Steering column of a vehicle

Abstract

Steering column (100) of a vehicle, comprising: an upper column (102) having an outer peripheral surface to which a plate (111) having a first tooth element (111a) is coupled; a lower column (103) supported on the outer peripheral surface of the upper column (102), which has a slot (131) formed in an axial direction and allows the plate (111) to be inserted therein, and which has spacers (132) provided on two opposite sides of the slot (131), the spacers (132) having first insertion holes (133) into which an adjusting bolt (109) is inserted; a hollow tubular member (124) supported on an outer peripheral surface of the adjusting bolt (109) and having a projection cam (124a); a gear element (123) having a second tooth element (123a) engaging with the first tooth element (111a); a fastening element (121) coupled to the spacers (132) and covering the gear element (123); and an elastic element (122) provided between the fastening element (121) and the gear element (123) for pressurizing the gear element (123), characterized in that stop parts (116) protrude in a width direction from an end of the plate (111) facing the lower column (103).

Description

field of technology

[0001] The present embodiments relate to a steering column of a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1, and more particularly to a steering column of a vehicle that can enable seamless locking and unlocking even if the toothed member fixing the steering column is not properly engaged when the steering column is slid, smooth out a folding motion for absorbing shocks even if the vehicle collides with the toothed member not properly engaged, prevent noise by absorbing shocks at the minimum and maximum strokes when sliding, and enable a reduction in the number of parts and simplified assembly. General technical background

[0002] Typically, a vehicle's steering column is equipped with telescopic and tilt functions that allow the driver to adjust the overhang and tilt angle of the steering wheel to suit their height or body shape for smooth steering.

[0003] A shock-absorbing mechanism is also provided, which causes the steering column and steering shaft to contract in the axial direction to absorb shocks and thereby prevent the driver from hitting the steering wheel with his chest in the event of an accident.

[0004] In the conventional steering column, the driver unlocks the movable gear element from the fixed gear element of the telescopic gear unit and the tilt gear unit by rotating the lever, adjusts the projection and tilt to the desired degree and angle to slide and tilt the steering column, and then rotates the lever back to lock and engage the movable gear element with the fixed gear element. If not properly engaged, the fixed gear element and the movable gear element will not lock even if the driver rotates the lever.

[0005] If the driver turns the lever forcibly when the fixed tooth element and the movable tooth element are not properly engaged, damage to the lever or the gearing of the fixed tooth element and the movable tooth element may be caused.

[0006] If an accident occurs while driving without the fixed and movable gear elements meshing properly, the steering column will be loose, and the collapsing motion for absorbing shocks may not function. This could worsen crash performance.

[0007] A steering column with telescopic and tilting functions capable of absorbing shocks in the event of an accident is known from the generic document US 2010 / 0 300 236 A1. Other steering columns of this type are known from the subsequently published document DE 10 2018 128 530 A1 and from KR 10 2018 0 088 253 A. RevelationTechnical task

[0008] The present embodiments have been conceived with this in mind and aim to enable seamless locking and unlocking even if the toothed member securing the steering column is not properly engaged when the steering column is slid, to smooth out a collapsing movement to absorb shocks even if the vehicle collides, to prevent noise when the toothed member is not properly engaged by absorbing shocks at the minimum and maximum strokes when sliding, and to enable a reduction in the number of parts and simplified assembly.

[0009] The objects of the present invention are not limited to the foregoing, and further objects will become apparent to one skilled in the art from the following detailed description. Technical solution

[0010] These objects are achieved by a steering column according to claim 1. According to the present embodiments, a steering column of a vehicle can be provided, which in particular comprises: an upper column having an outer peripheral surface to which a plate having a first toothed element is coupled; a lower column supported on the outer peripheral surface of the upper column and having a slot formed in an axial direction and allowing the plate to be inserted therein; and spacers provided on two opposite sides of the slot, the spacers having first insertion holes into which an adjusting bolt is inserted; a hollow tubular member supported on an outer peripheral surface of the adjusting bolt and having a projection cam; a gear member having a second toothed element that engages with the first toothed element; a fastening member;which is coupled to the spacers and covers the gear element, and an elastic element provided between the fastening element and the gear element to apply pressure to the gear element., Beneficial effects

[0011] According to the present embodiments, it is possible to enable seamless locking and unlocking even if the gear member fixing the steering column is not properly engaged when the steering column is slid, to smooth out a collapsing motion for absorbing shocks even if the vehicle collides, to prevent noise when the gear member is not properly engaged by absorbing shocks at the minimum and maximum strokes when sliding, and to enable a reduction in the number of parts and simplified assembly. Description of the drawings Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are exploded perspective views showing a steering column of a vehicle according to the present embodiments; Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing an assembled state according to Fig. 1 shows; Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing part of Fig. 1 shows; Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 are perspective views showing part of Fig. 3 show; Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 are perspective views showing part of Fig. 1 show; Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 8; Fig. 10 to 12 are cross-sectional views for an operating state of a part of Fig. 3; Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing part of Fig. 1 shows; Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing part of Fig. 3 shows; and Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view for an operating state of a part of Fig. 3. Manner of invention

