Steering device and energy absorption mechanism for steering device

Abstract

A steering device (1) is provided with an inner tube (3), a drive unit (5), and an energy absorption unit (7). The inner tube (3) is provided in the steering column housing (9) so as to be movable with respect to the steering column housing (9). The drive section (5) is provided with an output section (11) and a main body section (13) provided to the steering column housing (9), and drives the inner tube (3) by means of the output section (11). The energy absorption unit (7) is unitized, is provided between the inner tube (3) and the drive unit (5), and is configured so as to absorb the impact force applied to the inner tube (3).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a steering device and an energy absorbing mechanism of a steering device. BACKGROUND

[0002] A steering device in which a rivet is used to couple an impact absorbing member and a retainer to an inner tube is described in Patent Literature 1.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-152635 SUMMARY

[0006] In the steering device of Patent Literature 1, the impact absorbing member and the retainer are coupled to the inner tube by the rivet, and it is necessary to couple a plurality of components at the same time, so assembly becomes complicated.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a steering device and an energy absorbing mechanism of a steering device in which the energy absorbing mechanism has good assembly to an inner tube and a driving portion for moving the inner tube.

[0008] The steering device of the embodiment includes an inner tube, a driving portion, and an energy absorbing portion. The inner tube is provided to a column housing in a manner so as to be movable relative to the column housing. The driving portion includes an output portion and a main body portion provided to the column housing, and drives the inner tube via the output portion. The energy absorbing portion is unitized, and is provided between the inner tube and the driving portion. A first prescribed portion is fixed to the inner tube, and a second prescribed portion is fixed to the output portion, so that the energy absorbing portion is configured to absorb an impact force applied to the inner tube.

[0009] In the steering device of the embodiment, the energy absorbing portion includes an inner tube side member, a driving portion side member, and an impact force absorbing member. A prescribed portion of the inner tube side member is the first prescribed portion. A prescribed portion of the driving portion side member is the second prescribed portion. A first portion of the impact force absorbing member is engaged with the inner tube side member, and a second portion of the impact force absorbing member is engaged with the driving portion side member. When an impact force is applied to the inner tube, the impact force absorbing member deforms to absorb the impact force.

[0010] In the steering device of the embodiment, the inner tube side member and the driving portion side member are engaged by a shear pin. In a case where an impact force of a prescribed magnitude is applied to the inner tube, the shear pin is broken before the impact force absorbing member deforms, and the impact force absorbing member deforms after the shear pin is broken.

[0011] The steering device of the embodiment is formed as a bracket in an L shape, the bracket including a first flat portion fixed to the output portion and a second flat portion fixed to the driving portion side member. The output portion and the driving portion side member are engaged using the bracket.

[0012] The energy absorption mechanism of the steering device in this embodiment includes an inner tube side member, a drive unit side member, and an impact force absorbing member. The inner tube side member, drive unit side member, and impact force absorbing member are unitized. The inner tube side member is disposed in the inner tube, and the drive unit side member is disposed in the output section. A first portion of the impact force absorbing member engages with the inner tube side member. A second portion of the impact force absorbing member engages with the drive unit side member. The impact force applied to the inner tube is absorbed by deformation of the impact force absorbing member. The inner tube engages with the steering column housing in a manner that allows it to move relative to the steering column housing. The output section is the output section of the drive unit, which includes a main body disposed in the steering column housing, and drives the inner tube through the output section.

[0013] According to the implementation method, the effect of providing a steering device and an energy absorption mechanism of the steering device that can be well assembled with the energy absorption mechanism to the inner tube and the drive part for moving the inner tube is achieved. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the steering device in the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the steering device in the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 This diagram shows the inner tube side member, drive section side member, and impact force absorbing member of the energy absorption mechanism (energy absorption section) constituting the embodiment of the steering device.

[0017] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 IV-direction view in the image. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Hereinafter, the steering device 1 according to the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The steering device 1 of the embodiment is used, for example, in a vehicle. Figures 1-4 As shown, the steering device 1 includes an inner tube 3, an inner tube drive mechanism (drive unit) 5, and an energy absorption mechanism (energy absorption unit) 7.

