Steering device

Abstract

In a steering device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a housing main body, a tilt bracket, and a guide mechanism are provided. The guide mechanism includes a shaft portion that protrudes from the housing main body in a manner to pass through a tilt guide hole in a left-right direction, and moves up and down in the tilt guide hole in conjunction with rotation of the housing main body about an axis; a head portion provided to a portion of the shaft portion located on an outer side in the left-right direction with respect to a side wall portion, which restricts displacement of the side wall portion to an outer side in the left-right direction with respect to the housing main body; and a biasing member that is interposed between the side wall portion and the housing main body, and biases the side wall portion and the housing main body to be separated in the left-right direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to steering mechanisms.

[0002] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-078567, filed on May 14, 2024 in Japan, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] In steering systems, there exist systems with a tilting function that adjusts the vertical position of the steering shaft according to the driver's physique and driving posture (for example, see Patent Document 1 below). Such a steering system includes a steering column that holds the steering shaft in a manner capable of rotation about an axis in the longitudinal direction. The rear end of the steering column is supported by a tilt bracket via a fastening rod. Specifically, a tilt adjustment hole extending in the vertical direction is formed in the tilt bracket. The fastening rod is inserted into the tilt adjustment hole. In the steering system, with rotation about an axis in the left-right direction originating from the front end of the steering column, the fastening rod moves vertically within the tilt adjustment hole. This causes a change in the vertical position of the steering column (steering shaft).

[0004] Prior art literature Patent documents Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-81518. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The problem that the invention aims to solve However, in the aforementioned prior art, there is still room for improvement in suppressing the lateral sway of the steering column relative to the tilt bracket.

[0006] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a steering device capable of suppressing the swaying of the housing body relative to the tilting bracket in the left and right directions.

[0007] Solution for solving the problem To address the aforementioned issues, the present disclosure adopts the following solution.

[0008] (1) One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a steering device comprising: a housing body having a steering shaft extending in a longitudinal direction and having a steering wheel mounted at its rear end; a tilt bracket having a pair of sidewall portions disposed on the left and right sides relative to the aforementioned housing body, each of the pair of aforementioned sidewall portions having a tilt guide hole extending in a vertical direction, and supporting the aforementioned housing body in a manner rotatable about an axis in the left and right direction at a portion located further forward than the aforementioned tilt guide holes; and a guide mechanism provided in each of the pair of aforementioned sidewall portions located further rearward than the aforementioned axis, and guiding the rotation of the aforementioned housing body about the aforementioned axis, the guide mechanism comprising: a shaft portion protruding from the aforementioned housing body through the aforementioned tilt guide holes in a left and right direction, and rotating with the aforementioned housing body about the aforementioned axis. The aforementioned tilting guide hole moves up and down; a head, which is located on the outer side of the aforementioned shaft relative to the aforementioned sidewall, and restricts the displacement of the aforementioned sidewall relative to the aforementioned housing body in the outer side of the left and right direction; a force-applying member, which is located between the pair of aforementioned sidewalls and the aforementioned housing body, and applies force in a direction that separates the aforementioned sidewalls and the aforementioned housing body in the left and right direction; an outer sliding member, which is located on the outer side of the aforementioned sidewall relative to the left and right direction of the aforementioned shaft between the aforementioned head and the aforementioned sidewall, and slides on the outer side of the aforementioned sidewall relative to the left and right direction as the aforementioned housing body rotates; and an inner sliding member, which is located on the inner side of the aforementioned sidewall relative to the left and right direction of the aforementioned shaft between the aforementioned force-applying member and the aforementioned sidewall, and slides on the inner side of the aforementioned sidewall relative to the left and right direction as the aforementioned housing body rotates.

[0009] According to this solution, the force-applying components are located between each side wall and the main body of the housing, thus suppressing the swaying of the main body of the housing relative to the tilting bracket in the left-right direction caused by dimensional deviations, etc. In particular, in the steering device of this solution, a guide mechanism is provided for the tilting guide hole, thus easily suppressing the swaying in the left-right direction during tilting.

[0010] Furthermore, in this design, inner and outer sliding members are arranged on both sides of the sidewall in the left-right direction. Therefore, compared to the case where the head and sidewall are in direct contact with each other, or the force-applying member and sidewall are in direct contact with each other, the friction force acting between the sidewall and the guide mechanism is easier to adjust. As a result, while ensuring the sliding performance between the sidewall and the guide mechanism during tilting, it is also possible to suppress the vertical swaying of the housing body relative to the tilting bracket.

[0011] This ensures the vibration rigidity of the steering system in both vertical and horizontal directions, providing users with a good sense of control.

[0012] (2) In the steering device involved in the above (1) scheme, it is preferred that the aforementioned force-applying component is a wave washer.

[0013] Waveform washers with a stable region exhibiting small changes in force relative to changes in compression can be used. In this case, by assembling the waveform washer in a manner where it is compressed within the stable region, deviations in force caused by dimensional variations can be mitigated.

[0014] (3) In the steering device involved in the above-mentioned (1) or (2) scheme, it is preferable that the aforementioned inner sliding member has a locking claw that hooks relative to the aforementioned housing body in the left-right direction.

[0015] According to this solution, during the assembly of the inner sliding component, it is possible to prevent it from detaching from the main body of the housing. This improves assemblability.

[0016] (4) In the steering device involved in any of the above (1) to (3), it is preferred that the inner sliding member has a limiting part, which restricts the movement of the aforementioned housing body in the aforementioned at least one direction by contacting the aforementioned housing body in the front-back direction and the up-down direction.

[0017] According to this solution, the positional displacement of the inner sliding component relative to the housing body in the front-back or vertical direction is suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to maintain good sliding performance during tilting movements over a long period.

[0018] (5) In the steering device involved in any of the above-mentioned (1) to (4) solutions, it is preferred that the aforementioned housing body includes: a retaining cylinder through which the aforementioned steering shaft passes in the front-rear direction; and a protrusion that protrudes outward from the aforementioned retaining cylinder in the left-right direction and is provided with the aforementioned shaft portion, and the aforementioned inner sliding member includes: a main wall portion that is sandwiched between the aforementioned protrusion portion and the aforementioned side wall portion; and a peripheral wall portion that extends from the outer periphery of the aforementioned main wall portion toward the inner side in the left-right direction and surrounds the periphery of the aforementioned protrusion portion.

[0019] According to this solution, the inner sliding component is assembled with a protrusion protruding from the retaining cylinder, thus allowing for greater design freedom for the inner sliding component compared to a configuration where the inner sliding component is assembled into the retaining cylinder itself.

[0020] (6) In any of the above-mentioned (1) to (5) solutions, the steering device is preferably a nut fastened to the male threaded portion of the aforementioned shaft.

[0021] According to this solution, the head can be easily retrofitted relative to the shaft. This improves the assemblability of the guiding mechanism.

[0022] The effects of the invention Based on the above solutions, the swaying of the main body of the shell relative to the tilting bracket in the left and right directions can be suppressed. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view of the steering mechanism from above.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional view of the steering mechanism from below.

[0025] Figure 3 This is an enlarged perspective view of the steering device shown with the guide mechanism disassembled.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a front side view of the steering mechanism.

[0027] Figure 5 Is with Figure 1 The cross-sectional view corresponding to the VV line.

[0028] Figure 6 Is with Figure 5 The cross-sectional view corresponding to the VI-IVI line.

[0029] Figure 7 It is an exploded perspective view showing the tube, the main body of the shell, and the bushing disassembled.

[0030] Figure 8 Is with Figure 6 The cross-sectional view corresponding to line VIII-VIII.

[0031] Figure 9 This is an enlarged perspective view of the steering device shown with the load-absorbing mechanism disassembled.

[0032] Figure 10 This is a bottom view showing the steering device in a disassembled state, with components such as the scraper removed.

[0033] Figure 11 Is with Figure 10 The cross-sectional view corresponding to the XI-XI line.

