Input device, moving body, and steering axis system

Abstract

The present invention provides an input device that can be easily miniaturized. The input device (100) comprises: a housing (110) having a cylindrical portion (120) embedded in one end side of a column (200) for supporting a steering shaft (300) in a rotatable manner, and for installing a steering rod unit (130R) operated by a driver, and a force-applying member (140) disposed between a flange portion (124) formed on an inner side surface of the cylindrical portion (120) and the column (200) in the direction of the central axis of the cylindrical portion (120), the cylindrical portion (120) having a locking portion (123) locked relative to a locked portion (201) of the column (200) in the above-mentioned central axis direction, and the force-applying member (140) applies force to the flange portion (124) in a direction away from the column (200) along the above-mentioned central axis direction when the locking portion (123) is locked relative to the locked portion (201).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an input device, a mobile body, and a steering shaft system. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a switch device which is an input device mounted on a steering shaft of a vehicle has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The switch device has a cylindrical fitting portion into which a column is inserted, and the column supports the steering shaft in a rotatable manner. An annular elastic tightening belt member is installed on the fitting portion in a manner that surrounds the fitting portion. In addition, a pin is installed on the tightening belt member so that the tightening belt member does not tighten the fitting portion. When such a pin is installed in the tightening belt member, the column is inserted into the fitting portion. Moreover, when the pin is removed from the tightening belt member, the tightening belt member tightens the fitting portion. As a result, the fitting portion and the column are fixed. That is, the switch device is installed on the steering shaft.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-157612 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, in the switch device of Patent Document 1, a space is required around the fitting portion for attaching the fastening band member to the fitting portion, resulting in a problem of difficulty in miniaturizing the switch device.

[0009] Therefore, the present disclosure provides an input device or the like that can be easily miniaturized.

[0010] Solutions for solving problems

[0011] An input device of a technical solution of the present disclosure includes: a shell having a cylindrical portion into which one end side of a column that supports a steering shaft in a rotatable manner is embedded, and an operating portion operated by a driver is installed; and a force-applying member, which is arranged between a flange portion formed on an inner side surface of the cylindrical portion in the direction of the central axis of the cylindrical portion and the column, the cylindrical portion having a locking portion that is locked relative to a locked portion of the column in the direction of the central axis, and the force-applying member applies force to the flange portion in a direction in which the flange portion moves away from the column along the direction of the central axis when the locking portion is locked relative to the locked portion.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] The input device of the present disclosure can be easily miniaturized. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle equipped with the input device according to the first and second embodiments.

[0015] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the input device according to the first and second embodiments.

[0016] Figure 3 It is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of the input device according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a front view schematically showing the appearance of the input device in Embodiment 1.

[0018] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of the input device according to Embodiment 1 disassembled and viewed from the top.

[0019] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view of the input device according to Embodiment 1 disassembled and viewed from the bottom.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a bottom view of the casing of embodiment 1.

[0021] Figure 8 It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the urging member of Embodiment 1.

[0022] Fig. 9A It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the rotation restriction member of Embodiment 1.

[0023] Fig. 9B This is a diagram showing another appearance of the rotation restricting member according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Fig.10 This is a partially enlarged view of the rotation restricting member according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Fig.11 It is a bottom view of the housing to which the urging member according to the first embodiment is attached.

[0026] Fig.12 It is a bottom view of the housing to which the urging member and the rotation restricting member according to the first embodiment are attached.

[0027] Fig.13 It is a diagram showing a steering shaft and a column according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Fig.14 This is a partial enlarged view of the steering shaft and the column of the first embodiment.

[0029] Fig.15It is a diagram showing the arrangement of the urging member, the rotation restricting member, and the column according to the first embodiment.

[0030] Fig.16 This is a cross-sectional view of the input device according to Embodiment 1, taken along the XZ plane.

[0031] Fig.17 This is a diagram showing a partially enlarged cross section of the input device according to Embodiment 1 on the XZ plane.

[0032] Fig.18 It is a diagram showing the installation procedure of the input device of the first embodiment to the steering shaft.

[0033] Fig.19 It is a diagram showing the operation of the rotation restricting member and the urging member when the input device according to the first embodiment is mounted on the steering shaft.

[0034] Fig. 20 It is a diagram showing the operation of the locking portion when the input device in the first embodiment is mounted on the steering shaft.

[0035] Fig.21 It is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of the input device according to the second embodiment.

[0036] Fig. 22 This is an exploded perspective view of the input device of Embodiment 2 disassembled and viewed from the top.

[0037] Fig.23 This is an exploded perspective view of the input device of Embodiment 2 disassembled and viewed from the bottom.

[0038] Fig.24 It is a bottom view showing a state viewed from the negative side in the Z-axis direction of the housing of the input device according to the second embodiment.

[0039] Fig.25 This is a diagram showing the appearance of a biasing member of an input device according to a second embodiment.

[0040] Fig.26 This is a diagram showing the appearance of a rotation pressing member of an input device according to a second embodiment.

[0041] Fig. 27 It is a bottom view of a housing to which the urging member of the input device according to the second embodiment is mounted.

[0042] Fig.28 It is a bottom view of a housing to which the urging member and the rotation pressing member of the input device according to the second embodiment are mounted.

[0043] Fig.29 It is a diagram showing a steering shaft and a column of an input device according to a second embodiment.

[0044] Fig.30 It is a diagram showing the installation procedure of the input device of the second embodiment with respect to the steering shaft and the column.

[0045] Fig.31 It is a diagram showing the rotational movement of the rotation pressing member of the input device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] An input device of a technical solution of the present disclosure includes: a shell having a cylindrical portion into which one end side of a column that supports a steering shaft in a rotatable manner is embedded, and an operating portion operated by a driver is installed; and a force-applying member, which is arranged between a flange portion formed on an inner side surface of the cylindrical portion in the direction of the central axis of the cylindrical portion and the column, the cylindrical portion having a locking portion that is locked relative to a locked portion of the column in the direction of the central axis, and the force-applying member applies force to the flange portion in a direction in which the flange portion moves away from the column along the direction of the central axis when the locking portion is locked relative to the locked portion.

[0047] Thus, in a state where the locking portion of the cylindrical portion is locked with the locked portion of the column, the flange portion of the cylindrical portion is forced by the force member in a direction away from the column. Therefore, the locking portion and the locked portion are strongly engaged in the direction of the central axis by the force of the force member, and the friction between the cylindrical portion and the column can be increased. As a result, the cylindrical portion can be suppressed from being offset along the central axis relative to the column, and the cylindrical portion can be suppressed from rotating in the circumferential direction relative to the column. Therefore, the input device can be fixed to the column. In addition, the fixing of the input device to the column does not require a fastening belt member such as the above-mentioned patent document 1, so the space for installing the fastening belt member can be saved. As a result, the input device can be easily miniaturized. In addition, in the above-mentioned patent document 1, when the input device is removed from the steering shaft, a special tool for loosening the fastening of the fastening belt member is required. However, in the input device of one technical solution of the present disclosure, since the fastening belt member is not required, the input device can be easily disassembled without using such a special tool. In addition, in the above-mentioned patent document 1, the pin removed from the fastening belt member is discarded, but in the input device of one technical solution of the present disclosure, since such a pin is not used, unnecessary waste of resources can be suppressed.

[0048] In addition, the input device may also include a rotation limiting member, which is arranged between the flange portion and the column in the direction of the central axis of the cylindrical portion, and limits the circumferential rotation of the cylindrical portion relative to the column. The rotation limiting member is clamped relative to the flange portion in the circumferential direction and relative to the column in the state of clamping the force applying member between the flange portion, thereby limiting the rotation of the cylindrical portion.

[0049] Thus, since the rotation of the cylindrical portion in the circumferential direction relative to the column is restricted, the input device can be firmly fixed to the column.

[0050] In addition, the rotation limiting member may include a base and a protrusion protruding from the base and abutting against the column, and the protrusion abutting against the column presses the force member to elastically deform. For example, the column may include a first recessed portion that is recessed in the direction of the central axis of the column and into which the protrusion is inserted, and the bottom surface of the first recess may include a non-inclined bottom surface and an inclined bottom surface, the non-inclined bottom surface being a surface that is substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the column, and the inclined bottom surface being a surface that is inclined in such a manner that the depth of the first recess increases as it moves away from the non-inclined bottom surface, and when the input device is mounted on the steering shaft, the protrusion of the rotation limiting member inserted into the first recess in a manner opposite to the inclined bottom surface moves toward the non-inclined bottom surface while sliding on the inclined bottom surface by the rotation of the housing, so that the rotation limiting member presses the force member to elastically deform.

[0051] Thus, when one end of the column is pressed into the cylindrical portion of the housing and the locking portion of the cylindrical portion is locked relative to the locked portion of the column, if the housing is rotated, the biasing member can be elastically deformed easily. As a result, the input device can be easily and more firmly fixed to the column.

