Steering device

Abstract

Steering device (1) with: a steering column (3) which rotatably supports a steering shaft (2); and a control unit (20) which is equipped with a housing (30) which is fixed to an outer circumferential surface of the steering column (3), characterized by the fact that a pair of engagement projections (60 to 66), which are facing each other, are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the steering column (3); an insertion section (83) is provided on the housing housing (30) to be inserted between the engagement projections (60 to 66); the insertion section (83) is equipped with a fitting section (85) which has a crushing or breaking edge (85x) which is crushed or broken by the engagement projections (60 to 66) when the insertion section (83) is inserted between the engagement projections (60 to 66); the control unit (20) has a connector section (53) which is exposed to the outside world of the housing (30), and the engagement projections (60 to 66) are provided such that they face each other in a direction in which a cable harness (90) is connected to the connector section (53).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a steering device according to the preamble of patent claim 1. Background of the invention

[0002] A prior art vehicle steering device includes, for example, an actuator provided in a steering column, as disclosed in Japanese Patent JP 5 796 776 B2. Generally, a controller for controlling the operation of the actuator has a configuration in which a circuit board, on which a control circuit is mounted, is held within a housing case molded from a resin. In addition, such a housing case is generally fixed to the steering column using a mounting bracket, as disclosed, for example, in JP H05-39205 Y2, or by a screw connection using a bolt, as disclosed, for example, in JP 2008-296854 A.

[0003] The vehicle's steering device requires a stable fixing state that can withstand various stress factors acting on the accommodation case after it is mounted in the vehicle. Therefore, in a prior art configuration in which an engaging piece of a retaining bracket is inserted into a groove of a fitting portion provided in the accommodation case, sufficient holding force cannot be ensured. Therefore, in a case where such a mounting bracket is used or in a case where the accommodation case is directly attached to the steering column, it is necessary to form an attachment portion for anchoring a bolt to the steering column. Therefore, there is still room for improvement.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a steering device with a simpler configuration that can more stably fix a control housing to a steering column.

[0005] Document JP 2004-66 982 A, against which claim 1 is defined, discloses a motor connection and a mounting structure of a steering assembly for incorporating a tilt motor, a telescopic motor and an electronic control unit into a steering assembly body of a motor vehicle for electrical connection to one another.

[0006] Document JP 2011-38 533 A discloses a device mounting structure for mounting devices such as an electronic control unit, etc., in which an electronic component or the like is accommodated in a structural base body such as a vehicle body, in particular on a steering column. Summary of the invention

[0007] The technical problem is solved by a steering device according to claim 1. A steering device according to one aspect of the invention includes a steering column that rotatably supports a steering shaft, and a controller provided with a housing case fixed to an outer peripheral surface of the steering column. A pair of engaging projections facing each other are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the steering column, an insertion portion is provided in the housing case to be inserted between the engaging projections, and the insertion portion is provided with a fitting portion having a crimping or breaking edge that is crimped or broken by the engaging projections when the insertion portion is inserted between the engaging projections.

[0008] According to this configuration, the engaging protrusions on the steering column side and the fitting portion provided on the insertion portion on the housing case side and inserted between the engaging protrusions are brought into close contact with each other. Therefore, it is possible to suppress displacement of the housing case in a direction in which the engaging protrusions face each other. In addition, it is possible to suppress movement of the housing case that might cause the engaging portion to be pulled out of the space between the engaging protrusions. As a result, with a simple configuration, the controller housing case can be more stably fixed to the steering column.

[0009] In the steering device, it is preferable that the fitting portion extends in a direction in which the engaging projections protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the steering column in a state in which the inserting portion is inserted between the engaging projections.

[0010] According to this configuration, the breaking edge provided at the fitting portion can be more securely broken by inserting the insertion portion on the housing case side between the engaging protrusions in the direction in which the engaging protrusions protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the steering column. In addition, it is possible to more effectively suppress tilting of the housing case by using the direction in which the engaging protrusions protrude as a reference. Therefore, the controller housing case can be more stably fixed to the steering column.

[0011] In the steering device, it is preferable that the insertion portion is provided with a plurality of fitting portions aligned in an extending direction of the engaging projections extending in a direction along the outer peripheral surface of the steering column in a state in which the insertion portion is inserted between the engaging projections.

[0012] According to this configuration, it is possible to more securely suppress displacement of the housing case in the direction in which the engaging protrusions face each other and to suppress movement of the housing case that might cause the insertion portion to be pulled out of the space between the engaging protrusions. In addition, it is possible to suppress movement of the housing case that pivots around the pivot axis that intersects the outer peripheral surface of the steering column. Therefore, the controller housing case can be more stably fixed to the steering column.

[0013] In the steering device, it is preferable that the engaging projections are molds formed integrally with a housing forming the outer peripheral surface of the steering column.

[0014] That is, in the configuration in which the engaging projections are formed by casting, the clearance or tolerance set in the gap between the engaging projections increases. However, the fitting portion can be brought into close contact with the engaging projections by providing a fitting portion having a crushing or breaking edge at the insertion portion on the side of the housing case to be inserted between the engaging projections. Therefore, a stronger effect can be obtained by applying any of the above-described configurations to this configuration.

[0015] In the steering device, it is preferable that the controller has a connector / plug / terminal portion exposed to the environment outside the accommodation case, and the engaging projections are provided so as to face each other in a direction in which a wire harness is connected to the connector portion.

[0016] According to this configuration, there is a possibility that a force separating the housing case from the outer peripheral surface of the steering column may occur, which is accompanied by a pivoting (tilting) of the housing case when the connector / terminal / plug is connected. However, since the fitting portion, in a state where the breakable lip is broken, is brought into close contact with the engaging protrusions facing each other in the direction in which the wire harness is connected to the connector portion, it is possible to counteract the above-described force separating the housing case from the outer peripheral surface of the steering column. By applying each of the configurations in which a fitting portion having a breakable lip is provided as described above to this configuration, a stronger effect can be achieved.

