Steering device

Abstract

The invention relates to a steering device. A steering device (100) is provided with: a first shaft (110) that holds an operation member (200); a second shaft (120); a first tube (130) that moves integrally with the first shaft; a second tube (140) that guides the first tube (130); a moving mechanism (150) that moves the first tube (140) to a first region in which the first shaft (110) can rotate and a second region in which the first shaft (110) cannot rotate; a lock piece (160) disposed closer to the base end side than the first tube (110) disposed in the first region; and a biasing member (170) that biases the lock piece (160). When the first tube (130) is disposed in the second region, the lock piece (160) prevents the first shaft (110) from rotating by engaging with an engaged portion (112) provided on the first shaft (110).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a steering device for steering a vehicle or the like. Background Art

[0002] For example, there is a technology that operates a locking mechanism by shrinking a steering column in an automatically retractable steering column, such as the steering device described in Patent Document 1. If the locking mechanism is activated, the rotation of the shaft to which the steering wheel is mounted is locked, and the steering wheel cannot be rotated.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-298229

[0004] However, the locking mechanism described in Patent Document 1 is provided with a locking piece that is biased radially inward by a protruding spring. The locking piece is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the movable tube that moves when the position of the steering wheel is adjusted according to the body shape of the driver. Therefore, friction occurs between the locking piece and the movable tube, which raises concerns about durability and the occurrence of abnormal noise. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a steering device in which a lock piece does not rub against a movable tube in a force application direction when adjusting the position of a steering wheel.

[0006] To achieve the above object, a steering device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a first shaft having an axis extending from a base end toward a front end and supporting an operating member so as to be rotatable about the axis; a second shaft arranged at a base end side relative to the first shaft and inserted inside the first shaft so as to be rotatable about the axis and movable in the axial direction; a first tube which rotatably supports the first shaft inside and is movable in the axial direction integrally with the first shaft; a second tube which guides the first tube in the axial direction and rotatably supports the second shaft inside; a moving mechanism which moves the first tube in the axial direction to a first region in which the first shaft is rotatable and a second region which is closer to the base end than the first region and in which the first shaft is not rotatable; a locking piece which is arranged closer to the base end than the first tube arranged in the first region and is movable in the radial direction relative to the second tube; and a biasing member which biases the locking piece radially inward relative to the second tube, and when the first tube is arranged in the second region, the locking piece engages with an engaged portion provided on the first shaft to prevent the first shaft from rotating.

[0007] Even if the moving mechanism moves the first tube within the area where the driver can operate the operating member, the locking piece and the first tube do not rub against each other, so that no damage due to friction occurs between the locking piece and the first tube, the durability of the first tube can be ensured, and the generation of abnormal noise can be suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the steering device in an extended state.

[0009] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view of the steering device in an extended state.

[0010] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of the steering device showing a retracted state with the second tube omitted.

[0011] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view of the steering device in the retracted state.

[0012] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view showing another example 1 of the steering device.

[0013] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view showing another example 2 of the steering device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the steering device of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the following embodiment is an embodiment that gives an example for the purpose of illustrating the present invention, and the purpose is not to limit the present invention. For example, the shape, structure, material, structural member, relative positional relationship, connection state, numerical value, mathematical formula, the content of each stage in the method, the order of each stage, etc. shown in the following embodiment is an example, and sometimes includes content not described below. In addition, although there are cases where geometric expressions such as parallel and orthogonal are used, the above expressions do not represent mathematical rigor and include errors and deviations that are actually allowable. In addition, expressions such as simultaneous and identical also include actually allowable ranges.

[0015] In addition, the accompanying drawings are schematic diagrams that are appropriately emphasized, omitted, or adjusted in ratio for the purpose of explaining the present invention, and are different from the actual shapes, positional relationships, and ratios. In addition, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis shown in the drawings are orthogonal coordinates that are arbitrarily set for the purpose of explaining the accompanying drawings. That is, the Z-axis is not necessarily an axis along the vertical direction, and the X-axis and Y-axis are not necessarily present in the horizontal plane.

[0016] In addition, a plurality of inventions may be collectively described as one embodiment below. In addition, a part of the contents described below is described as an arbitrary structural member related to the present invention.

