JP4158635B2 - Steering device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a steering device in which one end of a housing that supports a steering shaft is pivotally supported on a vehicle body via a pivot.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a steering apparatus for an automobile, for example, a tilt type having a tilt mechanism that can adjust a vertical position of a steering wheel with respect to a driver's seat is known.
[0003]
The tilt type steering device is separated in a direction crossing the longitudinal direction of the housing at the end opposite to the longitudinal steering wheel side of the cylindrical housing that rotatably accommodates and supports the steering shaft coupled to the steering wheel. And a pivot shaft fitted in a long hole formed in each attachment plate so as to be rotatable relative to each other. The attachment tool and the tilt adjustment are provided at the center in the longitudinal direction of the housing. An adjustment lever is provided. Further, the long hole has a large diameter hole portion corresponding to the pivot shaft at one end, and a narrow width portion narrower than the diameter dimension of the pivot shaft from the large diameter hole portion to the other end portion. A pivot is inserted into the portion (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0004]
Two support plates that face the mounting plate protrude from the vehicle body, and one end of the housing can be swung to the vehicle body by inserting the pivot into a through hole formed in the support plate. Pivot.
When the load in the longitudinal direction is applied to the housing due to the impact energy of the secondary collision, the pivot shaft squeezes the narrow portion of the long hole, and absorbs the impact energy while plastically deforming the narrow portion. .
[0005]
Further, as a tilt type steering device, instead of a long hole having a large-diameter hole portion and a narrow-width portion as in Patent Document 1, it projects into one end portion of the long hole into one end surface of the long hole. In addition, a steering device (see, for example, Patent Document 2) is also known in which convex pieces constituting a pivot support portion are integrally formed.
[0006]
In this steering device, the peripheral surface of the pivot contacts the convex piece, the movement of the convex piece and one end surface of the elongated hole in the elongated hole of the pivot is restricted, and the housing is longitudinally moved by the impact energy of the secondary collision. When the load is applied, the impact energy is absorbed while the convex piece is plastically deformed by the pivot.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 62-23771 [Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-59853
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the configuration in which the long hole has a large-diameter hole portion and a narrow-width portion as in Patent Document 1, a support portion that supports the pivot shaft so as to be relatively rotatable, and a load setting that relatively moves the pivot shaft and the long hole portion. The narrow portion serves as a part, and in the configuration including a protruding piece protruding into the elongated hole as in Patent Document 2, a support part that supports the pivot so as to be relatively rotatable, a pivot, When the projecting piece also serves as a load setting part that relatively moves the long hole part, it is difficult to achieve both the prevention of rattling of the pivot part and setting an appropriate load. Defective products that are out of specification are likely to occur.
Further, in Patent Document 2, when a long hole is punched and formed, a convex piece is formed integrally with the long hole, and the convex piece protrudes into the long hole along both surfaces of the attachment plate. Therefore, a gap is formed between the pivot shaft and one end surface of the convex piece and the long hole, and the pivot portion is likely to be loose.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a steering device that can easily prevent rattling of the pivot portion and set an appropriate load.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In the steering device according to the first aspect of the present invention, one end of the housing that accommodates and supports the steering shaft is swingably attached to the support member on the vehicle body side via an attachment member having a pivot and a long hole into which the pivot is inserted. In the steering device to be worn, the attachment member has an engagement portion at a position separated in the width direction of the long hole, and engages with the hole fitted to the pivot and the engagement portion, and the cross-sectional fracture when a load in the longitudinal direction applied to the housing has a convex portion for relatively moving the said pivot and the securing member, the convex portion is broken disposed between the attachment member and the support member when, characterized by the Turkey includes a bearing member which can be moved in the pivot integrally.
[0011]
In the first invention, since the pivot for attaching the housing to the vehicle body so as to be swingable is supported by the support portion so as to be relatively rotatable, the pivot is supported so that rattling does not occur in the pivot portion. Moreover, since the load can be set by the convex portion provided at a position separated from the support portion, the load can be set regardless of the support portion, and the load setting can be easily performed.
[0012]
The steering apparatus according to a second aspect is characterized in that the bearing member is made of synthetic resin .
[0013]
In the second invention, since the bearing member fitted on the pivot has the support part and the convex part, the support part and the convex part can be formed integrally, and the bearing member is mounted on the pivot. Since a support part and a convex part can be arrange | positioned by fitting, assembly workability | operativity can be improved.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings illustrating embodiments thereof.
Embodiment 1
FIG. 1 is a front view showing the configuration of the steering device according to the first embodiment, FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view of a pivot side portion of the vehicle body of the first embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG. FIG.
