Vehicle steering device

Abstract

A vehicle steering apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a steering column; a steering column dust cover coupled to a lower end portion of the steering column, the lower end portion being disposed so as to protrude toward a lower side of the steering column; the steering shaft is rotatably combined in the steering column and penetrates through the steering column dust-proof sleeve in the axial direction; and a dust cover having an upper end portion inserted into a lower end portion of the steering column dust cover and a lower end portion coupled to an instrument panel, the dust cover being formed in a cylindrical shape with upper and lower end openings. A sealing plate made of a rubber material is formed on the inner periphery of the upper end portion of the dust cover and tightly attached to the outer periphery of the lower end portion of the steering column dust cover, the dust cover is arranged on the face, opposite to an engine room, of an instrument panel, foreign matter entering from the outside can be minimized, and the dust cover and the steering column can be easily combined with the smallest number of parts.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a steering device for a vehicle, and more particularly, to a steering device for a vehicle having a dust cover combined with an instrument panel.

[0002] On the other hand, the present application is supported by the following national R&D project.

[0003]

Supporting National R&D Projects for the Invention

[0004]

Unique Number of Research Subject

[0005]

Research Subject Number

[0006]

Ministry Name

[0007]

Name of Research Subject Management Agency (Professional)

[0008]

Research Project Name

[0009]

Research Subject Name

[0010]

Contribution Rate

[0011]

Name of Research Subject Implementing Agency

[0012]

Research Time

[0013] Generally, a steering wheel constituting a steering device for a vehicle is disposed in front of a driver's seat from the inside of a vehicle cabin.

[0014] The steering wheel is a structure for a driver to hold with his hand and rotate to adjust the driving direction of the vehicle. That is, in the case where the driver wants to adjust the driving direction of the vehicle to the left side during the driving of the vehicle, the driver rotates the steering wheel to the left side, and in the case where the driver wants to adjust the driving direction of the vehicle to the right side, the driver rotates the steering wheel to the right side.

[0015] The steering wheel is combined with the upper end of a steering shaft, and a power steering device for assisting the steering force of the steering wheel is provided at a steering gear for moving left and right side drag links, and the lower end of the steering shaft is connected to the upper end of the power steering device through an intermediate shaft.

[0016] Figure 1 is a view showing a steering device for a vehicle according to the related art.

[0017] REFERENCE Figure 1A steering device for a vehicle according to the prior art is composed of a steering column 10, a steering shaft 20, an intermediate shaft 30, a power steering device 40, and a steering gear 50.

[0018] A bracket is provided on the outer periphery of the steering column 10, and the bracket is coupled to a vehicle body to support the steering column 10. The steering column 10 rotatably supports the steering shaft 20.

[0019] The steering shaft 20 penetrates the steering column 10 upward and downward. The upper end of the steering shaft 20 is protrusively disposed toward the upper end of the steering column 10, and the lower end of the steering shaft 20 is protrusively disposed toward the lower end of the steering column 10.

[0020] A steering wheel (not shown) is coupled to the upper end of the steering shaft 20, and the steering wheel is grasped by a driver with hands to rotate to the left or right to steer the wheels of the vehicle.

[0021] The lower end of the steering shaft 20 is coupled to the intermediate shaft 30 through a first universal joint 34. That is, the upper end of the intermediate shaft 30 is coupled to the lower end of the steering shaft 20 through the first universal joint 34.

[0022] The lower end of the intermediate shaft 30 is coupled to an input shaft of the power steering device 40. The input shaft of the power steering device 40 is protrusively disposed toward the upper end of the power steering device 40, and is coupled to the lower end of the intermediate shaft 30.

[0023] The intermediate shaft 30 is composed of driving shafts 31 and 32 disposed on the side of the steering shaft 20 and a driven shaft 33 disposed on the side of the power steering device 40. The driving shafts 31 and 32 and the driven shaft 33 are coupled to each other through a second universal joint 35.

[0024] The driving shafts 31 and 32 are composed of two parts which can slide in the axial direction, and thus can change the length in the axial direction. That is, the driving shafts 31 and 32 are composed of a sliding tube 31 and a sliding shaft 32, and are disposed such that one end of the sliding shaft 32 is inserted into the inside of the sliding tube 31 to be slidable in the axial direction. By the one end of the sliding shaft 32 being slidable in the axial direction within the sliding tube 31, the driving shafts 31 and 32 can change the length in the axial direction while absorbing the vibration transmitted to the steering wheel.

[0025] A pinion shaft (not shown) is protrusively disposed toward the lower end of the power steering device 40. A pinion (not shown) is formed on the outer periphery of the pinion shaft. The pinion shaft is inserted into the inside of a housing 51 of the steering gear 50, and in this state, the pinion is engaged with a rack (not shown) formed on a rack bar 52 which is movably disposed in the left and right directions within the housing 51 of the steering gear 50.

