Steering

By designing the fixing part, pivot part and rib structure of the lower bracket in the steering device, the problem of difficulty in installing the lower bracket on the vehicle body is solved, the strength of the column rotation restriction part is enhanced, and the stable installation and strength improvement of the steering device is achieved.

CN115397718BActive Publication Date: 2025-08-15NSK LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202180026152.7
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2020-03-30
Filing Date
2021-03-25
Publication Date
2025-08-15
Estimated Expiration
2041-03-25

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing steering device is not easy to install the vehicle body when installing the lower bracket, and the strength of the column rotation restriction part is insufficient.

Method used

A steering device is designed, wherein the lower bracket has a fixing part, a pivot part and a rib. The fixing part is arranged outside the steering column facing the vehicle body, the pivot part is connected to the steering column, the rib part is connected to the fixing part and the pivot part through a curved part, and the column rotation restriction part is arranged on the lower side of the pivot part, thereby enhancing the strength of the lower bracket and the column rotation restriction part.

Benefits of technology

The easy installation of the lower bracket on the vehicle body and the strength of the column rotation restriction part are achieved, ensuring the smooth progress of the installation process and improving the stability of the device.

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Abstract

The present invention provides a steering device that can easily carry out the installation operation of installing a lower bracket on a vehicle body and can improve the strength of the lower bracket and the column rotation limiting portion. In the steering device (80), an upper bracket (40) is fixed to the vehicle body and supports a steering column (50). Two lower brackets (20) are fixed to the vehicle body on both sides of the steering column (50) and support the steering column (50) in a manner that the steering column (50) can swing in the up and down directions. The lower bracket (20) includes: a fixing portion (21) that faces the vehicle body and is arranged at a position that is closer to the outside of the steering column (50) in the vehicle width direction; a pivot portion (22) that faces the steering column (50); and a rib portion (23) that is connected to the fixing portion (21) and the pivot portion (22) through a curved plate-shaped bent portion. The steering column (50) includes a column rotation limiting portion (56) that faces the lower end face (225) of the pivot portion (22) with a gap therebetween.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a steering device. Background Art

[0002] In a vehicle, a steering device is provided as a device for transmitting an operator's (driver's) operation of a steering wheel to a wheel. A steering device is known in which a steering column is swung around a pin member in order to adjust the vertical position of the steering wheel. Patent document 1 describes an example of a steering device. The steering device of patent document 1 includes a column rotation limiting portion that limits the rotation of the steering column relative to a lower bracket, thereby improving the convenience of installing the steering column on the vehicle body and limiting the free movement of the steering column when it is detached.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-269793 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] In addition, in order to easily attach the under bracket to the vehicle body, two under brackets are sometimes configured on both sides of the steering column. In addition, for the under bracket and the column rotation restriction portion that restricts the rotation of the steering column, higher strength is required.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to provide a steering system that can facilitate the installation work of a down bracket to a vehicle body and can improve the strength of the down bracket and a column rotation restricting portion.

[0009] Solutions for solving problems

[0010] The steering wheel is connected to the steering column by a plurality of levers, and the plurality of levers are connected to the steering column by a plurality of levers.

[0011] The column rotation restrictor prevents the steering column from rotating significantly relative to the lower bracket when the steering column is not supported by the upper bracket or when the steering system is being mounted on the vehicle body. Furthermore, by arranging the two lower brackets on either side of the steering column and positioning the fixing portion outward of the steering column in the vehicle width direction, bolts can be easily installed in the fixing portion, thereby simplifying the process of mounting the steering system on the vehicle body. Furthermore, although the two lower brackets are separated from each other, the swing range of each lower bracket relative to the steering column is limited by the column rotation restrictor. This stabilizes the position of the lower brackets, facilitating the mounting of the steering system on the vehicle body. The lower bracket includes a rib connecting the fixing portion and the pivot portion via a curved portion, resulting in increased strength. Furthermore, by positioning the column rotation restrictor below the pivot portion, its strength is enhanced. Specifically, if the column rotation restrictor is positioned in front of or behind the lower bracket, facing the rib, the height of the column rotation restrictor must be greater than the height of the curved portion. In this case, stress generated in the column rotation restrictor increases, potentially causing deformation. Furthermore, to facilitate installation, the fixing portion is positioned outboard of the steering column in the vehicle width direction. This makes it difficult to position the column rotation restrictor so that it faces the fixing portion. In contrast, positioning the column rotation restrictor below the pivot portion restricts steering column rotation and reduces its height, making it less susceptible to deformation. Consequently, the steering system of the present invention facilitates mounting the lower bracket on the vehicle body and improves the strength of the lower bracket and column rotation restrictor.

