Steering device

Abstract

A steering device that is easy to assemble and has high rigidity is obtained. A steering device (S) includes: a column housing (C) which houses a steering shaft and is capable of changing posture; a bracket (B) which is disposed close to the column housing (C); and a tensioning mechanism (T) located between the column housing (C) and the bracket (B) for pressing the column housing (C) and the bracket (B). The tensioning mechanism (T) includes: a housing (1) disposed on the column housing (C) or the bracket (B); a tensioning body (2) disposed on the housing (1) and movable in a direction intersecting the opposing directions of the column housing (C) and the bracket (B); and a force-applying member (3) which applies force to the tensioning body (2). The tensioning body (2) has a first surface facing the column housing (C) and a second surface facing the bracket (B). The first surface and the second surface are conical and the gap between them is narrower towards the lower side of the force-applying direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The steering device of the present invention includes: a column housing having a built-in steering shaft related to the steering operation of the vehicle, supported on the axle support of the vehicle, and capable of changing posture; and a bracket disposed close to the column housing at a position different from the axle support on the vehicle side, and the steering device having a tensioning mechanism that applies pressure between the column housing and the bracket. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, such steering devices have been shown, for example, in Patent Document 1 (refer to paragraphs 0011 and 0016) and Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 ).

[0003] In this existing steering system, the steering column is supported on a main bracket fixed to the vehicle side, and a pressure-applying component, serving as a tensioning mechanism, is located between the main bracket and the steering column. The pressure-applying component consists of leaf springs and coil springs, through which pressure is applied unilaterally to the steering column from the main bracket. This increases the lateral rigidity of the steering column, thereby suppressing vibrations transmitted to the steering wheel.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-7956

[0005] The aforementioned existing steering system uses a compressive load generated by a spring to ensure the rigidity of the steering column. Therefore, the steering column is in a floating state relative to the main support via the spring. Consequently, when the steering column is subjected to vehicle vibrations, some vibration is inevitably generated, resulting in a feeling of insufficient rigidity when steering. Furthermore, there are concerns about fatigue failure of the pressurized components due to prolonged vibration.

[0006] Furthermore, assembling the steering system into a vehicle requires compressing the pressurizing components and inserting the steering column into the main bracket, making the assembly process extremely cumbersome. On the other hand, to improve assemblability, the spring load on the pressurizing components must be limited, which leads to a deterioration in the steering column's holding stiffness. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Thus, there are various issues to be addressed in existing steering mechanisms, and there has always been a need for a steering mechanism that is easy to assemble and has high rigidity.

[0008] (Feature Structure)

[0009] The characteristic structure of the steering device of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a column housing, which houses a steering shaft related to the steering operation of the vehicle and is supported on the axle support of the vehicle, allowing for changes in posture; a bracket, which is disposed close to the column housing at a position different from the axle support on the vehicle side; and a tensioning mechanism disposed between the column housing and the bracket, generating a pressing force on the column housing and the bracket. The tensioning mechanism comprises: a housing disposed on the column housing or the bracket; a tensioning body disposed on the housing and movable in a direction intersecting the opposing directions of the column housing and the bracket; and a force-applying member that applies force to the tensioning body in the intersecting direction. The tensioning body has a first surface facing the column housing and a second surface facing the bracket, the first surface and the second surface being conical, and the distance between them narrowing as they are located below the force-applying direction of the force-applying member.

[0010] (Effect)

[0011] In the tensioning mechanism of this structure, the first and second surfaces of the tensioning body, arranged in a conical shape, always abut against the column housing or bracket and outer shell. Therefore, the column housing and bracket will not elastically undergo relative displacement. Consequently, the holding rigidity of the column housing is very high.

[0012] Furthermore, since the relative position of the column housing and the bracket is defined by the wedge effect created by the conical first and second surfaces, the force-applying component that applies force to the tensioning body in the axial direction only needs to be small. Therefore, a steering device with a compact tensioning mechanism and excellent mounting capability can be obtained.

