Steering device

Abstract

The invention relates to a steering device. A steering device (10) is provided with: a steering shaft (14) that can be operated in a state in which a power transmission path between steered wheels (34) is separated; an interlocking rotating body (80) having a second facing portion (82) of the steering shaft (14); and a rotation stopping body (60) having a first facing portion (62) of the steering shaft (14). The first opposing portion (62) and the second opposing portion (82) are in contact with each other in the circumferential direction of the steering shaft (14). An annular elastic member (64) attached to the outer periphery of the first facing portion (62) is provided, the outer surface (62b) having a first radial distance (R1), and the inner surface (62c) having a second radial distance (R3). The tip end surface (82a) of the second opposing portion (82) has a third radial distance (R2). The third radial distance (R2) is greater than a value obtained by adding half the difference between the first radial distance (R1) and the second radial distance (R2) to the second radial distance (R3).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a steering manipulation device. BACKGROUND

[0002] In Patent Document 1 described below, a device that mechanically limits the rotation region of a steering shaft is described. In detail, the device is provided with a first rotation member that rotates in conjunction with the steering shaft, and a second rotation member that is rotated by the first rotation member. In addition, the device is provided with a restriction member that comes into contact with the second rotation member and hinders the rotation of the second rotation member when the rotation angle of the second rotation member becomes a prescribed angle. Furthermore, the first rotation member and the second rotation member are brought into contact with each other in a manner that the second rotation member hinders the rotation of the first rotation member by the first rotation member rotating a prescribed amount from the steering manipulation angle at which the rotation of the second rotation member is hindered by the restriction member. Thereby, the rotation of the first rotation member is hindered.

[0003] In addition, in this document 1, a case is described in which the mutual abutting surfaces of the first rotation member and the second rotation member are covered by an elastic member (paragraph “0076”).

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-69844

[0005] However, as described above, in the case in which the abutting surfaces are covered with an elastic member, the steering manipulation angle at the time when the rotation of the steering shaft is limited tends to fluctuate. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the upper limit value of the rotation angle of the steering shaft decreases. SUMMARY

[0006] One embodiment of the present application provides a steering control device provided with a steering shaft capable of being operated in a state in which a power transmission path between the steering shaft and a steering wheel of a vehicle is separated. The steering control device is provided with a link rotation body configured to rotate around an axis of the steering shaft in linkage with rotation of the steering shaft, and a rotation stop body configured to stop the link rotation body by contacting the link rotation body. The rotation stop body has a first opposing portion that opposes the link rotation body when the link rotation body contacts the rotation stop body. The link rotation body has a second opposing portion that opposes the rotation stop body when the rotation stop body contacts the link rotation body. The first opposing portion and the second opposing portion can contact each other in a circumferential direction of the steering shaft. An annular elastic member is provided on an outer periphery of the first opposing portion. The first opposing portion has an outer side surface on an outer side in a radial direction of the steering shaft, and an inner side surface on an inner side in the radial direction of the steering shaft. The second opposing portion has a front end surface on the outer side in the radial direction of the steering shaft. The outer side surface has a first radial distance with respect to an axis of the steering shaft. The inner side surface has a second radial distance with respect to the axis of the steering shaft. The front end surface has a third radial distance with respect to the axis of the steering shaft. The third radial distance is greater than a value obtained by adding half of a difference between the first radial distance and the second radial distance to the second radial distance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a structure of a steering control system of the first embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 is a diagram showing Figure 1 a structure of a part of the reaction force actuator shown in FIG. 1.

[0009] Figure 3 is a diagram showing Figure 2 a structure of a part of the reaction force actuator shown in FIG. 1.

[0010] Figure 4 is a diagram showing Figure 2 and Figure 3 a relationship between the housing protrusion portion and the intermediate limiter protrusion portion shown in FIG. 1.

[0011] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing Figure 2 a structure of a part of the reaction force actuator shown in FIG. 1.

[0012] Figure 6 is a diagram showing Figure 2 an operation of a limiter function of the reaction force actuator shown in FIG. 1.