[0017] In the steering device, it is preferable that the engaging projections and the insertion portion are arranged between the outer peripheral surface of the steering column and the connector portion.

[0018] According to this configuration, it is possible to more effectively counteract the force that separates the housing case from the outer peripheral surface of the steering column when the connector is connected. Therefore, the control housing case can be more stably fixed to the steering column.

[0019] In the steering device, it is preferable that the accommodation case has a base portion fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the steering column.

[0020] According to this configuration, it is possible to simplify the installation of the housing case on the outer peripheral surface of the steering column. In addition, by applying any of the configurations in which a fitting portion having a breakaway edge is provided to this configuration, a stronger effect can be achieved.

[0021] In the steering device, it is preferable that the base portion has a plurality of engaging pieces having flexibility, and each of the engaging pieces forms a latch that undetachably fixes the accommodation case with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the steering column, and the engaging projections are provided so as to face each other in a direction intersecting a direction connecting the latches.

[0022] According to this configuration, the pivot point of the housing case is easily formed by connecting the latches. Since the fitting portion, in a state where the breakable edge is broken, is brought into close contact with the engaging protrusions that oppose each other in the direction intersecting the direction connecting the latches, it is possible to counteract the force for pivoting the housing case as described above. Therefore, the controller housing case can be more stably fixed to the steering column.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the housing case of the controller can be fixed more stably to the steering column with a simple configuration BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS

[0024] The features and characteristics of the invention, within the scope of protection defined by the claims, will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying figures. Here: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a steering device; Fig. 2 a side view of the steering device; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a control provided in the steering device; Fig. 4 a top view of the control system; Fig. 5 a cross-sectional view of the control (VV section in Fig. 4); Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a circuit board and a housing case constituting the controller; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a first housing component and a second housing component forming the housing case; Fig. 8 is a side view of the first housing component and the second housing component; Fig. 9 is a side view of the steering device, showing the accommodation case fixed to an outer peripheral surface of the steering column; Fig. 10 is a side view of a housing forming the outer peripheral surface of the steering column; Fig. 11 a perspective view of the housing; Fig. 12 a perspective view of the housing; Fig. 13 a bottom view of the housing; Fig. 14 is a side view of the accommodation case fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the steering column; Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the accommodation housing; Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the accommodation housing; Fig. 17 a bottom view of the accommodation housing; Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the accommodation case attached to the outer peripheral surface of the steering column (XVIII-XVIII section in Fig. 14); Fig. 19 is a side view of the accommodation case fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the steering column; Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the accommodation case fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the steering column (XX-XX section in Fig. 19); Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the accommodation case fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the steering column (XXI-XXI section in Fig. 14); Fig. 22 is a plan view showing a fitting portion provided in an insertion portion on the accommodation case side; Fig. 23 is an enlarged view of the fitting portion provided in the insertion portion on the accommodation case side; Fig. 24 is a side view of the accommodation case fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the steering column; and Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the accommodation case fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the steering column (XXV-XXV section in Fig. 24). Detailed description of the invention

[0025] In the following, an embodiment of a steering device will be described with reference to the figures.

[0026] As in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a steering device 1 of a vehicle comprises a steering shaft 2, at the distal end 2a of which a steering wheel (not shown) is mounted, a steering column 3 which rotatably supports the steering shaft 2, and a mounting bracket 4 which fixes the steering column 3 to a vehicle body (not shown).

[0027] The steering column 3 of the embodiment disclosed herein has a configuration known in the art, in which the steering shaft (column shaft) 2 is housed within a support tube / tunnel 5 having a substantially cylindrical shape. Furthermore, the mounting bracket 4 has a support shaft L extending in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the axis N of the steering shaft 2. Additionally, the steering device 1 of the present invention includes a tilt actuator 11a that tilts the steering column 3 about its support axis L (hence, about the steering shaft 2 supported by the steering column 3) using a motor 10 (10a) as a drive source.

[0028] Furthermore, the steering shaft 2 of the present embodiment has a telescopic and rotation-transmitting configuration in which two shaft-shaped members (shaft-shaped members) are splined. Furthermore, in the steering column 3 according to the embodiment, a pair of support tubes 5 (an outer tube and an inner tube) are concentrically arranged to rotatably support the respective shaft-shaped members. The steering device 1 according to the embodiment includes a telescopic actuator 11b that extends and contracts the steering shaft 2 by moving the two support tubes 5 in the axial direction using the motor 10 (10b) as a drive source.

[0029] Furthermore, the steering device 1 according to the embodiment includes a controller 20 that controls the operation of the actuators 11 (11a and 11b). Specifically, the controller 20 controls the operation of the actuators 11 by supplying drive power to the motors 10 (10a and 10b) of the respective actuators 11. Additionally, in the steering device 1 according to the embodiment, a DC motor with a brush is provided as each of the motors 10 (10a and 10b) of the actuators 11. The controller according to the embodiment controls the operation of the tilt actuator 11a so as to change the vertical position of the steering wheel attached to the distal end 2a of the steering shaft 2 (tilt control) and controls the operation of the telescopic actuator 11b so as to control the position of the steering wheel in the front-back direction (telescoping control).

[0030] More precisely, as in the Fig. 3 to 6, the controller 20 according to the embodiment includes a housing case 30 having a substantially rectangular flat box shape and a circuit board 31 provided in the housing case 30. The circuit board 31 is equipped with a control circuit (not shown) that controls the operation of the actuators 11 (11a and 11b) provided in the steering device 1. Furthermore, the housing case 30 according to the embodiment is molded from a resin. As shown in Fig. 1, the controller 20 according to the embodiment is mounted on the steering device 1 such that the accommodation case 30 is fitted to a housing 33 of the steering column 3, which is made of a metal such as an aluminum alloy.