[0013] (Feature Structure)

[0014] Preferably, the steering device of the present invention includes an intermediate component, which is pressed against the outer casing in the opposite direction by abutting against the first surface or the second surface, and abutting against the bracket or the column housing on the side where the outer casing is not provided.

[0015] (Effect)

[0016] By incorporating an intermediate component into the outer casing, as in this structure, the thickness of the tensioning mechanism itself can be altered by changing the amount of extension of the intermediate component from the casing. Therefore, even in cases where there are manufacturing errors in the gap dimensions between the bracket and the column housing, these dimensional errors can be absorbed by adjusting the position of the intermediate component.

[0017] Furthermore, in structures where the intermediate component abuts against the bracket or pillar housing, the intermediate component slides relative to the bracket, etc., when the pillar housing tilts. Therefore, there are concerns about the durability being affected by wear and tear on the bracket and pillar housing. However, the intermediate component can have a relatively simple structure, and by appropriately selecting the material of the intermediate component, wear damage to the bracket, etc., can be prevented. Therefore, a steering system with excellent durability can be obtained.

[0018] (Feature Structure)

[0019] Preferably, in the steering device of the present invention, the intermediate component is provided with a convex anti-detachment part having a bulge at the front end and being elastically deformable, and the fixing hole into which the anti-detachment part engages is provided in the outer shell.

[0020] (Effect)

[0021] If the structure is configured as shown in this example, with the elastically deformable convex anti-detachment part inserted into the fixing hole, it is easy to assemble the intermediate parts relative to the outer shell.

[0022] Furthermore, if the structure allows for the temporary fixing of intermediate components relative to the outer casing, for example, when the column housing equipped with the tensioning mechanism is placed in the designated position of the bracket, the intermediate components will not accidentally fall off, making it very easy to assemble the column housing.

[0023] (Feature Structure)

[0024] In the steering device of the present invention, a locking part and a locked part are formed separately on the tensioning body and the outer shell, which engage with each other in a state where the tensioning body has moved in the opposite direction to the applied force direction.

[0025] (Effect)

[0026] By incorporating the locking and locked portions of this structure, for example, when the column housing containing the tensioning mechanism is positioned at a predetermined position relative to the bracket, the function of the tensioning body can be suspended. That is, during assembly, the first or second surface of the tensioning body does not act on the bracket or other object-side components, facilitating the assembly of the column housing. After the assembly of the column housing is completed, by releasing the locking and locked portions, the tensioning mechanism can be activated, allowing for the rapid installation of the steering device.

[0027] (Feature Structure)

[0028] Preferably, the steering device of the present invention has a tensioning body having a rod-shaped portion extending and protruding along the applied force direction, a locking portion being a claw portion provided at the front end of the rod-shaped portion in a state that can be elastically deformed in a direction orthogonal to the applied force direction, and a locking portion provided in the outer shell being a hole portion having a recess that can be locked by the claw portion and capable of receiving the end of the rod-shaped portion.

[0029] (Effect)

[0030] The locking and locked parts of this structure allow the rod-shaped part of the tensioning body to be pressed into the hole in the outer shell, thus easily fixing the tensioning body in place. Therefore, the presence of the tensioning mechanism does not hinder the smooth installation of the column housing.

[0031] Furthermore, since the tensioning body has a rod-shaped portion, the force-applying component can be, for example, a helical spring, which is inserted into the rod-shaped portion. Therefore, it is possible to reasonably construct a tensioning mechanism that has both the holding function of the force-applying component and the locking function of the tensioning body.

[0032] (Feature Structure)

[0033] The steering device of the present invention can be configured such that the tensioning body has a foot protruding in a direction orthogonal to the applied force direction and a flange provided at the front end of the foot, and the outer casing is provided with a groove that can guide the movement of the foot and the flange in a way that prevents slippage.

[0034] (Effect)

[0035] In this structure, when the tensioning body is installed on the outer shell, or when the column housing with the tensioning body installed is placed on the bracket, the tensioning body can be prevented from falling off the outer shell.