[0012] In the following description of examples or embodiments of the present disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which, by way of illustration, certain examples or embodiments that may be practiced are shown, and in which the same reference numerals and characters may be used to designate the same or similar components even though they are shown in different accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the following description of examples or embodiments of the present disclosure, detailed descriptions of known functions and components contained herein are omitted when it is determined that the description might tend to obscure the subject matter in some embodiments of the present disclosure.The terms "including," "having," "containing," "consisting of," and "formed of" used herein are generally intended to permit the addition of other components, unless the terms are used with the term "only." As used herein, singular forms are intended to include plural forms unless the context expressly indicates otherwise.

[0013] Terms such as "first," "second," "A," "B," "(A)," or "(B)" may be used herein to describe elements of the disclosure. Each of the terms is not intended to define the nature, order, sequence, or number of elements, etc., but only to distinguish the corresponding element from other elements.

[0014] When it is said that a first element is "connected or coupled" to a second element, "contacts or overlaps" it, etc., this should be interpreted to mean that the first element may not only be "directly connected or coupled" to the second element, or "directly contact or overlap" it, but also that a third element may be "interposed" between the first and second elements, or that the first and second elements may be "connected or coupled" to each other, or "contact or overlap" each other via a fourth element. Here, the second element may be included in at least one of two or more elements that are "connected or coupled," "contact or overlap," etc.

[0015] When time-related terms such as "after," "following," "next," "before," and the like are used to describe processes or operations of elements or configurations or sequences or steps in operation, processing, or manufacturing processes, these terms may be used to describe non-consecutive or non-sequential processes or operations unless the term "direct" or "immediate" is used therewith.

[0016] Furthermore, when specifying dimensions, relative sizes, etc., it should be noted that numerical values for elements or characteristics, or corresponding indications (e.g., level, range, etc.), include a range of tolerance or error that may be caused by various factors (e.g., process factors, internal or external influences, noise, etc.), even if no relevant description is given. Furthermore, the term "may" (as a possibility) may include all meanings of the term "can."

[0017] Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are exploded perspective views showing a steering column of a vehicle according to the present embodiments. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing an assembled state according to Fig. 1 shows. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing part of Fig. 1 shows. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 are perspective views showing part of Fig. 3 show. Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 are perspective views showing part of Fig. Show 1. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 8. Fig. 10 to 12 are cross-sectional views for an operating state of a part of Fig. 3. Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing part of Fig. 1 shows. Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing part of Fig. 3 shows. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view for an operating state of a part of Fig. 3.

[0018] A description is given below with reference to the Fig. 1 to 3 given.

[0019] According to the present embodiments, a steering column 100 of a vehicle comprises an upper column 102 having an outer peripheral surface to which a plate 111 having a first toothed element 111a is coupled, a lower column 103 supported on the outer peripheral surface of the upper column 102, having a slot 131 formed in an axial direction and allowing the plate 111 to be inserted therein, and spacers 132 provided on two opposite sides of the slot 131, the spacers 132 having first insertion holes 133 into which an adjusting bolt 109 is inserted, a hollow tubular member 124 supported on the outer peripheral surface of the adjusting bolt 109 and having a projection cam 124a, a gear member 123 having a second toothed element 123a that is connected to the first toothed element 111a is engaged, a fastening element 121,which is coupled to the spacers 132 and covers the gear element 123, and an elastic element 122 provided between the fastening element 121 and the gear element 123 to pressurize the gear element 123.

[0020] The upper column 102 and the lower column 103 are hollow so that the steering shaft 101 is inserted into the upper column and the upper column 102 into the lower column 103 and is thus displaceable in the axial direction and telescopic and foldable by a telescopic gear unit 106.

[0021] The lower pillar 103 is coupled to a bracket 104, which is connected to the vehicle body and supported on the vehicle. A rear end of the lower pillar 103 is coupled via a hinge element 105, and a front end of the lower pillar 103 is coupled via a tilting gear 107, allowing tilting.

[0022] The telescopic gear unit 106 and the tilting gear 107 are locked and unlocked by the rotation of the adjusting bolt 109, which is rotated when the driver operates an adjusting lever 108.

[0023] In other words, the telescopic gear unit 106 includes the plate 111, the tubular member 124, the gear member 123, the fixing member 121, and the elastic member 122. The first tooth member 111a of the plate 111 and the second tooth member 123a of the gear member 123 are engaged or disengaged to perform the telescoping operation.

[0024] The tilting gear unit 107 includes a fixed tooth member 162 and a movable tooth member 161, and the fixed tooth member 162 and the movable tooth member 161 are engaged and disengaged to perform tilting.

[0025] Although the engagement between the gearing of the telescopic gear 106 and the tilting gear unit 107 is not performed properly, the locking and unlocking can be performed smoothly, which will be described in detail below.