[0012] As a desirable technical solution of the above-mentioned steering device, the pivot portion is orthogonal to the fixed portion, and the rib portion is orthogonal to the fixed portion and the pivot portion.

[0013] Thus, in the steering device of the present invention, it is possible to easily position the down bracket relative to the vehicle body and the steering column relative to the down bracket. In addition, the steering device of the present invention can achieve both miniaturization and improvement of the strength of the down bracket.

[0014] As a desirable aspect of the steering device, the vehicle width direction outer end portion of the column rotation restricting portion is arranged inward in the vehicle width direction relative to the vehicle width direction outer surface of the pivot portion.

[0015] This can restrict the rotation of the steering column, and the column rotation restricting portion is less likely to deform, etc. Therefore, the steering device of the present invention can further improve the strength of the column rotation restricting portion.

[0016] Effects of the Invention

[0017] According to the steering device of the present invention, the installation work of the down bracket to the vehicle body can be easily performed, and the strength of the down bracket and the column rotation restricting portion can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the steering device according to the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the steering device according to the embodiment.

[0020] Figure 3 It is a side view of the steering device according to the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional view of the shell and the lower bracket.

[0022] Figure 5 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the shell.

[0023] Figure 6 This is the front view of the shell and lower bracket.

[0024] Figure 7 It is the rear view of the housing and lower bracket.

[0025] Figure 8 It is a right side view of the housing and lower bracket.

[0026] Figure 9 It is the left side view of the shell and lower bracket.

[0027] Figure 10 It is a top view of the housing and lower bracket.

[0028] Figure 11 It is a bottom view of the shell and lower bracket.

[0029] Figure 12 yes Figure 9 AA cross-sectional view.

[0030] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A partial enlarged view of . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to the manner in which the invention is implemented (hereinafter referred to as an embodiment) described below. The constituent elements in the following embodiments include elements readily apparent to those skilled in the art, substantially identical elements, and elements within the so-called equivalent scope. Furthermore, the constituent elements disclosed in the following embodiments may be appropriately combined.

[0032] (Implementation Method)

[0033] Figure 1Schematic diagram of the steering device of the embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the steering device 80 includes a steering wheel 81 , a steering shaft 82 , a steering force assist mechanism 83 , a first universal joint 84 , an intermediate shaft 85 , and a second universal joint 86 .