[0034] Figure 12 Is with Figure 11 The cross-sectional view corresponding to line XII-XII.

[0035] Figure 13 It is an explanatory diagram used to illustrate the actions during a secondary collision. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Next, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described based on the accompanying drawings. In the embodiments and variations described below, the same reference numerals are sometimes used for corresponding components and descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, in the following description, expressions indicating relative or absolute configurations, such as "parallel," "orthogonal," "center," and "coaxial," not only indicate a strict configuration but also indicate a state of relative displacement by angle or distance with tolerances or to the extent that the same function can be obtained.

[0037] [Steering mechanism 1] Figure 1 , Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional view of the steering device 1.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the steering device 1 is mounted on the vehicle. The steering device 1 adjusts the steering wheel angle in conjunction with the rotation of the steering wheel 2.

[0039] The steering device 1 includes a housing 11, a tube 12, a steering shaft 13, a guide mechanism 14, a drive mechanism 15, and a load-absorbing mechanism 16. The tube 12 and the steering shaft 13 are each formed in a cylindrical shape extending along the axis O1. Therefore, in the following description, the direction in which the axis O1 of the tube 12 and the steering shaft 13 extends is sometimes referred to only as the axial direction, the direction orthogonal to the axis O1 is referred to as the radial direction, and the direction about the axis O1 is referred to as the circumferential direction.

[0040] In this embodiment, the steering device 1 is mounted on the vehicle with its axis O1 intersecting the vehicle's longitudinal direction. Specifically, the axis O1 of the steering device 1 extends upwards towards the rear. In the following description, for convenience, in the steering device 1, the direction towards the steering wheel 2 in the axial direction will be referred to only as the rearward direction, and the direction towards the opposite side of the steering wheel 2 will be referred to only as the forward direction (arrow FR). In addition, in the radial direction, the vertical direction when the steering device 1 is mounted on the vehicle will be referred to only as the vertical direction (arrow UP for upward), and the horizontal direction will be referred to only as the horizontal direction (arrow LH for left).

[0041] <Shell 11> The housing 11 includes a tilting bracket 21, a housing body 22, a bushing 27, and fastening components 28.

[0042] The tilting bracket 21 is formed in a U-shape in both frontal and top views. The tilting bracket 21 has a pair of side frames (first side frame 23A and second side frame 23B), a mounting brace 24, an upper arch 25, and a lower arch 26.

[0043] Each side frame 23A, 23B supports the housing body 22 in a manner that allows it to rotate about an axis O2 along the left-right direction. Each side frame 23A, 23B is positioned on either side of the housing body 22 in the left-right direction. Each side frame 23A, 23B extends in the front-back direction, sandwiching the housing body 22 and facing each other in the left-right direction. A pivot 30 is provided at the front end of each side frame 23A, 23B. The pivot 30 extends in the left-right direction along the axis O2 and passes through each of the side frames 23A, 23B. A tilting bracket 21 supports the housing body 22 via the pivot 30 in a manner that allows it to rotate about the axis O2. A tilting guide hole 31 is formed at the rear end of each side frame 23A, 23B. The tilting guide hole 31 passes through each side frame 23A, 23B in the left-right direction and extends in the up-down direction. The tilting guide hole 31 is formed in an arc shape with the axis O2 as the center of curvature when viewed from the side from the left and right directions.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the mounting strut 24 is installed on the steering bracket 200 of the vehicle body. Viewed from above, the mounting strut 24 is formed in a rearward-opening U-shape. The mounting strut 24 includes a pair of side struts 35 and a front side strut 36.

[0045] Each side support 35 protrudes outward in the left-right direction from the upper end of each side frame 23A, 23B. A rear mounting base 40 is formed at the rear end of each side support 35. The rear mounting base 40 connects the steering hanger 200 to the rear of the steering device 1. The rear mounting base 40 bulges upward from the rear end of the side support 35. The upper surface of the rear mounting base 40 is entirely smooth. The rear mounting bases 40 formed on each side support 35 are all of the same shape. Therefore, in the following description, the rear mounting base 40 formed on one (left) side support 35 will be used as an example to explain the details of the rear mounting base 40.

[0046] Figure 3 This is an enlarged perspective view of the steering device 1 shown with the guide mechanism 14 disassembled.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, the rear mounting base 40 has a boss 40a, a front rib 40b, and a rear rib 40c.

[0048] The boss portion 40a is the portion of the rear mounting base 40 located around the rear through hole 42. The rear through hole 42 extends vertically through the rear mounting base 40 and the side support 35. In the illustrated example, the boss portion 40a is formed in a circular shape surrounding the rear through hole 42.

[0049] The front rib 40b is the portion that extends forward from the boss portion 40a when viewed from above. Specifically, the front rib 40b extends inward in the left-right direction as it faces forward. The width of the front rib 40b (the dimension in the direction orthogonal to the extension direction) is formed uniformly throughout the entire structure. The end portion of the front rib 40b reaches the inner edge of the side support 35 in the left-right direction (the boundary portion between the side support 35 and the first side frame 23A).

[0050] The rear rib 40c is the portion extending rearward from the boss portion 40a when viewed from above. Specifically, the rear rib 40c extends inward in the left-right direction as it moves rearward. Therefore, the rear rib 40c extends towards the inclined guide hole 31 when viewed from above. The width of the rear rib 40c gradually decreases towards its end. The end of the rear rib 40c reaches the inner edge of the side support 35 in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the protrusion of the rear mounting base 40 and the dimensions of each rib 40b and 40c can be appropriately modified.

[0051] like Figure 1 As shown, the front support bar 36 is mounted between the front ends of each side support bar 35. The upper edges of the side frames 23A and 23B are integrally connected to the lower surface of the front support bar 36. In the illustrated example, at least a portion of the outer end face of the front support bar 36 in the left-right direction is coplanar with the outer end faces of the side frames 23A and 23B in the left-right direction.

[0052] Figure 4 This is a front side view of the steering device 1.

[0053] like Figure 1 , Figure 4 As shown, front mounting bases 45 are formed at both ends of the front support bar 36 in the left-right direction. The front mounting bases 45 are the parts that connect the steering hanger 200 to the front of the steering device 1. Each front mounting base 45 bulges upward from the front support bar 36. The upper surface of the front mounting base 45 is entirely formed as a smooth surface. Each front mounting base 45 has the same shape. Therefore, in the following description, the details of the front mounting base 45 will be explained using one (left) front mounting base 45 as an example.

[0054] The front mounting base 45 has a boss 45a and a rib 45b.

[0055] The boss portion 45a is the portion of the front mounting base 45 located around the front through hole 46. The front through hole 46 extends vertically through the front mounting base 45 and the front support bar 36. In the illustrated example, the boss portion 45a is formed in a circular shape surrounding the front through hole 46. In a side view, the boss portion 45a is located further forward than the axis O2.

[0056] Rib 45b is the portion extending rearward from boss 45a when viewed from above. Specifically, rib 45b extends outward in the left-right direction as it extends rearward. The width of rib 45b (the dimension in the direction orthogonal to the extension direction) is formed uniformly throughout the entire structure. The end portion of rib 45b reaches the outer edge of the front support 36 in the left-right direction (the boundary portion between the front support 36 and the side frame 23A). At least the outer end portion of rib 45b in the left-right direction coincides with axis O2 when viewed from above. However, the relative position of the front mounting base 45 and axis O2 in the front-rear direction can be appropriately changed.

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, the corresponding rear mounting base 40 and front mounting base 45 are arranged side-by-side with a gap between them in the front-rear direction on both sides of the mounting support 24 in the left-right direction relative to the axis O1. In this case, one of the rear mounting bases 40 is preferably arranged within the left-right dimension range of the corresponding front mounting base 45. However, the corresponding rear mounting bases 40 and front mounting bases 45 may also be arranged offset from each other in the left-right direction.

