JP5472216B2 - Steering device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a steering device, in particular, an outer column and an inner column are fitted so as to be slidable relative to each other in the axial direction, thereby adjusting a telescopic position of the steering wheel or causing the steering wheel to collapsing during a secondary collision. The present invention relates to a steering device that absorbs an impact load.

  There is a steering device in which an outer column and an inner column are slidably fitted in an axial direction so as to adjust a telescopic position of a steering wheel or absorb an impact load at the time of a secondary collision. In such a steering device, the distance bracket for clamping the inner column by reducing the diameter of the outer column is formed integrally with the outer column.

  The steering device shown in Patent Document 1 engages a clamp member of a die-cast molded product formed separately from an iron outer column with the outer column, and reduces the diameter of the outer column via the clamp member. The structure of the column and the clamp member is simplified, and the manufacturing cost is reduced.

  However, the steering device shown in Patent Literature 1 engages the engaging convex portion of the clamp member with the engaging concave portion of the outer column to prevent rotation of the outer column in the rotational direction with respect to the clamp member. Since the engaging projection of the clamp member is a die-cast product, it is difficult to ensure a high strength against the rotational force applied to the outer column.

  That is, the automobile is provided with a steering lock device that locks the steering wheel so as not to rotate in order to prevent theft of the automobile. When a large force is applied to the steering wheel with the ignition key turned to the lock position and pulled out from the keyhole, a large force in the rotational direction is applied to the outer column, and the engaging projection of the clamp member is deformed, causing There is a risk that the holding force will decrease.

JP 2006-69524 A

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a steering device that uses a clamp member that is formed separately from an iron outer column and that increases the strength of the outer column in the rotational direction relative to the clamp member.

The above problem is solved by the following means. That is, the first invention includes an inner column, a hollow outer column externally fitted to the inner column so as to be slidable in the axial direction, a vehicle body mounting bracket that can be mounted on the vehicle body, and the vehicle body mounting. A pair of left and right clamp members that are slidably sandwiched between the left and right side plates of the bracket, and clamp the inner column so as not to move in the axial direction relative to the outer column, and ends of the pair of clamp members The coupling member fixed to the outer periphery of the outer column and the left and right side plates of the vehicle body mounting bracket are tightened, and relative to the outer column in the axial direction via the clamp member and the coupling member. It has a clamping device that clamps the inner column so that it cannot move, and the outer column has a predetermined axial length. A slit for reducing the diameter of the outer column made are in, are formed on the pair of clamping members comprises a pressing portion for embracing the outer periphery of the outer column, the said clamp member to the end portion of the coupling member
It is fixed by press fitting, the coupling member is fixed to the outer column by welding, the left and right side plates of the vehicle body mounting bracket are tightened, the outer column is reduced in diameter via the clamp member, and the outer column is A steering device characterized in that the inner column is clamped so as not to move relatively in the axial direction.

According to a second aspect of the present invention , in the steering apparatus according to the first aspect, the coupling member is a reverse U
It is formed in a letter shape or U shape, and is wound around the outer periphery of the outer column,
The steering device is fixed to the outer surface of the clamp member by press-fitting .

A third invention is the steering device according to the second invention, wherein the outer column is
And the coupling member is made of iron, and the clamp member is made of an aluminum alloy .

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the steering apparatus according to the first aspect, the pressing portion has an arc shape.
Alternatively, the steering device is formed in a straight line .

A fifth aspect of the present invention is the steering apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the pressing portion is
A steering device characterized in that the outer periphery of an inner column or an outer column on the vehicle body lower side is held.

Sixth invention is a steering apparatus of the first of the invention, the pressing portion, the
A steering device characterized in that the outer periphery of the inner column or outer column on the upper side of the vehicle body is held.

A seventh invention is the steering device of the first invention, wherein the inner column is
And the outer column is a hollow cylindrical shape or a hollow polygonal cylindrical shape .

An eighth invention is the steering device according to the first invention, wherein the inner column is
Alternatively , the steering device is characterized in that the front side of the outer column of the vehicle body is fixed to the vehicle body .

  The steering device of the present invention is slidably held between the left and right side plates of the vehicle body mounting bracket, and includes a pair of left and right clamp members that clamp the inner column so that it cannot move relative to the outer column in the axial direction. The end is fixed to the clamp member, and the coupling member fixed to the outer periphery of the outer column and the left and right side plates of the vehicle body mounting bracket are tightened, and relative to the outer column cannot be moved relative to the outer column via the clamp member. Is provided with a clamping device for clamping the inner column.

  Therefore, since the strength against the rotational force acting on the outer column is improved, the antitheft function of the automobile is improved. Further, since the coupling between the outer column and the clamp member becomes strong, the rigidity of the steering device is improved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view showing a state in which a steering device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is attached to a vehicle. It is a front view which shows the principal part of the steering apparatus of Example 1 of this invention. It is AA sectional drawing of FIG. FIG. 3 is a front view showing a state in which a vehicle body mounting bracket, a steering shaft, and a clamp device are omitted from the steering device of FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the steering device of FIG. 4. It is sectional drawing of the steering apparatus of Example 2 of this invention, and is FIG. 3 equivalent figure of Example 1. FIG. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a steering device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and is a view corresponding to FIG. It is sectional drawing of the steering apparatus of Example 3 of this invention, and is FIG. 3 equivalent figure of Example 1. FIG. It is sectional drawing of the steering apparatus of Example 4 of this invention, and is the FIG. 3 equivalent figure of Example 1. FIG. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a steering device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and is a view corresponding to FIG. It is sectional drawing of the steering apparatus of Example 5 of this invention, and is FIG. 3 equivalent figure of Example 1. FIG. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a state in which a vehicle body mounting bracket, a steering shaft, and a clamp device are omitted from the steering device of FIG. 11. It is a front view which shows the principal part of the steering apparatus of Example 6 of this invention, and is FIG. 2 equivalent figure of Example 1. FIG. It is sectional drawing of the steering apparatus of Example 7 of this invention, and is FIG. 3 equivalent figure of Example 1. FIG.

