Steering column arrangement

Abstract

The present invention relates to a steering column assembly. The steering column assembly includes a clearance suppression mechanism (23) configured to suppress clearance between the column tube (22) within a housing (21). The clearance suppression mechanism (23) includes: a first component (71) comprising an outer bottom surface (81) opposing the inner bottom surface (65) of the bulge (33) of the housing (21) in a first direction, and a first friction surface (82) located on the side opposite to the outer bottom surface (81) in the first direction; a second component (72) comprising a support surface (91) supporting the outer peripheral surface of the column tube (22), and a second friction surface (92) located on the side opposite to the support surface (91) in the first direction and in contact with the first friction surface (82); and a force-applying component (73) applying force to the first component (71) toward the force-applying side. The first friction surface (82) and the second friction surface (92) are inclined surfaces that are inclined away from the column tube (22) as they move toward the force-applying side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a steering column device. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, there exists a steering column device capable of adjusting the fore-and-aft position of the steering wheel (hereinafter referred to as the telescopic position). This steering column device comprises a housing supported by the vehicle body, a column tube housed within the housing in a manner that allows axial movement, and a column shaft supported within the column tube in a rotatable manner and connected to the steering wheel. When adjusting the telescopic position, the column tube, column shaft, and steering wheel move together axially.

[0003] Thus, since the column tube can move axially, there is a concern that the column tube may loosen, for example, when external force is applied to the steering wheel by the driver's operation. Therefore, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a steering column device that includes a pressing mechanism disposed between the housing and the column tube. In this steering column device, the pressing mechanism uses the force of a disc spring to press the column tube against the inner circumferential surface of the housing, thereby suppressing the gap of the column tube within the housing.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-52208

[0005] In the steering column device of Patent Document 1, in order to reliably suppress the gap of the column tube, the pressing mechanism needs to increase the force of pressing the column tube by increasing the force of the disc spring. However, if the force of pressing the column tube is increased, the sliding resistance between the column tube and the outer casing will increase, making it difficult to adjust the telescopic position. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A steering column device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a shaft for fixing a steering wheel; and a steering column supporting the shaft so as to be rotatable. The steering column includes: a housing supported by a vehicle body; a column tube housed within the housing in a manner capable of axial movement; and a clearance suppression mechanism configured to suppress clearance of the column tube within the housing. A straight line intersecting the axis of the column tube is a first straight line, and a straight line intersecting the first straight line is a second straight line. The housing has: a cylindrical portion for housing the column tube, and a bulge portion extending outward from the cylindrical portion toward one side (i.e., the outer side) along the first straight line and housing the clearance suppression mechanism. The bulge portion has an inner bottom surface toward the other side (i.e., the inner side) along the first straight line. The aforementioned gap-suppressing mechanism comprises: a first component including an outer bottom surface opposite to the inner bottom surface in a direction along the first straight line, i.e., a first direction, and a first friction surface located on the side opposite to the outer bottom surface in the first direction; a second component including a support surface supporting the outer peripheral surface of the column tube, and a second friction surface located on the side opposite to the support surface in the first direction and in contact with the first friction surface; and a force-applying component that applies force to the first component towards a side along the second straight line, i.e., a force-applying side. The first friction surface and the second friction surface are inclined surfaces that are inclined along the second straight line away from the column tube as they move towards the force-applying side. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view along the axial direction of a steering column assembly in one embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 Viewed from the upper left of the vehicle Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the steering column assembly.

[0009] Figure 3 It is viewed from the upper right of the vehicle. Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the steering column assembly.

[0010] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the clearance suppression mechanism of the steering column device.

[0011] Figure 5 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view near the gap suppression mechanism of the VV line.

[0012] Figure 6 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view near the axial clearance suppression mechanism of the steering column assembly.