[0058] The tilt bracket 21 is fixed to the steering hanger 200 via mounting bases 40 and 45. Specifically, the tilt bracket 21 is fixed to the steering hanger 200 by bolts or other fastening components passing through through holes 42 and 46 between the mounting support 24 and the steering hanger 200. Thus, the steering device 1 is supported on the vehicle body in a suspended state by the steering hanger 200. With the tilt bracket 21 fixed to the steering hanger 200, the upper surface of each mounting base 40 and 45 is in contact with the lower surface of the steering hanger 200. In this case, regarding the upper surface of each mounting base 40 and 45, preferably at least a portion of each of the bosses 40a and 45a and the ribs 40b, 40c, and 45b is in contact with the lower surface of the steering hanger 200.

[0059] The upper arch 25 is mounted between the upper ends of the side frames 23A and 23B in the left-right direction. The upper arch 25 is located between the rear mounting base 40 and the front mounting base 45 in the front-back direction.

[0060] The lower arch 26 is mounted between the lower ends of the side frames 23A and 23B in a left-right direction. The lower arch 26 is located further forward than the upper arch 25 and coincides with the tilting guide hole 31 when viewed from above.

[0061] Figure 5 Is with Figure 1 The cross-sectional view corresponding to the VV line.

[0062] like Figure 1 , Figure 5As shown, the housing body 22 supports the tube 12 and the steering shaft 13 in a manner that allows them to move back and forth inside the tilting bracket 21. The housing body 22 has a retaining cylinder 51 and a front protruding wall 52.

[0063] like Figure 5 As shown, the retaining sleeve 51 extends along the axial direction (front-to-back direction). A front bearing 55 is embedded in the front end of the retaining sleeve 51. A slit 56 opening downwards is formed in the lower part of the retaining sleeve 51. The slit 56 extends in the front-to-back direction behind the front bearing 55. The slit 56 opens on the rear end face of the retaining sleeve 51.

[0064] Figure 6 Is with Figure 5 The cross-sectional view corresponding to the VI-VI line.

[0065] like Figure 6 As shown, a pair of track portions 58 are formed at the opening edge of the slit 56 in the retaining cylinder 51. Each track portion 58 protrudes downward from the opposing side edges in the left-right direction of the opening edge of the slit 56. Each track portion 58 extends along the side edges of the slit 56 in the front-rear direction. At the upper end of each track portion 58, a receiving groove 58a is formed on the inner side facing the left-right direction. The receiving groove 58a is open on the inner side of each track portion 58 and extends in the front-rear direction.

[0066] like Figure 2 , Figure 6 As shown, a rear protruding wall 59 and a front protruding wall 60 are formed at both ends of each track portion 58 in the front-rear direction. The rear protruding walls 59 are formed at the rear ends of each track portion 58 at positions facing each other in the left-right direction. The rear protruding walls 59 protrude downward from each track portion 58. The thickness of the rear protruding walls 59 in the left-right direction is thinner than the thickness of the track portion 58 in the left-right direction. Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the rear protruding walls 59 are located at the same position as the lower arch portion 26 in the front-rear direction. However, the positions of the rear protruding walls 59 and the lower arch portion 26 in the front-rear direction can be appropriately changed.

[0067] Front protruding walls 60 are formed at the front ends of each track portion 58, facing each other in the left-right direction. The front protruding walls 60 protrude downwards from each track portion 58. The thickness of the front protruding walls 60 in the left-right direction and the length in the vertical direction are the same as the rear protruding wall 59. Furthermore, the rear mounting base 40 is located between the rear protruding wall 59 and the front protruding wall 60 in the front-rear direction.

[0068] like Figure 5As shown, the front protruding wall 52 protrudes forward from the retaining cylinder 51. In frontal view, the front protruding wall 52 is formed in an upward-opening U-shape. The front protruding wall 52 is connected via pivot 30 to opposing side frames 23A and 23B in the tilting bracket 21. Thus, the housing body 22 is supported on the tilting bracket 21 in a manner that allows it to rotate about axis O2 (tilting action).

[0069] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view showing the disassembled state of the tube 12, the housing body 22, and the bushing 27.

[0070] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, bushing 27 is a component that improves the sliding properties of housing body 22 and tube 12 by being assembled inside housing body 22. Bushing 27 includes an insertion mounting part 70, an abutment part 71, an upright part 72, a rear connecting piece 73, and a front connecting piece 74.

[0071] The interventional mounting portion 70, when viewed from the front, has the same radius of curvature as the inner circumferential surface of the retaining sleeve 51 and is formed in a C-shape with an opening facing downwards. The interventional mounting portion 70 is inserted into the retaining sleeve 51 from the rear. The outer circumferential surface of the interventional mounting portion 70 is in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the retaining sleeve 51.

[0072] The contact portion 71 protrudes outward in the axial radial direction from the rear end edge of the insertion mounting portion 70. The contact portion 71 contacts from the rear relative to the rear end edge of the retaining sleeve 51, restricting the forward movement of the bushing 27 relative to the housing body 22.

[0073] The upright portion 72 protrudes downward from both end edges in the circumferential direction of the insertion mounting portion 70. The upright portion 72 extends along the entire length of each end edge in the front-rear direction. The upright portion 72 restricts the rotation of the bushing 27 relative to the housing body 22 by contacting the inner surface of the receiving groove 58a in the circumferential direction.

[0074] Rear connecting pieces 73 are formed at the rear ends of each upright portion 72 at positions facing each other in the left-right direction. The rear connecting pieces 73 protrude downward from each upright portion 72. Each rear connecting piece 73 coincides with the inner side of the corresponding rear protruding wall 59 in the circumferential direction.

[0075] Front connecting pieces 74 are formed at the front ends of each upright portion 72 at positions facing each other in the left-right direction. The front connecting pieces 74 protrude downward from each upright portion 72. Each front connecting piece 74 coincides with the inner side of the corresponding front protruding wall 60 in the circumferential direction.

[0076] Furthermore, the bushing 27 is constructed by coating a substrate made of a thin sheet of steel with a sliding material. Examples of sliding materials include resin materials such as PTFE. The substrate constitutes the entire bushing 27. The sliding material only needs to be formed in the bushing 27 at least on the inner circumferential surface of the insertion mounting portion 70. However, the range of the sliding material relative to the substrate can be appropriately varied. If the substrate is made of a material with a coefficient of friction at least lower than that of the housing body 22, the bushing 27 may be formed solely from the substrate.

[0077] Alternatively, a positioning protrusion (not shown) may be formed in the intervention mounting portion 70, which is inserted into a positioning hole (not shown) formed in the retaining sleeve 51. In this case, the positioning hole may also be formed by the retaining sleeve 51 extending through in the axial radial direction. This allows for positioning of the bushing 27 relative to the housing body 22 in both the circumferential and longitudinal directions. Alternatively, the positioning hole may be formed in the intervention mounting portion 70, and the positioning protrusion in the retaining sleeve 51.

[0078] The fastening member 28 reduces the inner diameter of the retaining sleeve 51 and the insertion mounting portion 70 by tightening the housing body 22 and the bushing 27. The fastening member 28 is provided with respect to both the rear protruding wall 59 and the front protruding wall 60. All fastening members 28 have the same configuration. Therefore, in the following description, the fastening member 28 provided on the rear protruding wall 59 will be used as an example.

[0079] The fastening component 28 includes a fastening bolt 75, a fastening nut 76, and a fastening collar 77.

[0080] The fastening bolts 75 are arranged to pass through each rear protruding wall 59 and each rear connecting piece 73 from one side of the housing body 22 in the left-right direction.

[0081] The fastening nut 76 is fastened to the portion of the fastening bolt 75 that protrudes to the left or right relative to the housing body 22. The fastening member 28 reduces the inner space (inner diameter) of the retaining cylinder 51 by clamping each rear protruding wall 59 between the head of the fastening bolt 75 and the fastening nut 76 via the rear protruding wall 59.