[0026] Pull rods 53, 54 are formed of a left pull rod 53 connected to a knuckle of a left wheel and a right pull rod 54 connected to a knuckle of a right wheel.

[0027] In the case where the pinion rotates in one axial direction, the rack bar 52 moves linearly to the left, and accordingly the left and right pull rods 53, 54 move linearly to the left to rotate the knuckles of the left and right wheels to the left, thereby steering the left and right wheels to the left.

[0028] In addition, in the case where the pinion rotates in the other axial direction, the rack bar 52 moves linearly to the right, and accordingly the left and right pull rods 53, 54 move linearly to the right to rotate the knuckles of the left and right wheels to the right, thereby steering the left and right wheels to the right.

[0029] On the other hand, in order to prevent foreign substances from the engine compartment from entering the passenger compartment, a dust cover that surrounds the intermediate shaft 30 is provided in the instrument panel.

[0030] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1468555 (2014.12.04.) (hereinafter, referred to as "prior art") discloses a dust cover for a steering device of a vehicle, which is a technology of providing a dust cover that surrounds an intermediate shaft in an instrument panel.

[0031] The dust cover of the prior art is formed of an outer cover and an inner cover, the outer cover is formed of an outer cylindrical portion that penetrates an instrument panel and a partition plate and an outer flange portion that is bent to the outside of the instrument panel from the outer cylindrical portion to face the instrument panel, and the inner cover is formed of an inner cylindrical portion that is inserted into the inside of the outer cylindrical portion and an inner flange portion that is extended from the inner cylindrical portion to face the outside of the outer flange portion.

[0032] However, the dust cover of the prior art is disposed close to an engine compartment by penetrating the instrument panel in order to surround the intermediate shaft, and thus there is a problem that foreign substances and noise from the outside are inevitably introduced.

[0033] In addition, the dust cover of the prior art needs to be provided in the intermediate shaft by a component such as a clamp, and thus there is a problem that the number of components increases and the structure becomes complicated. SUMMARY

[0034] (PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED)

[0035] The present application has an object to provide a steering device for a vehicle which can minimize foreign matter and noise from the outside by providing a dust cover away from an engine room.

[0036] The present application has an object to provide a steering device for a vehicle which can easily combine a dust cover and a steering column with a minimum number of parts.

[0037] The present application has an object to provide a steering device for a vehicle which can easily combine a dust cover and a steering column with a minimum number of parts.

[0038] (Means for solving the problem)

[0039] To achieve the object, a steering device for a vehicle according to the present application is composed of a steering column, a steering column dust cover, a steering shaft, and a dust cover. The steering column dust cover is combined at a lower end portion of the steering column. The lower end portion of the steering column dust cover is arranged to project toward the lower side of the steering column. The steering shaft is rotatably combined in the steering column. The steering shaft penetrates the steering column dust cover in the axial direction. The dust cover is formed in a cylindrical shape with upper and lower ends open. The lower end portion of the dust cover is inserted into the lower end portion of the steering column dust cover. The lower end portion of the dust cover is combined to an instrument panel. A sealing plate is formed on the inner periphery of the upper end portion of the dust cover, and is made of a rubber material which is in close contact with the outer periphery of the lower end portion of the steering column dust cover.

[0040] The dust cover can be composed of an inner cover and an outer cover made of the rubber material which surrounds the inner cover. The sealing plate can be integrated with the outer cover.

[0041] A first flange can be formed to project on the outer periphery of the steering column dust cover. A second flange can be formed on the upper end of the outer cover. The second flange can be in close contact with the first flange.

[0042] A third flange can be formed on the lower end of the inner cover. A fourth flange can be formed on the lower end of the outer cover. A flange insertion groove can be formed on the inner periphery of the fourth flange to insert the third flange. An end portion insertion groove can be formed inside the upper end portion of the outer cover to insert the upper end portion of the inner cover.

[0043] In the third flange, a plurality of first fastening holes can be formed to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The third flange can be formed to project in the radial direction at portions where the plurality of first fastening holes are formed, respectively. In the fourth flange, a plurality of second fastening holes can be formed in portions corresponding to the plurality of first fastening holes. The fourth flange can be formed to project in the radial direction at portions where the plurality of second fastening holes are formed. The plurality of first fastening holes and the plurality of second fastening holes can be fastened to the instrument panel by fastening members.

[0044] The fourth flange can protrude to form an annular abutting portion that abuts against the instrument panel.