[0052] In addition, it is also possible that the base of the rotation limiting member has a rotation locking portion that is bent in the direction of the central axis of the cylindrical portion and protrudes toward the column side, and the column also has a second recessed portion that is recessed in the direction of the central axis of the column and for the rotation locking portion to be inserted. When the input device is installed on the steering shaft, the rotation locking portion of the rotation limiting member inserted into the second recess is bent and moved by the rotation of the shell, thereby being inserted into the first recess, and the protrusion inserted into the first recess is locked relative to the surface of one of the two side surfaces of the first recess, and the rotation locking portion inserted into the first recess is locked relative to the surface of the other of the two side surfaces of the first recess.

[0053] Thus, when one end side of the column is pressed into the cylindrical portion of the housing and the locking portion of the cylindrical portion is locked relative to the locked portion of the column, if the housing is rotated, the protrusion and the rotation locking portion can be easily embedded in the first recess. As a result, in any direction of the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion, any one of the protrusion and the rotation locking portion is locked relative to the side surface of the first recess, and the rotation of the cylindrical portion relative to the column in the circumferential direction can be appropriately restricted. Therefore, the input device can be fixed to the column more firmly and simply.

[0054] Furthermore, the urging member may be an annular plate member having a shape curved along a central axis direction of the cylindrical portion.

[0055] This can suppress the thickness of the urging member in the central axis direction of the cylindrical portion and strongly urge the flange portion of the cylindrical portion. As a result, the input device can be more firmly fixed to the column.

[0056] Furthermore, the rotation restricting member may be an annular member in which at least one insertion hole is formed, and convex portions formed on the flange portion of the cylindrical portion may be respectively inserted into the at least one insertion hole.

[0057] Thus, the convex portion of the cylindrical portion is locked to the peripheral edge of the insertion hole of the rotation restricting member in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion. Therefore, the rotation of the cylindrical portion relative to the rotation restricting member can be appropriately restricted.

[0058] In addition, the mobile body of a technical solution of the present disclosure may include an input device, the steering shaft, and the column. For example, the mobile body is a vehicle.

[0059] Thereby, the mobile body can include a miniaturized input device, and as a result, the indoor space of the mobile body can be further expanded.

[0060] In addition, a steering shaft system of a technical solution of the present disclosure may include: a steering shaft; and a column, which supports the steering shaft in a rotatable manner, wherein a first recess is formed in the column, the first recess is a recess that is recessed in the direction of the central axis of the column, and a protrusion formed on a member for mounting an input device on the steering shaft is inserted, and the bottom surface of the first recess has a non-inclined bottom surface and an inclined bottom surface, the non-inclined bottom surface is a surface that is substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the column, and the inclined bottom surface is a surface that is inclined in a manner that the further away from the non-inclined bottom surface, the deeper the first recess is. In addition, a second recess may also be formed in the column, the second recess is a recess that is recessed in the direction of the central axis of the column, and a rotation locking portion formed on a member for mounting the input device on the steering shaft is inserted.

[0061] Thus, the miniaturized input device can be mounted on the steering shaft. In addition, the input device can be firmly fixed to the column.

[0062] In addition, the input device may also include a rotational pressing member instead of the rotation limiting member arranged between the flange portion and the column in the direction of the central axis of the cylindrical portion, and the rotational pressing member presses the force applying member to elastically deform it by rotating while clamping the force applying member between the flange portion.

[0063] Thus, the rotation pressing member can be rotated to increase the frictional force between the cylindrical portion and the column, so that the input device can be fixed to the column with a simple operation.

[0064] In addition, the rotational pressing member may include a base and at least one pressing portion protruding from the base and abutting against the urging member, and the urging member may be pressed to elastically deform by the abutment of the pressing portion with the rotation of the rotational pressing member.

[0065] Thus, for example, by forming the pressing portion of the rotation pressing member into a mountain shape having an inclined portion so as to protrude relative to the urging member, the pressing portion can be easily formed.

[0066] Furthermore, when the input device is mounted on the steering shaft, the pressing portion may come into contact with the urging member by the rotation of the rotation pressing member, thereby pressing the urging member to elastically deform it.

[0067] Thus, the rotation pressing member can be rotated to increase the frictional force between the cylindrical portion and the column, so that the input device can be fixed to the column with a simple operation.

[0068] In addition, the flange portion of the cylindrical portion may have a restricted portion protruding or recessed in the direction of the central axis, and the column may have a restricting portion recessed or protruding in the direction of the central axis of the column, and when the restricted portion and the restricting portion are engaged, the cylindrical portion is restricted from rotating in the circumferential direction relative to the column.

[0069] Thus, since the rotation of the cylindrical portion in the circumferential direction relative to the column is restricted, the input device can be more firmly fixed to the column.

[0070] Furthermore, the urging member may be an annular plate member having a shape curved along a central axis direction of the cylindrical portion.

[0071] This can suppress the thickness of the urging member in the central axis direction of the cylindrical portion and strongly urge the flange portion of the cylindrical portion. As a result, the input device can be more firmly fixed to the column.

[0072] Furthermore, the rotation pressing member may include a rotation operation portion extending outward from the outer circumference.

[0073] Thus, the rotation operation portion can be operated to rotate the rotation pressing member, so the input device can be easily fixed to the column.

[0074] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0075] In addition, the embodiments described below are all general or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, configuration positions of components, connection methods, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples and do not limit the meaning of the present disclosure. In addition, the components of the following embodiments that are not recorded in the independent claims representing the highest concept are described as arbitrary components.

[0076] In addition, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily strictly illustrated. In addition, in each figure, the same reference numerals are marked on the same components. In addition, in the following embodiments, expressions such as approximately vertical are used. For example, approximately vertical not only means completely vertical, but also means actually vertical, that is, for example, containing an error of about a few percent. In addition, approximately vertical means vertical within the range that can achieve the effect of the present disclosure. The same applies to other expressions using "approximately".

[0077] (Implementation Method 1)

[0078] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle equipped with the input device according to the present embodiment.

[0079] like Figure 1 As shown, the input device 100 of this embodiment is, for example, arranged on a steering shaft 300 mounted on a driver's seat of a right-hand steering wheel vehicle 4. Furthermore, the input device 100 receives the steering of the steering wheel 8 of the vehicle 4 by the driver, and various operations of the steering rod 131R and the wiper rod 131L. The vehicle 4 is, for example, a general passenger car, a bus, or a truck. In addition, the vehicle 4 is not limited to a car, and may be, for example, a construction machine or an agricultural machine.

[0080] Figure 2It is a stereoscopic diagram showing the appearance of the input device 100 of the present embodiment. In addition, in the present embodiment, the thickness direction of the input device 100 is referred to as the Z-axis direction, and the two directions perpendicular to the Z-axis direction are referred to as the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. The X-axis direction is the width direction of the input device 100 (i.e., the left-right direction), and the Y-axis direction is the depth direction of the input device 100, which is perpendicular to the X-axis direction. In addition, the positive side in the Z-axis direction is also referred to as the upper side, upward or above, and the negative side in the Z-axis direction is also referred to as the lower side, downward or below. The positive side in the X-axis direction is also referred to as the right side, toward the right or the right direction, and the negative side in the X-axis direction is also referred to as the left side, toward the left or the left direction. The positive side in the Y-axis direction is also referred to as the depth side, depth direction or depth, and the negative side in the Y-axis direction is also referred to as the near front side, near front direction or near front.

[0081] like Figure 2 As shown, the input device 100 includes a housing 110 , a steering lever unit 130R, and a wiper lever unit 130L.

[0082] The housing 110 is, for example, a resin molded product having a cylindrical portion 120 . The central axis of the cylindrical portion 120 is along the Z-axis direction, and the steering shaft 300 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 120 .

[0083] The steering lever unit 130R is mounted on the positive side of the housing 110 in the X-axis direction, and is operated, for example, by the right hand of the driver of the vehicle 4. The steering lever unit 130R is, for example, a combination switch lever having a) a turn signal switch for flashing the turn signal lamp, b) a lighting switch for lighting the headlight, the small lamp, and the tail lamp, c) a flash switch for flashing the headlight, and d) a dimming switch for switching between the high beam and the low beam of the headlight.

[0084] The wiper lever unit 130L is mounted on the negative side of the housing 110 in the X-axis direction, and is operated, for example, by the left hand of the driver of the vehicle 4. The wiper lever unit 130L is, for example, a combination switch lever having a) a front wiper switch for operating the front wiper, b) a front washer switch for spraying washer fluid to the front windshield, c) a rear wiper switch for operating the rear wiper, and d) a rear washer switch for spraying washer fluid to the rear windshield.

[0085] The steering lever unit 130R and the wiper lever unit 130L are attached to the housing 110 as operation units operated by the driver. The input device 100 is attached to the steering shaft 300 so that the central axis of the cylindrical portion 120 of the housing 110 coincides with the central axis of the steering shaft 300 .