[0082] The fastening collar 77 is fitted into the portion of the fastening bolt 75 between the rear connecting plates 73 facing each other in the left-right direction. The end face of the fastening collar 77 facing the left-right direction abuts against the rear protruding wall 59 on the same side via the rear connecting plate 73. The end face of the fastening collar 77 facing the other side in the left-right direction abuts against the rear protruding wall 59 on the other side via the rear connecting plate 73. The fastening collar 77 is positioned between the rear protruding walls 59, thereby restricting the approach movement of the rear protruding walls 59 towards each other in the left-right direction (circumferential direction). That is, the fastening collar 77 defines the inner diameter of the retaining sleeve 51 after the fastening nut 76 is tightened (the interference fit between the retaining sleeve 51 and the tube 12). Furthermore, the fastening collar 77 has a rigidity sufficient to prevent deformation due to the tightening torque acting from the fastening bolt 75. Alternatively, the fastening collar 77 can also pass through the rear connecting piece 73 and directly abut against the rear protruding wall 59.

[0083] <pipe 12> like Figure 1 , Figure 5 As shown, the tube 12 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending along the axial direction. The tube 12 is inserted into the retaining sleeve 51. The tube 12 is configured to be movable relative to the retaining sleeve 51 in the axial direction (front-back direction). Figure 5 As shown, a first tube bearing 63 is embedded at the rear end of tube 12. A second tube bearing 64 is embedded at the front end of tube 12. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of tube 12 is smaller than the inner diameter of retaining sleeve 51 before fastening component 28 is assembled, and is set to be the same as the inner diameter of retaining sleeve 51 after fastening component 28 is assembled.

[0084] <Steering Axle 13> The steering shaft 13 has an outer shaft 80 and an inner shaft 81.

[0085] The outer shaft 80 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending along the axial direction. The outer shaft 80 is inserted into the tube 12 in a rearward-protruding state. The outer shaft 80 is embedded in the first tube bearing 63 within the tube 12. Thus, the outer shaft 80 is supported within the tube 12 in a manner capable of rotating about axis O1. A steering wheel 2 is connected to the rearward-protruding portion of the outer shaft 80 from the tube 12. The outer shaft 80 may also be solid.

[0086] The inner shaft 81 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending along the axial direction. The inner shaft 81 is inserted into the tube 12 in a forward-protruding state. The rear end of the inner shaft 81 is inserted into the outer shaft 80 within the tube 12. The inner shaft 81 is embedded in the second tube bearing 64 within the tube 12. The front end of the inner shaft 81 is embedded in the front bearing 55 within the retaining sleeve 51. Thus, the inner shaft 81 is supported between the retaining sleeve 51 and the tube 12 in a manner that allows it to rotate about the axis O1.

[0087] The tube 12 and the outer shaft 80 are configured to move axially relative to the housing 11 and the inner shaft 81. For example, an external spline is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the inner shaft 81. The external spline engages with an internal spline formed on the inner circumferential surface of the outer shaft 80. Thus, the outer shaft 80 can move axially relative to the inner shaft 81 while its rotation relative to the inner shaft 81 is restricted. However, the telescoping mechanism and rotation-restricting mechanism of the steering shaft 13 can be appropriately modified. In this embodiment, a configuration in which the outer shaft 80 is positioned rearward relative to the inner shaft 81 has been described, but this configuration is not limited to this; a configuration in which the outer shaft 80 is positioned forward relative to the inner shaft 81 is also possible.

[0088] <Guiding Organization 14> like Figure 1 As shown, the guide mechanism 14 guides the rotation of the housing body 22 relative to the tilting bracket 21 about axis O2, and positions the housing body 22 in the left and right directions relative to the tilting bracket 21. Figure 6 As shown, guide mechanisms 14 are respectively provided between the first side frame 23A and the housing body 22, and between the second side frame 23B and the housing body 22. All guide mechanisms 14 have the same configuration. In the following description, the guide mechanism 14 located between the first side frame 23A and the housing body 22 will be used as an example to describe the details of the guide mechanism 14.

[0089] like Figure 3 As shown, the guide mechanism 14 includes a shaft portion 91, a wave washer 92, a sliding cap 93, a sliding collar 94, and a tilting nut 95.

[0090] like Figure 6 As shown, the shaft portion 91 is formed in a stepped shape, with the outer diameter decreasing as it moves inward in the left-right direction. Specifically, the small-diameter portion 91a, the medium-diameter portion 91b, and the large-diameter portion 91c of the shaft portion 91 are connected sequentially from the inner side to the outer side in the left-right direction. Male thread portions are formed on the outer peripheral surfaces of at least the small-diameter portion 91a and the large-diameter portion 91c in the shaft portion 91.

[0091] The shaft portion 91 is fixed to the protrusion 53 of the housing body 22 via the small-diameter portion 91a. The protrusion 53 protrudes outward from the retaining cylinder 51 in the left-right direction. Figure 7As shown, the protrusion 53 is formed in an X-shape when viewed from the side. Specifically, the protrusion 53 includes: a pair of first protrusions 53a, which protrude to both sides in the rear-forward direction relative to the central portion of the protrusion 53 when viewed from the side; and a pair of second protrusions 53b, which protrude to both sides in the up-down direction relative to the central portion of the protrusion 53. The first protrusions 53a and the second protrusions 53b are formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the side. In addition, at the outer end of the second protrusion 53b in the left-right direction, an engaging portion 53c protruding outward in the up-down direction is formed. Furthermore, the outer end faces of the protrusion 53 in the left-right direction are formed as flat surfaces.

[0092] The small-diameter portion 91a is fastened from the outer side in the left-right direction to the internal thread portion formed in the central portion of the protrusion 53. In this case, the stepped surface formed between the small-diameter portion 91a and the middle-diameter portion 91b in the shaft portion 91 abuts against the outer end face of the protrusion 53 in the left-right direction. The shaft portion 91 passes through the inclined guide hole 31 and protrudes outward in the left-right direction relative to the side frame 23A. Furthermore, a tool insertion hole for fixing the shaft portion 91 to the protrusion 53 is formed in the large-diameter portion 91c.

[0093] The wave washer 92 is assembled in the middle diameter portion 91b, between the protrusion 53 and the side frame 23A. Regarding the wave washer 92, the change in force relative to the change in compression when the compression is within a predetermined range (stable region) tends to be smaller than the change in force relative to the change in compression when the compression is outside the predetermined range.

[0094] The sliding cap 93 is fitted onto the protrusion 53 between the first side frame 23A and the housing body 22, covering the wave-shaped washer 92 from the left and right sides. The coefficient of friction of the sliding cap 93 is preferably smaller than that of the wave-shaped washer 92. However, the coefficient of friction of the sliding cap 93 may also be larger than that of the wave-shaped washer 92.

[0095] The sliding cap 93 has a main wall portion 93a and a peripheral wall portion 93b.

[0096] When viewed from the side, the main wall portion 93a is formed in a rectangular shape that is larger than the protrusion 53. With the shaft portion 91 passing through, the main wall portion 93a covers the outer end faces of the protrusion 53 in the left and right directions from the outer side. When tilting, the outer side of the main wall portion 93a in the left and right directions slides on the inner side of the first side frame 23A in the left and right directions.

[0097] Figure 8 Is with Figure 6 The cross-sectional view corresponding to line VIII-VIII.

[0098] like Figure 3, Figure 6 , Figure 8 As shown, the peripheral wall portion 93b extends from the outer periphery of the main wall portion 93a toward the inner side in the left-right direction. The peripheral wall portion 93b surrounds the protrusion 53. Specifically, the peripheral wall portion 93b has a pair of front and rear first limiting walls 93c and a pair of upper and lower second limiting walls 93d.

