JP4258274B2 - Shock absorbing steering column device for vehicles - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a shock absorbing steering column device for a vehicle that enables a steering column to be reliably detached before a bracket reaches a bending limit.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A vehicle steering device is an important device that is indispensable for the safe driving of a vehicle and steers the steering wheel of a vehicle. Usually, a steering column that rotatably supports a steering shaft at an axial center is almost in the middle of the axial direction. The upper part is fixed to the vehicle body by the upper bracket and the lower end part is fixed by the lower bracket. A steering wheel is fixed to the upper end of the steering shaft, and an intermediate shaft is connected to the lower end via a joint. The intermediate shaft is connected to a gear box that operates the steering wheel.
[0003]
By the way, the steering device includes means for absorbing energy, which can reduce an impact when an excessive load is applied to the vehicle. Here, this means absorbs energy by a method in which a part of an element such as a steering column is contracted or a part of an element such as a bracket supporting the steering column is deformed. In this shock absorbing steering device, the steering column is configured to be disengaged, that is, detached from the vehicle body fixing portion in order to allow contraction or deformation of the element.
[0004]
Conventionally, special consideration is given to, for example, an upper bracket used to fix a steering column to a vehicle body for detachment of the steering column. That is, here, the upper bracket is configured to be detached from the vehicle body fixing portion or to be plastically deformed forward when a load exceeding a certain level, that is, a separation load is applied (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent No. 2978788, pages 3 to 4, FIG. 1, FIG. 3, FIG. 5 and FIG.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the case where the upper bracket is detached from the vehicle body fixing portion, a dedicated part such as a capsule must be incorporated so that the steering column can be detached only when a load greater than the separation load is applied. Usually, these parts are expensive and an increase in manufacturing cost is inevitable.
[0007]
On the other hand, the one in which the upper bracket is plastically deformed can have a very simple configuration, and can avoid an increase in manufacturing cost.
[0008]
However, this means has a drawback that when the upper bracket is deformed, for example, the bracket does not bend beyond the bending limit at which interference of the members occurs, so that it is difficult to meet the demand when a long collapse stroke is required.
[0009]
An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle impact absorption type steering column apparatus that can reliably disengage the steering column and extend the collapse stroke before the bracket reaches the bending limit.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, a vehicle shock absorption type steering column apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention is provided.
Limiting means for limiting the tilt adjustment range, which integrally includes a vehicle body mounting portion and a pair of column tightening fixing portions provided on both sides of the steering column and provided in the steering column with grooves for adjusting the tilt of the steering. A vehicle body side bracket for supporting the steering column on the vehicle body,
A column side bracket mounted on the steering column and disposed inside the vehicle body side bracket;
A tilting member that is inserted into the tilt adjustment groove of the vehicle body side bracket and the column side bracket, moves in the tilt adjustment groove during tilt adjustment, and is fixed at the adjustment position;
  In a vehicle impact absorption type steering column device that absorbs the impact energy while moving the steering column forward of the vehicle at the time of a secondary collision,
The vehicle body side bracket integrally has a pair of vertical wall portions extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to the steering column through the bent portion from the vehicle body attachment portion,
The column fastening fixing part is erected from the vertical wall part,
The tilt adjusting groove has a shape with an open bottom,
  During a secondary collision, the vertical wall portion of the vehicle body side bracket and the column tightening fixing portion are bent and deformed with the bent portion serving as a fulcrum due to an impact load applied to the steering column.RestrictionMeansThe steering column exceeds the tilt adjustment rangePassing through the open end of the tilt adjusting grooveAllow to moveTo absorb impact energyIt is characterized by that.
[0012]
In the present invention, when an axial direction input is applied from the steering wheel side at the time of a secondary collision, the steering column fixed to the vehicle body by the vehicle body side upper bracket tends to move forward of the vehicle body. The load acting on the steering column acts on the vehicle body side upper bracket, and at this time, the fastening member side of the vehicle body side upper bracket is largely deformed forward of the vehicle body. The impact can be absorbed by the deformation of the vehicle body side upper bracket.
[0013]
At this time, the adjustment groove largely changes its direction from the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the steering column before the axial input is applied toward the axis. If the deformation of the upper bracket on the vehicle body progresses further while the axial direction input continues to work, the direction of the adjustment groove will be in a direction substantially along the axis of the steering column, thereby fastening it inserted through the adjustment groove The member comes off the open end of the adjustment groove, and the steering column is detached. Thus, the steering column can be detached before the bent portion of the vehicle body side upper bracket reaches the bending limit.
