Column cover structure

Abstract

The column cover structure has a column cover covering a vehicle rear side of a steering column extending in a vehicle front-rear direction and mounted to a vehicle body at a front end side, a resin cover extending from the column cover to an instrument panel and covering the steering column from above, with a rear end portion disposed inside the column cover, a link rotatably linking the resin cover and the vehicle body, and a force applying mechanism applying force to the rear end portion of the resin cover toward the column cover side. The resin cover is configured to include a main body portion extending along the column cover and a shaft portion provided to the main body portion and connected to the link.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a column cover structure. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-54419 discloses a structure that includes a curtain covering the gap between the steering column cover and the vehicle body, and the structure includes a guide to prevent the curtain from getting caught. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In the structure described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-54419, since the guide slides freely to support the curtain, it is possible to prevent the curtain from getting caught on the switch in the steering column when the tilting or telescopic functions are in operation. However, wrinkles may occur on the curtain when the tilting or telescopic functions are in operation, and there is room for improvement in order to maintain a good appearance.

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to obtain a column cover structure that can maintain the appearance of the column cover well.

[0005] The pillar cover structure involved in technical solution 1 includes: a pillar cover that covers the rear side of the steering column of the vehicle body, which extends along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and is mounted on the front end of the vehicle body; a resin cover that extends from the pillar cover to the dashboard and covers the steering column from above, and whose rear end is disposed inside the pillar cover; a connecting rod that rotatably connects the resin cover to the vehicle body; and a force-applying mechanism that applies force to the rear end of the resin cover toward the pillar cover side, wherein the resin cover is configured to include: a main body that extends along the pillar cover; and a shaft that is disposed in the main body and connected to the connecting rod.

[0006] In the pillar cover structure of technical solution 1, the rear side of the steering column is covered by the pillar cover. A resin cover is provided between the pillar cover and the dashboard, covering the steering column from above. The resin cover is rotatably connected to the vehicle body via a linkage, and the rear end of the resin cover is force-applied towards the pillar cover via a force-applied mechanism. Here, the resin cover is configured to include: a main body extending along the pillar cover; and a shaft portion disposed on the main body and connected to the linkage. Thus, by covering the steering column with a resin cover, wrinkles can be suppressed compared to structures that cover the steering column with fabric such as curtains. Furthermore, since the shaft portion of the resin cover is connected to the vehicle body via a linkage, and the rear end of the resin cover is force-applied towards the pillar cover via a force-applied mechanism, the main body of the resin cover can follow the pillar cover during tilt or telescopic operation, thereby maintaining a good appearance.

[0007] In technical solution 2, the column cover structure is the same as that in technical solution 1, where the resin cover has a locking part that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the front end of the main body and abuts against the steering column.

[0008] In the pillar cover structure of technical solution 2, since the resin cover has a locking part, even when the resin cover is subjected to force on the pillar cover side by the force-applying mechanism, the resin cover can suppress pressing against the pillar cover, thereby suppressing friction between the resin cover and the pillar cover. Furthermore, if the size of the locking part is adjusted so that the locking part abuts against the steering column before the resin cover contacts the pillar cover, contact between the resin cover and the pillar cover can be suppressed.

[0009] In technical solution 3, the pillar cover structure is based on technical solution 1. The force-applying mechanism includes: a first spring disposed at the connection between the connecting rod and the vehicle body; and a second spring disposed at the connecting rod and applying force to the resin cover.

[0010] In the column cover structure involved in technical solution 3, the resin cover can be applied to the column cover side with a simple structure.

[0011] In technical solution 4, the pillar cover structure is in technical solution 1, and the force application mechanism is configured to include an elastic body connecting the vehicle body and the shaft.

[0012] In the column cover structure involved in technical solution 4, the tension of the elastic body generates a torque in the connecting rod, thereby applying force to the resin cover towards the column cover side.

[0013] In any one of technical solutions 1 to 4, the column cover structure involved in technical solution 5 has a vulnerable part formed in the main body.

[0014] In the pillar cover structure involved in technical solution 5, when the steering column slides towards the front of the vehicle during a vehicle collision, the resin cover deforms or breaks starting from the weakest part, thereby not hindering the movement of the steering column.

[0015] As explained above, the column cover structure according to the present invention can maintain the appearance of the column cover well. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described, in which the same reference numerals denote the same elements, and wherein:

[0017] Figure 1 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the periphery of the steering column with the column cover structure applicable to the embodiment, viewed from the vehicle width direction.