    Embodiments 1 to 7 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view showing a state in which the steering device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention is attached to a vehicle. The steering device 101 pivotally supports a steering shaft 102 so as to be rotatable. A steering wheel 103 is attached to the upper end (rear side of the vehicle body) of the steering shaft 102, and an intermediate shaft 105 is connected to the lower end of the steering shaft 102 (front side of the vehicle body) via a universal joint 104.

  A universal joint 106 is connected to the lower end of the intermediate shaft 105, and a steering gear 107 including a rack and pinion mechanism is connected to the universal joint 106.

  When the driver rotates the steering wheel 103, the rotational force is transmitted to the steering gear 107 through the steering shaft 102, the universal joint 104, the intermediate shaft 105, and the universal joint 106, and the tie rod is transmitted through the rack and pinion mechanism. 108 can be moved to change the steering angle of the wheel.

  2 is a front view showing a main part of the steering device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a vehicle body mounting bracket, steering shaft, and clamp device from the steering device of FIG. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the steering device shown in FIG. 4.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, an upper steering shaft 41 is rotatably supported in the hollow cylindrical outer column 1, and on the vehicle body rear side (right side in FIG. 2) of the upper steering shaft 41, A steering wheel 103 is attached. The inner column 2 is slidably fitted in the axial direction on the vehicle body front side of the outer column 1 (left side in FIGS. 2 and 4). The outer column 1 is attached to the vehicle body 5 by an upper-side vehicle body mounting bracket (vehicle body mounting bracket) 3.

  A lower-side vehicle body mounting bracket 51 is attached to the vehicle body 5 on the vehicle body front side of the inner column 2, and a tilt center shaft 21 fixed to the vehicle body front side of the inner column 2 can be tilted to the lower-side vehicle body mounting bracket 51. It is pivotally supported.

  A lower steering shaft 42 is rotatably supported on the inner column 2, the lower steering shaft 42 is spline-fitted with the upper steering shaft 41, and the rotation of the upper steering shaft 41 is transmitted to the lower steering shaft 42.

  The left end of the lower steering shaft 42 is connected to the intermediate shaft 105 via the universal joint 104 in FIG. 1, and the lower end of the intermediate shaft 105 is transmitted to the steering gear 107, so that the steering angle of the wheel can be changed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a pair of left and right flange portions 31 </ b> A and 31 </ b> B for attaching the upper side vehicle body mounting bracket 3 to the vehicle body 5 are formed on the upper side of the upper side vehicle body mounting bracket 3. A pair of left and right clamp members 6A and 6B are sandwiched between inner surfaces 321A and 321B of left and right side plates 32A and 32B that are formed integrally with flange portions 31A and 31B and extend in the vertical direction so as to be telescopically movable and tilted. ing. In the embodiment of the present invention, the side plates 32A and 32B are formed integrally with the flange portions 31A and 31B, but may be formed separately from the flange portions 31A and 31B.

  The clamp members 6A and 6B have a symmetrical shape with respect to a vertical plane passing through the central axis of the outer column 1, and arc-shaped pressing portions (pressing portions) 62A and 62B formed inside the clamp members 6A and 6B are provided. The outer periphery 11 of the outer column 1 is held. The radii of the arcuate pressing portions 62A and 62B are preferably formed to be the same as or slightly larger than the radius of the outer periphery 11 of the outer column 1. The clamp members 6A and 6B may have the same shape that can be used regardless of whether they are arranged on the left or right. In FIG. 3, the angle α between the center positions of the contact portions between the arcuate pressing portions 62A and 62B and the outer periphery 11 of the outer column 1 can be any angle such as 90 degrees or 120 degrees.

  The clamp members 6A and 6B are formed by a die-casting method in which a molten metal such as an aluminum alloy, a magnesium alloy, or a zinc alloy is pressed into a mold by applying pressure. The clamp members 6A and 6B may be formed of sintered metal or resin. The shape of the arc-shaped pressing portions 62A and 62B is not limited to the arc shape, and may be a flat surface. When the shapes of the arc-shaped pressing portions 62A and 62B are flat, the contact surface of the outer periphery 11 of the outer column 1 may be processed into a flat surface by cutting or the like. Moreover, you may shape | mold a plane by pipe expansion by hydroform molding.

  The clamp members 6A and 6B are formed with long telescopic grooves 61A and 61B (FIGS. 2 to 5) that are long in the axial direction (the direction orthogonal to the paper surface of FIG. 3), and the long groove for tilt 33A formed on the side plates 32A and 32B. 33B and the telescopic long grooves 61A and 61B, a round bar-shaped fastening rod 34 is inserted from the right side of FIG. The long tilt grooves 33 </ b> A and 33 </ b> B are formed in an arc shape centered on the tilt center axis 21.

  The coupling member 7 is fixed to the outer surfaces 63A and 63B formed outside the clamp members 6A and 6B. The coupling member 7 is formed by bending an iron rectangular plate material into an inverted U shape. The upper circular arc portion 71 of the coupling member 7 is wound around the outer periphery 11 of the outer column 1 and is fixed to the outer periphery 11 by welding. Further, on the outer surfaces 63A and 63B of the clamp members 6A and 6B, protrusions 64A and 64B are formed to protrude outward in the vehicle width direction along the peripheral edges of the telescopic long grooves 61A and 61B.

  The coupling member 7 is formed with flat portions 72, 72 parallel to the side plates 32A, 32B at both lower ends thereof. The flat portions 72 and 72 are formed with long grooves 73 and 73, and the protruding portions 64A and 64B are press-fitted into the long grooves 73 and 73, and the flat portions 72 and 72 of the coupling member 7 are fixed to the clamp members 6A and 6B. Yes. Therefore, the outer column 1 and the clamp members 6A and 6B are integrated by the coupling member 7, and the outer column 1 is prevented from rotating with respect to the clamp members 6A and 6B. The arcuate portion 71 of the coupling member 7 may be omitted, and the flat portions 72 and 72 may be fixed to the outer periphery 11 of the outer column 1 by welding.