[0013] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view near the clearance suppression mechanism along the axial direction of the steering column assembly in the modified example. Detailed Implementation

[0014] The following describes one embodiment of the steering column device with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] (Overall structure)

[0016] like Figure 1 As shown, the steering column assembly 1 includes a column shaft 2 and a steering column 3 that rotatably houses the column shaft 2. The column shaft 2 and the steering column 3 are arranged on a common axis La. The steering column assembly 1 is mounted on the vehicle with the axis La generally along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0017] In the following explanation, Figure 1 The left side of the middle is set as the front side of the vehicle. Figure 1 The right side is defined as the rear side of the vehicle. Orientation, indicated by terms such as "front," "rear," "up," "down," "left," and "right," is defined based on the vehicle. The term "cylindrical" in this specification can be considered as a whole, but also includes components that combine multiple parts to form a cylinder, and components with a cutout, such as a C-shape. The shape of "cylindrical" includes, but is not limited to, circles, ellipses, and polygons with acute or rounded corners when viewed axially.

[0018] The steering wheel 5 is connected to the rear end of the column shaft 2. An intermediate shaft (not shown) is connected to the front end of the column shaft 2. The intermediate shaft is connected to the steering wheel via a rack and pinion mechanism (not shown).

[0019] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the steering column assembly 1 is configured to adjust the vertical position (hereinafter referred to as the tilt position) and the longitudinal position (hereinafter referred to as the telescopic position) of the steering wheel 5. The steering column assembly 1 of this embodiment includes a tilt actuator 6 for adjusting the tilt position and a telescopic actuator 7 for adjusting the telescopic position. Therefore, the steering column assembly 1 can be electrically adjusted for both the tilt position and the telescopic position.

[0020] Specifically, the column shaft 2 includes an upper shaft 11 and a lower shaft 12. Both the upper shaft 11 and the lower shaft 12 are elongated cylindrical sections. In this embodiment, the upper shaft 11 and the lower shaft 12 have a circular shape when viewed axially. The steering wheel 5 is connected to the rear end of the upper shaft 11. The lower shaft 12 engages with the inner circumference of the upper shaft 11 via a spline. Thus, the upper shaft 11 is connected to the lower shaft 12 in a manner that allows it to rotate integrally with the lower shaft 12 and move axially.

[0021] The steering column 3 has a housing 21, a column tube 22, and a clearance suppression mechanism 23.

[0022] The outer casing 21 is, for example, made of metal. The outer casing 21 has: a cylindrical portion 31, a connecting portion 32 protruding forward from the front end of the cylindrical portion 31, and a bulge 33 disposed on the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 31. In this embodiment, the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 31 has a circular or C-shaped shape. The connecting portion 32 of the outer casing 21 is connected to the vehicle body S via a hinge bolt 34. The rear end of the cylindrical portion 31 is connected to the vehicle body S via a connecting rod member 44 and a bracket 35, described later. That is, the steering column 3 is connected to the vehicle body S via a hinge bolt 34 and a bracket 35. The steering column 3 is rotatable around the hinge bolt 34. The tilt position of the steering wheel 5 is changed by rotating the steering column 3 around the hinge bolt 34.

[0023] The cylindrical portion 31 supports the lower shaft 12 via a bearing 36 located on its inner circumference at its front end, allowing it to rotate but preventing relative axial movement. The cylindrical portion 31 has an opening 37 extending radially through it (see reference). Figure 3 The opening groove 37 is, for example, an elongated oval shape that is longer in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 31. A gap-limiting mechanism 23 is housed within the bulge 33. Details of the bulge 33 and the gap-limiting mechanism 23 will be described later.

[0024] The column tube 22 is, for example, made of metal. The column tube 22 is cylindrical. In this embodiment, the column tube 22 has a circular shape. The column tube 22 supports the upper shaft 11 via a bearing 38 located on its rear end, allowing it to rotate but preventing axial relative movement. Thus, the column tube 22 can move axially integrally with the upper shaft 11. The column tube 22 is housed within the housing 21 in a manner that allows axial movement. The steering column 3 extends and retracts as the column tube 22 moves axially within the housing 21. At this time, the upper shaft 11 moves axially relative to the lower shaft 12 along with the movement of the column tube 22, causing the column shaft 2 to also extend and retract. The extension / retraction position of the steering wheel 5 is changed by the extension and retraction of the steering column 3.