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the steering shaft 82 includes an input shaft 82a and an output shaft 82b. One end of the input shaft 82a is connected to the steering wheel 81. The other end of the input shaft 82a is connected to the output shaft 82b. One end of the output shaft 82b is connected to the input shaft 82a. The other end of the output shaft 82b is connected to the first universal joint 84.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, one end of an intermediate shaft 85 is connected to the first universal joint 84. The other end of the intermediate shaft 85 is connected to the second universal joint 86. One end of a pinion shaft 87 is connected to the second universal joint 86. The other end of the pinion shaft 87 is connected to the steering gear 88. The first universal joint 84 and the second universal joint 86 are, for example, universal joints. The rotation of the steering shaft 82 is transmitted to the pinion shaft 87 via the intermediate shaft 85. The second universal joint 86 is connected to the pinion shaft 87.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the steering gear 88 includes a pinion 88a and a rack 88b. Pinion 88a is connected to pinion shaft 87. Rack 88b meshes with pinion 88a. Steering gear 88 converts the rotational motion transmitted to pinion 88a into linear motion using rack 88b. Rack 88b is connected to tie rod 89. The movement of rack 88b changes the angle of the wheel.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the steering force assist mechanism 83 includes a reduction gear 92 and an electric motor 93. The reduction gear 92 is, for example, a worm gear reduction gear. The torque generated by the electric motor 93 is transmitted to the worm wheel via the worm gear within the reduction gear 92, causing the worm wheel to rotate. The reduction gear 92 utilizes the worm gear and worm wheel to multiply the torque generated by the electric motor 93. The reduction gear 92 applies assistive steering torque to the output shaft 82b. In other words, the steering system 80 is a column-assisted type.

[0038] like Figure 1As shown, the steering system 80 includes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 90, a torque sensor 94, and a vehicle speed sensor 95. The electric motor 93, torque sensor 94, and vehicle speed sensor 95 are all electrically connected to the ECU 90. The torque sensor 94 outputs the steering torque transmitted to the input shaft 82a to the ECU 90 via CAN (Controller Area Network) communication. The vehicle speed sensor 95 detects the speed of the vehicle body (vehicle speed) on which the steering system 80 is mounted. The vehicle speed sensor 95 is mounted on the vehicle body and outputs the vehicle speed to the ECU 90 via CAN communication.

[0039] ECU90 controls the operation of the electric motor 93. ECU90 obtains signals from the torque sensor 94 and the vehicle speed sensor 95, respectively. When the ignition switch 98 is on, power is supplied to ECU90 from a power supply device 99 (e.g., an onboard battery). ECU90 calculates an auxiliary steering command value based on the steering torque and the vehicle speed. Based on the auxiliary steering command value, ECU90 adjusts the current value supplied to the electric motor 93. ECU90 obtains induced voltage information from the electric motor 93, or obtains information output from a resolver or the like provided in the electric motor 93. By controlling the electric motor 93 through ECU90, the force required to operate the steering wheel 81 is reduced.

[0040] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the steering device according to the embodiment. Figure 3 It is a side view of the steering device according to the embodiment. Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional view of the shell and the lower bracket. Figure 5 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the shell. Figure 6 This is the front view of the shell and lower bracket. Figure 7 It is the rear view of the housing and lower bracket. Figure 8 It is a right side view of the housing and lower bracket. Figure 9 It is the left side view of the shell and lower bracket. Figure 10 It is a top view of the housing and lower bracket. Figure 11 It is a bottom view of the shell and lower bracket. Figure 12 yes Figure 9 AA cross-sectional view. Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A partial enlarged view of .

[0041] In the following description, the XYZ orthogonal coordinate axes are used. The X-axis is parallel to the width direction (left-right direction) of the vehicle. The Z-axis is parallel to the rotation axis R of the steering shaft 82. The Y-axis is orthogonal to both the X-axis and the Z-axis. The upward direction of the vehicle in the Y-direction parallel to the Y-axis is referred to as the +Y direction. The forward direction of the vehicle in the Z-direction parallel to the Z-axis is referred to as the +Z direction. The rightward direction, with the +Y direction upward and facing the +Z direction, is referred to as the +X direction.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, the steering device 80 includes a steering column 50, an upper bracket 40, a fastening mechanism 60, and a lower bracket 20. The steering column 50 includes an upper column 51, a lower column 52, a housing 54, and a column rotation restricting portion 56.