  The protrusions 64A and 64B are not limited to the peripheral edges of the telescopic long grooves 61A and 61B, and may be formed on the vehicle body upper side, the vehicle body lower side, the vehicle body front side, the vehicle body rear side, and the like of the telescopic long grooves 61A and 61B. Also, the shape of the protrusions 64A and 64B may be cylindrical or rectangular, and a plurality of protrusions may be formed. What is necessary is just to form the recessed part into which the protrusion part is press-fit in the coupling member 7 according to the shape, arrangement | positioning, and number of protrusion parts.

  In addition, the clamp members 6A and 6B are sandwiched between the inner side surfaces 321A and 321B of the left and right side plates 32A and 32B via the flat portions 72 and 72 of the coupling member 7 so as to be capable of telescopic movement and tilt movement. The coupling member 7 and the clamp members 6A and 6B may be fixed by press-fitting a protrusion formed on the coupling member 7 into a recess formed on the clamp members 6A and 6B.

  A cylindrical bush 22 formed of a material having a small friction coefficient is fitted to the inner periphery 13 of the outer column 1, and the inner column 2 described above is slidable in the axial direction on the inner periphery of the bush 22. It is mated. Since the bush 22 having a small coefficient of friction is interposed between the inner periphery 13 of the outer column 1 and the outer periphery 25 of the inner column 2, the outer column 1 can be moved with a light force with respect to the inner column 2. . In order to move the outer column 1 with a light force with respect to the inner column 2, a coating having a small friction coefficient may be formed on the inner periphery of the bush 22 or the outer periphery 25 of the inner column 2.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a head 341 is formed on the right side of the tightening rod 34, and the head 341 is in contact with the outer surface of the side plate 32B. A rotation preventing portion 342 having a rectangular cross section slightly narrower than the groove width of the long tilt groove 33B is formed on the left outer diameter portion of the head portion 341. The anti-rotation portion 342 is fitted into the long tilt groove 33B to prevent the tightening rod 34 from rotating with respect to the upper-side vehicle body mounting bracket 3 and slides the tightening rod 34 along the long tilt groove 33B when adjusting the tilt position. Move.

A fixed cam 343, a movable cam 344, a thrust bearing 345, and an adjustment nut 346 are externally fitted in this order on the outer periphery of the left end of the tightening rod 34, and a female screw 348 formed on the inner diameter portion of the adjustment nut 346 is attached to the tightening rod 34. It is screwed into a male screw 347 formed at the left end.
An operation lever 349 is fixed to the left end surface of the movable cam 344, and the cam lock mechanism is configured by the movable cam 344 and the fixed cam 343 that are integrally operated by the operation lever 349. The fixed cam 343 engages with the long tilt groove 33A and is not rotated with respect to the upper-side vehicle body mounting bracket 3, and slides the fixed cam 343 along the long tilt groove 33A when adjusting the tilt position.

  When the operation lever 349 is rotated during tilt / telescopic tightening, the peak of the movable cam 344 rides on the peak of the fixed cam 343 and pushes the fixed cam 343 to the right side of FIG. By pulling, the side plates 32A and 32B are tightened, and the clamp members 6A and 6B are tightened via the flat portions 72 and 72 of the coupling member 7. Since the arc-shaped pressing portions 62A and 62B of the clamp members 6A and 6B enclose the outer periphery 11 of the outer column 1, the outer column 1 is effectively reduced in diameter when the clamp members 6A and 6B are tightened.

  When the tilt / telescopic is released, the operation lever 349 is rotated in the reverse direction, the valley of the movable cam 344 enters the peak of the fixed cam 343, and the force pushing the fixed cam 343 to the right is released. At the same time, by releasing the force pulling the clamping rod 34 to the left side, the side plates 32A and 32B are separated, and the clamping of the flat portions 72 and 72 of the coupling member 7 and the clamp members 6A and 6B is released. Thus, the outer column 1 and the clamp members 6A and 6B can be clamped and unclamped to the upper-side vehicle body mounting bracket 3 at a desired tilt / telescopic position.

  Slits 14 and 24 are formed on the lower surfaces of the outer column 1 and the bush 22, respectively. The slit 24 of the bush 22 is formed over the entire axial length of the bush 22. Further, the slit 14 of the outer column 1 has a closed end portion formed at the vehicle body rear side end portion and the vehicle body front side end portion of the outer column 1, and a closed end portion 141 (FIG. 4, FIG. 5) is cut in a direction perpendicular to the slit 14. The slit 14 of the outer column 1 may be formed open to the vehicle body front side end surface 15 of the outer column 1. The slit 14 of the outer column 1 may be formed only in the axial range where the clamp members 6A and 6B are in contact with the outer column 1.

  The clamp members 6A and 6B are disposed at positions where the slits 14 and 24 are sandwiched from both sides. Therefore, when the clamp members 6A and 6B are tightened, the outer column 1 and the bush 22 are reduced in diameter, and the inner column 2 can be held with a strong clamping force.

  After the clamp members 6A and 6B and the outer column 1 are unclamped with respect to the upper side vehicle body mounting bracket 3, the outer wheel 1 is slid in the axial direction with respect to the inner column 2 by grasping the steering wheel 103, and a desired telescopic Adjust to position. At this time, the clamp members 6 </ b> A and 6 </ b> B slide in the axial direction together with the outer column 1 and the bush 22.