[0086] Figure 3 is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of the input device 100 according to the present embodiment. Figure 41 is a front view schematically showing the appearance of the input device 100 of the present embodiment. In order to facilitate the understanding of the description, the input device 100 of the present embodiment will be described below using schematic drawings.

[0087] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the input device 100 is mounted on the steering shaft 300 by inserting the steering shaft 300 into the cylindrical portion 120 of the housing 110. The steering shaft 300 is rotatably supported by the column 200. Specifically, the column 200 surrounds a portion of the steering shaft 300 in the circumferential direction and rotatably supports the steering shaft 300 in a manner that the central axis of the steering shaft 300 serves as the rotation center.

[0088] Therefore, when the input device 100 is mounted on the steering shaft 300, the steering shaft 300 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 120 from the negative side in the Z-axis direction, and the column 200 is embedded in the cylindrical portion 120. In addition, the opening of the upper end side (i.e., the positive side in the Z-axis direction) of the cylindrical portion 120 is narrower than the opening of the lower end side (i.e., the negative side in the Z-axis direction). Therefore, in a state where the input device 100 is mounted on the steering shaft 300, the upper end side of the steering shaft 300 protrudes upward from the upper end side opening of the cylindrical portion 120, but the upper end side of the column 200 does not protrude but is located in the cylindrical portion 120.

[0089] Figure 5 1 is an exploded perspective view of the input device 100 of this embodiment, which is exploded and viewed from the top. Figure 6 1 is an exploded perspective view of the input device 100 of this embodiment, which is exploded and viewed from the bottom. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The dashed line shown corresponds to the central axis of the cylindrical portion 120 of the housing 110, the biasing member 140 and the rotation restricting member 150 described later, the steering shaft 300, and the column 200, and is along the Z-axis direction. The rotation described later is a rotation around the central axis.

[0090] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the input device 100 includes a biasing member 140 and a rotation restricting member 150 in addition to the housing 110 , the steering lever unit 130R, and the wiper lever unit 130L.

[0091] The steering lever unit 130R includes a steering lever 131R and a lever bracket 132R. A mechanism that operates according to the operation of the steering lever 131R is arranged inside the lever bracket 132R. The wiper lever unit 130L includes a wiper lever 131L and a lever bracket 132L. A mechanism that operates according to the operation of the wiper lever 131L is arranged inside the lever bracket 132L.

[0092] The housing 110 includes a first bracket mounting portion 112R disposed on the positive side of the cylindrical portion 120 in the X-axis direction, and a second bracket mounting portion 112L disposed on the negative side of the cylindrical portion 120 in the X-axis direction. A rod bracket 132R of the steering rod unit 130R is mounted on the first bracket mounting portion 112R. A rod bracket 132L of the wiper rod unit 130L is mounted on the second bracket mounting portion 112L.

[0093] The urging member 140 is, for example, a metal plate member formed in an annular shape and inserted into the cylindrical portion 120 of the housing 110 from the negative side in the Z-axis direction. A flange portion is formed on the upper end side of the inner side surface of the cylindrical portion 120. The urging member 140 is arranged so as to abut against the flange portion.

[0094] The rotation restricting member 150 is, for example, an annular resin-molded member and is inserted into the cylindrical portion 120 of the housing 110 from the negative side in the Z-axis direction. The rotation restricting member 150 is disposed in the cylindrical portion 120 so as to sandwich the urging member 140 between the flange portion of the cylindrical portion 120.

[0095] When such an input device 100 is mounted on the steering shaft 300, the steering shaft 300 is inserted into the interior of the rotation limiting member 150, the urging member 140, and the cylindrical portion 120. In addition, the upper end side of the column 200 is embedded in the cylindrical portion 120. At this time, the upper end of the column 200 abuts against the rotation limiting member 150 disposed in the cylindrical portion 120. That is, the upper end of the column 200 sandwiches the urging member 140 and the rotation limiting member 150 in the Z-axis direction between the flange portion formed on the upper end side of the inner side surface of the cylindrical portion 120.

[0096] Figure 7 1 is a bottom view of the housing 110 of this embodiment. Specifically, Figure 7 1 and 2 are diagrams showing a state where the housing 110 is viewed from the negative side in the Z-axis direction.

[0097] The flange 124 is formed on the inner side of the cylindrical portion 120 of the housing 110 and protrudes toward the central axis of the cylindrical portion 120. The flange 124 in this embodiment is formed in an annular shape at the upper end of the inner side. Therefore, the opening on the upper end side of the cylindrical portion 120 is narrower than the opening on the lower end side.

[0098] Furthermore, three protrusions 121 and two claws 122 are formed on the surface of the flange portion 124 on the negative side in the Z-axis direction. The three protrusions 121 protrude toward the negative side in the Z-axis direction to suppress the displacement of the above-mentioned force-applying member 140 and the rotation-restricting member 150 in the XY plane. The two claws 122 protrude toward the negative side in the Z-axis direction. Moreover, the front ends of these claws 122 protrude in the direction away from the central axis of the cylindrical portion 120 in the XY plane. These claws 122 are used to suppress the above-mentioned force-applying member 140 and the rotation-restricting member 150 from falling toward the negative side in the Z-axis direction.

[0099] In addition, the cylindrical portion 120 has two locking portions 123 . The locking portions 123 are locked to the locked portions formed on the column 200 .

[0100] Figure 8 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of the urging member 140 of this embodiment. Specifically, Figure 8 (a) is a perspective view of the force applying member 140, Figure 8 (b) is a diagram showing a state where the urging member 140 is viewed from a direction along the XY plane. Figure 8 (c) is a top view of the urging member 140 .

[0101] like Figure 8 (a) and Figure 8 As shown in (b), three insertion holes 141 are formed in the urging member 140. Figure 7 The protrusion 121 of the housing 110 is shown.

[0102] Furthermore, the force applying member 140 of this embodiment is a so-called wave washer, such as Figure 8 As shown in (b), the force member 140 is formed to undulate in the Z-axis direction. In other words, the force member 140 has a shape that is curved in the direction of the central axis of the cylindrical portion 120, that is, in the Z-axis direction. As a result, the force member 140 has elasticity in the Z-axis direction. In addition, such a force member 140 generates a force of 180N in the Z-axis direction by, for example, elastic deformation of contraction of 0.3 to 0.8 mm in the Z-axis direction.

[0103] Fig. 9A 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of the rotation restricting member 150 according to the present embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 9A (a) is a perspective view of the rotation limiting member 150, Fig. 9A (b) is a diagram showing a state where the rotation restricting member 150 is viewed from a direction along the XY plane. Fig. 9B 1 is a diagram showing another appearance of the rotation restriction member 150 of this embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 9B (a) is a top view of the rotation limiting member 150, Fig. 9B(b) is a bottom view of the rotation restricting member 150 .

[0104] The rotation restricting member 150 includes a base portion 152 , three protrusions 152 a , and a fitting portion 153 .

[0105] The fitting portion 153 is formed in an annular shape and is fitted into the upper end opening of the cylindrical column 200 .

[0106] The base 152 is formed in a substantially annular shape so as to protrude outward in the XY plane from the upper end of the fitting portion 153. Therefore, when the fitting portion 153 is fitted into the upper end opening of the column 200, the base 152 faces the upper end of the column 200 in the Z-axis direction.

[0107] In addition, similarly to the urging member 140 , three insertion holes 151 are formed in the base portion 152 . The convex portion 121 of the housing 110 described above is inserted into the insertion holes 151 .

[0108] Furthermore, the base 152 has three rotation locking portions 152b that are bent in the central axis direction of the cylindrical portion 120 (ie, the Z-axis direction) and protrude toward the column 200 side (ie, the negative side in the Z-axis direction).

[0109] The three protrusions 152a protrude from the base 152 toward the negative side in the Z-axis direction. That is, the protrusions 152a protrude from the base 152 and abut against the column 200. The rotation restricting member 150 presses the urging member 140 to elastically deform due to the abutment of the protrusions 152a against the column 200.

[0110] Fig.10 : is a partially enlarged view of the rotation restriction member 150 of this embodiment. Specifically, Fig.10 yes Fig. 9A FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of the protrusion 152 a and the rotation locking portion 152 b of the rotation restricting member 150 shown in FIG. 1 .

[0111] Such a protrusion 152a and the rotation locking portion 152b are inserted into a recess formed at the upper end of the column 200. As a result, the rotation of the rotation restricting member 150 relative to the column 200 is restricted.

[0112] Fig.11 It is a bottom view of the housing 110 to which the urging member 140 according to the present embodiment is attached.

[0113] like Fig.11As shown, the urging member 140 is placed on the negative side of the flange portion 124 of the cylindrical portion 120 in the Z-axis direction. At this time, the three protrusions 121 formed on the flange portion 124 are respectively inserted into the three insertion holes 141 of the urging member 140. Thus, the displacement of the urging member 140 relative to the flange portion 124 in the direction along the XY plane is suppressed.

[0114] Fig.12 It is a bottom view of the housing 110 to which the urging member 140 and the rotation restricting member 150 according to the present embodiment are attached.

