Steering column adjustment device and steering column adjustment method

Abstract

The invention provides a steering column adjustment device and a steering column adjustment method, which can properly correct deviation of orientation detection of a steering column and perform orientation adjustment of the steering column with high precision. A steering column adjustment device is provided with: an actuator that drives a posture adjustment mechanism of a steering column; and a detection unit that detects the current orientation position of the steering column on the basis of an operation value indicating the amount of operation of the actuator based on one of the two movable limit positions of the orientation adjustment mechanism, and that stores an operation value indicating an overload position at which the actuator is overloaded. When an operation value indicating a current overload position detected when the actuator is operated in one movement direction coincides with an operation value indicating a previous overload position stored when the actuator is operated in the one movement direction, the detection unit detects the overload position of the actuator. The operation value is corrected when the overload position at this time is set to be a movable limit position in the one movement direction.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a steering column adjustment device and a steering column adjustment method. BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years, initiatives to consider people in a weak position among traffic participants for use of sustainable transport systems are being activated. To achieve such initiatives, through research and development related to driving assistance technology, research and development to further improve the safety, convenience of traffic is being pursued.

[0003] In Patent Literature 1, a driving posture adjustment device is disclosed which makes a slight adjustment to the driving position of a subject portion when it is detected that the driver is dissatisfied with the driving position of an arbitrary portion such as a seat or a steering wheel of a vehicle.

[0004] [Related Art Documents]

[0005] [Patent Literature]

[0006] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-96206 SUMMARY

[0007] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0008] However, in driving assistance technology, it is a problem to adjust the posture of a steering column, which is a part of a steering manipulation device, to a posture preferred by the driver with high precision.

[0009] In the above-described related art, when making a slight adjustment to the driving position of a subject portion, in a case where there is a shift in the position detection with respect to the subject portion, it is sometimes not possible to adjust the driving position of the subject portion with high precision to eliminate the driver's dissatisfaction.

[0010] To solve the above problem, the object of the present application is to appropriately correct a deviation in the posture detection of a steering column and to be able to make a posture adjustment of the steering column with high precision. Furthermore, it is further conducive to the development of sustainable transport systems.

[0011] [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0012] One embodiment of the present application is a steering column adjustment device that adjusts a posture of a steering column of a vehicle, in which the steering column adjustment device includes an actuator that drives a posture adjustment mechanism of the steering column to move a posture position of the steering column within a movable range defined by two movable limit positions of the posture adjustment mechanism, and a detection unit that detects a current posture position of the steering column, the detection unit detecting the current posture position of the steering column based on an operation value that indicates an operation amount of the actuator with reference to one of the movable limit positions, storing the operation value that indicates an overload position, which is the posture position at which the actuator becomes an overload of a predetermined threshold or more, in operation of the actuator, and correcting the operation value when the operation value that indicates the overload position this time, which is detected when the actuator is operated in one moving direction, coincides with the operation value that indicates the overload position last time, which is stored when the actuator was operated in the one moving direction, within a predetermined error range.

[0013] Another embodiment of the present application is a steering column adjustment method that is executed by a computer of a steering column adjustment device that adjusts a posture of a steering column of a vehicle, in which the steering column adjustment method includes a setting step of driving a posture adjustment mechanism of the steering column by an actuator to move a posture position of the steering column within a movable range defined by two movable limit positions in the posture adjustment mechanism, and a detection step of detecting a current posture position of the steering column, in which the detection step detects the current posture position of the steering column based on an operation value that indicates an operation amount of the actuator with reference to one of the movable limit positions, stores the operation value that indicates an overload position, which is the posture position at which the actuator becomes an overload of a predetermined threshold or more, in operation of the actuator, and corrects the operation value when the operation value that indicates the overload position this time, which is detected when the actuator is operated in one moving direction, coincides with the operation value that indicates the overload position last time, which is stored when the actuator was operated in the one moving direction, within a predetermined error range.

[0014] [Effects of Invention]

[0015] According to the present application, a deviation in posture detection of a steering column can be appropriately corrected, and posture adjustment of the steering column can be performed with high accuracy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of an electric power steering column of a steering column adjustment device that applies one embodiment of the present application.

[0017] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the structure of a cross section perpendicular to a rotation axis of a stepping motor that is an example of an actuator of a driving posture adjustment mechanism.

[0018] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of an actuator of a tilt steering mechanism. Figure 2 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a rectangular wave signal output from a sensor in the structure of the actuator of the tilt steering mechanism.

[0019] Figure 4 FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a time change in a count value of a pulse signal output from a sensor provided in an actuator of a tilt steering mechanism.

[0020] Figure 5 FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an adjustment operation of a steering column in a case where a deviation occurs in the relationship between a count value and a posture position of the steering column.

[0021] Figure 6 FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the structure of a steering column adjustment device.

[0022] Figure 7 FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a correction operation performed by a detection section.

[0023] Figure 8 FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the order of an initialization process performed by a steering column adjustment device.

[0024] Figure 9 FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the order of a setting process performed by a steering column adjustment device.

[0025] Figure 10 FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the order of a correction process in the setting process shown in FIG. 10. Figure 9

[0026] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] 1 steering column adjustment device, 2 vehicle, 3 electric power steering column, 4 steering column adjustment switch (column adjustment switch), 5 vehicle power supply switch, 6 vehicle control device, 7 in-vehicle network bus, 10 processor, 11 memory, 12 program, 13 detection section, 14 setting section, 31 steering column, 32 posture adjustment mechanism, 32a tilt steering mechanism, 32b telescopic steering mechanism, 33, 33a, 33b actuator, 35 steering wheel, 36, 36a, 36b sensor, 330 rotation axis, 331 magnetic rotor, 332 stator, 333 drive control circuit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] ​An embodiment of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] [1. Overall structure]

[0030] Figure 1 is a drawing showing an example of the structure of an electric power steering column 3 of a vehicle 2 to which a steering column adjustment device 1 according to an embodiment of the present application is applied. The vehicle 2 is, for example, an electric automobile driven by a battery. The electric power steering column 3, as a posture adjustment mechanism of a steering column 31, is provided with a tilt steering mechanism 32a that adjusts an angle of an elevation direction EL of the steering column 31, that is, a tilt angle θ (described later) and a telescopic steering mechanism 32b that adjusts a position of a front-rear direction FB of the steering column 31, that is, a front-rear position P FB (described later). Hereinafter, when the tilt steering mechanism 32a and the telescopic steering mechanism 32b are not distinguished, they will be collectively referred to as the posture adjustment mechanism 32.

[0031] The tilt steering mechanism 32a and the telescopic steering mechanism 32b are respectively driven by actuators 33a and 33b. Hereinafter, when the actuators 33a and 33b are not distinguished, they will be collectively referred to as the actuator 33.

[0032] The actuator 33 drives the posture adjustment mechanism 32 of the steering column 31 to move the posture position of the steering column 31 within a movable range defined by two movable limit positions of the posture adjustment mechanism 32.

[0033] Specifically, the actuator 33a drives the tilt steering mechanism 32a to change the tilt angle θ of the steering column 31 within a movable range LR LU defined by two movable limit positions A LL and A TILT of the mechanism in the tilt steering mechanism 32a, and move the posture position of the steering column 31 in the elevation direction EL. Here, the tilt angle θ can be defined, for example, as an angle measured in a direction from the movable limit position A LL to the movable limit position A LL with a position of the movable limit position A LU set as 0 degrees. The tilt angle θ becomes a maximum value θ max at the position of the movable limit position A LU .

[0034] In addition, the actuator 33b drives the telescopic steering mechanism 32b to change the front-rear position P LU of the steering column 31 within a movable range LR POS defined by two movable limit positions P LL and P FB of the mechanism in the telescopic steering mechanism 32b, and move the posture position of the steering column 31 in the front-rear direction FB. Here, the front-rear position P FBFor example, it can be defined as a distance measured in a direction from the position of the movable limit position P LL to the position of the movable limit position P LU . The front and rear positions P FB become maximum at the position of the movable limit position P LU . The front and rear positions P max .

[0035] Hereinafter, when the movable limit positions A LU and P LU are not distinguished, they are collectively referred to as the movable limit position LU, and when the movable limit positions A LL and P LL are not distinguished, they are collectively referred to as the movable limit position LL. In addition, when the movable ranges LR TILT and LR POS are not distinguished, they are collectively referred to as the movable range LR.

[0036] That is, the actuator 33 drives the posture adjustment mechanism 32 of the steering column 31 to move the posture position of the steering column 31 within the movable range LR defined by the two movable limit positions LU and LL in the posture adjustment mechanism 32.

[0037] Hereinafter, regarding the same action common to the tilt steering mechanism 32a and the telescopic steering mechanism 32b, the action of the posture adjustment mechanism 32, which is a collective term of the tilt steering mechanism 32a and the telescopic steering mechanism 32b, will be described. In addition, hereinafter, when the action of the posture adjustment mechanism 32 common to the tilt steering mechanism 32a and the telescopic steering mechanism 32b is specifically described, it will be described as the action of the tilt steering mechanism 32a and / or the telescopic steering mechanism 32b at times.