[0099] Each first limiting wall 93c extends inward in the left-right direction from the front and rear end edges of the outer periphery of the main wall portion 93a. Each first limiting portion 93c, when viewed from the side, is formed in a C-shape opening towards each other. Each first limiting portion 93c surrounds the first protrusion 53a from the outer side in the front-rear direction and from both sides in the vertical direction. By abutting against the protrusion 53 in the front-rear or vertical direction through the first limiting wall 93c, the movement of the sliding cap 93 relative to the housing body 22 in the front-rear or vertical direction is restricted.

[0100] Each of the second limiting walls 93d extends inward in the left-right direction from the upper and lower ends of the outer periphery of the main wall portion 93a. Each of the second limiting walls 93d is close to the vertically facing surfaces of the outer periphery of the second protrusion 53b. A locking claw 93e is formed at the end of each of the second limiting walls 93d. The locking claw 93e extends inward in the left-right direction from the second limiting wall 93d. By hooking the locking claw 93e relative to the engaging portion 53c from the left-right direction, the movement of the sliding cap 93 relative to the housing body 22 to the left-right direction is restricted.

[0101] The sliding collar 94 is a ring-shaped component formed of a material capable of elastic deformation, such as synthetic resin. The sliding collar 94 is fitted into the portion of the shaft 91 that protrudes relative to the tilting bracket 21. The coefficient of friction of the sliding collar 94 is preferably smaller than that of the tilting nut 95. However, the coefficient of friction of the sliding collar 94 may also be larger than that of the tilting nut 95. During tilting, the inner surface of the sliding collar 94 facing left-right slides on the outer surface of the first side frame 23A facing left-right.

[0102] The tilting nut 95 is fastened to the large-diameter portion 91c. The tilting nut 95 is configured such that, with the sliding collar 94 clamped between it and the first side frame 23A, the wave-shaped washer 92 is compressed and deformed. As a result, a force is applied to the wave-shaped washer 92, exerting an inward force on the housing body 22 in the left-right direction via the protrusion 53. Furthermore, the tilting nut 95 restricts the left-right displacement of the tilting bracket 21 relative to the housing body 22 via the sliding collar 94. That is, by fastening the tilting nut 95 to the large-diameter portion 91c, the vibration rigidity of the tilting bracket 21 relative to the housing body 22 in the left-right direction is increased. Moreover, the tightening torque of the tilting nut 95 is set such that the compression of the wave-shaped washer 92 is within the aforementioned predetermined range.

[0103] <Drive Mechanism 15> like Figure 2 As shown, the drive mechanism 15 includes a tilting mechanism 100 and a telescopic mechanism 101. The tilting mechanism 100 is, for example, disposed on the left side of the housing 11. The telescopic mechanism 101 is, for example, disposed on the right side of the housing 11.

[0104] The tilting mechanism 100 is a so-called feed screw mechanism. The tilting mechanism 100 includes a tilting motor 110, a tilting shaft 111, and a tilting connecting rod 112. The tilting mechanism 100 switches the limit and allowance of rotation of the steering device 1 about axis O2 by driving the tilting motor 110.

[0105] The tilt motor 110 is located in the housing body 22 between the pivot 30 and the tilt guide hole 31. A nut is built into the tilt motor 110. The nut rotates as the tilt motor 110 is driven.

[0106] The tilting shaft 111 extends obliquely upward and backward from the tilting motor 110. A male thread portion for engaging with a nut is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the tilting shaft 111. The tilting shaft 111 is configured to reciprocate along its extension direction in conjunction with the drive of the tilting motor 110.

[0107] The tilting link 112 is rotatably connected to the tilting shaft 111, the housing body 22, and the tilting bracket 21 (first side frame 23A). Driven by the tilting motor 110, the tilting link 112 can rotate about an axis in the left-right direction, with its connection to the tilting shaft 111 as the force point, its connection to the first side frame 23A as the fulcrum, and its connection to the housing body 22 as the point of action.

[0108] The telescopic mechanism 101 is a so-called feed screw mechanism. The telescopic mechanism 101 includes a telescopic motor 115 and a telescopic shaft 116. The telescopic mechanism 101 switches the restriction and allowance of the forward and backward movement of the tube 12 (steering shaft 13) relative to the housing 11 by driving the telescopic motor 115.

[0109] The telescopic motor 115 is fixed to the front end of the housing body 22. A nut is built into the telescopic motor 115. The nut rotates as the telescopic motor 115 is driven. In the steering device 1 of this embodiment, a portion (lower part) of the telescopic motor 115 coincides with the track portion 58, the protruding walls 59 and 60 when viewed from the front. However, the telescopic motor 115 may also be located in a position that does not coincide with the track portion 58, etc.

[0110] The telescopic shaft 116 extends rearward from the telescopic motor 115. Specifically, the telescopic shaft 116 extends below the housing body 22 in a manner that coincides with the axis O1 when viewed from above. At least a portion of the telescopic shaft 116 coincides with the slit 56 when viewed from above. A male threaded portion for engaging with a nut is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the telescopic shaft 116. The telescopic shaft 116 is configured to reciprocate along its extension direction (front-back direction) in conjunction with the drive of the telescopic motor 115.

[0111] <Load Absorption Mechanism 16> The load-absorbing mechanism 16 connects the telescopic shaft 116 to the tube 12. During telescopic movements (when the load acting on the tube 12 in the forward-backward direction is less than a predetermined value), the load-absorbing mechanism 16 transmits the driving force of the telescopic mechanism 101 to the tube 12, causing the tube 12 and the telescopic shaft 116 to move together with the housing 11 in the forward-backward direction. On the other hand, during secondary collisions (when the load acting on the tube 12 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value), the load-absorbing mechanism 16 causes the tube 12 to move forward relative to the housing 11 independently of the telescopic mechanism 101.

[0112] Figure 9 This is an enlarged perspective view of the steering device 1 shown with the load absorption mechanism 16 disassembled. Figure 10 This is a bottom view of the steering device 1 showing the state in which the scraping component 121 and the like are disassembled. Figure 11 Is with Figure 10 The cross-sectional view corresponding to the XI-XI line. Figure 12 Is with Figure 11 The cross-sectional view corresponding to XII-XII.

[0113] like Figures 9 to 12 As shown, the load absorption mechanism 16 includes an absorption plate 120, a scraping component 121, and a sliding guide 122.

[0114] The absorbent plate 120 is a strip-shaped component that extends along the front-back direction with its thickness in the vertical direction. The absorbent plate 120 is disposed along the lower surface of the tube 12 (the portion open through the slit 56). The absorbent plate 120 includes a front support portion 130, an extension portion 131, and a rear support portion 132.

[0115] The front support portion 130 forms the front end of the absorption plate 120. The front support portion 130 is fixed to the lower surface of the tube 12 by welding or the like. The width of the front support portion 130 in the left-right direction is wider than the width of the extension portion 131 in the left-right direction.

[0116] The extension 131 extends in a straight line from the front support 130 toward the rear when viewed from above. The extension 131 has a narrow portion 131a and a wide portion 131b.

[0117] The narrow portion 131a is located at the front end of the extension portion 131. The narrow portion 131a continues rearward from the front support portion 130. The width of the boundary portion between the narrow portion 131a and the front support portion 130 gradually decreases in the left-right direction as it moves rearward. In this embodiment, the narrow portion 131a is configured as a curved portion 131f that curves downward in an arc shape when viewed from the side.

[0118] The wide portion 131b extends continuously rearward from the narrow portion 131a. The width of the wide portion 131b in the left-right direction is wider than that of the narrow portion 131a in the left-right direction. The boundary between the narrow portions 131a and 131a gradually widens in the left-right direction as it moves rearward. The length of the wide portion 131b in the front-back direction is longer than that of the narrow portion 131a in the front-back direction. In this embodiment, the wide portion 131b extends linearly along the lower surface of the tube 12 when viewed from the side.

[0119] The rear support portion 132 forms the rear end of the absorption plate 120. The rear support portion 132 includes a frame portion 132a and a locking piece 132b.