[0019] For ease of explanation, here, a specified direction in the steering device is designated as the X direction, a specified direction orthogonal to the X direction is designated as the Y direction, and a direction orthogonal to both the X and Y directions is designated as the Z direction.

[0020] The inner tube 3 is formed in a cylindrical shape (e.g., a cylindrical shape) and is slidably engaged with the steering column housing 9 and disposed in the steering column housing 9. The inner tube 3 can move relative to the steering column housing 9 in the extension direction (telescopic direction: Z direction) of the central axis of the inner tube 3 through the above-mentioned sliding.

[0021] The steering column housing 9 is generally cylindrical and is located outside the inner tube 3. The inner tube 3 is disposed in the steering column housing 9 in a manner that penetrates through the steering column housing 9.

[0022] The inner tube drive mechanism 5 includes a movable body (output section) 11 and a main body 13 integrally disposed in the steering column housing 9. Furthermore, the inner tube 3 is driven by the movable body 11, which moves relative to the main body 13 in the Z direction.

[0023] The energy absorption mechanism 7 is pre-unitized and disposed between the inner tube 3 and the moving body 11 of the inner tube drive mechanism 5. A first predetermined portion 25 of the energy absorption mechanism 7 is fixed to the inner tube 3, and a second predetermined portion 27 is fixed to the moving body 11 of the inner tube drive mechanism 5. Thus, the energy absorption mechanism 7 is configured to mitigate the impact force applied to the inner tube 3 (see reference). Figure 1 Arrow A1). That is, the energy absorption mechanism 7 is configured to absorb the energy of the impact force in the Z direction during the secondary collision and thus mitigate the impact force.

[0024] The energy absorption mechanism 7 is pre-unitized. That is, the energy absorption mechanism 7 is assembled independently of the inner tube 3 and the inner tube drive mechanism 5.

[0025] The energy absorption mechanism 7 includes an inner tube side member 15, a drive unit side member (telescopic bracket) 17, and an impact absorption member (bending plate) 19, which are modularized. The inner tube side member 15 includes, for example, a release plate 21 and an adjustment plate (telescopic plate) 23.

[0026] The designated location of the inner tube side member 15 becomes the first designated location 25 fixed to the inner tube 3. The designated location of the drive unit side member 17, for example, becomes the second designated location 27 fixed to the movable body 11 of the inner tube drive mechanism 5 via the bracket 29.

[0027] The first part 31 of the impact absorber 19 engages with the inner tube side member 15 (disengagement plate 21), and the second part 33 of the impact absorber 19 engages with the drive side member 17. Furthermore, when an impact force is applied to the inner tube 3, the impact absorber 19 deforms (e.g., undergoes plastic deformation) to absorb the impact force.

[0028] As described above, the inner tube side member 15, the drive unit side member 17, and the impact force absorbing member 19 constituting the energy absorption mechanism 7 are pre-unitized. That is, the energy absorption mechanism 7 is assembled separately from the inner tube 3, the inner tube drive mechanism 5, and other components. Moreover, the energy absorption mechanism 7 is provided in the inner tube 3 and the inner tube drive mechanism 5 and functions while maintaining the assembled state.

[0029] Additionally, in the steering device 1, the inner tube side member 15 (disengagement plate 21) and the drive unit side member 17 are connected by multiple (e.g., three) shear pins 35 (see reference). Figure 4 They are connected to each other.

[0030] When a specified impact force is applied to the inner tube 3, the shear pin 35 breaks (shear failure), and the impact absorbing member 19 begins to deform (plastic deformation). Then, the engagement between the inner tube side member 15 (detachment plate 21) and the drive side member 17 is released.

[0031] Regarding the energy value, the energy value increases once when the shear pin 35 breaks. After that, the energy value increases again due to the plastic deformation of the impact force absorbing member 19 compared to the energy value at the time of breakage. Then, the energy value becomes constant at the end of the plastic deformation.

