STEERING DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE

Abstract

Steering device (1) for a vehicle, comprising: a rocker shaft (200) designed to penetrate two opposite sides of a column housing (40) and having an end to which a rocker arm (300) is coupled; a fixed gear (600) which is attached to one of the opposite sides of the column housing (40) facing away from the rocker arm (300), wherein the fixed gear (600) is penetrated by the other end of the rocker shaft (200), and a coupling shaft part (610) is formed at one end of the fixed gear (600); and a movable gear (700) which is penetrated by the other end of the rocker shaft (200), wherein a coupling rotary part (710) is formed at one end of the movable gear (700) which is rotatably coupled to the coupling shaft part (610) and which is movable along a longitudinal extension of the coupling shaft part (610), wherein the movable gear (700) is configured to be brought into or out of engagement with the fixed gear (600) by being rotatable in an axial direction about the coupling shaft part (610) as the axis of rotation during a rotary actuation of the rocker arm (300) by a movement of the rocker shaft (200); wherein two opposite ends of the coupling shaft part (610) of the fixed gear (600) are formed integrally with the fixed gear (600), wherein an intermediate section between the two ends and the body of the fixed gear (600) is arranged such that a separating hole (640) is formed between the body of the fixed gear and the intermediate section, and wherein the coupling rotary part (710) of the movable gear (700) is formed integrally with the movable gear (700) and is captured by the separating hole (640) on the coupling part and inserted into and coupled to it, wherein a plurality of teeth (620, 720) are formed on opposite surfaces of the other end of the fixed gear (600) and the other end of the movable gear (700), wherein one side of the coupling rotary part (710), which is opposite the surface of the movable gear (700) on which the plurality of teeth (720) is formed, has an opening (715), and the coupling rotary part (710) is rotatably coupled to the coupling shaft part (610) through the opening (715), wherein the coupling axle part (610) comprises: a curved section (611) which is designed as a curved surface corresponding to an inner circumferential surface of the coupling rotating part (710) and is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the coupling rotating part (710); and a flat section (612) which is formed opposite the curved section (611), wherein the flat section (612) is shaped such that it protrudes on the opposite side of the curved part (611), and wherein the flat section (612) is formed by a section in which the movable gear (700) does not rotate.

Description

[Technical area of ​​the invention]

[0001] The present invention relates to a steering device for a vehicle and in particular to a steering device for a vehicle which is equipped with a telescopic function. [Technical background of the invention]

[0002] Generally, a steering system for a vehicle is a device that allows the driver to change the vehicle's direction of travel at will. It comprises a steering shaft that can rotate circumferentially, a steering wheel attached to the top of the steering shaft and held by the driver's hands, and a steering column that surrounds the outer circumference of the steering shaft.

[0003] When the driver holds and turns the steering wheel, the steering shaft rotates in the direction of rotation of the steering wheel, and accordingly the left and right tie rods are moved axially by the steering gear toothed with the steering shaft, and this rotates the steering knuckles attached to the left and right wheels, so that the wheels of the vehicle are steered front to the left or right.

[0004] Meanwhile, the steering device for a vehicle has tilting and telescoping functions to adjust the position of the steering wheel to the physical characteristics of the driver (e.g. seat height, arm length).

[0005] The tilt function is a function that adjusts the position of the steering wheel by adjusting the tilt of the steering column.

[0006] Furthermore, the telescopic function is a feature that can adjust the position of the steering wheel in the axial direction. The steering column comprises an inner tube and a column housing, wherein the inner tube surrounds the outer circumference of the steering shaft. The column housing is configured to accommodate the inner tube, and the inner tube is configured to move axially with the steering shaft relative to the column housing while surrounding the outer circumference of the steering shaft. The telescopic function also serves to absorb impact energy by collapsing the steering wheel and steering column in the event of a vehicle collision.

[0007] The steering mechanism of a vehicle is equipped with a control lever that allows the driver to tilt or extend the steering wheel according to their physical needs. This means that the driver can use the tilting or extending function after unlocking the control lever by turning it. After using the tilting or extending function, the driver can turn the control lever back to its original position and lock it again, thus fixing the steering wheel position.

[0008] Korean patent no. 10-2053708 (09.12.2019) (hereinafter referred to as "prior art") discloses a "device for tilting a steering column".

[0009] The prior art device comprises a tilting axis penetrating a tilting bracket, an operating lever coupled to one end of the tilting axis, and a means for maintaining the fastening force coupled to the other end of the tilting axis to activate or deactivate the tilting operation of the tilting bracket.

[0010] In the prior art, the means for maintaining the fastening force consists of a fixed gear and a movable gear, wherein the movable gear is arranged so that it can be rotated about an axis of rotation provided in the fixed gear and can move along the axis of rotation.

[0011] However, since in the prior art the fixed gear and the movable gear were manufactured using a die-casting process, their strength and hardness were low, resulting in the problem of gear teeth deforming over time. Furthermore, because the pivot axis provided in the fixed gear was separate from and mounted on the fixed gear, the connection strength between the fixed gear and the pivot axis was also low, leading to deformation due to external axial forces.