[0120] The frame portion 132a extends continuously from the wide portion 131b to the rear. When viewed from above, the frame portion 132a is formed in the shape of a rectangular frame.

[0121] The latching tab 132b extends forward from the rear end of the frame portion 132a in a manner that traverses the frame portion 132a when viewed from above. After extending upwards in a forward direction, the latching tab 132b extends further forward. The front end of the latching tab 132b enters the tube 12 through a through hole 12a formed in the tube 12. The through hole 12a is formed on the lower surface of the tube 12 in the portion surrounded by the frame portion 132a when viewed from above. The front end of the latching tab 132b contacts the inner surface of the tube 12 from above. Thus, the downward movement of the rear support portion 132 relative to the tube 12 is restricted. That is, the front end of the absorber plate 120 is fixed to the tube 12 via the front support portion 130 in a manner that prevents relative movement. The rear end of the absorber plate 120 is supported to the tube 12 via the rear support portion 132 in a manner that allows relative movement in both the front-rear and left-right directions.

[0122] The scraping component 121 connects the telescopic shaft 116 to the absorption plate 120. That is, the scraping component 121 is connected to the tilting bracket 21 via the telescopic shaft 116. The scraping component 121 has a base portion 140 and a guide pin 141.

[0123] The base portion 140 is formed in a block shape. The base portion 140 has a connecting body portion 145 and a flange portion 146.

[0124] When viewed from the side, the connecting main body 145 is formed in a stepped shape, with the size increasing towards the rear in the vertical direction. Specifically, the connecting main body 145 includes an upper part 147 and a lower part 148.

[0125] The upper section 147 is located at the rear end of the connecting body section 145. The upper section 147 is fixed to the telescopic shaft 116 by bolts 150. Furthermore, a positioning protrusion 151 is formed in the upper section 147 at a position further forward than the bolts 150. The positioning protrusion 151 protrudes upward from the upper section 147. The positioning protrusion 151 is received within a positioning recess 116a formed in the telescopic shaft 116. By contacting the inner surface of the positioning recess 116a with the positioning protrusion 151, the left-right movement of the connecting body section 145 relative to the telescopic shaft 116, originating from the bolts 150, is restricted.

[0126] The lower section 148 is continuous forward relative to the upper section 147. The upper surface of the lower section 148 is positioned recessed upward relative to the upper surface of the upper section 147. The lower section 148 is fixed to the tube 12 via a rivet 155. The rivet 155 fixes the lower section 148 and the tube 12 together while passing through the lower section 148, the front support section 130, and the tube 12 in the vertical direction. The rivet 155 is configured to break (shear failure) when the load acting on the tube 12 is above a predetermined value. That is, the scraping member 121 and the tube 12 are configured such that they can move integrally via the rivet 155 when the load acting on the tube 12 is below a predetermined value (the state before the secondary collision). Furthermore, the rivet 155 and the front support section 130 may also be provided in a position offset in the front-rear direction.

[0127] like Figure 12 As shown, the flange portion 146 protrudes outward in the left-right direction from the upper end of the connecting body portion 145. Each flange portion 146 extends along the entire length of the connecting body portion 145 in the front-rear direction. Each flange portion 146 is received in a corresponding receiving groove 58a. That is, each flange portion 146 is clamped between the tube 12 and the track portion 58 in the vertical direction within the receiving groove 58a. By contacting the inner surface of the receiving groove 58a with each flange portion 146, the scraping member 121 is prevented from falling off the housing body 22. Furthermore, the upper surface of each flange portion 146 is formed in an arc shape that conforms to the outer peripheral surface of the tube 12.

[0128] like Figure 11 As shown, a through groove 145a is formed on the upper surface of the connecting body portion 145. The through groove 145a is recessed downward relative to the upper surface of the connecting body portion 145 and extends through the connecting body portion 145 in the front-rear direction. An extension portion 131 extends through the through groove 145a in the front-rear direction. The bottom surface of the through groove 145a is recessed downward in a mountain shape at the center in the front-rear direction. Specifically, the bottom surface of the through groove 145a has a first guide surface 145a1, a first retraction surface 145a2, a second retraction surface 145a3, and a second guide surface 145a4.

[0129] The first guide surface 145a1 is located at the rear end of the bottom surface of the through groove 145a. The first guide surface 145a1 extends in a straight line in the front-rear direction when viewed from the side. The rear end edge of the first guide surface 145a1 reaches the rear surface of the connecting body 145.

[0130] The first retreat surface 145a2 continues forward of the first guide surface 145a1. The first retreat surface 145a2 extends downward as it moves forward.

[0131] The second retraction surface 145a3 continues forward of the first retraction surface 145a2. The second retraction surface 145a3 extends upward as it moves forward. The boundary between the first retraction surface 145a2 and the second retraction surface 145a3 is formed in a downward-convex arc shape. A narrow section 131a (bent section 131f) is accommodated in the portion within the passage groove 145a surrounded by the first and second retraction surfaces 145a2 (hereinafter referred to as the detour section 158). The second guide surface 145a4 continues backward of the second retraction surface 145a3. The second guide surface 145a4 extends in a straight line in the front-rear direction when viewed from the side. The leading edge of the second guide surface 145a4 reaches the front surface of the connecting body section 145. A front support section 130 is accommodated in the passage groove 145a at a position facing the second guide surface 145a4.

[0132] A guide pin 141 extends through the upper end of the main body 145 in the left-right direction. The guide pin 141 is a cylindrical component. The guide pin 141 is arranged to pass through the portion of the through groove 145a located in the detour portion 158 in the front-rear direction. At least a portion of the guide pin 141 is located within the detour portion 158. The portion of the outer peripheral surface of the guide pin 141 facing the bottom surface (first retraction surface 145a2 or second retraction surface 145a3) of the through groove 145a functions as a scraping surface 141a. The scraping surface 141a is located below the first guide surface 145a1 and the second guide surface 145a4. Between the scraping surface 141a and the bottom surface of the through groove 145a, a plate passage 159 with an extension portion 131 passing through in the front-rear direction is formed. That is, the extension portion 131 is sandwiched between the bottom surface of the through groove 145a and the guide pin 141 (scraping surface 141a) in the thickness direction (vertical direction) of the extension portion 131.

[0133] like Figure 9 As shown, a sliding guide 122 is disposed between the scraping member 121 and the housing body 22. The sliding guide 122 reduces the frictional resistance between the housing body 22 (track portion 58) and the scraping member 121 during telescopic movements and secondary collisions. The sliding guide 122 is integrally formed of a material (e.g., resin material) with a coefficient of friction at least lower than that of the scraping member 121.

[0134] The sliding guide 122 has a surrounding cylinder 122a and a protrusion 122b. The surrounding cylinder 122a is formed in the shape of a square tube surrounding the circumference of the scraping member 121. The scraping member 121 is embedded inside the surrounding cylinder 122a.

[0135] The protrusion 122b protrudes outward in the left-right direction from the outer side of the surrounding cylinder 122a. The protrusion 122b extends vertically along the outer surface of the surrounding cylinder 122a in the left-right direction. Multiple protrusions 122b are formed at intervals along the front-back direction on the outer surface of the surrounding cylinder 122a. The sliding guide 122 can contact the inner surface of the track portion 58 via the protrusion 122b. However, the surrounding cylinder 122a of the sliding guide 122 can also directly contact the track portion 58.

[0136] [effect] Next, the function of the aforementioned steering device 1 will be explained. In the following explanation, the tilting action, the telescoping action, and the collapse stroke during a secondary collision will be mainly explained.

[0137] <Tilting motion> like Figure 1 As shown, the tilting action causes the housing body 22 to rotate about axis O2 via the driving force of the tilting motor 110. Specifically, if the tilting shaft 111 is moved to one side by the drive of the tilting motor 110, the tilting link 112 rotates to one side, thereby pushing the housing body 22 upward via the tilting link 112. As a result, the housing body 22 rotates upward about axis O2 relative to the tilting bracket 21. Consequently, the steering wheel 2, along with the housing body 22, the tube 12, the steering shaft 13, etc., rotates upward about axis O2.

