Steering device and slot liner for a steering device

Abstract

A steering device includes: an upper column that is cylindrical and disposed outside in a radial direction of a steering shaft; a lower column that is cylindrical, fitted to the upper column, and capable of moving in an axial direction relative to the upper column; a mounting portion that is mounted to the upper column and provided with a cylindrical long hole; a column support that has a side plate portion located laterally of the upper column, the column support being mounted to a vehicle body; a slot gasket that is inserted into the cylindrical long hole of the mounting portion and restricted from moving in the axial direction; and a pin that extends in a vehicle width direction and penetrates the side plate portion and the slot gasket, the slot gasket being provided with a through hole through which the pin penetrates.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to steering devices and steering device groove liner. Background Technology

[0002] The steering device of Patent Document 1 includes: a steering shaft connected to a steering wheel and extending axially; a steering column supported on the outer periphery of the steering shaft; and a pitch mechanism for changing the height of the steering wheel according to the driver's body shape, driving posture, etc.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-189259 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, sometimes a telescopic mechanism is included in the steering system to change the axial position of the steering wheel. Steering systems with and without telescopic mechanisms typically have different constructions, thus requiring separate manufacturing and making it difficult to share components. Therefore, for both specifications with and without telescopic mechanisms, it is desirable to use steering systems that can use as many identical components as possible.

[0008] This disclosure was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a steering device that suppresses the movement of the telescopic mechanism, and a groove liner for mounting on a steering device in which a specification with a telescopic mechanism and a specification without a telescopic mechanism can be selected.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, a steering device according to the present disclosure comprises: an upper column, which is cylindrical and disposed radially outside the steering shaft; a lower column, which is cylindrical and fitted with the upper column and is axially movable relative to the upper column; a mounting portion mounted on the upper column and having a cylindrical elongated hole; a column bracket having a side plate portion located on the side of the upper column, the column bracket being mounted on the vehicle body; a groove liner inserted into the cylindrical elongated hole of the mounting portion and having its axial movement restricted; and a pin extending along the vehicle width direction and penetrating the side plate portion and the groove liner, the groove liner having a through hole through which the pin passes.

[0011] Thus, the steering device of this disclosure has a grooved liner with a through hole for a pin to pass through. The grooved liner is inserted into a cylindrical elongated hole, thereby restricting its axial movement. Therefore, when the grooved liner is inserted into the cylindrical elongated hole, since the axial movement of the pin is restricted, it can be configured without a telescopic mechanism. Furthermore, when other grooved liners with openings extending axially are inserted into the cylindrical elongated hole, since the pin can move axially, it can be configured with a telescopic mechanism. Thus, in a steering device with the same structure, by replacing the grooved liner with other grooved liners, it is possible to have a specification with a telescopic mechanism and a specification without a telescopic mechanism. In summary, steering devices with and without telescopic mechanisms can be configured with the same structure to achieve component commonality.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the aforementioned steering device, the groove liner has a protrusion that protrudes from an outer surface opposite to the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical elongated hole and is pressed by the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical elongated hole. Therefore, when the groove liner is inserted into the cylindrical elongated hole, wobbling of the groove liner relative to the mounting portion can be suppressed.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the aforementioned steering device, the protrusion is located at a position different from the through hole in the axial direction. To suppress the wobbling of the groove liner relative to the mounting portion, it is desirable to position the protrusion axially away from the through hole. That is, compared to positioning the protrusion at a position axially overlapping with the through hole, positioning the protrusion at a position different from the through hole further suppresses the wobbling of the groove liner.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the aforementioned steering device, the groove liner is provided with a through hole extending through the vehicle width direction and along the axial direction, or with a recessed portion extending along the axial direction in the vehicle width direction. The through hole or the recess is located such that, when viewed from a cross direction intersecting the axial direction and the vehicle width direction, it overlaps with the protrusion and is closer to the protrusion than a first straight line extending along the axial direction through the center of the through hole. Through the through hole or the recess, a thin-walled portion is formed in the groove liner portion closer to the protrusion than the first straight line. Therefore, when the protrusion is pressed by the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical hole, the thin-walled portion elastically deforms, increasing the pressing force of the protrusion on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical hole. This further suppresses the swaying of the groove liner.