[0025] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the tilt actuator 6 includes a tilt motor 41 as a drive source, a reducer 42, a sliding mechanism 43, and a connecting rod member 44. The reducer 42 is, for example, a worm gear reducer. The sliding mechanism 43 is, for example, a feed screw mechanism, and includes a slider 45 that moves linearly by the rotation of the tilt motor 41. The connecting rod member 44 is supported by a bracket 35 to be rotatable, and is connected to the steering column 3 such that the linear movement of the slider 45 causes the steering column 3 to rotate around the hinge bolt 34. Thus, the tilt actuator 6 changes the tilt position by driving the tilt motor 41 to rotate the steering column 3 around the hinge bolt 34.

[0026] The telescopic actuator 7 includes a telescopic motor 51 as a drive source, a reducer 52, and a sliding mechanism 53. The reducer 52 is, for example, a worm gear reducer. The sliding mechanism 53 is, for example, a feed screw mechanism, and includes a slider 54 that moves linearly by the rotation of the telescopic motor 51. The slider 54 is fixed to the column tube 22 via an opening slot 37 in the housing 21. The steering column 3 is extended or retracted by the axial movement of the column tube 22 and the slider 54 as an integral part. Therefore, the telescopic actuator 7 changes the telescopic position by driving the telescopic motor 51 to extend or retract the steering column 3.

[0027] (Bulging part 33 and gap suppression mechanism 23)

[0028] Reference Figures 4-6 The structure of the bulge 33 and the gap suppression mechanism 23 will be described below. Figure 5 As shown, the straight line orthogonal to the axis La is called the first straight line L1, and the straight line orthogonal to both the axis La and the first straight line L1 is called the second straight line L2. Therefore, it can be said that both the first straight line L1 and the second straight line L2 are straight lines along the radial direction of the cylindrical portion 31. The direction along the first straight line L1 is called the first direction, and the direction along the second straight line L2 is called the second direction. One side along the first straight line L1 is called the outer side, and the other side is called the inner side; one side along the second straight line L2 is called the force-applying side, and the other side is called the counter-force-applying side. In this embodiment, the first straight line L1 is generally along the vertical direction of the vehicle, and the second straight line L2 is generally along the horizontal direction of the vehicle. That is, the outer side generally faces downward, the inner side generally faces upward, the force-applying side generally faces right, and the counter-force-applying side generally faces left. In other embodiments, the first straight line L1 is, for example, along the horizontal direction or the tilt direction of the vehicle, and the second straight line L2 is, for example, along the vertical direction or the tilt direction of the vehicle.

[0029] First, the structure of the bulge 33 will be explained.

[0030] like Figures 4-6 As shown, the bulge 33 bulges outward from the cylindrical portion 31. The interior of the bulge 33 communicates with the interior of the cylindrical portion 31. The bulge 33 is, for example, box-shaped. Specifically, the bulge 33 has a bottom wall 61, a first side wall 62, a second side wall 63, and a third side wall 64. The bottom wall 61 is, for example, a quadrilateral plate. The first side wall 62 extends inward from the edge of the bottom wall 61 on the force-applying side. The second side wall 63 extends inward from the edge of the bottom wall 61 on the counter-force-applying side. The third side wall 64 extends inward from the front edge of the bottom wall 61. The first side wall 62 and the second side wall 63 are opposite each other in a second direction. In this embodiment, the bulge 33 does not have a side wall extending inward from the rear edge of the bottom wall 61, and the interior of the bulge 33 opens at the rear of the vehicle.