[0019]
The tilt type steering device includes a steering shaft 1 coupled to a steering wheel A for steering, a cylindrical housing 2 that accommodates the steering shaft 1 and rotatably supports the steering shaft 1, and a steering wheel A of the housing 2 A pivot 3 pivotally supported on the vehicle body B at one end opposite to the vehicle body B, an adjustment lever 5 for tilt adjustment pivotally supported at the center in the longitudinal direction of the housing 2 via a lever base 4, a lever The mount 4 is provided with an attachment body 6 supported so as to be capable of relative movement in the swinging direction of the housing 2.
[0020]
The housing 2 rotatably supports the steering shaft 1 by bearings 7, 7 fitted at both ends. The impact energy of the secondary collision applied to the steering wheel A is applied to the steering shaft 1 and the bearing 7 on the steering wheel side. Via the housing 2.
At one end of the housing 2, two attachment members 8, 8 that protrude in a direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction of the housing 2 are projected, and the longitudinal direction of each attachment member 8, 8 is the longitudinal direction of the housing 2. A long hole 81, 81 penetrating in the direction away from the direction is formed, and a hollow pivot 3 is fitted into the long hole 81, 81 so as to be relatively rotatable. The attachment members 8, 8 are formed by bending a metal plate into a substantially U shape, and are fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the housing 2 by fixing means such as welding.
[0021]
At both ends of the pivot shaft 3, there are annular support portions 91 for fitting the pivot shaft 3 into one end portion of the elongated hole so as to be relatively rotatable, and an annular plate portion 92 facing the side surfaces of the attachment members 8 and 8, and the annular plate portion 92 Synthetic resin bearing members 9, 9 having convex portions 93, 93 projecting from facing portions of the mounting members 8, 8 are externally fitted, and the pivot shaft 3 is interposed via the bearing members 9, 9. Is fitted into one end of the long holes 81, 81 in the longitudinal direction.
[0022]
The support portions 91, 91 of the bearing members 9, 9 support the pivot 3 in one end portion of the long holes 81, 81 so as to be relatively rotatable, and the convex portions 93, 93 are composed of a plurality of pins. Engaging portions 82 and 82 with which 93 is engaged are provided on the attachment members 8 and 8.
[0023]
The engaging portions 82, 82 are holes into which the convex portions 93, 93 made of pins are inserted, and are engaged with the bearing members 9, 9 and the pivot 3 by engaging the engaging portions 82, 82 of the convex portions 93, 93. Relative movement with respect to the attachment members 8, 8 is restricted, and when a load in the longitudinal direction is applied to the housing 2, the projections 93, 93 are broken and the bearing members 9, 9 and the pivot 3 and the attachment member 8 are broken. , 8 can be moved relative to each other.
[0024]
The lever base 4 is formed in a substantially U shape, and both end portions thereof are fixed to the lower surface of the outer peripheral portion of the housing 2 by welding. A shaft hole (not shown) is provided in two opposing side pieces of the lever base 4, and a lever shaft 10 connected to the adjustment lever 5 is inserted and supported in this shaft hole.
[0025]
The attachment body 6 includes two connection plate portions 61 opposed to the two side pieces of the lever base 4, an attachment plate portion 62 bent at a right angle from the upper part of each connection plate portion 61 and attached to the vehicle body B. And a pair of impact energy absorbers (not shown) provided on the attachment plate portion 62. Each connecting plate portion 61 is provided with a tilt adjusting elongated hole 63 whose longitudinal direction is a swinging direction of the housing 2 from a position corresponding to the axial hole of the lever base 4. By operating the adjustment lever 5 connected to the lever shaft 10 to be inserted into the lever, each connecting plate portion 61 is pressed against the lever base 4, and a frictional force is applied to the swinging of the housing 2 having the lever base 4 so that a predetermined vertical position is obtained. So that you can keep.
[0026]
The vehicle body B that pivotally supports the tilt type steering device configured as described above is provided with through holes 11a and 11a that are separated by a distance corresponding to the distance between the attachment members 8 and 8 and into which the pivot 3 is fitted. It has the plate-shaped support members 11 and 11 provided. When the steering device is attached to the vehicle body B, the pivot 3 is placed in the through holes 11a, 11a of the support members 11, 11 with the attachment members 8, 8 of the housing 2 positioned between the support members 11, 11. Is inserted into the long holes 81, 81 and the support portions 91, 91 to be pivotally supported on the vehicle body B via the pivot shaft 3, the bearing members 9, 9, the attachment members 8, 8, and the support members 11, 11.