[0036] In addition, because the movement trajectory of the tensioning body is stabilized through the feet and grooves, the pressing function of the tensioning body can be reliably performed. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the steering device according to the first embodiment.

[0038] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view showing the main parts of the tensioning mechanism in the first embodiment.

[0039] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing the operation mode of the tensioning mechanism in the first embodiment.

[0040] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the tensioning mechanism in the second embodiment.

[0041] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the tensioning mechanism in the third embodiment.

[0042] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the tensioning mechanism in the fourth embodiment.

[0043] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0044] 1…outer shell; 11…groove; 14…locked part; 141…hole; 142…recess; 144…recess; 15…fixing hole; 2…tensioning body; 22…rod-shaped part; 23…foot; 24…locked part; 251…claw; 24…flange; 3…force-applying part; 4…intermediate part; 41…bulge; 42…anti-detachment part; B…bracket; C…pillar shell; F1…first surface; F2…second surface; S…steering device; T…tensioning mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0045] (summary)

[0046] The steering device S of the present invention includes: a column housing C, which houses a steering shaft related to the steering operation of the vehicle, is supported on an axle support portion of the vehicle, and can change posture; and a bracket B, which is disposed close to the column housing C at a position different from the axle support portion on the vehicle side. The steering device S includes a tensioning mechanism T that applies pressure between the column housing C and the bracket B. Hereinafter, various embodiments of the steering device S of the present invention will be described with reference to the figures.

[0047] [First Implementation]

[0048] exist Figures 1 to 3 An example of a steering device S according to the first embodiment of the present invention is shown. The tensioning mechanism T of this device is a component that uses a bracket B to prevent movement of the pillar housing C in a manner that allows for tilting of the pillar housing C without unintentionally moving the pillar housing C relative to the vehicle. The tensioning mechanism T of this structure reliably suppresses movement of the pillar housing C during vehicle use and exhibits good workability when installed in a vehicle, and has the following structure.

[0049] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the tensioning mechanism T is provided throughout the column housing C and the bracket B. As the main structure, it includes a housing 1, a tensioning body 2 provided on the housing 1 and movable in a direction intersecting the opposite direction of the column housing C and the bracket B, and a force-applying member 3 that applies force to the tensioning body 2 in the aforementioned intersecting direction.

[0050] The tensioning body 2 has a first surface F1 facing the column housing C and a second surface F2 facing the bracket B. The first surface F1 and the second surface F2 are not parallel. That is, the first surface F1 and the second surface F2 are conical, and the distance between them is narrower as they are located below the force applied by the force-applying member 3. Based on this structure, by applying force to the tensioning body 2 as described later, the column housing C and the bracket B can be pressed against each other using a wedge effect.

[0051] [Tensioning mechanism]

[0052] The following shows a more detailed structure of the tensioning mechanism T. For example... Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the tensioning mechanism T consists of a housing 1, a tensioning body 2 mounted on the housing 1, a force-applying component 3 that applies force to the tensioning body 2, and an intermediate component 4 that abuts against the tensioning body 2. The housing 1 is located on the column housing C, but it can also be located on the bracket B.

[0053] The outer shell 1 is a long strip-shaped component, and in this embodiment, it is integrally formed relative to the column housing C by aluminum die casting. Of course, the outer shell, which is separate from the column housing C, can also be installed on the column housing C by screws or the like. In the center of the outer shell 1, a groove 11 is formed to hold the tensioning body 2 in a sliding position.

[0054] The tensioning body 2, for example, includes a head 21 and a rod-shaped portion 22. The head 21 is the part that presses the cylindrical housing C and the bracket B in a direction that separates them from each other. It has a first surface F1 that abuts against the elongated receiving surface 12 formed by the slotted portion 11 in the outer casing 1, and a second surface F2 that abuts against a component on one side of the bracket B. Here, the first surface F1 is parallel to the axis X of the cylindrical housing C, and the second surface F2 is inclined relative to the axis X.