[0031] As in the Fig. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the housing case 30 according to the embodiment includes first and second housing members 41 and 42 fitted together to form an accommodating chamber 35 of the circuit board 31. In the housing case 30 according to the embodiment, the first housing member 41 includes a bottom plate portion 43 in a substantially rectangular shape forming a bottom surface 41s, and a side wall portion 44 standing on the peripheral edge portion of the bottom plate portion 43 so as to surround the four sides of the bottom surface 41s. In addition, the second housing member 42 includes an upper plate portion 45 having a substantially rectangular plate-like outer shape and a side wall portion 46 surrounding the peripheral edge portion of the upper plate portion 45.Furthermore, the box shape of the second housing member 42, which is formed by the top plate portion 45 and the side wall portion 46, has an outer dimension slightly larger than that of the box shape of the first housing member 41, which is formed by the bottom plate portion 43 and the side wall portion 44. The housing case 30 according to the embodiment is configured such that the first and second housing members 41 and 42 are assembled such that their box shapes fit together.

[0032] More specifically, the housing case 30 according to the embodiment has a hinge portion 48 having bending flexibility and connecting the first and second housing members 41 and 42. In the housing case 30 according to the embodiment, the hinge portion 48 is provided to connect a side end portion 41a of the first housing member 41 and a side end portion 42a of the second housing member 42, which have a first side end portion 30a (see Fig. 4, the side end portion on the right in the figure) of the housing case 30. Specifically, in the housing case 30 according to this embodiment, the first and second housing members 41 and 42 are integrally molded with resin. The hinge portion 48 according to the embodiment has a thin plate-like outer shape that is integrally molded with the first and second housing members 41 and 42.

[0033] That is, in the accommodation case 30 according to the embodiment, the first and second case members 41 and 42 are pivoted relative to each other with the hinge portion 48 as a pivot point by bending the hinge portion 48 along the respective side end portions 41a and 42a of the first and second case members 41 and 42 (see Fig. 6). As a result, the circuit board 31 is housed in the accommodation chamber 35 formed between the first and second housing members 41 and 42 by fitting the box shapes together.

[0034] Furthermore, as in the Fig. 3 to 8, in the accommodation case 30 according to the embodiment, latches 50 for fixing the first and second housing members 41 and 42 are provided on a second side end portion 30b opposite to the first side end portion 30a on which the hinge portion 48 is provided.

[0035] In particular, engaging projections 51 are provided on a side end portion 41b of the first housing member 41, which engages the second side end portion 30b (the side end portion on the left side of the Fig. 4) of the housing case 30. In the housing case 30 according to the embodiment, the engaging projections 51 are formed substantially in a wedge shape having an inclination 51a in a direction in which the box shape of the first housing member 41 is opened (the upper side in Fig. 8). Similarly, engaging pieces 52, each having a hole 52a for engaging with each of the engaging projections 51, are provided on the side end portion 42b of the second housing member 42, which forms the second side end portion 30b of the housing case 30.

[0036] In addition, in the housing case 30 according to the embodiment, a slit 54 is provided so as to penetrate or intersect the side end portion 42 of the second housing member 42 to pull out a connector portion 53 provided on the circuit board 31 from the housing case 30 to the outside. In the second side end portion 30b of the housing case 30, an engaging projection 51 and an engaging piece 52, which form a latch 50, are provided on each of the opposite sides in the width direction (the up and down direction in Fig. 4) of the slot 54.

[0037] That is, in the housing case 30 according to the embodiment, the second housing member 42 serving as a lid member pivots around the hinge portion 48 as a pivot point, so that the engaging pieces 52 provided on the second housing member 42 side abut against the slopes 51a of the engaging projections 51 provided on the first housing member 41 side. Furthermore, the engaging pieces 52 slide on the slopes 51a of the engaging projections 51 while being elastically deformed. Therefore, in the housing case 30 according to the embodiment, the holes 52a of the engaging pieces 52 are fitted to the engaging projections 51, so that the first and second housing members 41 and 42 are permanently fixed.

[0038] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 5, the printed circuit board 31 according to the embodiment is fitted into the box shape of the first case member 41, that is, into the interior of the side wall portion 44 surrounding the four sides of the bottom surface 41s of the first case member 41, in a state where its rear surface 31a faces the bottom surface 41s. Further, the first case member 41 according to the embodiment is provided with a support surface 55 abutting against the rear surface 31a of the printed circuit board 31. The second case member 42 according to the embodiment is provided with a plurality of pressing portions 57 abutting against the surface 31b of the printed circuit board 31 held by the first case member 41 in a state where it is assembled with the first case member 41.

[0039] That is, in the housing case 30 according to this embodiment, the second housing member 42 serving as a lid member pivots around the hinge portion 48 as a pivot point, so that the pressing portions 57 abut against the surface 31b, which is a second flat surface portion of the circuit board 31. Then, the pressing portions 57 press the circuit board 31 against the support surface 55 of the first housing member 41, so that the circuit board 31 is held such that the circuit board 31 is sandwiched between the first housing member 41 and the second housing member 42. Fixing structure of the accommodation housing

[0040] Next, a fixing structure of the accommodation case 30 in the steering device 1 according to the embodiment will be described.