[0038] The steering column adjustment device 1 causes the actuator 33 of the posture adjustment mechanism 32 to act in accordance with an input from the column adjustment switch 4 operated by the driver of the vehicle 2 and / or a change in state of the vehicle power switch 5 that turns on / off the power supply (not shown) of the vehicle 2, thereby adjusting the posture of the steering column 31. Here, the steering column adjustment device 1 acquires information indicating the state of the vehicle power switch 5 when the vehicle power switch 5 is operated, for example, via the vehicle control device 6 mounted on the vehicle 2, thereby detecting the change in state of the vehicle power switch 5. In addition, in the case where the vehicle 2 is driven by an internal combustion engine, the vehicle power switch 5 can be an ignition switch that starts or stops the operation of the above-mentioned internal combustion engine. The steering column adjustment device 1 and the vehicle control device 6 are communicably connected, for example, by a vehicle network bus 7.

[0039] The column adjustment switch 4 can be mounted on the steering wheel 35 or the instrument panel (not shown) of the vehicle 2. The column adjustment switch 4 is, for example, a rocker switch, and by pressing the up or down arrow portion shown in the figure, it inputs a command to the steering column adjustment device 1 to move the posture position in the pitch direction EL up or down. Additionally, by pressing the left or right arrow portion shown in the figure, the column adjustment switch 4 inputs an instruction to the steering column adjustment device 1 to move the posture position in the front-rear direction FB rearward or forward.

[0040] Actuators 33a and 33b are each equipped with sensors 36a and 36b that generate a predetermined signal for each unit of action of actuators 33a and 33b. Hereinafter, without distinguishing between sensors 36a and 36b, they will be collectively referred to as sensor 36.

[0041] In this embodiment, as an example, the actuators 33 are stepper motors. Figure 2 This diagram shows an example of the structure of a stepper motor, orthogonal to the rotation axis, serving as actuator 33. The actuator 33, as a stepper motor, includes a magnetic rotor 331, a stator 332, and a sensor 36 serving as a Hall effect sensor. The magnetic rotor 331 is a cylindrical magnet having multiple magnetic poles arranged at equal intervals along its circumference, rotating together with the rotation axis 330. Figure 2 In the structure shown, as an example, the magnetic rotor 331 has two magnetic poles. That is, the magnetic rotor 331 has an S pole and an N pole respectively disposed in the regions that divide the outer two circumferences of the magnetic rotor 331 into half-circles. In addition, according to the prior art, depending on the design of the stepper motor, the number of magnetic poles can be any multiple of 2.

[0042] The stator 332 is composed of a cylindrical magnetic body having a plurality of coils arranged at equal intervals along its inner circumference. Figure 2 In this structure, as an example, the stator 332 has four coils. These four coils are energized by the drive control circuit 333. Furthermore, according to existing technology, the shape of the stator 332 and the number of coils can be any number other than four, depending on the design of the stepper motor.

[0043] The drive control circuit 333 is disposed within the attitude adjustment mechanism 32. According to the prior art, the drive control circuit 333 causes the magnetic rotor 331 to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise by sequentially changing the magnetic poles generated in the four coils in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Specifically, the drive control circuit 333 operates based on the indicated voltage V supplied from the steering column adjustment device 1. CONT The voltage value causes the magnetic rotor 331 to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise, or stops its rotation.

[0044] The sensor 36 is disposed, for example, in the vicinity of the outer periphery of the magnetic rotor 331. The sensor 36 can include, in addition to the Hall element, an integrated circuit for outputting the output of the Hall element as a voltage output.

[0045] According to the known technique, as the magnetic rotor 331 rotates, the magnetic poles of the magnetic rotor 331 pass the position of the sensor 36, and in conjunction with this, the sensor 36 outputs a rectangular wave signal S HALL corresponding to the change in the magnetic field applied to the sensor 36 as a voltage signal. In the magnetic rotor 331, the above-described magnetic poles are disposed at equal intervals, and thus the above-described rectangular wave signal S HALL corresponding to the interval of the above-described magnetic poles becomes high at every unit angle of rotation.

[0046] In the present embodiment, the rectangular wave signal S HALL output from the sensor 36 becomes high during the period in which the N pole of the magnetic rotor 331 passes the position of the sensor 36, and becomes low during the period in which the S pole passes. In addition, in the present embodiment, the above-described unit angle is 180 degrees. Figure 2 In the structure of the magnetic rotor 331 having the S pole and the N pole in each of the two semicircles that bisect the outer periphery thereof, the magnetic rotor 331 has the N pole pass the position of the sensor 36 every time it rotates one revolution. Thus, in the present embodiment, the above-described unit angle is 360 degrees. That is, the rectangular wave signal S HALL output from the sensor 36 contains the pulse signal Sp that becomes high every time the magnetic rotor 331 rotates by the unit angle of 360 degrees. The sensor 36 outputs the rectangular wave signal S HALL to the steering column adjusting device 1.

[0047] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as one example of the actuator 33, a brushless stepper motor provided with the magnetic rotor 331 is shown, but the actuator 33 can also be a brush-type stepper motor provided with a rotor coil. In the case of the brush-type stepper motor, the sensor 36 as a Hall sensor can be provided in the vicinity of the rotor coil. Thus, as with the above-described brushless stepper motor, the rectangular wave signal S HALL containing the pulse signal Sp generated every time the rotor coil rotates by a prescribed unit angle can be output from the sensor 36.

[0048] Figure 3 is a graph showing one example of the rectangular wave signal S HALL output from the sensor 36 to the steering column adjusting device 1. In Figure 3 , the vertical axis is the voltage value V, and the horizontal axis is the time t. Figure 3 showing the time variation of the rectangular wave signal S HALL when the magnetic rotor 331 rotates at a constant speed. As shown in the graph, the rectangular wave signal S HALLBased on the position of the sensor 36 (which acts as a Hall sensor) as the N and S poles of the magnetic rotor 331 pass sequentially, a high-level voltage V is alternately repeated. H and low-level voltage V L As a result, as described above, the rectangular wave signal S HALL Includes a pulse signal Sp generated by the magnetic rotor 331 for every 360 degrees of rotation.

[0049] The steering column adjustment device 1 detects the current posture position of the steering column 31 by measuring an action value representing the amount of action of the actuator 33, based on a movable limit position of the posture adjustment mechanism 32, such as the movable limit position LL. This action value is a count obtained by adding or subtracting the number of times a predetermined signal is generated for each unit amount of action of the actuator 33 according to the direction of action of the actuator 33. Alternatively, the action value can also represent the amount of action of the actuator 33 based on the movable limit position LU.

[0050] In this embodiment, the signal specified above is a rectangular wave signal S output from sensor 36, generated by the magnetic rotor 331 of the stepper motor, which serves as actuator 33, every unit angle of rotation. HALL The included pulse signal Sp.

[0051] The steering column adjustment device 1 can determine the rotation angle of the magnetic rotor 331, i.e., the amount of motion of the stepper motor actuator 33, by adding or subtracting the number of times the pulse signal Sp is generated according to the rotation direction of the magnetic rotor 331. The steering column adjustment device 1 detects the current posture position of the steering column 31 based on the above-mentioned count value Nc, which represents the amount of motion of the stepper motor, i.e., the actuator 33.

[0052] Specifically, the steering column adjustment device 1 sets the count value Nc to 0 (zero) when the steering column 31 is at one movable limit position LL of the posture adjustment mechanism 32. Furthermore, when the steering column adjustment device 1 rotates the magnetic rotor 331 by moving the steering column 31 toward the other movable limit position LU of the posture adjustment mechanism 32, it adds the number of pulse signals Sp generated from the sensor 36 to the count value Nc. Additionally, when the steering column adjustment device 1 rotates the magnetic rotor 331 by moving the steering column 31 toward the aforementioned movable limit position LL of the posture adjustment mechanism 32, it subtracts the number of pulse signals Sp generated from the sensor 36 from the count value Nc.

[0053] Therefore, the aforementioned count value Nc represents the amount of action of the actuator 33 based on a movable limit position LL of the posture adjustment mechanism 32, and indirectly represents the current posture position of the steering column 31 that moves between a movable limit position LL and another movable limit position LU.

[0054] Hereinafter, the count value Nc of the number of times the pulse signal Sp generated by the sensor 36a of the tilt steering mechanism 32a is generated will be called the count value Nc1, and the count value Nc of the number of times the pulse signal Sp generated by the sensor 36b of the telescopic steering mechanism 32b is generated will be called the count value Nc2. That is, the count value Nc1 represents the number of times the tilt steering mechanism 32a is at one movable limit position A. LL Using this as a reference, towards another movable limit position A LU The position of the moving steering column 31. Additionally, the count value Nc2 represents a movable limit position P of the telescopic steering mechanism 32b. LL Using this as a reference, moving towards another movable limit position P LU The position of the moving steering column 31.

[0055] In the following text, when there is no distinction between count value Nc1 and count value Nc2, they are collectively referred to as count value Nc.

[0056] Furthermore, the direction of motion of the actuator 33 that moves the steering column 31 from its movable limit position LL towards its movable limit position LU will be referred to as the "forward direction," and the direction of motion of the actuator 33 that moves the steering column 31 from its movable limit position LU towards its movable limit position LL will be referred to as the "reverse direction." Additionally, the direction of rotation of the magnetic rotor 331 corresponding to the forward motion of the actuator 33 (which is a stepper motor) will be referred to as the "forward rotation" direction, and the direction of rotation of the magnetic rotor 331 corresponding to the reverse motion of the actuator 33 will be referred to as the "reverse rotation" direction.

[0057] In addition, the magnetic rotor 331 receives a forward rotation indication voltage V, which is a positive voltage, as input to the drive control circuit 333 of the stepper motor actuator 33a via the steering column adjustment device 1. CF As the indicator voltage V CONT The clock rotates in the forward direction, and the input is a reverse indicator voltage V, which is a negative voltage. CR Rotate in the opposite direction of time.