[0031] The inner surface of the bottom wall 61, i.e., the inner bottom surface 65 of the bulge 33, faces inward. In this embodiment, the inner bottom surface 65 gradually slopes outward along the axial direction towards the rear. In other embodiments, the inner bottom surface 65 may also be a plane orthogonal to the first straight line L1. Two first recesses 66 are provided on the inner bottom surface 65. The two first recesses 66 are arranged axially spaced apart. Each first recess 66 is a groove extending along the second straight line L2. In this embodiment, the first recesses 66 are arc-shaped when viewed from the second direction.

[0032] The first sidewall 62 has an insertion hole 67 extending along a second direction. When viewed along the second direction, the insertion hole 67 is a rectangle that is longer in the axial direction. The outer portion of the inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole 67 protrudes slightly inward from the inner bottom surface 65. The aforementioned first recess 66 extends continuously from the inner bottom surface 65 toward the inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole 67 and opens on the outer surface of the first sidewall 62.

[0033] The second sidewall 63 is open on the force-applying side and has continuous mounting holes 68 with the first recess 66. That is, two mounting holes 68 are provided on the second sidewall 63 at axial intervals. Each mounting hole 68 is, for example, a circular hole. The outer portion of the inner circumferential surface of each mounting hole 68 is continuous with the inner surface of the first recess 66.

[0034] Next, the structure of the gap suppression mechanism 23 will be described.

[0035] The gap suppression mechanism 23 includes: a first component 71, a second component 72 disposed adjacent to the inner side of the first component 71, and a plurality of force-applying components 73 that apply force to the first component 71 toward the force-applying side.

[0036] The first component 71 is, for example, a resin material product. The first component 71 is generally rectangular in shape. The first component 71 is disposed within the bulge 33 in a manner that is generally parallel to the bottom wall 61. The length of the first component 71 along the second straight line L2 is shorter than the length of the interior of the bulge 33, i.e., the inner bottom surface 65, along the second straight line L2. Therefore, the first component 71, while disposed within the bulge 33, can move in the second direction.

[0037] The first component 71 has: an outer bottom surface 81 opposite to the inner bottom surface 65 of the bulge 33 in a first direction, and a first friction surface 82 located on the side opposite to the outer bottom surface 81 in the first direction. The outer bottom surface 81 is a plane orthogonal to the first straight line L1 and extends parallel to the axial direction. The first friction surface 82 gradually slopes outward along the second straight line L2 toward the force-applying side (see reference). Figure 5 That is, the first friction surface 82 is an inclined surface that is inclined along the second straight line L2 and gradually moves away from the column tube 22 as it moves toward the side of the applied force.

[0038] In this embodiment, as described above, the inner bottom surface 65 is inclined relative to the axial direction, but the outer bottom surface 81 extends parallel to the axial direction, thus forming a gap between the inner bottom surface 65 and the outer bottom surface 81. In other embodiments, the outer bottom surface 81 may also contact the inner bottom surface 65.

[0039] Two first protrusions 83 are provided on the outer bottom surface 81 of the first component 71, which are respectively inserted into the two first recesses 66. That is, the two first protrusions 83 are arranged axially spaced apart. Each first protrusion 83 has a ridge-like shape as an elongated strip extending along the second straight line L2. When viewed from the second direction, each first protrusion 83 has a semi-circular shape corresponding to the first recess 66 and engages with the first recess 66. Although the first protrusion 83 does not engage with the first recess 66 in the second direction, it engages with it axially. That is, the first protrusions 83 and the first recesses 66 allow the first component 71 to move toward the force-applying side and restrict its axial movement.

[0040] The length of the first component 71 along the axial direction is shorter than the length of the insertion hole 67 along the axial direction, and the length of the first component 71 along the first direction is shorter than the length of the insertion hole 67 along the first direction. Therefore, the first component 71 can be inserted into the bulge 33 from the outside of the bulge 33 via the insertion hole 67 toward the counterforce side.