[0026] The plate 111 having the first tooth member 111a is coupled to the upper column 102, and the plate 111 is elongated along the axial direction as shown in the drawings.

[0027] The plate 111 is coupled to a coupling bracket 112 via a coupling element 113. The coupling bracket 112 is coupled to the upper column 102. During folding, a bending part 115 of the plate 111 is plastically deformed to absorb shocks. This will be described in detail below.

[0028] The slot 131 is cut axially into the lower column and allows the plate 111 to be inserted therein. In other words, one end of the slot 131 facing the upper column 102 is open and extended axially, so that the plate 111 is inserted into the slot 131 when the upper column 102 is inserted into the lower column 103.

[0029] Since the plate 111 and the coupling bracket 112 slide in the slot 131 during telescoping and pushing together, the slot 131 is preferably longer than the plate 111 and the coupling bracket 112, taking into account the stroke of the upper column 102.

[0030] Furthermore, the lower column 103 may have the spacers 132 on two opposite sides of the slot 131. The spacers 132 have the first insertion holes 133 through which the adjusting bolt 109 is inserted. In other words, the spacers 132 are arranged to face each other, with the slot 131 interposed therebetween.

[0031] The mounting bracket 104 has plate holders 141 which are supported on the outer surfaces of the spacers 132, and guide slots 142 are formed in the plate holders 141 in the tilting direction

[0032] The adjustment lever 108 comprises a handle unit 151 and a cam gear element 152. A first end of the adjustment bolt 109 is coupled to the cam gear element 152, the opposite, second end protrudes through the guide slot 142 and is coupled to the movable tooth element 161 of the tilting gear 107.

[0033] A head unit 109a is formed at either the first or second end of the adjusting bolt 109, and a nut 109b is coupled and fixed to the second end of the adjusting bolt 109. In the description of the present embodiment with reference to the drawings, the head unit 109a is provided at the end on the side of the adjusting lever 108, and the nut 109b is connected to the end on the side of the tilt gear 107.

[0034] The cam gear member 152 includes a first cam 152a, which rotates together with the handle unit 151, and a second cam 152b, which has a first guide projection and slides along the guide slot 142. The first cam 152a and the second cam 152b have circumferentially inclined surfaces symmetrically opposed to each other. The first cam 152a, which rotates when the driver operates the handle unit 151, rides upward on the inclined surface of the first cam 152a and moves away from the second cam 152b, or the first cam 152a rides downward on the first cam 152a and approaches the second cam 152b.

[0035] Since a projection 421 is formed on the head unit 109a-side end of the adjusting bolt 109 (see Fig. 4) and the first cam 152a has a groove into which the projection 421 is inserted, the adjusting bolt 109 is fixed in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the adjusting bolt 109 rotates together with the first cam 152a and slides in the axial direction. In other words, when the first cam 152a approaches the second cam 152b, the adjusting bolt 109 rotates and advances to one side, and the plate 111 and the gear member 123, as well as the movable gear member 161 and the fixed gear member 162, are separated. In other words, when the first cam 152a moves away from the second cam 152b, the adjusting bolt 109 rotates and retreats to the opposite side, and the plate 111 and the gear member 123, as well as the movable gear member 161 and the fixed gear member 162, engage with each other.

[0036] In this case, a spring 163 may be provided between the movable gear member 161 and the spacer 132 to generate an elastic force in the axial direction, so that the first cam 152a and the second cam 152b can be supported without a gap. Therefore, when the driver operates the adjustment lever 108 in the unlocking direction, the adjustment bolt 109 can advance smoothly, and when the driver operates the adjustment lever 108 in the locking direction, the friction between the first cam 152a and the second cam 152b increases, allowing the driver to operate the adjustment lever 108 more effectively.

[0037] First, the operation of the tilting gear 107 will be described. The fixed gear 162 includes a guide hole communicating with the guide slot 142 of the plate holder 141 and fixed gear teeth formed on two opposite sides of the guide hole. The movable gear 161 has a second guide projection that is inserted and slid into the guide hole and the movable gear teeth.

[0038] In other words, the teeth of the fixed tooth element face outward in opposite directions, and the teeth of the movable tooth element face inward and face each other. When the adjusting bolt 109 advances, the spring 163 urges the movable tooth element 161 to move away from the spacer 132, so that the teeth of the fixed tooth element and the teeth of the movable tooth element are disengaged. When the adjusting bolt 109 retreats, the nut 109b urges the fixed tooth element 162 in the axial direction, so that the teeth of the fixed tooth element and the teeth of the movable tooth element are engaged with each other.

[0039] In this case, a protrusion surface 143 is formed on the surface to which the fixed gear member 162 of the disc holder 141 is coupled. The fixed gear member 162 is provided so that the teeth of the fixed gear member protrude outward from the protrusion surface 143. Thus, even though the teeth of the fixed gear member and the teeth of the movable gear member do not mesh properly when the driver operates the adjustment lever 108 in the locking direction, smooth locking can be achieved.