[0045] A plurality of first noise-preventing grooves can be formed in the inner circumferential surface of the inner cover at intervals in the circumferential direction. The plurality of first noise-preventing grooves can be formed before the upper end portion of the inner cover. A second noise-preventing groove can be formed in the inner circumferential surface of at least one of the plurality of first noise-preventing grooves. The second noise-preventing groove can extend from one side of the inner circumferential surface of the at least one to the other side of the inner circumferential surface of the at least one.

[0046] An air pocket can be formed between the outer circumferential surface of the inner cover and the inner circumferential surface of the outer cover.

[0047] A plug seal that seals the lower end of the steering shaft can be provided at the lower end of the steering shaft. The plug seal can be composed of a head portion and a stem portion. The head portion can be disposed outside the lower end of the steering shaft to cover the lower end of the steering shaft. The stem portion can protrude upward from the upper surface of the head portion to be inserted into the lower end of the steering shaft.

[0048] The upper end portion of the steering column dust boot can be inserted into the lower end of the steering column. A first O-ring can be further provided in the inner circumferential surface of the upper end portion of the steering column dust boot. The first O-ring can seal the outer circumferential surface of the steering shaft.

[0049] A bearing sleeve can be further provided in the inner circumferential surface of the steering column. The bearing sleeve can surround a bearing that rotatably supports the outer circumferential surface of the steering shaft. A second O-ring can be further provided in the inner circumferential surface of the bearing sleeve. The second O-ring can seal the outer circumferential surface of the steering shaft.

[0050] The lower end portion of the steering column dust boot can have an outer diameter that gradually increases from the lower end to the upper end, and the outer circumferential surface of the lower end portion of the steering column dust boot can be formed to be inclined. The sealing plate can be formed of a plurality of sealing plates having different lengths, and can abut against the inclined outer circumferential surface of the lower end portion of the steering column dust boot.

[0051] An abutting ring can be formed at the end of the sealing plate. The abutting ring can abut against the outer circumferential surface of the lower end portion of the steering column dust boot.

[0052] Specific items of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

[0053] (EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION)

[0054] According to the steering device for a vehicle of the present invention, the dust cover is combined with the lower end of the steering column through the steering column dust boot, and thus the dust cover is disposed away from the engine room, and has an effect of minimizing foreign matter and noise that enters from the outside.

[0055] In addition, the steering device for a vehicle according to the present application has the effect that the dust cover is combined to the instrument panel, the dust cover for the steering column is combined to the lower end of the steering column, and then if the steering column assembly is moved to the dust cover side, the lower end of the dust cover for the steering column is inserted into the upper end of the dust cover, and the sealing plate of the rubber material formed in the inner periphery of the upper end of the dust cover is combined to the outer periphery of the lower end of the dust cover for the steering column while being elastically deformed by the outer periphery of the lower end of the dust cover for the steering column, and thus the dust cover and the steering column can be easily combined with the least number of parts.

[0056] The effects of the present application are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood from the description of the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0057] Figure 1 is a view showing a steering device for a vehicle according to the related art;

[0058] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a steering device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing Figure 2 a lower end thereof;

[0060] Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing Figure 2 a lower end thereof;

[0061] Figure 5 is a view showing Figure 4 a dust cover thereof;

[0062] Figure 6 is a view showing Figure 3 a plug seal thereof;

[0063] Figure 7 is a view showing Figure 4 a dust cover for a steering column and a first O-ring thereof;

[0064] Figure 8 is a view showing Figure 4 a bearing sleeve and a second O-ring thereof;

[0065] Figure 9 is a view showing Figure 5 another embodiment of a dust cover thereof;

[0066] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing Figure 9 an inner cover thereof.

[0067] (Explanation of Reference Numerals)

[0068] 1: Steering apparatus for vehicle 5: Instrument panel

[0069] 110: Steering column 120: Steering shaft

[0070] 130: Dust cover for steering column 132: First flange

[0071] 140: Plug seal 141: Head

[0072] 142, 143: Shaft portion 150: First O-ring

[0073] 160: Bearing sleeve 170: Second O-ring

[0074] 200: Dust cover 210: Inner cover

[0075] 213: Third flange 216: First noise-preventing groove

[0076] 217: Second noise-preventing groove 220: Outer cover

[0077] 221: Seal plate 221A: Contact ring

[0078] 222: Second flange 223: Fourth flange

[0079] 224: Flange insertion groove 225: End insertion groove

[0080] 226: Air bag 228: Contact portion DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0081] Hereinafter, a steering apparatus for vehicle according to an embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to the drawings. For reference, the terms related to the up-and-down direction refer to the up-and-down direction in the drawing, and the up-and-down direction can refer to the opposite direction. That is, the upper end of any structure can refer to one end, and the lower end can refer to the other end. Alternatively, the lower end of any structure can refer to one end, and the upper end can refer to the other end. Figures 2 to 4