[0032] A bracket 29 is provided in the steering device 1. The moving body 11 of the inner tube drive mechanism 5 is engaged with the drive section side member 17 via the bracket 29. The bracket 29 has a first flat plate portion 37 and a second flat plate portion 39. When viewed in the Z direction, the bracket 29 is formed in an L-shape.

[0033] The first flat plate portion 37 is fixed to the movable body 11 of the inner tube drive mechanism 5. The second flat plate portion 39 is fixed to the drive-side member 17 (second designated portion 27) of the energy absorption mechanism 7.

[0034] Here, the following state is defined as the state before the bracket / drive unit is installed: the position and orientation of the inner tube drive mechanism 5, on which the bracket 29 is installed, relative to the energy absorption mechanism 7 are appropriate. In the state before the bracket / drive unit is installed, the bracket 29 and the inner tube drive mechanism 5 are moved appropriately (e.g., moved parallel) relative to the energy absorption mechanism 7. As a result, the bracket 29 is temporarily installed and engaged with the energy absorption mechanism 7 (drive unit side member 17).

[0035] By using fasteners such as bolts 41 to connect the bracket 29 to the drive-side member 17 from this temporary setup, the inner tube drive mechanism 5 can be easily installed to the energy absorption mechanism 7 as described above, using the bracket 29 and fasteners such as bolts 41. Furthermore, the inner tube side member 15 can be easily installed to the inner tube 3 using fasteners such as bolts 43.

[0036] Here, the steering device 1 is described in further detail.

[0037] As described above, the inner tube side member 15 includes a release plate 21 and an adjustment plate 23. The release plate 21 and the adjustment plate 23 are, for example, formed in the shape of flat plates.

[0038] The thickness direction of the release plate 21 coincides with the thickness direction of the adjustment plate 23, forming the X direction. The release plate 21 and the adjustment plate 23 overlap each other. The adjustment plate 23 is located between the inner tube 3 and the release plate 21 in the X direction.

[0039] A recess 45 is provided at the center of the surface of the adjusting plate 23 on the side of the inner tube 3. The recess 45 extends along the entire length of the adjusting plate 23 in the Z direction. As a result, two protrusions 47 extending along the entire length of the adjusting plate 23 in the Z direction are formed on the surface of the adjusting plate 23 on the side of the inner tube 3. These two protrusions 47 abut against the side of the cylindrical inner tube 3, thereby stabilizing the posture of the inner tube side member 15 relative to the inner tube 3.

[0040] The release plate 21 is provided with an engaging portion that engages with the engaging portion of the drive-side member 17. The release plate 21 and the drive-side member 17 engage with each other at their engaging portions, so that when the shear pin 35 breaks, the release plate 21 can slide relative to the drive-side member 17 and move in the Z direction. Furthermore, when the shear pin 35 does not break, the release plate 21 and the drive-side member 17 are integrated.

[0041] As already understood, the release plate 21 and the adjustment plate 23 are fixed to the inner tube 3 by bolts 43.

[0042] The impact absorber 19 includes an impact absorber main body 49 and a folding-back portion 51. The impact absorber main body 49 is formed in a flat plate shape when positioned in front of the drive unit side member 17. The impact absorber main body 49 has a wide portion 53 with a large dimension in the Y direction and a narrow portion 55 with a small dimension in the Y direction. The folding-back portion 51 is a slight extension of the wide portion 53. The dimension of the folding-back portion 51 in the Y direction is equal to the dimension of the wide portion 53 in the Y direction.

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, the drive section side member 17 is provided with a planar guide surface 57, a protrusion 59 protruding from the guide surface 57, and an abutment surface 61.

[0044] The state in which an energy absorption mechanism 7 is formed by providing an impact force absorbing member 19 on the drive section side member 17 and the release plate 21 will be described.

[0045] The portion along the length of the impact absorber 19, namely the folded-back portion 51 and the wide portion 53, is fixed to the release plate 21. Further, the wide portion 53 of the impact absorber 19 is fixed to the release plate 21 by one of a pair of bolts 43. Additionally, the folded-back portion 51 of the impact absorber 19 is fixed to the release plate 21 by being inserted into a groove in the release plate 21.