[0015] As a desired technical solution for the aforementioned steering device, the protruding surface has an inclined surface that approaches the outer surface towards the center in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, since the inclined surface has a guiding function, it is easier to insert the groove liner into the cylindrical elongated hole, thus improving the assembly workability of the groove liner.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment of the aforementioned steering device, the groove liner includes a first portion located axially towards the through hole and a second portion located axially towards the opposite side of the through hole. In the first portion, a protrusion is provided on the side of the first straight line that is closer to the intersecting direction, and in the second portion, a protrusion is provided on the side of the first straight line that is closer to the intersecting direction. When both the protrusions of the first and second portions are positioned on the side of the intersecting direction, the thin-walled portions of both the first and second portions are also positioned on the side of the intersecting direction. Consequently, the rigidity of the portion of the groove liner located on the side of the first straight line that is closer to the intersecting direction is reduced compared to the rigidity of the portion located on the side of the first straight line that is closer to the intersecting direction, thus reducing the pressing force of the protrusion on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical bore. Therefore, by positioning the protrusions of the first and second portions on opposite sides of the direction intersecting the first straight line, the pressing force of the protrusion on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical bore can be further increased.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment of the aforementioned steering device, the groove liner includes a first portion located axially towards the through hole and a second portion located axially towards the other side of the through hole. In the first portion, the protrusion is positioned on the opposite side of the first straight line relative to the intersecting direction, and in the second portion, the protrusion is positioned on the side of the first straight line relative to the intersecting direction. Similar to the case described above, by reversing the positions of the protrusions in the intersecting direction in the first and second portions, the pressing pressure of the protrusions on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical elongated hole can be further increased.

[0018] The groove liner of this disclosure can be inserted into a cylindrical elongated hole in a mounting portion provided on an axially extending upper pillar, and its axial movement is restricted by the insertion into the cylindrical elongated hole. The groove liner of this steering device has a through hole through which a pin can pass, the pin passing through the side plate portion of the pillar bracket mounted on the vehicle body and extending along the vehicle width direction. Based on the above, steering devices with and without telescopic mechanisms can be configured with the same structure, thus achieving component commonality.

[0019] The effects of the invention

[0020] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide steering devices and steering device groove liner that can be used in steering devices of the same construction, which can be divided into specifications with telescopic mechanisms and specifications without telescopic mechanisms. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the steering device according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a side view of the steering device according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the steering mechanism.

[0024] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A side view of a portion of the steering mechanism.

[0025] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view at the VV line.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the groove liner of the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Side view.

[0028] Figure 8 An enlarged cross-sectional view showing the state in which the groove liner and the mounting part of the upper column are fitted together in the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 9 This is a side view of the groove liner for the reference example.

[0030] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the groove liner of the second embodiment.

[0031] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Side view.

[0032] Figure 12 This is a diagram obtained by viewing the groove liner of the second embodiment from the front. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. Furthermore, the constituent elements of the embodiments described below include elements readily conceived by those skilled in the art, substantially the same elements, and elements of equivalent scope. Moreover, the constituent elements disclosed in the embodiments described below can be appropriately combined. In the following description, the direction along the axis of rotation of the steering axis is referred to as the axial direction, and the direction intersecting the axis of rotation (e.g., the direction orthogonal to the axis of rotation) is referred to as the radial direction. Furthermore, the front of the vehicle body is designated FR, the rear of the vehicle body as RR, the right side of the vehicle body as RH, and the left side of the vehicle body as LH. The vehicle width direction is referred to as the vehicle width direction.

[0034] [First Implementation]

[0035] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the steering device according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 This is a side view of the steering device according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the steering mechanism. Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A side view of a portion of the steering mechanism. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view at the VV line.

[0036] First, the basic structure of steering device 1 will be explained. For example... Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the steering device 1 includes a steering wheel 2, a steering shaft 3, a steering column 4, a gearbox 5, a column bracket 6, and a fastening mechanism 7.

[0037] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the steering wheel 2 is connected to the rear end of the steering shaft 3. Moreover, when the driver operates the steering wheel 2, the steering shaft 3 rotates around the rotation axis Ax, and an operating torque is applied to the steering shaft 3.

[0038] A gearbox 5 is provided at the front end of the steering shaft 3. An ECU 51 and an electric motor 52 are assembled in the gearbox 5. The ECU 51 controls the operation of the electric motor 52. Assist torque is applied to the steering shaft 3 through the ECU 51 and the electric motor 52. In other words, the steering device 1 of this embodiment is an electric power steering device that uses the electric motor 52 to assist the driver's operation.