[0014]
  Also,According to another aspect of the invention,A lower bracket for supporting the steering column below;
The steering column is separated from the lower bracket at the time of a secondary collision..
[0015]
In such a configuration, the pivot is detached from the notch portion of the lower bracket by the axial input, so that the steering column can be freely displaced, and the collapse stroke can be further extended.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an impact absorption type steering column apparatus for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0017]
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a side view of an impact absorbing steering column device for a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0018]
2A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is an enlarged side view of the vehicle body side upper bracket (tilt bracket) of the shock absorption type steering column apparatus shown in FIG. FIG.
[0019]
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG.
[0020]
FIG. 4 is a side view showing a front stage at the time of a secondary collision in a state in which the vehicle shock absorption type steering column device is mounted on an actual vehicle.
[0021]
FIG. 5 is a side view showing a rear stage at the time of a secondary collision in a state where the vehicle impact absorbing steering column device is mounted on an actual vehicle.
[0022]
As shown in FIG. 1, a steering shaft 2 is rotatably supported in a steering column 1 by a pair of bearings 1a and 1b. The steering column 1 is supported by a vehicle body side lower bracket 3 at its lower end. In the middle portion, the vehicle body side upper bracket 4 (tilt bracket) is attached to the vehicle body in a substantially L shape in side view.
[0023]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the vehicle body side lower bracket 3 includes a pair of vehicle body attachment portions 3 a and 3 b, and a pair of left and right bodies extending substantially vertically from the pair of vehicle body attachment portions 3 a and 3 b. Opposing flat plate portions 3c and 3d are provided.
[0024]
The column side lower bracket 6 of the steering column 1 is fixed to the cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the steering column 1 by welding.
[0025]
  The column side lower bracket 6 is a vehicle body side lower bracket.3The opposed flat plate portions 6a and 6b are opposed to the opposed flat plate portions 3c and 3d. Round holes 6c and 6d are formed in the opposed flat plate portions 6a and 6b.
[0026]
Between the opposing flat plate portions 3c and 3d of the vehicle body side lower bracket 3, the opposing flat plate portions 6a and 6b of the column side lower bracket 6 are slidably sandwiched.
[0027]
The opposed flat plate portions 3c and 3d of the vehicle body side lower bracket 3 are formed with cutout portions 5a and 5b that open to the front of the vehicle.
[0028]
Tilt center bolts 7 inserted into the round holes 6c and 6d of the column side lower bracket 6 of the steering column 1 are engaged with the notches 5a and 5b. Can move forward of the vehicle.
[0029]
Instead of the illustrated example described above, a round hole may be formed in the vehicle body side lower bracket, and a notch opened in the opposite direction may be formed in the column side lower bracket. A separation structure at the time of the next collision may be configured.
[0030]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the substantially L-shaped vehicle body side upper bracket 4 includes vehicle body attachment portions 10, 10 that are attached to the vehicle body by bolts and the like, and bending portions 11, 11 from the vehicle body attachment portions 10, 10. The vertical wall portions 12 and 12 bent in a substantially L-shape, and the column fastening fixing portions 14 and 14 having the tilt adjustment grooves 13 and 13 standing from the vertical wall portions 12 and 12; It is composed of
[0031]
In the illustrated example, the bent portions 11, 11 are on the rear side of the vehicle body mounting portions 10, 10, and the column tightening fixing portions 14, 14 are on the front side of the vertical wall portions 12, 12.
[0032]
A distance bracket 15 (column side upper bracket) fixed to the steering column 1 by welding or the like is slidably provided inside the vehicle body side upper bracket (tilt bracket) 4. A tightening bolt 16 is inserted into the groove 13 and the round holes 15 a and 15 b formed in the distance bracket 15.
[0033]
  A nut 39 is screwed to the threaded portion of the end of the tightening bolt 16 to fix it.do itis there.
[0034]
By swinging the tightening lever 17 attached to the base end portion of the tightening bolt 16, the vehicle body side upper bracket 4 can be fixed in pressure contact with the distance bracket 15, or the pressure contact can be released to be tightened or released. It has become. Further, when the position adjustment is completed, the gripping portion 17b of the tightening lever 17 is disposed on the vehicle front side from the base end portion 17a.
[0035]
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a cam lock mechanism is provided at the base end portion of the tightening bolt 16. The cam lock mechanism includes a first cam 18 that rotates together with the tightening lever 17, and the first cam. A non-rotating second cam 19 that engages and locks 18 is provided.