[0058] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the time variation of the count value Nc1 of the pulse signal Sp output from the sensor 36a located in the actuator 33a of the drive tilt steering mechanism 32a.

[0059] Figure 4The diagram above shows the indicator voltage V output by the steering column adjustment device 1 to the drive control circuit 333, which acts as the actuator 33a of the stepper motor. CONT A graph showing the time variation. Figure 4 In the above graph, the vertical axis represents voltage and the horizontal axis represents time. Figure 4 The following diagram shows the relationship with Figure 4 The above figure shows the indicator voltage V. CONT A graph showing an example of the time-varying count value Nc1. Figure 4 In the diagram below, the right vertical axis represents the value of the count Nc1, and the left vertical axis represents the attitude position of the steering column 31 in the elevation direction EL, i.e., the tilt angle θ, corresponding to the count value Nc1. Here, the vertical axis representing the count value Nc1 on the right side of the diagram is called the counting axis, and the vertical axis representing the tilt angle θ on the left side of the diagram is called the tilt axis.

[0060] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, such as Figure 4 As shown in the figure below, the tilting axis and counting axis indicate the movable limit position A of the tilting steering mechanism 32a. LL The position of the steering column 31 at the tilt angle θ = 0 corresponds to the "count value Nc1 = 0", and the movable limit position A of the tilt steering mechanism 32a is... LU Position, i.e., tilt angle θ = θ max The attitude position of the steering column 31 corresponds, for example, to [count value Nc1 = 400]. Furthermore, regarding the tilt angle θ = θ... max The method for determining the value of the count Nc corresponding to the posture position of the steering column 31 is as follows: Figure 8 This will be described later. The above [count value Nc1 = 400] is related to the movable limit position A. LU The corresponding correct count value Nc1 (the limit value V of Nc1 described later) 1U ).

[0061] The movable limit position A is indicated by the tilt angle θ = 0 shown by the tilt axis. LL Position and tilt angle θ=θ max The movable limit position A shown LU The range between positions corresponds to the movable range LR TILT .

[0062] To prevent the actuator 33a from moving away from its movable limit position A due to counting errors such as the count value Nc1, the steering column adjustment device 1 is designed to prevent such errors. LL And / or the maximum movable position A LU Collision, within the range of motion LR TILT Narrow setting allows for a range of SR TILTWithin the specified range, adjust the posture of the steering column 31. Set the allowable range SR. TILT Determined to be from two movable limit positions A LL and A LU Two predetermined limit positions A, separated by a specified surplus range, are respectively SL and A SU The range between. Figure 4 In the example below, the allowed range SR is set. TILT Determined relative to the movable limit position A LL and A LU The range of the remaining quantity of 20 counts with count value Nc1 is set, and the limit position A is set. SL and A SU These correspond to the values ​​20 and 380 of the count value Nc1, respectively.

[0063] Furthermore, similar to the above, the steering column adjustment device 1, for the telescopic steering mechanism 32b, is designed to prevent the actuator 33b from deviating from its movable limit position P due to counting errors such as the count value Nc2. LL And / or the maximum movable position P LU Collision, within the range of motion LR POS Narrow setting allows for a range of SR POS Within the specified range, adjust the posture of the steering column 31. Set the allowable range SR. POS Determined to be from two movable limit positions P LL and P LU Two predetermined limit positions P, separated by a specified margin, are respectively located. SL and P SU The range between them.

[0064] The following discussion does not distinguish between the set limit positions A. SL and P SL When these are collectively referred to as the set limit position SL, without distinguishing between the set limit position A, they are referred to as the set limit position SL. SU and P SU When these are used together, they are referred to as the set limit position SU. Additionally, without distinguishing between the set allowable range SR... TILT And setting the allowed range SR POS When they are set, they are collectively referred to as the allowed range SR.

[0065] That is, the steering column adjustment device 1 adjusts the posture of the steering column 31 within a set allowable range SR that is narrower than the movable range LR of the posture adjustment mechanism 32. The set allowable range SR is defined as the range between two set limit positions SL and SU, which are separated by a predetermined margin from the two movable limit positions LL and LU, respectively.

[0066] Reference Figure 4First, at time t11, for example, when the column adjustment switch 4 provides an indication to move the steering column 31 upward along the elevation direction EL, the steering column adjustment device 1, in order to move the actuator 33a in the positive direction, will adjust the indicated voltage V. CONT Set as forward rotation indicator voltage V CF This causes the magnetic rotor 331 of the actuator 33a to rotate in the forward direction. During the forward movement of the actuator 33a, the steering column adjustment device 1 increments the count value Nc1 by 1 each time a pulse signal Sp is output from the sensor 36a of the actuator 33a. Therefore, the count value Nc1 increases over time and reaches the set allowable range SR at time t12. TILT Setting the limit position A SU The equivalent value is 380. This occurs in response to the count value Nc1 reaching the set limit position A. SU The equivalent value is 380, and the steering column adjustment device 1 will indicate the voltage V. CONT The actuator 33a is stopped when the voltage is set to 0 (zero) V. As a result, the steering column 31 is held at the set limit position A. SU The pose position corresponding to the tilt angle.

[0067] Subsequently, at time t13, if the column adjustment switch 4 gives an instruction to move the steering column 31 downward along the elevation direction EL, the steering column adjustment device 1 will, in order to move the actuator 33a in the opposite direction, adjust the indicated voltage V. CONT Set to reverse indicator voltage V CR This causes the magnetic rotor 331 of the actuator 33a to rotate in the reverse direction. During the period when the actuator 33a moves in the reverse direction, the steering column adjustment device 1 subtracts 1 from the count value Nc1 whenever a pulse signal Sp is output from the sensor 36a of the actuator 33a. Therefore, the count value Nc1 decreases over time.

[0068] At time t14, when the count value Nc1 reaches the set allowable range SR TILT Setting the limit position A SL When the equivalent value is 20, the steering column adjustment device 1 will indicate the voltage V. CONT The actuator 33a is stopped when the voltage is set to 0 (zero) V. As a result, the steering column 31 is held at the set limit position A. SL The pose position corresponding to the tilt angle.

[0069] The actions from time t15 to t16 are the same as those from time t11 to t12 described above.

[0070] Subsequently, at time t17, if the column adjustment switch 4 gives an instruction to move the steering column 31 downward along the elevation angle direction EL, the steering column adjustment device 1 will indicate the voltage V. CONT Set to reverse indicator voltage VCR This causes actuator 33a to move in the opposite direction, and each time a pulse signal Sp is output from sensor 36a, the count value Nc1 is subtracted by 1. Then, at time t18, when the count value Nc1 reaches the set limit position A... SL When the column adjustment switch 4 is disconnected before the value of 20, the steering column adjustment device 1 will indicate voltage V. CONT The value is set to 0 (zero) V, stopping the operation of actuator 33a. As a result, steering column 31 is held at an attitude position with an tilt angle corresponding to the count value Nc1 at time t18.

[0071] Furthermore, the time variation of the count value Nc2 of the pulse signal Sp from the sensor 36b of the actuator 33b of the telescopic steering mechanism 32b, and the operation of the steering column adjustment device 1 associated with the telescopic steering mechanism 32b, can also be related to... Figure 4 The time variation of the count value Nc1 of the tilt steering mechanism 32a shown is the same as the operation of the steering column adjustment device 1 associated with the tilt steering mechanism 32a.

[0072] The relationship between the stable maintenance count value Nc and the posture position of the steering column 31 in the posture adjustment mechanism 32 (i.e., the relationship between the tilt angle θ and the count value Nc1, and the fore-and-aft position P) is maintained. FB In the case of the relationship between the count value Nc2 and the above actions, the above actions function appropriately.

[0073] However, the relationship between the count value Nc and the posture position of the steering column 31 may be subject to non-negligible deviations for various reasons.

[0074] For example, as described above, the steering column adjustment device 1 adjusts according to the indicated voltage V of the drive control circuit 333 supplied to the actuator 33. CONT Set as forward rotation indicator voltage V CF Or set to reverse indicator voltage V CR The sensor 36 identifies whether the actuator 33 is moving in the forward or reverse direction, and adds or subtracts the number of pulse signals Sp output from the sensor 36 from the count value Nc. However, after the magnetic rotor 331 of the stepper motor actuator 33 rotates by energizing the coils of the stator 332 (hereinafter referred to as the stator coils), even if the energization of the stator coils is disconnected, it may not stop at the position when the energization was disconnected. Due to various reasons, it may rotate slightly from the position when the energization was disconnected, and a pulse signal Sp may be generated from the sensor 36. Hereinafter, the rotation of the magnetic rotor 331 after the energization is disconnected will be referred to as the residual rotation.

[0075] This residual rotation can be arbitrary, depending on various factors such as the position of the magnetic poles of the magnetic rotor 331 when the power is off. Therefore, it is unclear whether the number of pulse signals Sp generated from the sensor 36 accompanying this residual rotation should be added to or subtracted from the count value Nc1. As a result, the count value Nc may be offset relative to the attitude position of the steering column 31.

[0076] As a first example, the residual rotation after the power is disconnected is generated, for instance, by the magnetic poles of the magnetic rotor 331, which stopped rotating due to the power disconnection, being attracted by the magnetic core of the nearby stator coil. The direction of this rotation depends on the positional relationship between the magnetic poles and the magnetic core, and can be either forward or reverse. Therefore, it is assumed that the direction of the residual rotation is always the same as the direction of rotation before the power is disconnected. For example, if the direction of rotation before the power is disconnected is forward, then if the number of pulse signals Sp generated from the sensor 36 during the residual rotation is added to the count value Nc, then in the case where the actual residual rotation is reversed, the relationship between the count value Nc and the posture position of the steering column 31 may deviate.