[0012] KR 10 1 593 592 B1 discloses a steering device with a tilting shaft that penetrates two opposite sides of a column housing and is rotatable by a lever, a fixed gear arranged on a side of the column housing facing away from the lever, and a movable gear penetrated by the tilting shaft. The fixed gear has a coupling shaft section. The movable gear has a coupling rotatable part that is rotatably coupled to the coupling shaft section and is rotatable by a rotary actuation of the lever through a movement of the tilting shaft about the coupling shaft section in order to engage or disengage the fixed and movable gears. The coupling shaft section is implemented as a cylindrical element.

[0013] A similar steering device is described in KR 10 2020 0 097 935 A, wherein the coupling axle part is realized as a groove with a cylindrical cross-section and the coupling rotary part as a cylindrical projection that engages in the groove. [Disclosure of the invention][Purpose of the invention]

[0014] A technical object of the present invention is to provide a steering device for a vehicle in which the strength and hardness of at least one of the fixed gear and the movable gear, which are components of the tilt adjustment device, are improved.

[0015] A further technical object of the present invention is that the coupling shaft part, which is provided on the fixed gear and rotatably coupled to the movable gear, forms together with the fixed gear and also integrally with the fixed gear during the forming of the fixed gear, so that the coupling strength of the fixed gear and the coupling shaft part has been improved.

[0016] The technical problem of the present invention is not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understandable to the person skilled in the art from the following description. [Technical solution]

[0017] To solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention proposes a steering device with the features of claim 1.

[0018] According to the invention, the steering device for a vehicle comprises a rocker shaft, a fixed gear, and a movable gear. The rocker shaft extends through both sides of the column housing. A rocker arm is coupled to one end of the rocker shaft. The fixed gear is attached to one side of each side of the column housing, facing away from the rocker arm. The other end of the rocker shaft extends through the fixed gear. A coupling shaft section is formed at one end of the fixed gear. The other end of the rocker shaft extends through the movable gear. A coupling rotary section is formed at one end of the movable gear. The coupling rotary section is rotatably coupled to the coupling shaft section and can also move along the length of the coupling shaft section. When the rocker arm rotates, the axial movement of the rocker shaft causes the movable gear to rotate around the coupling shaft section to engage with or disengage from the fixed gear.The coupling shaft portion of the fixed gear is arranged such that both ends are integrally formed with the fixed gear, and a separating hole is formed between the two ends and the body of the fixed gear. The coupling rotating portion of the movable gear is integrally formed with the movable gear and engages with the coupling shaft portion via the separating hole.

[0019] The fixed gear can be formed using a sintering process. If the fixed gear is formed using a sintering process, the coupling shaft part can also be formed together with the fixed gear using a sintering process and thus be formed integrally with the fixed gear.

[0020] The movable gear can be formed using a sintering process. If the movable gear is formed using a sintering process, the coupling rotary part can also be formed together with the movable gear using a sintering process and thus be formed in one piece with the movable gear.

[0021] According to the invention, several gear teeth are formed on opposite surfaces of the other end of the fixed gear and the other end of the movable gear. The coupling rotary part is open on the opposite side of the movable gear where the multiple gear teeth are formed. The coupling rotary part is rotatably coupled to the coupling shaft part through this opening.

[0022] The coupling shaft section comprises a curved section and a flat section. The curved section is formed as a curved surface corresponding to the inner circumferential surface of the coupling rotating part and is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the coupling rotating part. The flat section is formed on an opposite side of the curved section. When the movable gear meshes with the fixed gear, the flat section may face the opening.

[0023] The grooves between the multiple gear teeth formed on the fixed gear can be designed such that their depth and width gradually increase as they approach the coupling shaft section. The multiple gear teeth formed on the movable gear can be designed to mesh with grooves between the multiple gear teeth formed on the fixed gear.

[0024] A first installation block section can be formed on one side of the column housing. The outer surface of the first installation block section can be a flat surface. A second installation block section can be formed inside the column housing. The outer surface of the second installation block section can also be a flat surface. The tilting shaft can pass through both the first and second installation block sections.

[0025] The steering device for a vehicle according to the present invention can further comprise a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket can incorporate a first coupling plate part and a second coupling plate part. The first coupling plate part can be arranged on an outer surface of the first mounting block part. The second coupling plate part can be arranged on an outer surface of the second mounting block part. The tilting shaft can extend through the first coupling plate part and the second coupling plate part. The fixed gear can be rigidly arranged on the outer surface of the second coupling plate part.

[0026] The steering device for a vehicle according to the present invention can further comprise a nut, a first washer, a second washer, and a needle roller cage. The nut can be coupled to the other end of the rocker shaft. The first washer can be arranged between the movable gear and the nut. The first washer can come into contact with the movable gear. The second washer can be arranged between the first washer and the nut. The second washer can come into contact with the nut. The needle roller cage can be arranged between the first washer and the second washer. Both surfaces of the needle roller cage can come into contact with the first washer and the second washer, respectively.