[0138] On the other hand, if the tilting shaft 111 is moved to the other side by driving the tilting motor 110, the tilting link 112 rotates to the other side, thereby pressing down the housing body 22 via the tilting link 112. As a result, the housing body 22 rotates downward about the axis O2 relative to the tilting bracket 21. Consequently, the steering wheel 2, along with the housing body 22, the tube 12, the steering shaft 13, etc., rotates downward about the axis O2.

[0139] <Extension and contraction movement> The telescopic movement, driven by the telescopic motor 115, causes the tube 12 and outer shaft 80 to move back and forth relative to the housing 11 and inner shaft 81. Specifically, when the steering wheel 2 is moved rearward, the telescopic shaft 116 moves rearward by the drive of the telescopic motor 115. During the telescopic movement, the forward and backward movement is restricted by the engagement of the telescopic shaft 116 (male threaded portion) and the telescopic motor 115 (female threaded portion). Therefore, the rearward driving force of the telescopic shaft 116 is transmitted to the tube 12 via the bolt 150, the scraping member 121, and the rivet 155. As a result, the steering wheel 2 moves rearward by moving the tube 12 and outer shaft 80 together relative to the housing body 22.

[0140] On the other hand, when the steering wheel 2 is moved forward, the telescopic shaft 116 is moved forward by the driving force of the telescopic motor 115. The driving force of the telescopic shaft 116 forward is then transmitted to the tube 12 via the bolt 150, the squeegee 121, and the rivet 155. As a result, the steering wheel 2 moves backward relative to the housing body 22, together with the outer shaft 80, through the forward movement of the tube 12.

[0141] <During a secondary collision> Next, the actions during the secondary collision will be explained.

[0142] In this embodiment, the steering device 1 is mounted on the vehicle with its axis O1 intersecting the vehicle's longitudinal direction. Therefore, in the event of a secondary collision, the steering wheel 2 is directed forward and upward to apply a collision load. Due to the forward component of the collision load, the steering wheel 2, along with the tube 12, outer shaft 80, and absorber plate 120, moves forward relative to the housing body 22, inner shaft 81, and squeegee member 121.

[0143] Figure 13 It is an explanatory diagram used to illustrate the actions during a secondary collision.

[0144] like Figure 13 As shown, during the secondary collision, the tube 12 moves forward relative to the scraping member 121, thereby applying a shear force to the rivet 155. If a shear force exceeding a predetermined value is applied to the rivet 155, the rivet 155 breaks. Thus, the tube 12 begins to move forward relative to the scraping member 121. At this time, the absorber plate 120 is fixed to the tube 12 via the front support 130, and therefore the absorber plate 120 moves forward together with the tube 12 relative to the scraping member 121.

[0145] As the absorption plate 120 moves forward, the extension 131 passes through the passage groove 145a. During this time, the portion of the extension 131 that enters the passage groove 145a from behind the scraping member 121 undergoes plastic deformation as it moves from the first guide surface 145a1 to the scraping surface 141a. That is, the scraping surface 141a is located below the first guide surface 145a1, and therefore the extension 131 deforms downwards as it moves forward. On the other hand, the portion of the extension 131 that passes through the plate passage 159 undergoes plastic deformation as it moves from the scraping surface 141a to the second guide surface 145a4. That is, the second guide surface 145a4 is located above the scraping surface 141a, and therefore the extension 131 deforms upwards as it moves forward. During the secondary collision, as the tube 12 moves forward relative to the scraping member 121, the extension portion 131 undergoes plastic deformation by moving the bent portion 131f toward the rear of the extension portion 131.

[0146] Thus, during a secondary impact, the extension portion 131, while passing through the passage groove 145a, undergoes plastic deformation conforming to the positions of the first guide surface 145a1, the scraping surface 141a, and the second guide surface 145a4, and simultaneously moves forward. Furthermore, the load generated during plastic deformation mitigates the impact load applied to the driver during the secondary impact. Additionally, during a secondary impact, when the absorber plate 120 is pulled rearward by the scraping member 121, the engaging tab 132b can also disengage from the through hole 12a. Consequently, the absorber plate 120 is cantilevered in the tube 12 with the front support portion 130 as the fixed end and the rear support portion 132 as the free end.

[0147] Furthermore, the load generated during the deformation of the absorption plate 120 can be adjusted by changing the thickness or width, material, etc., of the absorption plate 120, or by changing the distance between the first guide surface 145a1 and the scraping surface 141a, or the distance between the second guide surface 145a4 and the scraping surface 141a. In this embodiment, the narrow portion 131a is accommodated within the detour portion 158 before the input collision load. This reduces the initial load (starting load) acting immediately after the second collision.

[0148] On the other hand, the upward component of the collision load is transmitted to the tilting bracket 21 via the side frames 23A and 23B. Specifically, a portion of the collision load transmitted to the side frames 23A and 23B is transmitted to the tilting bracket 21 via the guide mechanism 14. In addition, a portion of the collision load transmitted to the side frames 23A and 23B is transmitted to the tilting bracket 21 via the pivot 30.

[0149] In this embodiment, the steering device 1 has ribs 40b, 40c, and 45 formed on the mounting bases 40 and 45 of the steering hanger 200 connected to the tilt bracket 21. This ensures the rigidity of the tilt bracket 21. As a result, it can resist the upward load acting on the tilt bracket 21 caused by the collision load. Thus, in the event of a secondary collision, it can suppress unwanted deformation of the tilt bracket 21 and other unintended parts, and prevent the forward movement (collapse stroke) of the suppression tube 12 from being hindered. As a result, it is easy to ensure impact absorption performance.

[0150] As described above, the steering device 1 in this embodiment includes a housing body 22 supporting the steering shaft 13, a tilting bracket 21, and a guide mechanism 14. The tilting bracket 21 has a pair of side frames (sidewall portions) 23A and 23B disposed on the left and right sides relative to the housing body 22. Tilting guide holes 31 extending in the vertical direction are formed in each of the side frames 23A and 23B. The tilting bracket 21 supports the housing body 22 in a manner that allows it to rotate about an axis O2 in the left-right direction at a portion located further forward than the tilting guide holes 31. The guide mechanism 14 is provided in each of the side frames 23A and 23B at a portion located further rearward than the axis O2, and guides the rotation of the housing body 22 about the axis O2. The guide mechanism 14 includes a shaft portion 91, a tilting nut (head) 95, and a wave washer (force-applying member) 92. The shaft portion 91 passes through the tilting guide hole 31 in the left-right direction and is connected to the housing body 22. An inclined nut 95 is provided in the portion of the shaft portion 91 located on the outer side in the left-right direction relative to the side frames 23A and 23B, and restricts the displacement of the side frames 23A and 23B relative to the housing body 22 in the left-right direction. Wave washers 92 are respectively located between the side frames 23A and 23B and the housing body 22, and apply force in an orientation that separates the side frames 23A and 23B from the housing body 22 in the left-right direction.

[0151] According to this configuration, the wave-shaped washer 92 is located between each side frame 23A, 23B and the housing body 22, thereby suppressing the swaying of the housing body 22 relative to the tilting bracket 21 in the left-right direction caused by dimensional deviations, etc. In particular, in the steering device 1 of this embodiment, a guide mechanism 14 is provided for the tilting guide hole 31, thereby easily suppressing the swaying in the left-right direction during tilting operation.