  Further, the steering wheel 103 is held and the outer column 1 and the clamp members 6A and 6B are adjusted to a desired tilt position around the tilt center axis 21. Thereafter, the clamp members 6A and 6B are clamped to the upper-side vehicle body mounting bracket 3.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention, the outer column 1 is fixed to the clamp members 6A and 6B via an iron coupling member 7. Therefore, since the strength against the rotational force acting on the outer column is improved, the antitheft function of the automobile is improved. Further, since the coupling between the outer column 1 and the clamp members 6A and 6B becomes strong, the rigidity of the steering device is improved.

  Further, since the outer column 1 is reduced in diameter via the clamp members 6A and 6B formed separately from the outer column 1, the structure of the outer column 1 and the clamp members 6A and 6B is simplified, and the manufacturing cost is reduced. Can be reduced. Moreover, in Example 1 of this invention, since clamp member 6A, 6B is comprised by a pair of symmetrical components, it becomes possible to make the amount of diameter reduction of the left and right of the outer column 1 substantially the same.

  In the first embodiment described above, the bush 22 having a small friction coefficient is interposed, but the friction coefficient is not provided on at least one of the sliding surfaces of the outer column 1 and the inner column 2 that are in sliding contact with each other without the bush 22 being interposed. Small materials may be coated. Alternatively, three or more pressing protrusions may be formed on the inner periphery 13 of the outer column 1 or the outer periphery 25 of the inner column 2, and the outer column 1 may be clamped by clamping the outer column 1 to the inner column 2.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the steering device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, which corresponds to FIG. 3 of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the steering device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, which corresponds to FIG. 5 of the first embodiment. In the following description, only structural parts different from the above-described embodiment will be described, and redundant description will be omitted. Further, the same parts will be described with the same numbers.

  The second embodiment is an example in which the inner column is directly clamped by the clamp member. That is, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the outer column 1 is formed with through holes 16A and 16B through which the arc-shaped pressing portions (pressing portions) 62A and 62B of the clamp members 6A and 6B are inserted. In the clamp members 6A, 6B, arc-shaped pressing portions 62A, 62B are inserted into the through holes 16A, 16B, and the arc-shaped pressing portions 62A, 62B directly enclose the outer periphery 25 of the inner column 2.

  The clamp members 6 </ b> A and 6 </ b> B are coupled to the outer column 1 via a coupling member 7 that is wound around and fixed to the outer periphery 11 of the outer column 1, as in the first embodiment. The inner column 2 is fitted to the inner periphery 13 of the outer column 1 so as to be slidable in the axial direction without a bush. The slit 14 of the first embodiment is not formed on the lower surface of the outer column 1.

  When the operation lever 349 is rotated during tilt / telescopic tightening, the peak of the movable cam 344 rides on the peak of the fixed cam 343 and pushes the fixed cam 343 to the right side of FIG. By pulling, the side plates 32A and 32B are tightened, and the clamp members 6A and 6B are tightened via the flat portions 72 and 72 of the coupling member 7. Since the arc-shaped pressing portions 62A and 62B of the clamp members 6A and 6B surround the outer periphery 25 of the inner column 2, when the clamp members 6A and 6B are tightened, the inner column 2 is pressed by the arc-shaped pressing portions 62A and 62B. Can be held with a strong clamping force.

  When the tilt / telescopic is released, the operation lever 349 is rotated in the reverse direction, the valley of the movable cam 344 enters the peak of the fixed cam 343, and the force pushing the fixed cam 343 to the right is released. At the same time, by releasing the force pulling the clamping rod 34 to the left side, the side plates 32A and 32B are separated, and the clamping of the flat portions 72 and 72 of the coupling member 7 and the clamp members 6A and 6B is released. Thus, the outer column 1, the inner column 2, and the clamp members 6A and 6B can be clamped and unclamped to the upper-side vehicle body mounting bracket 3 at a desired tilt / telescopic position.

  After the clamp members 6A and 6B, the outer column 1 and the inner column 2 are unclamped with respect to the upper body mounting bracket 3, the steering wheel 103 is gripped to slide the outer column 1 relative to the inner column 2 in the axial direction. Adjust to the desired telescopic position. At this time, the clamp members 6 </ b> A and 6 </ b> B slide in the axial direction together with the outer column 1. In order to move the outer column 1 with a light force with respect to the inner column 2, a coating with a small friction coefficient may be formed on the inner periphery 13 of the outer column 1 or the outer periphery 25 of the inner column 2.

  Further, the steering wheel 103 is held and the outer column 1 and the clamp members 6A and 6B are adjusted to a desired tilt position around the tilt center axis 21. Thereafter, the clamp members 6A and 6B are clamped to the upper-side vehicle body mounting bracket 3.

  In the second embodiment of the present invention, the outer column 1 is fixed to the clamp members 6A and 6B via an iron coupling member 7. Therefore, since the strength against the rotational force acting on the outer column is improved, the antitheft function of the automobile is improved. Further, since the coupling between the outer column 1 and the clamp members 6A and 6B becomes strong, the rigidity of the steering device is improved. In the second embodiment of the present invention, a bush may be interposed between the inner periphery 13 of the outer column 1 and the outer periphery 25 of the inner column 2. In that case, at the time of tilt and telescopic tightening, the bush may be fastened by the arc-shaped pressing portions 62A and 62B of the clamp members 6A and 6B, or a long hole is formed in the bush, and the arc-shaped pressing portions 62A of the clamp members 6A and 6B 62B, the outer periphery 25 of the inner column 2 may be directly tightened.

  Further, since the inner column 2 is directly clamped via the clamp members 6A and 6B formed separately from the outer column 1, the clamping force for clamping the inner column 2 is stabilized. Furthermore, the structure of the outer column 1 and the clamp members 6A and 6B is simplified, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Since the clamping force for clamping the inner column 2 does not change depending on the telescopic position, the clamping force is stabilized.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the steering device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to FIG. 3 of the first embodiment. In the following description, only structural parts different from the above-described embodiment will be described, and redundant description will be omitted. Further, the same parts will be described with the same numbers.