[0040] In other words, although the adjusting bolt 109 is axially supported by the fixed gear and the movable gear and is not properly engaged, the movable gears exert axial pressure on the fixed gear, so that two opposite sides of the fixed gear 162, which are provided to extend outward from the projection surface 143, are bent. This allows the adjusting bolt 109 to retract smoothly.

[0041] When the adjustment lever 108 is moved back in the unlocking direction, the two opposite sides of the fixed tooth member 162 that have been bent can be restored, and the tilting is then performed.

[0042] In addition, although in a vehicle collision in which the fixed tooth member 162 and the movable tooth member 161 are not properly engaged, when the impact load is transmitted, the two opposite bent sides of the fixed tooth member 162 are restored with the fixed tooth member 162 and the movable tooth member 161 engaged.

[0043] Next, the operation of the telescopic gear unit 106 will be described. The gear member 123, the fixing member 121, and the elastic member 122 are provided between the spacers 132. The fixing member 121 is fixed to the spacer 132, and the elastic member 122 is provided between the gear member 123 and the fixing member 121. Although the drawings show an example in which a screw coupling portion 134 is formed in the spacer 132 and the fixing member 121 is coupled to the screw coupling portion 134 via a bolt 125, the embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto; they may also be coupled by other coupling methods.

[0044] The gear member 123 rests on a protruding cam 124a of the tubular member 124 and is actuated when the tubular member 124 rotates. The elastic member 122 includes first to third support portions 221, 222, and 223 and is coupled to the fastening member 121 and generates an elastic force toward the plate 111 of the gear member 123.

[0045] In other words, the elastic member 122 exerts pressure on the gear member 123 in the direction from the fastening member 121 to the plate 111. When the adjusting bolt 109 is rotated to one side, the protruding cam 124a is directed toward the fastening member 121, the gear member 123 is separated from the plate 111, and the elastic member 122 is compressed. When the adjusting bolt 109 is rotated to the opposite side, the protruding cam 124a is directed toward the plate 111, so that the elastic member 122 is stretched and the gear member 123 engages the plate 111.

[0046] Referring to Fig. 4, the tubular member 124 is hollow and rests against the outer peripheral surface of the adjusting bolt 109. In other words, a first serration 411 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the adjusting bolt 109, and a second serration 412 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the tubular member 124, so that the tubular member 124 is displaceable in the axial direction and rotates together with the adjusting bolt 109.

[0047] In other words, when the adjusting bolt 109 moves forward or backward during rotation, as in Fig. 5, the tubular member 124 can rotate together with the adjusting bolt 109, but can be axially supported between the spacers 132, the sliding path being limited so that the projection cam 124a can be supported against exiting the gear member 123.

[0048] Therefore, it is advantageous that the tubular member 124 is formed long enough to limit the axial sliding distance between the spacers 132, and that the projection cam 124a is formed in the center of the tubular member 124.

[0049] Referring to Fig. 6, the gear member 123 includes a body portion 231 and a coupling portion 232. The body portion 231 is provided on the opposite side of the plate 111 to face the tubular member 124, and the coupling portion 232 is formed to face in the direction from the body portion 231 to the plate 111 and is provided with the second toothed member 123a. In other words, the second toothed member 123a is provided on the side facing the plate 111 of the coupling portion 232.

[0050] The body portion 231 is positioned on the opposite side of the plate 111 with respect to the tubular member 124 and is supported by the protruding cam 124a. In other words, the body portion 231 is supported when the protruding cam 124a rotates to one side, or the gear member 123 is actuated by the elastic force of the elastic member 122 when the protruding cam 124a rotates to the opposite side.

[0051] Coupling portions 232 may be provided on two opposite sides of the body portion 231, with the tubular member 124 interposed therebetween. In other words, the gear member 123 may be shaped to cover the opposite surface of the plate 111 of the tubular member 124 and two opposite side surfaces in the width direction. Since the coupling portions 232 are provided on both sides of the body portion 231, the gear member 123 can be moved in a balanced manner without tilting to one side when operated toward the plate 111 or in the opposite direction.

[0052] Since the coupling portions 232 are provided on the two opposite sides of the tubular member 124, the protruding cam 124a is also located between the coupling portions 232. In order to prevent the protruding cam 124a from being caught on the coupling portions 232 and thereby restricted in rotation, the coupling portions 232 are provided on two opposite sides of the body portion 231 in the axial direction of the tubular member 124 and are shaped to be spaced apart from each other.

[0053] In order to prevent the protruding cam 124a from being caught on the coupling portions 232, the coupling portions 232 may be formed on two opposite sides in the width direction of the tubular member 124 to be spaced apart from each other by a greater distance than the degree of protrusion of the protruding cam 124a, but it is preferable that the coupling portions 232 are spaced apart from each other when, for example, the size, weight, and assemblability of the gear member 123 are taken into consideration.

[0054] In other words, the coupling portion 232 may be individually provided at each of the four corners of the body portion 231 to be spaced apart from each other in the shape of a cross, so that the gear member 123 can be operated without tilting and the projection cam 124a can be rotated easily and smoothly.