[0115] like Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 1 , the rotation restricting member 150 is arranged so as to overlap with the lower side of the urging member 140 placed in the cylindrical portion 120. That is, the rotation restricting member 150 is arranged in the cylindrical portion 120 so as to sandwich the urging member 140 between the surface on the negative side in the Z-axis direction of the flange portion 124 of the cylindrical portion 120. In addition, when the rotation restricting member 150 is arranged in the cylindrical portion 120, the base 152 of the rotation restricting member 150 faces the urging member 140 side, and the protrusion 152a and the rotation locking portion 152b face the side opposite to the urging member 140 side.

[0116] The rotation restricting member 150 arranged in this manner is supported by the two claws 122 of the cylindrical portion 120 so as to be prevented from falling to the negative side in the Z-axis direction.

[0117] Fig.13 2 is a diagram showing a steering shaft 300 and a column 200 according to the present embodiment. Fig.13 (a) is a diagram of the steering shaft 300 and the column 200 viewed from the direction along the XY plane. Fig.13 (b) is a diagram of them viewed from other directions along the XY plane.

[0118] like Fig.13 As shown, the steering shaft 300 is rotatably supported by the column 200. The column 200 is, for example, cylindrical. The steering shaft 300 is inserted into the column 200 so that its upper end protrudes from the column 200 toward the positive side in the Z-axis direction.

[0119] A first recess 210 and a second recess 220 are formed at the upper edge of the column 200 and are recessed toward the negative side in the Z-axis direction. Fig.13 In FIG. 1 , only one set of the first recess 210 and the second recess 220 is shown, but three sets of the first recess 210 and the second recess 220 are formed at the upper end edge of the column 200 .

[0120] When the input device 100 is mounted on the steering shaft 300 , the protrusion 152 a and the rotation locking portion 152 b of the rotation restricting member 150 are inserted into the first recess 210 .

[0121] The second recess 220 is temporarily used to attach the input device 100 to the steering shaft 300. At this time, the rotation locking portion 152b of the rotation restricting member 150 is inserted into the second recess 220.

[0122] In addition, two locked portions 201 are formed on the side of the column 200. The two locked portions 201 are respectively formed by the peripheral edge portions of a substantially rectangular through hole, and are arranged in a manner opposite to each other in the XY plane. The locking portion 123 of the cylindrical portion 120 is locked relative to the locked portion 201 in the Z-axis direction. Specifically, when the upper end side of the column 200 is embedded in the cylindrical portion 120, the locking portion 123 of the cylindrical portion 120 is locked relative to the locked portion 201 of the column 200. As a result, the displacement of the cylindrical portion 120 in the Z-axis direction, that is, the displacement of the cylindrical portion 120 from the column 200 to the positive side in the Z-axis direction is suppressed.

[0123] Fig.14 It is a partially enlarged view of the steering shaft 300 and the column 200 of the present embodiment.

[0124] The bottom surface of the first recess 210 includes a non-inclined bottom surface 211 and an inclined bottom surface 212. The non-inclined bottom surface 211 is a surface substantially perpendicular to the central axis (i.e., the Z axis) of the column 200, and the inclined bottom surface 212 is inclined such that the depth of the first recess 210 increases as it moves away from the non-inclined bottom surface 211. In addition, the depth is the depth in the Z axis direction. Therefore, the non-inclined bottom surface 211 is located at a shallower position than the inclined bottom surface 212.

[0125] In addition, the side surface of the second recess 220 on the first recess 210 side is inclined so that the depth of the second recess 220 becomes shallower as it approaches the first recess 210 .

[0126] Fig.15 1 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the urging member 140 , the rotation restricting member 150 , and the column 200 according to the present embodiment.

[0127] When the input device 100 is mounted on the steering shaft 300, the force applying member 140, the rotation limiting member 150 and the column 200 are Fig.15 That is, the urging member 140 and the rotation restricting member 150 are placed on the upper edge of the column 200 with the steering shaft 300 inserted therein. That is, the rotation restricting member 150 is placed on the upper edge of the column 200, and the urging member 140 is placed on the rotation restricting member 150.

[0128] Here, if Fig.15As shown in FIG. 1 , the protrusion 152a and the rotation locking portion 152b of the rotation limiting member 150 are inserted into the first recess 210. In addition, the protrusion 152a abuts against one of the two side surfaces of the first recess 210, and the rotation locking portion 152b abuts against the other side surface. Thus, the rotation of the rotation limiting member 150 relative to the column 200 is limited.

[0129] In addition, the protrusion 152a contacts the non-inclined bottom surface 211 in the first recess 210 of the column 200. The non-inclined bottom surface 211 is located at a shallower position than the inclined bottom surface 212, so the base 152 of the rotation restriction member 150 pushes up the urging member 140 toward the positive side in the Z-axis direction by the contact between the protrusion 152a and the non-inclined bottom surface 211. Here, since the flange 124 of the cylindrical portion 120 is arranged on the positive side in the Z-axis direction of the urging member 140, the urging member 140 pushed up toward the positive side in the Z-axis direction by the base 152 is pressed toward the flange 124 side. That is, the urging member 140 applies force to the flange 124 in the direction in which the flange 124 is away from the column 200 along the central axis direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction).

[0130] Fig.16 is a cross-sectional view of the input device 100 of this embodiment on the XZ plane, Fig.17 is a partially enlarged view of the cross section on the XZ plane. Fig.16 and Fig.17 In the cross-sectional view shown, the steering shaft 300 and the column 200 are shown as an integrated structure for easy understanding of the description.

[0131] When the input device 100 is mounted on the steering shaft 300, Fig.17 As shown, the locking portion 123 of the cylindrical portion 120 of the housing 110 is locked relative to the locked portion 201 of the column 200. In addition, the force member 140 and the rotation limiting member 150 are sandwiched between the upper end edge of the column 200 and the flange portion 124 of the cylindrical portion 120 in the Z-axis direction. At this time, the force member 140 is pressed toward the positive side in the Z-axis direction and elastically deformed by the contact between the protrusion 152a and the column 200 as described above. Through this elastic deformation, the force member 140 applies force to the flange portion 124 in the direction away from the column 200 along the central axis direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction).

[0132] Fig.18 1 is a diagram showing the installation procedure of the input device 100 of this embodiment with respect to the steering shaft 300. Fig.18 (a) shows the change of the state of the input device 100 over time when the input device 100 is viewed from above. Fig.18 (b) and Fig.18(c) shows the change in state of the housing 110 , the steering shaft 300 , and the column 200 in the input device 100 over time when the housing 110 , the steering shaft 300 , and the column 200 are viewed from the direction along the XY plane.

[0133] For example, first, at time t1, the central axis of the cylindrical portion 120 in the housing 110 of the input device 100 is aligned with the central axes of the steering shaft 300 and the column 200. At this time, the lower end side opening of the cylindrical portion 120 faces the steering shaft 300 and the column 200. In addition, at this time, the input device 100 is arranged in a state where the longitudinal direction of the input device 100 is inclined, for example, relative to the horizontal direction.

[0134] Next, at time t2 , the upper end side of the steering shaft 300 penetrates the cylindrical portion 120 , and the upper end side of the column 200 is fitted into the cylindrical portion 120 .

[0135] Then, at time t3, the input device 100 rotates with the central axis as the rotation center so that the length direction of the input device 100 tilted relative to the horizontal direction is along the horizontal direction. As a result, the housing 110 rotates, for example, clockwise relative to the steering shaft 300 and the column 200. Through this rotation, the input device 100 is fixed to the column 200 and mounted on the steering shaft 300.

[0136] Fig.19 1 is a diagram showing the operation of the rotation restricting member 150 and the urging member 140 when the input device 100 of the present embodiment is mounted on the steering shaft 300. Specifically, Fig.19 (a) indicates Fig.18 The states of the rotation restricting member 150 and the urging member 140 at the time t2 in FIG. Fig.19 (b) means Fig.18 The states of the rotation restricting member 150 and the urging member 140 at time t3 in FIG. Fig. 20 1 is a diagram showing the operation of the locking portion 123 when the input device 100 of this embodiment is mounted on the steering shaft 300. Specifically, Fig. 20 (a) means Fig.18 The state of the locking portion 123 at time t2 in FIG. Fig. 20 (b) means Fig.18 The state of the locking portion 123 at time t3 in FIG.

[0137] When the upper end side of the column 200 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 120 in a state where the input device 100 is tilted, as shown in FIG. Fig. 20As shown in (a), the locking portion 123 of the cylindrical portion 120 is locked relative to the locked portion 201 of the column 200. That is, the locking portion 123 is locked relative to the upper portion of the peripheral edge portion of the substantially rectangular through hole formed on the side of the column 200, that is, the upper edge portion. More specifically, the locking portion 123 is locked relative to one end side ( Fig. 20 In addition, the cylindrical portion 120 has two locking portions 123, and therefore, these locking portions 123 are respectively locked with respect to the locked portion 201 of the column 200 corresponding to the locking portions 123. As a result, the cylindrical portion 120 is temporarily fixed to the column 200. That is, the cylindrical portion 120 is suppressed from moving away from the column 200 to the positive side in the Z-axis direction.