[0152] Furthermore, in this embodiment, sliding caps (inner sliding members) 93 and sliding collars (outer sliding members) 94 are arranged on both sides of the side frames 23A and 23B in the left-right direction. Therefore, compared to the case where the tilting nut 95 and the side frames 23A and 23B are in direct contact with each other without passing through the sliding collars 94, and the case where the wave washer 92 and the side frames 23A and 23B are in direct contact with each other without passing through the sliding caps 93, it is easier to adjust the frictional force acting between the side frames 23A and 23B and the guide mechanism 14. As a result, while ensuring the sliding performance between the side frames 23A and 23B and the guide mechanism 14 during tilting operations, it is also possible to suppress the vertical swaying of the housing body 22 relative to the tilting bracket 21.

[0153] This ensures the vibration rigidity of the steering device 1 in both the vertical and horizontal directions, providing the user with a good operating feel.

[0154] In this embodiment, the steering device 1 is configured such that a wave washer 92 is used as the force-applying component.

[0155] The wave washer 92 has a stable region where the change in force is small relative to the change in compression. Therefore, by assembling the wave washer 92 in a manner that compresses it within the stable region, deviations in force caused by dimensional deviations can be reduced.

[0156] In this embodiment, the steering device 1 is configured such that the sliding cap 93 has a locking claw 93e that hooks onto the housing body 22 in the left-right direction.

[0157] Based on this configuration, it is possible to prevent the sliding cap 93 from detaching from the housing body 22 during assembly. As a result, assemblability is improved.

[0158] In the steering device 1 of this embodiment, the sliding cap 93 has limiting walls (limiting parts) 93c and 93d. The limiting walls (limiting parts) 93c and 93d limit the movement of the housing body 22 in at least one of the front-back direction and the up-down direction by contacting the housing body 22.

[0159] Based on this configuration, the positional displacement of the sliding cap 93 relative to the housing body 22 in the front-back or vertical direction is suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to maintain good sliding performance during tilting movements over a long period.

[0160] The steering device 1 in this embodiment has the following configuration: the sliding cap 93 includes a main wall portion 93a, which is sandwiched between the protrusion 53 and the side frames 23A and 23B; and a peripheral wall portion 93b, which extends from the outer periphery of the main wall portion 93a toward the inner side in the left-right direction and surrounds the protrusion 53.

[0161] Based on this configuration, a sliding cap 93 is fitted relative to the protrusion 53 protruding from the retaining cylinder 51. Therefore, compared to a configuration where the sliding cap 93 is fitted to the retaining cylinder 51 itself, the design freedom for the sliding cap 93 can be increased.

[0162] In this embodiment, the steering device 1 is configured such that the head of the shaft portion 91 is a tilting nut 95.

[0163] Based on this configuration, the head can be easily mounted to the shaft 91. As a result, the assemblability of the guide mechanism 14 can be improved.

[0164] The preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, but this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications can be made to the configuration without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. This disclosure is not limited to the foregoing description, but only to the appended claims.

[0165] For example, in the above embodiment, the configuration in which axis O1 intersects with the longitudinal direction has been described, but it is not limited to this configuration. Axis O1 may also be aligned with the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0166] In the above embodiment, the tilting mechanism 100 and the telescopic mechanism 101 are described as feed screw mechanisms, but the implementation is not limited to this configuration. For example, gears may also be used for the tilting mechanism 100 and the telescopic mechanism 101.

[0167] In the above embodiments, a so-called electric steering device 1 capable of telescopic and tilting movements via motors 110 and 115 has been described, but the invention is not limited to this configuration. The steering device 1 disclosed herein may also be a manual steering device 1 that switches and restricts the forward and backward movement of the tube 12 by means of a fastening load between the tube and the housing.

[0168] In the above embodiments, a steering device capable of both tilting and telescoping actions has been described, but the device is not limited to this configuration. The steering device 1 need only be capable of at least tilting actions.

[0169] In the above embodiment, the configuration of the guide mechanism 14 including the sliding cap 93 and the sliding collar 94 has been described, but it is not limited to this configuration. The guide mechanism 14 only needs to have a force-applying component at least intervening between the side frames 23A, 23B and the housing body 22.

[0170] In the above embodiments, the configuration of the force-applying component as a wave washer 92 has been described, but the configuration is not limited to this.

[0171] In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the head is a tilted nut 95 has been described, but the configuration is not limited to this. The head may be configured to be integrally formed with the shaft portion 91 beforehand, and other configurations can be appropriately changed.

[0172] In the above embodiment, the configuration of the sliding cap 93 having a main wall portion 93a and a peripheral wall portion 93b has been described, but it is not limited to this configuration. As long as the sliding cap 93 has at least a main wall portion 93a, it is acceptable.

[0173] In the above embodiments, the configuration in which each of the sliding cap 93 and the sliding collar 94 is integrally formed of a synthetic resin material has been described, but the configuration is not limited to this. The sliding cap 93 or the sliding collar 94 may also be formed of a material other than synthetic resin. In this case, for example, a core material insert made of a metal material or the like may be molded from a synthetic resin material, or a material different from the core material may be coated on the surface of the core material.

[0174] Furthermore, without departing from the spirit of this disclosure, the constituent elements in the above embodiments can be appropriately replaced with well-known constituent elements, and the above variations can also be appropriately combined.

[0175] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1: Steering mechanism 2: Steering wheel 11: Shell 13: Steering shaft 14: Guiding Institutions 21: Tilting Bracket 22: Main body of the shell 23A: First side frame (side wall portion) 23B: Second side frame (side wall portion) 31: Tilt guide hole 51: Holding tube 53: Protrusion 91: Shaft 92: Wave-shaped washer (force-applying component) 93: Sliding cap (inner sliding part) 93a: Main wall section 93b: Peripheral section 93c: First Restriction Barrier (Restriction Section) 93d: Second Restriction Wall (Restriction Section) 93e: Locking claw 94: Sliding collar (outer sliding component) 95: Inclined nut (head, nut).

Claims

1. A steering device comprising: The main body of the housing supports a steering shaft that extends in the front-to-back direction and has a steering wheel mounted at the rear end; The tilting bracket has a pair of sidewall portions disposed on the left and right sides relative to the housing body, each of the pair of sidewall portions having a tilting guide hole extending in the vertical direction, and the housing body is supported in a manner that allows it to rotate about an axis in the left and right direction in a portion located further forward than the tilting guide hole. as well as A guiding mechanism, located in each of the pair of sidewall portions further rearward than the axis, guides the rotation of the housing body about the axis. The guiding mechanism has the following features: The shaft protrudes from the housing body through the inclined guide hole in the left-right direction, and moves up and down within the inclined guide hole as the housing body rotates about the axis. The head is a portion located on the outside of the sidewall portion in the left-right direction within the shaft portion, and restricts the displacement of the sidewall portion relative to the housing body in the left-right direction. A force-applying component is located between the pair of sidewall portions and the housing body, and applies force in a direction that separates the sidewall portions and the housing body in the left-right direction; An outer sliding member is provided in the portion of the shaft located between the head and the sidewall portion, and slides on the outer surface of the sidewall portion facing the left and right directions as the housing body rotates; as well as An inner sliding member is provided in the portion of the shaft located between the force-applying member and the sidewall portion, and slides on the inner side of the sidewall portion facing the left and right direction as the housing body rotates.

2. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein, The force-applying component is a wave-shaped washer.

3. The steering device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The inner sliding component has locking claws that hook relative to the housing body in the left-right direction.

4. The steering device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The inner sliding member has a limiting part that restricts movement relative to the housing body in at least one of the front-back and up-down directions by contacting the housing body.

5. The steering device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The main body of the shell includes: The retaining sleeve extends through the steering shaft in the longitudinal direction; and A protrusion, which protrudes outward from the retaining cylinder in a left-right direction, and is provided with the shaft portion. The inner sliding component includes: The main wall portion, which is sandwiched between the protrusion and the side wall portion; and The peripheral wall extends from the outer periphery of the main wall toward the inner side in the left-right direction and surrounds the protrusion.

6. The steering device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The head is a nut that is fastened to the male threaded portion of the shaft.

Images