[0041] A second recess 84 is provided on the first friction surface 82 of the first component 71. The second recess 84 is located at the central portion of the first friction surface 82 in the axial direction. That is, the first friction surface 82 is divided into two parts along the axial direction. The second recess 84 is a wide groove that opens to both sides in the second direction. In this embodiment, the second recess 84 appears as a flat rectangle when viewed from the second direction.

[0042] Additionally, the first component 71 has two mounting protrusions 85 that are respectively inserted into the two mounting holes 68 of the bulge 33. Each mounting protrusion 85 is, for example, cylindrical. The outer diameter of the mounting protrusion 85 is smaller than the inner diameter of the mounting hole 68. Each mounting protrusion 85 protrudes from the side of the first component 71 facing the counterforce side.

[0043] The second component 72 is, for example, a resin material product. The second component 72 is generally rectangular in shape. The second component 72 is disposed within the bulge 33 in a manner that is generally parallel to the first component 71. The length of the second component 72 along the second straight line L2 is shorter than the length of the inner bottom surface 65 along the second straight line L2, but longer than the length of the first component 71 along the second straight line L2.

[0044] The second component 72 has: a support surface 91 supporting the outer peripheral surface of the support column tube 22, and a second friction surface 92 located on the side opposite to the support surface 91 in a first direction and in contact with the first friction surface 82. The support surface 91, when viewed axially, is, for example, a curved surface that is arc-shaped. The second friction surface 92 gradually slopes outward along a second straight line L2 toward the force-applying side. That is, the second friction surface 92 is an inclined surface that slopes away from the column tube 22 along the second straight line L2 toward the force-applying side. The second friction surface 92 is parallel to the first friction surface 82.

[0045] The inclination angles of the first friction surface 82 and the second friction surface 92 relative to the second straight line L2 are set as follows. That is, the inclination angle is set such that even when a large, predetermined external force is applied to press the second component 72 outward, the movement of the first component 71 toward the counterforce side is limited by the frictional force acting between the first friction surface 82 and the second friction surface 92. The predetermined external force is, for example, assumed to be the maximum external force applied via the steering wheel 5, and is determined through experiments, etc.

[0046] A second protrusion 93 is provided on the second friction surface 92 of the second component 72, into which the second recess 84 is inserted. The second protrusion 93 is located at the axial center of the second friction surface 92. That is, the second friction surface 92 is divided into two along the axial direction. When viewed from the second direction, the second protrusion 93 is a flat rectangle corresponding to the second recess 84 and fits into the second recess 84. Although the second protrusion 93 does not engage with the second recess 84 in the second direction, it engages with it along the axial direction. That is, the second protrusion 93 and the second recess 84 are configured to allow the first component 71 to move relative to the second component 72 in the second direction, and to restrict the axial movement of the second component 72. In addition, the second component 72 contacts the inner surface of the first sidewall 62 of the bulge 33 (see reference). Figure 5 Therefore, the movement of the second component 72 toward the force-applying side is restricted.

[0047] In this embodiment, the force-applying component 73 is a helical spring. The force-applying component 73 is mounted on the mounting protrusion 85 of the first component 71. Furthermore, the force-applying component 73 is compressed between the bottom surface of the mounting hole 68 and the side surface of the first component 71, and applies force to the first component 71 toward the force-applying side. The force of the force-applying component 73 is set to allow axial movement of the column tube 22 within the cylindrical portion 31 by the telescopic actuator 7 while filling the gap between the cylindrical portion 31 and the column tube 22 by applying force to the first component 71 toward the force-applying side.

[0048] In the gap-suppressing mechanism 23 configured in this way, for example, suppose that the second component 72 wears due to repeated adjustments of the telescopic position, and a gap is generated between the second component 72 and the column tube 22, or between the first component 71 and the second component 72. In this case, the first component 71 moves towards the force-applying side by applying force through the force-applying component 73. Here, the first friction surface 82 and the second friction surface 92 are inclined away from the column tube 22 as they move towards the force-applying side, so the second component 72 also tends to move towards the force-applying side. However, as described above, the movement of the second component 72 towards the force-applying side is restricted because it contacts the inner surface of the first sidewall 62, so it moves inward. As a result, the gap is filled, and the state in which the gap between the cylindrical portion 31 of the outer casing 21 and the column tube 22 is filled is maintained.