[0013] Figure 7is a view showing the contact state of the housing protrusion and the intermediate limiter protrusion via the O-ring. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] "Premise Structure"

[0016] Figure 1 The steering operation device 10 of the vehicle shown is an electric power steering type device. That is, the steering operation device 10 has a steering shaft 14 that can be operated in a state in which a power transmission path between the steering wheel 12 and the steering wheel 34 is separated. More specifically, the steering operation device 10 has a steering wheel 12, the steering shaft 14, a reaction force actuator 20, and a steering actuator 30. The steering shaft 14 is linked to the steering wheel 12. The reaction force actuator 20 is used in the purpose of applying a force against the force with which the driver operates the steering wheel 12. The reaction force actuator 20 has a reaction force motor 22, a reaction force inverter 24, a reaction force reduction mechanism 26, and a device that limits the rotation of the steering shaft 14, which will be described later. The reaction force motor 22 applies a force against the steering operation, that is, a steering operation reaction force, to the steering wheel 12 via the steering shaft 14. The reaction force motor 22 is linked to the steering shaft 14 via the reaction force reduction mechanism 26. The reaction force reduction mechanism 26 is constituted by, for example, a worm gear.

[0017] The steering actuator 30 is used in the purpose of turning the steering wheel 34 in accordance with the steering operation intention of the driver represented by the operation of the driver on the steering wheel 12. The steering actuator 30 has a steering shaft 32, a steering motor 42, a steering inverter 44, a steering transmission mechanism 46, and a conversion mechanism 48. The steering transmission mechanism 46 is constituted by a belt transmission mechanism. The rotational power of the steering motor 42 is transmitted to the conversion mechanism 48 through the steering transmission mechanism 46. The conversion mechanism 48 converts the transmitted rotational power into an axial displacement force of the steering shaft 32. The steering wheel 34 is turned by the axial displacement of the steering shaft 32.

[0018] The steering operation control device 50 controls the control amount of the steering wheel 12 and the steering wheel 34 as a control target. That is, the steering operation control device 50 controls the control amount of the steering wheel 12, that is, the steering operation reaction force against the steering operation of the driver. In addition, the steering operation control device 50 controls the control amount of the steering wheel 34, that is, the steering angle. The steering angle is the turning angle of the steering wheel 34.

[0019] The steering manipulation control device 50 executes a process of learning the neutral position of the steering shaft 14 under a prescribed condition. The neutral position corresponds to the forward direction of the vehicle. The steering manipulation control device 50 determines the center of the upper limit value on the right turning side and the upper limit value on the left turning side of the steering shaft 14 as the neutral position, for example.

[0020] Structure of reaction force actuator 20

[0021] The structure of a part of the reaction force actuator 20 is shown in Figure 2 Figure 3

[0022] As shown in Figure 2 Figure 3 The reaction force actuator 20 is provided with a housing 60. The housing 60 is fixed to the vehicle body, for example, via a tilt hinge 61 that enables the reaction force actuator 20 to swing with respect to the vehicle body. The steering shaft 14 is inserted into the housing 60. The housing 60 supports the steering shaft 14 so as to be rotatable. The steering shaft 14 is inserted into a shaft hole 60a of the housing 60. A first end 14a of the steering shaft 14 is an end portion on the opposite side from the second end that is linked to the steering wheel 12. The first end 14a of the steering shaft 14 protrudes beyond a first surface 60b of the housing 60. The first surface 60b is a surface that extends in a direction that intersects the axial direction of the steering shaft 14, for example, a direction orthogonal thereto.

[0023] A plurality of ring-shaped members are inserted into the first end 14a of the steering shaft 14. The ring-shaped members include a spacer 70, an intermediate stopper 80, a spacer 72, an end stopper 90, a wave-shaped spacer 74, and a C-shaped retainer 76.

[0024] A housing protrusion 62 that restricts the rotation of the intermediate stopper 80 is provided in the housing 60. The housing protrusion 62 protrudes from the first surface 60b of the housing 60 toward the axial direction of the steering shaft 14, and more specifically, toward the first end 14a. The housing protrusion 62 is provided at a portion of the periphery of the shaft hole 60a. The shape of the housing protrusion 62, for example, as viewed from the axial direction of the steering shaft 14, is a sector shape. The phase position of the housing protrusion 62 with respect to the periphery of the shaft hole 60a is, for example, a position that is farthest from the tilt hinge 61. In the present embodiment, the housing 60 is an example of a rotation stopper. In addition, the housing protrusion 62 is an example of a first opposing portion.

[0025] A groove 62a that extends over the entire circumferential region of the housing protrusion 62 is provided on the outer periphery of the housing protrusion 62. An O-ring 64 that is fitted to the groove 62a is provided in the housing protrusion 62. The O-ring 64 is, for example, a rubber product composed of nitrile rubber. In the present embodiment, the O-ring 64 is an example of a ring-shaped elastic member.