  Example 3 is an example in which the pressing portion of the clamp member is formed linearly. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, linear pressing portions (pressing portions) 65A and 65B are formed on the clamp members 6A and 6B, and the linear pressing portions 65A and 65B of the clamping members 6A and 6B are formed on the outer column 1. Through holes 16A and 16B are formed through which are inserted. Linear pressing portions 65A and 65B are inserted through the through holes 16A and 16B, and the linear pressing portions 65A and 65B directly enclose the outer periphery 25 of the inner column 2. A flat surface portion may be formed on the outer periphery 25 of the inner column 2 facing the linear pressing portions 65A and 65B, and the flat surfaces may contact each other. The linear pressing portions 65A and 65B are inclined at an angle of 30 to 45 degrees with respect to the axial center of the clamping rod 34, and a vertical line perpendicular to the linear pressing portions 65A and 65B is formed so as to pass through the center of the inner column 2. Is preferred.

  The clamp members 6 </ b> A and 6 </ b> B are coupled to the outer column 1 via a coupling member 7 that is wound around and fixed to the outer periphery 11 of the outer column 1, as in the first and second embodiments. Similar to the second embodiment, the inner column 2 is fitted to the inner periphery 13 of the outer column 1 so as to be slidable in the axial direction without a bush.

  Since the linear pressing portions 65A and 65B of the clamp members 6A and 6B enclose the outer periphery 25 of the inner column 2, when the clamp members 6A and 6B are tightened, the linear pressing portions 65A and 65B 2 can be held with a strong clamping force.

  In Example 3 of this invention, since the press part of clamp member 6A, 6B is formed in linear form, the process of a press part becomes easy and manufacturing cost can be reduced. Further, since the clamping force acts perpendicularly to the linear portions of the linear pressing portions 65A and 65B, the axial clamping force acting on the clamping rod 34 can be efficiently transmitted to the pressing portion. In the third embodiment of the present invention, the linear pressing portions 65A and 65B directly enclose the outer periphery 25 of the inner column 2, but the linear pressing portions 65A and 65B enclose the outer periphery 11 of the outer column 1. You may make it do.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the steering device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to FIG. 3 of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the steering device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to FIG. 5 of the first embodiment. In the following description, only structural parts different from the above-described embodiment will be described, and redundant description will be omitted. Further, the same parts will be described with the same numbers.

  The fourth embodiment is an example in which the pressing portion of the clamp member wraps the outer periphery of the inner column on the vehicle body upper side. That is, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the clamp members 6 </ b> A and 6 </ b> B have a symmetric shape with respect to a vertical plane passing through the central axis of the outer column 1. Arc-shaped pressing portions (pressing portions) 62A, 62B are formed on the vehicle body lower side inside the clamp members 6A, 6B, and the arc-shaped pressing portions 62A, 62B of the clamp members 6A, 6B are inserted into the outer column 1. Through holes 16A and 16B are formed. Arc-shaped pressing portions 62A and 62B are inserted into the through holes 16A and 16B, and the arc-shaped pressing portions 62A and 62B directly enclose the outer periphery 25 of the inner column 2 on the vehicle body upper side. The radii of the arcuate pressing portions 62A and 62B are preferably formed to be the same as or slightly larger than the radius of the outer periphery 25 of the inner column 2.

  In the clamp members 6A and 6B, telescopic long grooves 61A and 61B that are long in the axial direction (direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 9) are formed on the upper side of the arc-shaped pressing portions 62A and 62B in the vehicle body. A round rod-shaped tightening rod 34 is inserted from the right side of FIG. 9 into the long tilt grooves 33A and 33B and the long telescopic grooves 61A and 61B. The long tilt grooves 33A and 33B are formed in an arc shape centered on the tilt central axis.

  The coupling member 7 is fixed to the outer surfaces 63A and 63B formed outside the clamp members 6A and 6B. The coupling member 7 is formed by bending an iron rectangular plate material into a U shape. The connecting member 7 has a circular arc-shaped portion 71 below that is wound around the outer periphery 11 of the outer column 1 and is fixed to the outer periphery 11 by welding. Further, on the outer surfaces 63A and 63B of the clamp members 6A and 6B, protrusions 64A and 64B are formed to protrude outward in the vehicle width direction along the peripheral edges of the telescopic long grooves 61A and 61B.

  The coupling member 7 is formed with flat portions 72 and 72 parallel to the side plates 32A and 32B at both upper ends thereof. The flat portions 72 and 72 are formed with long grooves 73 and 73, and the protruding portions 64A and 64B are press-fitted into the long grooves 73 and 73, and the flat portions 72 and 72 of the coupling member 7 are fixed to the clamp members 6A and 6B. Yes. Therefore, the outer column 1 and the clamp members 6A and 6B are integrated by the coupling member 7, and the outer column 1 is prevented from rotating with respect to the clamp members 6A and 6B.

  In addition, the clamp members 6A and 6B are sandwiched between the inner side surfaces 321A and 321B of the left and right side plates 32A and 32B via the flat portions 72 and 72 of the coupling member 7 so as to be capable of telescopic movement and tilt movement.

  When the operation lever 349 is rotated during tilt / telescopic tightening, the side plates 32A and 32B are tightened by pulling the tightening rod 34 to the left side, and the clamp members 6A, Tighten 6B. Since the arc-shaped pressing portions 62A and 62B of the clamp members 6A and 6B surround the outer periphery 25 on the vehicle body upper side of the inner column 2, when the clamp members 6A and 6B are tightened, the inner column 2 is strongly clamped. Can be held in.

  Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the steering device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, which corresponds to FIG. 3 of the first embodiment. 12 is a perspective view showing a state in which the vehicle body mounting bracket, the steering shaft, and the clamp device are omitted from the steering device of FIG. In the following description, only structural parts different from the above-described embodiment will be described, and redundant description will be omitted. Further, the same parts will be described with the same numbers.