[0082] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a steering apparatus for vehicle according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the lower end portion of Figure 2 Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the lower end portion of Figure 2

[0083] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present application, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Figures 2 to 4 ​​​The steering device 1 for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present application can include a steering column assembly 100 and a dust cover 200. The dust cover 200 is connected to the steering column assembly 100 by coupling a steering column dust cover 130 at a lower end of the steering column assembly 100. In particular, a sealing plate 221 of rubber material is formed inside the dust cover 200, so that when the steering column dust cover 130 is inserted into the inside of the dust cover 200, the sealing plate 221 is elastically deformed while being tightly adhered to the outer circumference of the steering column dust cover 130, and thus foreign substances including dust can be prevented from entering the steering column assembly 100.

[0084] The dust cover 200 can be formed through a hole of the instrument panel 5 in an up-and-down direction, and a lower end portion of the dust cover 200 can be coupled to the lower surface of the outer side surface of the instrument panel 5. In a state in which the lower end portion of the dust cover 200 is coupled to the instrument panel 5 and the steering column dust cover 130 is coupled to the lower end portion of the steering column 110, the lower end portion of the steering column dust cover 130 is inserted into the upper end portion of the dust cover 200, and thus the steering column dust cover 130 and the dust cover 200 can be connected. Thereafter, a mounting bracket 113 provided at the upper end portion of the steering column 110 is mounted to the vehicle body, and thus the steering column assembly 100 can be mounted to the vehicle body.

[0085] The steering column assembly 100 can include a steering column 110 and a steering shaft 120.

[0086] The steering column 110 can form the outer appearance shape of the steering column assembly 100. The steering column 110 can be formed in a cylindrical shape elongated in the axial direction.

[0087] The steering shaft 120 can pass through the steering column 110 in the axial direction. Here, a steering wheel, which is rotated by a driver to steer the traveling direction of the vehicle by gripping with a hand, can be coupled to the upper end of the steering shaft 120.

[0088] The mounting bracket 113 mounted to the vehicle body can be provided at the steering column 110. Since the mounting bracket 113 is mounted to the vehicle body, the steering column assembly 100 can be mounted to the vehicle body.

[0089] In addition, an extension rod 114 can be provided at the steering column 110. After the driver rotates the extension rod 114 in one direction to release the lock, the driver can adjust the lengths of the steering column 110 and the steering shaft 120 according to the driver's physical condition. After the driver adjusts the lengths of the steering column 110 and the steering shaft 120 according to the driver's physical condition, the driver can rotate the extension rod 114 in the other direction to perform the lock.

[0090] That is, in order to be able to adjust the length of the steering column 110 and the steering shaft 120 according to the physical condition of the driver, the steering column 110 can be composed of an upper column 112 and a lower column 111, and the steering shaft 120 can be composed of an upper shaft 121 and a lower shaft 122. The lower end of the upper column 112 is inserted into the upper end of the lower column 111, and is further provided so as to be slidable in the axial direction, and the upper end of the lower shaft 122 is inserted into the lower end of the upper shaft 121, and is further provided so as to be slidable in the axial direction. The driver adjusts the length of the steering column 110 and the steering shaft 120 by sliding the upper column 112 and the upper shaft 121 in the axial direction after releasing the lock of the telescopic rod 114, and further adjusts the position of the steering wheel according to his own physical condition, and can re-lock the telescopic rod 114 after adjusting the position of the steering wheel according to his own physical condition.

[0091] The upper column 112 can form the upper portion of the steering column 110, and the lower column 111 can form the remaining lower portion of the steering column 110. The upper shaft 121 can form the upper portion of the steering shaft 120, and the lower shaft 122 can form the remaining lower portion of the steering shaft 120.

[0092] The dust cover 200 can be formed in a cylindrical shape with the upper and lower ends open. The dust cover 200 is formed such that the diameter of the middle portion becomes larger as it goes downward. That is, the middle portion of the dust cover 200 is formed such that one side outer periphery is straight in the horizontal direction, and the other side outer periphery can be inclined in the horizontal direction. Here, the horizontal direction can be the direction when the dust cover 200 is disposed in the instrument panel 5.

[0093] The steering column dust cover 130 can be coupled to the lower end of the steering column 110. The lower end of the steering column dust cover 130 can be protrusively disposed toward the lower side of the steering column 110.

[0094] The steering shaft 120 is rotatably coupled in the steering column 110. The steering shaft 120 is rotatably coupled in the steering column 110 by the bearing cover 160. The steering shaft 120 penetrates the steering column dust cover 130 in the axial direction. The upper end of the steering shaft 120 can be protrusively disposed toward the upper side of the steering column 110, and the lower end of the steering shaft 120 can be protrusively disposed toward the lower side of the dust cover 200. In the state when the dust cover 200 is disposed in the instrument panel 5, the lower end of the steering shaft 120 can be protrusively disposed toward the outside of the instrument panel 5 through the dust cover 200.