[0138] At this time, if Fig.19 As shown in (a), the protrusion 152a of the rotation limiting member 150 is inserted into the first recess 210 of the column 200, and the rotation locking portion 152b of the rotation limiting member 150 is inserted into the second recess 220 of the column 200. In addition, the protrusion 152a is arranged at a position opposite to the inclined bottom surface 212 of the bottom surface of the first recess 210.

[0139] Next, the input device 100 is rotated, for example, clockwise to eliminate the tilt of the input device 100. That is, the housing 110 of the input device 100 is rotated clockwise. Fig. 20 As shown in (b), the locking portion 123 formed on the cylindrical portion 120 of the housing 110 also rotates clockwise. That is, the locking portion 123 maintains the locked state relative to the locked portion 201 of the column 200, while moving from one end side of the circumferential direction of the upper edge of the through hole to the other end side (from Fig. 20 The part moves from the right side to the left side.

[0140] At this time, if Fig.19 As shown in (b), the protrusion 152a of the rotation limiting member 150 rotates together with the cylindrical portion 120. As a result, the protrusion 152a rises on the inclined bottom surface 212 while contacting with the inclined bottom surface 212 of the first recess 210, and moves to a position opposite to the non-inclined bottom surface 211. Therefore, the base 152 of the rotation limiting member 150 is pushed up to the positive side in the Z-axis direction, pressing the force member 140 to the positive side in the Z-axis direction. The force member 140 is restricted from moving to the positive side in the Z-axis direction by the flange portion 124 of the cylindrical portion 120, and is elastically deformed by the pressure of the base 152 of the rotation limiting member 150. As a result, the force member 140 applies force to the flange portion 124 in a direction away from the column 200 along the central axis direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction).

[0141] At the same time, the rotation locking portion 152b of the rotation limiting member 150 abuts against the inclined side surface of the second recess 220 and moves while bending upward in the Z-axis direction to be inserted into the first recess 210. As a result, the protrusion 152a of the rotation limiting member 150 abuts against one of the two side surfaces of the first recess 210 (specifically, Fig.19 The rotation locking portion 152b of the rotation limiting member 150 abuts against the other of the two side surfaces (specifically, Fig.19 Thus, the rotation of the rotation limiting member 150 relative to the column 200 is limited.

[0142] As described above, the input device 100 of the present embodiment includes a housing 110 and a force member 140. The housing 110 includes a cylindrical portion 120 in which one end side of a column 200 that supports a steering shaft 300 in a rotatable manner is embedded, and an operating portion operated by a driver is installed. The force member 140 is arranged between a flange portion 124 formed on the inner side surface of the cylindrical portion 120 and the column 200 in the central axis direction of the cylindrical portion 120. The cylindrical portion 120 includes a locking portion 123 that is locked with a locked portion 201 of the column 200 in the above-mentioned central axis direction. In addition, the force member 140 applies force to the flange portion 124 in a direction away from the column 200 along the central axis direction when the locking portion 123 is locked with respect to the locked portion 201.

[0143] Thus, in a state where the locking portion 123 of the cylindrical portion 120 is locked with the locked portion 201 of the column 200, the flange portion 124 of the cylindrical portion 120 is forced by the force member 140 in a direction away from the column 200. Therefore, the locking portion 123 and the locked portion 201 are strongly engaged in the central axis direction by the force of the force member 140, and the friction between the cylindrical portion 120 and the column 200 can be increased. As a result, the cylindrical portion 120 can be suppressed from being offset in the central axis direction relative to the column 200, and the cylindrical portion 120 can be suppressed from rotating in the circumferential direction relative to the column 200. Therefore, the input device 100 can be fixed to the column 200. In addition, the fixing of the input device 100 to the column 200 does not require a fastening belt member as in the above-mentioned patent document 1, so that the space for installing the fastening belt member can be saved. As a result, the input device 100 can be easily miniaturized. Furthermore, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, when the input device is removed from the steering shaft, a special tool for loosening the fastening of the fastening belt member is required. However, in the input device 100 of the present embodiment, since the fastening belt member is not required, the input device 100 can be simply removed from the steering shaft 300 without using such a special tool. In addition, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the pin removed from the fastening belt member is discarded, but in the input device 100 of the present embodiment, since such a pin is not used, unnecessary waste of resources can be suppressed. In addition, in the present embodiment, the input device 100 includes the rotation limiting member 150, but it is not necessary to include the rotation limiting member 150.

[0144] In addition, the input device 100 of the present embodiment includes a rotation restriction member 150. The rotation restriction member 150 is disposed between the flange portion 124 and the column 200 in the central axis direction of the cylindrical portion 120, and restricts the rotation of the cylindrical portion 120 in the circumferential direction relative to the column 200. That is, the rotation restriction member 150 is locked in the circumferential direction relative to the flange portion 124 and in the circumferential direction relative to the column 200 in a state where the biasing member 140 is sandwiched between the flange portion 124, thereby restricting the rotation of the cylindrical portion 120.

[0145] Thus, since the rotation of the cylindrical portion 120 in the circumferential direction relative to the column 200 is restricted, the input device 100 can be firmly fixed to the column 200 .

[0146] In addition, the rotation limiting member 150 includes a base 152 and a protrusion 152a protruding from the base 152 and abutting against the column 200, and the force applying member 140 is pressed and elastically deformed by the abutment of the protrusion 152a and the column 200. Specifically, the column 200 has a first recess 210 that is recessed in the direction of the central axis of the column 200 and into which the protrusion 152a is inserted. The bottom surface of the first recess 210 includes a non-inclined bottom surface 211 and an inclined bottom surface 212. The non-inclined bottom surface 211 is a surface that is substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the column 200. The inclined bottom surface 212 is a surface that is inclined in such a manner that the depth of the first recess 210 becomes deeper as it moves away from the non-inclined bottom surface 211. When the input device 100 is installed on the steering shaft 300, the protrusion 152a of the rotation limiting member 150 inserted into the first recess 210 in a manner opposite to the inclined bottom surface 212 is moved toward the non-inclined bottom surface 211 while sliding on the inclined bottom surface 212 due to the rotation of the shell 110, thereby pressing the force applying member 140 to elastically deform it.

[0147] Thus, when the housing 110 is rotated with one end of the column 200 pressed into the cylindrical portion 120 of the housing 110 and the locking portion 123 of the cylindrical portion 120 locked with respect to the locked portion 201 of the column, the biasing member 140 can be easily elastically deformed. As a result, the input device 100 can be easily and more firmly fixed to the column 200.

[0148] In addition, the base 152 of the rotation limiting member 150 has a rotation locking portion 152b that is bent in the direction of the central axis of the cylindrical portion 120 and protrudes toward the column 200. The column 200 also has a second recessed portion 220 that is recessed in the direction of the central axis of the column 200 and into which the rotation locking portion 152b is inserted. When the input device 100 is mounted on the steering shaft 300, the rotation locking portion 152b of the rotation limiting member 150 inserted into the second recessed portion 220 is moved while being bent by the rotation of the housing 110, and is inserted into the first recessed portion 210. In addition, the protrusion 152a inserted into the first recessed portion 210 is locked with a surface on one of the two side surfaces of the first recessed portion 210, and the rotation locking portion 152b inserted into the first recessed portion 210 is locked with a surface on the other of the two side surfaces of the first recessed portion 210.

[0149] Thus, when one end side of the column 200 is pressed into the cylindrical portion 120 of the housing 110 and the locking portion 123 of the cylindrical portion 120 is locked relative to the locked portion 201 of the column 200, if the housing 110 is rotated, the protrusion 152a and the rotation locking portion 152b can be easily fitted into the first recess 210. As a result, in any direction of the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 120, any one of the protrusion 152a and the rotation locking portion 152b is locked relative to the side surface of the first recess 210, and the rotation of the cylindrical portion 120 relative to the column 200 in the circumferential direction can be appropriately restricted. Therefore, the input device 100 can be fixed to the column 200 more firmly and easily.

[0150] In addition, the urging member 140 is an annular plate member having a shape bent along the central axis direction of the cylindrical portion 120. Thus, the thickness of the urging member 140 in the central axis direction of the cylindrical portion 120 can be suppressed, and the flange portion 124 of the cylindrical portion 120 can be strongly urged. As a result, the input device 100 can be more firmly fixed to the column 200.

[0151] The rotation restricting member 150 is an annular member formed with at least one insertion hole 151. The protrusions 121 formed on the flange portion 124 of the cylindrical portion 120 are respectively inserted into the at least one insertion hole 151.

[0152] Thus, the convex portion 121 of the cylindrical portion 120 is locked with the peripheral edge of the insertion hole 151 of the rotation restricting member 150 in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 120. Therefore, the rotation of the cylindrical portion 120 relative to the rotation restricting member 150 can be appropriately restricted.