[0077] As a second example, residual rotation after energization is disconnected may occur, for instance, when the driver operates the column adjustment switch 4 to change the position of the steering column 31, or when the driver disconnects the column adjustment switch 4 due to a collision between the steering column 31 and the driver's body or other objects. In this case, residual rotation can be generated by the magnetic rotor 331 of the actuator 33 rotating due to the force from the steering column 31 being pressed by the object after the energization to the actuator 33 is disconnected by the column adjustment switch 4. Furthermore, the direction of residual rotation in this case depends on the direction of the force applied to the steering column 31, resulting in either a forward or reverse rotation. Therefore, it is difficult for the steering column adjustment device 1 to determine whether the pulse signal Sp generated from the sensor 36 during residual rotation should be added to or subtracted from the count value Nc. As a result, for example, if the number of pulse signals Sp generated from the sensor 36 during residual rotation is ignored (neither adding nor subtracting the count value), the relationship between the count value Nc and the position of the steering column 31 may deviate.

[0078] As a third example, residual rotation after energization is disconnected can occur, for example, due to a loosening of the transmission path of the driving force from actuator 33 to attitude adjustment mechanism 32 (e.g., loosening of gear meshing), causing the magnetic rotor 331 of actuator 33 to rotate freely within the range of this loosening. The direction of such free rotation of the magnetic rotor 331 is difficult to determine in the steering column adjustment device 1, and therefore may be a major cause of deviations in the relationship between the count value Nc and the attitude position of steering column 31.

[0079] Furthermore, as a fourth example, when the power is turned off, the boundary of the magnetic poles of the magnetic rotor 331 stops at the position of the sensor 36. If the boundary of the magnetic poles stops at the position of the sensor 36, the repeated small free rotations of the magnetic rotor 331 in the forward and reverse directions can generate a pulse signal Sp from the sensor 36 for the aforementioned number of repetitions. Since these pulse signals Sp are generated for each unit angle of the magnetic rotor 331, when the number of these pulse signals Sp is added to or subtracted from the count value Nc, a deviation will occur in the relationship between the count value Nc and the posture position of the steering column 31.

[0080] Furthermore, if there is a deviation in the relationship between the count value Nc and the posture position of the steering column 31, and the steering column adjustment device 1 adjusts the steering column 31 based on the count value Nc, it may cause obstacles such as narrowing of the adjustable range of the posture position of the steering column 31.

[0081] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the adjustment action of the steering column 31 when there is a deviation in the relationship between the count value Nc and the posture position of the steering column 31. Figure 5 As an example, this is shown in relation to... Figure 4 The tilt axis and count axis in the figure below show an example of an action where the correct correspondence between the tilt angle θ and the count value Nc1 is lost.

[0082] exist Figure 5 In the diagram, the leftmost of the three vertical axes on the left is the tilt axis representing the tilt angle θ of the steering column 31. The middle vertical axis is the first counting axis representing the "correct count value Nc1" that corresponds correctly to the tilt angle. These tilt axes and the first counting axis are related to... Figure 4 The tilt axis and the counting axis shown in the figure below are the same.

[0083] on the other hand, Figure 5 The rightmost of the three vertical axes on the left side of the diagram is the second counting axis, representing the "offset count value Nc1" that indicates the offset caused by the tilt angle θ corresponding to the attitude position of the steering column 31. In the example shown, the "offset count value Nc1" shown by the second counting axis, relative to the "correct count value Nc1" shown by the first counting axis, is in the positive direction (from the movable limit position A). LL Towards the limit position of mobility A LU 50 offsets are generated in the direction of the counter.

[0084] As a result, corresponding to the movable limit position A LL The pose position of "tilt angle θ = 0" does not correspond to "count value Nc1 = 0", but corresponds to the movable limit position A.LU The tilt angle θ = θ max The posture position does not correspond to "count value Nc1 = 400", but rather to "count value Nc1 = 350".

[0085] On the other hand, in the steering column adjustment device 1, with Figure 4 The situation is the same as shown, setting the allowed range SR TILT It is defined as follows: the count value Nc1 is 20 or higher and 380 or lower.

[0086] Therefore, for example at time t21, by operating the column adjustment switch 4, the steering column adjustment device 1 can move the steering column 31 to the set allowable range SR specified above. TILT Setting the limit position A SU The position corresponding to "count value Nc1 = 380" is actually the movable limit position A because the position of "count value Nc1 = 350". LU Therefore, the steering column 31 stops at time t22 when it reaches the count value Nc1 = 350.

[0087] Subsequently, if the steering column adjustment switch 4 is operated at time t23, the steering column adjustment device 1 will move the steering column 31 to its movable limit position A. LL The steering column 31 moves in the direction of the movement at time t24, reaching the set allowable range SR. TILT Setting the limit position A SL When the corresponding "count value Nc1 = 20" position is reached, the movement of the steering column 31 stops.

[0088] That is, since the count value Nc1 is offset by 50 counts, the actual allowable adjustment range of the steering column 31's posture position that can be adjusted by the steering column adjustment device 1 becomes the range of "20 ≤ count value Nc1 ≤ 350", which is higher than the aforementioned set allowable range SR. TILT The “20≦count value Nc1≦380” narrows the range of 30 counts.

[0089] Furthermore, the actions from time t25 to t27 are the same as those from time t21 to t23 as described above.

[0090] In order to solve the problem that the adjustment range of the steering column 31’s posture position is reduced due to the deviation of the count value Nc, as described above, and to enable the steering column 31 to move within the entire range of the set allowable range SR, the steering column adjustment device 1 of this embodiment performs a correction process for the deviation of the correspondence between the count value Nc and the posture position of the steering column 31, as described later.

[0091] [2. Structure of the steering column adjustment device]

[0092] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the structure of the steering column adjustment device 1.

[0093] The steering column adjustment device 1 includes a processor 10 and a memory 11. The memory 11 is, for example, composed of volatile and / or non-volatile semiconductor memory and / or a hard disk device.

[0094] The processor 10 is, for example, a computer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 10 may also have a structure including a ROM (Read Only Memory) with programs written to it, RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporary data storage, etc. Furthermore, the processor 10 includes a detection unit 13 and a setting unit 14 as functional elements or units.

[0095] These functional elements of the processor 10 are implemented, for example, by the processor 10, which is a computer, executing a program 12 stored in the memory 11. Furthermore, the program 12 can be pre-stored in any computer-readable storage medium. Alternatively, all or part of the aforementioned functional elements of the processor 10 can be constituted by hardware comprising one or more electronic circuit components.

[0096] The detection unit 13 detects the current posture and position of the steering column 31.

[0097] Specifically, the detection unit 13 detects the current posture position of the steering column 31 based on the action value, which represents the amount of action of the actuator 33 relative to the movable limit position LL of the posture adjustment mechanism 32. As described above, the action value is a count value obtained by adding or subtracting the number of times a predetermined signal is generated for each unit amount of action of the actuator 33 according to the operating direction of the actuator 33.

[0098] More specifically, the detection unit 13 determines the movable limit position A of the tilting steering mechanism 32a based on the indicated position. LL Using the action value of the actuator 33a as a reference, the current pitch direction EL of the steering column 31 is detected. Here, the aforementioned action value is a count value Nc1 obtained by adding or subtracting the number of times a predetermined signal is generated for each unit action of the actuator 33a according to the operating direction of the actuator 33a.

[0099] In this embodiment, the actuator 33a is a stepper motor comprising a magnetic rotor 331 having multiple poles and a sensor 36a serving as a Hall sensor. Furthermore, the signal specified above is a rectangular wave signal S generated by the sensor 36a and generated when the magnetic rotor 331 of the actuator 33a rotates by a unit angle. HALL The pulse signal Sp contained therein. The detection unit 13 calculates the count value Nc1 by performing addition or subtraction operations on the number of times the pulse signal Sp is generated, depending on whether the rotation direction of the magnetic rotor 331 of the actuator 33a is forward or reverse.

[0100] Similarly, the detection unit 13 determines the movable limit position P of the telescopic steering mechanism 32b based on the indicated position. LL Using the action value of the actuator 33b as a reference, the current forward / reverse direction FB posture position, i.e., forward / reverse position P, of the steering column 31 is detected. FB Here, the aforementioned action value is a count value Nc2 obtained by adding or subtracting the number of times a predetermined signal is generated for each unit action amount of the actuator 33b according to the operating direction of the actuator 33b.

[0101] In this embodiment, the actuator 33b is a stepper motor comprising a magnetic rotor 331 having multiple poles and a sensor 36b serving as a Hall sensor. Furthermore, the signal specified above is a rectangular wave signal S generated by the magnetic rotor 331 of the actuator 33b and output from the sensor 36b when the magnetic rotor 331 rotates by a unit angle. HALL The pulse signal Sp is included. The detection unit 13 calculates the count value Nc2 by adding or subtracting the number of times the pulse signal Sp is generated, depending on whether the rotation direction of the magnetic rotor 331 of the actuator 33b is forward or reverse.

[0102] In addition, the detection unit 13 performs correction processing to correct the deviation between the count value Nc, which is the action value, and the posture position of the steering column 31.