[0095] Figure 5 is a view showing Figure 4 a dust cover.

[0096] Referring to Figures 2 to 5The dust cover 200 can be formed in a cylindrical shape with upper and lower ends open. The lower end portion of the dust cover 200 can be inserted into the lower end portion of the steering column dust cover 130. The lower end portion of the dust cover 200 can be coupled to the instrument panel 5. A seal plate 221, which is a rubber material, can be formed on the inner periphery of the upper end portion of the dust cover 200. The seal plate 221 can surround the outer periphery of the lower end portion of the steering column dust cover 130. When the lower end portion of the steering column dust cover 130 is inserted into the upper end portion of the dust cover 200, the seal plate 221 is elastically deformed by being pushed out by the outer periphery of the lower end portion of the steering column dust cover 130 while being in close contact with the outer periphery of the lower end portion of the steering column dust cover 130, and thus foreign matter including dust inside the dust cover 200 can be prevented from entering the steering column assembly 100.

[0097] In the present embodiment, the seal plate 221 can be formed as a pair of seal plates 221 spaced apart from each other in the axial direction, or at least one seal plate 221 can be formed. The seal plate 221 is formed as a plurality of seal plates 221 having different lengths from each other to be in close contact with the inclined outer periphery of the lower end portion of the steering column dust cover 130 more firmly.

[0098] The dust cover 200 can be formed of an inner cover 210 and an outer cover 220, which is a rubber material surrounding the inner cover 210. The seal plate 221 can be formed integrally with the outer cover 220. The inner cover 210 can be formed of a material harder than the outer cover 220, i.e., a plastic.

[0099] A first flange 132 can be formed protruding on the outer periphery of the steering column dust cover 130. The longitudinal sectional shape of the first flange 132 can be formed in a curved shape protruding upward and recessed downward.

[0100] A second flange 222 can be further formed on the upper end of the outer cover 220. When the lower end portion of the steering column dust cover 130 is inserted into the upper end portion of the dust cover 200, the second flange 222 is elastically deformed by being pushed out by the first flange 132 while being in close contact with the lower surface of the first flange 132. The longitudinal sectional shape of the second flange 222 can be formed in a curved shape protruding upward and recessed downward.

[0101] A third flange 213 can be formed on the lower end of the inner cover 210. A fourth flange 223 can be formed on the lower end of the outer cover 220. A flange insertion groove 224 into which the third flange 213 is inserted can be formed on the inner periphery of the fourth flange 223. An end portion insertion groove 225 into which the upper end portion of the inner cover 210 is inserted can be formed inside the upper end portion of the outer cover 220. The third flange 213 is inserted into the flange insertion groove 224, the upper end portion of the inner cover 210 is inserted into the end portion insertion groove 225, and thus the inner cover 210 coupled to the outer cover 220 can be disposed inside the outer cover 220.

[0102] In the third flange 213, a plurality of first fastening holes 215 for fastening to the instrument panel 5 by a fastening member such as a bolt can be formed so as to be spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction. The third flange 213 is such that portions in which the plurality of first fastening holes 215 are formed, respectively, can be formed so as to protrude in a radial direction. In the fourth flange 223, a plurality of second fastening holes 227 can also be formed in portions corresponding to the plurality of first fastening holes 215; the fourth flange 223 is such that portions in which the plurality of second fastening holes 227 are formed, respectively, can be formed so as to protrude in a radial direction. When in a state in which the inner cover 210 and the outer cover 220 are coupled, the plurality of first fastening holes 215 and the plurality of second fastening holes 227 can form a plurality of fastening holes that correspond to each other one-to-one for fastening to the instrument panel 5 by the fastening member.

[0103] An annular abutting portion 228 can be formed so as to protrude in the fourth flange 223 so as to abut against the instrument panel 5. The abutting portion 228 can be formed so as to be annular in a circumferential direction in the fourth flange 223 toward a surface of the fourth flange 223 that faces a lower surface of the instrument panel 5.

[0104] When in a state in which the dust cover 200 is coupled to the instrument panel 5 through a hole formed in the instrument panel 5, a surface of the fourth flange 223 that faces an upper end of the dust cover 200 can face the lower surface of the instrument panel 5. The abutting portion 228 is such that a surface of the fourth flange 223 that protrudes so as to face the upper end of the dust cover 200 can abut against the lower surface of the instrument panel 5.

[0105] The abutting portion 228 is such that, by abutting against the instrument panel 5, noise and foreign matter can be prevented from entering through a middle of the instrument panel 5. The abutting portion 228 can be formed so as to be two abutting portions 228 spaced apart from each other in a radial direction.

