering column from a light alloy such as an aluminum alloy. In comparison, the strength of the key lock hole is low. In particular, when a lock pin having a square cross section passes through the square key lock hole, stress is concentrated at the four corners of the key lock hole, and the strength is likely to decrease.

  Therefore, it is conceivable to increase the thickness of the light alloy steering column to improve the strength of the key lock hole, but the vehicle rear side (near the steering wheel) where the steering lock mechanism is arranged is the vehicle layout. Since there is little space, it is difficult to increase the thickness of the light alloy steering column and improve the strength of the key lock hole.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above-mentioned unsolved problems of the conventional example, and a light alloy steering column is employed to reduce the weight in order to improve operability during tilt / telescopic adjustment. However, it aims at providing the steering device for vehicles which can improve the intensity of a key lock hole.

  To achieve the above object, a vehicle steering apparatus according to claim 1 includes a tilt / telescopic mechanism, and a steering lock mechanism disposed on the vehicle rear side of a light alloy steering column that rotatably supports a steering shaft. The steering lock mechanism includes a key cylinder coupled to the steering column, and a key lock hole formed in the steering so that a lock pin protruding from the key cylinder passes toward the steering shaft, In the vehicle steering apparatus that locks the steering wheel connected to the rear end of the steering shaft so as not to rotate by engaging the peripheral surface of the steering shaft and the key lock hole with the lock pin, in the steering column, Locked A steering device for a vehicle, wherein the providing the stress concentration strength unit for generating a yield strength at the periphery of the key lock hole with respect to concentration of stress acting locally when turned the steering wheel are.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the steering apparatus for a vehicle according to the first aspect, the stress concentration strength portion starts from the vicinity of a portion where stress concentration is locally applied to the periphery of the key lock hole. These ribs extend in the form of a belt along the outer peripheral surface of the steering wheel and have a thickness greater than that of the other steering column portions.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle steering apparatus according to the second aspect, the key lock hole is formed as a rectangular hole that is long in the column axis direction of the steering column, and the rib is It is formed starting from the vicinity of the four corners of the key lock hole.

Further, the invention according to claim 4 is the vehicle steering device according to claim 2, wherein the key lock hole is formed as a hole having a pair of arc-shaped opening peripheral edges in the column axis direction, The rib is formed starting from the vicinity of the pair of arcuate openings of the key lock hole.
The invention according to claim 5 is the vehicle steering device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the rib extends from the starting point in the circumferential direction of the steering column so as to be orthogonal to the column axial direction. Yes.

  Furthermore, the invention according to claim 6 is the vehicle steering apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the rib extends from the starting point to the longitudinal direction of the steering column so as to cross obliquely with respect to the column axial direction. It is extended.

According to the vehicle steering apparatus of the present invention, the stress that generates a proof against the stress concentration that is locally applied to the periphery of the key lock hole when the steering wheel that is locked to the light alloy steering column is turned. Since the concentrated load-bearing portion is provided, the strength of the key lock hole is improved without causing cracks or the like at the periphery of the key lock hole.
In addition, a steering lock mechanism is arranged on the rear side of the steering column, but a light alloy steering column is adopted, so the vehicle steering device is reduced in weight, and the steering wheel with a tilt / telescopic mechanism is used. It is possible to easily perform the tilting operation and the vehicle longitudinal movement operation.

  Therefore, the present invention has a structure in which the strength of the key lock hole is improved even when the weight is reduced by adopting a light alloy steering column in order to improve the operability at the time of tilt / telescopic adjustment. Can do.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram for explaining a vehicle in which a vehicle steering device according to the present invention is assembled. FIGS. 2 and 3 are diagrams for explaining a steering lock mechanism incorporated in the device.
A vehicle steering apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 is disposed so as to be inclined rearward by a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal direction of the vehicle, and includes a steering column 12 that rotatably supports a steering shaft 11. A steering wheel 13 is mounted at the rear end of the steering shaft 11, and an intermediate shaft 15 is connected to the front end of the steering shaft 11 via a universal joint 14. A steering gear 17 composed of a rack and pinion mechanism or the like is connected to the intermediate shaft 15 through a universal joint 16 at the front end thereof. The output shaft of the steering gear 17 is connected to the steering wheel 19 via a tie rod 18. A tilt / telescopic mechanism (not shown) is mounted on the rear side of the vehicle steering device (near the steering wheel 13).

  When the driver steers the steering wheel 13, the rotational force is transmitted to the steering gear 17 through the steering shaft 11, the universal joint 14, the intermediate shaft 15, and the universal joint 16, and the rotational motion is transmitted to the vehicle by the rack and pinion mechanism. The steering wheel 19 is steered through the tie rod 18 after being converted into a linear motion in the width direction. Further, by operating the tilt / telescopic mechanism, the tilt position (position in the vehicle vertical direction) and the telescopic position (position in the vehicle front-rear direction) of the steering wheel 13 can be adjusted.