[0103] Specifically, during the operation of the actuator 33 performed by the setting unit 14 (described later), the detection unit 13 detects that the operating load of the actuator 33 is an overload exceeding a predetermined threshold. Based on the detected overload, the detection unit 13 stores the actuator 33's operating value (i.e., a count value) showing the steering column 31's position at the time the overload was detected. In other words, the detection unit 13 stores the operating value of the actuator 33 when an overload is detected.

[0104] Furthermore, when the detection unit 13 detects an overload position indicating the current position when the setting unit 14 moves the actuator 33 in a certain direction, and this value matches a previously stored overload position value indicating the previous position when the actuator 33 moved in the same direction, within a predetermined error range, the detection unit 13 considers the current overload position to be the movable limit position (LU or LL) in that direction and corrects the value. Here, "movable limit position in a certain direction" refers to the movable limit position LU when the "moving direction" is towards the movable limit position LU, and to the movable limit position LL when the "moving direction" is towards the movable limit position LL.

[0105] Provide specific examples to illustrate the actions of this corrective process.

[0106] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram used to illustrate the above-mentioned correction process. Figure 7 In the diagram, the three vertical axes on the left are... Figure 5 The three vertical axes shown on the left side of the diagram are identical. Starting from the left, they are: the tilt axis representing the tilt angle θ of the steering column 31; the first counting axis representing the "correct count value Nc1" indicating a correct correspondence with the tilt angle; and the second counting axis representing the "offset count value Nc1" indicating an offset in the correspondence with the tilt angle θ, which is the attitude position of the steering column 31. Figure 5 Similar examples exist, in Figure 7 In the example, the "offset count value Nc1" shown on the second counting axis is in the positive direction (from the movable limit position A) relative to the "correct count value Nc1" shown on the first counting axis. LL Towards the limit position of mobility A LU Offset 50 units in the direction of the counter.

[0107] Figure 7 The vertical axis on the right side of the diagram is the third counting axis, which represents the "corrected count value Nc1" after the detection unit 13 has performed correction processing at time t37.

[0108] exist Figure 7 In the example, as an initial state, it is assumed that the detection unit 13 has not yet stored any value of the count value Nc1 indicating the overload position of the actuator 33a in the previous operation.

[0109] exist Figure 7 First, at time t31, by operating the column adjustment switch 4, the steering column 31 will be turned in the positive direction (towards the movable limit position A). LUThe steering column adjustment device 1 is given an instruction to move the steering column 31 in the positive direction. The setting unit 14 (described later) of the steering column adjustment device 1 instructs the actuator 33a of the tilt steering mechanism 32a to move the steering column 31 in the positive direction. During this period, the detection unit 13 continuously calculates the count value Nc1 by adding up the number of pulse signals Sp generated from the sensor 36a provided by the actuator 33a.

[0110] and Figure 5 The example shown is the same; the setting unit 14 wants to move the steering column 31 to a position within the set allowable range SR. TILT Setting the limit position A SU The corresponding position is "count value Nc1 = 380", but when the steering column 31 becomes "count value Nc1 = 350" at time t32, it is at the movable limit position A. LU The actuator 33a is in an overloaded state, meaning it is energized but unable to move the steering column 31. As described above, at this point in time, since the detection unit 13 does not store any count value Nc1 indicating the overload position of the actuator 33a in the previous operation, in response to detecting the overload state at time t32, the detection unit 13 stores the value "350" of the count value Nc1 at time t32 as the value indicating the overload position.

[0111] Here, the operating load of actuator 33a can be evaluated, for example, by the reciprocal of the number of pulse signals Sp generated per unit time from sensor 36a when actuator 33a is energized. This is because if the energizing voltage is constant, the greater the operating load, the fewer pulse signals Sp are generated per unit time; therefore, the greater the load, the greater the value of the reciprocal of the number generated.

[0112] As an example, if the number of pulse signals Sp generated per unit time during the normal operation of actuator 33a is 5, then the operating load during the normal operation is 0.2 (=1 / 5). In this case, for example, if the prescribed threshold for operating load is set to 0.5 (=1 / 2), then when the number of pulse signals Sp generated per unit time decreases to less than 2, it can be determined that actuator 33a is in an overload state.

[0113] Subsequently, at time t33, the column adjustment switch 4 is operated, causing the steering column adjustment device 1 to move the steering column 31 in the opposite direction (towards the movable limit position A). LL The setting unit 14 instructs the actuator 33a of the tilt steering mechanism 32a to move the steering column 31 in the opposite direction. During this period, the detection unit 13 continuously calculates the count value Nc1 by subtracting the number of pulse signals Sp generated from the sensor 36a provided with the actuator 33a.

[0114] Setting unit 14 reaches the set allowable range SR at steering column 31. TILT Setting the limit position A SL At time t34, corresponding to the position of "count value Nc1 = 20", the actuator 33a is instructed to stop.

[0115] Then, at time t35, if the column adjustment switch 4 is operated again, the steering column adjustment device 1 is adjusted so that the steering column 31 is oriented in the positive direction (towards the movable limit position A). LU If the direction of movement is indicated, the setting unit 14 instructs the actuator 33a of the tilt steering mechanism 32a to move the steering column 31 in the positive direction. During this period, the detection unit 13 continuously calculates the count value Nc1 by adding up the number of pulse signals Sp generated from the sensor 36a provided by the actuator 33a.

[0116] The setting unit 14 again moves the steering column 31 to the set allowable range SR. TILT Setting the limit position A SU The corresponding position is "count value Nc1 = 380", but the steering column 31 hits the movable limit position A when the count value becomes "count value Nc1 = 350" at time t36. LU And then it stops. At this time, the detection unit 13 detects that the actuator 33a has become overloaded.

[0117] At time t36, the detection unit 13 detects that the actuator 33a is in an overload state, and sets the count value Nc1 at time t36 to "350", which indicates the overload position of the actuator 33a in this positive direction operation.

[0118] Then, the detection unit 13 compares the value "350" of the overload position count Nc1 stored at time t32, which shows the overload position of the actuator 33a in the previous positive direction operation, with the value "350" of the overload position count Nc1 of the actuator 33a in the current positive direction operation at time t36.

[0119] Since the stored count value "350" indicating the previous overload position is the same as the count value "350" indicating the current overload position, the detection unit 13 corrects the count value Nc1. Specifically, at a time t37, slightly later than time t36, the detection unit 13 determines that the current overload position, i.e., the position where the steering column 31 stops at time t36, is actually the movable limit position A in the positive direction of the actuator 33a. LU The current count value Nc1, which stops at time t36, will be corrected to "350" to match the movable limit position A. LU The correct value is "400". Here, it corresponds to the movable limit position A.LU The correct value "400" for the corresponding count value Nc1 can be pre-stored as the limit value V of Nc1. 1U (To be described later.)

[0120] Therefore, the count value Nc1 held by the detection unit 13 is based on Figure 7 The third counting axis on the right shows the "corrected counting value Nc1", and the counting value Nc1 shows the correct correspondence with the tilt angle θ of the steering column 31 shown by the tilt axis. For example, the value of the counting value Nc1 "400" correctly corresponds to the movable limit position A shown by the tilt axis. LU The position, and the value of count Nc1 "0" correctly corresponds to the movable limit position A shown by the tilt axis. LL The location.

[0121] Furthermore, the detection unit 13 can also correct the count value Nc1 if the stored count value Nc1 indicating a previous overload position and the currently detected count value Nc1 indicating the current overload position are within a specified error range. Thus, at the same movable limit position A... LU Even when there may be an error between the count value Nc1 showing the previous overload position and the count value Nc1 showing the current overload position, the same movable limit position A can still be correctly determined. LU Are the values ​​of the two values ​​consistent?

[0122] When the actuator 33a of the tilt steering mechanism 32a is turned in the opposite direction (steering column 31 is directed toward the movable limit position A), LL If an overload condition is detected when moving in the direction of movement, the same procedure is performed. Figure 7 The correction process for the count value Nc1 is illustrated as an example.

[0123] That is, when the actuator 33a is operated in the opposite direction, the value of the count Nc1 indicating the current overload position is consistent with the value of the count Nc1 indicating the previous overload position stored when the actuator 33a was operated in the opposite direction last time within a specified error range, the detection unit 13 sets the current overload position as the movable limit position A in the opposite direction. LL Correct the count value Nc1 (specifically, reset the count value Nc1 to zero).

[0124] In addition, the testing department 13 and in Figure 7 Similarly, the correction process for the count value Nc1 illustrated in the example is performed when the actuator 33b of the telescopic steering mechanism 32b is oriented in the positive direction (steering column 31 is oriented toward the movable limit position P). LU (in the direction of) or the opposite direction (steering column 31 towards the movable limit position P)LL If an overload condition is detected when the direction of movement is being moved, the count value Nc2 is corrected.

[0125] That is, when the overload position indicated by the count value Nc2 detected when the actuator 33b of the telescopic steering mechanism 32b moves in the positive direction is consistent with the overload position indicated by the count value Nc2 stored when the actuator 33b moved in the positive direction last time within a specified error range, the detection unit 13 sets the current overload position as the movable limit position P in the positive direction. LU The count value Nc2 is then corrected. Specifically, the current count value Nc2 is corrected to match the movable limit position P. LU The corresponding correct count value is Nc2 (the limit value V of Nc2, described later). 2U ).