[0039] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the steering shaft 3 comprises an upper shaft 31 and a lower shaft 32. Both the upper shaft 31 and the lower shaft 32 are cylindrical shafts. The upper shaft (input shaft) 31 and... Figure 2 The lower shaft (output shaft) 32 shown extends axially and is cylindrical along the direction about the rotation axis Ax. The steering wheel 2 is connected to the rear end of the upper shaft 31. The front end of the upper shaft 31 is fitted into the lower shaft 32. Specifically, the front end of the upper shaft 31 and the rear end of the lower shaft 32 are splined together. Thus, the upper shaft 31 can slide axially relative to the lower shaft 32. In other words, the steering shaft 3 can extend and retract. The upper shaft 31 is also referred to as the input shaft, and the lower shaft 32 as the output shaft.

[0040] like Figure 3As shown, the steering column 4 is an outer cylinder extending axially and disposed on the outer periphery of the steering shaft 3. The steering column 4 has an upper column 41 and a lower column 42. The upper column 41 supports the upper shaft (input shaft) 31 so that it can rotate. The upper column 41 is disposed near the steering wheel 2 (i.e., the rear side of the vehicle body). The lower column 42 is disposed opposite to the upper column 41 on the opposite side of the steering wheel 2 (i.e., the front side of the vehicle body). The lower column 42 supports the lower shaft (output shaft) 32 so that it can rotate. The upper column 41 and the lower column 42 are cylindrical and can move relative to each other axially.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, a column bracket 6 is provided on the outer periphery of the steering column 4. The column bracket 6 includes a top plate portion 61, a pair of side plate portions 62 and 63, and a longitudinal plate 64. Figure 3 As shown, the top plate portion 61 extends in the left-right direction. A notch 611 is provided at the right end of the top plate portion 61. The notch 611 extends relatively long in a direction parallel to the axial direction (i.e., the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body). The notch 611 has an open end at its rear end. A release member 613 is provided at the right end of the top plate portion 61. In other words, the release member 613 clamps the right end of the top plate portion 61 from above and below, covering the notch 611. The release member 613 is a plate-shaped member formed by bending two sheet metals at the rear end 613a. The release member 613 has a circular through hole 615. When the release member 613 is engaged with the right end of the top plate portion 61, the through hole 615 overlaps with the notch 611. Therefore, it is fixed to... Figure 2 The retaining pin (not shown) of the body 100 shown retains the detachment member 613 in a state where it passes through the through hole 615 and the notch 611. Furthermore, the side plate portion 62 extends downward from the lower surface of the top plate portion 61. The side plate portion 62 is located to the left of the notch 611. An inclined elongated hole 621 is provided in the side plate portion 62. The inclined elongated hole 621 is an elongated hole extending in the vertical direction. Additionally, the longitudinal plate 64 extends downward from the front end of the top plate portion 61.

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, a notch 612 is provided at the left end of the top plate portion 61. The notch 612 extends relatively long in a direction parallel to the axial direction (i.e., the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body). The notch 612 has an open end at its rear end. A release member 614 is provided at the left end of the top plate portion 61. In other words, the release member 614 clamps the left end of the top plate portion 61 from above and below, covering the notch 612. The release member 614 is a plate-shaped member formed by bending two plates at the rear end 614a. The release member 614 has a circular through hole 616. When the release member 614 is engaged with the left end of the top plate portion 61, the through hole 616 overlaps with the notch 612. Therefore, it is fixed to... Figure 2The retaining pin (not shown) of the vehicle body 100 is held in place by the detachment member 614 in a state that passes through the through hole 616 and the notch 612. Furthermore, the side plate portion 63 extends downward from the lower surface of the top plate portion 61. The side plate portion 63 is located to the right of the notch 612. An inclined elongated hole 631 is provided in the side plate portion 63. The inclined elongated hole 631 is an elongated hole extending in the vertical direction. In summary, the steering device 1 is fixed to the vehicle body 100 by means of the detachment members 613 and 614, the top plate portion 61, and the retaining pin (not shown). Thus, the pillar bracket 6 has side plate portions 62 and 63 located on the side of the upper pillar 41.

[0043] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the steering device 1 includes a fastening mechanism 7. The fastening mechanism 7 includes an operating lever 70, a pin 71, a groove liner 8, a cam 74, and a mounting part 410.

[0044] The pin 71 has a head 711, a rod portion 712, and a threaded portion 713. The outer periphery of the rod portion 712 is smooth, and an external thread is formed on the outer periphery of the threaded portion 713. As described later, the pin 71 extends in the left-right direction. That is, the pin 71 extends in the vehicle width direction and is disposed through the side plate portions 62 and 63, a pair of groove gaskets 8, a cam 74, an operating lever 70, a nut 751, a thrust bearing 752, and a washer 753.

