STEERING DEVICE

Abstract

A steering device (1) to be mounted on a vehicle, wherein the steering device (1) comprises: a column bracket (31) to be attached to the vehicle; a steering bracket (32) holding a coaxial motor (20), the coaxial motor (20) having an output shaft arranged coaxially to a steering shaft (4), the coaxial motor (20) causing a rotational force to act on the steering shaft (4); a coupling element (33) coupling the steering bracket (32) to the column bracket (31) such that the steering bracket (32) is movable in a tilting direction, the coupling element (33) moving in conjunction with a movement of the steering bracket (32) in the tilting direction; a projection (43) provided on an extension line of the flow line of the coupling element (33);and a retaining element (34) which is coupled to the coupling element (33) on the projection (43) and which is coupled to the column bracket (31), wherein the retaining element (34) limits the movement of the steering bracket (32) in the tilting direction by means of a preload force which acts on the coupling element (33) in a direction parallel to the tilting direction.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a steering device mounted on a vehicle. Technical background

[0002] It is known that in steering devices intended to be fitted to a vehicle, some of the steering devices include a motor for applying a rotational force to a steering shaft and also a tilting mechanism (see e.g. patent literature (hereinafter referred to as “PTL”) 1). List of citations - Patent literature

[0003] PTL 1 Published Japanese patent application no. 2015-140102 Summary of the invention: Technical problem

[0004] However, with conventional steering systems there is the possibility that, for example when releasing the tilt lock for the tilt adjustment, a steering wheel may suddenly fall to the driver's side due to the weight of a motor attached to a steering column.

[0005] One subject of the present disclosure is the provision of a steering device that makes it possible to prevent the steering wheel from suddenly falling off. Solution to the problem

[0006] The steering device according to the present disclosure is a steering device to be attached to a vehicle, the steering device comprising: a column bracket to be attached to the vehicle; a steering bracket supporting a coaxial motor, the coaxial motor having an output shaft arranged coaxially to a steering shaft, the coaxial motor causing a rotational force to act on the steering shaft; a coupling element that couples the steering bracket to the column bracket such that the steering bracket is movable in a tilting direction, the coupling element moving in conjunction with a movement of the steering bracket in the tilting direction; and a retaining element that is coupled to the coupling element and the column bracket, the retaining element restricting the movement of the steering bracket in the tilting direction. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the steering wheel from suddenly falling. List of characters Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 schematically shows details of the steering device; Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective exploded view of a column bracket, a steering bracket, a coupling element and an elastic element; Fig. Figure 4 is a top view of the steering mount (coaxial motor); Fig. 5 is a side view of the column bracket and the steering column bracket; Fig. Figure 6 is an explanatory view illustrating an example of how the steering device works; and Fig. Figure 7 is an explanatory view illustrating an example of how to operate the steering device. Description of an exemplary embodiment

[0008] An embodiment of the present disclosure is described in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0009] The steering device 1 According to the present embodiment, with reference to Fig. 1 described. Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows the steering device 1 according to the present presentation. In Fig. 1 denotes FR the front of a vehicle and UP the top of the vehicle.

[0010] The steering device 1 is attached to the one with the vehicle cabin 2 The vehicle is a cab-over type (e.g., a truck, bus, or similar) equipped with a cab-over cab. 2 is equipped with an internal combustion engine (not shown). The steering device 1is also applicable to a vehicle type equipped with an internal combustion engine in front of or behind the vehicle cabin 2 is equipped.

[0011] The steering device 1 includes the steering wheel 3 , the first steering shaft 4 , the first joint part 5 , the second steering shaft 6 , the second joint part 10 , the third steering shaft 11 , the power steering 12 , the steering column lever 13 , the steering intermediate rod 14 and the coaxial motor 20 .

[0012] The steering wheel 3 is a device with which a driver performs a turning operation to steer the vehicle.

[0013] The first steering shaft 4 is a rotatable, rod-shaped element and is connected to the steering wheel at one end. 3 and at the other end with the first joint part 5 tied together.

[0014] The first joint part 5couples the first steering shaft 4 with the second steering shaft 6 at a predetermined angle.

[0015] The first steering shaft 4 is covered around its circumference by a cylindrical upper cover (also called a steering hood) 8. Meanwhile, the first joint part is 5 peripherally covered by a cylindrical lower cover (also called column cover or column sleeve) 9. The upper end of the lower cover 9 is with the lower end of the upper cover 8 connected, and the lower end of the bottom cover 9 is on the floor (below) 7 of the vehicle cabin 2 attached.