[0049] Next, the assembly of the gap suppression mechanism 23 will be explained.

[0050] First, the first component 71 is inserted into the bulge 33 of the housing 21 via the insertion hole 67, and the mounting protrusion 85 is inserted into the setting hole 68, thereby compressing the force-applying component 73. The force-applying component 73 can be mounted on the mounting protrusion 85 of the first component 71 or disposed in the setting hole 68. At this time, although the first component 71 is forced towards the force-applying side by the force-applying component 73, a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole 67 protrudes further inward than the inner bottom surface 65, so the first component 71 is difficult to protrude from the insertion hole 67.

[0051] Next, the second component 72 is arranged overlapping the first component 71 from the opening at the rear end of the cylindrical portion 31. Then, the gap suppression mechanism 23 is assembled by inserting the column tube 22 into the opening at the rear end of the cylindrical portion 31 in such a way that the gap between the cylindrical portion 31, which forms the housing 21, and the column tube 22 is filled.

[0052] (The function and effects of this implementation method)

[0053] Next, the function and effects of this implementation method will be explained.

[0054] (1) Since the steering column assembly 1 has a gap suppression mechanism 23, the gap between the cylindrical portion 31 of the housing 21 and the column tube 22 is filled, as described above. Here, for example, assume that the second component 72 is pressed outward by the driver's operation via the steering wheel 5 from the column tube 22. In this case, although the first component 71 is subjected to force on the counterforce side from the second component 72 via the first friction surface 82 and the second friction surface 92, the movement of the first component 71 on the counterforce side is restricted by the friction force acting between the first friction surface 82 and the second friction surface 92. As a result, no gap is generated between the cylindrical portion 31 of the housing 21 and the column tube 22, and the gap of the column tube 22 is suppressed.

[0055] In this way, the gap suppression mechanism 23 uses the friction between the first friction surface 82 and the second friction surface 92 to suppress the gap of the column tube 22. Therefore, for example, compared with the case where the column tube 22 is pressed by a disc spring, the radial force acting on the column tube 22 can be reduced. Therefore, the sliding resistance of the column tube 22 when moving axially within the housing 21 can be reduced, and the extension position of the steering wheel 5 can be easily adjusted. Thus, for example, a motor with a smaller output can be used as the drive source of the extension motor 51. Furthermore, even if the driver applies an axial force to the steering wheel 5, the extension of the steering column 3 is restricted by limiting its rotation through the self-locking of the reducer 52, so the extension position will not be accidentally changed.

[0056] (2) A first protrusion 83 protruding toward the inner bottom surface 65 is provided on the outer bottom surface 81 of the first component 71, and a first recess 66 for the first protrusion 83 to be inserted is provided on the inner bottom surface 65 of the bulge 33. The first protrusion 83 and the first recess 66 are configured to allow the first component 71 to move toward the force-applying side and restrict the first component 71 to move axially.

[0057] According to the above structure, the engagement of the first protrusion 83 and the first recess 66 can prevent the first component 71 from axially dislodging. Therefore, it is not necessary to add additional components to prevent the first component 71 from axially dislodging, thus suppressing the increase in the number of components.

[0058] (3) A second protrusion 93 protruding toward the first friction surface 82 is provided on the second friction surface 92 of the second component 72, and a second recess 84 for the second protrusion 93 to be inserted is provided on the first friction surface 82 of the first component 71. The second protrusion 93 and the second recess 84 are configured to allow the first component 71 to move toward the force-applying side and restrict the second component 72 to move axially.