As shown in FIG. 2, the steering lock mechanism 35 is disposed on the vehicle rear side of the steering column 12 (in the vicinity of the steering wheel 13).
The steering lock mechanism 35 includes a cylindrical key lock collar 20 fixed to the outer periphery of the steering shaft 11 on the rear side of the vehicle, an engagement hole 21 formed on the outer periphery of the key lock collar 20, and the engagement hole 21. A key lock hole 22 formed in the outer periphery of the steering column 12 so as to oppose, a key cylinder 23 connected to the outer periphery of the steering column 12 on the rear side of the vehicle body, and protruding from the key cylinder 23 and passing through the key lock hole 22 And a lock pin 24 that enters the engagement hole 21 of the key lock collar 20.

As shown in FIG. 3, the key lock hole 22 of the steering column 12 is formed as a rectangular hole extending in the longitudinal direction in the column axis P1 direction, and the four corners 22a to 22d are rounded with a predetermined radius. It has been.
A rectangular cylindrical key set boss portion 25 for guiding the lock pin 24 is formed in the housing 23 a of the key cylinder 23. The width in the short direction of the key set boss portion 25 is slightly smaller than the width in the short direction of the key lock hole 22, and the width in the long direction of the key set boss portion 25 is also the long direction of the key lock hole 22. The dimensions are set to be smaller than the hole width.
The key cylinder 23 is connected to the steering column 12 with the key set boss portion 25 fitted in the key lock hole 22.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the steering column 12 of the first embodiment.
The steering column 12 of the present embodiment is formed by die casting using an aluminum alloy as a material.

On the outer periphery of the steering column 12, a plurality of rectangular thin portions 26 are formed in the direction of the column axis P1 at positions circumferentially separated from the key lock holes 22, and adjacent thin portions 26 are adjacent to each other. A plurality of ribs 27 are formed between the two.
The plurality of ribs 27 are formed so as to start in the vicinity of the four corners 22a to 22d of the key lock hole 22 and to be thicker than the thin portion 26 and to extend in a belt shape in the circumferential direction.

Next, operations and effects of the vehicle steering apparatus using the steering column 12 of the present embodiment will be described.
According to the present embodiment, when the ignition key (not shown) is turned to the lock position and pulled out from the key hole (not shown), the lock pin 24 protruding from the key cylinder 23 protrudes while being guided by the key set boss portion 25, and the key lock Engage with the engagement hole 21 of the collar 20.

For this reason, even if the steering wheel 13 is to be rotated, the lock pin 24 engages with the peripheral surfaces of the engagement hole 21 and the key lock hole 22 and the rotation of the steering shaft 11 is prevented, so that the steering wheel 13 is locked. The
When the locked steering wheel 13 is rotated, a load is applied to the lock pin 24 via the steering shaft 11, and the key lock hole 22 that receives this load via the key set boss portion 25 is separated from the peripheral surface thereof. Stress concentrates at the four corners 22a to 22d.

Here, in this embodiment, the thick ribs 27 extending in the circumferential direction from the vicinity of the four corners 22 a to 22 d of the key lock hole 22 are formed in the four corners 22 a to 22 d of the key lock hole 22. The strength of the key lock hole 22 is improved without generating a crack or the like at the four corners 22a to 22d by generating a yield strength against the concentrated stress.
In addition, as a structure for improving the strength of the key lock hole 22, it is a structure in which the thick ribs 27 extending in the circumferential direction from the vicinity of the four corners 22 a to 22 d of the key lock hole 22 are provided. The workability of the steering column 12 is improved.

Further, although the steering lock mechanism 35 is arranged on the vehicle rear side of the steering column 12, since the steering column 12 made of a lightweight member made of aluminum alloy in which a thick rib 27 is locally formed is employed, The vehicle steering device is reduced in weight, and the tilting and telescopic mechanism can be easily operated to tilt the steering wheel 13 and move in the vehicle longitudinal direction.
Therefore, the vehicle steering device according to the present embodiment increases the strength of the key lock hole 22 even if a light alloy steering column is used to reduce the weight to improve the operability during tilt / telescopic adjustment. An improved structure can be obtained.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a main part of the steering column 12 of the second embodiment. Note that the same components as those shown in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
The steering column 12 of the present embodiment is also formed by die casting using an aluminum alloy as a material.

  A trapezoidal thin-walled portion 28 is formed on the outer periphery of the steering column 12 at a position spaced circumferentially with respect to the key lock hole 22, and the trapezoidal thin-walled portion 28 is triangular so as to be sandwiched from the column axis P1 direction. A thin thin portion 29 is formed, and a plurality of ribs 30 are formed between the trapezoid thin portion 28 and the triangular thin portion 29.