[0036]
Further, the second cam 19 is engaged with the tilt adjusting groove 13 to keep the second cam 19 non-rotating, and at the time of tilt adjustment, an oval projection that moves along the tilt adjusting groove 13. 19a (FIG. 2) is formed.
[0037]
In addition to the tightening method using the illustrated cam, a tightening method using a screw can be used.
[0038]
Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b), a reinforcing bead 11a is formed in the bent portion 11 of the vehicle body side upper bracket 4. By changing the size of the reinforcing bead 11a, two parts can be obtained. The bending load at the next collision can be adjusted.
[0039]
As shown in FIG. 4, in a state where the vehicle shock absorption type steering column device according to the present embodiment is mounted on a real vehicle, the steering column device is generally attached with an inclination to the vehicle body. The operability of a passenger such as a passenger car is tilted in the range of 20 ° to 30 ° as a good angle. In the actual vehicle, a bent portion 11 and a vertical wall portion 12 are disposed on the vehicle rear side of the vehicle body mounting portion 10 of the vehicle body side upper bracket 4, and a column fastening fixing portion is provided on the vehicle front side of the vertical wall portion 12. 14 is arranged. Thereby, the tilt fastening bolt 16 is positioned substantially vertically below the bent portion 11.
[0040]
In the present embodiment, the tilt adjusting groove 13 is substantially inclined and formed in a substantially arc shape, and one end thereof is an open end 13a.
[0041]
On the vehicle rear side of the tilt adjusting groove 13, a protrusion S (stopper) is provided that protrudes forward of the vehicle body so as to define the tilt adjusting range of the tightening bolt 16.
[0042]
This protrusion S has a contact surface Sa on the side facing the tightening bolt 16, and this contact surface Sa serves as a stopper for regulating the lower end position of the tilt adjustment range of the tightening bolt 16.
[0043]
Further, the projection S (stopper) is bent or broken by the fastening bolt 16 at the time of the secondary collision, and allows the fastening bolt 16 to move forward of the vehicle. As a result, at the subsequent stage at the time of the secondary collision, the fastening bolt 16 can be detached from the open end 13a of the tilt adjusting groove 13, and the steering column 1 can be detached from the vehicle body. Therefore, the steering column 1 can be detached before the bent portion 11 of the vehicle body side upper bracket 4 reaches the bending limit, and a sufficient collapse stroke can be ensured.
[0044]
2B, the width of the open end 13a of the tilt adjusting groove 13 on the lower side of the protrusion S (stopper) is wider than that on the upper side. That is, a recess d is formed below the protrusion S. Thereby, the protrusion S (stopper) can be bent downward in the illustrated example in a counterclockwise direction and then escape to the recess d.
[0045]
In addition, the substantially vertical width of the protrusion S (stopper) can control the impact load that can be absorbed by changing the width dimension.
[0046]
Further, the protrusion S (stopper) is provided on the vehicle rear side of the tilt adjustment groove 13, but may be provided on the vehicle front side or on both sides of the tilt adjustment groove 13.
[0047]
Further, the protrusion S (stopper) may be provided in the notch portion 5 a in the vehicle body side lower bracket 3.
[0048]
Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.
[0049]
At the time of tilt tightening, when the tightening lever 17 is rotated, the first cam 18 and the second cam 19 are relatively displaced, the tightening bolts 16 are tightened in the axial direction, and the pair of opposing plates of the vehicle body side bracket 4. The space | interval of the parts 11 and 11 is narrowed, and it press-contacts to both the wall surfaces of the distance bracket 15. FIG. Thereby, the steering column 1 is tilt-tightened.
[0050]
On the other hand, when releasing the tilt, when the tightening lever 17 is rotated in the opposite direction, the first cam 18 and the second cam 19 are relatively displaced, and the tightening in the axial direction of the tightening bolt 16 is released. Thereby, the pressure contact with respect to both wall surfaces of the distance bracket 15 of the pair of opposing plate portions 11 and 11 is released, and the steering column 1 is released from the tilt and can be tilted to a desired inclination angle.
[0051]
Next, at the time of the secondary collision, as shown in FIG. 4, when a secondary collision load acts on the steering wheel 20 from the rear to the front of the vehicle, the steering column 1 is moved to the distance bracket 15 and the tilt fastening bolt. Attempt to move forward along with 16.