[0046] The width direction of the impact-absorbing component 19 is the Y direction. When viewed in the Y direction, as... Figure 3 As shown, the elongated narrow portion 55 of the impact absorber 19 is bent into a semi-circular arc shape at its middle portion along its length. The portion of the impact absorber 19 other than the middle portion of the narrow portion 55 extends longer in the Z direction, and its thickness direction is the X direction.

[0047] When viewed in the Y direction, such as Figure 3 As shown, one side of the protrusion 59 is curled into a semi-circular arc shape, and the middle part of the narrow portion 55 abuts against the curled part of the protrusion 59 and bends into an arc shape. The radius of the arc of the narrow portion 55 is larger than the radius of the arc of the protrusion 59. The portion of the narrow portion 55 of the impact absorber 19 extending from the arc-shaped part to the side opposite to the wide portion 53 abuts against the planar abutment surface 61 of the drive-side member 17.

[0048] One end of the impact-absorbing member 19 in the width direction abuts against the planar guide surface 57 of the drive-side member 17. Additionally, as... Figure 3 As shown, a gap 63 is formed between the portion extending from the arc-shaped part to the side opposite to the wide part 53 in the narrow portion 55 of the impact absorber 19 and the protrusion 59. That is, the protrusion 59 and the portion extending from the arc-shaped part to the side opposite to the wide part 53 are separated from each other in the X direction.

[0049] like Figure 2 As shown, a through hole 67 is formed in the first flat plate portion 37 of the bracket 29. Furthermore, the bracket 29 is disposed on the movable body 11 by inserting a portion of the movable body 11 into the through hole 67.

[0050] Here, part 65 of bracket 29 can also be referred to. Figure 2 The through hole 67 of the bracket 29 is cut off to form a "U"-shaped notch. Then, the bracket 29 is moved away from the inner tube drive mechanism 5, so that the position and orientation of the bracket 29 relative to the inner tube drive mechanism 5 are appropriate. Next, the bracket 29 is moved parallel. Thus, the bracket 29 can also be temporarily installed on the inner tube drive mechanism 5. In this temporary installation state, the bracket 29 is installed on the drive-side member 17 of the energy absorption mechanism 7 using bolts 41. Thus, the energy absorption mechanism 7 of the inner tube drive mechanism 5 can be formally installed.

[0051] The rigidity and strength of the bracket 29, the inner tube side member 15, and the drive part side member 17 are greater than those of the shear pin 35 and the impact absorber 19. Therefore, when a specified magnitude of impact force is applied to the inner tube 3, the bracket 29, the inner tube side member 15, and the drive part side member 17 will not be damaged but will only undergo slight elastic deformation.

[0052] Here, the rigidity of the bracket 29 can also be reduced. After a specified impact force is applied to the inner tube 3 and the shear pin 35 is broken, both the impact force absorbing member 19 and the bracket 29 will undergo plastic deformation. Furthermore, even if the bracket 29 undergoes plastic deformation, it will remain fixed to the inner tube drive mechanism 5 and the energy absorption mechanism 7.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, the inner tube drive mechanism 5 includes a motor 69, a screw 71, and a nut 73 (moving body 11). Additionally, the inner tube drive mechanism 5 includes an L-shaped drive mechanism bracket 75 that supports the screw 71 and the nut 73 (moving body 11). The drive mechanism bracket 75 is connected to the steering column housing 9 via fixing bolts (not shown). Thus, the main body 13 of the inner tube drive mechanism 5 is fixed to the steering column housing 9.

[0054] Next, the operation of the steering device 1 will be explained. When a specified impact force is applied to the inner tube 3, firstly, all the shear pins 35 break. Then, the impact absorber 19 deforms to absorb the energy of the impact force.