[0018] Figure 2 It is an enlarged representation Figure 1 Enlarged view of the main parts.

[0019] Figure 3 It means from Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the state in which the steering column moves.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the periphery of the steering column with the column cover structure applicable to the second embodiment, viewed from the vehicle width direction.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a side view that roughly represents the resin cover in the first modified example.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a simplified side view of the resin cover in the second variation. Detailed Implementation

[0023] <First Embodiment>

[0024] The pillar structure involved in the embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the arrows FR and UP in the figures represent the forward direction and the upward direction of the vehicle, respectively. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the directions front-back, up-down, and left-right refer to front-back in the front-back direction, up-down in the up-down direction, and left-right in the left-right direction (width direction), respectively.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the periphery of the steering column 12, which incorporates the column cover structure described in the embodiment, viewed from the vehicle width direction. For example... Figure 1 As shown, a steering column 12 is provided in a vehicle 10 with the column structure of this embodiment.

[0026] The steering column 12 is a generally cylindrical component extending along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the front end of the steering column 12 is mounted to the vehicle body via a bracket (not shown). Furthermore, the steering column 12 is configured to include an outer tube 12A and an inner tube 12B.

[0027] The outer tube 12A is a generally cylindrical component fixed to the vehicle body. The inner tube 12B is also generally cylindrical and has a smaller diameter than the outer tube 12A, and is disposed inside the outer tube 12A. Furthermore, the inner tube 12B is configured to slide freely axially relative to the outer tube 12A, and extends or retracts relative to the outer tube 12A during the telescopic function operation, thereby allowing the steering wheel (not shown) to move in the vehicle's longitudinal direction.

[0028] The steering column 12 is covered by a pillar cover 14. The pillar cover 14 is formed of resin and is shaped to cover the rear side of the steering column 12. Specifically, the pillar cover 14 is configured to include: a bottom portion 14A that covers the steering column 12 from the rear side of the vehicle; and a peripheral portion 14B that extends from the peripheral end of the bottom portion 14A toward the front side of the vehicle and covers the periphery of the steering column 12. Additionally, an opening is formed in the bottom portion 14A for the front end of the steering column 12 to pass through. Figure 1The diagram only shows the portion of the peripheral surface 14B positioned above the steering column 12, but in reality, the peripheral surface 14B is formed in a generally cylindrical shape and positioned around the steering column 12.

[0029] Here, the pillar cover 14 does not extend to the dashboard; the area from the pillar cover 14 to the dashboard is covered by a resin cover 20. An instrument display 18 is mounted on the dashboard, and a support member 16 is positioned below the instrument display 18. This support member 16 is part of the vehicle and the dashboard.

[0030] The resin cover 20 is configured to include: a main body 20A that covers the top of the steering column 12 and extends along the column cover 14; and a shaft 20C that is disposed on the main body 20A and connected to the connecting rod 22.

[0031] The main body 20A is formed in a generally plate-like shape, and the rear end of the main body 20A is disposed inside the pillar cover 14. Specifically, the rear end of the main body 20A is disposed on the lower surface side of the portion of the peripheral portion 14B in the pillar cover 14 located above the steering column 12.

[0032] Here, the length of the overlap between the pillar cover 14 and the main body 20A in the vehicle longitudinal direction is set to a sufficient length to maintain the overlap even when the tilt and telescopic functions are in operation. Furthermore, the length of the main body 20A is set to a length that prevents the rear end of the main body 20A from contacting the pillar cover 14 even when the steering wheel is moved to the frontmost side of the vehicle.

[0033] The front end of the main body 20A bends or curves along the support member 16 toward the upper part of the vehicle and extends to the vicinity of the instrument display 18. Therefore, the front end of the main body 20A suppresses the occupant's visual recognition of the support member 16.

[0034] A mounting plate 20B extends from the lower surface of the main body 20A toward the underside of the vehicle, and a shaft portion 20C is provided on the mounting plate 20B. The shaft portion 20C protrudes from the mounting plate 20B toward the vehicle width direction with the vehicle width direction as the axial direction, and the connecting rod 22 is rotatably pivotally supported on the shaft portion 20C.

[0035] On the other hand, a rear axle portion 16A is provided at the lower end of the support member 16. The rear axle portion 16A protrudes from the general portion of the support member 16 in the vehicle width direction, and the connecting rod 22 is pivotally supported on the rear axle portion 16A rotatably.