[0027] The steering device for a vehicle according to the present invention can further comprise a bushing tube, an elastic element, and a motion block. The rocker shaft can extend through the bushing tube. One end of the bushing tube can penetrate the fixed gear and support the movable gear in a direction in which it is disengaged from the fixed gear. The rocker shaft can extend through the elastic element. The rocker shaft can extend through the motion block. The other end of the bushing tube can be located on one side of the motion block. One end of the elastic element can be located on the other side of the motion block. The motion block can move the bushing tube in a direction in which the movable gear is disengaged from the fixed gear by the elastic force of the elastic element.

[0028] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the description and figures. [Effects of the invention]

[0029] The steering device for a vehicle according to the present invention has the effect that at least one of the fixed gear and the movable gear is shaped by the sintering process, thereby increasing the strength and hardness of at least one of the fixed gear and the movable gear.

[0030] Furthermore, the steering device for a vehicle according to the present invention also has the effect that the coupling axle part, which is provided on the fixed gear and rotatably coupled to the movable gear, is formed together with the fixed gear by the sintering process and also integrally with the fixed gear during the forming of the fixed gear, so that the coupling strength of the fixed gear and the coupling axle part is improved, thereby preventing deformation due to an external axial force.

[0031] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understandable to the person skilled in the art from the description of the claims. [Brief description of the drawings] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a side showing a steering device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective partial view of the other side, showing a steering device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective exploded view of the main components of the in Fig. 2 steering device shown for a vehicle; Fig. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the section in which the tilt adjustment device is installed in the steering device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows a state in which the movable gear is engaged with the fixed gear in the locked state of the rocker arm; Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the section in which the tilt adjustment device is installed in the steering device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows a state in which the movable gear is disengaged from the fixed gear in the unlocked state of the rocker arm; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a page that shows the Fig. 3 shows the fixed gear and the movable gear; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the other side, which shows the in Fig. 3 shows the fixed gear and the movable gear; Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective view of a page showing the coupled state of the elements within the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 shows the fixed gear and movable gear; and Fig. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the other side, showing the coupled state of the [unclear] in the Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 shows the fixed gear and movable gear. Reference symbol list 1 steering device for a vehicle 40 column housings 71 Mounting bracket 71A first coupling plate part 71B second coupling plate part 200 tilting shaft 300 rocker arms 500 mother 600 fixed gear 610 Coupling axle part 611 curved part 612 flat part 620, 720: Gear tooth 640 Separating hole 700 movable gear 710 Coupling turntable 715 Opening 810 first washer 820 second washer 830 Needle roller cage 910 Bushing tube 920 elastic element 930 Movement block [Examples of the invention]

[0032] A steering device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the figures.

[0033] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a side showing a steering device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] With reference to the Fig. 1 The steering device 1 for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention can comprise a steering shaft 10 and a steering column 20.

[0035] The steering shaft 10 can penetrate the steering column 20 in an axial direction. Here, the axial direction can mean the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft 10, and in the following description, the axial direction can mean the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft 10.

[0036] The steering column 20 can surround the outer circumference of the steering shaft 10. The steering column 20 can be installed in the vehicle body. The steering column 20 can rotatably mount the steering shaft 10.

[0037] The steering shaft 10 can be arranged to rotate circumferentially. A steering wheel (not shown) can be coupled to one end of the steering shaft 10. The steering wheel can be located near the instrument panel in front of the driver's seat inside the vehicle and held by the driver to steer the vehicle's wheels. That is, while the vehicle is in motion, the driver can hold the steering wheel and turn it to the left to change the vehicle's direction of travel to the left, and to the right to change the vehicle's direction of travel to the right.

[0038] The steering column 20 can comprise an inner tube 30 and a column housing 40.

[0039] The inner tube 30 can surround the outer circumference of the steering shaft 10. The steering shaft 10 can be rotatably mounted relative to the inner tube 30 in the circumferential direction. A ball bearing can be installed between the outer circumferential surface of the steering shaft 10 and the inner circumferential surface of the inner tube 30, and the steering shaft 10 can be rotatably coupled to the inner tube 30 via the ball bearing in the circumferential direction. The inner tube 30 can be movably mounted together with the steering shaft 10 in the axial direction.

[0040] The steering shaft 10 can be divided into two parts, comprising a first shaft and a second shaft. The first shaft can be tubular, one end of the second shaft can be inserted into the interior of the first shaft, and the other end of the second shaft can be arranged to protrude from the first shaft and be rotatably coupled to the column housing 40 via a ball bearing. The first shaft can also be rotatably coupled to the inner tube 30 via a ball bearing. The inner tube 30 can be moved axially with respect to the column housing 40, and the first shaft, together with the inner tube 30, can be moved axially with respect to the column housing 40.