[0027]
In the steering device attached to the vehicle body B, the pivot 3 is supported by the vehicle body B via the support members 11 and 11, and the housing 2 having the attachment members 8 and 8 is pivoted via the bearing members 9 and 9. 3 is supported so that relative rotation and relative movement are possible. In this case, the projections 93 and 93 of the bearing members 9 and 9 inserted in the long holes 81 and 81 are fitted into the engaging portions 82 and 82 of the attachment members 8 and 8, respectively. Relative movement within the long holes 81, 81 of the bearing members 9, 9 can be prevented. Therefore, the backlash at the pivot portion of the housing 2 can be eliminated.
[0028]
When the tilt adjustment is performed, the adjustment lever 5 is operated to release the fixing of the housing 2 to the attachment body 6, and accordingly, the lever shaft 10 can move along the long hole 81. As a fulcrum, it can be swung up and down in the tilt adjustment range, and tilt adjustment can be performed. In this case, since the convex portions 93 and 93 of the bearing members 9 and 9 are fitted into the engaging portions 82 and 82 of the attachment members 8 and 8, the bearing members 9 and 9 rotate together with the housing 2 with respect to the pivot 3. To do.
[0029]
Further, when the housing 2 moves in the longitudinal direction due to the impact energy of the secondary collision applied from the driver to the steered wheels A due to the frontal collision of the vehicle or the like, the impact energy absorber of the attachment 6 is broken and the bearing While the projections 93 and 93 of the members 9 and 9 are broken, in other words, the housing 2 is moved in the longitudinal direction with respect to the bearing members 9 and 9 and the pivot 3 while a resistance force is applied to the movement of the housing 2. Energy can be absorbed.
In the first embodiment, the protrusions 93 and 93 may be hemispherical in addition to being pins, and the shape is not particularly limited. Further, there may be a plurality of convex portions 93, 93 or one.
[0030]
Embodiment 2
FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view of the pivot side portion of the vehicle body of the second embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line V-V in FIG.
In the steering device of the second embodiment, instead of using the projections 93, 93 of the bearing members 9, 9 as pins, the support portions 91, 91 are provided with projections 94, 94 having fracture grooves 94a. Recesses 82a and 82a as engaging portions 82 and 82 engaging with the portions 94 and 94 are provided on both side surfaces of one end of the long holes 81 and 81, respectively.
[0031]
In the second embodiment, the bearing members 9 and 9 are made of synthetic resin, and are configured such that the breaking groove 94 a is sheared by a load in the longitudinal direction applied to the housing 2.
[0032]
In the second embodiment, the convex portions 94, 94 of the bearing members 9, 9 are engaged with the concave portions 82 a, 82 a in the long holes 81, 81, and the attachment members 8, Since the relative movement with respect to 8 is restricted, the relative movement within the long holes 81, 81 of the bearing members 9, 9 can be prevented, and the backlash at the pivot portion of the housing 2 can be eliminated. Further, when the housing 2 moves in the longitudinal direction due to the impact energy of the secondary collision, the housing 2 is broken while the breaking grooves 94a, 94a of the convex portions 94, 94 are broken by the concave portions 82a, 82a of the attachment members 8, 8. It can move in the longitudinal direction with respect to the bearing members 9, 9 and the pivot 3, and can absorb impact energy.
Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof and description of operations and effects are omitted.
[0033]
Embodiment 3
FIG. 6 is an enlarged front view of the pivot side portion of the vehicle body of Embodiment 3, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII of FIG.
In the steering device of the third embodiment, instead of projecting the convex portions 93, 93 on the annular plate portions 92, 92, the convex portions 95, 95 are provided on the outer peripheral portion of the cylindrical support portion 91. Protruding portions 82b and 82b as engaging portions 82 and 82 that engage with 95 are provided on both side surfaces of one end of the long holes 81 and 81, respectively.
[0034]
In the third embodiment, the bearing members 9 and 9 are made of synthetic resin, and are configured such that the convex portions 95 and 95 are deformed or broken by a load in the longitudinal direction applied to the housing 2.
The convex portions 95 and 95 as the engaging portions 82 and 82 are formed by projecting the middle of the side surfaces of the long holes 81 and 81 inward.
[0035]
In the third embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, the convex portions 95 and 95 of the bearing members 9 and 9 are engaged with the convex portions 82b and 82b in the long holes 81 and 81, respectively. , 9 is restricted from relative movement with respect to the attachment members 8, 8, so that relative movement within the long holes 81, 81 of the bearing members 9, 9 can be prevented, and play at the pivot portion of the housing 2 can be prevented. You can eliminate it. Further, when the housing 2 moves in the longitudinal direction due to the impact energy of the secondary collision, the housing 2 is broken while the convex portions 95, 95 of the bearing members 9, 9 are broken by the convex portions 82b, 82b of the attachment members 8, 8. It can move in the longitudinal direction with respect to the bearing members 9, 9 and the pivot 3, and can absorb impact energy.
Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof and description of operations and effects are omitted.
[0036]
Embodiment 4
FIG. 8 is an enlarged front view of the pivot side portion of the vehicle body of the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line IX-IX in FIG.
In the steering device according to the fourth embodiment, the vehicle body B has attachment members 8 and 8 having elongated holes 81 and 81 into which the pivot 3 is inserted, and the pivot 3 that cannot be moved relative to the housing 2 is a bearing member. Engaging portions 82 and 82 that are supported on the housing 2 via 9 and 9 and engage with the convex portions 93 and 93 of the bearing members 9 and 9 are provided on the attachment members 8 and 8, Thus, the housing 2 can be rotated, and the housing 2 can be moved relative to the attachment members 8 and 8 on the vehicle body B side by breaking the projections 93 and 93.
[0037]
In the fourth embodiment, the bearing members 9 and 9 have annular support portions 91 and 91 into which the pivot 3 is fitted into one end portions of the long holes 81 and 81 so as to be relatively rotatable, and face the side surfaces of the attachment members 8 and 8. Synthetic resin bearing members 9, 9 having projecting portions 93, 93 projecting from the annular plate portion 92 and the facing portions of the annular plate portion 92 with the attachment members 8, 8 are externally fitted, The pivot 3 is fitted into one end of the long holes 81, 81 in the longitudinal direction via the bearing members 9, 9. The support portions 91 and 91 support the pivot 3 at one end portions of the long holes 81 and 81 so as to be relatively rotatable.
Support plates 21 and 21 having through-holes 21a and 21a into which the pivot 3 is inserted project from the housing 2.
[0038]
In the fourth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the convex portions 93 and 93 of the bearing members 9 and 9 are engaged with the engaging portions 82 and 82 of the attachment members 8 and 8. Since the relative rotation and relative movement of the 9, 9 with respect to the attachment members 8, 8 are restricted, the relative movement within the long holes 81, 81 of the bearing members 9, 9 can be prevented, and the pivot of the housing 2 can be prevented. The backlash at the part can be eliminated. When the housing 2 moves in the longitudinal direction due to the impact energy of the secondary collision, the convex portions 93 and 93 of the bearing members 9 and 9 are broken by the engaging portions 82 and 82 of the attachment members 8 and 8. Moves in the longitudinal direction together with the bearing members 9, 9 and the pivot 3, and can absorb impact energy. Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof and description of operations and effects are omitted.
In the fourth embodiment, the bearing members 9 and 9 may be eliminated, and the protrusions 93 and 93 may be provided on the pivot 3. In this case, the housing 2 is rotatable with respect to the pivot 3. Further, the configuration of the second and third embodiments may be applied to the fourth embodiment.
[0039]
Embodiment 5
FIG. 10 is an enlarged front view of the pivot side portion of the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XI-XI in FIG.
The steering apparatus according to the fifth embodiment attaches the elastic members 83 and 83 for elastically pressing the pivot 3 to one end face of the long holes 81 and 81 instead of including the bearing members 9 and 9 having the convex portions 93 and 93. , 8.
[0040]
In the fifth embodiment, the attachment members 8 and 8 have the long holes 81 and 81, the two attachment plates 84a and 84a that are fixed to the circumferentially spaced positions of the outer peripheral surface of the housing 2, and the attachment The plates 84a and 84a are formed in a substantially U shape by a connecting plate 84b that connects the opposite ends of the plates 84a and 84a. The connecting plate 84b is provided with a substantially U-shaped cut 84c and a tongue piece in the cut 84c.
[0041]
The elastic portions 83, 83 are formed of bent pieces 84d in which the tongue pieces are bent inward in the thickness direction toward one end surfaces of the long holes 81, 81. The bent piece 84d is bent over a position where the distance between one end face of the long holes 81, 81 and the bent piece 84d is shorter than the outer diameter of the pivot 3, and the bent piece 84d and the long holes 81, 81 are bent. When the pivot 3 is fitted between one end surface of the shaft, an appropriate elastic pressure can be applied to the pivot 3. This preload can be appropriately set according to the length and width dimension from the bent portion to the tip of the bent piece 84d. The notch 84c and the tongue piece are provided at a position facing the longitudinal center of the long holes 81, 81, and the tongue piece is bent from the other end surface side of the long holes 81, 81 toward one end surface.