[0017] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the steering device 100 in an extended state. Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view of the steering device 100 in the extended state. Figure 3It is a perspective view of the steering device 100 showing a retracted state with the second tube omitted. Figure 4 1 is a cross-sectional view of the steering device 100 in a retracted state. In addition, although the steering device 100 is used in a posture where the first axis 110 and the like are inclined relative to the horizontal plane, the first axis 110 and the like are described as axes along the Y axis in the figure. In addition, Y+ corresponds to the front side of the vehicle, and Y- corresponds to the rear side of the vehicle. In addition, Figure 2 , Figure 4 In the present embodiment, the first region and the second region shown indicate the movement region of the first tube 130 in the axial direction with reference to the end surface on the proximal end side of the first tube 130 .

[0018] The steering device 100 is arranged in front of a driver's seat (not shown) in a vehicle such as a passenger car, and keeps an operating component 200 operated by a driver sitting in the driver's seat rotatable. The steering device 100 includes a first shaft 110, a second shaft 120, a first tube 130, a second tube 140, a moving mechanism 150, a locking plate 160 and a force-applying component 170.

[0019] The first shaft 110 is a rod-shaped member called an upper shaft, etc., and is configured so that a virtual axis extends from a base end (in the figure, the Y+ side end) toward a front end (in the figure, the Y- side end) (in the figure, extending along the Y-axis direction). The first shaft 110 is a member that holds the operating member 200 so that it can rotate around the axis. An insertion hole 111 is formed outside the front end of the first shaft 110, into which the second shaft 120 is inserted.

[0020] In the case of this embodiment, an engaged portion 112 engaged with a locking piece 160 (details will be described later) is installed on the outer periphery of the base end portion of the first shaft 110. The engaged portion 112 is a cylindrical component into which the base end portion of the first shaft 110 is inserted and is fixed in either the axial direction or the circumferential direction. Concave and convex portions (not shown) extending in the axial direction are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the engaged portion 112, which engage with concave and convex portions (not shown) provided on the end surface of the locking piece 160 in the circumferential direction and can slide in the axial direction. Examples of the concave and convex portions provided in the engaged portion 112 and the locking piece 160 include serrations, splines, etc.

[0021] A first abutting surface 113 is provided between the end surface on the proximal side of the engaged portion 112 and the outer peripheral surface. The abutting surface is inclined so as to be radially away from the first shaft 110 as it moves toward the distal end side. The first abutting surface 113 is a surface that initially abuts against the locking piece 160 when the engaged portion 112 moves toward the proximal side, and generates a force that moves the locking piece 160 radially outward when the engaged portion 112 further moves toward the proximal side.

[0022] The second shaft 120 is a rod-shaped member called a lower shaft, an intermediate shaft, etc., and is arranged coaxially with the first shaft 110. The second shaft 120 is arranged in a state of being inserted from the base end side into the insertion hole 111 of the first shaft 110. The second shaft 120 is inserted into the first shaft 110 in a fitting state such as a serration fitting or a spline fitting that can transmit torque and can move in the axial direction (in the figure, the Y-axis direction).

[0023] The second shaft 120 is connected to the motor via the speed reducer 210 to apply a torque to assist the steering. In addition, when the steering device 100 has a steer-by-wire function, the second shaft 120 applies a reaction force to the driver who operates the operating member 200 .

[0024] The first tube 130 is a cylindrical member that supports the first shaft 110 rotatably inside and moves in the axial direction integrally with the first shaft 110. In the case of the present embodiment, the first shaft 110 is coaxially arranged inside the first tube 130. The first tube 130 holds the first shaft 110 via a bearing 131. The first tube 130 moves integrally with the first shaft 110 in the axial direction (in the figure, in the Y-axis direction) via the bearing 131, and holds the first shaft 110 in a manner that the first shaft 110 can rotate in a circumferential direction centered on the shaft.

[0025] The first tube 130 is a cylindrical member, and a notch 132 extending axially from the end is provided on the base end side. The notch 132 penetrates the first tube 130 in the radial direction and opens the base end side. The notch 132 is formed in the first tube 130 into the second region (see Figure 2 ) is inserted in a manner that the locking piece 160 passes through. Thus, interference (friction) between the locking piece 160 and the first tube 130 can be avoided.

[0026] The second tube 140 is a cylindrical member that guides the first tube 130 inserted from the front end side in the axial direction, and the second shaft 120 is arranged inside. In the case of this embodiment, the second tube 140 is fixed to the vehicle body at least in the axial direction. In addition, the second tube 140 can be tilted relative to the vehicle body.