[0153] In addition, a mobile body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes the input device 100, the steering shaft 300, and the column 200 as described above. For example, the mobile body is a vehicle 4. Thus, the mobile body can include a miniaturized input device 100, and as a result, the indoor space of the mobile body can be further expanded.

[0154] In addition, a steering shaft system of a technical solution of the present disclosure includes a steering shaft 300 and a column 200 that supports the steering shaft 300 in a rotatable manner. A first recess 210 is formed in the column 200. The first recess 210 is a recess that is recessed in the direction of the central axis of the column 200 and is inserted into a protrusion 152a formed on a member for mounting the input device 100 on the steering shaft 300. The bottom surface of the first recess 210 includes a non-inclined bottom surface 211 and an inclined bottom surface 212. The non-inclined bottom surface 211 is a surface that is substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the column 200, and the inclined bottom surface 212 is a surface that is inclined in such a manner that the first recess 210 becomes deeper as it moves away from the non-inclined bottom surface 211. Furthermore, the column 200 is further formed with a second recess 220 that is recessed in the direction of the central axis of the column 200 and into which the rotation locking portion 152 b formed in a member for mounting the input device 100 on the steering shaft 300 is inserted.

[0155] Thus, the miniaturized input device 100 can be mounted on the steering shaft 300 . Furthermore, the input device 100 can be firmly fixed to the column 200 .

[0156] (Implementation Method 2)

[0157] Fig.21 This is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of input device 101 according to Embodiment 2. Unless otherwise specified, the configuration of input device 101 according to this embodiment is the same as that of Embodiment 1, and the same reference numerals are used for the same configurations, and detailed descriptions of the configurations are omitted.

[0158] Fig. 22 1 is an exploded perspective view of the input device 101 of this embodiment, which is exploded and viewed from the top. Fig.23 This is an exploded perspective view of the input device 101 according to the present embodiment, which is exploded and viewed from the bottom.

[0159] like Fig. 22 and Fig.23 As shown, the input device 101 includes a biasing member 180 and a rotation pressing member 190 in addition to the housing 160 , the steering lever unit 130R, and the wiper lever unit 130L.

[0160] Similar to the first embodiment, the rod bracket 132R of the steering rod unit 130R is mounted on the first bracket mounting portion 162R of the housing 160 , and the rod bracket 132L of the wiper rod unit 130L is mounted on the second bracket mounting portion 162L.

[0161] The urging member 180 is, for example, a metal plate member formed in an annular shape, and is inserted into the cylindrical portion 170 of the housing 160 from the negative side in the Z-axis direction. The flange portion 174 is formed on the upper end side of the inner side surface of the cylindrical portion 170, and the urging member 180 is arranged in a manner abutting against the flange portion 174, which is also the same as in the first embodiment.

[0162] The rotation pressing member 190 is, for example, an annular resin-molded member and is inserted into the cylindrical portion 170 of the housing 160 from the negative side in the Z-axis direction. The rotation pressing member 190 is disposed in the cylindrical portion 170 with the urging member 180 sandwiched between the flange portion 174 of the cylindrical portion 170 .

[0163] When the input device 101 is mounted on the steering shaft 300 , the steering shaft 300 is inserted into each of the rotation pressing member 190 , the urging member 180 , and the cylindrical portion 170 . The upper end of the column 230 is fitted into the cylindrical portion 170 .

[0164] At this time, the upper end of the column 230 contacts the rotation pressing member 190 disposed in the cylindrical portion 170. That is, the upper end of the column 230 sandwiches the urging member 180 and the rotation pressing member 190 in the Z-axis direction between the flange portion 174 formed on the upper end side of the inner side surface of the cylindrical portion 170.

[0165] Fig.24 1 is a bottom view showing the state of the housing 160 of the present embodiment as viewed from the negative side in the Z-axis direction. Fig.24 In the embodiment, the annular flange portion 174 is formed on the inner side surface of the cylindrical portion 170 of the housing 160 and protrudes toward the central axis side of the cylindrical portion 170 .

[0166] Two restricted portions 175 and two claws 172 are formed on the negative side surface in the Z-axis direction of the flange portion 174. The two restricted portions 175 protrude from the inner side surface of the cylindrical portion 170 toward the central axis and extend toward the negative side in the Z-axis direction.

[0167] The two restricted portions 175 are respectively engaged with two restricting portions 232 formed on a column 230 described later, thereby restricting the housing 160 from rotating relative to the column 230 around the central axis.

[0168] The two claws 172 protrude toward the negative side in the Z-axis direction. The front ends of the claws 172 protrude in the XY plane away from the central axis of the cylindrical portion 170. The claws 172 prevent the urging member 180 and the rotation pressing member 190 from falling toward the negative side in the Z-axis direction.

[0169] The cylindrical portion 170 has two locking portions 173 . The locking portions 173 are locked with the locked portions 231 formed on the pillar 230 .

[0170] And, if Fig.23 and Fig.24 As shown, a slit portion 176 extending from the lower end of the cylindrical portion 170 on the negative side in the Z-axis direction to the upper side on the positive side in the Z-axis direction is formed in the side portion of the cylindrical portion 170 and the side portion of the housing 160 in the direction of the central axis. When the rotation pressing member 190 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 170 from the lower opening of the cylindrical portion 170, the rotation operating portion 194 is guided by the slit portion 176 and arranged upward.

[0171] Fig.25 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of the urging member 180 of this embodiment. Specifically, Fig.25 (a) is a perspective view of the force applying member 180, Fig.25 (b) is a diagram showing a state where the urging member 180 is viewed from a direction along the XY plane. Fig.25 (c) is a top view of the urging member 180 .

[0172] like Fig.25 (a) and Fig.25 As shown in (c), two first notches 181 are formed on the outer peripheral side of the annular outer shape of the urging member 180. Fig.24 The two restricted portions 175 of the housing 160 are shown. In addition, the two claws 172 of the housing 160 are respectively inserted into the two second notches 182 on the inner peripheral side of the urging member 180 .

[0173] Furthermore, the force applying member 180 of this embodiment is a so-called wave washer, such as Fig.25 This is the same as in the first embodiment in that the convex and concave portions are formed to undulate in the Z-axis direction as shown in (b).

[0174] Fig.26 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of the rotation pressing member 190 of this embodiment. Specifically, Fig.26 (a) is a top view of the rotating pressing member 190 as viewed from the positive side in the Z-axis direction. Fig.26 (b) is a stereogram, Fig.26 (c) is a diagram showing a state observed from a direction along the XY plane.

[0175] The rotation pressing member 190 includes a base portion 191, a rotation operation portion 194, and a fitting portion 193. The fitting portion 193 is formed in an annular shape and is fitted into an upper end opening of the cylindrical column 230.

[0176] The base 191 is formed in a substantially annular shape so as to protrude outward in the XY plane from the upper end of the fitting portion 193. Therefore, when the fitting portion 193 is fitted into the upper end opening of the column 230, the base 191 faces the upper end of the column 230 in the Z-axis direction.

[0177] Three pressing portions 192 are formed on the upper surface of the base 191 at approximately equal intervals and protrude toward the positive side in the Z-axis direction. Fig.26 As shown in (c), the pressing portion 192 is, for example, in a mountain shape that is inclined so as to gradually increase in height from the negative side (left side) toward the positive side (right side) in the X-axis direction. In addition, at least one pressing portion 192 is sufficient.

[0178] In addition, the rotation pressing member 190 has a rod-shaped rotation operation portion 194 extending outwardly on the outer periphery of the base 191. When the rotation pressing member 190 is inserted into the column 230, the pressing portion 192 is also rotated clockwise or counterclockwise by manually operating the rotation operation portion 194 clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0179] In addition, in addition to the rod shape, the rotating operating part 194 can also be roughly hook-shaped, roughly trapezoidal-shaped, and can be a shape that allows the rotating pressing member 190 to rotate within a predetermined range by rotating the rotating operating part 194 using a predetermined tool, or by forming projections and depressions on the outer peripheral surface of the base 191 and rotating the rotating operating part 194 using a predetermined tool.

[0180] Furthermore, two cutouts 195 are formed along the outer circumference of the base 191 within a predetermined range. The two cutouts 195 allow the rotation pressing member 190 to rotate within a predetermined range relative to the restricted portion 175 formed on the flange 174.

[0181] Fig. 27 It is a bottom view of the housing 160 to which the urging member 180 of the present embodiment is attached.

[0182] like Fig. 27 As shown, the urging member 180 is placed on the negative side of the flange portion 174 of the cylindrical portion 170 in the Z-axis direction. At this time, the two restricted portions 175 formed on the flange portion 174 respectively penetrate and engage with the two first notch portions 181 of the urging member 180. Thus, the urging member 180 is prevented from deviating in the direction along the XY plane relative to the flange portion 174.