[0016] The second steering shaft 6is a rotatable, rod-shaped element comprising a shaft (not shown) and a cylindrical element surrounding the shaft (not shown), which are connected to each other in such a way that they are relatively sliding in the axial direction, thereby forming the second steering shaft 6 e.g., it can be extended and retracted.

[0017] The second steering shaft 6 is connected to the first joint part at one end 5 and at the other end with the second joint part 10 connected, which is below ground 7 (outside the vehicle cabin) 2 ) is arranged. Specifically, the other end of the second steering shaft is 6 into an opening (not shown) in the ground 7 inserted and connected to the second joint part 10 tied together.

[0018] The second joint part 10 couples the second steering shaft 6 with the third steering shaft 11 at a predetermined angle.

[0019] Part of the second steering shaft 6 , which is above the ground 7 is located (the part that is inside the vehicle cabin) 2 (located), is bordered by the lower cover. 9 covered.

[0020] The third steering shaft 11 is a rotatable rod-shaped element and is connected at one end to the second joint part 10 and at the other end with the power steering unit (also known as the steering gear) 12 tied together.

[0021] The torque of the steering wheel 3 is via the first steering shaft 4 , the second steering shaft 6 and the third steering shaft 11 on the power steering unit 12 transmitted.

[0022] The power steering unit 12 converts the torque transmitted as described above into a greater force that drives the steering column lever 13 swivels. This is how the steering column lever swivels. 13 , to the handlebar14 to pull or push so that the wheels (not shown) are steered via articulated arms and tie rods (both not shown).

[0023] The coaxial motor 20 is in the top cover 8 housed. An output shaft (not shown) of the coaxial motor. 20 is coaxial to the first steering shaft 4 arranged. The coaxial motor 20 is under the control of a ECUs (not shown) driven to apply the rotational force to the first steering shaft 4 to have an effect.

[0024] For example, when a driver assistance function is executed, the ECU the coaxial motor 20 such that a predetermined rotational force is applied to the first steering shaft at a predetermined time. 4 is exercised. Examples of driver assistance functions include automatic parking, lane keeping assist during driving control, and similar features.

[0025] The drive of the coaxial motor 20 caused rotational force of the first steering shaft 4 is via the second steering shaft 6 and the third steering shaft 11 on the power steering unit 12 transmitted.

[0026] Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows details of the steering device 1 The same components of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are labelled with the same reference numerals. In Fig. 2. A coordinate system of three x, y, and z axes is defined for the steering device. 1 determined.

[0027] Fig. 2 shows the column bracket 31 , the handlebar mount 32 , the coupling element 33 and the elastic element 34 , which in Fig. 1 are not shown.

[0028] One end of the column bracket 31 is on the ground 7 attached to the vehicle (the attached part is not shown).

[0029] The handlebar mount 32 carries the coaxial motor 20 The handlebar mount 32 is by means of the coupling element 33 to the column bracket 31 coupled.

[0030] The handlebar mount 32 can be part of a coaxial motor housing 20 be (see Fig. 3) That is, the handlebar mount 32 can be integrated as a single piece with the housing of the coaxial motor 20 to be formed. The following describes the steering bracket. 32 as part of the coaxial motor housing 20 described.

[0031] The coupling element 33 couples the column bracket 31 and the steering mount 32 so that the steering mount 32 is movable in the tilting direction (the direction of the y-axis).

[0032] The elastic element 34 For example, it is a coil spring and has a coupling element at one end. 33and at the other end with the column bracket 31 tied together.

[0033] Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective exploded view of the column bracket 31 , the handlebar mount 32 , of the coupling element 33 and the elastic element 34 The same components of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 are labelled with the same reference numerals.

[0034] As in Fig. As shown in 3, the column bracket 31 the holes 41a , 41b , 42a and 42b as well as the lead 43 The handlebar mount 32 has the holes 51 , 52a and 52b The coupling element 33 has a headboard 61 and a top part 62 .

[0035] Fig. Figure 3 also shows the rotating waves 21a and 21b of the coaxial motor 20 The rotating waves 21aand 21b of the coaxial motor 20 are with the first steering shaft 4 connected. The rotating waves 21a and 21b of the coaxial motor 20 are coaxial with the first steering shaft 4 The rotating shafts (output shafts) of the coaxial motor 20 can also be used as the first steering shaft 4 serve.