[0042]
Further, one end surface of each of the long holes 81 is a non-arc surface having a concave central portion so that the pivot 3 having a circular cross section comes into contact with two points. With such a configuration, even when the long holes 81, 81 are press-formed without being cut, the pivot 3 can be supported at three points by the one end face of the long holes 81, 81 and the bent piece 84d. The pivot 3 can be rotatably supported.
The pivot 3 is fitted and supported in a hole of a support member provided in the vehicle body B.
[0043]
In the fifth embodiment, since the pivot 3 is elastically pressed against one end face of the long holes 81 and 81 by the elastic force applied to the pivot 3, the load setting can be easily performed by the elastic portions 83 and 83. It is possible to prevent rattling from occurring in the pivot portion.
Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof and description of operations and effects are omitted.
[0044]
Embodiment 6
FIG. 12 is an enlarged front view of a pivot side portion of the vehicle body according to the sixth embodiment.
In the steering device of the sixth embodiment, instead of the elastic pressure portions 83 and 83 including the bent pieces 84d orthogonal to the connecting plate 84b as in the fifth embodiment, the elastic pressure portions 83 and 83 are substantially J-shaped. In this configuration, the bent piece 84e is bent.
[0045]
In the sixth embodiment, the bent piece 84e is bent in a substantially J shape so as to face the long holes 81, 81 from the position near the one end face of the long holes 81, 81. The pivot 3 is pressed against one end surface of the long holes 81, 81 in contact with the peripheral surface.
Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first and fifth embodiments, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof and description of the operations and effects are omitted.
[0046]
Embodiment 7
FIG. 13 is an enlarged front view of a pivot side portion to the vehicle body of the seventh embodiment.
In the steering device of the seventh embodiment, the bent piece 84f is long instead of the configuration in which the bent piece 84d is bent from the other end face side of the long holes 81, 81 to the one end face as in the fifth embodiment. The holes 81, 81 are bent from one end surface side to a position facing the one end surface. The tip of the bent piece 84 f contacts the peripheral surface of the pivot 3, and the pivot 3 is connected to the long hole 81. , 81 is pressed against one end face.
Since other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first and fifth embodiments, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof and description of the operations and effects are omitted.
[0047]
In the first to third embodiments described above, the attachment members 8 and 8 having the long holes 81 and 81 are fixed to the housing 2. However, in addition, a part of the housing 2 is bulged to The protruding portion may be the attachment members 8 and 8 having the long holes 81 and 81.
In the embodiment described above, the bearing member 9 having the cylindrical support portion 91 and the flange portion 92 is used. However, the bearing member 9 may be a disc having a hole into which the pivot 3 is inserted. The shape of the bearing member 9 is not particularly limited.
[0048]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the first aspect of the invention, the pivot can be supported so that the pivot portion does not rattle, and the load can be set regardless of the support portion. It can be done easily.
[0049]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the support portion and the convex portion can be formed integrally, and the assembly workability can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing a configuration of a steering device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view of a pivot side portion to the vehicle body of the first embodiment.
3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG.
4 is an enlarged front view of a pivot side portion of a vehicle body according to a second embodiment. FIG.
5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line V-V in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged front view of a pivot side portion to a vehicle body according to a third embodiment.
7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG.
FIG. 8 is an enlarged front view of a pivot side portion of a vehicle body according to a fourth embodiment.
9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG.
FIG. 10 is an enlarged front view of a pivot side portion to a vehicle body according to a fifth embodiment.
11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG.
FIG. 12 is an enlarged front view of a pivot side portion to a vehicle body of a sixth embodiment.
FIG. 13 is an enlarged front view of a pivot side portion to a vehicle body according to a seventh embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Steering shaft 2 Housing 3 Pivot 8 Attachment member 81 Long hole 82 Engagement part 83 Pressing part 84d, 84e, 84f Bending piece 9 Bearing member 91 Support part 93 Convex part

Claims (2)

In a steering apparatus in which one end portion of a housing that accommodates and supports a steering shaft is swingably attached to a support member on the vehicle body side via an attachment member having a pivot and a long hole into which the pivot is inserted.
The attachment member has an engaging portion at a position separated in the width direction of the long hole,
The engages hole and the engaging portion is fitted to the pivot, has a convex portion for relatively moving the said pivot and the attachment member to the cross-sectional fracture when a load is applied in the longitudinal direction in the housing A steering apparatus comprising: a bearing member that is disposed between the attachment member and the support member and is capable of moving integrally with the pivot when the convex portion is broken . The steering device according to claim 1 , wherein the bearing member is made of synthetic resin .

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