[0055] The deformation of the impact absorbing component 19 is achieved through Figure 3 The shown retraction section 51, wide section 53, and release plate 21 are positioned relative to the drive section side member 17. Figure 3 This is caused by the movement to the left. Through the aforementioned movement of the disengagement plate 21, the arc-shaped portion of the narrow section 55 of the impact absorber 19 that abuts against the protrusion 59 of the drive-side member 17 moves. That is, the length of the portion of the impact absorber 19 extending in the Z direction below the protrusion 59 becomes longer, and the length of the portion of the impact absorber 19 extending in the Z direction above the protrusion 59 becomes shorter.

[0056] In the steering device 1, the energy absorption mechanism 7, which absorbs the impact force during a secondary collision, is modular and can be easily installed between the inner tube 3 and the moving body 11 of the inner tube drive mechanism 5. Therefore, the energy absorption mechanism 7 is easier to assemble with the inner tube 3 and the inner tube drive mechanism 5 without the need to connect multiple components simultaneously.

[0057] Furthermore, when it is desired to output a load with a specified energy absorption capacity using the steering device 1, that is, when it is desired to adjust the value of the energy of the absorbed impact force, only the unitized energy absorption mechanism 7 needs to be changed. Thus, the steering device 1 can be easily modified to absorb a specified load with energy absorption capacity.

[0058] In the steering device 1, the energy absorption mechanism 7 includes an inner tube side member 15, a drive section side member 17, and an impact force absorbing member 19. The energy absorption mechanism 7 is fixed to the inner tube 3 and the moving body 11. The impact force absorbing member 19 engages with the inner tube side member 15 and the drive section side member 17. When an impact force is applied to the inner tube 3, the impact force absorbing member 19 deforms to absorb the impact force. Thus, the steering device 1 can absorb impact force with a simple structure. Furthermore, by changing the shape and other specifications of the impact force absorbing member 19, the energy of the impact force that can be absorbed can be varied in the steering device 1.

[0059] In the steering device 1, the inner tube side member 15 and the drive unit side member 17 are connected by shear pins 35. Furthermore, when a predetermined impact force is applied to the inner tube 3, the shear pins 35 break, and subsequently, the impact force absorbing member 19 deforms. Therefore, in the steering device 1, the load on which energy is absorbed can be controlled. That is, in the steering device 1, by appropriately changing the outer diameter, number, material, etc., of the shear pins 35, the energy of the impact force that can be absorbed due to the breakage of the shear pins 35 can be changed.

[0060] Furthermore, in the steering device 1, the moving part 11 of the inner tube drive mechanism 5 engages with the drive-side member 17 using an L-shaped bracket 29. As a result, when assembling the energy absorption mechanism 7, the inner tube drive mechanism 5, and the bracket 29 on the inner tube 3, it is possible to assemble them, for example, from one direction, thus improving assemblability.

[0061] Here, the energy absorption mechanism 7 of the steering device 1 will be described again.

[0062] The energy absorption mechanism 7 of the steering device 1 includes an inner tube side member 15, a drive section side member 17, and an impact force absorber 19, which are modularized. The inner tube side member 15 is disposed in the inner tube 3. The drive section side member 17 is disposed in the output section 11. The first portion 31 of the impact force absorber 19 engages with the inner tube side member 15, and the second portion 33 of the impact force absorber 19 engages with the drive section side member 17. The impact force absorber 19 deforms to absorb the impact force applied to the inner tube 3.

[0063] Furthermore, in the energy absorption mechanism 7 of the steering device 1, the inner tube 3 is engaged with the steering column housing 9 in a manner that allows it to move relative to the steering column housing 9. Moreover, the output section 11 is the output section 11 of the drive section 5, which has a main body section 13 provided in the steering column housing 9, and drives the inner tube 3 through the output section 11.

[0064] The above describes this embodiment, but this embodiment is not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the spirit of this embodiment.