  The fifth embodiment is an example in which convex portions that come into contact with the left and right inner surfaces 321A and 321B are formed on the flat portions 72 and 72 of the coupling member 7 at two locations in the vehicle body vertical direction. That is, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the outer column 1 is formed with through holes 16A and 16B through which the arc-shaped pressing portions (pressing portions) 62A and 62B of the clamp members 6A and 6B are inserted. In the clamp members 6A, 6B, arc-shaped pressing portions 62A, 62B are inserted into the through holes 16A, 16B, and the arc-shaped pressing portions 62A, 62B directly enclose the outer periphery 25 of the inner column 2.

  The clamp members 6 </ b> A and 6 </ b> B are coupled to the outer column 1 via a coupling member 7 that is wound around and fixed to the outer periphery 11 of the outer column 1, as in the first embodiment. The coupling member 7 is fixed to the outer surfaces 63A and 63B formed outside the clamp members 6A and 6B. The coupling member 7 is formed by bending an iron rectangular plate material into an inverted U shape. The upper circular arc portion 71 of the coupling member 7 is wound around the outer periphery 11 of the outer column 1 and is fixed to the outer periphery 11 by welding. Further, on the outer surfaces 63A and 63B of the clamp members 6A and 6B, protrusions 64A and 64B are formed to protrude outward in the vehicle width direction along the peripheral edges of the telescopic long grooves 61A and 61B.

  The coupling member 7 is formed with flat portions 72, 72 parallel to the side plates 32A, 32B at both lower ends thereof. The flat portions 72 and 72 are formed with long grooves 73 and 73, and the protruding portions 64A and 64B are press-fitted into the long grooves 73 and 73, and the flat portions 72 and 72 of the coupling member 7 are fixed to the clamp members 6A and 6B. Yes. Therefore, the outer column 1 and the clamp members 6A and 6B are integrated by the coupling member 7, and the outer column 1 is prevented from rotating with respect to the clamp members 6A and 6B.

  On the flat portions 72, 72 of the coupling member 7, convex portions 74, 75 protruding outward in the vehicle width direction are formed at two locations in the vehicle body vertical direction. The convex portions 74 and 75 are formed over the entire length of the plane portions 72 and 72 of the coupling member 7 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. The convex portion 74 on the upper side of the vehicle body is formed at the axial center position of the outer column 1, and the convex portion 75 on the lower side of the vehicle body is formed at the positions of the arc-shaped pressing portions 62A and 62B of the clamp members 6A and 6B. Accordingly, the clamp members 6A and 6B are sandwiched between the inner side surfaces 321A and 321B of the left and right side plates 32A and 32B via the convex portions 74 and 75 of the coupling member 7 so as to be capable of telescopic movement and tilt movement. Convex portions protruding inward in the vehicle width direction may be formed at two locations in the vehicle body vertical direction of the left and right inner side surfaces 321A and 321B, and the flat portions 72 and 72 of the coupling member 7 may be left flat.

  In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, when the operation lever 349 is rotated and the side plates 32A and 32B are tightened at the time of tilt and telescopic tightening, the clamp members 6A and 6B are tightened via the convex portions 74 and 75 of the coupling member 7. . Accordingly, the clamping force is transmitted to the vicinity of the axial center positions of the arc-shaped pressing portions 62A and 62B of the clamp members 6A and 6B and the outer column 1, so that the holding force at the time of clamping is improved.

  Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 13 is a front view showing a main part of a steering device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, which corresponds to FIG. In the following description, only structural parts different from the above-described embodiment will be described, and redundant description will be omitted. Further, the same parts will be described with the same numbers.

  Example 6 is an example in which the front end of the outer column of the vehicle body is fixed to the vehicle body and arranged on the vehicle body front side, and the inner column is arranged on the vehicle body rear side. That is, as shown in FIG. 13, the lower-side vehicle body mounting bracket 51 is attached to the vehicle body 5 on the vehicle body front side (the left side in FIG. 13) of the outer column 1 and is fixed to the vehicle body front side of the outer column 1. The center shaft 17 is pivotally supported by the lower-side vehicle body mounting bracket 51 so as to be tiltable. Further, the rear side of the outer column 1 on the vehicle body (the right side in FIG. 13) is attached to the vehicle body 5 by an upper-side vehicle body mounting bracket (vehicle body mounting bracket) 3.

  A lower steering shaft (not shown) is rotatably supported in the hollow cylindrical outer column 1, and the left end of the lower steering shaft is connected to the intermediate shaft 105 via the universal joint 104 in FIG. The lower end of 105 is transmitted to the steering gear 107, and the steering angle of the wheel can be changed.

  An inner column 2 is slidably fitted in the axial direction on the vehicle body rear side of the outer column 1 (right side in FIG. 13). An upper steering shaft (not shown) is rotatably supported on the inner column 2, the upper steering shaft is spline-fitted with the lower steering shaft, and the rotation of the upper steering shaft is transmitted to the lower steering shaft. The steering wheel 103 of FIG. 1 is attached to the rear side of the vehicle body of the upper steering shaft (the right side of FIG. 13).

  As shown in FIG. 13, a pair of left and right flange portions 31 </ b> A and 31 </ b> B for attaching the upper side vehicle body mounting bracket 3 to the vehicle body 5 are formed on the upper side of the upper side vehicle body mounting bracket 3. A pair of left and right clamp members 6A and 6B are sandwiched between inner surfaces of the left and right side plates 32A and 32B that are formed integrally with the flange portions 31A and 31B and extend in the vertical direction so that only tilt movement is possible.

  The clamp members 6A and 6B have a symmetrical shape with respect to a vertical plane passing through the central axis of the outer column 1, and arc-shaped pressing portions having the same shape as the first embodiment formed inside the clamp members 6A and 6B. The outer periphery 11 of the outer column 1 is held.