[0041] As in the Fig. As shown in FIGS. 9 to 10, in the steering device 1 according to the embodiment, the housing 33, which forms an outer peripheral surface S of the steering column, has a semi-cylindrical shape with a substantially U-shaped cross section. That is, the steering column 3 according to the embodiment holds the steering shaft 2 and the bearing tube 5 within the housing 33. In addition, a casting is used for the housing 33 of the embodiment. In the steering device 1 according to the embodiment, the housing case 33 is fitted to a side surface portion 33a of the housing 33, so that the controller 20 of each actuator 11 is held integrally with the steering column 3.

[0042] In particular, as in the Fig. As shown in Figures 10 to 13, the housing 33 according to the embodiment has a plurality of engaging projections 60 (61 to 66) protruding from a side surface portion 33a thereof. In the housing 33 according to the embodiment, the engaging projections 60 are integrally formed with the housing 33 by casting. Furthermore, the engaging projections 60 have a substantially flat plate-like outer shape, which protrudes in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the steering shaft 2 supported by the steering column 3, more specifically, in a direction along the support axis L of the steering column 3, which extends in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the axis N of the steering shaft 2 (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2). The housing case 30 according to the embodiment is designed to be fitted to the side surface portion 33a of the housing 33, that is, the outer peripheral surface S of the steering column 3, by engaging with the engaging projections 60.

[0043] Specifically, the housing 33 according to the embodiment has a pair of engagement projections 61 and 62 disposed facing each other in two positions spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the steering shaft 2. Similar to the engagement projections 61 and 62, the housing 33 also has a pair of engagement projections 63 and 64 facing each other and disposed in two positions spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the steering shaft 2. In the housing 33 according to the embodiment, the engagement projections 63 and 64 are provided in positions located lower in the steering column 3 than the engagement projections 61 and 62 (the lower side in the Fig. 10 and Fig. 11). That is, the engaging projections 63 and 64 protrude from the outer peripheral surface S of the steering column 3 in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the steering shaft 2 at a position deviating from the axis N of the steering shaft 2. The housing 33 according to the embodiment has a pair of engaging projections 65 and 66 facing each other and extending in the axial direction of the steering shaft 2 at positions between the engaging projections 63 and 64.

[0044] As in the Fig. 5 and 14 to 18, the accommodation case 30 according to the embodiment has a base portion X arranged in a position which is the rear surface of the bottom surface 41s (the lower side in Fig. 5) formed by the bottom plate portion 43 of the first housing member 41. In the housing case 30 according to the embodiment, the base portion X is formed by a plurality of wall portions 70 (71 to 77) extending substantially perpendicular to the bottom plate portion 43 of the first housing member 41. The housing case 30 according to the embodiment is configured such that the wall portions 70 engage with the engaging projections 60 provided on the side surface portion 33a of the case 33, as described above.

[0045] In particular, as in the Fig. 10 and Fig. As shown in Fig. 18, the base portion X according to the embodiment has wall portions 71 and 72, each of which is engaged with the engaging projection 61 or 62 protruding from the side surface portion 33a of the housing 33 in a state in which each of the engaging projections 61 and 62 is sandwiched in the thickness direction thereof. Specifically, each of the wall portions 71 and 72 has a base wall portion 71a or 72a extending along one of the engaging projections 61 and 62 facing each other in the axial direction of the steering shaft 2, and a curved wall portion 71b or 72b having a substantially L-shaped cross section and provided at the end portion of the accommodation case 30 on the first side end portion 30a side in the longitudinal direction of the wall portion 71a or 72a.Each of the wall portions 71 and 72 according to the embodiment is designed such that each of the engaging projections 61 and 62 constituting the base portion X of the accommodation case 30 is interposed between the base wall portion 71a or 72a and the curved wall portion 71b or 72b.

[0046] Furthermore, the base portion X of the embodiment also includes wall portions 73 and 74, each of which is engaged with the engaging projection 63 or 64 projecting from the side surface portion 33a of the housing 33 in a state in which the base portion X surrounds the outer periphery of the side surface portion 33a. Specifically, each of the wall portions 73 and 74 also includes a base wall portion 73a or 74a extending along each of the engaging projections 63 and 64 facing each other in the axial direction of the steering shaft 2, and a curved wall portion 73b or 74b having a substantially L-shaped cross section and provided at the end portion of the accommodation case 30 on the first side end portion 30a side in the longitudinal direction of the wall portion 73a or 74a.Furthermore, each of the wall portions 73 and 74 has a clamping wall 73c or 74c facing the base end portion of the curved wall 73b or 74b, which extends perpendicularly to the base wall portion 73a or 74a at the end portion of the housing case 30 on the first side end portion 30a side in the longitudinal direction of the base wall portion 73a and 74a. Each of the wall portions 73 and 74 according to this embodiment, which constitute the base portion X of the housing case 30, is configured such that each of the engaging projections 63 and 64 is interposed between the base wall portion 73a or 74a and the curved wall 73b or 74b, and between the base end portion of the curved wall 73b or 74b and the clamping portions 73c and 74c.

[0047] Furthermore, the base portion X according to the embodiment includes a wall portion 75 extending along the second side end portion 30b of the accommodation case 30, and wall portions 76 and 77 extending substantially parallel to the wall portion 75. Further, in the embodiment, the two longitudinal end portions of the wall portion 77 respectively constitute the clamping walls 73c and 74c of the wall portions 73 and 74. The base portion X of the embodiment is configured such that the wall portion 76 positioned between the wall portion 77 and the wall portion 75 engages the engaging projections 65 and 66 projecting from the side surface portion 33a of the case 33 in a state where it is inserted between the engaging projections 65 and 66.

[0048] More precisely, as in the Fig. As shown in Figures 19 to 21, in the housing 33 according to the embodiment, each of the engaging projections 61 and 62 has a hole 78 penetrating each of the engaging projections 61 and 62 in the thickness direction. In the housing case 33 according to the embodiment, each of the wall portions 71 and 72 constituting the base portion X is provided with an engaging projection 79 for insertion into the hole 78.