[0036] Figure 2 It is an enlarged representation Figure 1 Enlarged view of the main parts. See below for reference. Figure 2 Detailed descriptions of the resin cover 20 and connecting rod 22 are provided. For example... Figure 2As shown, the connecting rod 22 rotatably connects the resin cover 20 to the vehicle body. Specifically, the connecting rod 22 is formed in the shape of a long strip, with the front end 22A of the connecting rod 22 rotatably connected to the support member 16 and the rear end 22B of the connecting rod 22 rotatably connected to the resin cover 20.

[0037] A first torsion spring 30, serving as a first spring, is provided at the connection between the connecting rod 22 and the support member 16. Furthermore, a second torsion spring 32, serving as a second spring, is provided at the connection between the connecting rod 22 and the resin cover 20. The force-applying mechanism of the present invention is constituted by including the first torsion spring 30 and the second torsion spring 32. The force-applying mechanism is a mechanism for applying force to the rear end of the resin cover 20 towards the column cover 14.

[0038] The first torsion spring 30 is, for example, mounted on the rear axle portion 16A, with one end of the first torsion spring 30 fixed to the support member 16. The other end of the first torsion spring 30 is fixed to the front end portion 22A of the connecting rod 22. Here, since the support member 16 is fixed to the vehicle body, a counterclockwise rotational force centered on the rear axle portion 16A is applied to the front end portion 22A of the connecting rod 22, as shown by the arrow in the figure, through the force exerted by the first torsion spring 30.

[0039] The second torsion spring 32 is mounted, for example, on the shaft portion 20C, with one end of the second torsion spring 32 fixed to the rear end portion 22B of the connecting rod 22. The other end of the second torsion spring 32 is fixed to the main body portion 20A of the resin cover 20, further rearward than the shaft portion 20C. Therefore, in the main body portion 20A of the resin cover 20, a counterclockwise rotational force is applied about the shaft portion 20C relative to the rear end portion 22B of the connecting rod 22. Thus, the rear end portion of the main body portion 20A remains in contact with the column cover 14.

[0040] Figure 3 It means from Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view showing the state in which the steering column moves. (e.g.) Figure 3 As shown, even when the occupant activates the tilt function and changes the angle of the steering column 12, the main body 20A of the resin cover 20 moves along with the column cover 14 due to the rotational force applied to the resin cover 20 via the linkage 22. Furthermore, in Figure 1 and Figure 3 For ease of explanation, a gap is shown between the pillar cover 14 and the resin cover 20, but in reality, the pillar cover 14 and the resin cover 20 are in contact.

[0041] like Figure 2As shown, a first weak point 20D and a second weak point 20E are provided in the main body 20A of the resin cover 20. The first weak point 20D and the second weak point 20E are respectively notches cut out of the main body 20A, and their strength is lower than that of other parts of the main body 20A. Therefore, when a load exceeding a certain value is applied to the main body 20A, the main body 20A will deform or break starting from the first weak point 20D and the second weak point 20E.

[0042] In addition, Figure 2 In this configuration, the first vulnerable portion 20D is formed slightly rearward of the mounting piece 20B, and the second vulnerable portion 20E is formed at the rear end of the main body portion 20A. However, this is not a limitation, and the positions or shapes of the first vulnerable portion 20D and the second vulnerable portion 20E can be varied. Furthermore, the number of vulnerable portions provided on the main body portion 20A can be varied. For example, it is possible to have a structure in which only the first vulnerable portion 20D is formed on the main body portion 20A. Additionally, it is possible to provide three or more vulnerable portions on the main body portion 20A.

[0043] (effect)

[0044] Next, the function of the column cover structure involved in this embodiment will be explained.

[0045] In the column cover structure involved in this embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the rear side of the steering column 12 is covered by a pillar cover 14. A resin cover 20 is provided between the pillar cover 14 and the dashboard, covering the steering column 12 from above. The resin cover 20 is rotatably connected to the support member 16 (vehicle body) via a link 22, and the rear end of the resin cover 20 is force-applied towards the pillar cover 14 via a force-applying mechanism. The resin cover 20 is configured to include: a main body 20A extending along the pillar cover 14; and a shaft portion 20C provided on the main body 20A and connected to the link 22. Thus, by covering the steering column 12 with the resin cover 20, wrinkles can be suppressed compared to covering the steering column 12 with fabric such as curtains.