  A round hole (not shown) is formed in the clamp members 6A and 6B in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 13, and a long rod for tilting 33A and 33B formed in the side plates 32A and 32B and a round rod-like tightening rod 34 are provided in the round holes. These are inserted from the direction orthogonal to the paper surface of FIG. The long tilt grooves 33 </ b> A and 33 </ b> B are formed in an arc shape centered on the tilt center axis 17.

  The coupling member 7 is fixed to the outer surface formed on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the clamp members 6A and 6B. The coupling member 7 is formed by bending an iron rectangular plate material into an inverted U shape. The upper arc-shaped portion of the coupling member 7 is wound around the outer periphery 11 of the outer column 1 and is fixed to the outer periphery 11 by welding. In addition, projecting portions that project outward in the vehicle width direction are formed along the peripheral edges of the round holes on the outer surfaces of the clamp members 6A and 6B.

  The coupling member 7 is formed with flat portions parallel to the side plates 32A and 32B at both lower ends thereof. A round hole is formed in the flat portion, and the protruding portions of the clamp members 6A and 6B are press-fitted into the round hole, and the flat portion of the coupling member 7 is fixed to the clamp members 6A and 6B. Therefore, the outer column 1 and the clamp members 6A and 6B are integrated by the coupling member 7, and the outer column 1 is prevented from rotating with respect to the clamp members 6A and 6B.

  Therefore, the clamp members 6A and 6B are sandwiched between the inner side surfaces of the left and right side plates 32A and 32B via the flat portion of the coupling member 7 so as to be tiltable. When the operation lever 349 is rotated at the time of tilt and telescopic tightening, the side plates 32A and 32B are tightened, and the clamp members 6A and 6B are tightened via the flat portion of the coupling member 7. Since the arc-shaped pressing portions of the clamp members 6A and 6B surround the outer periphery 11 of the outer column 1, when the clamp members 6A and 6B are tightened, the outer column 1 is efficiently reduced in diameter.

  When the tilt / telescopic release is performed, the operation lever 349 is rotated in the reverse direction, the side plates 32A and 32B are separated, and the clamping of the clamp members 6A and 6B is released. Thus, the outer column 1 and the clamp members 6A and 6B can be clamped and unclamped to the upper-side vehicle body mounting bracket 3 at a desired tilt / telescopic position.

  A slit is formed on the lower surface of the outer column 1. The slit of the outer column 1 has a closed end formed at the vehicle body rear side end and the vehicle body front side end of the outer column 1, and the vehicle body rear side end closed end 142 is perpendicular to the slit. It is cut into.

  The clamp members 6A and 6B are arranged at positions where the slits are sandwiched from both sides. Therefore, when the clamp members 6A and 6B are tightened, the outer column 1 is reduced in diameter, and the inner column 2 can be held with a strong clamping force.

  After unclamping the clamp members 6A and 6B and the outer column 1 with respect to the upper-side vehicle body mounting bracket 3, the inner wheel 2 is slid in the axial direction with respect to the outer column 1 by grasping the steering wheel 103, and a desired telescopic Adjust to position. At this time, the clamp members 6 </ b> A and 6 </ b> B are held in a fixed position together with the outer column 1.

  Further, by grasping the steering wheel 103, the inner column 2, the outer column 1, and the clamp members 6 </ b> A and 6 </ b> B are adjusted to a desired tilt position around the tilt center axis 17. Thereafter, the clamp members 6A and 6B are clamped to the upper-side vehicle body mounting bracket 3.

  In the sixth embodiment of the present invention, since the telescopic long grooves 61A and 61B of the first embodiment are not required for the clamp members 6A and 6B, the structure of the clamp members 6A and 6B is simplified, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. .

  Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the steering device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to FIG. 3 of the first embodiment. In the following description, only structural parts different from the above-described embodiment will be described, and redundant description will be omitted. Further, the same parts will be described with the same numbers.

  Example 7 is an example in which the cross-sectional shapes of the outer column and the inner column are formed in a hollow polygonal cylindrical shape. That is, as shown in FIG. 14, in the outer column 1 of the hollow polygonal cylinder (hollow regular octagonal cylinder), the vehicle body front side of the outer column 1 (the back side orthogonal to the paper surface of FIG. 2) A hollow polygonal tubular (hollow regular octagonal tubular) inner column 2 is fitted so as to be slidable in the axial direction. The outer column 1 and the inner column 2 are formed into a hollow polygonal cylinder by hydroforming. The cross-sectional shape of the outer column and the inner column is not limited to an octagon, and may be a polygon such as a quadrangle or a hexagon.

  The clamp members 6A and 6B are formed with linear pressing portions (pressing portions) 65A and 65B, and the outer column 1 is inserted through the linear pressing portions 65A and 65B of the clamp members 6A and 6B. Is formed. Linear pressing portions 65A and 65B are inserted into the through holes 16A and 16B, and the linear pressing portions 65A and 65B directly enclose the left and right sides of the outer periphery 25 of the inner column 2 on the vehicle body lower side. The linear pressing portions 65A and 65B have an inclination angle of 45 degrees with respect to the axis of the clamping rod 34, and a vertical line perpendicular to the linear pressing portions 65A and 65B is formed so as to pass through the center of the inner column 2.

  The coupling member 7 is fixed to the outer surfaces 63A and 63B formed outside the clamp members 6A and 6B. The coupling member 7 is formed by bending an iron rectangular plate material along the outer periphery 11 of the outer column 1 into a trapezoidal shape on the vehicle body lower side. The upper trapezoidal portion 76 of the coupling member 7 is wound around the outer periphery 11 of the outer column 1 and is fixed to the outer periphery 11 by welding. Further, on the outer surfaces 63A and 63B of the clamp members 6A and 6B, protrusions 64A and 64B are formed to protrude outward in the vehicle width direction along the peripheral edges of the telescopic long grooves 61A and 61B.