[0041] The column housing 40 can surround the outer circumference of the inner tube 30. A portion of the inner tube 30 can be inserted into the interior of the column housing 40 through one end, and the remaining portion of the inner tube 30 can be arranged to protrude from the column housing 40 through one end. The inner tube 30 can penetrate the column housing 40 in the axial direction. The inner tube 30 can be movably mounted within the column housing 40 in the axial direction. The column housing 40 can support the inner tube 30 in the axial direction.

[0042] The pillar housing 40 can be installed on the vehicle body. Mounting brackets 71 and 72 can be coupled to the pillar housing 40, and the pillar housing 40 can be installed on the vehicle body via the mounting brackets 71 and 72. The mounting brackets 71 and 72 can comprise a first mounting bracket 71, which is installed at the upper end of the pillar housing 40, and a second mounting bracket 72, which is installed at the lower end of the pillar housing 40.

[0043] A tilt adjustment device 100 can be installed in the column housing 40.

[0044] The tilt adjustment device 100 includes a tilt lever 300, and the user can turn the tilt lever 300 to one side to unlock it, and then adjust the tilt of the column housing 40 in relation to the mounting brackets 71, 72 to his physical condition.

[0045] The adjustment of the tilt of the column housing 40 in relation to the mounting brackets 71, 72 can be referred to as tilting adjustment, and after the tilting adjustment the user can lock the tilting lever 300 by turning it to the other side.

[0046] Furthermore, the user can turn the rocker arm 300 to one side to unlock it and spread the column housing 40 outwards, so that the inner circumferential surface of the column housing 40 is loosely placed against the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube 30, and then adjust the length of the inner tube 30 relative to the column housing 40 to his physical condition.

[0047] The adjustment of the length of the inner tube 30 relative to the column housing 40 can be called tele-adjustment, and after the tele-adjustment the user can turn the rocker arm 300 to the other side and lock it to pull the column housing 40 inwards, so that the inner circumferential surface of the column housing 40 is firmly pressed against the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube 30, thereby preventing the inner tube 30 from moving in the axial direction with respect to the column housing 40.

[0048] Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective partial view of the other side, showing a steering device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] With reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. A pair of installation block parts 41, 42 can be formed at the upper end of the column housing 40. The outer surface of the pair of installation block parts 41, 42 can comprise a flat surface. A pair of installation block parts 41, 42 can be arranged radially along the inner tube 30 on opposite sides.

[0050] In the following, of the pair of installation block parts 41, 42, one installation block part 41, which is located close to the rocker arm 300, is referred to and described as the first installation block part 41, and the other installation block part 42 is referred to and described as the second installation block part 42.

[0051] The first installation block part 41 can form one side of the column housing 40 and the second installation block part 42 can form the other side of the column housing 40.

[0052] A first coupling plate part 71A and a second coupling plate part 71B, facing each other, can be formed on the first mounting bracket 71. The first coupling plate part 71A can be arranged on one side of the column housing 40, and the second coupling plate part 71B can be arranged on the other side of the column housing 40. That is, the first coupling plate part 71A can be coupled to the outside of the first installation block part 41, and the second coupling plate part 71B can be coupled to the outside of the second installation block part 42.

[0053] The tilt adjustment device 100 comprises a tilting shaft 200, a rocker arm 300, a first tilting cam 320, a second tilting cam 400 and a nut 500.

[0054] The rocker shaft 200 can have a predetermined length extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft 10. The rocker shaft 200 can penetrate the first installation block part 41 and the second installation block part 42. That is, the rocker shaft 200 can penetrate both sides of the column housing 40. The rocker shaft 200 can extend straight in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft 10. The rocker arm 300 is coupled to one end of the rocker shaft 200, and the nut 500 can be coupled to the other end of the rocker shaft 200.

[0055] The rocker arm 300 can be designed in various shapes with a predetermined length. The rocker arm 300 can have a handle at one end and a rocker shaft 200 can be coupled to the other end. The rocker arm 300 can be actuated so that it rotates around the point where it is coupled to the rocker shaft 200.

[0056] A first rocker cam 320 can be coupled to the inner surface of the other end of the rocker arm 300. One end of the rocker shaft 200 can pass through the center of the first rocker cam 320 and be coupled to the other end of the rocker arm 300. A shaft through-hole can be formed in the center of the first rocker cam 320, through which one end of the rocker shaft 200 passes.

[0057] The second tilting cam 400 can be installed on the outer surface of the first coupling plate part 71A of the mounting bracket 71, and the tilting shaft 200 can penetrate the center of the second tilting cam 400. A shaft passage hole can be formed in the center of the second tilting cam 400 through which the tilting shaft 200 passes.

[0058] When the user turns the rocker arm 300 to lock or unlock, the rocker shaft 200 can be moved longitudinally by the interlocking of the first rocker cam 320 and the second rocker cam 400.

[0059] The rocker shaft 200 is installed in such a way that it is movable in the longitudinal direction without rotating with respect to the second rocker cam 400, so that it rotates together with the rocker arm 300 when the rocker arm 300 rotates, and can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the rocker shaft 200.