[0055] A foot 23 is formed at the center of the first surface F1 of the head 21 of the tensioning body 2, protruding in a direction orthogonal to the direction of force application, i.e., toward the outer casing 1. Furthermore, a flange 24 is formed at the front end of the foot 23. A portion of the foot 23 and the flange 24 are inserted into the groove 11 of the outer casing 1, with a portion of the flange 24 abutting against the back surface of the groove 11. Thus, the foot 23 and the flange 24 are held inside the groove 11.

[0056] Furthermore, a portion of the groove 11 is provided with a width portion 13 through which the flange portion 24 can be inserted. This width portion 13 is only used when the tensioning body 2 is assembled to the housing 1. When the tensioning body 2 is in the working state, the foot portion 23 and the flange portion 24 will not reach the position of the width portion 13.

[0057] With this structure, when the tensioning body 2 is installed on the outer casing 1, or when the column housing C on which the tensioning body 2 is installed is placed on the bracket B, the tensioning body 2 can be prevented from falling off the outer casing 1. In addition, because the movement trajectory of the tensioning body 2 is stabilized by the foot 23 and the groove 11, the pressing function provided by the tensioning body 2 can be reliably performed.

[0058] A rod-shaped portion 22 extends and protrudes from the head 21 of the tensioning body 2 in the direction along the axis X. A force-applying member 3, such as a coil spring 31, is inserted outside this rod-shaped portion 22. That is, the direction in which the rod-shaped portion 22 extends and protrudes is also the direction of force application of the force-applying member 3. A locking portion 25 is provided at the front end of the rod-shaped portion 22. Specifically, this locking portion 25 is a claw portion 251, which can elastically deform in a direction orthogonal to the direction of force application. Figure 2 As shown, the front end of the rod-shaped portion 22 is formed into a fork shape with a pair of arms 252, and at the front end of each arm 252, the claw portion 251 is formed to face opposite directions to each other.

[0059] One of the outer casings 1 has a locking portion 14 that can be locked by a locking portion 25. Specifically, a hole 141 is formed that can receive the end of the rod-shaped portion 22, and a recess 142 that can be locked by a claw portion 251 is formed on the inner side of the hole 141. In this embodiment, the recess 142 is the edge of the hole 141.

[0060] like Figure 3 As shown in (a), if it is the locking part 25 and the locked part 14 of this structure, by pressing the rod-shaped part 22 of the tensioning body 2 into the hole 141 of the outer shell 1, the tensioning body 2 can be temporarily fixed to the outer shell 1 while the force-applying member 3 is compressed. Therefore, it is easy to perform the operation of retaining the tensioning mechanism T when the column housing C equipped with the tensioning mechanism T is set on the bracket B.

[0061] When the tensioning body 2 is in a temporarily fixed state, the first surface F1 or the second surface F2 of the tensioning body 2 does not act on the components such as the bracket B, making it easy to assemble the column housing C. Afterwards, once the assembly of the column housing C is complete, the engagement between the locking part 25 and the locked part 14 is released. Figure 3 (b)). In this case, by bringing the working tool abutting against the pair of arms 252 from an orthogonal direction, the gap between the pair of arms 252 is reduced, and the claw 251 easily disengages from the recess 142. By setting the locking part 25 and the locked part 14 of this structure in this way, the setting operation of the steering device S can be easily performed, and a tensioning mechanism T can be reasonably constructed to reliably prevent the vibration of the column housing C during normal operation.

[0062] [Intermediate components]

[0063] like Figure 2 As shown, in the tensioning mechanism T, an intermediate component 4 is provided to abut against the head 21 in order to apply pressure from the tensioning body 2 to the bracket B. The intermediate component 4 is also cone-shaped, having a third surface F3 that abuts against the second surface F2 of the head 21 and a fourth surface F4 that abuts against the bracket B. When the second surface F2 of the head 21 abuts against the third surface F3 of the intermediate component 4, the first surface F1 and the fourth surface F4 are parallel.

[0064] If the intermediate component 4 is such that, by appropriately setting the thickness of the intermediate component 4, the configuration position of the tensioning body 2 remains constant regardless of the gap size between the outer shell 1 and the bracket B, making it easy to apply appropriate pressing force to the bracket B. In this way, even if there are manufacturing errors in the gap size between the bracket B and the column housing C, the dimensional errors can be absorbed, allowing the tensioning mechanism T to function properly.