[0052]
As shown in FIG. 4, the tilt fastening bolt 16 moves until it comes into contact with the lowermost stage of the tilt adjusting groove 13, that is, the protrusion S (stopper).
[0053]
Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the column side lower bracket 6 and the tilt center bolt 7 are connected to the vehicle body side lower bracket 3 so that the tilt center bolt 7 comes out of the notches 5a and 5b of the vehicle body side lower bracket 3. Leave the vehicle and move forward.
[0054]
At this time, the driver's impact load acts substantially horizontally from the rear to the front of the vehicle. On the other hand, the tilt tightening bolt 16 is disposed substantially vertically below the bent portion 11, and the tilt tightening bolt 16 starts to move in a substantially horizontal direction with the bent portion 11 as a fulcrum, and then the bent portion 11 ( Rotate around the fulcrum).
[0055]
As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, in the vehicle impact absorption type steering column device according to the present embodiment, the vertical wall portion 12 and the column fastening fixing portion 14 of the vehicle body side upper bracket 4 are also bent. As it rotates around the fulcrum), it breaks (collapses) while bending and absorbs secondary impact energy.
[0056]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the bent portion 11 and the vertical wall portion 12 are disposed on the vehicle rear side of the vehicle body mounting portion 10, and the column fastening is provided on the vehicle front side of the vertical wall portion 12. A fixed portion 14 is arranged. With this layout, during the secondary collision, the movement start direction of the vertical wall portion 12 and the column fastening fixing portion 14 of the vehicle body side upper bracket 4 is a direction that rotates around the bent portion 11 as a fulcrum, but is substantially horizontal. It is a direction and substantially coincides with the input direction (substantially horizontal) of the impact load from the driver. Therefore, the movement start of the vehicle body side upper bracket 4 at the time of the secondary collision can be stabilized.
[0057]
In addition, according to the present embodiment, the gripping portion 17b of the tightening lever 17 is disposed on the vehicle front side from the base end portion 17a, and in the event of a secondary collision, as shown in FIG. The attaching lever 17 follows the collapse of the vehicle body bracket 4 and moves forward while rotating, so that the safety of the tightening lever 17 against the rider's knee can be further enhanced.
[0058]
Next, in the subsequent stage at the time of the secondary collision, as shown in FIG. 5, the secondary impact energy is broken (collapsed) while being bent and deformed so as to rotate around the bent portion 11 (fulcrum). To absorb.
[0059]
At the same time, the steering column 1 can be moved further beyond the tilt adjustment range as follows.
[0060]
That is, in the latter stage at the time of the secondary collision, the protrusion S (stopper) is bent or broken by the fastening bolt 16 to allow the fastening bolt 16 to move forward of the vehicle. As a result, at the subsequent stage at the time of the secondary collision, the fastening bolt 16 can be detached from the open end 13a of the tilt adjusting groove 13, and the steering column 1 can be detached from the vehicle body. Therefore, the steering column 1 can be detached before the bent portion 11 of the vehicle body side upper bracket 4 reaches the bending limit, and a sufficient collapse stroke can be ensured.
[0061]
It should be noted that the stage before and after the secondary collision are a series of flows and do not operate separately. Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the grease for extreme pressure additive including molybdenum disulfide is applied to the tilt adjusting groove 13 and the bracket sliding surface, the tightening bolt 16 is more effectively used for tilt adjustment. It is possible to slide in the groove 13.
[0062]
Further, disulfide is also present between the column tightening fixing portion 14 of the vehicle body side upper bracket 4 and the nut 39 or the second cam 19 and between the column tightening fixing portion 14 of the vehicle body side upper bracket 4 and the distance bracket 15. Grease containing an extreme pressure additive containing molybdenum or the like may be applied.
[0063]
(Modification of the first embodiment)
FIG. 6 is an enlarged side view of the vehicle body side upper bracket (tilt bracket) of the shock absorption type steering column apparatus according to a modification of the first embodiment.
[0064]
The protrusion S (stopper) provided in the tilt adjusting groove 13 may be composed of a plurality of protrusions. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, three protrusions S1, S2, and S3 (stoppers) are formed in the tilt adjusting groove 13 so as to be uniformly oriented in front of the vehicle body. The upper protrusion S1 has a contact surface Sa on the side facing the tightening bolt 16, and this contact surface Sa serves as a stopper for regulating the lower end position of the tilt adjustment range of the tightening bolt 16.