[0043] The upper column 51 and the lower column 52 are cylindrical components. The upper column 51 and the lower column 52 are formed of steel materials or the like. For example, the upper column 51 and the lower column 52 are formed of carbon steel pipes for mechanical structures (so-called STKM materials). The upper column 51 is arranged in the -Z direction relative to the lower column 52. At least a portion of the upper column 51 is inserted into the lower column 52. The outer peripheral surface of the upper column 51 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the lower column 52. The upper column 51 and the lower column 52 support the steering shaft 82 so that it can rotate around the rotation axis R. The upper column 51 supports the input shaft 82a by means of a bearing. The lower column 52 supports the output shaft 82b by means of a bearing. The upper column 51 has a long hole extending in the Z direction.

[0044] The housing 54 is arranged in the +Z direction of the lower column 52. The housing 54 is connected to the lower column 52 by bolts or the like. A speed reduction device 92 or the like is arranged inside the housing 54. Figure 5 As shown, the housing 54 has a mounting hole 541 which is a hole opened in the X direction. The column rotation limiting portion 56 is a protrusion protruding from the housing 54 in the X direction. The column rotation limiting portion 56 is arranged on both sides of the housing 54 in the X direction. The column rotation limiting portion 56 is arranged at the end portion on the +X direction side and the end portion on the -X direction side of the housing 54. Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, when viewed from the X direction, the column rotation limiting portion 56 is in an oval shape. The column rotation limiting portion 56 can also be called a rectangular shape with chamfered corners when viewed from the X direction. The column rotation limiting portion 56 extends in the Z direction. The length direction of the column rotation limiting portion 56 is along the Z direction. The length of the column rotation limiting portion 56 in the Z direction is smaller than the length of the lower bracket 20 in the Z direction. When viewed from the Y direction, the center position of the column rotation limiting portion 56 in the Z direction is the same as that of the lower bracket 20. Figure 4 The center positions of the pin members 29 are shown overlapping.

[0045] The upper bracket 40 is fixed to the vehicle body and supports the steering column 50. The upper bracket 40 includes a mounting plate 41, a detachable capsule 49, and two support plates 43.

[0046] like Figure 2As shown, the mounting plate 41 is arranged in the +Y direction of the steering column 50. The mounting plate 41 is fixed to the vehicle body by means of a detachment capsule 49. The mounting plate 41 and the detachment capsule 49 are connected together by means of a resin component formed by resin injection, for example. The detachment capsule 49 is formed using a lightweight alloy such as an aluminum alloy for die casting (ADC material (Aluminum alloy Die Casting)). The detachment capsule 49 is fixed to the vehicle body by means of bolts, etc. During a secondary collision, a force toward the front is applied to the steering column 50, so that the mounting plate 41 moves forward relative to the detachment capsule 49, and the resin component breaks. As a result, the support provided by the detachment capsule 49 is released, and the upper column 51 and the upper bracket 40 are detached from the vehicle body. Thereafter, the impact is absorbed by the friction between the upper column 51 and the lower column 52.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, the support plate 43 extends from the mounting plate 41 in the -Y direction. The support plate 43 is arranged so as to face the side surface of the upper column 51. The two support plates 43 are arranged so as to sandwich the upper column 51 from both sides in the X direction. The two support plates 43 have long holes extending in the Y direction.

[0048] The fastening mechanism 60 is a device that presses the two support plates 43 toward the upper column 51. Figure 2 As shown, the fastening mechanism 60 includes a rod 61 and a lever 64 .

[0049] Rod 61 passes through the long hole in support plate 43 and the long hole in upper column 51. A rotating cam is mounted on rod 61. A fixed cam is mounted in the long hole in support plate 43. A lever 64 connects rod 61 and the rotating cam. The lever 64 extends into the vehicle compartment. When lever 64 rotates, rod 61 and the rotating cam rotate, while the fixed cam does not rotate. For example, the fixed cam can have an inclined surface on its surface facing the rotating cam. By causing the rotating cam to ride on the inclined surface of the fixed cam, the distance between the rotating cam and the fixed cam changes.