[0049] In particular, the engaging projection 79 according to the embodiment has a substantially wedge shape having an inclination 79a on the side of the side surface portion 33a of the housing 33 (the lower side in Fig. 20) forming the outer peripheral surface S of the steering column 3 in a state in which the wall portions 71 and 72 are engaged with the engaging projections 61 and 62 on the housing 33 side. Furthermore, the wall portions 71 and 72 on which the engaging projections 79 are provided have such flexibility that the base wall portions 71a and 72a facing each other are slidable or movable in the axial direction of the steering shaft 2, that is, in the direction intersecting an extending direction of the engaging projections 61 and 62. In the steering device 1 according to the embodiment, the base wall portions 71a and 72a function as engagement pieces 80, thereby forming a latch 81 to fix the base portion 30 of the accommodation case 30 to the outer peripheral surface S of the steering column 3.

[0050] That is, the accommodation case 30 according to the embodiment is attached to the side surface portion 33a of the housing 33, which forms the outer peripheral surface S of the steering column 3, from the direction in which the engaging projections 60 (61 to 66) protrude from the side surface portion 33a of the housing 33, that is, from the direction intersecting the axial direction of the steering shaft 2. Therefore, the wall portions 71 and 72 constituting the base portion X of the housing case 30 are engaged with the engaging projections 61 and 62 on the housing 33 side, and the wall portions 73 and 74 on the housing case 30 side are engaged with the engaging projections 63 and 64 on the housing 33 side. Furthermore, the wall portion 76 on the housing case 30 side is inserted between the engaging projections 65 and 66 on the housing 33 side.The accommodation case 30 according to the embodiment is designed to be non-detachably fitted to the outer peripheral surface S of the steering column 3 via the lock 81 formed when the engaging projections 79 formed on the engaging pieces 80 engage with the holes 78 provided in the engaging projections 61 and 62 on the side of the housing 33.

[0051] In the steering device 1 according to the embodiment, each hole 78 is provided on the housing 33 side in each of the engaging projections 61 and 62 in a position where the engaging projections 61 and 62 face each other in the axial direction of the steering shaft 2. Therefore, in the steering device 1 according to the embodiment, a pair of detents 81 are formed, which are aligned in the axial direction of the steering shaft 2.

[0052] Furthermore, in the accommodation case 30 according to the embodiment, the base wall portions 71a and 72a of the wall portions 71 and 72 are provided with pressing protrusions 82 projecting in a direction away from each other at the end portion on the second side end portion 30b side of the accommodation case 30. That is, the base wall portion 71a or 72a of each of the wall portions 71 and 72 constituting the engaging pieces 80 of the embodiment is bent in the axial direction of the steering shaft 2 by pressing each pressing portion 82 provided at one end in the longitudinal direction thereof, so as to temporarily support the pressing portion 82.Therefore, the accommodation case 30 according to the embodiment can be removed from the side surface portion 33a of the housing 30, that is, from the outer peripheral surface S of the steering column 3 by detaching the engaging projections 79 provided on the respective engaging pieces 80 from the respective holes 78 provided in the respective engaging projections 61 and 62 on the side of the housing 33.

[0053] Furthermore, as in the Fig. 15 to 18 and 22, in the accommodation case 30 according to the embodiment, among the wall portions 70 constituting the base portion X, a plurality of fitting portions 58 are provided on the wall portion 76 as an insertion portion 83 to be inserted between the respective engaging projections 65 and 66 provided on the side surface portion 33a of the case 33.

[0054] More precisely, as in the Fig. 21 and Fig. 22, the wall portion 76 of the embodiment is provided with a plurality of (five in this embodiment) fitting portions 85 which are arranged in the extending direction (the direction from left to right in the Fig. 21 and Fig. 22) of the engaging projections 65 and 66 extending in the axial direction of the steering shaft 2 are aligned in a state in which the wall portion 76 is inserted between the engaging projections 65 and 66 on the side of the housing 33. In the wall portion 76 of this embodiment, each of the fitting portions 85 has a plate shape extending substantially perpendicular to the wall portion 76 so as to protrude from the wall surfaces 76a and 76b of the wall portion 76. That is, in the state in which the wall portion 76 is inserted between the engaging projections 65 and 66 on the side of the housing 33 (see Fig. 12 and Fig. 15), the fitting portions 85 extend in a direction in which the engaging projections 65 and 66 protrude from the side surface portion 33a of the housing 33, that is, from the outer peripheral surface S of the steering column 3. Each of the fitting portions 85 according to the embodiment has a crushing or breaking edge 85x, which is crushed or broken by the two engaging projections 65 and 66 when inserted between the engaging projections 65 and 66 on the housing 33 side, together with the wall portion 76 constituting the insertion portion 83 on the housing case 30 side.

[0055] In particular, as in the Fig. 22 and Fig. As shown in Fig. 23, each of the fitting portions 85 of the embodiment includes a triangular prism portion 86 having a substantially triangular cross section tapered in the protruding direction at the distal portion protruding from the wall surfaces 76a and 76b of the wall portion 76. In the housing case 30 according to this embodiment, the breaking edge 85x of each fitting portion 85 is fitted or provided in the triangular prism portion 86.

[0056] That is, as in the Fig. 20 and Fig. As shown in Fig. 25, in the accommodation case 30 according to the embodiment, when the wall portion 76 serving as the insertion portion 83 is inserted between the engaging projections 65 and 66 on the housing 33 side, the breaking edge 85x of each fitting portion 85 provided on the wall portion 76 is broken by the engaging projections 65 and 66. Therefore, the fitting portions 85 and the engaging projections 65 and 66 are brought into close contact with each other. Therefore, the steering device 1 according to the embodiment suppresses displacement of the accommodation case 30 in the direction in which the engaging projections 65 and 66 face each other, and at the same time suppresses movement of the accommodation case 30 that may cause the wall portion 76 serving as the insertion portion 83 to be pulled out from the space between the engaging projections 65 and 66.