[0045] In the first embodiment, a groove gasket 8 is provided on each of the left and right sides of the upper column 41. Specifically, a pair of mounting portions 410 are provided on the left and right sides of the upper column 41 facing downwards, and the groove gasket 8 is fitted into the mounting portions 410. The mounting portions 410 are rectangular in shape extending in the front-back direction when viewed from the side. A cylindrical elongated hole 411 extending in the axial direction is provided in the mounting portion 410. The cylindrical elongated hole 411 penetrates the mounting portion 410 in the left-right direction. The groove gasket 8 is fitted into the inner peripheral surface 411b of the cylindrical elongated hole 411 of the mounting portion 410. In other words, the groove gasket 8 is provided in the cylindrical elongated hole 411 of the mounting portion 410 in a detachable manner. A recess 411a is provided on the inner peripheral surface 411b of the cylindrical elongated hole 411. The structure of the groove gasket 8 will be described in detail later.

[0046] The operating lever 70 has a base 701 and a rod 703. The base 701 is a cylindrical body with a through hole 702 extending through it in the left-right direction. The rod 703 is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the base 701. When the rod 703 is pushed downward, the base 701 rotates.

[0047] Here, as Figure 5As shown, a rotary cam 741 is fitted into the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 702 in the base 701. Specifically, teeth are formed on the outer circumference of the rotary cam 741, and protrusions and concave portions are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 702. The teeth of the rotary cam 741 mesh with the protrusions and concave portions of the through hole 702. Therefore, the base 701 and the rotary cam 741 rotate as a unit. Furthermore, since the fixed cam 742 does not rotate, the rotary cam 741 and the fixed cam 742 can rotate relative to each other. Moreover, the rod portion 712 of the pin 71 passes through the inclined elongated hole 621 of the side plate portion 62 of the column bracket 6, the groove liner 8, the inclined elongated hole 631 of the side plate portion 63, the fixed cam 742, the rotary cam 741, the thrust bearing 752, and the washer 753. Furthermore, the threaded portion 713 provided at the top end of the rod portion 712 meshes with the nut 751, thereby fastening the threaded portion 713 and the nut 751. Therefore, when the operating lever 70 is rotated downwards to change the vertical position of the steering column 4 relative to the column bracket 6, the pin 71 moves up and down inside the inclined elongated hole 621 of the side plate portion 62 and the inclined elongated hole 631 of the side plate portion 63. Then, after reaching the appropriate height position, the operating lever 70 is rotated upwards, and the rotating cam 741 rotates relative to the fixed cam 742, thereby fixing the vertical position of the steering column 4 relative to the column bracket 6.

[0048] Next, the construction of the groove liner 8 will be explained. Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the groove liner of the first embodiment. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Side view. Figure 8 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the state in which the groove liner and the mounting part of the upper column are fitted together in the first embodiment. Figure 9 This is a side view of the groove liner for the reference example.

[0049] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the groove liner 8 is a support that extends relatively long in the axial (front-to-back direction). Additionally, Figure 6 and Figure 7 Although the groove liner 8 shown is located on the left side of the vehicle body, the groove liner 8 located on the right side of the vehicle body also has the same structure.

[0050] The groove gasket 8 has a shape extending in the front-to-back direction (axial and length direction) and is provided in the cylindrical elongated hole 411 of the mounting part 410 in a removable manner. The groove gasket 8 has a first portion 81 on the front side and a second portion 82 on the rear side. The first portion 81 is located in front of the through hole 830. The second portion 82 is located in rear of the through hole 830. The left side 811 of the first portion 81 is flat. In addition, the upper surface (outer surface) 812 and the lower surface (outer surface) 814 of the first portion 81 are also flat. Figure 8As shown, the upper surface 812 and the lower surface 814 are the outer surfaces opposite to the inner circumferential surface 411b of the cylindrical elongated hole 411. The front end face 813 is arc-shaped when viewed from the side. Specifically, the front end face 813 is an arc-shaped surface that convexes forward. The left side 821 of the second part 82 is flat. Furthermore, the upper surface 822 and the lower surface 824 of the second part 82 are also flat. Figure 8 As shown, the upper surface 822 and the lower surface 824 are the outer surfaces opposite to the inner circumferential surface 411b of the cylindrical elongated hole 411. The rear end face 823 is arc-shaped when viewed from the side. Specifically, the rear end face 823 is an arc-shaped surface that convexes rearward. A through hole 830 is provided in the center of the groove liner 8 in the front-rear direction. The through hole 830 penetrates the groove liner 8 in the left-right direction. The through hole 830 is circular when viewed from the left-right direction. That is, the inner circumferential surface 831 of the through hole 830 is a cylindrical surface. The rod portion 712 of the pin 71 passes through the through hole 830. With the rod portion 712 of the pin 71 penetrating the through hole 830, the movement of the pin 71 in the front-rear direction is restricted. In addition, protrusions 834 and 835 are provided in the center of the groove liner 8 in the front-rear direction. The protrusion 834 is located at the left end of the groove liner 8 and protrudes upward. The protrusion 835 is located at the left end and protrudes downward.