[0050] When the lever 64 is rotated so as to increase the distance from the rotating cam to the fixed cam, the fixed cam is pressed against the support plate 43. Since the friction between the fixed cam and the support plate 43 increases, the position of the steering column 50 in the pitch direction is fixed. Figure 4 The upper column 51 is secured to the lower column 52 by two support plates 43. This fixes the position of the upper column 51 relative to the lower column 52 in the extension and contraction direction (Z direction). Consequently, the position of the steering wheel 81 is fixed.

[0051] When the lever 64 is rotated so as to reduce the distance from the rotating cam to the fixed cam, a gap is easily generated between the fixed cam and the support plate 43. As a result, the friction between the fixed cam and the support plate 43 is reduced or eliminated. As a result, the position of the steering column 50 in the pitch direction can be adjusted. In addition, since the upper column 51 is not fastened by the support plate 43, the friction between the upper column 51 and the lower column 52 is reduced or eliminated. As a result, the position of the upper column 51 in the telescopic direction relative to the lower column 52 can be adjusted. Therefore, the position of the steering wheel 81 can be adjusted.

[0052] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the lower bracket 20 is fixed to the vehicle body. The lower bracket 20 is arranged in the +Z direction relative to the upper bracket 40. The two lower brackets 20 are independent components separated from each other. The two lower brackets 20 are arranged on both sides of the steering column 50 in the X direction. The two lower brackets 20 are independently fixed to the vehicle body, for example, by bolts. The lower bracket 20 is connected to the housing 54 of the steering column 50. The lower bracket 20 and the housing 54 are connected by Figure 4 The lower bracket 20 supports the steering column 50 so that the steering column 50 can rotate about a rotation axis along the X axis. The steering column 50 can rotate in the pitch direction with the pin member 29 as a fulcrum.

[0053] like Figure 4 As shown, the lower bracket 20 includes a fixing portion 21 , a pivot portion 22 , a rib portion 23 , a first bent portion 25 , a second bent portion 26 , and a third bent portion 27 .

[0054] The fixing portion 21 is a plate-shaped member facing the vehicle body. It is positioned outward of the steering column 50 in the X direction. The thickness of the fixing portion 21 is parallel to the Y direction. The fixing portion 21 includes a first mounting hole 211 extending through the fixing portion 21 in the Y direction. Bolts passing through the first mounting hole 211 are fastened to the vehicle body.

[0055] The pivot portion 22 is a plate-shaped member facing the housing 54. The thickness direction of the pivot portion 22 is parallel to the X direction. The thickness direction of the pivot portion 22 is orthogonal to the thickness direction of the fixing portion 21. The pivot portion 22 has a second mounting hole 221 (see FIG. 21 ) that penetrates the pivot portion 22 in the X direction. Figure 12 ). The pin member 29 is inserted into the second mounting hole 221 .

[0056] The rib 23 is a plate-shaped member whose thickness direction is parallel to the Z direction. The thickness direction of the rib 23 is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the fixed portion 21 and the thickness direction of the pivot portion 22. Two ribs 23 are arranged on either side of the pivot portion 22 in the Z direction. When viewed from the Z direction, the rib 23 has an L-shape.

[0057] The first curved portion 25, the second curved portion 26, and the third curved portion 27 are curved plate-shaped members. The first curved portion 25 connects the fixed portion 21 and the pivot portion 22. The second curved portion 26 connects the pivot portion 22 and the rib portion 23. The third curved portion 27 connects the fixed portion 21 and the rib portion 23.

[0058] The lower bracket 20 is made of a single sheet of metal. It is formed by deforming the sheet of metal. For example, the lower bracket 20 is formed by deep drawing. The first bent portion 25, the second bent portion 26, and the third bent portion 27 are formed at the corners when the sheet of metal is bent. Because the fixing portion 21, the pivot portion 22, the rib 23, the first bent portion 25, the second bent portion 26, and the third bent portion 27 are formed by deforming the sheet of metal, the lower bracket 20 has high strength.