[0026] As​​​Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the intermediate limiter 80, which serves as a rotating link, is provided with an annular intermediate limiter protrusion 82 that restricts rotation via a housing protrusion 62. The intermediate limiter protrusion 82 protrudes radially outward from the outer periphery of the intermediate limiter 80 toward the steering shaft 14; more specifically, it protrudes separately from the steering shaft 14. The intermediate limiter protrusion 82 is provided on a portion of the outer periphery of the intermediate limiter 80. The intermediate limiter protrusion 82, for example, has a wedge-shaped shape when viewed axially from the steering shaft 14.

[0027] exist Figure 4 The diagram schematically illustrates the relationship between the housing protrusion 62 and the intermediate limiter protrusion 82 when viewed axially from the steering shaft 14.

[0028] like Figure 4 As shown, the outer casing protrusion 62 has an outer surface 62b located radially outward of the steering shaft 14 and an inner surface 62c located radially inward of the steering shaft 14. The outer surface 62b and inner surface 62c are, for example, arcuate surfaces centered on the axis L of the steering shaft 14. The outer surface 62b has an outer radius R1 relative to the axis L of the steering shaft 14. The outer radius R1 corresponds to the radial distance of the outer surface 62b relative to the axis L of the steering shaft 14, i.e., a first radial distance. The inner surface 62c has an inner radius R3 relative to the axis L of the steering shaft 14. The inner radius R3 corresponds to the radial distance of the inner surface 62c relative to the axis L of the steering shaft 14, i.e., a second radial distance. The intermediate limiter protrusion 82 has a front end face 82a located radially outward of the steering shaft 14. The front end face 82a is, for example, an arcuate surface centered on the axis L of the steering shaft 14. The front end face 82a has an outer radius R2 relative to the axis L of the steering shaft 14. The outer radius R2 is equivalent to the radial distance of the front end face 82a relative to the axis L of the steering shaft 14, which is also the third radial distance.

[0029] Additionally, the housing protrusion 62 has two circumferential surfaces 62d located around the axis L of the steering shaft 14, i.e., on the outer side in the circumferential direction. The circumferential surfaces 62d are configured as planes along the radial direction of the steering shaft 14.

[0030] The front end surface 82a of the intermediate limiter protruding portion 82 is, for example, coplanar with the outer side surface 62b of the housing protruding portion 62 in the circumferential direction of the steering shaft 14. That is, the outer radius R2 is the same as the outer radius Rl. The outer radius R2 is larger than a value R4 obtained by adding half of the difference between the outer radius Rl and the inner radius R3 to the inner radius R3. Further, the outer radius R2 is a value R5 or more obtained by adding three quarters of the difference between the outer radius Rl and the inner radius R3 to the inner radius R3. The range in which the intermediate limiter protruding portion 82 extends in the circumferential direction and the range in which the housing protruding portion 62 extends in the circumferential direction are adjusted from the viewpoint of ensuring strength. In the present embodiment, the intermediate limiter 80 is an example of the linked rotating body, and particularly an example of the second rotating member. Further, the intermediate limiter protruding portion 82 is an example of the second opposing portion.

[0031] Further, the intermediate limiter protruding portion 82 has two peripheral side surfaces 82b on the outer side in the circumferential direction of the steering shaft 14. The peripheral side surfaces 82b are planes that extend in the radial direction of the steering shaft 14. The peripheral side surfaces 82b are able to contact the peripheral side surfaces 62d via the O-ring 64 in the circumferential direction. The planar accuracy of the peripheral side surfaces 62d and the peripheral side surfaces 82b is ensured within a range in which the effect of suppressing the displacement of the O-ring 64 with respect to the groove 62a is achieved, as described later.

[0032] A cross section along the 5-5 line of FIG. 5 is shown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 6, the end limiter 90 is pressed in the right direction in the drawing by the wave washer 74. Thus, the intermediate limiter 80 is pressed in the right direction in the drawing via the washer 72. On the other hand, in the steering shaft 14, the first end 14a on the left side in the drawing is a saw-toothed shaft on which saw-tooth processing is performed, and is reduced in diameter as compared with the other portions. The washer 70, the intermediate limiter 80, and the washer 72 are inserted into the first end 14a of the steering shaft 14. Thus, the displacement of the washer 70 to the right in the drawing is restricted. Thus, the intermediate limiter 80 is pressed in the right direction in the drawing via the washer 72, and is pressed in the left direction in the drawing by the washer 70. Figure 5 Figure 2 A cross section along the 5-5 line of FIG. 5 is shown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 6, the end limiter 90 is pressed in the right direction in the drawing by the wave washer 74. Thus, the intermediate limiter 80 is pressed in the right direction in the drawing via the washer 72. On the other hand, in the steering shaft 14, the first end 14a on the left side in the drawing is a saw-toothed shaft on which saw-tooth processing is performed, and is reduced in diameter as compared with the other portions. The washer 70, the intermediate limiter 80, and the washer 72 are inserted into the first end 14a of the steering shaft 14. Thus, the displacement of the washer 70 to the right in the drawing is restricted. Thus, the intermediate limiter 80 is pressed in the right direction in the drawing via the washer 72, and is pressed in the left direction in the drawing by the washer 70. Figure 5