[0065]
In this modified example, the clamping bolt 16 is crushed in the order of the three protrusions S1, S2, and S3 (stopper) in the subsequent stage at the time of the secondary collision, and then comes off from the open end 13a of the tilt adjusting groove 13. . In this process, energy can be absorbed not only by the deformation of the vehicle body side upper bracket 4 itself but also by the deformation of the projections S1, S2, S3 (stopper).
[0066]
Recesses d1 and d2 are formed below the protrusions S1 and S2 (stoppers). As a result, the protrusions S1 and S1 (stopper) can escape downward into the recesses d1 and d2 after being bent downward in the illustrated example in the counterclockwise direction.
[0067]
In addition, the substantially vertical width of the protrusions S1, S2, S3 (stopper) can control the impact load that can be absorbed by changing the width dimension.
[0068]
Further, the protrusions S1, S2, S3 (stoppers) are provided on the vehicle rear side of the tilt adjustment groove 13, but may be provided on the vehicle front side, and may be provided on both sides of the tilt adjustment groove 13. May be.
[0069]
(Second Embodiment)
  FIG. 7 shows the first aspect of the present invention.2It is a side view of the shock absorption type steering column apparatus for vehicles concerning an embodiment.
[0070]
FIG. 8 is an enlarged side view of the vehicle body side upper bracket (tilt bracket) of the shock absorbing steering column device shown in FIG.
[0071]
In the second embodiment, in the vehicle body side upper bracket (tilt bracket) 4 ′, a bent portion 11 ′ and a vertical wall portion 12 ′ are integrally formed in front of the vehicle body mounting portion 10 ′. A column tightening fixing portion 14 ′ is disposed on the vehicle rear side of the wall portion 12 ′. Further, a reinforcing bead 11a ′ is formed in the bent portion 11 ′ of the vehicle body side upper bracket 4 ′, and the bending load at the time of the secondary collision is adjusted by changing the size of the reinforcing bead 11a ′. be able to.
[0072]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the vertical wall portion 12 ′ of the vehicle body side upper bracket 4 is located on the vehicle front side with respect to the vertical wall portion 12 of the first embodiment described above. Since the other parts have the same configuration as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
[0073]
According to the second embodiment, the vertical wall portion 12 ′ is provided on the vehicle front side with respect to the vertical wall portion 12 of the first embodiment, so that the swing range of the steering column 1 can be increased during a secondary collision. It can be increased and the collapse stroke can be increased.
[0074]
As well shown in FIG. 8, the width of the open end 13a of the tilt adjusting groove 13 on the lower side of the protrusion S (stopper) is wider than that on the upper side thereof. That is, a recess d is formed below the protrusion S. Thereby, the protrusion S (stopper) can be bent downward in the illustrated example in a counterclockwise direction and then escape to the recess d.
[0075]
In addition, the substantially vertical width of the protrusion S (stopper) can control the impact load that can be absorbed by changing the width dimension.
[0076]
Further, the protrusion S (stopper) is provided on the vehicle rear side of the tilt adjustment groove 13, but may be provided on the vehicle front side or on both sides of the tilt adjustment groove 13.
[0077]
(Third embodiment)
FIG. 9A is an enlarged side view of the vehicle body side upper bracket (tilt bracket) of the shock absorption type steering column apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9B is a view shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the behavior at the time of the secondary collision of a vehicle body side upper bracket.
[0078]
In the third embodiment, the vehicle body side upper bracket 4 is formed with a limiting member 30 extending substantially in front of the vehicle while forming a gap g with the open end 13a of the tilt adjusting groove 13. It is. The restricting member 30 defines a substantially lower part of the tilt adjustment range of the tilt adjustment groove 13.
[0079]
Further, the gap g is set smaller than the diameter of the fastening bolt 16. Further, the restricting member 30 is formed with a bending permission portion 31 that allows the tightening bolt 16 to move forward of the vehicle through the open end 13a (gap g) at the time of a secondary collision. That is, the bending allowance portion 31 is configured to bend and deform as shown in FIG. 9B when a predetermined load is applied during the secondary collision.
[0080]
The limiting member 30 may extend from the front side of the tilt adjusting groove 13 toward the rear of the vehicle.
[0081]
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9 (b), the vehicle shock absorption type steering column device according to the present embodiment is provided at the front stage at the time of the secondary collision with the vertical wall portion 12 of the vehicle body side upper bracket 4 and the column fastening. The attached fixing portion 14 also breaks (collapses) while being bent and deformed so as to rotate around the bent portion 11 (fulcrum) and absorbs secondary impact energy.