[0055] Referring to Fig. 7, the gear element 123 and the elastic element 122 are supported on the fastening element 121, which is connected to the spacers 132 as described above. The fastening element 121 may have a hollow portion 211 open toward the plate 111, and the gear element 123 and the elastic element 122 may be seated in the hollow portion 211.

[0056] In other words, the hollow portion 211 may be shaped substantially as a rectangular trench so that the gear member 123 and the elastic member 122 can be supported in the axial direction and in the width direction of the tubular member 124 and can be operated only in the direction of the plate 111 or the fixing member 121.

[0057] As the hollow portion 211 is shaped, the fastening element 121 is provided with side portions 213 which are supported on the gear element 123 in the axial direction of the tubular element 124, and with a rear portion 212 to which the elastic element 122 is coupled.

[0058] Meanwhile, the fastening member 121 may have second insertion holes 214 through which the adjusting bolt 109 and the tubular member 124 are passed. In other words, the second insertion holes 214 communicate with the first insertion holes 133 and the area between the coupling portions 232 formed in the side portions 213 and spaced apart in the width direction of the tubular member 124.

[0059] The second insertion holes 214 may be shaped to have a larger diameter than the tubular member 124 to avoid friction when the tubular member 124 rotates, and may be shaped to be open to the plate 111.

[0060] Referring to Fig. 8, the elastic member 122 has the first to third support portions 223 coupled to the fixing member 121 to elastically support toward the plate 111.

[0061] First, the first support portion 221 has two opposite ends supported on the coupling portions 232 and is shaped to be bent toward a central portion 711 toward the fastening element 121.

[0062] In other words, since the central portion 711 of the first support portion 221 is positioned on the body portion 231 side and two opposite ends thereof are formed at the central portion 711 in the width direction of the tubular member 124, the first support portion 221 is shaped to be supported on the coupling portions 232 and can be formed symmetrically as viewed in the axial direction, and since the portions between the central portion 711 and the two opposite ends are bent, an elastic force can be provided to the gear member 123 in the direction toward the plate 111.

[0063] Meanwhile, one of the first support portion 221 and the coupling portion 232 has a locking projection 911 and the other has a locking hole 912 so that the elastic member 122 and the gear member 123 can be coupled to each other.

[0064] Referring to Fig. 9, bends 712 toward the plate 111 may be formed at the ends of the first support portion 221. The locking projection 911 may be formed either on the inner surface of the bend 712 or on the side surface of the gear member 123 supported on the bend 712, and the locking recess 912 may be formed in the other surface. Since the locking projection 911 and the locking recess 912 fit together, the elastic member 122 can be elastically supported without being dislodged from the gear member 123 upon actuation of the gear member 123.

[0065] Next, the second support portion 222 is formed to be bent from the first support portion 221 to the fastening member 121 so that its ends rest on the inner surface of the fastening member 121.

[0066] In other words, the ends of the second support portion 222 are supported on the inner surface of the rear portion 212, and the second support portion 222 exerts an elastic force on the plate 111.

[0067] The second support portion 222 is formed by two opposite sides of the central portion 711 of the first support portion 221 in the axial direction, so that the elastic member 122 can be shaped substantially like the letter “X”.

[0068] Since the ends of the first support portion 221 rest on the coupling portions 232 and the ends of the second support portion 222 rest on the inner surface of the rear portion 212, the elastic force exerted by the elastic member 122 on the gear member 123 is increased.

[0069] As described below, the second support portion 222 can be compressed or expanded while its ends slide on the inner surface of the rear portion 212. The ends of the second support portion 222 can be bent to increase the contact area with the rear portion 212, allowing the second support portion 222 to slide smoothly and without interference.

[0070] The elastic element 122 can be coupled to the fastening element 121 by the third support portion 223, which is supported on the outer surface of the fastening element 121 (see Fig. 3).

[0071] In other words, the fastening element 121 may have a coupling hole 311 formed by the inner surface and the outer surface. The third support portion 223 is bent from the first support portion 221 toward the fastening element 121 so that its ends are inserted into the coupling hole 311 and abut against the outer surface of the fastening element 121.

[0072] Since the coupling hole 311 is formed by the inner surface and the outer surface of the rear portion 212 as shown in the drawings, the second support portion 222 is supported on the inner surface of the rear portion 212, the third support portion 223 is supported on the outer surface of the rear portion 212, and the elastic member 122 is coupled to the fastening member 121 by the elastic force of the second support portion 222 and the third support portion 223.

[0073] The ends of the third support portion 223 are bent and, when inserted into and protruding from the coupling hole 311, are caught on the outer surface of the rear portion 212 and are thus prevented from protruding from the coupling hole 311.

[0074] The third support portion 223 may be formed on two opposite sides of the middle portion 711 of the first support portion 221 in the width direction. In other words, the third support portion 223 may be formed in a direction perpendicular to the first support portion 221 and the second support portion 222. In this case, two coupling holes 311 spaced apart from each other may be provided, corresponding to the third support portion 223.