[0057] Specifically, in the steering device 1 according to the embodiment, a wire harness 90 is connected to the connector portion 53 projecting from the accommodation case 30 in a state in which the accommodation case 30 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface S of the steering column 3 (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 9). More specifically, in the controller 20 according to the present embodiment, the connector portion 53 of the lower side of the steering column 3 (see Fig. 9, the lower side in the figure) in a state in which the accommodation case 30 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface S of the steering column 3. That is, the wire harness 90 is connected to the connector portion 53 from the direction (twisting direction) that does not intersect the side surface portion 33a of the housing 33, which forms the outer peripheral surface S of the steering column 3, to which the accommodation case 30 is fixed. As a result, a force for separating the accommodation case 30 from the outer peripheral surface S of the steering column 3 is applied to the accommodation case 30 during pivoting (tilting) of the accommodation case 30.

[0058] More specifically, in the steering device 1 according to the embodiment, the respective engaging projections 79 provided on the respective engaging pieces 80 on the housing case 30 side are engaged with the respective holes 78 provided in the engaging projections 61 and 62 on the housing 33 side, which face each other in the axial direction of the steering shaft 2, thereby forming a pair of detents 81 aligned in the axial direction of the steering shaft 2. Therefore, when the wire harness 90 is connected to the connector portion 53, a pivot point or pivot axis P of the housing case 30 is likely to be formed, which connects the detents 81 (see Fig. 2, straight line M).

[0059] In view of this, in the steering device 1 according to this embodiment, the engaging projections 65 and 66 on the side of the housing 33, between which the wall portion 76 constituting the insertion portion 83 on the side of the accommodation case 30 is inserted, face each other and extend in the axial direction of the steering shaft 2 (see Fig. 10, the left and right direction in the figure). That is, the engaging projections 65 and 66 are provided so as to face each other in the direction intersecting the direction connecting the two latches 81 (see Fig. 21, vertical direction in the figure). In the steering device 1 according to the embodiment, since the fitting portion 85 is brought into close contact with the engaging projections 65 and 66 in a state where the breaking edge 85x is broken, the force that separates the accommodation case 30 from the outer peripheral surface S of the steering column 3 simultaneously with the pivoting of the accommodation case 30 at the time of connecting the connector as described above can be counteracted.

[0060] Furthermore, as in the Fig. As shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, the accommodation case 30 according to the embodiment is provided with crushing ribs 91, which have the same shape as the triangular prism portion 86 into which the crushing edge 85x of each of the fitting portions 85 is fitted, on the wall portions 71 and 72 that engage with the engaging projections 61 and 62 on the housing 33 side, and on the wall portions 73 and 74 that engage with the engaging projections 63 and 64 on the housing 33 side. The engaging projections 61 to 64 are designed to strengthen the engaging force (fitting force) when the crushing ribs 91 are crushed when the engaging projections 61 to 64 on the housing side engage.

[0061] As described above, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0062] (1) The steering device 1 includes the steering column 3, which rotatably supports the steering shaft 2, and the controller 20, which is equipped with the housing case 30 fixed to the outer peripheral surface S of the steering column 3. A pair of engaging projections 65 and 66 facing each other are provided on the outer peripheral surface S of the steering column 3. In addition, the insertion portion 83 (the wall portion 76) is provided on the housing case 30 to be inserted between the engaging projections 65 and 66. The insertion portion 83 is provided with the fitting portion 85 having the breaking edge 85x, which is broken by the engaging projections 65 and 66 when the insertion portion 83 is inserted between the engaging projections 65 and 66.

[0063] With the above-described configuration, the engaging projections 65 and 66 on the steering column 3 side and the fitting portion 85 provided on the insertion portion 83 on the housing case 30 side, which is inserted between the engaging projections 65 and 66, are brought into close contact with each other. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the housing case 30 in a direction in which the engaging projections 65 and 66 face each other. In addition, it is possible to suppress the movement of the housing case 30, which may cause the insertion portion 83 to be pulled out from the space between the engaging projections 65 and 66. As a result, with a simple configuration, the housing case 30 of the controller 20 can be more stably fixed to the steering column 3.

[0064] (2) The fitting portion 85 is provided so as to extend in a direction in which the engaging projections 65 and 66 protrude from the outer peripheral surface S of the steering column 3 in a state in which the insertion portion 83 is inserted between the engaging projections 65 and 66. With the above-described configuration, the breaking edge 85x provided in the fitting portion 85 can be more securely broken by inserting the insertion portion 83 on the housing case 30 side between the engaging projections 65 and 66 in the direction in which the engaging projections 65 and 66 protrude from the outer peripheral surface S of the steering column 3. In addition, the tilting of the housing case 30 can be more effectively suppressed if the direction in which the engaging projections 65 and 66 protrude is used as a reference.Therefore, the housing case 30 of the controller 20 can be fixed more stably to the steering column 3.

[0065] (3) The insertion portion 83 on the side of the accommodation case 30 is provided with a plurality of fitting portions 85 which are aligned in the extending direction of the engaging projections 65 and 66 extending in the direction along the outer peripheral surface S of the steering shaft 3 in a state in which the insertion portion 83 is inserted between the engaging projections 65 and 66 on the side of the steering column 3.