[0033] The end limiter 90 has a saw-toothed hole 90a on which saw-tooth processing is performed. The end limiter 90 is fixed to the steering shaft 14 by saw-tooth fitting by the saw-toothed hole 90a and the first end 14a. Thus, the end limiter 90 rotates integrally with the steering shaft 14 in conjunction with the rotation of the steering shaft 14. The intermediate limiter 80 is rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the end limiter 90. In the present embodiment, the end limiter 90 is an example of the first rotating member.

[0034] "Rotation restriction of steering shaft 14"

[0035] Figure 6 ​​The upper section of FIG. 10 shows a case where the steering shaft 14 is rotated to the right turn side. Figure 6 The left end of the upper section of FIG. 10 shows a state where the rotation angle of the steering shaft 14, that is, the steering angle θs is a value corresponding to the end portion of the left turn side. Also, in the upper section of FIG. 10, a state where the steering shaft 14 is rotated to the right turn side as it moves to the right side is shown. In particular, the right end of the upper section of FIG. 10 shows a state where the steering angle θs is a value corresponding to the end portion of the right turn side. Figure 6 The upper section of FIG. 10 shows a case where the steering shaft 14 is rotated to the right turn side. Figure 6 The right end of the upper section of FIG. 10 shows a state where the steering angle θs is a value corresponding to the end portion of the right turn side.

[0036] As shown in the upper section of FIG. 10, in a case where the steering shaft 14 is rotated to the right turn side from the end portion of the left turn side, the intermediate limiter 80 is rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the end limiter 90. In the upper section of FIG. 10, a state where the intermediate limiter protruding portion 82 is in contact with the housing protruding portion 62 via the O-ring 64 is shown. Thus, the intermediate limiter 80 becomes a state where the right turn is obstructed by the housing protruding portion 62, and further right turn cannot be performed. Therefore, the end limiter 90 is rotated alone in conjunction with the rotation of the steering shaft 14. Also, by further rotating the steering shaft 14, the end limiter protruding portion 92 comes into contact with the intermediate limiter protruding portion 82. Thus, the end limiter 90 becomes a state where the right turn is obstructed by the intermediate limiter protruding portion 82, and further right turn cannot be performed. In the right end of the upper section of FIG. 10, this state is shown. In this state, the steering shaft 14 cannot be further rotated to the right side. The steering angle θs at this time is an upper limit value of the right turn side. Figure 6 The upper section of FIG. 10 shows a case where the steering shaft 14 is rotated to the right turn side. Figure 6 The upper section of FIG. 10 shows a case where the steering shaft 14 is rotated to the right turn side. Figure 6 The right end of the upper section of FIG. 10 shows a state where the steering angle θs is a value corresponding to the end portion of the right turn side.

[0037] Figure 6 The lower section of FIG. 10 shows a case where the rotation angle of the steering shaft 14 is rotated to the left turn side. Figure 6 The left end of the lower section of FIG. 10 shows a state where the steering angle θs is a value corresponding to the end portion of the right turn side. Also, in the lower section of FIG. 10, a state where the steering shaft 14 is rotated to the left turn side as it moves to the right side is shown. In particular, the right end of the lower section of FIG. 10 shows a state where the steering angle θs is a value corresponding to the end portion of the left turn side. Figure 6 The lower section of FIG. 10 shows a case where the steering shaft 14 is rotated to the right turn side. Figure 5 The right end of the lower section of FIG. 10 shows a state where the steering angle θs is a value corresponding to the end portion of the left turn side.