  The plurality of ribs 30 start in the vicinity of the four corners 22a to 22d of the key lock hole 22 and are thicker than the thin portions 28 and 29, and extend in a strip shape in a direction obliquely intersecting the column axis P1. Is formed. The direction of the rib 30 extends in a direction inclined by 15 ° to 60 ° with respect to the column axis P1, but is preferably 45 °.

According to the present embodiment, when the locked steering wheel 13 is rotated, a load is applied to the lock pin 24 via the steering shaft 11, and the key lock hole 22 that receives this load via the key set boss portion 25 is Stress concentrates at the four corners 22a to 22d that are separated from the peripheral surface, but extends in a band shape in a direction that obliquely intersects the column axis P1 starting from the vicinity of the four corners 22a to 22d of the key lock hole 22. The thick ribs 30 are resistant to the stress concentrated at the four corners 22a to 22d of the key lock hole 22 so that the four corners 22a to 22d are not cracked and the strength of the key lock hole 22 is improved. .
Therefore, the vehicle steering device of the present embodiment also increases the strength of the key lock hole 22 even if a light alloy steering column is used to reduce the weight to improve the operability during tilt / telescopic adjustment. An improved structure can be obtained.

(Third embodiment)
Next, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a main part of the steering column 12 of the third embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the steering column 12 of the third embodiment in a perspective view. In this embodiment, the same components as those in the other embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

The steering column 12 of the present embodiment is also formed by die casting using an aluminum alloy as a material, and the key lock holes 31 of the steering column 12 are a pair of short directions extending linearly in parallel with each other. The opening peripheral edge 31a and a pair of semicircular arc-shaped opening peripheral edges 31b are formed with the long direction facing the column axis P1.
A key set boss 32 having substantially the same shape as the key lock hole 31 is formed in the housing 23 a of the key cylinder 23, and the key set boss 32 is fitted in the key lock hole 31.

A trapezoidal thin portion 28 is formed on the outer periphery of the steering column 12 at a position spaced in the circumferential direction with respect to the key lock hole 31, and the trapezoidal thin portion 28 is triangular so as to be sandwiched from the column axis P1 direction. Are formed, and a plurality of ribs 30 are formed between the trapezoidal thin portion 28 and the triangular thin portion 29.
These ribs 30 start from the vicinity of a pair of longitudinal opening peripheral edges 31b extending in a semicircular arc shape of the key lock hole 31, and are thicker than the thin wall portions 28 and 29 so as to be relative to the column axis P1. It is formed so as to extend in a strip shape in an obliquely intersecting direction. The direction of the rib 30 also extends in a direction inclined by 15 ° to 60 ° with respect to the column axis P1, but 45 ° is preferable.

  According to the present embodiment, when the locked steering wheel 13 is rotated, a load is applied to the lock pin 24 via the steering shaft 11, and the key lock hole 31 that receives this load via the key set boss portion 32 has a pair. The stress concentrates on the opening peripheral edge 31b in the longitudinal direction of the key lock hole 31, but extends in a band shape in a direction obliquely intersecting the column axis P1 starting from the vicinity of the pair of longitudinal opening peripheral edges 31b of the key lock hole 31. The thick rib 30 is resistant to the stress concentrated on the pair of longitudinal opening peripheral edges 31b of the key lock hole 31 and does not cause cracks or the like in the opening peripheral edge 31b. The strength of 31 is improved.

  Therefore, the vehicle steering device of the present embodiment also increases the strength of the key lock hole 22 even if a light alloy steering column is used to reduce the weight to improve the operability during tilt / telescopic adjustment. An improved structure can be obtained.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the steering column 12 of the fourth embodiment.
The steering column 12 of the present embodiment is also formed by die casting using an aluminum alloy material, and the key lock hole 33 is formed in a perfect circle shape.
Although not shown, the key set boss portion of the key cylinder 23 is formed in a perfect circle shape that is substantially the same shape as the key lock hole 33.
A trapezoidal thin portion 28 is also formed on the outer periphery of the steering column 12 of the present embodiment at a position spaced circumferentially with respect to the key lock hole 33, and the trapezoidal thin portion 28 is sandwiched from the column axis P1 direction. A triangular thin-walled portion 29 is formed as described above, and a plurality of ribs 30 are formed between the trapezoidal thin-walled portion 28 and the triangular thin-walled portion 29.