[0126] Furthermore, when the count value Nc2 indicating the current overload position detected when the actuator 33b is operated in the opposite direction is consistent with the count value Nc2 indicating the previous overload position stored when the actuator 33b was operated in the opposite direction last time within a specified error range, the detection unit 13 sets the current overload position as the movable limit position P in the opposite direction. LL Correct the count value Nc2 (specifically, reset the count value Nc2 to zero).

[0127] Furthermore, if the value of the overload position indicated by the count Nc detected by the detection unit 13 when the actuator 33 is moved in a certain direction is inconsistent with the value of the count Nc indicating the previous overload position stored when the actuator 33 was previously moved in the same direction, within a specified error range, the previous overload position is updated to the current overload position, or the previous overload position is maintained.

[0128] Specifically, when the detection unit 13 detects a position further from the movable limit position (LL or LU) in a moving direction than a previous overload position detected and stored when the actuator 33 is moved in a moving direction, it does not store the count value Nc indicating the current overload position, but maintains the storage of the previous overload position. Conversely, when the detection unit 13 detects a position closer to the movable limit position (LL or LU) in a moving direction than a previous overload position detected and stored when the actuator 33 is moved in a moving direction, it updates the storage of the count value Nc indicating the previous overload position using the value of the current overload position Nc.

[0129] Here, compared to the previous overload position detected and stored when the actuator 33 is moved in a certain direction, it can be determined whether the current overload position detected when the actuator 33 is moved in the aforementioned direction is a position farther or closer to the movable limit position (LL or LU) in the aforementioned direction, based on whether the value of the count Nc indicating the previous overload position is greater or smaller than the value of the count Nc indicating the current overload position.

[0130] Therefore, for example, the overload position in the case where the actuator 33 becomes overloaded due to an obstacle encountered before the steering column 31 reaches the movable limit position LL or LU may not be stored, thus enabling more accurate correction of the action value (i.e., the count value Nc) at the movable limit position LL or LU.

[0131] Reference Figure 6 The setting unit 14 of the steering column adjustment device 1 responds to the input from the column adjustment switch 4 and sets the steering column 31's posture position by moving it via the actuator 33 within a predetermined set allowable range SR within the movable range LR of the posture adjustment mechanism 32, based on the current posture position of the steering column 31 detected by the detection unit 13.

[0132] The allowable range is defined as the range between two set limit positions SL and SU, which are separated by a specified margin amount from the two movable limit positions LL and LU of the specified movable range LR. As an example, for the attitude position of the steering column 31 in the elevation direction EL, which is changed by the tilt steering mechanism 32a, such as... Figure 4 As shown by the tilt axis, the allowable range SR is set. TILT Determined to be within the specified range of motion LR TILT Two movable limit positions A LLAnd A LU Two predetermined limit positions A, separated by a specified margin, are respectively located. SL And A SU The range between them.

[0133] The setting unit 14 also stores the active and idle positions of the steering column 31 for each driver of the vehicle 2. The active position is the position of the steering column 31 when the driver is driving, and the idle position is the position of the steering column 31 when the driver is not driving. The active and idle positions are determined within a set allowable range SR. For example, for a driver, the active position may be the center position of the set allowable range SR, and the idle position may be the position of the set limit position SU of the set allowable range SR.

[0134] Furthermore, when the state of the vehicle 2 meets the predetermined first condition, the setting unit 14 moves the steering column 31 to the usage posture position stored for the driver. In addition, when the state of the vehicle 2 meets the predetermined second condition, the setting unit 14 moves the steering column 31 to the standby posture position stored for the driver.

[0135] Therefore, since the position of the steering column 31 is automatically adjusted to the driving posture position and the standby posture position preferred by each driver, the convenience for the driver can be improved.

[0136] It should be noted that, in the above, the first condition can be when the driver enters vehicle 2 or starts vehicle 2, and the second condition can be when the driver exits vehicle 2 or stops vehicle 2. Here, the situations of the driver entering and exiting vehicle 2 can be determined, for example, based on images from an interior camera (not shown) located inside vehicle 2. Furthermore, the starting and stopping of vehicle 2 can be determined by switching the vehicle power switch 5 from off to on and from on to off based on information from the operation of the vehicle power switch 5 via the vehicle control device 6.

[0137] Therefore, since the steering column is adjusted to a position suitable for the driver's use and standby posture according to the driver's actions of getting into the vehicle, starting the vehicle, getting out of the vehicle, or stopping the vehicle, the convenience for the driver can be further improved.

[0138] [3. Operation of the steering column adjustment device]

[0139] Next, the sequence of operations of the steering column adjustment device 1 will be explained.

[0140] The steering column adjustment device 1 performs initialization and setting processes. The initialization process initializes the correspondence between the steering column 31's position and the count value Nc, which indicates the actuation amount of the actuator 33. The setting process involves the steering column adjustment device 1 setting the steering column 31's position based on the driver's operation of the column adjustment switch 4, or based on the fulfillment of the first or second condition described above. The setting process includes the correction process performed by the detection unit 13 described above.

[0141] First, the initialization process will be explained.

[0142] Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing the sequence of initialization processes executed by the computer, i.e., processor 10, of the steering column adjustment device 1. The initialization process is performed, for example, during vehicle 2 maintenance work, in a state where there are no obstacles around the steering column 31 that would impede its movement. Figure 8 The process shown begins when the power to the steering column adjustment device 1 is turned on. Furthermore, in Figure 8 During the movement of the steering column 31 by the actuator 33, the detection unit 13 counts the number of pulse signals Sp generated from the sensor 36 to calculate the count value Nc.

[0143] When processing begins, the detection unit 13 of the steering column adjustment device 1 determines whether an initialization instruction has been received (S100). The initialization instruction is sent from outside the vehicle 2 to the steering column adjustment device 1 via the vehicle's onboard network bus 7, for example, during vehicle 2 maintenance work.

[0144] If no initialization instruction is received (S100, No), the detection unit 13 returns to step S100 and repeats the process, waiting for an initialization instruction to be received. On the other hand, if an initialization instruction is received (S100, Yes), the detection unit 13 instructs the setting unit 14 to move the actuator 33a of the tilt steering mechanism 32a in the opposite direction, so that the posture position of the steering column 31 is at the movable limit position A. LL Stop (S102). The position of the steering column 31 becomes the movable limit position A. LL For example, it can detect an overload situation where the operating load of the actuator 33a moving in the opposite direction becomes an overload exceeding a predetermined threshold.

[0145] Next, the detection unit 13 is at the movable limit position A of the steering column 31. LL In the stopped state, the current value of the action value, i.e. the count value Nc1, which represents the action amount of the actuator 33a, is reset to zero (S104).

[0146] Next, the detection unit 13 instructs the setting unit 14 to move the actuator 33a in the positive direction, so that the steering column 31 is at its movable limit position A. Lu Stop (S106). The position of the steering column 31 becomes the movable limit position A. Lu It can detect when the operating load of the actuator 33a moving in the positive direction becomes an overload exceeding a predetermined threshold.

[0147] Next, the steering column 31 stops at its maximum movable position A. Lu In this state, the detection unit 13 stores the current value of the action value, i.e., the count value Nc1, representing the action amount of the actuator 33a, as the limit value V of Nc1. 1U (S108). The detection unit 13 instructs the setting unit 14 to operate the actuator 33a in the opposite direction, until the count value Nc1 becomes the stored Nc1 limit value V. 1U When the actuator 33a stops moving at half its maximum position, the steering column 31 is set to its maximum position A. Lu With the movable limit position A LL The central position between (S110).

[0148] Next, the detection unit 13 instructs the setting unit 14 to move the actuator 33b of the telescopic steering mechanism 32b in the opposite direction, so that the steering column 31 is at its movable limit position P. LL Stop (S112). The steering column 31's position becomes its movable limit position P. LL It can detect when the operating load of the actuator 33b moving in the opposite direction becomes overloaded.

[0149] Next, the detection unit 13 detects the steering column 31 at its maximum movable position P. LL In the stopped state, the current value of the action value, i.e. the count value Nc2, which represents the action amount of actuator 33b, is reset to zero (S114).

[0150] Next, the detection unit 13 instructs the setting unit 14 to move the actuator 33b in the positive direction, so that the steering column 31 is at its movable limit position P. LU Stop (S116). The steering column 31's position becomes its movable limit position P. LU It can detect when the operating load of the actuator 33b moving in the positive direction becomes an overload exceeding a specified threshold.

[0151] Next, the detection unit 13 stops at the movable limit position P of the steering column 31 in its positional position. LU In this state, the current value of the action value, i.e., the count value Nc2, representing the action amount of actuator 33b, is stored as the limit value V of Nc2.2U (S118). The detection unit 13 instructs the setting unit 14 to operate the actuator 33b in the opposite direction, until the count value Nc2 becomes the stored Nc2 limit value V. 2U When the actuator 33b stops moving at half its maximum position, the steering column 31 is set to its maximum position P. LU With the movable limit position P LL The process ends at the central position between (S120).

[0152] The following discussion does not distinguish between the limit value V of Nc1. 1U and the Nc2 limit value V 2U When these are collectively referred to as the Nc limit value V U .

[0153] Next, the setting process will be explained.

[0154] Figure 9 This is a flowchart showing the sequence of setting processes executed by the computer, i.e., processor 10, of the steering column adjustment device 1. As described above, the setting process is the process by which the steering column adjustment device 1 sets the posture position of the steering column 31 based on the driver's operation of the column adjustment switch 4, or based on the fulfillment of the first or second condition described above.