  The coupling member 7 is formed with flat portions 72, 72 parallel to the side plates 32A, 32B at both lower ends thereof. The flat portions 72 and 72 are formed with long grooves 73 and 73, and the protruding portions 64A and 64B are press-fitted into the long grooves 73 and 73, and the flat portions 72 and 72 of the coupling member 7 are fixed to the clamp members 6A and 6B. Yes. Therefore, the outer column 1 and the clamp members 6A and 6B are integrated by the coupling member 7, and the outer column 1 is prevented from rotating with respect to the clamp members 6A and 6B.

  In Embodiment 7 of the present invention, the linear pressing portions 65A and 65B of the clamp members 6A and 6B are in surface contact with the linear side of the outer periphery 25 of the inner column 2, so that the holding force during clamping is improved. Moreover, since the pressing portions of the clamp members 6A and 6B are formed in a straight line, the pressing portions can be easily processed, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. In the seventh embodiment of the present invention, the linear pressing portions 65A and 65B directly enclose the outer periphery 25 of the inner column 2, but the linear pressing portions 65A and 65B enclose the outer periphery 11 of the outer column 1. You may make it do.

  In the above embodiment, the coupling member and the outer cotton are fixed by welding, but may be fixed by bolting or caulking. Further, although the coupling member and the clamp member are fixed by press-fitting, they may be fixed by welding, bolting, or caulking. Further, in the above embodiment, the coupling member is formed as a single piece, but one end of each of the two coupling members is fixed to the clamp members 6A and 6B, and the other end is fixed to the outer periphery 11 of the outer column 1. Also good.

In the above embodiment, the outer column and the inner column are formed in a cylindrical shape, but may be a non-cylindrical shape, and the shape of the pressing portion of the clamp member may be changed according to the outer peripheral shape of the outer column and the inner column. . Moreover, you may form the press part of a clamp member in a plane, and form the plane which contacts the plane of the press part of a clamp member in the non-cylindrical outer periphery of an outer column and an inner column.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a tilt / telescopic steering device capable of both tilt position adjustment and telescopic position adjustment has been described, but the present invention is applied to a telescopic steering device capable of only telescopic position adjustment. The invention may be applied. In the above embodiment, the inner column is slidably fitted in the axial direction on the vehicle body front side of the outer column, but the outer column is slidably fitted in the axial direction on the vehicle body front side of the inner column. You may apply to an apparatus. In the above embodiment, the clamp member is disposed on the vehicle body lower side of the outer column. However, the clamp member may be disposed on the vehicle body upper side of the outer column. In the above embodiment, the coupling member is integrally formed. However, the coupling member may be divided into two parts corresponding to the pair of clamp members 6A and 6B.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Steering device 102 Steering shaft 103 Steering wheel 104 Universal joint 105 Intermediate shaft 106 Universal joint 107 Steering gear 108 Tie rod 1 Outer column 11 Outer periphery 13 Inner periphery 14 Slit 141 Closed end 142 Closed end 15 Car body front side end surface 16A, 16B Through Hole 17 Tilt center axis 2 Inner column 21 Tilt center axis 22 Bush 24 Slit 25 Outer circumference 3 Upper side body mounting bracket (body mounting bracket)
31A, 31B Flange portion 32A, 32B Side plate 321A, 321B Inner side surface 33A, 33B Long groove for tilt 34 Tightening rod 341 Head 342 Non-rotating portion 343 Fixed cam 344 Movable cam 345 Thrust bearing 346 Adjustment nut 347 Male screw 348 Female screw 349 Female screw 349 Upper steering shaft 42 Lower steering shaft 5 Car body 51 Lower side body mounting bracket 6A, 6B Clamp member 61A, 61B Long groove for telescopic 62A, 62B Arc-shaped pressing part (pressing part)
63A, 63B Outer side surface 64A, 64B Protruding part 65A, 65B Linear pressing part (pressing part)
7 Connecting member 71 Arc-shaped portion 72 Planar portion 73 Long groove 74, 75 Convex portion 76 Trapezoidal portion

Claims (8)

An inner column,
A hollow outer column externally fitted to the inner column so as to be relatively slidable in the axial direction;
A vehicle mounting bracket that can be mounted on the vehicle, and
A pair of left and right clamp members clamped on the left and right side plates of the vehicle body mounting bracket so as to be slidable and relatively immovable relative to the outer column in the axial direction;
An end portion is fixed to the pair of clamp members, and a coupling member fixed to the outer periphery of the outer column;
A clamp device that clamps the inner column so as to be relatively immovable in an axial direction relative to the outer column via the clamp member and the coupling member;
The outer column is formed over a predetermined length in the axial direction, and a slit for reducing the diameter of the outer column;
A pressing portion formed on the pair of clamp members and holding the outer periphery of the outer column;
The clamp member is fixed to the end of the coupling member by press fitting, and the coupling member is
Fixed to the column by welding,
The left and right side plates of the vehicle body mounting bracket are tightened, the outer column is reduced in diameter via the clamp member, and the inner column is clamped so as not to move relative to the outer column in the axial direction. Steering device. The steering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The steering device, wherein the coupling member is formed in an inverted U shape or a U shape, is wound around the outer periphery of the outer column, and is fixed to the outer surface of the clamp member by press-fitting. The steering apparatus according to claim 2, wherein
The outer column and the coupling member are made of iron,
A steering apparatus, wherein the clamp member is made of an aluminum alloy. The steering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
A steering apparatus, wherein the pressing portion is formed in an arc shape or a linear shape. The steering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The steering device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing portion holds an outer periphery of the inner column or the outer column on the vehicle body lower side. The steering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The steering device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing portion holds the outer periphery of the inner column or the outer column on the vehicle body upper side. The steering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The steering device according to claim 1, wherein the inner column and the outer column are formed in a hollow cylindrical shape or a hollow polygonal cylindrical shape. The steering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
A steering device characterized in that a vehicle body front side of the inner column or outer column is fixed to the vehicle body.

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