[0075] An embodiment will be described in which the fastening member 121, the elastic member 122, and the gear member 123 are assembled. First, the first support portion 221 is expanded outward and supported on the gear member 123, and the locking projections 911 are fitted into the locking recesses 912, and the first support portion 221 is returned by elastic force, so that the elastic member 122 and the gear member 123 are coupled to each other.

[0076] Next, the third support portion 223 is retracted and inserted into the coupling hole 311, the second support portion 222 is supported on the inner surface of the rear portion 212, and the third support portion 223 is returned and supported on the outer surface of the rear portion 212, so that the elastic member 122 and the gear member 123 are coupled to the fixing member 121.

[0077] Then, the fastening member 121 is coupled to the elastic member 122 and the gear member 123 coupled thereto with the spacers 132, so that the gear member 123 is engaged with the plate 111, covering the tubular member 124.

[0078] The fastening member 121, the elastic member 122, and the gear member 123 are simply combined by the elastic force of the elastic member 122, and the combination is simply screwed to the lower column 103, and the telescopic gear unit 106 can be assembled. This can reduce the number of parts and simplify assembly.

[0079] The operation of the gear element 123 and the tubular element 124 is explained below with reference to the Fig. 10 to 12 described.

[0080] The fixing member 121 is coupled and fixed with the spacers 132, the gear member 123 is actuated in the upper and lower directions of the drawings by the protruding cam 124a and the elastic member 122, and the gear member 123 is spaced from the plate 111 so that the upper column 102 is displaced in the axial direction when the first gear member 111a and the second gear member 123a are disengaged, thereby performing a telescopic movement.

[0081] Referring to Fig. 10, the adjustment lever 108 is operated in the locking direction so that the gear element 123 engages with the plate 111 and the elastic element 122 is expanded while exerting an elastic force on the gear element 123 in the direction of the plate 111.

[0082] Two opposite ends of the first support portion 221 are supported on the coupling portions 232, and the areas between the middle portion 711 and the two opposite ends are spaced from the gear member 123, and the middle portion 711 may be spaced between the inner surface of the rear portion 212 and the gear member 123.

[0083] The ends of the second support portion 222 can be supported on the inner surface of the rear portion 212 and are spaced left and right from the inner surface of the fastening member 121, and the third support portion 223 is inserted through the coupling hole 311 and supported on the outer surface of the rear portion 212.

[0084] Referring to Fig. 11, when the adjustment lever 108 is operated in the unlocking direction, the projection cam 124a is directed toward the fastening member 121, and the gear member 123 is supported on the fastening member 121 by the degree of projection of the projection cam 124a, so that the first tooth member 111a and the second tooth member 123a are disengaged and the elastic member 122 is compressed.

[0085] The first support portion 221 can be compressed so that the middle portion 711 can be supported on the inner surface of the rear portion 212, and the two opposite ends and the areas between the two opposite ends and the middle portion 711 can be supported on the gear member 123.

[0086] When the elastic member 122 is compressed, the ends of the second support portion 222 can be displaced on the inner surface of the rear portion 212 and supported to the left and right on the inner surface of the fastening member 121.

[0087] If the adjusting lever 108 is actuated again in the locking direction after the telescopic movement, the Fig. 10 is restored, so that the first tooth element 111a and the second tooth element 123a are engaged with each other and fixed in the axial direction of the upper column 102 and the lower column 103.

[0088] However, if the gear element 123 is actuated in the direction of the plate 111, it may be that the Fig. 10 is not restored, so that the first tooth element 111a and the second tooth element 123a do not mesh properly. Even in such a case, the adjusting lever 108 can be operated in the locking direction.

[0089] Referring to Fig. 12, the teeth of the first toothed element 111a and the teeth of the second toothed element 123a abut each other, so that the gear element 123 does not engage with the plate 111 despite the elastic force of the elastic element 122. However, since the projection cam 124a can emerge from the gear element 123 and rotate, the tubular element 124 and the adjusting bolt 109 can be rotated to the opposite side, so that the adjusting lever 108 can be operated in the locking direction.

[0090] When the adjustment lever 108 is operated back in the unlocking direction, the tubular member 124 is rotated so that the projection cam 124a faces the fastening member 121, and the gear member 123 is operated toward the fastening member 121, and the first tooth member 111a and the second tooth member 123a can be disengaged to perform a telescopic movement.

[0091] In other words, even though the fixed gear member 162 and the movable gear member 161 in the tilting gear unit 107 do not mesh properly, or even though the plate 111 and the gear member 123 in the telescopic gear unit 106 do not mesh properly, the adjustment lever 108 can be locked and unlocked smoothly.

[0092] Even if a vehicle impact occurs with the plate 111 and the gear member 123 improperly engaged, when the impact load is transmitted, the teeth of the first gear member 111a and the second gear member 123a are misaligned, and the gear member 123 is actuated toward the plate 111 and engaged by the elastic force of the elastic member 122.