[0106] A gas pocket 226 can be formed between an outer circumferential surface of the inner cover 210 and an inner circumferential surface of the outer cover 220. The gas pocket 226 can prevent noise from entering from an outside of the dust cover 200 into an inside. One side of a circumferential portion of a middle portion of the outer cover 220 can be formed in a horizontal direction, and the other side of the circumferential portion of the middle portion of the outer cover 220 can be formed so as to be inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. One side of a circumferential portion of a middle portion of the inner cover 210 can be formed in the horizontal direction, and the other side of the circumferential portion of the middle portion of the inner cover 210 can be formed so as to be inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. The gas pocket 226 can be formed so as to be gradually spaced apart from an upper side to a lower side between the other side of the circumferential portion of the middle portion of the outer cover 220 and the other side of the circumferential portion of the middle portion of the inner cover 210.

[0107] Figure 6 is a view showing a plug seal of Figure 3 .

[0108] Referring to Figures 2 to 4 and Figure 6A plug seal 140 that seals the lower end of the steering shaft 120 can be provided at the lower end of the steering shaft 120. The steering shaft 120 can be formed hollow from the upper end to the lower end, and the plug seal 140 can seal the lower end of the steering shaft 120.

[0109] The plug seal 140 can include a head portion 141 and stem portions 142, 143. The head portion 141 is configured outside the lower end of the steering shaft 120 and can cover the lower end of the steering shaft 120. The stem portions 142, 143 are formed to protrude upward above the head portion 141 and can be inserted into the lower end of the steering shaft 120.

[0110] The stem portions 142, 143 can include a large diameter portion 142 and a small diameter portion 143. The large diameter portion 142 can be formed to have a larger diameter than the small diameter portion 143 and can be closer to the head portion 141 than the small diameter portion 143. The small diameter portion 143 can be formed to have a smaller diameter than the large diameter portion 142 and can be configured to be higher than the large diameter portion 142.

[0111] A catch protrusion 144, 145 can be formed at the outer periphery of the stem portions 142, 143, and the catch protrusion 144, 145 can be caught in a catch groove formed in the inner periphery of the lower end of the steering shaft 120. The catch protrusion 144, 145 can include a first catch protrusion 144 formed at the outer periphery of the large diameter portion 142 and a second catch protrusion 145 formed between the large diameter portion 142 and the small diameter portion 143.

[0112] The outer diameter of the upper end of the first catch protrusion 144 can be the same as the outer diameter of the large diameter portion 142, and the outer diameter of the lower end of the first catch protrusion 144 can be greater than the outer diameter of the large diameter portion 142. The first catch protrusion 144 can gradually increase in outer diameter from the upper end to the lower end.

[0113] The outer diameter of the upper end of the second catch protrusion 145 can be the same as the outer diameter of the small diameter portion 143, and the outer diameter of the lower end of the second catch protrusion 145 can be greater than the outer diameter of the large diameter portion 142 while being the same as the outer diameter of the lower end of the first catch protrusion 144. The second catch protrusion 145 can gradually increase in outer diameter from the upper end to the lower end.

[0114] Figure 7 is a view showing Figure 4 a steering column dust boot and a first O-ring.

[0115] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 and Figure 7 , the lower end of the steering column dust boot 130 can gradually increase in outer diameter from the lower end to the first flange 132, the lower end of the steering column dust boot 130 can gradually increase in outer diameter from the lower end to the upper end, and further, the lower end of the steering column dust boot 130 can be formed to be inclined.

[0116] The upper end of the steering column dust cover 130 can be inserted into the lower end of the steering column 110. A plurality of hook protrusions 135 can be formed at the upper end of the steering column dust cover 130, which are caught in a catch groove formed in the inner circumference of the lower end of the steering column 110. The plurality of hook protrusions 135 can be formed at intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0117] A first O-ring 150 can also be provided at the inner circumference of the upper end of the steering column dust cover 130. Preferably, a groove in which the first O-ring 150 is inserted and provided can be formed at the inner circumference of the upper end of the steering column dust cover 130. The first O-ring 150 can seal the outer circumference of the steering shaft 120.

[0118] Figure 8 is a view showing a bearing cover and a second O-ring of Figure 4 .