[0059] like Figure 13 As shown, the column rotation limiting portion 56 of the steering column 50 is arranged to face the end face 225 on the lower side (-Y direction) of the pivot portion 22 with a gap G therebetween. The end face 225 extends in the Z direction. The length direction of the end face 225 is along the Z direction. The gap G is adjusted to a size such that the pivot portion 22 does not touch the column rotation limiting portion 56 within the swing range of the steering column 50 in the pitch direction. Within the movable range of the steering column 50 for adjusting the position of the steering wheel 81, the pivot portion 22 does not contact the column rotation limiting portion 56. When the steering column 50 is in the middle position of the swing range in the pitch direction, the surface of the column rotation limiting portion 56 facing the end face 225 is parallel to the end face 225. When the upper bracket 40 is separated from the vehicle body, the steering column 50 tends to fall due to its own weight, but the pivot portion 22 will contact the column rotation limiting portion 56. Furthermore, when the upper bracket 40 is separated from the vehicle body, even when the steering column 50 is rotated upward, the pivot portion 22 contacts the column rotation restricting portion 56. That is, when the upper bracket 40 is separated from the vehicle body, the pivot portion 22 contacts the column rotation restricting portion 56 regardless of whether the steering column 50 is rotated in one direction or the other direction in the pitch direction. Figure 13 As shown, the vehicle width direction outer end portion 567 of the column rotation restricting portion 56 is arranged on the X-direction inner side of the X-direction outer surface 227 of the pivot portion 22 .

[0060] As described above, the steering device 80 includes a steering column 50, an upper bracket 40, and two lower brackets 20. The steering column 50 supports a steering shaft 82 connected to a steering wheel 81. The upper bracket 40 is fixed to the vehicle body and supports the steering column 50. The two lower brackets 20 are fixed to the vehicle body on either side of the steering column 50 and support the steering column 50 so that the steering column 50 can swing in the vertical direction. The lower bracket 20 includes a fixed portion 21, a plate-shaped member facing the vehicle body and positioned outboard of the steering column 50 in the vehicle width direction (X direction); a pivot portion 22, a plate-shaped member facing the steering column 50 and having a second mounting hole 221 for inserting a pin member 29 that connects the steering column 50 and the lower bracket 20; and a rib 23, a plate-shaped member connected to the fixed portion 21 and the pivot portion 22 via curved plate-shaped bent portions (a second bent portion 26 and a third bent portion 27). The steering column 50 includes a column rotation restrictor 56 that faces the lower end surface 225 of the pivot portion 22 with a gap G therebetween.

[0061] The column rotation restrictor 56 prevents the steering column 50 from rotating significantly relative to the lower bracket 20 when the steering column 50 is not supported by the upper bracket 40 or when the steering system 80 is being installed on the vehicle body. Furthermore, by arranging the two lower brackets 20 on either side of the steering column 50 and positioning the fixing portion 21 further outward in the vehicle width direction than the steering column 50, bolts can be easily installed in the fixing portion 21, thereby simplifying the installation of the steering system 80 on the vehicle body. Furthermore, although the two lower brackets 20 are separated from each other, the swing range of each lower bracket 20 relative to the steering column 50 is limited by the column rotation restrictor 56. This stabilizes the position of the lower bracket 20, making it easier to install the steering system 80 on the vehicle body. The lower bracket 20 includes a rib 23 connected to the fixing portion 21 and the pivot portion 22 via a curved portion, resulting in high strength. Furthermore, by positioning the column rotation restrictor 56 below the pivot portion 22, the strength of the column rotation restrictor 56 is enhanced. Specifically, if the column rotation restricting portion 56 is positioned in front of or behind the lower bracket 20 so as to face the rib 23, the height (length in the X direction) of the column rotation restricting portion 56 must be greater than the height of the curved portion. In this case, the stress generated in the column rotation restricting portion 56 increases, potentially causing deformation of the column rotation restricting portion 56. Furthermore, to facilitate installation, the fixing portion 21 is positioned further outward from the steering column 50 in the vehicle width direction, making it difficult to position the column rotation restricting portion 56 so as to face the fixing portion 21. In contrast, by positioning the column rotation restricting portion 56 below the pivot portion 22, the rotation of the steering column 50 can be restricted, and the height of the column rotation restricting portion 56 can be reduced, making deformation of the column rotation restricting portion 56 less likely. Therefore, the steering device 80 of this embodiment facilitates the installation of the lower bracket 20 to the vehicle body and improves the strength of the lower bracket 20 and the column rotation restricting portion 56.