[0059] According to the above structure, the engagement of the second protrusion 93 and the second recess 84 can prevent the second component 72 from axially dislodging. Therefore, it is not necessary to add additional components to prevent the second component 72 from axially dislodging, thus suppressing the increase in the number of components.

[0060] (4) The bulge 33 has an insertion hole 67 extending in the second direction. The insertion hole 67 allows the first component 71 to be inserted into the bulge 33 from the outside toward the counterforce side.

[0061] For example, when the first component 71 is disposed within the bulge 33 through the opening at the rear end of the cylindrical portion 31, it is necessary to place the first component 71 within the bulge 33 while the force-applying component 73 is compressed using a tool or the like. In this respect, in the above structure, when the first component 71 is inserted into the bulge 33 toward the counter-force-applying side, the force-applying component 73 is compressed by being pressed by the first component 71. Therefore, the assemblability of the gap-suppressing mechanism 23 can be improved.

[0062] This embodiment can be implemented by modification as follows. This embodiment and the following variations can be combined with each other to implement them within the scope of technical non-contradiction.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the bulge 33 may also not have an insertion hole 67. In this case, during the assembly of the gap suppression mechanism 23, the first component 71 is disposed in the bulge 33 from the opening at the rear end of the cylindrical portion 31.

[0064] In the above embodiments, the outer portion of the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 67 may be coplanar with the inner bottom surface 65, or recessed further outward than the inner bottom surface 65.

[0065] In the above embodiment, although a first protrusion 83 is provided on the outer bottom surface 81 of the first component 71 and a first recess 66 is provided on the inner bottom surface 65 of the bulge 33, a first recess may also be provided on the outer bottom surface 81 and a first protrusion may be provided on the inner bottom surface 65. In this case, the first protrusion provided on the inner bottom surface may also be the front end of a screw or bolt that is screwed into the bottom wall 61 in a manner that penetrates the bottom wall 61.

[0066] In the above embodiment, although the first protrusion 83 and the first recess 66 are semi-circular when viewed from the second direction, they can also be quadrilateral, for example, and the shape can be changed appropriately.

[0067] In the above embodiment, although two first protrusions 83 are provided on the outer bottom surface 81 of the first component 71, one or more first protrusions 83 may also be provided on the outer bottom surface 81. Similarly, one or more first recesses 66 may be provided on the inner bottom surface of the bulge 33. Furthermore, as... Figure 7 As shown in the above embodiment, when two first protrusions 83 are provided on the outer bottom surface 81, a first recess 66 formed into a wide groove for inserting the two first protrusions 83 can also be provided on the inner bottom surface 65.

[0068] In the above embodiments, although a second protrusion 93 is provided on the second friction surface 92 of the second component 72 and a second recess 84 is provided on the first friction surface 82 of the first component 71, a second recess may also be provided on the second friction surface 92 and a second protrusion may be provided on the first friction surface 82.

[0069] In the above embodiment, although the second protrusion 93 and the second recess 84 are flat rectangles when viewed from the second direction, they can also be semi-circular, for example, and the shape can be appropriately changed.

[0070] In the above embodiment, although one second protrusion 93 is provided on the second friction surface 92, two or more second protrusions 93 may also be provided. Similarly, two or more second recesses 84 may be provided on the first friction surface 82. Furthermore, as... Figure 7 As shown in the above embodiment, when a second recess 84 formed as a wide groove is provided on the first friction surface 82, two second protrusions 93 inserted into the second recess 84 may also be provided on the second friction surface 92.

[0071] In the above embodiments, the first protrusion 83 and the first recess 66 may not be provided on the inner bottom surface 65 and the outer bottom surface 81. In this case, an anti-detachment member that contacts the first component 71 from the rear may be provided on the bulge 33. Similarly, the second protrusion 93 and the second recess 84 may not be provided on the first friction surface 82 and the second friction surface 92. In this case, an anti-detachment member that contacts the second component 72 from the rear may be provided on the bulge 33.