[0155] Furthermore, the setting process is a shared process for both the tilt steering mechanism 32a and the telescopic steering mechanism 32b, therefore in Figure 9 In this section, the operation of the posture adjustment mechanism 32, which is collectively referred to as the tilt steering mechanism 32a and the telescopic steering mechanism 32b, will be explained.

[0156] In addition, Figure 9 During the movement of the steering column 31's position via the actuator 33, the detection unit 13 counts the number of pulse signals Sp generated from the sensor 36 to calculate a count value Nc, and detects the current position of the steering column 31 based on the calculated count value Nc. As described above, the count value Nc is an action value representing the amount of action of the actuator 33 relative to a movable limit position LL of the posture adjustment mechanism 32.

[0157] In addition, during the period when the actuator 33 of the posture adjustment mechanism 32 is activated to move the steering column 31, the setting unit 14 identifies the posture position of the steering column 31 based on the count value Nc calculated by the detection unit 13.

[0158] Figure 9 The process shown begins when the power to the steering column adjustment device 1 is turned on and is repeated. This repetition ends when the power to the steering column adjustment device 1 is turned off.

[0159] When processing begins, the setting unit 14 of the steering column adjustment device 1 determines whether the column adjustment switch 4 has been activated (S200). Here, activating the column adjustment switch 4 refers to, for example, activating the column adjustment switch 4 as a rocker switch. Figure 1 Pressing any one of the arrows in the up / down or forward / backward direction indicates that the steering column adjustment device 1 is in motion.

[0160] When the column adjustment switch 4 is turned on (S200, Yes), the setting unit 14 moves the steering column 31 within the set allowable range SR in the direction corresponding to the operation of the column adjustment switch 4 (S220). This movement of the steering column 31 is achieved by the setting unit 14 actuating the actuator 33 of the posture adjustment mechanism 32 (i.e., tilt steering mechanism 32a or telescopic steering mechanism 32b) corresponding to the operation of the column adjustment switch 4 in the direction corresponding to the operation of the column adjustment switch 4.

[0161] The detection unit 13 determines whether an overload is detected in the load of the actuator 33 during the movement of the steering column 31 (S222). Then, if an overload is detected in the load of the actuator 33 (S222, Yes), the detection unit 13 performs a correction process (S212) and ends the process. The correction process corrects the deviation of the actuator 33's movement value (representing the amount of movement) from its movable limit position LL. This will be discussed later. Figure 10 Describe the details of the correction process.

[0162] On the other hand, Figure 9 In step S222, if no overload is detected in the actuator 33 during operation (S222, No), the setting unit 14 determines whether the column adjustment switch 4 is open (S224). Here, the column adjustment switch 4 being open means, for example, that the column adjustment switch 4, which is a rocker switch, is open. Figure 1 The arrows in the up / down or forward / backward directions shown are all in an unpressed state, so the movement indication of the steering column 31 is not input to the steering column adjustment device 1.

[0163] When the column adjustment switch 4 is open (S224, Yes), the setting unit 14 ends the process. On the other hand, when the column adjustment switch 4 is not open (S224, No), the setting unit 14 returns to step S220 and repeats the process.

[0164] On the other hand, if the column adjustment switch 4 is not turned on in step S200 (S200, No), the setting unit 14 determines whether the first condition is met (S202). As described above, the first condition refers to the driver entering the vehicle 2 or starting the vehicle 2. Then, when the first condition is met (S202, Yes), the setting unit 14 actuates the actuator 33 of the posture adjustment mechanism 32, causing the steering column 31 to move towards the usage posture position within the set allowable range SR (S214).

[0165] During the movement of the steering column 31 toward the position for use, the detection unit 13 determines whether the load on the actuator 33 in operation has become overloaded (S216). Then, if the load on the actuator 33 in operation is detected to be overloaded (S216, yes), the detection unit 13 performs correction processing (S212) and ends the process.

[0166] On the other hand, if no overload is detected in the actuator 33 during operation (S216, No), the setting unit 14 determines whether the steering column 31 has reached the operating position based on the value of the count value Nc (S218). Then, if the steering column 31 has not reached the operating position (S218, No), the setting unit 14 returns to step S214 and repeats the process. On the other hand, if the steering column 31 reaches the operating position (S218, Yes), the setting unit 14 ends this process.

[0167] On the other hand, if the first condition is not met in step S202 (S202, No), the setting unit 14 determines whether the second condition is met (S204). As described above, the second condition refers to the driver getting off the vehicle 2 or stopping the vehicle 2. Then, if the second condition is not met (S204, No), the setting unit 14 returns to step S200 and repeats the process.

[0168] On the other hand, when the second condition is met (S204, Yes), the setting unit 14 causes the actuator 33 of the posture adjustment mechanism 32 to operate, causing the steering column 31 to move toward the standby posture position within the range of the set allowable range SR (S206).

[0169] During the movement of the steering column 31 toward the standby position, the detection unit 13 determines whether the load on the operating actuator 33 has become overloaded (S208). Then, if the load on the operating actuator 33 is detected to be overloaded (S208, yes), the detection unit 13 performs correction processing (S212) and ends the process.

[0170] On the other hand, if no overload is detected in the actuator 33 during operation (S208, No), the setting unit 14 determines whether the steering column 31 has reached the standby posture position based on the value of the count value Nc (S210). Then, if the steering column 31 has not reached the standby posture position (S210, No), the setting unit 14 returns to step S206 and repeats the process. On the other hand, if the steering column 31 reaches the standby posture position (S210, Yes), the setting unit 14 ends this process.

[0171] Figure 10 It is shown in Figure 9 The flowchart shows the sequence of correction processes performed in step S212.

[0172] When processing begins, firstly, the detection unit 13 instructs the setting unit 14 to determine the overload position P of the steering column 31 detected during the previous steps S208, S216, or S222. OLC This stops the operation of actuator 33, thereby stopping the movement of steering column 31 (S 300). Next, detection unit 13 determines and indicates the current overload position P. OLC The action value, i.e., the count value Nc, is compared with the previous overload position P stored in step S 312 described later. OLP Whether the action value, i.e. the count value Nc, is consistent within the specified error range (S 302).

[0173] Then, the overload location P is shown. OLC The count value Nc is compared with the previous overload location P. OLP When the count value Nc is consistent within the specified error range (S 302, Yes), the detection unit 13 corrects the count value Nc, which is the current action value of the actuator 33, to 0 (zero) or the Nc limit value V. U (S 304). Specifically, the detection unit 13 is about to reach the overload position P. OLC When the actuator 33 operates in the opposite direction, the count value Nc is reset to zero for correction. When it operates in the positive direction, the count value Nc is corrected to the limit value V of Nc. U .

[0174] Subsequently, the detection unit 13 clears the stored information indicating the previous overload position P. OLP The action value is the value of the count value Nc (S306). Additionally, the detection unit 13 instructs the setting unit 14 to return the steering column 31's position to within the set allowable range SR based on the corrected count value Nc (S308), ending the correction process. After the correction process is completed, the detection unit 13 returns the process to... Figure 10 The settings process shown is now complete.

[0175] On the other hand, when step S302 indicates the overload position P, OLC The value of the action value count Nc is compared with the value of the previous overload position P. OLP When the count value Nc of the action value is inconsistent within the specified error range ("No" in S302), the detection unit 13 determines the overload position P of this operation. OLC The previous overload location P is indicated by the stored count value Nc. OLP In contrast, whether it is located at the movable limit position (LL or LU) in the direction of action of the actuator 33 further away from the immediate preceding actuator (S 310).

[0176] Then, when the overload position P is reached... OLC The previous overload location P is indicated by the stored count value Nc. OLP In contrast, when the position is located at the movable limit position (LL or LU) further away from the immediate preceding actuator 33 in the direction of operation (S310, Yes), the detection unit 13 does not store the current overload position P. OLC Instead of using the action value count Nc, the currently stored value is maintained as a reference to the previous overload position P. OLP The action value count Nc is calculated (S 312), and the process ends.

[0177] On the other hand, at the overload location P in this case... OLC The previous overload location P is indicated by the stored count value Nc. OLP In contrast, when the position is located at the movable limit position (LL or LU) in the direction of operation closer to the immediate actuator 33 (S 310: No), the detection unit 13 uses the overload position P as an indicator of the current situation. OLC The action value count Nc is used to update the currently stored value as a reference to the previous overload position P. OLP The value of the action value count Nc is stored, or if the previous overload position P is not stored, it indicates the value of the action value count. OLP When the count value Nc is reached, the detection unit 13 will indicate the current overload position P. OLC The count value Nc is stored as a representation of the previous overload location P. OLP The action value (S 314) is obtained, and the process ends.

[0178] here, Figure 8 The initialization process shown and Figure 9 The settings process shown includes Figure 10 The correction process shown corresponds to the steering column adjustment method executed by the computer, i.e., processor 10, of the steering column adjustment device 1.

[0179] For example, regarding Figure 9 In the setting process, during the movement of the steering column 31's position via the actuator 33, the detection unit 13 counts the number of pulse signals Sp generated from the sensor 36 and detects the current position of the steering column 31 based on this count value Nc, which is part of the detection step in the steering column adjustment method. Furthermore, Figure 9 Steps S208, S216, and S224 shown are as follows: Figure 10 The correction process shown corresponds to another part of the detection steps in the steering column adjustment method.

[0180] in addition, Figure 9 Steps S206, S214, and S220 correspond to the setting steps in the steering column adjustment method.

[0181] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the structure of the above-described embodiments and can be implemented in various ways without departing from its spirit.

[0182] [6. Structure supported by the above embodiments]

[0183] The above implementation supports the following structure.