[0065] Furthermore, when the intermediate component 4 abuts against the bracket B, the fourth surface F4 of the intermediate component 4 slides relative to the bracket B during the tilting action of the column housing C. Therefore, there are concerns about the durability of the tensioning mechanism T, such as wear on the bracket B. However, by appropriately setting the material of the intermediate component 4 and the contact area relative to the bracket B, wear damage to the bracket B and the like can be prevented, and a steering device S with excellent durability can be obtained.

[0066] To facilitate installation relative to the outer casing 1, a bulge 41 is provided in the intermediate component 4. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the bulge 41 is provided at the front end of the anti-detachment portion 42, which protrudes from a part of the intermediate component 4 toward the outer casing 1, and is configured as a hook that can be elastically opened and deformed. On the other hand, the outer casing 1 is provided with a fixing hole 15 into which the bulge 41 and the anti-detachment portion 42 can be engaged with slight elastic deformation.

[0067] Furthermore, with the anti-detachment part 42 engaged in the fixing hole 15, the intermediate part 4 does not detach from the outer casing 1, but can move a predetermined distance along the direction from the outer casing 1 toward the bracket B.

[0068] With this structure, for example, when assembling the column housing C equipped with the tensioning mechanism T onto the bracket B, the intermediate component 4 will not accidentally detach, making the assembly of the column housing C easy. Furthermore, because it is configured to snap the elastically deformable anti-detachment part 42 into the fixing hole 15, the assembly of the intermediate component 4 relative to the outer shell 1 is also extremely easy.

[0069] In the tensioning mechanism T of this structure, the head 21 is pressed against the bracket B by the force-applying member 3 in the direction of the axis X, thereby utilizing a wedge effect to press the intermediate member 4 against the bracket B. Therefore, a large force is not required for the force-applying member 3, allowing for the use of a compact force-applying member 3 and saving space in the tensioning mechanism T. With the intermediate member 4 pressed against the bracket B, the head 21 and the intermediate member 4 are in close contact between the outer shell 1 and the bracket B. Therefore, the position of the column shell C is firmly maintained without any room for movement relative to the bracket B.

[0070] [Second Implementation]

[0071] Figure 4 This illustrates an example where intermediate component 4 is omitted, and the tensioning mechanism T is simplified. In this structure, the first surface F1 of the head 21 and the receiving surface 12 of the housing 1 are inclined surfaces, and the second surface F2 on one side of the bracket B becomes a plane parallel to the axis X. In this case, the bracket B, which can be used as a common component in various steering devices S, does not require special processing and can perform the pressing function solely through the tensioning mechanism T, making it easy to apply to various steering devices S.

[0072] Furthermore, in this case, to absorb the instability of the gap size between the column housing C and the bracket B, an intermediate component 4 can be provided between the head 21 and the column housing C or between the head 21 and the bracket B. In this case, for example, a simple planar pad component can be installed on any of the opposing components.

[0073] [Third Implementation Method]

[0074] Figure 5 and Figure 4 The example is the same, and the intermediate component 4 is also omitted. However, the structure of the head 21 is the same as in the first embodiment, except that the second surface F2 facing the bracket B is set as an inclined surface.

[0075] In this case, an inclined surface B1 needs to be formed in bracket B as well. However, because the head 21 moves along the axis X and does not shift in the direction intersecting the axis X, the pressing function of the head 21 is stable.

[0076] Furthermore, in this structure, a planar padding component can also be installed on the head 21 or the bracket B. This fills the gap between the head 21 and the bracket B, allowing the functional position of the head 21 along the axis X to be adjusted appropriately.

[0077] [Fourth Implementation Method]

[0078] exist Figure 6 Examples shown in (a) and (b) are examples of temporarily assembling the tensioning body 2 and installing it onto the housing 1 while the force-applying component 3 is pre-compressed.