[0062] In the steering device 80 , the pivot portion 22 is perpendicular to the fixed portion 21 . The rib portion 23 is perpendicular to the fixed portion 21 and the pivot portion 22 .

[0063] Thus, the steering device 80 of this embodiment can easily position the down bracket 20 relative to the vehicle body and the steering column 50 relative to the down bracket 20. Furthermore, the steering device 80 of this embodiment can achieve both miniaturization and increased strength of the down bracket 20.

[0064] In the steering device 80 , the vehicle width direction (X direction) outer end portion 567 of the column rotation restricting portion 56 is arranged inward in the vehicle width direction relative to the vehicle width direction outer surface 227 of the pivot portion 22 .

[0065] This can restrict the rotation of the steering column 50 and further reduce the deformation of the column rotation restricting portion 56. Therefore, the steering system 80 of the present embodiment can further improve the strength of the column rotation restricting portion 56.

[0066] Description of Reference Numerals

[0067] 20. Lower bracket; 21. Fixing portion; 22. Pivot portion; 23. Rib; 25. First curved portion; 26. Second curved portion; 27. Third curved portion; 29. Pin member; 40. Upper bracket; 41. Mounting plate; 43. Support plate; 49. Separation capsule; 50. Steering column; 51. Upper column; 52. Lower column; 54. Housing; 56. Column rotation limiting portion; 60. Fastening mechanism; 61. Rod; 64. Pull lever; 80. Steering device; 81. Steering wheel; 82. Steering shaft; 82a. Input shaft; 82b. Output shaft; 83. Steering force Auxiliary mechanism; 84, 1st universal joint; 86, 2nd universal joint; 85, intermediate shaft; 87, pinion shaft; 88, steering gear; 88a, pinion; 88b, rack; 89, tie rod; 90, ECU; 92, reduction gear; 93, electric motor; 94, torque sensor; 95, vehicle speed sensor; 98, ignition switch; 99, power supply unit; 211, 1st mounting hole; 221, 2nd mounting hole; 225, end face; 227, outer surface; 541, mounting hole; 567, outer end; G, gap; R, axis of rotation.

Claims

1. A steering device, wherein: The steering device has: A steering column that supports a steering shaft connected to the steering wheel; an upper bracket fixed to the vehicle body and supporting the steering column; and Two lower brackets are fixed to the vehicle body on both sides of the steering column and support the steering column so that the steering column can swing in the up and down directions. The lower bracket comprises: a fixing portion that is a plate-shaped member facing the vehicle body and is disposed on an outer side in the vehicle width direction relative to the steering column; a pivot portion that is a plate-shaped member facing the steering column and has a mounting hole into which a pin member connecting the steering column and the lower bracket is inserted; and a pair of ribs, which are plate-shaped members connected to the fixing portion and the pivot portion via curved plate-shaped bent portions; The steering column includes a column rotation restricting portion facing the lower end surface of the pivot portion with a gap therebetween. The pivot portion is orthogonal to the fixed portion, The pair of ribs are orthogonal to the fixing portion and the pivot portion. When viewed in the vehicle width direction, the pair of ribs are orthogonal to a lower end surface of the pivot portion to which a collision load is input when colliding with the column rotation restricting portion.

2. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein: An outer end portion of the column rotation restricting portion in the vehicle width direction is arranged on the inner side in the vehicle width direction relative to an outer surface of the pivot portion in the vehicle width direction.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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