[0051] like Figure 8 As shown, with the groove liner 8 inserted into the inner circumferential surface 411b of the cylindrical elongated hole 411, the upper surface (outer surface) 812 and the lower surface (outer surface) 814 are arranged opposite to the inner circumferential surface 411b, and the protrusions 834 and 835 are embedded in the recess 411a of the cylindrical elongated hole 411.

[0052] like Figure 9As shown, the groove gasket 8B of the reference example is a bracket that extends relatively long in the axial (front-rear direction). The groove gasket 8B is a groove gasket with the same structure that can be applied when used on the left side of the vehicle body and when used on the right side. The groove gasket 8B extends in the front-rear direction (axial and length direction) and is provided in the cylindrical elongated hole 411 of the mounting part 410 in a detachable manner. Hereinafter, the groove gasket 8B of the reference example will be described, focusing on the parts that are different from the groove gasket 8 of the embodiment. The groove gasket 8B of the reference example is a frame-shaped member that extends in the front-rear direction (axial and length direction). Therefore, the groove gasket 8B of the reference example is provided with an opening 80B. The opening 80B extends in the front-rear direction (axial and length direction). The inner peripheral surface 81B of the opening 80B has the function of guiding the pin 71. The outer surface 82B of the groove gasket 8B of the reference example is opposite to the inner peripheral surface 411b of the cylindrical elongated hole 411. When viewed from the vehicle width direction (left-right direction), the outer surface 82B extends in a ring shape along the inner circumferential surface 81B. In summary, when the groove gasket 8B of the reference example is inserted into the cylindrical elongated hole 411 of the mounting part 410, the pin 71, as shown by the arrow, can move in the front-back direction (axial and length direction) within the opening 80B, so that the telescopic mechanism can operate effectively.

[0053] As described above, the steering device 1 of the first embodiment includes a groove liner 8 that is inserted into a cylindrical elongated hole 411 of the mounting portion 410 and whose axial movement is restricted, and a pin 71 that extends along the vehicle width direction and passes through the groove liner 8. The groove liner 8 is provided with a through hole 830 through which the pin 71 passes.

[0054] Thus, the steering device 1 of this disclosure has a groove liner 8, which has a through hole 830 through which a pin 71 passes. The groove liner 8 is inserted into the cylindrical elongated hole 411 and its axial movement is restricted. Therefore, when the groove liner 8 is inserted into the cylindrical elongated hole 411, since the axial movement of the pin 71 is restricted, it can be configured without a telescopic mechanism. Furthermore, when the groove liner 8B of the reference example is inserted into the cylindrical elongated hole 411, since the pin 71 can move axially, it can be configured with a telescopic mechanism. Thus, in the steering device 1 with the same structure, by replacing the groove liner 8B of the reference example with the groove liner 8 of the embodiment, it is possible to have a specification with a telescopic mechanism and a specification without a telescopic mechanism. That is, the case of using the groove liner 8B of the reference example is a specification with a telescopic mechanism, and the case of using the groove liner 8 of the embodiment is a specification without a telescopic mechanism. In summary, it is possible to make steering devices with telescopic mechanisms and steering devices without telescopic mechanisms have the same structure, thereby achieving the commonality of components.

[0055] [Second Implementation]

[0056] Next, the groove liner of the second embodiment will be described. Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the groove liner of the second embodiment. Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Side view. Figure 12 This is a diagram obtained by viewing the groove liner of the second embodiment from the front.

[0057] like Figures 10 to 12 As shown, the groove liner 8A in the second embodiment is a bracket that extends relatively long along the axial direction (front-rear direction). Furthermore, although the groove liner 8A is disposed on the left side of the vehicle body, the groove liner 8A disposed on the right side of the vehicle body also has the same structure.