[0060] In particular, several cam projections can be formed on opposing surfaces of the first rocker cam 320 and the second rocker cam 400. The several cam projections formed on the first rocker cam 320 and the several cam projections formed on the second rocker cam 400 can be designed to be spaced apart from each other in the direction of rotation of the rocker arm 300.

[0061] The shapes of the multiple cam projections formed on the first tilting cam 320 and the multiple cam projections formed on the second tilting cam 400 can be triangular, but can be changed into various other shapes besides triangles.

[0062] When the rocker arm 300 rotates, the multiple cam projections formed on the first rocker cam 320 and the multiple cam projections formed on the second rocker cam 400 come into contact with each other and can rotate together with the rocker arm 300. In doing so, the multiple cam projections formed on the first rocker cam 320 move inwards or outwards along the multiple cam projections formed on the second rocker cam 400, so that the rocker arm 300 can be moved longitudinally along the shaft 200. When the rocker arm 300 is moved inwards, it can be unlocked, and when the rocker arm 300 is moved outwards, it can be locked.

[0063] Meanwhile, with the rocker arm 300 unlocked, the driver moves the inner tube 30 longitudinally along the steering shaft 10 relative to the column housing 40 to adjust the steering wheel position to their physical needs. The driver can then lock the rocker arm 300 to prevent the inner tube 30 from moving longitudinally along the steering shaft 10 relative to the column housing 40.

[0064] In the unlocked position of the rocker arm 300, the inner tube 30 is able to move longitudinally along the steering shaft 10 with respect to the column housing 40. Furthermore, in the locked position of the rocker arm 300, the inner tube 30 is not able to move longitudinally along the steering shaft 10 with respect to the column housing 40.

[0065] This means that if the driver wants to change the rocker arm 300 from the locked state to the unlocked state, he can hold the handle of the rocker arm 300 and turn the rocker arm 300 in one direction.

[0066] When the rocker arm 300 rotates, the first rocker cam 320 can move outwards together with the second rocker cam 400. In this way, the inner circumferential surface of the column housing 40 loosely rests against the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube 30, allowing the inner tube 30 to move longitudinally along the steering shaft 10 relative to the column housing 40. This allows the driver to move the inner tube 30 longitudinally along the steering shaft 10 to adjust the steering wheel position to their physical needs.

[0067] If the driver wishes to change the rocker arm 300 from the unlocked state to the locked state, he can hold the handle of the rocker arm 300 and turn the rocker arm 300 in the opposite direction.

[0068] When the rocker arm 300 rotates, the first rocker cam 320 can move inwards together with the second rocker cam 400. In doing so, the inner circumferential surface of the column housing 40 presses firmly against the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube 30, thus fixing the inner tube 30 in such a way that it does not move longitudinally along the steering shaft 10 with respect to the column housing 40.

[0069] A slot 44 can be formed in the column housing 40 between the first installation block part 41 and the second installation block part 42. The slot 44 can be long and longitudinal in the direction of the steering shaft 10 on the outer circumferential surface of the column housing 40. The slot 44 can be designed to be open on the outer circumferential surface of the column housing 40. Because the slot 44 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the column housing 40, the column housing 40 is drawn inwards when the rocker arm 300 is in the locked position, so that the inner circumferential surface of the column housing 40 can be pressed firmly against the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube 30, and the column housing 40 is spread outwards when the rocker arm 300 is in the unlocked position, so that the inner circumferential surface of the column housing 40 can be pressed loosely against the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube 30.

[0070] The tilting shaft 200 can be positioned further out than the slot 44 when it penetrates both sides of the column housing 40, and part of the inner tube 30 can be positioned further in than the slot 44 when it is inserted into the interior of the column housing 40.

[0071] If, however, an external impact is exerted on the steering device 1 for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention due to a vehicle collision in the locked position of the rocker arm 300, the inner tube 30 moves in the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft 10 with respect to the column housing 40, thereby preventing the driver from hitting the steering wheel and thus being seriously injured, and if the inner tube 30 is moved in the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft 10 with respect to the column housing 40 due to its own weight in the unlocked position of the rocker arm 300, the inner tube 30 can no longer be moved in the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft 10 with respect to the column housing 40 in a certain position, so that the driver can easily adjust the position of the inner tube 30.

[0072] For this purpose, a stop 31 can be designed to protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube 30. When the inner tube 30 is moved longitudinally along the steering shaft 10, the stop 31 can be moved longitudinally within the slot 44 along the steering shaft 10.

[0073] The stop 31 can be arranged such that it projects from the inside of the inner tube 30 through a hole formed in the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube 30 to the outside of the inner tube 30. However, the stop 31 can also be designed to project directly from the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube 30.

[0074] The stop 31 can move along the slot 44 when the inner tube 30 is moved axially by an external impact in the locked position of the rocker arm 300. Therefore, the inner tube 30 does not rotate circumferentially, but moves precisely along the longitudinal direction of the slot 44 when an external impact occurs due to a vehicle collision, thus preventing the driver from striking the steering wheel and sustaining serious injury.