[0119] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 and Figure 8 , a bearing cover 160 can also be provided at the inner circumference of the steering column 110. The bearing cover 160 can surround bearings 161, 162, 163, which rotatably support the outer circumference of the steering shaft 120. Here, the bearings 161, 162, 163 can include an inner race 161 in the shape of a ring coupled to the outer circumference of the steering shaft 120, an outer race 162 in the shape of a ring surrounding the inner race 161 in a state of being spaced apart from the inner race 161 and coupled to the inner circumference of the bearing cover 160, and a plurality of balls 163 disposed between the inner race 161 and the outer race 162 to allow the inner race 161 to rotate relative to the outer race 162. The bearing cover 160 can have a plurality of hook protrusions 161A protruding upward with respect to the bearings 161, 162, 163 formed at intervals in the circumferential direction at the upper end of a portion covering the inner circumference of the inner race 161, and a coil spring 165 in the shape of a ring provided outside the plurality of hook protrusions 161A. The coil spring 165 can provide an elastic force to the plurality of hook protrusions 161A so that the plurality of hook protrusions 161A press the outer circumference of the steering shaft 120.

[0120] A second O-ring 170 can be provided at the inner circumference of the bearing cover 160. The second O-ring 170 can be disposed at a lower side with respect to the bearings 161, 162, 163. The second O-ring 170 can seal the outer circumference of the steering shaft 120.

[0121] Figure 9 is a view showing another embodiment of the dust cover of Figure 5 ; Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the inner cover of Figure 9 . Here, the same reference numerals are assigned to structures performing the same functions as the dust cover shown in Figure 5 , and a detailed description thereof will be omitted, and only the differences will be described.

[0122] Referring to Figure 5 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 , it can be known that the dust cover 200 shown in Figure 9 is different from the dust cover 200 shown in Figure 5 .

[0123] That is, compared to the dust cover 200 shown in Figure 5 , the dust cover 200 shown in Figure 9 can further include a close-fitting ring 221A formed at the end of the sealing plate 221. The close-fitting ring 221A can have a larger diameter than the thickness of the end of the sealing plate 221 shown in Figure 5 . The close-fitting ring 221A can be closely fitted to the outer periphery of the lower end portion of the column cover 130. The sealing plate 221 of the dust cover 200 shown in Figure 9 , since the close-fitting ring 221A is formed only at the end, it can more effectively prevent noise and foreign matter from entering between the sealing plate 221 and the outer periphery of the lower end portion of the column cover 130 than the sealing plate 221 shown in Figure 5 . In the present embodiment, among the pair of sealing plates 221, the close-fitting ring 221A is not formed in the upper sealing plate 221 but is formed only in the lower sealing plate 221 having a longer length in the radial direction than the upper sealing plate 221, but the close-fitting ring 221A can be formed at the end of at least one of the sealing plates 221.

[0124] In addition, in the embodiment shown in Figure 5 , the fourth flange 223 is formed with two annular close-fitting portions 228 spaced apart from each other in the radial direction, whereas in the embodiment shown in Figure 9 , three annular close-fitting portions 228 are formed spaced apart from each other in the radial direction. Accordingly, compared to the dust cover 200 of the embodiment shown in Figure 5 , the dust cover 200 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9 can more effectively prevent noise and foreign matter from entering between the instrument panel 5.

[0125] In addition, in the inner cover 210 of the embodiment shown in Figure 5 , a smooth inner peripheral surface is formed, but in the inner covers 210 shown in Figure 9 and Figure 10 , a plurality of first noise-preventing grooves 216 and a plurality of second noise-preventing grooves 217 can be formed in the inner peripheral surface.

[0126] The plurality of first noise-preventing grooves 216 can be formed in the inner peripheral surface of the inner cover 210 spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0127] The plurality of first noise-preventing grooves 216 can be formed extending from the lower end of the inner cover 210 to before the upper end portion of the inner cover 210. Here, the upper end portion of the inner cover 210 can be the portion where the upper end of the inner cover 210 is connected to the lower end of the outer cover 220.Figure 5 The portion of the inner cover 210 shown inserted into the end insertion groove 225 of the outer cover 220.

[0128] In the present embodiment, a plurality of second noise prevention grooves 217 can be formed in the inner circumferential surface of the inner cover 210, but at least one second noise prevention groove 217 can be formed. That is, the second noise prevention groove 217 can be formed in the inner circumferential surface of at least one of the plurality of first noise prevention grooves 216. In this case, the second noise prevention groove 217 can extend from one side of the inner circumferential surface of the at least one to the other side of the inner circumferential surface of the at least one.

[0129] As described above, according to the steering device 1 for a vehicle of the present embodiment, since the dust cover 200 is coupled to the lower end of the steering column 110 through the steering column dust boot 130, the dust cover 200 is disposed away from the engine room, and thus foreign matter and noise entering from the outside can be minimized.