These ribs 30 also start from the vicinity of the key lock hole 33 on the column shaft P1 side, and are thicker than the thin portions 28 and 29, and extend in a strip shape in a direction that obliquely intersects the column shaft P1. Is formed. The direction of the rib 30 also extends in a direction inclined by 15 ° to 60 ° with respect to the column axis P1, but 45 ° is preferable.
According to this embodiment, when the locked steering wheel 13 is rotated, a load is applied to the lock pin 24 via the steering shaft 11, and the column axial direction of the key lock hole 33 that receives this load via the key set boss portion. Although the stress is concentrated on the P1 side, the thick rib 30 extending in a strip shape in the direction obliquely intersecting the column axis P1 starting from the vicinity of the column axis P1 side of the key lock hole 33 is Strength is generated against stress concentrated on the column axial direction P1 side of the lock hole 33, and cracks or the like are not generated at the opening periphery of the key lock hole 33, and the strength of the key lock hole 33 is improved.

Therefore, the vehicle steering device of the present embodiment also increases the strength of the key lock hole 22 even if a light alloy steering column is used to reduce the weight to improve the operability during tilt / telescopic adjustment. An improved structure can be obtained.
In the above-described embodiment, the key set boss portion that guides the lock pin 24 is configured to fit in the key lock holes 22 and 33. However, the same structure can be applied to the structure in which the lock pin 21 passes through the key lock hole. There is an effect.

In each embodiment, the steering column 12 is a cast member made of an aluminum alloy. However, the gist of the present invention is not limited to this, and the steering column 12 made of another light alloy or steel may be used. .
In the third and fourth embodiments, the rib 30 is formed in a strip shape on the outer periphery of the steering column 12 in a direction obliquely intersecting the column axis P1, but the steering column 12 is orthogonal to the column axis P1. Even if it is formed in a belt shape in the circumferential direction, the same effect can be obtained.

It is a whole lineblock diagram showing the vehicles which attached the steering device. It is sectional drawing which shows the steering lock mechanism of the steering device for vehicles of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows shapes, such as a key lock hole and a key set boss | hub part which comprise the steering lock mechanism of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the shape of the steering column of the steering apparatus for vehicles of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the shape of the steering column of the steering apparatus for vehicles of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows shapes, such as a key lock hole and a key set boss | hub part which comprise the steering lock mechanism of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the shape of the steering column of the steering apparatus for vehicles of 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the shape of the steering column of the steering apparatus for vehicles of 4th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Steering device, 11 ... Steering shaft, 12 ... Steering column, 13 ... Steering wheel, 14 ... Universal joint, 15 ... Intermediate shaft, 16 ... Universal joint, 17 ... Steering gear, 18 ... Tie rod, 19 ... Steering wheel, 20 ... key lock collar, 21 ... engagement hole, 22 ... key lock hole, 22a-22d ... corner, 23 ... key cylinder, 24 ... lock pin, 25 ... key set boss, 26 ... rectangular thin part, 27 ... Rib, 28 ... trapezoidal thin wall part, 29 ... triangular thin part, 30 ... rib, 31 ... key lock hole, 32 ... key set boss part, 33 ... key lock hole, 35 ... steering lock mechanism, P1 ... column axis

Claims (6)

A tilt / telescopic mechanism and a steering lock mechanism disposed on the vehicle rear side of a light alloy steering column that rotatably supports the steering shaft,
The steering lock mechanism includes a key cylinder connected to the steering column, and a key lock hole formed in the steering so that a lock pin protruding from the key cylinder passes toward the steering shaft. In the vehicle steering device for locking the steering wheel connected to the rear end of the steering shaft so as not to rotate by engaging with the peripheral surfaces of the steering shaft and the key lock hole,
A vehicle, wherein the steering column is provided with a stress concentration resistance portion that generates a resistance against stress concentration locally applied to a peripheral edge of the key lock hole when the locked steering wheel is rotated. Steering device.   The stress concentration proof portion is a portion of the other steering column that extends in a belt shape along the outer peripheral surface of the steering starting from the vicinity of the portion where stress concentration is locally applied to the periphery of the key lock hole. 2. The vehicle steering device according to claim 1, wherein the rib is a thicker wall.   The key lock hole is formed as a rectangular hole that is long in the column axis direction of the steering column, and the rib is formed starting from four corners of the key lock hole. Item 3. The vehicle steering device according to Item 2.   The key lock hole is formed as a hole having a pair of arc-shaped opening peripheral edges in the column axis direction, and the rib starts from the vicinity of the pair of arc-shaped opening peripheral edges of the key lock hole. The vehicle steering apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the steering apparatus is formed.   5. The vehicle steering apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the rib extends in the circumferential direction of the steering column from the starting point so as to be orthogonal to the column axial direction.   5. The vehicle steering apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the rib extends in the longitudinal direction of the steering column from the starting point so as to obliquely intersect the column axial direction.

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