[0075] When the inner tube 30 is moved axially due to its own weight in the unlocked position of the rocker arm 300, the stop 31 contacts the stop projection (not shown) installed on the rocker shaft 200, thus limiting the axial movement of the inner tube 30. When the driver moves the rocker arm 300 to the unlocked position to adjust the steering wheel position to their physique, the axial movement of the inner tube 30 can be limited due to its own weight, allowing the driver to easily adjust the position of the inner tube.

[0076] In the locked position of the rocker arm 300, the stop projection can be moved into a position in which the stop 31 is not jammed, even if the inner tube 30 is moved longitudinally along the steering shaft 10. Therefore, if an external impact occurs during a vehicle collision with the rocker arm 300 locked, the inner tube 30 can be moved longitudinally along the steering shaft 10 relative to the column housing 40 due to the external impact.

[0077] In the unlocked state of the rocker arm 300, the stop projection can be arranged in a position where stop 31 is clamped when the inner tube 30 is moved longitudinally along the steering shaft 10.

[0078] Therefore, when the driver moves the rocker arm 300 into the unlocked position to adjust the position of the steering wheel to his physical condition, the inner tube 30 is moved longitudinally along the steering shaft 10 in relation to the column housing 40 due to its own weight, and as a result, the stop 31 is moved along the slot 44 longitudinally along the steering shaft 10 and clamped by the stop projection.

[0079] Since the inner tube 30 no longer moves in the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft 10 due to its own weight, the driver can easily move the inner tube 30 in the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft 10 to adjust the position of the steering wheel to his physical condition.

[0080] Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective exploded view of the main components of the in Fig. 2 steering device shown for a vehicle, Fig. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the section in which the tilt adjustment device is installed in the steering device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows a state in which the movable gear is engaged with the fixed gear in the locked state of the rocker arm, and Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the section in which the tilt adjustment device is installed in the steering device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows a state in which the movable gear is disengaged from the fixed gear in the unlocked state of the rocker arm.

[0081] Referring to the Fig. 3 to 5 the tilting adjustment device 100 further comprises a fixed gear 600, a movable gear 700, a first washer 810, a second washer 820, a needle roller cage 830, a bushing tube 910, an elastic element 920 and a motion block 930.

[0082] The tilting shaft 200 can successively penetrate the first coupling plate part 71A, both sides of the column housing 40 and the second coupling plate part 71B.

[0083] One end of the bushing tube 910 can be inserted through the fixed gear 600, the movable gear 700, the first washer 810, and the needle roller cage 830 into the second washer 820. A hole through which one end of the bushing tube 910 passes can be formed in the fixed gear 600, the movable gear 700, the first washer 810, and the needle roller cage 830, and a hole into which one end of the bushing tube 910 is inserted can be formed in the second washer 820.

[0084] Furthermore, one end of the rocker shaft 200 can pass through the first rocker cam 320 and be coupled to the rocker arm 300, and the remaining part of the rocker shaft 200 can pass through the second rocker cam 400, the first coupling plate part 71A, the first installation block part 41, the elastic element 920, the movement block 930, the second installation block part 42, the second coupling plate part 71B, the bushing tube 910, the second washer 820 and the nut 500. A hole through which the tilting shaft 200 passes can be formed in the second tilting cam 400, the first coupling plate part 71A, the first installation block part 41, the elastic element 920, the movement block 930, the second installation block part 42, the second coupling plate part 71B, the bushing tube 910, the second washer 820 and the nut 500.

[0085] The nut 500 is coupled to the other end of the tilting shaft 200 by means of a rivet, so that the tilting adjustment device 100 can be attached in such a way that it is not separated from the first installation block part 41 and the second installation block part 42 of the column housing 40.

[0086] The fixed gear 600 is fixedly installed on one side of the two sides of the column housing 40 that is furthest from the rocker arm 300. That is, the fixed gear 600 can be fixedly installed on the second installation block part 42 of the column housing 40. In this embodiment, the first coupling plate part 71A is arranged on the outer surface of the first installation block part 41, and the second coupling plate part 71B is arranged on the outer surface of the second installation block part 42, so that the fixed gear 600 can be fixedly installed on the outer surface of the second coupling plate part 71B, and the movable gear 700 can be rotatably coupled to the fixed gear 600.

[0087] When the rocker arm 300 is in a locked position, the movable gear 700 can be engaged with the fixed gear 600, and when the rocker arm 300 is in an unlocked position, the movable gear 700 can be disengaged from the fixed gear 600.

[0088] The first washer 810 can be arranged between the movable gear 700 and the nut 500. The first washer 810 can be arranged between the movable gear 700 and the second washer 820. The first washer 810 can be arranged between the movable gear 700 and the needle roller cage 830. The first washer 810 can be in contact with the movable gear 700.