[0066] With the configuration described above, it is possible to more securely suppress the displacement of the housing case 30 in the direction in which the engaging projections 65 and 66 face each other, and to suppress the movement of the housing case 30 that may cause the insertion portion 83 to be pulled out of the space between the engaging projections 65 and 66. In addition, it is possible to suppress the movement of the housing case 30 that pivots about the pivot axis intersecting the outer peripheral surface S of the steering column 3. Therefore, the housing case 30 of the controller 20 can be more stably fixed to the steering column 3.

[0067] (4) The engaging projections 65 and 66 are molded shapes formed integrally with the housing 33 forming the outer peripheral surface S of the steering column 3.

[0068] That is, in the configuration where the engaging projections 65 and 66 are formed by casting, the clearance set in the gap between the engaging projections 65 and 66 increases. However, the fitting portion 85 can be brought into close contact with the engaging projections 65 and 66 by providing the fitting portion 85 having the breakaway edge 85x at the insertion portion 83 on the side of the accommodation case 30 to be inserted between the insertion projections 65 and 66. By applying the above-described configurations (1) to (3) to this configuration, a stronger effect can be achieved.

[0069] (5) The controller 20 includes the connector portion 53 exposed to the outside of the housing case 3. In addition, the engaging projections 65 and 66 are provided to face each other in a direction in which the wire harness 90 is connected to the connector portion 53.

[0070] With the configuration described above, there is a possibility that a force separating the housing case 30 from the outer peripheral surface S of the steering column 3 may occur while the housing case 30 is pivoted (tilted) when the connector is connected. This tendency becomes stronger when the wire harness 90 is connected to the connector portion 53 from a direction (twisting direction) that does not intersect the side surface portion 33a of the housing 33. However, since the fitting portion 85, in a state in which the breaking edge 85 is broken, is brought into close contact with the engaging projections 65 and 66 facing each other in the direction in which the wire harness 90 is connected to the connector portion 53, it is possible to counteract the force separating the housing case 30 from the outer peripheral surface S of the steering column 3 as described above.By applying the configurations (1) to (3) described above to this configuration, a stronger effect can be achieved.

[0071] (6) The slit 54 is provided in the side end portion 30b of the accommodation case 30 to allow the connector portion 53 to be pulled out of the accommodation case 30. The wall portion 76, which serves as the insertion portion 83 on the accommodation case 30 side and which is to be inserted between the engaging projections 65 and 66 on the steering column 3 side, is provided substantially parallel to the wall portion 75 in the vicinity of the wall portion 75 extending along the second side end portion 30b of the accommodation case 30.

[0072] With the above-described configuration, the engaging protrusions 65 and 66 on the steering column 3 side and the insertion portion 83 on the housing case 30 side are disposed between the outer peripheral surface S of the steering column 3 and the connector portion 53. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively counteract the force that separates the housing case 30 from the outer peripheral surface S of the steering column 3 when the connector is connected. As a result, the housing case 30 of the controller 20 can be more stably fixed to the steering column 3.

[0073] (7) The housing case 30 has the base portion X fitted to the outer peripheral surface S of the steering column 3. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the mounting of the housing case 30 to the outer peripheral surface S of the steering column 3. By applying the above-described configurations (1) to (3) to this configuration, a stronger effect can be achieved.

[0074] (8) The base portion X has a plurality of flexible engaging pieces 80. Each of the engaging pieces 80 forms the latch 81, which indetachably fixes the accommodation case 30 with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the steering column 3. In addition, the engaging projections 65 and 66 are provided to face each other in the direction intersecting the direction connecting the latches 81.

[0075] With the above-described configuration, a pivot point P of the housing case can be very easily formed by connecting the latches 81. Since the fitting portion 85, in a state where the breakable edge 85x is broken, is brought into close contact with the insertion protrusions 65 and 66 facing each other in the direction intersecting the direction connecting the latches 81, it is possible to counteract the force that pivots the housing case 30 as described above. Therefore, the housing case 30 of the controller 20 can be more stably fixed to the steering column 3.

[0076] (9) The insertion portion 83 on the side of the housing case 30 is formed by the plate-shaped wall portion 76 extending along the extending direction of the engaging projections 65 and 66 extending in the direction along the outer peripheral surface S of the steering column 3. That is, since the plate-shaped insertion portion 83 inserted between the insertion projections 65 and 66 abuts against the outer peripheral surface S of the steering column 3 in a state in which it follows the engaging projections 65 and 66 (see Fig. 25), it is possible to suppress pivoting of the housing case 30 in the extending direction of the engaging projections 65 and 66. Therefore, the housing case 30 of the controller 20 can be more stably fixed to the steering column 3.

[0077] (10) The engaging protrusions 65 and 66 are provided to extend in the axial direction of the steering shaft 2. By adopting this configuration, the engaging protrusions 65 and 66 can extend longer along the outer peripheral surface S of the steering column 3. Also, it is possible to provide more fitting portions 85 on the insertion portion 83 on the housing case 30 side. Therefore, the housing case 30 of the controller 20 can be fixed more stably to the steering column 30.

[0078] The above embodiment can be modified as follows.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the accommodation case 30 is configured in a substantially rectangular flat box shape, but the shape thereof can be arbitrarily changed.