[0082]
Next, even after the secondary collision, the secondary impact energy is absorbed by being broken (collapsed) while being bent and deformed so as to rotate around the bent portion 11 (fulcrum).
[0083]
At the same time, the steering column 1 can be moved further beyond the tilt adjustment range as follows.
[0084]
That is, in the latter stage at the time of the secondary collision, the bending permission portion 31 of the limiting member 30 is bent or broken by the tightening bolt 16 to allow the tightening bolt 16 to move forward of the vehicle.
[0085]
As a result, at the subsequent stage at the time of the secondary collision, the tightening bolt 16 is detached from the open end 13a (gap g) of the tilt adjusting groove 13 and the steering column 1 can be detached from the vehicle body. Therefore, the steering column 1 can be detached before the bent portion 11 of the vehicle body side upper bracket 4 reaches the bending limit, and a sufficient collapse stroke can be ensured.
[0086]
(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 10A is an enlarged side view of a vehicle body side upper bracket (tilt bracket) of an impact absorption type steering column device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10B is a view shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the behavior at the time of the secondary collision of a vehicle body side upper bracket.
[0087]
In the fourth embodiment, the vehicle body side upper bracket 4 is formed with a gap g between the tilt adjustment groove 13 and the oblique open end 13a, and the limiting member 30 extending substantially in the vertical direction of the vehicle. Is formed. The restricting member 30 defines a substantially side portion of the tilt adjustment range of the tilt adjusting groove 13 in cooperation with the open end 13a formed obliquely.
[0088]
Further, the gap g is set smaller than the diameter of the fastening bolt 16. Further, the restricting member 30 is formed with a bending permission portion 31 that allows the tightening bolt 16 to move forward of the vehicle through the open end 13a (gap g) at the time of a secondary collision. That is, on both sides of the bending allowance portion 31, an arc-shaped concave portion 31a is formed on the outer side, and a groove-shaped concave portion 31b is formed on the inner side. The allowable portion 31 is configured to bend and deform as shown in FIG. 10B when a predetermined load is applied during the secondary collision.
[0089]
Only one of the recesses 31a and 31b may be formed.
[0090]
Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 10 (b), the shock absorbing steering column device for a vehicle according to the present embodiment is provided at the front stage at the time of the secondary collision with the vertical wall portion 12 of the vehicle body side upper bracket 4 and the column fastening. The attached fixing portion 14 also breaks (collapses) while being bent and deformed so as to rotate around the bent portion 11 (fulcrum) and absorbs secondary impact energy.
[0091]
Next, even after the secondary collision, the secondary impact energy is absorbed by being broken (collapsed) while being bent and deformed so as to rotate around the bent portion 11 (fulcrum).
[0092]
At the same time, the steering column 1 can be moved further beyond the tilt adjustment range as follows.
[0093]
That is, in the latter stage at the time of the secondary collision, the bending permission portion 31 of the limiting member 30 is bent or broken by the tightening bolt 16 to allow the tightening bolt 16 to move forward of the vehicle.
[0094]
As a result, at the subsequent stage at the time of the secondary collision, the tightening bolt 16 is detached from the open end 13a (gap g) of the tilt adjusting groove 13 and the steering column 1 can be detached from the vehicle body. Therefore, the steering column 1 can be detached before the bent portion 11 of the vehicle body side upper bracket 4 reaches the bending limit, and a sufficient collapse stroke can be ensured.
[0095]
(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 11 is a side view of an impact absorbing steering column apparatus for a vehicle according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[0096]
12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG.
[0097]
In the fifth embodiment, a column support body 40 that is attached to the vehicle body side upper bracket 4 and extends while curving below the steering column 1 is provided.
[0098]
The column support body 40 generally defines a substantially lower portion of the tilt adjustment range, and is configured to prevent the steering column 1 from dropping off during a secondary collision.
[0099]
That is, in the fifth embodiment, the protrusion S (stopper) in the tilt adjusting groove 13 is eliminated. Instead of the projection S, the column support 40 described above is provided.
[0100]
The column support body 40 is a U-shaped wire and includes a pair of hook portions 41 formed by bending the tip, and the pair of hook portions 35 are formed on the vertical wall portion 12 of the vehicle body side upper bracket 4 The locking holes 42 are locked.
[0101]
The concave curved surface of the column support 40 facing the lower surface of the steering column 1 serves to determine the lower limit position of the tilt adjustment when the steering column 1 is moved downward during the tilt operation.