[0027] A through hole 141 through which the locking piece 160 passes is provided on the peripheral wall of the base end of the second tube 140. In addition, the second tube 140 is provided with a square columnar locking mechanism housing portion 142 that surrounds the through hole 141 provided in the second tube 140 and protrudes radially outward from the peripheral surface of the second tube 140. The locking mechanism housing portion 142 guides the locking piece 160 housed inside in the radial direction (in the figure, in the Z-axis direction). The locking mechanism housing portion 142 fixes the locking piece 160 in the circumferential direction and in the axial direction. Thus, if the locking piece 160 is engaged with the engaged portion 112 of the first shaft 110, the first shaft 110 cannot rotate around the axis. In addition, when the above-mentioned first tube is arranged in the second area and the first shaft 110 moves in the axial direction, the locking piece 160 slides on the engaged portion 112. That is, the second area is an area arranged on the base end side of the first area and the first shaft 110 cannot rotate.

[0028] The moving mechanism 150 moves the first tube 130 relative to the second tube 140 in the axial direction. The moving mechanism 150 is not particularly limited, and any mechanism can be adopted. In the case of the present embodiment, the moving mechanism 150 includes a feed screw 151, a feed nut (not shown), and a motor (not shown) for rotating the feed nut. In the axial direction, the feed nut is fixed to the second tube 140, and the feed screw 151 extends in the axial direction and is inserted in a state of being meshed with the feed nut. The feed screw 151 is advanced and retreated by rotating the feed nut by the motor, and the first tube 130 fixed to the front end of the feed screw 151 is moved.

[0029] The locking piece 160 is in the first area (refer to Figure 2 ) is arranged in a manner closer to the base end side than the first tube 130, and is fixed in the axial direction (in the figure, the Y-axis direction) and around the axis relative to the second tube 140, and can move in the radial direction (in the figure, the Z-axis direction). The first area is an area where the first shaft 110 can rotate in the axial direction. In the case of the present embodiment, the locking piece 160 is a rectangular block, and the surface opposite to the first shaft 110 is recessed into a curved shape along the outer peripheral surface of the engaged portion 112. The surface of the locking piece 160 opposite to the first shaft 110 is provided with axially extending concave and convex concave and convex concave that meshes with the concave and convex concave provided on the outer peripheral surface of the engaged portion 112 in the circumferential direction.

[0030] A second abutting surface 161 is provided between the end surface of the locking piece 160 that is opposite to the second shaft 120 and the surface on the front end side. The second abutting surface 161 is a surface that first abuts against the first abutting surface 113 of the engaged portion 112 when the engaged portion 112 moves toward the base end side, and generates a force that moves the locking piece 160 radially outward when the engaged portion 112 further moves toward the base end side.

[0031] The urging member 170 is based on a plug 171 fixed to the outer end of the lock mechanism housing 142, and urges the lock piece 160 radially inward relative to the second tube 140. The type of the urging member 170 is not particularly limited, but a coil spring is used in this embodiment.

[0032] Next, the operation of the steering device 100 will be described. When the vehicle drive system such as the engine and the motor is turned off, Figure 4 As shown, the steering device 100 arranges the first tube 130 in the second area by the moving mechanism 150, and fixes the rotation of the first shaft 110 by the locking piece 160. As a result, the steering operation of the vehicle cannot be performed, so the theft of the vehicle can be prevented. In addition, even if the driver uses the operating member 200 as a hand support to get on and off the vehicle, the operating member 200 is fixed, so the driver can be stably supported. In addition, in the case of a vehicle capable of automatic driving, the operating member 200 can be prevented from rotating due to the vibration of the vehicle during the automatic driving process.

[0033] Next, when the driver operates the operating member 200, the moving mechanism 150 causes the first tube 130 and the first shaft 110 to protrude toward the front end side together with the operating member 200. As a result, the engagement relationship between the locking piece 160 and the engaged portion 112 is released, and the operating member 200 mounted on the first shaft 110 can be rotated, and can receive the driver's operation. During the period from the release of the engagement relationship between the locking piece 160 and the engaged portion 112 to the configuration at the predetermined position, the first tube 130 first passes through the second area, and the locking piece 160 and the first tube 130 do not rub against each other due to the cutout 132 provided in the first tube 130. In addition, when the first tube 130 moves in the first area, the locking piece 160 does not rub against the first tube 130, nor does it rub against other components. Therefore, there is no case where the durability of the steering device 100 is impaired due to the wear of the first tube 130. In addition, the generation of abnormal noise caused by the movement of the first tube 130 can be prevented. Furthermore, the first region which increases the degree of freedom in designing the steering device 100 can be ensured to be longer.