[0046] And, as Figure 2 As shown, the shaft portion 20C of the resin cover 20 is connected to the body and the connecting rod 22. The rear end of the resin cover 20 is subjected to force towards the pillar cover 14 by the first torsion spring 30 and the second torsion spring 32 that constitute the force application mechanism. Therefore, when the tilting function or the telescopic function is working, the main body portion 20A of the resin cover 20 can follow the pillar cover 14, thereby maintaining the appearance well.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the resin cover 20 can be forced towards the pillar cover 14 using a simple structure employing the first torsion spring 30 and the second torsion spring 32, thus eliminating the need for a complex mechanism. Moreover, since no electric components are used, the resin cover 20 can be forced towards the pillar cover 14 even when the vehicle 10 is de-energized.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the first vulnerable part 20D and the second vulnerable part 20E are provided in the main body 20A, when the steering column 12 slides towards the front of the vehicle during a collision with the vehicle 10, the resin cover 20 will deform or break starting from the first vulnerable part 20D and the second vulnerable part 20E, thereby not hindering the movement of the steering column 12.

[0049] <Second Implementation>

[0050] Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used to denote structures identical to those in the first embodiment, and descriptions are omitted where appropriate.

[0051] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the periphery of the steering column 12, which utilizes the column cover structure described in the second embodiment, viewed from the vehicle width direction. For example... Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, a connecting rod 42 is provided instead of a connecting rod 22.

[0052] The connecting rod 42 is configured to include a connecting rod body portion 42A and a locking portion 42B. Similar to the connecting rod 22 of the first embodiment, the connecting rod body portion 42A is a long, strip-shaped component extending along the vehicle's longitudinal direction, and its front end is rotatably connected to the support member 16. Furthermore, its rear end is rotatably connected to the resin cover 20. Additionally, although not shown, it includes a first torsion spring and a second torsion spring, similar to the first embodiment.

[0053] Here, the locking portion 42B protrudes downward from the front end of the connecting rod main body portion 42A. The locking portion 42B is integrally formed with the connecting rod main body portion 42A and is generally trapezoidal in shape when viewed from the side. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as an example, the locking portion 42B is a rib with the thickness direction in the vehicle width direction, and multiple ribs are provided along the vehicle width direction.

[0054] The lower end of the locking part 42B contacts the outer tube 12A of the steering column 12. Furthermore, the size of the locking part 42B is adjusted so that the locking part 42B abuts against the outer tube 12A before the main body 20A of the resin cover 20 contacts the column cover 14.

[0055] (effect)

[0056] Next, the function of the column cover structure involved in this embodiment will be explained.

[0057] In this embodiment, since the resin cover 20 has a locking portion 42B, even when the resin cover 20 is subjected to force towards the column cover 14 by the first torsion spring and the second torsion spring, which are force-applying mechanisms, the resin cover 20 can be prevented from pressing against the column cover 14, thereby suppressing friction between the resin cover 20 and the column cover 14.

[0058] In particular, in this embodiment, since the locking portion 42B abuts against the steering column 12 before the resin cover 20 contacts the column cover 14, the contact between the resin cover 20 and the column cover 14 can be suppressed.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the locking portion 42B abuts against the outer tube 12A of the steering column 12, wear on the locking portion 42B can be suppressed compared to a structure where the locking portion 42B abuts against the inner tube 12B. That is, in the structure where the locking portion 42B abuts against the inner tube 12B, friction occurs between the locking portion 42B and the inner tube 12B as the telescopic function operates. This is suppressed in this embodiment. Other effects are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0060] The column cover structure of the present invention has been described above, but it can certainly be implemented in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the resin cover 20 is forced towards the column cover 14 by the force applied by the second torsion spring 32, but it is not limited to this, and other methods may also be used. Figure 5 The structure of the first modified example shown. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as... Figure 2 As shown, excessive interference between the pillar cover 14 and the resin cover 20 is suppressed by the first vulnerable part 20D and the second vulnerable part 20E, but it is not limited to this. Other structures can also be used. For example, it can also be used... Figure 6 The structure of the second modified example shown.

[0061] (Example 1)

[0062] Figure 5 This is a side view that roughly represents the periphery of the resin cover 20 in the first modified example. (As shown) Figure 5 As shown, in this modified example, the first torsion spring 30 is not provided. Furthermore, the support member 16 and the shaft portion 20C of the resin cover 20 are connected in the vehicle longitudinal direction via an elastomer 50.