[0079] In this structure, the tensioning body 2 also has a head 21 and a rod-shaped portion 22. However, the shape of the locking portion 25 at the end is different. That is, the locking portion 25 has an arm 253 extending and protruding along the axis X at the end of the rod-shaped portion 22, and a claw 254 is formed at the end of the arm 253. The claw 254 can swing in a direction intersecting the axis X.

[0080] In this embodiment, a locking portion 14 is separately formed from the outer casing 1. Specifically, the locking portion 14 is configured as a block-shaped receiving member 5, consisting of a hole 143 into which a rod-shaped portion 22 can be inserted and a recess 144 for locking a claw portion 254 inserted through the hole 143. The recess 144 is a cut formed along the radial direction relative to the axis X through the wall of the receiving member 5.

[0081] like Figure 6 As shown in (b), when the tensioning body 2 is installed on the housing 1, the rod-shaped part 22 is inserted through the force-applying member 3, and the rod-shaped part 22 is inserted into the hole 143 of the receiving member 5. By compressing and pressing the force-applying member 3, the claw part 254 and the recess 144 are locked together, and the tensioning body 2 and the locked part 14 are integrated while the force-applying member 3 is compressed.

[0082] like Figure 6 As shown, a protrusion 51 is formed on the back of the receiving component 5. This protrusion 51 is configured to pass through the width portion 13 of the groove 11 and engage with the back of the groove 11. Thus, the tensioning body 2, with the force-applying component 3 compressed, is mounted on the housing 1. By assembling the receiving component 5 in this compressed state, while keeping the tensioning body 2 separate from the housing 1, the assembly operation is extremely easy.

[0083] After the tensioning body 2 is fixed to the outer casing 1, the column housing C is fixed at a predetermined position relative to the bracket B, and the locking of the claw 254 is released. At this time, the locking state can be easily released simply by pressing the claw 254 towards the axis X side. In this way, a steering device S with a tensioning mechanism T having this structure can be obtained, making assembly operations extremely easy.

[0084] Industrial applicability

[0085] The steering device of the present invention can be widely used, for example, in steering devices in which the column housing is mounted in a manner that allows for tilting relative to the bracket.

Claims

1. A steering device, characterized in that, have: The column housing contains a steering shaft related to the vehicle's steering operation, is supported by the vehicle's axle support, and can change its posture; A bracket, positioned on one side of the vehicle at a location different from the axle support, close to the column housing; and A tensioning mechanism, disposed between the column housing and the bracket, generates a pressing force on both the column housing and the bracket. The tensioning mechanism has the following features: An outer casing, which is disposed on the column housing or the bracket; The tensioning body is disposed in the outer shell and is movable in a direction that intersects the opposing directions of the column housing and the bracket; as well as The force-applying component applies force to the tensioning body in the direction of the intersection. The tensioning body has a first surface facing the column housing and a second surface facing the bracket. The first and second surfaces are conical, and the spacing between them is narrower towards the lower side based on the force application direction of the force application component. The steering device includes an intermediate component that is pressed against the housing in the opposite direction by abutting against the first or second surface, and abuts against the bracket or the column housing on the side where the housing is not located. The intermediate component is provided with a convex anti-detachment part that has a bulge at the front end and is elastically deformable, and the fixing hole into which the anti-detachment part is engaged is provided in the outer shell.

2. The steering device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tensioning body and the outer shell are separately formed with a locking part and a locked part that engage with each other when the tensioning body has moved in the opposite direction to the applied force direction.

3. The steering device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The tensioning body has a rod-shaped portion that extends and protrudes along the direction of force application. The locking part is a claw portion provided at the front end of the rod-shaped part in a state that can elastically deform in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the applied force. The locking portion is provided on the outer casing and is a recessed portion that can be locked by the claw portion and a hole that can accommodate the end of the rod-shaped portion.

4. The steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The tensioning body has a foot protruding in a direction orthogonal to the applied force direction, and a flange portion provided at the front end of the foot. The outer casing is provided with a groove that guides the movement of the foot and the flange in a way that prevents them from slipping off.

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