[0093] Thus, even in a vehicle collision in the state where the upper pillar 102 is not fixed to the lower pillar 103 in the axial direction due to a failure in proper engagement between the toothed members, the impact load is transmitted and the toothed members are properly engaged, and the collapsing movement for absorbing shocks can be smoothly performed as described below.

[0094] Meanwhile, the working range of the telescopic gear unit 106 must be limited to prevent the gear element 123 from slipping off the plate 111 during the telescopic movement in the axial direction. For this purpose, a stop part 116 and a step area 135 are provided.

[0095] Referring to Fig. 13, the stop member 116 protrudes in the width direction from the end of the plate 111 facing the lower column 103. As shown in the drawings, the stop members 116 may be provided individually on two opposite sides of the plate 111.

[0096] Referring to Fig. 14, the upper column 102 may have step portions 135 facing the spacers 132 with the stopper member 116 interposed therebetween. In other words, the step portions 135 protrude in the diametrical direction from the outer peripheral surface of the upper column 102 and are provided to face the spacers 132 in the axial direction.

[0097] Like the spacers 132, the step portions 135 may be provided on two opposite sides of the slot 131 in the width direction. As a result, when the upper column 102 slides, the stop members 116 abut against the spacers 132 or the step portions 135, thereby limiting the working range of the telescopic movement.

[0098] Additionally, a damping element 114 may be coupled to the stop members 116. The damping element 114 is provided to surround the stop members 116 and absorb shocks that occur when the stop members 116 abut the spacers 132 or the step portions 135, thus preventing noise. The damping element 114 may be made of natural rubber or engineering plastics.

[0099] When the stopper parts 116 are provided individually on two opposite sides of the plate 111, the damping member 114 may include portions individually connected to the stopper portions 116 and a portion connecting them, and may be formed integrally.

[0100] The integrally formed damping member 114 is expanded in the width direction of the plate 111 and contracts by restoring force and is coupled to the stopper parts 116 and thus prevented from being removed from the plate 111.

[0101] The coupling bracket 112, the bending portion 115, a guide portion 1313 and a space portion 1314 serve to protect the driver by absorbing shocks in the event of a vehicle collision.

[0102] The plate 111 includes the first toothed element 111a and the bending portion 115, which absorbs shocks during the telescopic movement and the collapsing movement. This makes it possible to reduce the number of parts and simplify the assembly process.

[0103] Referring to Fig. 13, the upper column 102 contains the coupling bracket 112. The plate 111 is coupled to the coupling bracket 112 via the coupling element 113.

[0104] The gap portion 1314 is formed between the coupling bracket 112 and the outer peripheral surface of the upper pillar 102, and one end of the plate 111 facing the lower pillar 103 is bent and inserted into the gap portion 1314.

[0105] The coupling bracket 112 is elongated in the axial direction, and two opposite sides thereof are bent in the width direction and supported on the outer peripheral surface of the upper pillar 102. In other words, the coupling bracket 112 has a U-shaped cross section, so that the axially open gap portion 1314 is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the upper pillar 102 and the coupling bracket 112.

[0106] The coupling bracket 112 may be formed integrally with the upper column 102 and may be coupled to the upper column 102, e.g., by welding.

[0107] The plate 111 extends from the area where the first tooth element 111a is formed toward the lower column 103 forming the bending portion 115, and is bent and inserted into the gap portion 1314.

[0108] In other words, an upper portion 1311 on which the first tooth element 111a of the plate 111 is formed is fixed to the coupling bracket 112 by the coupling member 113, and the bent lower portion 1312 is inserted into the space portion 1314.

[0109] Referring to Fig. 15, the upper pillar 102 slides in the axial direction during a vehicle impact, and the coupling bracket 112 plastically deforms the bending portion 115 of the plate 111, thereby absorbing shocks and protecting the driver.

[0110] The upper portion 1311 of the plate 111 is engaged with the gear member 123. As described above, the first gear member 111a and the second gear member 123a are engaged by the elastic force of the elastic member 122, although they are not properly meshed. The upper portion 1311 is firmly connected to the gear member 123 and is thus fixed to the vehicle body even though the upper pillar 102 slides.

[0111] When a car accident occurs, the coupling member 113 is torn by the impact load, and the coupling bracket 112 slides on the upper portion 1311, and the coupling bracket 112 plastically deforms the bending portion 115 while axially supporting the bending portion 115, whereby the plate 111 can absorb shocks.

[0112] In this case, the coupling bracket 112 may have the guide portion 1313 supported along the inner surface of the bent portion of the plate 111 for uniform plastic deformation of the bending portion 115.

[0113] In other words, the guide portion 1313 is formed at the end of the coupling bracket 112 facing the lower column 103, as shown in Fig. 15. The guide portion 1313 is bent along the inner surface of the bending portion 115 so that one end thereof is inserted into the gap portion 1314. Thus, when the coupling bracket 112 axially supports the bending portion 115, the lower portion 1312 is uniformly plastically deformed toward the upper portion 1311 along the outer surface of the guide portion 1313.