[0072] In the above embodiments, although the gap suppression mechanism 23 has two force-applying components 73, it may also have one or more force-applying components 73.

[0073] In the above embodiments, the force-applying component 73 may not be a helical spring, but may be a leaf spring or a disc spring. Furthermore, as long as the force-applying component 73 can apply force to the first component 71 towards the force-applying side, it may be an elastic body such as rubber.

[0074] In the above embodiments, the first component 71 and the second component 72 may also be made of metal materials, for example.

[0075] In the above embodiment, although the first straight line L1 is orthogonal to the axis La, the first straight line L1 can also be oblique to the axis La. In addition, the second straight line L2 can be parallel to the axis La as long as it is orthogonal or oblique to the first straight line L1.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the steering column device 1 is configured to adjust the tilt position and the telescopic position electrically, but it is not limited to this and can also be configured to adjust at least one of the tilt position and the telescopic position manually. Furthermore, the steering column device 1 can also be configured to only adjust the telescopic position.

[0077] Next, the technical ideas that can be grasped from the above-described embodiments and variations will be recounted.

[0078] (Note 1) The first component may also be configured such that when a force is applied from the column tube to the second component to press the second component toward the outside, the movement toward the counterforce side is restricted by the frictional force acting between the first friction surface and the second friction surface.

[0079] (Note 2) The force of the force-applying component can also be set such that, in the state of filling the gap between the cylindrical part and the column tube by applying force to the first component toward the force-applying side, the column tube is allowed to move axially within the cylindrical part.

Claims

1. A steering column device, comprising: Axle, which is used to fix the steering wheel; and The steering column supports the aforementioned shaft, enabling it to rotate. The above-mentioned steering column has the following features: The outer shell, which is supported by the vehicle body; A cylindrical tube, which is housed within the aforementioned housing in a manner capable of axial movement; and A gap-suppressing mechanism configured to suppress the gap between the aforementioned column tubes within the aforementioned housing. The straight line intersecting the axis of the aforementioned column tube is the first straight line, and the straight line intersecting the first straight line is the second straight line. The aforementioned housing has: a cylindrical portion for housing the aforementioned column tube, and a bulge portion that bulges outward from the aforementioned cylindrical portion toward one side along the aforementioned first straight line, i.e., the outer side, and for housing the aforementioned gap-suppressing mechanism. The aforementioned bulge has an inner bottom surface facing the other side, i.e., the inner side, along the aforementioned first straight line. The aforementioned gap suppression mechanism includes: The first component includes an outer bottom surface opposite to the inner bottom surface in the direction along the first straight line, i.e., the first direction, and a first friction surface located on the side opposite to the outer bottom surface in the first direction. The second component includes a support surface supporting the outer peripheral surface of the aforementioned column tube, and a second friction surface located on the side opposite to the support surface in the aforementioned first direction and in contact with the aforementioned first friction surface; and The force-applying component applies force to the first component on one side along the second straight line, i.e., the force-applying side. The first friction surface and the second friction surface are inclined surfaces that are inclined along the second straight line and move away from the column tube toward the side of the applied force.

2. The steering column device according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the aforementioned inner bottom surface and the aforementioned outer bottom surface is provided with a first protrusion protruding toward the other, and the aforementioned other surface is provided with a first recess into which the first protrusion is inserted. The first protrusion and the first recess are configured to allow the first component to move toward the force-applying side and restrict the first component to move toward the axial direction.

3. The steering column device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Each of the first friction surface and the second friction surface is provided with a second protrusion protruding toward the other, and the other friction surface is provided with a second recess into which the second protrusion is inserted. The second protrusion and the second recess are configured to allow the first component to move toward the force-applying side and restrict the movement of the second component toward the axial direction.

4. The steering column device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The aforementioned bulge has an insertion hole that extends along the direction of the aforementioned second straight line, i.e., the second direction. The aforementioned insertion hole allows the first component to be inserted from the outside toward the other side along the second straight line, i.e., the side of counterforce application.

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