[0058] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the groove gasket 8A has a shape extending along its length and is provided in the cylindrical elongated hole 411 of the mounting portion 410 in a detachable manner. The groove gasket 8A has a first portion 81A on the front side and a second portion 82A on the rear side. A through hole 830 is provided in the center of the groove gasket 8A in the front-rear direction. The first portion 81A is the portion forward of the through hole 830. The second portion 82A is the portion rearward of the through hole 830. Furthermore, as... Figure 11 As shown, a first straight line L1 is defined, which passes through the center of the through hole 830 and extends in the front-back direction (axial direction).

[0059] In the first part 81A, the front end face 813 is arc-shaped when viewed from the side. Specifically, the front end face 813 is an arc-shaped surface that convexes forward. Furthermore, the upper surface 812A of the first part 81A has a protrusion 816. The upper surface 812A is the outer surface opposite to the inner circumferential surface 411b of the cylindrical elongated hole 411. The side surface 811A of the first part 81A is flat. Figure 10 and Figure 12As shown, a protrusion 816 protrudes upward from the upper surface 812A. The protrusion 816 is rectangular when viewed from above. Specifically, the protrusion 816 has a front surface portion 816a, a rear surface portion 816b, a top surface portion 816c, and an inclined surface portion 816d. The front surface portion 816a is a flat surface extending in both the left-right and up-down directions. The rear surface portion 816b is a flat surface extending in both the left-right and up-down directions. The front surface portion 816a and the rear surface portion 816b extend substantially parallel to each other. The front surface portion 816a and the rear surface portion 816b have substantially the same shape. The top surface portion 816c is rectangular when viewed from above. The top surface portion 816c extends substantially parallel to the upper surface 812A. The top surface portion 816c is located above the upper surface 812A. The inclined surface portion 816d is rectangular when viewed from above. The inclined surface portion 816d is adjacent to the top surface portion 816c in the left-right direction. That is, it extends to the right from the right end 816e of the top surface 816c. More specifically, the inclined surface 816d is an inclined surface that slopes downwards (towards the through hole 815) as it moves to the right (center in the vehicle width direction). Furthermore, as... Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, a through hole 815 is provided in the first part 81A. The through hole 815 is a resin-molded hollow portion that penetrates the first part 81A in the left-right direction. The through hole 815 extends relatively long in the front-back direction. The front-back length of the through hole 815 is greater than the front-back length of the protrusion 816. When the groove liner 8A is viewed from above (in a direction intersecting the axial and width directions), the through hole 815 and the protrusion 816 overlap in the vertical direction. Figure 11 As shown, the position of the protrusion 816 in the front-back direction is, for example, the center of the through hole 815 in the front-back direction. However, in this invention, the position of the through hole 815 in the front-back direction is not limited to the center of the through hole 815 in the front-back direction.

[0060] In the second part 82A, the rear end face 823 is arc-shaped when viewed from the side. Specifically, the rear end face 823 is an arc-shaped surface that convexes rearward. Furthermore, the lower surface 824A of the second part 82A has a protrusion 826. The lower surface 824A is the outer surface opposite to the inner circumferential surface 411b of the cylindrical elongated hole 411. The side surface 821A of the second part 82A is flat. The protrusion 826 has the same shape as the protrusion 816 described above. The protrusion 826 is rectangular when viewed from below. In detail, as... Figure 12As shown, a protrusion 826 protrudes downward from the lower surface 824A. Specifically, the protrusion 826 has a front surface portion 826a, a rear surface portion 826b, a top surface portion 826c, and an inclined surface portion 826d. The front surface portion 826a is a flat surface extending in both the left-right and up-down directions. The rear surface portion 826b is a flat surface extending in both the left-right and up-down directions. The front surface portion 826a and the rear surface portion 826b extend substantially parallel to each other. The front surface portion 826a and the rear surface portion 826b have substantially the same shape. The top surface portion 826c is rectangular when viewed from below. The top surface portion 826c extends substantially parallel to the lower surface 824A. The top surface portion 826c is located below the lower surface 824A. The inclined surface portion 826d is rectangular when viewed from below. The inclined surface portion 826d is adjacent to the top surface portion 826c in the left-right direction. That is, it extends to the right from the right end 826e of the top face 826c. More specifically, the inclined face 826d extends upwards as it moves to the right (center in the vehicle width direction). Figure 10 The inclined surface of the through hole (825 side).

[0061] Moreover, such as Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, a through hole 825 is provided in the second part 82A. The through hole 825 is a resin-molded hollow portion that penetrates the second part 82A in the left-right direction. The through hole 825 extends relatively far in the front-back direction. The front-back length of the through hole 825 is greater than the front-back length of the protrusion 826. When viewing the groove liner 8A from above, the through hole 825 and the protrusion 826 overlap in the vertical direction. Figure 11 As shown, the position of the protrusion 826 in the front-back direction is, for example, the center of the through hole 825 in the front-back direction. However, in this invention, the position of the through hole 825 in the front-back direction is not limited to the center of the through hole 825 in the front-back direction.