[0184] (Structure 1) A steering column adjustment device for adjusting the posture of a vehicle's steering column, comprising: an actuator that drives a posture adjustment mechanism of the steering column to move the posture position of the steering column within a movable range defined by two movable limit positions of the posture adjustment mechanism; and a detection unit that detects the current posture position of the steering column, the detection unit detecting the current posture position of the steering column based on an action value representing the amount of action of the actuator relative to one of the movable limit positions, wherein during the operation of the actuator, the detection unit stores an action value indicating an overload position, i.e., an overload position, where the actuator becomes overloaded above a predetermined threshold; when the action value indicating the current overload position detected when the actuator is operated in a moving direction is consistent with the action value indicating the previous overload position stored when the actuator was previously operated in the same moving direction, within a predetermined error range, the detection unit sets the current overload position as the movable limit position in the moving direction and corrects the action value.

[0185] According to the steering column adjustment device of structure 1, even if there is a deviation in the correspondence between the actuator's action value and the steering column's posture position, the steering column is detected to have reached its movable limit position by the actuator being overloaded twice in the same position, thereby correcting the actuator's action value. Therefore, the deviation in the detection of the steering column's posture position can be appropriately corrected, and the steering column's posture position can be adjusted stably and with high precision.

[0186] (Structure 2) According to the steering column adjustment device of Structure 1, when the current overload position detected when moving the actuator in the one direction of movement is a posture position further away from the movable limit position in the one direction of movement than the previous overload position indicated by the action value detected and stored when moving the actuator in the one direction of movement, the detection unit does not store the action value indicating the current overload position, but maintains the storage of the action value indicating the previous overload position. When the current overload position detected when moving the actuator in the one direction of movement is a posture position closer to the movable limit position in the one direction of movement than the previous overload position indicated by the action value detected and stored when moving the actuator in the one direction of movement, the detection unit updates the storage of the action value indicating the previous overload position using the action value indicating the current overload position.

[0187] According to the steering column adjustment device of structure 2, when the current overload position is located further away from the movable limit position compared to the stored previous overload position, the current overload position is not stored as a previous overload position. Therefore, for example, the overload position in the case where the actuator becomes overloaded due to an obstacle encountered before the steering column reaches the movable limit position is not stored, and the correction action of the action value can be performed more appropriately.

[0188] (Structure 3) A steering column adjustment device according to Structure 1 or 2, wherein the action value of the actuator is a count value obtained by adding or subtracting the number of times a predetermined signal is generated according to the action direction of the actuator based on the unit action amount of the actuator.

[0189] According to the steering column adjustment device of structure 3, the action value representing the amount of action of the actuator based on a movable limit position can be easily obtained as a count value of the number of times a specified signal is generated for each unit amount of action of the actuator.

[0190] (Structure 4) According to the steering column adjustment device of Structure 3, wherein the actuator is a motor having a magnetic rotor with multiple poles and a sensor as a Hall sensor, and the specified signal is a pulse signal output from the sensor generated whenever the magnetic rotor rotates a unit angle.

[0191] According to the steering column adjustment device of structure 4, even when a motor with a magnetic rotor is used as an actuator, the count value as the action value can be easily obtained.

[0192] (Structure 5) A steering column adjustment device according to any one of Structures 1 to 4, wherein the steering column adjustment device includes a setting unit, the setting unit setting the posture position of the steering column by means of the actuator within a predetermined set allowable range of the movable range of the steering column in the posture adjustment mechanism, the set allowable range being determined as the range between two set limit positions that are separated by a predetermined margin from the two movable limit positions.

[0193] According to the steering column adjustment device of structure 5, since the steering column is adjusted in a set allowable range that is narrower than the movable limit range, it can avoid multiple collisions between the steering column and the movable limit position during the posture adjustment, and suppress the occurrence of damage and breakage of the posture adjustment mechanism.

[0194] (Structure 6) According to the steering column adjustment device of Structure 5, the setting unit stores the steering column, the driving posture position and the idle posture position of the driver when not driving, for each driver of the vehicle. When the state of the vehicle meets a predetermined first condition, the steering column is moved to the driving posture position. When the state of the vehicle meets a predetermined second condition, the steering column is moved to the idle posture position of the driver.

[0195] According to the steering column adjustment device of structure 6, the steering column is automatically adjusted to the driving posture position and the idle posture position preferred by each driver, thus improving the convenience for the driver.

[0196] (Structure 7) According to the steering column adjustment device of Structure 6, wherein the first condition is when the driver enters the vehicle or starts the vehicle, and the second condition is when the driver gets out of the vehicle or stops the vehicle.

[0197] According to the steering column adjustment device of structure 7, the steering column is adjusted to the driving posture position and the standby posture position corresponding to the driver's preference when getting into the vehicle, starting the vehicle, getting out of the vehicle, or stopping the vehicle, thus further improving the convenience for the driver.

[0198] (Structure 8) A steering column adjustment method, executed by a computer of a steering column adjustment device for adjusting the posture of a vehicle's steering column, wherein the steering column adjustment method comprises: a setting step, wherein a steering column posture adjustment mechanism is driven by an actuator to move the posture position of the steering column within a movable range defined by two movable limit positions in the posture adjustment mechanism; and a detection step, wherein the current posture position of the steering column is detected based on an action value representing the amount of action of the actuator relative to one of the movable limit positions, wherein during the action of the actuator, an action value indicating that the actuator is overloaded above a predetermined threshold position, i.e., an overload position, is stored; and when the action value indicating the current overload position detected when the actuator is moved in a moving direction is consistent with the action value indicating the previous overload position stored when the actuator was previously moved in the same moving direction, the current overload position is set as the movable limit position in the moving direction, and the action value is corrected.

[0199] The steering column adjustment method of structure 8 can achieve the same effect as structure 1.

Claims

1. A steering column adjustment device for adjusting the posture of a vehicle's steering column, wherein, The steering column adjustment device has the following features: An actuator that drives the attitude adjustment mechanism of the steering column to move the attitude position of the steering column within a movable range defined by two movable limit positions of the attitude adjustment mechanism; as well as The detection unit detects the current attitude position of the steering column. The detection unit detects the current posture position of the steering column based on an action value representing the amount of action of the actuator relative to one of the movable limit positions. During the operation of the actuator, the action value is stored indicating the overload position, i.e., the posture position, where the actuator becomes overloaded above a predetermined threshold. When the action value indicating the current overload position detected when the actuator moves in a certain direction is consistent with the action value indicating the previous overload position stored when the actuator previously moved in the same direction, the detection unit sets the current overload position as the movable limit position in the same direction and corrects the action value.

2. The steering column adjustment device according to claim 1, wherein, Compared to a previous overload position indicated by the action value detected and stored when the actuator is moved in a certain direction, if the current overload position detected when the actuator is moved in the same direction is a posture position further away from the movable limit position in that direction, the detection unit does not store the action value indicating the current overload position, but maintains the storage of the action value indicating the previous overload position. Compared to the previous overload position indicated by the action value detected and stored when the actuator is moved in the one direction of movement, if the current overload position detected when the actuator is moved in the one direction of movement is a posture position that is closer to the movable limit position in the one direction of movement, the detection unit updates the storage of the action value indicating the previous overload position using the action value indicating the current overload position.

3. The steering column adjustment device according to claim 1, wherein, The action value of the actuator is a count value obtained by adding or subtracting the number of times a predetermined signal is generated according to the direction of the actuator's action, based on the direction of the actuator's action.

4. The steering column adjustment device according to claim 3, wherein, The actuator is a motor having a magnetic rotor with multiple poles and a sensor that functions as a Hall sensor. The specified signal is a pulse signal contained in the rectangular wave signal output from the sensor, generated each time the magnetic rotor rotates a unit angle.

5. The steering column adjusting device according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The steering column adjustment device includes a setting unit that sets the posture position of the steering column within a predetermined allowable range of motion of the steering column in the posture adjustment mechanism via the actuator. The set allowable range is determined to be the range between two set limit positions that are separated by a specified margin from the two movable limit positions.

6. The steering column adjustment device according to claim 5, wherein, The setting unit stores, for each driver of the vehicle, information about the steering column, including the driver's posture position while driving and the posture position when not driving. When the vehicle's state meets a predetermined first condition, the steering column is moved to the driver's usage posture position; when the vehicle's state meets a predetermined second condition, the steering column is moved to the driver's standby posture position.

7. The steering column adjustment device according to claim 6, wherein, The first condition is when the driver enters the vehicle or starts the vehicle. The second condition is when the driver gets off the vehicle or stops the vehicle.

8. A steering column adjustment method, wherein the steering column adjustment method is performed by a computer of a steering column adjustment device for adjusting the posture of the steering column of a vehicle, wherein, This steering column adjustment method has the following characteristics: The steps are set up so that the attitude adjustment mechanism of the steering column is driven by an actuator to move the attitude position of the steering column within the movable range defined by two movable limit positions in the attitude adjustment mechanism. as well as The detection step involves detecting the current posture and position of the steering column. In the detection step, The current posture position of the steering column is detected based on the action value representing the amount of action of the actuator relative to one of the said movable limit positions. During the operation of the actuator, the action value is stored indicating the overload position, i.e., the posture position, where the actuator becomes overloaded above a predetermined threshold. When the action value indicating the current overload position detected when the actuator moves in a certain direction is consistent with the action value indicating the previous overload position stored when the actuator previously moved in the same direction, the current overload position is set as the movable limit position in the same direction, and the action value is corrected.

Images