[0114] The vehicle steering column constructed in this way makes it possible to enable seamless locking and unlocking even if the toothed member securing the steering column is not properly engaged when the steering column is moved, to smooth out a collapse movement to absorb shocks even if the vehicle collides, to prevent noise when the toothed member is not properly engaged by absorbing shocks at the minimum and maximum strokes when moving, and to reduce the number of parts and simplify assembly.

[0115] The above description has been presented to enable a person skilled in the art to implement and utilize the technical spirit of the present disclosure and has been provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications, additions, and substitutions to the described embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The above description and the accompanying drawings provide an example of the technical spirit of the present disclosure for illustrative purposes only. That is, the disclosed embodiments are intended to illustrate the scope of the technical spirit of the present disclosure.Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the claims. The scope of the present disclosure is to be interpreted based on the following claims, and all technical ideas within the scope of equivalents thereof are to be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

[1] Steering column (100) of a vehicle, comprising: an upper column (102) having an outer peripheral surface to which a plate (111) having a first tooth element (111a) is coupled; a lower column (103) supported on the outer peripheral surface of the upper column (102), which has a slot (131) formed in an axial direction and allows the plate (111) to be inserted therein, and which has spacers (132) provided on two opposite sides of the slot (131), the spacers (132) having first insertion holes (133) into which an adjusting bolt (109) is inserted; a hollow tubular member (124) supported on an outer peripheral surface of the adjusting bolt (109) and having a projection cam (124a); a gear element (123) having a second tooth element (123a) engaging with the first tooth element (111a); a fastening element (121) coupled to the spacers (132) and covering the gear element (123); and an elastic element (122) provided between the fastening element (121) and the gear element (123) for pressurizing the gear element (123), characterized by that stop parts (116) protrude in a width direction from an end of the plate (111) facing the lower column (103). [2] Steering column (100) according to claim 1, wherein a first toothing (411) is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the adjusting bolt (109) and a second toothing (412) is formed on an inner peripheral surface of the tubular member (124). [3] Steering column (100) according to claim 1, wherein the gear member (123) has a body portion (231) opposite the tubular member (124) on an opposite side of the plate (111). [4] The steering column (100) according to claim 3, wherein the gear member (123) has coupling portions (232) formed from the body portion (232) to the plate (111), and wherein the second tooth member (123a) is provided in the coupling portions (232). [5] Steering column (100) according to claim 4, wherein the coupling portions (232) are provided on two opposite sides of the body portion (231) with the tubular member (124) arranged therebetween. [6] Steering column (100) according to claim 5, wherein the coupling portions (232) are provided on two axially opposite sides of the tubular member (124) and are spaced apart from each other. [7] Steering column (100) according to claim 5, wherein the fastening element (121) has a hollow portion (211) open towards the plate (111), and wherein the gear element (123) and the elastic element (122) are seated in the hollow portion (211). [8] Steering column (100) according to claim 7, wherein the fastening element (121) has a second insertion hole (214) through which the adjusting bolt (109) and the tubular element (124) are guided. [9] Steering column (100) according to claim 7, wherein the elastic member (122) comprises a first support portion (221) having two opposite ends supported on the coupling portions (232) and a middle portion (711) bent toward the fastening member (121). [10] The steering column (100) according to claim 9, wherein one of the first support portion (221) and the coupling portion (232) has a locking projection (911) and the other of the first support portion (221) and the coupling portion (232) has a locking recess (912). [11] The steering column (100) according to claim 9, wherein the elastic member (122) has a second support portion (222) bent from the first support portion (221) toward the fixing member (121) so that one end thereof is supported on an inner surface of the fixing member (121). [12] The steering column (100) according to claim 11, wherein the fastening member (121) has a coupling hole (311) formed through an inner surface and an outer surface thereof. [13] The steering column (100) according to claim 12, wherein the elastic member (122) has a third support portion (223) bent from the first support portion (221) toward the fixing member (121) so that one end thereof is inserted into the coupling hole (311) and supported on the outer surface of the fixing member (121). [14] Steering column (100) according to claim 1, wherein the upper column (102) has step portions (135) facing the spacers (132) with the stopper members (116) disposed therebetween. [15] Steering column (100) according to claim 14, wherein a damping element (114) is coupled to the stop parts (116). [16] Steering column (100) according to claim 1, wherein the upper column (102) has a coupling bracket (112) and wherein the plate (111) is coupled to the coupling bracket (112) by a coupling element (113). [17] The steering column (100) according to claim 16, wherein a gap portion (1314) is formed between the coupling bracket (112) and an outer peripheral surface of the upper column (102), and wherein an end of the plate (111) facing the lower column (103) is bent and inserted into the gap portion (1314). [18] Steering column (100) according to claim 17, wherein the coupling bracket (112) has a guide portion (1313) held along an inner surface of a bent portion of the plate (111).

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