[0038] As shown in the lower section of FIG. 10, in a case where the steering shaft 14 is rotated to the left turn side from the end portion of the right turn side, the intermediate limiter 80 is rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the end limiter 90. In the lower section of FIG. 10, a state where the intermediate limiter protruding portion 82 is in contact with the housing protruding portion 62 via the O-ring 64 is shown. Thus, the intermediate limiter 80 becomes a state where the left turn is obstructed by the housing protruding portion 62, and further left turn cannot be performed. Therefore, the end limiter 90 is rotated alone in conjunction with the rotation of the steering shaft 14. Also, by further rotating the steering shaft 14, the end limiter protruding portion 92 comes into contact with the intermediate limiter protruding portion 82. Thus, the end limiter 90 becomes a state where the left turn is obstructed by the intermediate limiter protruding portion 82, and further left turn cannot be performed. In the right end of the lower section of FIG. 10, this state is shown. In this state, the steering shaft 14 cannot be further rotated to the left side. The steering angle θs at this time is an upper limit value of the left turn side. Figure 6 The lower section of FIG. 10 shows a case where the steering shaft 14 is rotated to the right turn side. Figure 6The lower segment of FIG. 8 shows a state in which the intermediate limiter protrusion 82 is in contact with the housing protrusion 62 via the O-ring 64. Thereby, the intermediate limiter 80 becomes a state in which the left turning is obstructed by the housing protrusion 62, and further left turning is not possible. Therefore, the end limiter 90 rotates alone accompanying the rotation of the steering shaft 14. Also, by further rotating the steering shaft 14, the end limiter protrusion 92 comes in contact with the intermediate limiter protrusion 82. Thereby, the end limiter 90 becomes a state in which the left turning is obstructed by the intermediate limiter protrusion 82, and further left turning is not possible. In Figure 6 The lower segment of FIG. 8 shows a state in which the intermediate limiter protrusion 82 is in contact with the housing protrusion 62 via the O-ring 64. Thereby, the intermediate limiter 80 becomes a state in which the left turning is obstructed by the housing protrusion 62, and further left turning is not possible. Therefore, the end limiter 90 rotates alone accompanying the rotation of the steering shaft 14. Also, by further rotating the steering shaft 14, the end limiter protrusion 92 comes in contact with the intermediate limiter protrusion 82. Thereby, the end limiter 90 becomes a state in which the left turning is obstructed by the intermediate limiter protrusion 82, and further left turning is not possible. In

[0039] Further, in the case of FIG. 8, the steering angle θs is the upper limit value on the left turning side. Figure 6

[0040] <Effects of the Present Embodiment>

[0041] "Contact state of the housing protrusion 62 and the intermediate limiter protrusion 82 via the O-ring 64"

[0042] Figure 6 The upper segment of FIG. 8 shows Figure 7 The lower segment of FIG. 8 shows a state in which the intermediate limiter protrusion 82 is in contact with the housing protrusion 62 via the O-ring 64. Thereby, the intermediate limiter 80 becomes a state in which the left turning is obstructed by the housing protrusion 62, and further left turning is not possible. Therefore, the end limiter 90 rotates alone accompanying the rotation of the steering shaft 14. Also, by further rotating the steering shaft 14, the end limiter protrusion 92 comes in contact with the intermediate limiter protrusion 82. Thereby, the end limiter 90 becomes a state in which the left turning is obstructed by the intermediate limiter protrusion 82, and further left turning is not possible. In Figure 6 The lower segment of FIG. 8 shows a state in which the intermediate limiter protrusion 82 is in contact with the housing protrusion 62 via the O-ring 64. Thereby, the intermediate limiter 80 becomes a state in which the left turning is obstructed by the housing protrusion 62, and further left turning is not possible. Therefore, the end limiter 90 rotates alone accompanying the rotation of the steering shaft 14. Also, by further rotating the steering shaft 14, the end limiter protrusion 92 comes in contact with the intermediate limiter protrusion 82. Thereby, the end limiter 90 becomes a state in which the left turning is obstructed by the intermediate limiter protrusion 82, and further left turning is not possible. In Figure 7 The lower segment of FIG. 8 shows a state in which the intermediate limiter protrusion 82 is in contact with the housing protrusion 62 via the O-ring 64. Thereby, the intermediate limiter 80 becomes a state in which the left turning is obstructed by the housing protrusion 62, and further left turning is not possible. Therefore, the end limiter 90 rotates alone accompanying the rotation of the steering shaft 14. Also, by further rotating the steering shaft 14, the end limiter protrusion 92 comes in contact with the intermediate limiter protrusion 82. Thereby, the end limiter 90 becomes a state in which the left turning is obstructed by the intermediate limiter protrusion 82, and further left turning is not possible. In Figure 6 The lower segment of FIG. 8 shows a state in which the intermediate limiter protrusion 82 is in contact with the housing protrusion 62 via the O-ring 64. Thereby, the intermediate limiter 80 becomes a state in which the left turning is obstructed by the housing protrusion 62, and further left turning is not possible. Therefore, the end limiter 90 rotates alone accompanying the rotation of the steering shaft 14. Also, by further rotating the steering shaft 14, the end limiter protrusion 92 comes in contact with the intermediate limiter protrusion 82. Thereby, the end limiter 90 becomes a state in which the left turning is obstructed by the intermediate limiter protrusion 82, and further left turning is not possible. In