[0102]
From the above, in the front stage at the time of the secondary collision, the vehicle impact absorption type steering column device according to the present embodiment includes the vertical wall portion 12 of the vehicle body side upper bracket 4 and the column tightening fixing portion 14 as well. It is broken (collapsed) while being bent and deformed so as to rotate around 11 (fulcrum) and absorbs secondary impact energy.
[0103]
Next, since the open end 13a of the tilt adjusting groove 13 faces the front of the vehicle in the subsequent stage at the time of the secondary collision, the tightening bolt 16 further moves beyond the tilt adjustment range and comes off the open end 13a. Thus, the steering column 1 can be detached from the vehicle body.
[0104]
At the same time, the wire column support 40 prevents the steering column 1 from falling off.
[0105]
That is, the fastening bolt 16 in the tilt adjusting groove 13 moves, and the lower part of the steering column 1 and the concave curved surface of the wire column support body 40 hit each other. The steering column 1 continues to move forward with its lower surface supported by the concave curved surface of the wire column support 40. That is, the steering column 1 continues to move forward a long distance while securing a collapsed track without dropping downward. As a result, the collapse stroke can be further extended.
[0106]
Therefore, the steering column 1 can be detached before the bent portion 11 of the vehicle body side upper bracket 4 reaches the bending limit, and a sufficient collapse stroke can be ensured. Further, since the steering column 2 can move for a long distance without dropping downward, the collapse stroke can be further extended.
[0107]
In addition, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, A various deformation | transformation is possible.
[0108]
For example, you may comprise so that a shock load may be absorbed by providing a protrusion in the notch part of a vehicle body side lower bracket (or column side lower bracket).
[0109]
Further, for example, in the first to fifth embodiments described above, the vertical wall portion is not limited to the upper and lower brackets, and the vertical wall portion may be in front of or behind the vehicle body mounting portion, and the column fastening fixing portion is It may be in front of or behind the club. Further, the hinge fixing part may be in front of or behind the vertical wall.
[0110]
Furthermore, each embodiment may be independent or may be combined.
[0111]
In each of the above embodiments, the steering column device provided with the tilt mechanism has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to a steering column device having no tilt mechanism. Further, although the steering column device having no means for absorbing energy has been described, the present invention may be provided with energy absorbing means in the steering column device.
[0112]
Similarly to the first embodiment, in the second to fifth embodiments, the tilt groove 13, the column tightening fixing portion 14 of the vehicle body side upper bracket 4, and the nut 39 or the second cam 19 are also provided. Meanwhile, grease containing an extreme pressure additive including molybdenum disulfide may be applied between the column tightening fixing portion 14 and the distance bracket 15 of the vehicle body side upper bracket 4.
[0113]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the steering column can be detached before the bent portion of the vehicle body side upper bracket reaches the bending limit, and a sufficient collapse stroke can be ensured.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side view of a shock absorbing steering column device for a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
2A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle body side upper bracket (tilt bracket) of the shock absorption type steering column apparatus shown in FIG. It is an enlarged side view.
3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a side view showing a front stage at the time of a secondary collision in a state where the shock absorbing steering column device for a vehicle is mounted on an actual vehicle.
FIG. 5 is a side view showing a rear stage at the time of a secondary collision in a state where the shock absorbing steering column device for a vehicle is mounted on an actual vehicle.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged side view of a vehicle body side upper bracket (tilt bracket) of an impact absorption type steering column device according to a modification of the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 shows the first of the present invention.2It is a side view of the shock absorption type steering column apparatus for vehicles concerning an embodiment.
8 is an enlarged side view of a vehicle body side upper bracket (tilt bracket) of the shock absorption type steering column device shown in FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 (a) is an enlarged side view of a vehicle body side upper bracket (tilt bracket) of an impact absorption type steering column device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the behavior at the time of the secondary collision of the shown vehicle body side upper bracket.
10A is an enlarged side view of a vehicle body side upper bracket (tilt bracket) of an impact absorption type steering column device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10B is a plan view of FIG. It is a figure which shows the behavior at the time of the secondary collision of the shown vehicle body side upper bracket.