[0183] Fig.28 It is a bottom view of the housing 160 to which the urging member 180 and the rotation pressing member 190 according to the present embodiment are attached.

[0184] like Fig.28As shown, the rotation pressing member 190 is arranged to overlap the lower side of the urging member 180 placed in the cylindrical portion 170. That is, the rotation pressing member 190 is arranged in the cylindrical portion 170 so as to sandwich the urging member 180 between the surface of the flange portion 174 of the cylindrical portion 170 on the negative side in the Z-axis direction.

[0185] The rotation pressing member 190 arranged in this way is supported by the two claws 172 of the cylindrical portion 170 so as to be prevented from falling to the negative side in the Z-axis direction.

[0186] The rotation pressing member 190 is provided with a notch 195 of a predetermined range along the circumferential direction. The restricted portion 175 of the flange 174 is disposed at one end of the notch 195, and the rotation pressing member 190 can rotate within a range until the restricted portion 175 contacts the other end of the notch 195.

[0187] Fig.29 2 is a diagram showing the steering shaft 300 and the column 230 of the present embodiment. Fig.29 (a) is a top view of the steering shaft 300 and the column 230 as viewed from the positive side in the Z-axis direction. Fig.29 (b) is a diagram viewed along the XY plane. Fig.29 (c) is a diagram of the steering shaft 300 and the column 230 as viewed from another direction along the XY plane.

[0188] Two restricting portions 232 are formed at a predetermined interval on the upper edge of the column 230 and are recessed toward the negative side in the Z-axis direction. When the input device 101 is mounted on the steering shaft 300, the restricted portion 175 of the flange portion 174 engages with the restricting portion 232. Thus, the rotation of the housing 160 relative to the column 230 is restricted.

[0189] In addition, the restricted portion 175 of the flange portion 174 is set to a shape that protrudes toward the negative side of the Z-axis direction, and the restricting portion 232 of the column 230 is set to a shape that is recessed toward the negative side of the Z-axis direction, so that they are engaged, but the restricted portion 175 of the flange portion 174 can also be set to a shape that is recessed toward the positive side of the Z-axis direction, and the restricting portion 232 of the column 230 can be set to a shape that protrudes toward the positive side of the Z-axis direction, so that they are engaged.

[0190] In addition, two locked portions 231 are formed on the side of the column 230. The two locked portions 231 are respectively formed by the peripheral edge portions of a substantially rectangular through-hole, and are arranged in a manner opposite to each other in the XY plane. The locking portion 173 of the cylindrical portion 170 is locked to the locked portion 231 in the Z-axis direction. Specifically, when the upper end side of the column 230 is embedded in the cylindrical portion 170, the locking portion 173 of the cylindrical portion 170 is locked relative to the locked portion 231 of the column 230. As a result, the displacement of the cylindrical portion 170 in the Z-axis direction, that is, the displacement of the cylindrical portion 170 from the column 230 to the positive side in the Z-axis direction is suppressed.

[0191] Here, use Fig.21 , Fig.30 and Fig.31 The steps of attaching the input device 101 to the steering shaft 300 and the column 230 and fixing the input device 101 to the column 230 will be described.

[0192] Fig.30 The input device 101 of this embodiment is shown in a state where it is mounted on the steering shaft 300 and is a perspective view viewed from the positive side in the Y-axis direction and from above on the positive side in the Z-axis direction. Fig.30 (a) is a diagram before the rotary pressing member 190 is rotated. Fig.30 (b) is a diagram after the rotary pressing member 190 is rotated.

[0193] Fig.31 1 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the biasing member 180, the rotation pressing member 190, and the column 230 when the input device 101 of the present embodiment is mounted on the steering shaft 300. Fig.31 (a) is a side view seen from the positive side in the Y-axis direction of the XY plane in a state where the housing 160 is removed, and is a diagram showing a state before the rotation pressing member 190 is rotated. Fig.31 (b) is a diagram similarly showing a state after the rotation pressing member 190 is rotated.

[0194] like Fig.21 As shown, the central axis of the cylindrical portion 170 of the input device 101 is aligned with the central axes of the steering shaft 300 and the column 230 , the upper end side of the steering shaft 300 passes through the cylindrical portion 170 , and the upper end side of the column 230 is embedded in the cylindrical portion 170 .

[0195] At this time, in the cylindrical portion 170 of the input device 101, a force applying member 180 and a rotation pressing member 190 are arranged between the flange portion 174 and the upper end portion of the column 230, and the force applying member 180 and the rotation pressing member 190 are engaged with the claws 172 formed on the flange portion 174, so that they are supported in the cylindrical portion 170.

[0196] And, if Fig.30 As shown in (a), when the upper end side of the column 230 is embedded in the cylindrical portion 170, the two locking portions 173 of the cylindrical portion 170 move downward while elastically contacting the side of the column 230, and are respectively locked to the two locked portions 231 by the elastic force of the two locking portions 173 toward the inside. The so-called locking portions 173 are locked relative to the locked portions 231 by snap-fitting, and the movement of the housing 160 relative to the column 230 toward the positive side in the Z-axis direction is restricted.

[0197] Furthermore, at this time, the restricted portion 175 of the cylindrical portion 170 engages with the restricting portion 232 of the opposing column 230 , and the rotation of the input device 101 relative to the column 230 is restricted.

[0198] In addition, if Fig.30 As shown in (a), before the rotary pressing member 190 is rotated, as shown in Fig.31 As shown in FIG. 2( a ), the urging member 180 and the rotation pressing member 190 are placed on the upper edge of the column 230 with the steering shaft 300 inserted therein.

[0199] At this time, the pressing portion 192 of the rotation pressing member 190 is located at the positive side (right side) end in the X-axis direction, and is away from the position where the downward protrusion 180A of the urging member 180 is located.

[0200] That is, Fig.31 As shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , the pressing portion 192 of the rotation pressing member 190 is arranged at a position away from the protrusion 180A of the urging member 180. Therefore, the degree to which the pressing portion 192 pushes up the urging member 180 is small.

[0201] like Fig.30 As shown in (b), when Fig.30 When the rotation operation portion 194 of the rotation pressing member 190 is rotated clockwise from the state (a), as Fig.31 As shown in (b), the pressing portion 192 rotates toward the negative side (left side) in the X-axis direction, pushes up the downward protrusion 180A of the force applying member 180, and presses the force applying member 180 toward the positive side in the Z-axis direction. As a result, the force applying member 180 applies force to the flange portion 174 in the direction away from the column 230 along the central axis direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction).

[0202] Therefore, the frictional force between the flange portion and the upper end of the column 230 caused by the urging member 180 is further increased, and the fixing of the input device 101 and the column 230 becomes firmer.

[0203] In addition, when Fig.30(b) The input device 101 is firmly fixed to the column 230. When replacing the input device 101, the rotation operation portion 194 is rotated counterclockwise to become Fig.30 The input device 101 is put into the state of (a), whereby the fixation between the input device 101 and the column 230 is loosened, and the input device 101 can be removed by an easy operation.

[0204] As described above, the input device 101 of the present embodiment includes a housing 160 and a force member 180. The housing 160 includes a cylindrical portion 170 in which one end side of a column 230 that supports the steering shaft 300 in a rotatable manner is embedded, and an operating portion operated by a driver is installed. The force member 180 is arranged between the flange portion 174 formed on the inner side surface of the cylindrical portion 170 and the column 230 in the central axis direction of the cylindrical portion 170. The cylindrical portion 170 includes a locking portion 173 that is locked relative to the locked portion 231 of the column 230 in the above-mentioned central axis direction. In addition, the force member 180 applies force to the flange portion 174 in a direction away from the column 230 along the central axis direction when the locking portion 173 is locked relative to the locked portion 231.

[0205] The effects produced thereby are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0206] The input device 101 of this embodiment includes a rotation pressing member 190. The rotation pressing member 190 is disposed between the flange 174 and the column 230 in the central axis direction of the cylindrical portion 170, and rotates while sandwiching the urging member 180 between the flange 174 to press the urging member 180 to elastically deform it.

[0207] Thus, the rotation pressing member 190 can be rotated to increase the frictional force between the cylindrical portion 170 and the column 230 , so that the input device 101 can be fixed to the column 230 with a simple operation.

[0208] The rotary pressing member 190 includes a base 191 and at least one pressing portion 192 protruding from the base 191 and contacting the urging member 180 . The pressing portion 192 contacts the urging member 180 as the rotary pressing member 190 rotates, thereby pressing the urging member 180 to elastically deform it.

[0209] Thus, for example, by forming the pressing portion 192 of the rotation pressing member 190 in a mountain shape having an inclined portion so as to protrude relative to the urging member 180 , the pressing portion 192 can be easily formed, and the urging member 180 can be reliably pressed.

[0210] When the input device 101 is mounted on the steering shaft 300 , the pressing portion 192 comes into contact with the urging member 180 by the rotation of the rotation pressing member 190 , and presses the urging member 180 to cause elastic deformation.