[0043] As shown in FIG. 8, Figure 7 ​As shown in the upper section, when the intermediate limiter protrusion 82 contacts the outer casing protrusion 62 via the O-ring 64, the outer casing protrusion 62 and the intermediate limiter protrusion 82 are opposite to each other. That is, the peripheral side surface 62d of the outer casing protrusion 62 and the peripheral side surface 82b of the intermediate limiter protrusion 82 are opposite to each other. As described above, for example, when the outer radius R1 and the outer radius R2 are the same, the entire radial peripheral side surface 62d of the steering shaft 14 contacts the peripheral side surface 82b.

[0044] Next, as Figure 7 As shown in the lower section, when the intermediate limiter protrusion 82 is pressed against the outer shell protrusion 62, the O-ring 64 is squeezed between the outer shell protrusion 62 and the intermediate limiter protrusion 82. That is, since the O-ring 64 is sandwiched between the opposing circumferential surfaces 62d and 82b, frictional force acts between the O-ring 64 and each surface 62d, 82b. As described above, for example, when the outer radii R1 and R2 are the same, the frictional force acts on the O-ring 64 throughout the radially oriented circumferential surface 62d of the steering shaft 14.

[0045] Figure 7 The double-dotted line in the lower section indicates a smaller protrusion of the intermediate limiter protrusion 82 compared to this embodiment, for example, a comparative example with a value of R4. In this comparative example, the frictional force acts on the O-ring 64 only within a portion of the peripheral side surface 62d. That is, within a portion of the peripheral side surface 62d, the frictional force does not act on the O-ring 64. For such a range where the frictional force does not act, the smaller the protrusion of the intermediate limiter protrusion 82, the larger it is.

[0046] For example, such as Figure 7 As shown in the lower section, the O-ring 64 is pressed between the outer shell protrusion 62 and the intermediate limiter protrusion 82. As a result, a portion of the O-ring 64, which is pressed between the peripheral side surface 62d and the peripheral side surface 82b, is squeezed upwards and downwards in the figure. Even in this case, since the frictional force also acts over the entire peripheral side surface 62d, it is possible to prevent the O-ring 64 from shifting relative to the groove 62a. On the other hand, in Figure 7 In the comparative example, indicated by the double-dotted line at the bottom, a portion of the compressed O-ring 64 is only squeezed upwards in the figure. As a result, a force that causes the O-ring 64 to rotate counterclockwise about the figure acts on the O-ring 64, causing the O-ring 64 to be offset relative to the groove 62a.

[0047] Further, as in the present embodiment, the case where the entire circumference side surface 62d is in contact with the circumference side surface 82b refers to the case where the circumference side surface 82b presses the O-ring 64 in a region of the substantially central portion in the radial direction of the steering shaft 14 indicated by "P" in the drawing of the circumference side surface 62d. Further, it refers to the case where the O-ring 64 is pressed in a region that is symmetrical in the up-down direction of the drawing across the substantially central portion of the circumference side surface 62d. Thus, the case where a force that rotates the O-ring 64 is applied to the O-ring 64 is also suppressed.

[0048] <Effects of the Present Embodiment>

[0049] (1-1) For example, by making the outer radius Rl and the outer radius R2 the same, the friction is applied to the O-ring 64 in the range of the entire circumference side surface 62d. Thus, when the intermediate limiter protruding portion 82 is pressed against the housing protruding portion 62, the case where the O-ring 64 is displaced with respect to the groove 62a is suppressed. Thus, the wear and the deterioration of the O-ring 64 are suppressed. The wear and the deterioration of the O-ring 64 are the cause of the decrease in the detection accuracy of the upper limit value on the right rotation side and the upper limit value on the left rotation side of the steering shaft 14. Thus, suppressing the wear and the deterioration of the O-ring 64 is effective for accurately detecting the upper limit value on the right rotation side and the upper limit value on the left rotation side of the steering shaft 14.