[0080] In the present embodiment, the casing 33, which holds the support tube 5 and the steering shaft 2 in its interior and is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape with a substantially U-shaped cross section, forms the outer peripheral surface S of the steering column 3. However, this invention is not limited to this, but can be applied, for example, to a configuration in which the support tube 5 (outer tube) functions as a casing forming the outer peripheral surface S of the steering column 3.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the engaging projections 79 of the engaging pieces 80 provided on the base portion X of the housing case 30 are engaged with the holes 78 provided in the engaging projections 61 and 62 on the steering column 3 side to form the latches 81 that irremovably fix the housing case 30 with respect to the outer peripheral surface S of the steering column 3. However, this invention is not limited thereto, and the configuration of the latches 81 may be arbitrarily changed, for example, such that holes are provided in the engaging pieces 80 on the housing case side, or such engaging projections are provided that engage with the holes on the steering column 3 side. Furthermore, such a latch 81 may not be provided.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the wire harness 90 is connected to the connector portion 53 from the lower side of the steering column 3. However, the connection direction of the wire harness 90 with respect to the connector portion 53 can be arbitrarily changed.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the engaging portions 65 and 66 on the steering column 3 side, into a gap between which the wall portion 76 serving as the insertion portion 83 on the housing case 30 side is inserted, are provided to extend in the axial direction of the steering shaft 2, but the extension direction may be arbitrarily changed. For example, in a case where the direction in which the wire harness 90 is connected to the connector portion 53, to which a force for separating the housing case 30 from the outer peripheral surface S of the steering column 3 is likely to be applied, or the direction of connection of the latches 81 differs from the axial direction (or the intersection direction) of the steering shaft 2, the extension direction of the engaging projections 65 and 66 may be adjusted accordingly.

[0084] Furthermore, a plurality of pairs of engagement projections extending in different directions may be provided into gaps between which the insertion portions 83 on the side of the housing case 30 are inserted. Therefore, it is possible to strengthen the fitting force that holds the housing case 30 to the peripheral surface S of the steering column 3.

[0085] In the above embodiment, a pair of engaging projections 61 and 62 facing each other at two positions spaced from each other in the axial direction of the steering shaft 2 and a pair of engaging projections 63 and 64 facing each other at two positions spaced from each other in the axial direction of the steering shaft 2 are provided. In addition, the base portion X of the accommodation case 30 is provided with the wall portions 71 to 74 engaging with the engaging projections 61 to 64. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the configuration in which the base portion X of the accommodation case 30 is fitted to the outer peripheral surface S of the steering column 3 can be arbitrarily changed.

[0086] Furthermore, this invention can be applied to a configuration in which a mounting structure using bolts or the like is used in combination or in addition. Even with this configuration, it is possible to achieve configuration simplification, for example, by reducing the number of mounting points.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the engaging projections 65 and 66 on the steering column 3 side have a substantially flat outer shape, and the insertion portion 83 on the accommodation case 30 side, which is to be inserted between the insertion projections 65 and 66, is the wall portion 76 having a plate shape along the extending direction of the engaging projections 65 and 66. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the shapes of the engaging projections 65 and 66 and the insertion portion 83 can be arbitrarily changed as long as it is possible to ensure a structure in which the fitting portions 85 are in close contact with the engaging projections 65, 66 in a state in which the breaking edge 85 is broken. The shape of the fitting portion 85 having the breaking edge 85x can also be arbitrarily changed.

[0088] Next, technical ideas which can be extracted from the above embodiment will be described together with their effects.

[0089] (A) The steering device in which the insertion portion has a plate shape along the extending direction of the engaging projections extending along the outer peripheral surface of the steering column.

[0090] According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the inclination of the housing case in the extending direction of the engagement protrusions by causing the insertion portion on the housing case side to abut against the outer peripheral surface of the steering column. Therefore, the controller housing case can be more stably fixed to the steering column.

[0091] (B) The steering device in which the engaging portions are provided to extend in the axial direction of the steering shaft.

[0092] According to this configuration, the engagement protrusions can extend longer along the outer peripheral surface of the steering column. Therefore, the control housing can be more securely fixed to the steering column.

[0093] The principles, preferred embodiment, and mode of operation of the present invention have been described in the foregoing specification. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. Variations and changes may be made, and equivalents may be employed, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that such variations, changes, and equivalents as fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims be embraced herein.

Claims

[1] Steering device (1) with: a steering column (3) which rotatably supports a steering shaft (2); and a controller (20) which is equipped with a housing case (30) which is fixed to an outer peripheral surface of the steering column (3), characterized by , that a pair of engaging projections (60 to 66) facing each other are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the steering column (3); an insertion portion (83) is provided on the accommodation case (30) to be inserted between the engaging projections (60 to 66); the insertion portion (83) is provided with a fitting portion (85) having a crushing or breaking edge (85x) which is crushed or broken by the engaging projections (60 to 66) when the insertion portion (83) is inserted between the engaging projections (60 to 66); the controller (20) has a connector portion (53) which is exposed to the outside of the housing (30), and the engaging projections (60 to 66) are provided so as to face each other in a direction in which a wire harness (90) is connected to the connector portion (53). [2] The steering device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the fitting portion (85) extends in a direction in which the engaging projections (60 to 66) protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the steering column (3) in a state in which the inserting portion (83) is inserted between the engaging projections (60 to 66). [3] The steering device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the insertion portion (83) is provided with a plurality of fitting portions (85) aligned in an extending direction of the engaging projections (60 to 66) extending in a direction along the outer peripheral surface of the steering column (3) in a state in which the insertion portion (83) is inserted between the engaging projections (60 to 66). [4] Steering device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the engaging projections (60 to 66) are molded integrally with a housing (33) forming the outer peripheral surface of the steering column (3). [5] Steering device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the engaging projections (60 to 66) and the insertion portion (83) are arranged between the outer peripheral surface of the steering column (3) and the connector portion (53). [6] Steering device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the accommodation case (30) has a base portion (X) fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the steering column (3). [7] Steering device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the base portion (X) has a plurality of engagement pieces (80) having flexibility, and each of the engagement pieces (80) forms a latch (81) which non-releasably fixes the accommodation case (30) with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the steering column (3) and the engaging projections (60 to 66) are provided such that they face each other in a direction which intersects a direction which connects the latches (81).

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