[0089] The second washer 820 can be positioned between the first washer 810 and the nut 500. The second washer 820 can be positioned between the movable gear 700 and the nut 500. The second washer 820 can be positioned between the needle roller cage 830 and the nut 500. The second washer 820 can be in contact with the nut 500.

[0090] The needle roller cage 830 can be arranged between the first washer 810 and the second washer 820. The needle roller cage 830 can be arranged between the movable gear 700 and the nut 500. The needle roller cage 830 can be arranged between the first washer 810 and the nut 500. The needle roller cage 830 can be arranged between the movable gear 700 and the second washer 820. Both surfaces of the needle roller cage 830 can be in contact with the first washer 810 and the second washer 820, respectively. The needle roller cage 830 can be made of a material with elastic force, and in this embodiment, of a rubber material.

[0091] One end of the bushing tube 910 can penetrate the fixed gear 600 and support the movable gear 700 in the direction in which it is disengaged from the fixed gear 600. One end of the bushing tube 910 can have a smaller outer diameter than the other end. Therefore, a step can be formed on the outer surface of the bushing tube 910 between one end and the other, and this step is clamped within the movable gear 700, so that the movable gear 700 can be supported in the direction in which it is disengaged from the fixed gear 600.

[0092] The elastic element 920 can possess an elastic force that allows the movable gear 700 to disengage from the fixed gear 600 when the rocker arm 300 is unlocked. The elastic element 920 can be designed as a helical spring. However, the elastic element 920 need not be designed as a helical spring and can be made of any material with an elastic force that allows the movable gear 700 to disengage from the fixed gear 600 when the rocker arm 300 is unlocked.

[0093] The elastic element 920 can possess an elastic force that allows the movable gear 700 to disengage from the fixed gear 600 when the rocker arm 300 is unlocked. The elastic element 920 can be designed as a helical spring. However, the elastic element 920 need not be designed as a helical spring and can include any members with an elastic force that can disengage the movable gear 700 from the fixed gear 600 when the rocker arm 300 is unlocked.

[0094] The other end of the bushing tube 910 can be positioned on one side of the movement block 930. One end of the elastic element 920 can be positioned on the other side of the movement block 930. The movement block 930 can move the bushing tube 910 in a direction in which the movable gear 700 is disengaged from the fixed gear 600 by the elastic force of the elastic element 920. That is, when the bushing tube 910 is moved by the elastic force of the elastic element 920, the movable gear 700 can be rotated by the bushing tube 910 and disengaged from the fixed gear 600.

[0095] The elastic element 920 and the movement block 930 can be arranged inside the column housing 40, and one end of the bushing tube 910 can be arranged outside the column housing 40 and the other end of the bushing tube 910 can be arranged inside the column housing 40.

[0096] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a page that shows the Fig. The 3 shown fixed gear and the movable gear show, Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the other side, which shows the in Fig. The 3 shown fixed gear and the movable gear show, Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective view of a page showing the coupled state of the elements within the Fig. 6 and Fig. The 7 shown fixed gear and movable gear shows, and Fig. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the other side, showing the coupled state of the [unclear] in the Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 shows the fixed gear and movable gear.

[0097] With reference to the Fig.4 to 9, a coupling shaft part 610 is formed at one end of the fixed gear 600. The coupling shaft part 610 of the fixed gear 600 is arranged such that both ends are formed integrally with the fixed gear 600 and a separating hole 640 is formed between the two ends and the body of the fixed gear 600.

[0098] Several gear teeth 620 are formed on the outer surface of the fixed gear 600. The multiple gear teeth 620 can be formed at the other end of the fixed gear 600, which is opposite the movable gear 700.

[0099] In the fixed gear 600, a first through-hole 630 can be formed between one end of the fixed gear 600 and the other end of the fixed gear 600. The other end of the rocker shaft 200 can pass through the first through-hole 630.

[0100] On the surface of the fixed gear 600, which faces the second coupling plate part 71B, a press-fit insert 650, which is pressed into a hole formed in the second coupling plate part 71B, can be formed. The press-fit insert 650 is designed to surround the first through-hole 630 and can be designed such that both of its ends are open in the longitudinal direction of the coupling shaft part 610. Several press-fit projections, spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction, can be formed on the circumferential surface of the press-fit insert 650. The several press-fit projections can be pressed into the inner circumferential surface of the hole formed in the second coupling plate part 71B.

[0101] At one end of the movable gear 700, a coupling rotary part 710 is formed, which is rotatably coupled to the coupling shaft part 610 of the fixed gear 600. The coupling rotary part 710 of the movable gear 700 is formed integrally with the movable gear 700 and is clamped to the coupling shaft part of the fixed gear 600 via the separating hole 640, which is formed between the body of the fixed gear 600 and the coupling shaft part 610. The coupling rotary part 710 is rotatably coupled to the coupling shaft part 610 and is also movable along the length of the coupling shaft part 610.

[0102] Several gear teeth 720 are formed on the inner surface of the movable gear 700. The multiple gear teeth 720 are formed at the other end of the movable gear 700, which is opposite the fixed gear 600.