[0050] (1-2) As for the protruding amount of the intermediate limiter protruding portion 82, in order to suppress the case where the O-ring 64 is displaced with respect to the groove 62a, it is effective to make the outer radius R2 larger than the value R4 compared to the case where the outer radius R2 is set to be the value R4 or less. The effect of suppressing the displacement of the O-ring 64 with respect to the groove 62a is higher the closer the outer radius R2 is to the outer radius Rl, and is particularly effective in the range where the outer radius R2 is the value R5 or more. Thus, in the present embodiment, the outer radius Rl and the outer radius R2 are made the same. This has the advantage that the setting of the outer radius Rl and the outer radius R2 becomes easy.

[0051] (1-3) The O-ring 64 has not only elasticity but also viscosity because it is made of rubber. Thus, if the case where the O-ring 64 is displaced with respect to the groove 62a occurs, the O-ring 64 is easily worn and deteriorated. In contrast, suppressing the displacement of the O-ring 64 with respect to the groove 62a is effective as a method of solving the problem of wear and deterioration when a cheap cushioning member such as the O-ring 64 made of rubber is used.

[0052] (1-4) By providing the housing 60, the intermediate limiter 80, and the end limiter 90, the rotation of the steering shaft 14 is restricted, and the contact between the housing protrusion 62 and the intermediate limiter protrusion 82 is important. This is because the detection accuracy of the upper limit value on the right turning side and the upper limit value on the left turning side of the steering shaft 14 is affected. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the wear and degradation of the O-ring 64 that mitigates the impact at the time of contact between the housing protrusion 62 and the intermediate limiter protrusion 82 are suppressed. Therefore, by providing the housing 60, the intermediate limiter 80, and the end limiter 90, the rotation of the steering shaft 14 is restricted, and the upper limit value on the right turning side and the upper limit value on the left turning side of the steering shaft 14 can be detected with high accuracy.

[0053] <Other Embodiments>

[0054] Further, the above-described embodiments can be implemented by being changed as follows. The above-described embodiments and the following other embodiments can be implemented in combination with each other within a range in which they are not technically contradictory.

[0055] Regarding the protruding amount of the intermediate limiter protrusion 82, if the outer radius R2 is greater than the value R4, the outer radius R1 and the outer radius R2 are not necessarily the same. For example, the outer radius R2 can be in a range greater than the value R4 and less than the value R5, or can be in a range of the value R5 or more. However, the outer radius R2 is not necessarily the outer radius R1 or less.

[0056] Although the entire circumferential side surface 62d of the housing protrusion 62 is in contact with the circumferential side surface 82b of the intermediate limiter protrusion 82, the entire circumferential side surface 62d is not necessarily in contact with the circumferential side surface 82b. For example, it can be a structure in which the circumferential side surface 82b is in partial contact with the circumferential side surface 62d in a region of the approximate center of the steering shaft 14 in the radial direction of the circumferential side surface 62d, indicated by "P" in the lower section of FIG. 8. Figure 7 Figure 7

[0057] The structure in which the intermediate limiter 80 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the end limiter 90 is not limited to the structure in which the intermediate limiter 80 and the end limiter 90 are in frictional contact. For example, it can be a structure in which the intermediate limiter 80 is pressed by the end limiter protrusion 92 and rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the end limiter 90. In this case, if the rotation of the intermediate limiter 80 is stopped due to the contact between the intermediate limiter protrusion 82 and the housing protrusion 62, the rotation of the end limiter 90 is also stopped.

[0058] ​The outer side surface 62b and the inner side surface 62c of the housing protrusion 62 are not necessarily curved surfaces. For example, the outer side surface 62b and the inner side surface 62c can be flat surfaces. Also, only one of the outer side surface 62b and the inner side surface 62c can be a flat surface. The other embodiments described herein can also be applied to the front end surface 82a of the intermediate limiter protrusion 82. That is, the front end surface 82a can also be a flat surface.

[0059] The housing protrusion 62 can also be a structure that protrudes radially inward from the periphery of the shaft hole 60a of the housing 60 toward the steering shaft 14. In contrast, the intermediate limiter protrusion 82 can also be a structure that protrudes axially from one surface of the intermediate limiter 80 toward the steering shaft 14.