[0065] The entire contents of Japanese Special Application No. 2023-119055 (application date: July 21, 2023) are incorporated herein by reference. Claims (as amended under Article 19 of the Treaty) 1. A steering device comprising: An inner tube is provided in the steering column housing in a manner that allows it to move relative to the steering column housing; The drive unit includes an output unit and a main body unit disposed in the steering column housing, and drives the inner tube through the output unit; An energy absorption section, which is modularized and disposed between the inner tube and the drive section, has a first predetermined portion fixed to the inner tube and a second predetermined portion fixed to the output section, thereby absorbing the impact force applied to the inner tube; and The bracket, shaped like an L, includes a first flat plate portion fixed to the output section and a second flat plate portion fixed to the drive section side member. The output section and the drive section side member are joined using the bracket. The energy absorption unit includes an inner tube side component, a drive unit side component, and an impact force absorbing component. The designated portion of the inner tube side component is referred to as the first designated portion. The designated portion of the drive unit side member becomes the second designated portion. The first part of the impact-absorbing component engages with the inner tube side component. The second part of the impact absorbing component engages with the drive unit side component. The device is configured such that when an impact force is applied to the inner tube, the impact force absorbing element deforms to absorb the impact force. 2. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein, The inner tube side component and the drive part side component are joined by a shear pin. When a predetermined impact force is applied to the inner tube, the shear pin breaks before the impact absorber deforms, and the impact absorber deforms after the shear pin breaks. 3. An energy absorption mechanism for a steering device, wherein, The energy absorption mechanism includes an inner tube side component, a drive side component, an impact absorbing component, and an L-shaped bracket. The inner tube side component, the drive unit side component, and the impact absorbing component are modularized. The inner tube side component is disposed on the inner tube. The drive-side component is located in the output section. The first part of the impact-absorbing component engages with the inner tube side component. The second part of the impact absorbing component engages with the drive unit side component. The bracket has a first flat plate portion fixed to the output section and a second flat plate portion fixed to the drive section side member. The output section and the drive section side member are joined using the bracket. The impact force applied to the inner tube is absorbed by the deformation of the impact absorbing component. The inner tube engages with the steering column housing in a manner that allows it to move relative to the steering column housing. The output section is the output section of the drive section, and the drive section includes a main body section disposed in the steering column housing. The inner tube is driven by the output section.

Claims

1. A steering device comprising: An inner tube is provided in the steering column housing in a manner that allows it to move relative to the steering column housing; The drive unit includes an output unit and a main body portion disposed in the steering column housing, and drives the inner tube through the output unit; and An energy absorption section is modularized and disposed between the inner tube and the drive section. A first predetermined portion is fixed to the inner tube, and a second predetermined portion is fixed to the output section, thereby absorbing the impact force applied to the inner tube.

2. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein, The energy absorption unit includes an inner tube side component, a drive unit side component, and an impact force absorbing component. The designated portion of the inner tube side component is referred to as the first designated portion. The designated portion of the drive unit side member becomes the second designated portion. The first part of the impact-absorbing component engages with the inner tube side component. The second part of the impact absorbing component engages with the drive unit side component. When an impact force is applied to the inner tube, the impact absorbing element deforms to absorb the impact force.

3. The steering device according to claim 2, wherein, The inner tube side component and the drive part side component are joined by a shear pin. When a predetermined impact force is applied to the inner tube, the shear pin breaks before the impact absorber deforms, and the impact absorber deforms after the shear pin breaks.

4. The steering device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The steering device also includes an L-shaped bracket, which has a first flat plate portion fixed to the output section and a second flat plate portion fixed to the drive section side member. The output section and the drive section side member are joined using the bracket.

5. An energy absorption mechanism for a steering device, wherein, The energy absorption mechanism includes an inner tube side component, a drive side component, and an impact force absorbing component. The inner tube side component, the drive unit side component, and the impact absorbing component are modularized. The inner tube side component is disposed on the inner tube. The drive-side component is located in the output section. The first part of the impact-absorbing component engages with the inner tube side component. The second part of the impact absorbing component engages with the drive unit side component. The impact force applied to the inner tube is absorbed by the deformation of the impact absorbing component. The inner tube engages with the steering column housing in a manner that allows it to move relative to the steering column housing. The output section is the output section of the drive section, and the drive section includes a main body section disposed in the steering column housing. The inner tube is driven by the output section.

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