[0063] That is, in this modified example, the force-applying mechanism is constituted by the elastic body 50 and the second torsion spring 32. The elastic body 50 can be formed by a component capable of elastic deformation, such as rubber, or by a spring such as a tension coil spring.

[0064] In this modified example, as shown by the arrow in the figure, the shaft portion 20C is subjected to force towards the support member 16 due to the tension of the elastic body 50. As a result, the connecting rod 22 rotates counterclockwise around the rear shaft portion 16A. That is, similar to the embodiment, a torque can be generated in the connecting rod 22, which can exert force on the resin cover 20 towards the column cover 14.

[0065] (Second variation)

[0066] Figure 6 This is a side view that roughly represents the periphery of the resin cover 20 in the second modification. (As shown) Figure 6 As shown, in this modified example, a bearing 60 is provided at the rear end 22B of the connecting rod 22.

[0067] The bearing 60 is embedded in the shaft portion 20C of the resin cover 20, so the shaft portion 20C of the resin cover 20 can rotate around the bearing 60. Furthermore, the bearing 60 has a shape that is open on the rear side of the vehicle.

[0068] The opening of the bearing 60 is formed to be smaller than the diameter of the shaft portion 20C, so that even if vibration or a relatively small load is applied to the resin cover 20, the shaft portion 20C will not detach from the bearing 60. On the other hand, if the pillar cover 14, which moves forward of the vehicle during a collision with the front surface of the vehicle, comes into contact with the resin cover 20, the shaft portion 20C will detach from the bearing 60, and the movement of the pillar cover 14 will not be hindered.

[0069] In this modified example, since the movement of the column cover 14 is not hindered by the resin cover 20, it is not necessary to provide a vulnerable part on the resin cover 20.

[0070] Regarding the above-described embodiments, the following notes are disclosed.

[0071] (Note 1)

[0072] A column-shaped structure having:

[0073] Pillar cover, which covers the rear side of the vehicle, extending along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and mounted on the front side of the steering column of the vehicle body.

[0074] A resin cover extends from the pillar cover to the dashboard and covers the steering column from above, with its rear end disposed inside the pillar cover;

[0075] Linkage rod, which rotatably connects the resin cover to the vehicle body; and

[0076] The force-applying mechanism applies force to the rear end of the resin cover towards the column cover side.

[0077] The resin cover is configured to include: a main body extending along the column cover; and a shaft disposed on the main body and connected to the connecting rod.

[0078] (Note 2)

[0079] According to the column cover structure described in Appendix 1, wherein,

[0080] The resin cover has a locking portion that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the front end of the main body and abuts against the steering column.

[0081] (Note 3)

[0082] According to the column cover structure described in Appendix 1 or 2, wherein,

[0083] The force-applying mechanism comprises: a first spring disposed at the connection between the connecting rod and the vehicle body; and a second spring disposed on the connecting rod and applying force to the resin cover.

[0084] (Note 4)

[0085] According to the column cover structure described in Appendix 1 or 2, wherein,

[0086] The force-applying mechanism is configured to include an elastic body connecting the vehicle body and the axle.

[0087] (Note 5)

[0088] According to any one of Appendices 1 to 4, the column cover structure, wherein,

[0089] A vulnerable part is formed in the main body.

Claims

1. A columnar structure, characterized in that, have: Pillar cover, which covers the rear side of the vehicle, extending along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and mounted on the front side of the steering column of the vehicle body. A resin cover extends from the pillar cover to the dashboard and covers the steering column from above, with its rear end disposed inside the pillar cover; Linkage rod, which rotatably connects the resin cover to the vehicle body; and The force-applying mechanism applies force to the rear end of the resin cover towards the column cover side. The resin cover is configured to include: a main body extending along the column cover; and a shaft disposed on the main body and connected to the connecting rod.

2. The column cover structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The resin cover has a locking portion that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the front end of the main body and abuts against the steering column.

3. The column cover structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The force-applying mechanism comprises: a first spring disposed at the connection between the connecting rod and the vehicle body; and a second spring disposed on the connecting rod and applying force to the resin cover.

4. The column cover structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The force-applying mechanism is configured to include an elastic body connecting the vehicle body and the axle.

5. The column cover structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, A vulnerable part is formed in the main body.

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