[0130] In addition, according to the steering device 1 for a vehicle of the present embodiment, the dust cover 200 is coupled to the instrument panel 5, the steering column dust boot 130 is coupled to the lower end of the steering column 110, and then if the steering column assembly 100 is moved to the dust cover 200 side so that the lower end of the steering column dust boot 130 is inserted into the upper end of the dust cover 200, the sealing plate 221 of the rubber material formed in the inner circumferential surface of the upper end of the dust cover 200 is elastically deformed by the outer circumferential surface of the lower end of the steering column dust boot 130 while being tightly attached to the outer circumferential surface of the lower end of the steering column dust boot 130 to complete the coupling, and thus the dust cover 200 and the steering column 110 can be easily coupled with the minimum number of components.

[0131] Those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present application pertains can understand that it can be embodied in other specific forms without changing the technical idea or essential characteristics of the present application. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as exemplary in all respects rather than limiting. The scope of the present application should be interpreted as follows: compared to the detailed description described above, all changes or modified forms derived from the meaning, scope, and equivalent concepts of the claims should be included in the scope of the present application.

[0132] Industrial applicability

[0133] The present application provides a steering device for a vehicle, in which a dust cover is disposed in an instrument panel opposite an engine room, thus minimizing foreign matter entering from the outside, and the dust cover and the steering column can be easily coupled with the minimum number of components.

Claims

1. A steering device for a vehicle, comprising: a steering column; a dust boot coupled to a lower end of the steering column, the lower end protruding downward from the steering column; a steering shaft rotatably coupled to the steering column and extending through the dust boot in a shaft direction; and a dust cover inserted into a lower end of the dust boot and coupled to an instrument panel, the dust cover having a cylindrical shape with open upper and lower ends.

2. The steering device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the dust cover includes an inner cover and an outer cover, the outer cover being formed of a rubber material that surrounds the inner cover, and the sealing plate is formed integrally with the outer cover.

3. The steering device for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein a first flange is formed to protrude from an outer periphery of the dust boot, and a second flange is formed to protrude from an upper end of the outer cover, the second flange abutting against the first flange.

4. The steering device for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein a third flange is formed to protrude from a lower end of the inner cover, a fourth flange is formed to protrude from a lower end of the outer cover, a flange insertion groove is formed in an inner periphery of the fourth flange to receive the third flange, and an end insertion groove is formed in an inner portion of the upper end of the outer cover to receive the upper end of the inner cover.

5. The steering device for a vehicle according to claim 4, wherein a plurality of first fastening holes are formed in the third flange to be spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction, portions of the third flange in which the plurality of first fastening holes are formed protrude in a radial direction, a plurality of second fastening holes are formed in the fourth flange to correspond to the plurality of first fastening holes, portions of the fourth flange in which the plurality of second fastening holes are formed protrude in the radial direction, and the plurality of first fastening holes and the plurality of second fastening holes are fastened to the instrument panel by a fastening member.

6. The steering device for a vehicle according to claim 4, wherein an annular abutting portion is formed to protrude from the fourth flange to abut against the instrument panel.

7. The steering device for a vehicle according to claim 4, wherein a plurality of first noise-preventing grooves are formed in an inner peripheral surface of the inner cover to extend from the lower end of the inner cover to a position before the upper end of the inner cover in the circumferential direction, and a second noise-preventing groove is formed in an inner peripheral surface of at least one of the plurality of first noise-preventing grooves to extend from one side of the inner peripheral surface of the at least one to the other side of the inner peripheral surface of the at least one.

8. The steering device for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein an air pocket is formed between an outer peripheral surface of the inner cover and an inner peripheral surface of the outer cover, and further comprising: a plug seal provided at a lower end of the steering shaft to seal the lower end of the steering shaft. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 9. The vehicle steering apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by ​ ​ The plug seal includes a head portion configured to cover the lower end of the steering shaft outside the lower end of the steering shaft, and a stem portion protruding upward above the head portion to be inserted into the lower end of the steering shaft.

10. The vehicle steering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an upper end portion of the steering column grommet is inserted into a lower end of the steering column; the vehicle steering apparatus further includes a first O-ring provided to an inner periphery of the upper end portion of the steering column grommet to seal an outer periphery of the steering shaft.

11. The vehicle steering apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by Further comprising: a bearing sleeve provided to an inner periphery of the steering column and surrounding a bearing rotatably supporting an outer periphery of the steering shaft; a second O-ring provided to an inner periphery of the bearing sleeve to seal the outer periphery of the steering shaft.

12. The vehicle steering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a lower end portion of the steering column grommet is tapered in an outer diameter from a lower end to an upper end, and an outer periphery of the lower end portion of the steering column grommet is tapered; the seal plate is formed by a plurality of seal plates having different lengths, and abuts against the tapered outer periphery of the lower end portion of the steering column grommet.

13. The vehicle steering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an abutment ring abutting against the outer periphery of the lower end portion of the steering column grommet is formed at a distal end of the seal plate.

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