[0036] The top part 62 of the coupling element 33 goes through the hole 41a in the column bracket 31 and through the hole 51 in the handlebar mount 32 , as shown by the dashed-dotted line A1a. The tip section 62 of the coupling element 33 goes through the hole 41b in the column bracket 31 , as shown by the dashed-dotted line A1b. The header 61 of the coupling element 33 is dimensioned so that it cannot pass through the hole 41ain the column bracket 31 passes through it.

[0037] The top section 62 of the coupling element 33 , who went through the hole 41b in the column bracket 31 The path is connected to a rocker arm (not shown). The steering mount 32 (coaxial motor) 20 ) is locked or released with respect to its movement in the tilting direction (y-axis direction) according to the actuation of the rocker arm.

[0038] It should be noted that another coupling element (not shown), which is separate from the coupling element 33 also differs due to the hole 42a in the column bracket 31 , the holes 52a and 52b in the handlebar mount 32 and the hole 42b in the column bracket 31 This configuration involves the steering mount. 32also movable in the telescopic direction (z-axis direction) (the description of a telescopic mechanism is omitted).

[0039] One end of the elastic element 34 is with the headboard 61 of the coupling element 33 connected, as indicated by the two-dotted cross-line A2a. The other end of the elastic element 34 is with the lead 43 on the column bracket 31 connected as indicated by the two-dot crossbar line A2b.

[0040] Fig. 4 is a top view of the steering bracket 32 (coaxial motor) 20 The same components of Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 are marked with the same reference symbols.

[0041] The in Fig. The dotted line shown in section 4 represents the hole. 51 in the handlebar mount 32 there. The hole 51 runs through the steering bracket 32in the direction of the x-axis. As with reference to Fig. As described in section 3, the peak section runs 62 of the coupling element 33 through hole 51 and hole 41b in the column bracket 31 and is coupled to the rocker arm (not shown).

[0042] Fig. 5 is a side view of the column bracket 31 and the handlebar mount 32 The same components of Fig. 3 and Fig. 5 are marked with the same reference symbols.

[0043] As in Fig. The hole shown in 5 is 41a in the column bracket 31 a rectangular hole. The hole 41a It is shaped so that it is elongated along the tilting direction (y-axis direction). The short diameter (diameter in the direction of the z-axis) of the hole 41a is slightly larger than the shaft diameter of the coupling element 33 , so that the coupling element 33It can move easily in the tilting direction. That is to say, with regard to the column mount. 31 is the coupling element 33 movable in the tilting direction (y-axis direction) and not in the direction perpendicular to the tilting direction (z-axis direction). The hole 41b (see Fig. 3) also has the same shape as the hole 41a .

[0044] The hole 51 in the handlebar mount 32 is a rectangular hole. The hole 51 It is shaped so that it is extended in the direction (z-axis direction) perpendicular to the tilting direction. The short diameter (diameter in the direction of the y-axis) of the hole. 51 is slightly larger than the shaft diameter of the coupling element 33 , so that the steering mount 32 with regard to the coupling element 33 It can move easily in the telescopic direction (direction of the z-axis). This means that the steering mount works. 32locked coupling element 33 is movable in the direction of tilting.

[0045] The lead 43 the column bracket 31 is on the extension line of the flow line of the coupling element 33 as provided, as indicated by the single-dot crossbar line A11 in Fig. 5 indicated. The lead 43 is on the side of the hole 41a compared to the coaxial motor 20 formed. The other end of the elastic element 34 is with the lead 43 tied together.

[0046] One end of the elastic element 34 is with the headboard 61 of the coupling element 33 connected. The elastic element 34 exerts a preload force to secure the coupling element 33 towards the ledge 43 to pre-tension. If the coupling element 33For example, if it is a coil spring, a force acts in the direction in which the coil spring contracts.

[0047] This means that the elastic link 34 the steering bracket 32 towards the column bracket 31 (in the direction of the + y-axis). That is, a force acts on the in Fig. 1 steering wheel shown 3 through the elastic element 34 towards the FR side. Accordingly, when the driver releases the tilt lock, the steering wheel is prevented from turning. 3 due to the weight of the coaxial motor 20 suddenly falls to the driver's side.

[0048] Fig. Figure 6 is an explanatory view illustrating an example of how the steering device works. 1 The same components of Fig. 6 and Fig. 2 to Fig. 5 are marked with the same reference symbols.

[0049] Fig. Figure 6 illustrates the condition of the steering device 1 , where the steering wheel 3 is furthest from the driver. As in Fig. The coupling element is located as shown in figure 6. 33 in part of the hole 41a in the column bracket 31 , which gives the advantage 43 nearest.