[0062] As explained above, in the steering device 1A of the second embodiment, the groove liner 8A has protrusions 816 and 826 that protrude from the outer surface opposite to the inner peripheral surface 411b of the cylindrical elongated hole 411 and are pressed by the inner peripheral surface 411b of the cylindrical elongated hole 411. Thus, since the protrusions 816 and 826 of the groove liner 8A are pressed by the inner peripheral surface 411b, it is possible to suppress the wobbling of the groove liner 8A relative to the mounting portion 410 when the groove liner 8A is inserted into the cylindrical elongated hole 411.

[0063] The protrusions 816 and 826 are located at different axial positions relative to the through hole 830. To suppress the wobbling of the groove gasket 8A relative to the mounting portion 410, it is desirable to position the protrusions 816 and 826 axially away from the through hole 830. That is, compared to positioning the protrusions 816 and 826 at positions axially overlapping with the through hole 830, positioning them at different axial positions relative to the through hole 830 can further suppress the wobbling of the groove gasket 8A.

[0064] The groove liner 8A is provided with through holes 815 and 825 extending axially. When viewed from the vertical direction (intersecting direction), the through holes 815 and 825 overlap with the protrusions 816 and 826, and are located closer to the protrusions 816 and 826 than the first straight line L1. Thus, through the through holes 815 and 825, the portion of the groove liner 8A between the surface where the protrusions 816 and 826 are located and the through holes 815 and 825 becomes a thin-walled portion. Therefore, when the protrusions 816 and 826 are pressed by the inner circumferential surface 411b of the cylindrical elongated hole 411, the thin-walled portion elastically deforms, increasing the pressing force of the protrusions 816 and 826 relative to the inner circumferential surface 411b of the cylindrical elongated hole 411. This further suppresses the wobbling of the groove liner 8A.

[0065] As a preferred embodiment of the aforementioned steering device, the surfaces of the protrusions 816 and 826 have an inclined surface that approaches the outer surface as it moves toward the center in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, since the inclined surface has a guiding function, it is easier to insert the groove liner into the cylindrical elongated hole 411, thus improving the ease of assembly of the groove liner 8A.

[0066] The groove liner 8A includes: a first portion 81A located forward of the through hole 830 (on one side of the axial direction); and a second portion 82A located rearward of the through hole 830 (on the other side of the axial direction). A protrusion 816 is provided on the first portion 81A above the first straight line L1 (on one side of the intersecting direction), and a protrusion 826 is provided on the second portion below the first straight line L1 (on the other side of the intersecting direction). Thus, the vertical (intersecting) positions of the protrusions 816 and 826 are opposite in the first portion 81A and the second portion 82A. Here, with both the protrusion 816 of the first portion 81A and the protrusion 826 of the second portion 82A positioned on the upper side, the thin-walled portions of both the first portion 81A and the second portion 82A are also on the upper side. As a result, the rigidity of the upper portion of the groove liner 8A is reduced compared to the rigidity of the lower portion, thus reducing the pressing force of the protrusions 816 and 826 on the inner circumferential surface 411b of the cylindrical elongated hole 411. In summary, by reversing the upper and lower positions of the protrusions 816 and 826 in the first portion 81A and the second portion 82A, the pressing force of the protrusions 816 and 826 on the inner circumferential surface 411b of the cylindrical elongated hole 411 can be further increased. Furthermore, even if the groove liner 8A is rotated 180 degrees around the through hole 830, since it becomes the same shape as the groove liner 8A before rotation, it is possible to reduce the misassembly of the groove liner 8A.

[0067] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made based on the technical concept of the present invention.

[0068] As a technical solution for fixing pin 71, the groove gasket 8 of the first embodiment and the groove gasket 8A of the second embodiment are described. However, for example, it is also possible to have a groove gasket having a shape that extends along the length direction, with the first part on the front side and the second part on the rear side formed into a frame shape, and a pair of protrusions provided on the upper and lower sides of the third part at the front and rear center, using the pair of protrusions to clamp pin 71 from above and below.

[0069] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, a technical solution is shown where through holes 815 and 825 are provided in the groove liner 8A, but it is also possible for the groove liner 8A to be... Figure 10 The left-side opening forms a recess that extends from the left side towards the right. That is, the recess is recessed in the width direction of the vehicle.