[0211] Thus, the rotation pressing member 190 can be rotated to increase the frictional force between the cylindrical portion 170 and the column 230 , so that the input device 101 can be fixed to the column 230 with a simple operation.

[0212] The flange portion 174 of the cylindrical portion 170 has a restricted portion 175 that protrudes or recesses in the direction of the central axis, and the column 230 has a restricting portion 232 that is recessed or protrudes in the direction of the central axis of the column 230. When the restricted portion 175 is engaged with the restricting portion 232, the cylindrical portion 170 is restricted from rotating in the circumferential direction relative to the column 230.

[0213] Thus, since the rotation of the cylindrical portion 170 in the circumferential direction relative to the column 230 is restricted, the input device 101 can be more firmly fixed to the column 230 .

[0214] The urging member 180 is an annular plate member having a shape curved along the central axis direction of the cylindrical portion 170 .

[0215] This can suppress the thickness of the urging member 180 in the central axis direction of the cylindrical portion 170 and can strongly urge the flange portion 174 of the cylindrical portion 170. As a result, the input device 101 can be more firmly fixed to the column 230.

[0216] The rotation pressing member 190 has a rotation operation portion 194 on the outer periphery.

[0217] Thus, for example, the rotation operation portion 194 formed in a rod shape can be operated to rotate the rotation pressing member 190 , so that the input device 101 can be easily fixed to or removed from the column 230 .

[0218] The above is an explanation of the input device of one or more technical solutions based on the implementation mode, but the present disclosure is not limited to the implementation mode. As long as it does not deviate from the main purpose of the present disclosure, various deformation methods that a person skilled in the art thinks of and the methods constructed by combining other components can also be included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0219] For example, the urging members 140 and 180 may be springs such as coil springs and leaf springs, or washers such as spring washers.

[0220] Industrial Applicability

[0221] The present disclosure can be applied to, for example, an input device mounted on a steering shaft of a vehicle or the like.

[0222] Description of Reference Numerals

[0223] 100, 101, input device; 110, 160, housing; 112R, 162R, first bracket mounting portion; 112L, 162L, second bracket mounting portion; 120, 170, cylindrical portion; 121, convex portion; 122, 172, claw; 123, 173, locking portion; 124, 174, flange portion; 130R, steering rod unit; 131R, steering rod; 132R, rod bracket; 130L, wiper rod unit; 131L, wiper rod; 132L, rod bracket; 140, 180, force member; 180A, protrusion; 141, insertion hole; 150, rotation Limiting member; 151, insertion hole; 152, 191, base; 152a, protrusion; 152b, rotation locking portion; 153, 193, embedding portion; 175, restricted portion; 176, slit portion; 181, first notch portion; 182, second notch portion; 190, rotation pressing member; 192, pressing portion; 194, rotation operating portion; 195, notch portion; 200, 230, column; 201, 231, locked portion; 210, first recessed portion; 211, non-inclined bottom surface; 212, inclined bottom surface; 220, second recessed portion; 232, limiting portion; 300, steering shaft.

Claims

1. An input device, in, The input device comprises: a housing having a cylindrical portion into which one end of a column rotatably supporting a steering shaft is inserted and on which an operating portion operated by a driver is mounted; a biasing member disposed between a flange portion formed on an inner side surface of the cylindrical portion and the column in a direction of a central axis of the cylindrical portion; and a rotation limiting member disposed between the flange portion and the column in the direction of the central axis of the cylindrical portion, and limiting the rotation of the cylindrical portion relative to the column in the circumferential direction, The cylindrical portion has a locking portion that is locked relative to the locked portion of the column in the direction of the central axis. The force applying member applies force to the flange portion in a direction away from the column along the central axis direction when the locking portion is locked relative to the locked portion. The rotation restricting member is locked relative to the flange portion in the circumferential direction while the biasing member is sandwiched between the flange portion, and is locked relative to the column in the circumferential direction, thereby restricting the rotation of the cylindrical portion. The rotation restricting member includes a base and a protrusion protruding from the base and contacting the column, and the protrusion contacts the column to press the biasing member to elastically deform the biasing member. The column has a first recessed portion, which is recessed toward the central axis of the column and into which the protrusion is inserted. The bottom surface of the first recess has a non-inclined bottom surface and an inclined bottom surface. The non-inclined bottom surface is a surface substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the column. The inclined bottom surface is a surface inclined in such a manner that the depth of the first recessed portion increases as the surface becomes farther away from the non-inclined bottom surface. When the input device is mounted on the steering shaft, The protrusion of the rotation restricting member inserted into the first recess so as to face the inclined bottom surface moves toward the non-inclined bottom surface while sliding on the inclined bottom surface by the rotation of the housing, so that the rotation restricting member presses the urging member to elastically deform it.

2. The input device according to claim 1, in, The base of the rotation restricting member has a rotation locking portion that is bent in the direction of the central axis of the cylindrical portion and protrudes toward the column side. The column further has a second recessed portion, which is recessed toward the central axis of the column and into which the rotation locking portion is inserted. When the input device is mounted on the steering shaft, The rotation locking portion of the rotation restricting member inserted into the second recess moves while being bent by the rotation of the housing, thereby being inserted into the first recess. The protrusion inserted into the first recess is locked with one of the two side surfaces of the first recess, and the rotation locking portion inserted into the first recess is locked with the other of the two side surfaces of the first recess.

3. The input device according to claim 1, in, The urging member is an annular plate member having a shape curved along the central axis direction of the cylindrical portion.

4. The input device according to claim 1 or 2, in, The rotation restricting member is an annular member formed with at least one insertion hole. The protrusions formed on the flange portion of the cylindrical portion are respectively inserted into the at least one insertion hole.

5. An input device, in, The input device comprises: a housing having a cylindrical portion into which one end of a column rotatably supporting a steering shaft is fitted and to which an operating portion operated by a driver is mounted; and a biasing member disposed between a flange portion formed on an inner side surface of the cylindrical portion and the column in the direction of the central axis of the cylindrical portion, The cylindrical portion has a locking portion that is locked relative to the locked portion of the column in the direction of the central axis. The force applying member applies force to the flange portion in a direction away from the column along the central axis direction when the locking portion is locked relative to the locked portion. The urging member is an annular plate member having a shape curved along the central axis direction of the cylindrical portion.

6. A mobile body, in, The movable body includes the input device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the steering shaft, and the column.

7. A steering shaft system, in, The steering axle system includes: Steering axle; and a column that supports the steering shaft in a rotatable manner, The column is formed with a first recessed portion, the first recessed portion being a recessed portion recessed in the direction of the central axis of the column and into which a protrusion formed on a member for mounting an input device on the steering shaft is inserted. The bottom surface of the first recess has a non-inclined bottom surface and an inclined bottom surface. The non-inclined bottom surface is a surface substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the column. The inclined bottom surface is a surface inclined so that the first recess becomes deeper as it becomes farther away from the non-inclined bottom surface.

8. The steering shaft system according to claim 7, in, The column is further formed with a second recessed portion that is recessed in the direction of the central axis of the column and into which a rotation locking portion formed on a member for mounting the input device on the steering shaft is inserted.

9. An input device, in, The input device comprises: a housing having a cylindrical portion into which one end of a column rotatably supporting a steering shaft is inserted and on which an operating portion operated by a driver is mounted; a biasing member disposed between a flange portion formed on an inner side surface of the cylindrical portion and the column in a direction of a central axis of the cylindrical portion; and a rotation pressing member disposed between the flange portion and the column in the direction of the central axis of the cylindrical portion, The cylindrical portion has a locking portion that is locked relative to the locked portion of the column in the direction of the central axis. The force applying member applies force to the flange portion in a direction away from the column along the central axis direction when the locking portion is locked relative to the locked portion. The rotation pressing member presses the urging member to elastically deform the urging member by rotating with the urging member sandwiched between the flange portion.

10. The input device according to claim 9, in, The rotation pressing member includes a base and at least one pressing portion protruding from the base and contacting the urging member. The pressing portion contacts the urging member as the rotation pressing member rotates, thereby pressing the urging member to elastically deform it.

11. The input device according to claim 10, in, When the input device is mounted on the steering shaft, The pressing portion comes into contact with the urging member by the rotation of the rotary pressing member, and presses the urging member to elastically deform it.

12. The input device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, in, The flange portion of the cylindrical portion has a restricted portion that protrudes or is recessed in the direction of the central axis. The column has a limiting portion that is recessed or protrudes toward the central axis of the column. In a state where the restricted portion is engaged with the restricting portion, the cylindrical portion is restricted from rotating in the circumferential direction relative to the column.

13. The input device according to claim 9, in, The urging member is an annular plate member having a shape curved along the central axis direction of the cylindrical portion.

14. The input device according to claim 9, in, The rotation pressing member has a rotation operation portion on an outer periphery.

15. A mobile body, in, The moving body includes the input device according to any one of claims 9 to 14, the steering shaft, and the column.

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