[0034] In addition, by providing the locking piece 160 and the abutting surface on the engaged portion 112, the locking piece 160 can be smoothly engaged with the engaged portion 112. In addition, the engaged locking piece 160 can be smoothly separated from the engaged portion 112. Therefore, when the locking piece 160 and the engaged portion 112 are engaged or separated, the generation of a strong impact caused by the force applying member 170 can be suppressed, and the generation of abnormal noise and loss caused by the impact can be prevented.

[0035] In addition, by providing a cutout 132 with a minimum width that can avoid interference with the locking piece 160 when the first tube 130 is arranged in the second area, the rigidity of the base end side of the first shaft 110 can be improved, and the shaking of the first tube 130 when moving in the first area and the shaking when stopped in the first area can be suppressed.

[0036] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. For example, the structural components described in this specification may be arbitrarily combined, and other embodiments realized by removing several structural components may be used as embodiments of the present invention. In addition, with respect to the above-mentioned embodiments, within the scope of the meaning of the textual representation recorded in the technical solution, various modifications that can be thought of by those skilled in the art are also included in the present invention.

[0037] For example, although the case where the engaged portion 112 is independent of the first shaft 110 and fixed to the first shaft 110 has been described, the engaged portion 112 may be directly provided on the first shaft 110 .

[0038] Furthermore, although the case where the abutting surfaces are provided on both the locking piece 160 and the engaged portion 112 has been described, the abutting surface may be provided on either the locking piece 160 or the engaged portion 112 .

[0039] In addition, the contact surface is not limited to a flat surface but may be curved.

[0040] In addition, the shape of the locking piece 160 is not particularly limited, and any shape such as a cylinder may be adopted.

[0041] The fitting state of the first shaft 110 and the second shaft 120 is not limited to serration fitting or spline fitting, but may be a fitting structure having a polygonal cross section, a fitting structure using a key, or the like.

[0042] In addition, if Figure 5 As shown, the first tube 130 may not have a cutout, and the base end portion of the first shaft 110 and the engaged portion 112 may be members protruding from the base end portion of the first tube 130 .

[0043] In addition, although the cutout 132 is described, it does not deny that Figure 6 In the case where a through-hole 133 is provided in the peripheral wall of the first tube 130 as shown in the figure. In this case, the second contact surface 161 may be provided on both sides of the base end side and the front end side of the locking piece 160. In addition, the third equal contact surface 134 may also be provided in the through hole 133 of the first tube 130.

[0044] Possibility of industrial application

[0045] The present invention can be used in vehicles such as passenger cars, buses, trucks, construction machinery, and agricultural machinery.

[0046] Description of Reference Numerals

[0047] 100…steering device, 110…first shaft, 111…insertion hole, 112…engaged portion, 113…first abutting surface, 120…second shaft, 130…first tube, 131…bearing, 132…cutout, 133…insertion hole, 134…third equal-joint surface, 140…second tube, 141…through hole, 142…locking mechanism storage portion, 150…moving mechanism, 160…locking plate, 161…second abutting surface, 170…force applying member, 171…plug, 200…operating member, 210…reducer.

Claims

1. A steering device comprising: A first shaft, the axis of which extends from the base end toward the front end, and supports the operating member so as to be rotatable about the axis; a second shaft, which is arranged on the base end side relative to the first shaft and is inserted into the inside of the first shaft in a manner that allows rotation around the axis and movement in the axial direction; a first pipe which rotatably supports the first shaft on the inner side and moves in the axial direction integrally with the first shaft; a second tube which guides the first tube in the axial direction and rotatably supports the second shaft inside thereof; a moving mechanism that moves the first tube in the axial direction to a first region in which the first shaft can rotate and a second region that is closer to the base end side than the first region and in which the first shaft cannot rotate; a locking piece arranged on a proximal side of the first tube arranged in the first region so as to be movable in a radial direction relative to the second tube; as well as a biasing member for biasing the locking piece radially inward relative to the second tube, The locking piece engages with an engaged portion provided on the first shaft when the first pipe is arranged in the second region, thereby preventing the first shaft from rotating.

2. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein: The first tube includes a notch that opens at a base end side through which the locking piece passes when the first tube is arranged in the second region.

3. The steering device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: At least one of the front end side of the locking piece and the base end side of the engaged portion includes a contact surface that is inclined from the base end side toward the front end side.

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