[0050] It is assumed that the driver operates the rocker arm to engage the tilt lock in the "in" position. Fig. 6 steering device shown 1 to solve this. Since in this case the steering mount 32 via the coupling element 33 with the elastic element 34 When coupled, the steering mount 32 through the elastic element 34 pulled towards the FR side. This prevents the steering wheel from 3 due to the weight of the coaxial motor 20 suddenly falls onto the driver's side.

[0051] Fig. Figure 7 is an explanatory view illustrating an example of how the steering device works. 1 The same components of Fig. 7 and Fig. 2 to Fig. 5 are marked with the same reference symbols.

[0052] Fig. Figure 7 illustrates the condition of the steering device 1 , where the steering wheel 3 closest to the driver. As in Fig. The coupling element is located as shown in figure 7. 33 in part of the hole 41a in the column bracket 31 , the furthest from the lead 43 is removed.

[0053] It is assumed that the driver operates the rocker arm to engage the tilt lock in the "in" position. Fig. 7 steering device shown 1 to solve this. Since in this case the steering mount 32 via the coupling element 33 with the elastic element 34 When coupled, the steering mount32 through the elastic element 34 pulled to the FR side. Accordingly, the driver can 3 tilt slightly (with minimal force) towards the FR side.

[0054] As described above, the steering device includes 1 a pillar bracket attached to the vehicle 31 and a handlebar mount 32 , which the coaxial motor 20 including the coaxial to the first steering shaft 4 arranged output shaft carries and the rotational force on the first steering shaft 4 exerts. Furthermore, the steering device includes 1 : a coupling element 33 , the steering mount 32 with the column bracket 31 so that the steering mount 32 is movable in the tilting direction, and this in conjunction with the movement of the steering bracket 32 moved in the direction of tilting; and an elastic element 34, which is connected to the coupling element 33 and the column bracket 31 is coupled and the movement of the steering mount 32 restricts the tilting direction.

[0055] This prevents the steering wheel from 3 due to the weight of the coaxial motor 20 , which is attached to the handlebar mount 32 which is attached, suddenly falls onto the driver's side.

[0056] Furthermore, the driver is able to adjust the steering wheel 3 Easy to tilt towards the FR side.

[0057] The elastic element 34 It can also be a damper. The elastic element 34 It could also be a damper equipped with a coil spring.

[0058] Furthermore, the elastic element can 34 for example, have a preload force that allows the steering wheel to 3 allows movement towards the FR side when the tilt lock is released. The elastic element 34It can also have a preload force, which, for example, affects the steering wheel. 3 It allows for gradual movement towards the driver's side when the tilt lock is released. The elastic element 34 It can, for example, also have a preload force that affects the steering wheel. 3 stops when the tilt lock is released.

[0059] This application is based on Japanese patent application No. 2017-165766, which was filed on August 30, 2017, and the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Industrial applicability

[0060] The steering device according to the present disclosure is suitable to prevent the steering wheel of a vehicle from suddenly falling off. Reference symbol list 1 Steering device 2 vehicle cabin 3 Steering wheel 4 First steering shaft 5 First joint part 6 Second steering shaft 7 Floor 8 Top cover 9 Lower cover 10 Second joint part 11 Third steering shaft 12 Power steering unit 13 Steering column levers 14 Handlebar 20 Coaxial motor 31 Column bracket 32 Handlebar mount 33 Coupling element 34 Elastic element 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b, 51, 52a, 52b hole 43 lead 61 Headboard 62 Top section QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2015140102

[0003] JP 2017165766

[0059]

Claims

[1] A steering device to be fitted to a vehicle, the steering device comprising: a pillar bracket to be attached to the vehicle; a steering bracket holding a coaxial motor, wherein the coaxial motor has an output shaft arranged coaxially to a steering shaft, wherein the coaxial motor causes a rotational force to act on the steering shaft; a coupling element that couples the steering bracket to the column bracket in such a way that the steering bracket is movable in a tilting direction, wherein the coupling element moves in conjunction with a movement of the steering bracket in the tilting direction; and a retaining element coupled to the coupling element and the column bracket, wherein the retaining element limits the movement of the steering bracket in the tilting direction. [2] The steering device according to claim 1, wherein the retaining element exerts a preload force in a direction opposite to a direction in which the steering bracket is moved by a weight of the coaxial motor. [3] The steering device according to claim 1, wherein the retaining element is a coil spring which is connected at one end to the coupling element and at the other end to the column bracket. [4] The steering device according to claim 1, wherein the retaining element is a damper. [5] The steering device according to claim 1, wherein the steering bracket is part of a housing of the coaxial motor.