[0070] Alternatively, a protrusion may be provided that protrudes downward from the lower surface 814 of the first part 81A, and a protrusion may be provided that protrudes upward from the upper surface 822 of the second part 82A.

[0071] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0072] 1. Steering system; 2. Steering wheel; 3. Steering shaft; 31. Upper shaft (input shaft); 32. Lower shaft (output shaft); 4. Steering column; 41. Upper column; 410. Mounting part; 411. Cylindrical elongated hole; 411a. Recess; 411b. Inner circumferential surface; 42. Lower column; 5. Gearbox; 51. ECU; 52. Electric motor; 6. Column bracket; 61. Top plate part; 611, 612. Notch; 613, 614. Release components; 613a, 614a, rear end; 615, 616, through hole; 62, 63, side plate portion; 621, 631, inclined elongated hole; 64, longitudinal plate; 7, fastening mechanism; 70, operating lever; 701, base; 702, through hole; 703, rod; 71, pin; 711, head; 712, rod portion; 713, threaded portion; 74, cam; 741, rotary cam; 742, fixed cam; 751. Nut; 752, Thrust bearing; 753, Washer; 8, 8A, 8B, Groove liner; 80B, Opening; 81B, Inner circumferential surface; 81, 81A, First part; 811, 811A, Side; 812, 812A, Upper surface (outer surface); 813, Front end face; 814, Lower surface (outer surface); 815, 825, Through hole; 816, 826, Protrusion; 816a, 826a, Front surface Part; 816b, 826b, rear surface part; 816c, 826c, top part; 816d, 826d, inclined part; 82, 82A, second part; 82B, outer surface; 821, 821A, side; 822, upper surface; 823, rear end face; 824, 824A, lower surface (outer surface); 830, through hole; 831, inner circumferential surface; 834, 835, protrusion; 100, vehicle body.

Claims

1. A steering device, wherein, The steering mechanism includes: The upper column, which is cylindrical, is located on the radial outer side of the steering shaft; The lower column is cylindrical and is fitted with the upper column and can move relative to the upper column in the axial direction. The mounting part is mounted on the upper column and has a cylindrical elongated hole; A pillar bracket having a side plate portion located on the side of the upper pillar, the pillar bracket being mounted on the vehicle body; A grooved gasket, which is inserted into the cylindrical elongated hole of the mounting portion and is restricted from axial movement; as well as A pin, which extends along the width of the vehicle and passes through the side panel portion and the groove liner, The groove liner is provided with a through hole for the pin to pass through. The groove liner restricts the axial movement of the pin, thereby making the steering device a specification without a telescopic mechanism.

2. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein, The groove liner has a protrusion that protrudes from an outer surface opposite to the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical elongated hole and is pressed by the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical elongated hole.

3. The steering device according to claim 2, wherein, The protrusion is located at a position different from the through hole in the axial direction.

4. The steering device according to claim 3, wherein, The groove liner is provided with an additional through hole extending through in the vehicle width direction and along the axial direction, or it is provided with a recessed portion extending along the axial direction in the vehicle width direction. The additional through hole or the recess is located at a position that overlaps with the protrusion when viewed from an intersecting direction that intersects the axial direction and the vehicle width direction, and is closer to the protrusion than a first straight line extending along the axial direction through the center of the through hole.

5. The steering device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The protruding surface has an inclined surface that approaches the outer surface as it moves toward the center in the vehicle width direction.

6. The steering device according to claim 4, wherein, The groove liner has a first portion located on one axial side of the through hole and a second portion located on the other axial side of the through hole. In the first part, the protrusion is provided at a position on the side closer to the intersection direction than the first straight line, and in the second part, the protrusion is provided at a position on the other side closer to the intersection direction than the first straight line.

7. The steering device according to claim 4, wherein, The groove liner has a first portion located on one axial side of the through hole and a second portion located on the other axial side of the through hole. In the first part, the protrusion is provided at a position on the other side of the intersection direction, which is closer to the first straight line. In the second part, the protrusion is provided at a position on the side of the intersection direction, which is closer to the first straight line.

8. A groove liner for a steering device, which is insertable into a cylindrical elongated hole in a mounting portion provided on an axially extending upper column, and whose axial movement is restricted by insertion into the cylindrical elongated hole, wherein... The steering gear liner has a through hole through which a pin passes, which is mounted on the side plate of the pillar bracket of the vehicle body and extends along the vehicle width direction. The groove liner of the steering device restricts the axial movement of the pin, thereby making the steering device a specification without a telescopic mechanism.

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