[0060] The phase position of the housing protrusion 62 with respect to the periphery of the shaft hole 60a is not necessarily the position farthest from the tilt hinge 61. For example, the phase position of the housing protrusion 62 with respect to the periphery of the shaft hole 60a can also be the position closest to the tilt hinge 61. Also, the phase position of the housing protrusion 62 with respect to the periphery of the shaft hole 60a can also be a position between the position farthest from the tilt hinge 61 and the position closest to the tilt hinge 61.

[0061] The device that restricts the rotation of the steering shaft 14 is not limited to the device illustrated in the above-described embodiments. For example, it can be a device that has a plurality of second rotating members, i.e., intermediate limiters, that rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the first rotating member, i.e., the end limiter 90. Here, a case where there are first intermediate limiters and second intermediate limiters is illustrated and described. In this case, the first intermediate limiters and the second intermediate limiters are rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the end limiter 90. Also, the rotation of the first intermediate limiters is stopped by the protrusions of the first intermediate limiters coming into contact with the housing protrusions 62 of the housing 60. Thus, only the second intermediate limiters are rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the end limiter 90. Also, the rotation of the second intermediate limiters is stopped by the protrusions of the second intermediate limiters coming into contact with the protrusions of the first intermediate limiters. Thus, the end limiter 90 rotates alone. Also, the rotation of the end limiter 90 is stopped by the end limiter protrusion 92 coming into contact with the protrusions of the second intermediate limiters. That is, the further rotation of the steering shaft 14 is stopped.

[0062] The annular elastic member, i.e., the O-ring 64, is not necessarily made of rubber. Even in this case, if the O-ring 64 has not only elasticity but also tackiness, the same problems as in the above-described embodiments exist. However, the O-ring 64 does not necessarily have tackiness. Also, the groove 62a is not necessary when the O-ring 64 is fitted to the outer periphery of the housing protrusion 62, as long as it is fixed without using an adhesive means such as vulcanization.

[0063] Although the steering manipulation device 10 is provided as a linkless configuration that always separates the power transmission path between the steering wheel 12 and the steering wheel 34, it is not limited thereto, and can be provided as a configuration capable of separating the power transmission path between the steering wheel 12 and the steering wheel 34 by a clutch.

Claims

1. A steering control device comprising a steering shaft capable of operating in a state of separating the power transmission path from the steering wheels of a vehicle, comprising: A rotating body, configured to rotate about the axis of the steering shaft in conjunction with the rotation of the aforementioned steering shaft; and The rotation-stopping body is configured to stop the aforementioned linked rotating body by contacting it. The aforementioned rotating stop body has a first opposing portion that faces the aforementioned linked rotating body when in contact with it. The aforementioned rotating body has a second opposing portion that faces the aforementioned rotating stop body when in contact with it. The first opposing portion and the second opposing portion can contact each other in the circumferential direction of the steering shaft. An annular elastic member is provided on the outer periphery of the first opposing portion. The first opposing portion has: an outer surface located on the outer side in the radial direction of the steering shaft, and an inner surface located on the inner side in the radial direction of the steering shaft. The second opposing portion has a front end face located radially outward of the steering shaft. The aforementioned outer surface has a first radial distance relative to the axis of the aforementioned steering shaft. The aforementioned inner surface has a second radial distance relative to the axis of the aforementioned steering shaft. The aforementioned front end face has a third radial distance relative to the axis of the aforementioned steering shaft. The third radial distance is greater than the value obtained by adding half the difference between the first radial distance and the second radial distance to the second radial distance.

2. The steering control device according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned third radial distance is a value obtained by adding three-quarters of the difference between the aforementioned first radial distance and the aforementioned second radial distance to the aforementioned second radial distance.

3. The steering control device according to claim 2, wherein, The third radial distance mentioned above is the same as the first radial distance mentioned above.

4. The steering control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first and second opposing portions are configured to be in contact with each other in a region approximately at the center of the first opposing portion in the radial direction including the steering shaft.

5. The steering control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The aforementioned annular elastic component is an O-ring.

6. The steering control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising: The housing supports the aforementioned steering shaft so that it can rotate; A first rotating component is connected to the steering shaft in a manner that rotates in tandem with the rotation of the steering shaft; and The second rotating component is configured to rotate together with the first rotating component. The aforementioned first opposing portion is disposed on the aforementioned outer casing. The aforementioned second opposing portion is disposed on the aforementioned second rotating component. The first rotating member is configured such that, when the rotation of the second rotating member in the predetermined direction is blocked by the first opposing portion, the first rotating member and the second rotating member are in contact, the rotation in the predetermined direction is blocked.

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