FIG. 11 is a side view of a shock absorbing steering column device for a vehicle according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Steering column
1a, 1b Bearing
2 Steering shaft
3 Car body side lower bracket
3a, 3b Car body mounting part
3c, 3d Opposing flat plate
4, 4 'Car body side upper bracket (tilt bracket)
5a, 5b Notch
6 Column side lower bracket
6a, 6b Opposing flat plate
6c, 6d round hole
7 Tilt center bolt
10, 10 'body mounting part
11, 11 'bent part
11a, 11a 'Reinforcement beads
12, 12 'vertical wall
13 Tilt adjustment groove
13a Open end
14, 14 'Column tightening fixing part
15 Distance bracket (column side upper bracket)
15a, 15b round holes
16 Tightening bolt
17 Tightening lever
17a proximal end
17b Gripping part
18 First cam
19 Second cam
20 Steering wheel
S, S1, S2, S3 Stopper (Limiting part)
Sa touching surface
d, d1, d2 recess
30 Restriction member
31 Bending allowance
g Clearance
31a, 31b recess
39 Nut
40 Column support
41 Hook part
42 Locking hole

Claims (8)

Limiting means for limiting the tilt adjustment range, which integrally includes a vehicle body mounting portion and a pair of column tightening fixing portions provided on both sides of the steering column and provided in the steering column with grooves for adjusting the tilt of the steering. A vehicle body side bracket for supporting the steering column on the vehicle body,
A column side bracket mounted on the steering column and disposed inside the vehicle body side bracket;
A tilting member that is inserted into the tilt adjustment groove of the vehicle body side bracket and the column side bracket, moves in the tilt adjustment groove during tilt adjustment, and is fixed at the adjustment position;
In a vehicle impact absorption type steering column device that absorbs the impact energy while moving the steering column forward of the vehicle at the time of a secondary collision,
The vehicle body side bracket integrally has a pair of vertical wall portions extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to the steering column through the bent portion from the vehicle body attachment portion,
The column fastening fixing part is erected from the vertical wall part,
The tilt adjusting groove has a shape with an open bottom,
At the time of a secondary collision, the vertical wall portion of the vehicle body side bracket and the column tightening fixing portion are bent and deformed with the bent portion as a fulcrum due to an impact load applied to the steering column, while the limiting means is the steering column A shock-absorbing steering column device for a vehicle that absorbs impact energy by allowing the motor to move past the open end of the tilt adjusting groove beyond the tilt adjusting range. The restricting means includes a plurality of protrusions that are formed in the column tightening fixing portion and protrude in the tilt adjusting groove so as to be directed forward of the vehicle, and the protrusions restrict movement of the tightening member. 2. The shock absorbing steering column device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle is bent and deformed by movement of the tightening member during a secondary collision . The shock absorbing steering column device for a vehicle according to claim 2 , wherein the protrusion includes a contact surface on a side facing the tightening member . The vehicle body side bracket limiting means is formed to extend substantially in the front-rear direction of the vehicle while leaving the open end so as to define a substantially lower portion of the tilt adjusting groove , and the steering column during a secondary collision A fastening member that allows the fastening member to move forward of the vehicle through the open end ,
During a secondary collision, said bent allowable unit according to claim 1, characterized in that to allow the while bending deformation by the movement of members the tightening is該締member with moving forward of the vehicle through said open end Shock-absorbing steering column device for vehicles. The vehicle body side bracket limiting means includes a vehicle front side portion extending substantially in the vertical direction and a protruding portion protruding toward the side portion while leaving the open end at a lower portion of the tilt adjusting groove. The side portion has a bending permission portion that allows the fastening member of the steering column to move forward of the vehicle through the open end during a secondary collision ,
During a secondary collision, said bent allowable unit according to claim 1, characterized in that to allow the while bending deformation by the movement of members the tightening is該締member with moving forward of the vehicle through said open end Shock-absorbing steering column device for vehicles. The limiting means is a column support that is supported by the vehicle body side bracket and extends while curving below the steering column ,
2. The vehicle impact according to claim 1 , wherein the column support body defines a substantially lower portion of a tilt adjustment range of the steering and prevents the steering column from dropping downward during a secondary collision. Absorption type steering column device. A lower bracket for supporting the steering column below;
The vehicle impact absorbing steering column apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the steering column is detached from the lower bracket at the time of a secondary collision . A vehicle body side lower bracket for supporting the steering column below the vehicle body;
The vehicle body side lower bracket includes a notch portion through which a pivot shaft of a hinge mechanism serving as a tilt center of the steering column is inserted and a vehicle front side is opened,
2. The secondary column according to claim 1 , wherein the pivot is disengaged from the open end of the notch by an axial input of the steering column during a secondary collision, and the steering column is detached from the vehicle body side lower bracket. The shock absorbing steering column device for a vehicle according to any one of claims 6 to 6 .

Images