[0103] This means that several gear teeth 620, 720 are formed on opposite sides of the other end of the fixed gear 600 and the other end of the movable gear 700. The grooves between the multiple gear teeth 620 formed on the fixed gear 600 can be designed such that their depth and width gradually increase as they approach the coupling shaft part 610. The multiple gear teeth 720 formed on the movable gear 700 can be designed to engage in grooves between the multiple gear teeth 620 formed on the fixed gear 600. This improves the engagement force of the fixed gear 600 and the movable gear 700.

[0104] In the movable gear 700, a second through-hole 730 can be formed between one end of the movable gear 700 and the other end of the movable gear 700. The other end of the rocker shaft 200 can pass through the second through-hole 730.

[0105] The first through-hole 630 of the fixed gear 600, through which the tilting shaft 200 passes, can be long in the tilting direction to facilitate tilting. The second through-hole 730 of the movable gear 600 can be elongated and oval in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first through-hole 630 of the fixed gear 600. The length of the first through-hole 630 can be longer than the length of the second through-hole 730. The length of the second through-hole 730 can be shorter than that of the first through-hole 630.

[0106] The longitudinal movement of the rocker shaft 200 when the rocker arm 300 is rotated causes the movable gear 700 to rotate about the coupling shaft part 610 and to engage or disengage with the fixed gear 600. The fact that the movable gear 700 is engaged with the fixed gear 600 can mean that the multiple gear teeth 620 formed on the outer surface of the fixed gear 600 mesh with the multiple gear teeth 720 formed on the inner surface of the movable gear 700.

[0107] This means that the movable gear 700 rotates around the coupling shaft part 610 in one direction towards the fixed gear 600, and thereby the several gear teeth 720, which are formed on the inner surface of the movable gear 700, engage with the several gear teeth 620, which are formed on the outer surface of the fixed gear 600, so that the rocker arm 300 can be in a locked state.

[0108] Furthermore, when the rocker arm 300 is in the unlocked state, the movable gear 700 rotates about the coupling shaft part 610 in a direction away from the fixed gear 600, thereby separating the multiple gear teeth 720 formed on the inner surface of the movable gear 700 from the multiple gear teeth 620 formed on the outer surface of the fixed gear 600, so that the rocker arm 300 can be in an unlocked state.

[0109] The coupling shaft part 610 can be formed in one piece with the fixed gear 600 by forming it together with the fixed gear 600 using a sintering process, when the fixed gear 600 is formed by the sintering process. Furthermore, the coupling rotary part 710 can be formed in one piece with the movable gear 700 by forming it together with the movable gear 700 using a sintering process, when the movable gear 700 is formed by the sintering process.

[0110] In contrast to the case where the fixed gear 600 and the coupling shaft part 610 are formed separately by a die-casting process and the fixed gear 600 and the coupling shaft part 610 are manufactured in separate configurations, the coupling strength of the fixed gear 600 and the coupling shaft part 610 is higher, so that deformation due to an external axial force can be prevented because the fixed gear 600 and the coupling shaft part 610 are formed in one piece by the sintering process. Furthermore, compared to the case where the fixed gear 600 and the movable gear 700 are formed by the die-casting process, the hardness of the fixed gear 600 and the movable gear 700 is higher, so it can be advantageous for maintaining the shape of the multiple gear teeth 620, 720, because the fixed gear 600 and the movable gear 700 are formed by the sintering process.

[0111] The coupling rotating part 710 of the movable gear 700 has an opening 715 on the opposite side of the surface of the movable gear 700, on which the multiple gear teeth 720 are formed. The coupling rotating part 710 can be rotatably coupled to the coupling shaft part 610 through the opening 715. The coupling rotating part 710 of the movable gear 700 can be easily coupled to the coupling shaft part 610 of the fixed gear 600 through the opening 715.

[0112] The coupling shaft part 610 of the fixed gear 600 comprises a curved part 611 and a flat part 612. The curved part 611 is formed as a curved surface corresponding to the inner circumferential surface of the coupling rotating part 710 and is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the coupling rotating part 710. The flat part 612 is formed on the opposite side of the curved part 611. The flat part 612 is shaped such that it protrudes on the opposite side of the curved part 611. The flat part 612 can face the opening 715 when the movable gear 700 is engaged with the fixed gear 600. Here, the curved section 611 can be formed with a section in which the movable gear 700 rotates, so that the rotation of the movable gear 700 through the curved part 611 can be smooth.Furthermore, the flat section 612 is formed by a section in which the movable gear 700 does not rotate. The weight of the coupling shaft part 610 can be reduced by the flat section 612, and the coupling shaft part 610 can be easily manufactured using the sintering process.

[0113] As described above, in the steering device 1 for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the fixed gear 600 and the movable gear 700 is formed by the sintering process, and thereby the strength and hardness of at least one of the fixed gear 600 and the movable gear 700 can be increased.

[0114] Furthermore, in the steering device 1 for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, the coupling axle part 610, which is provided on the fixed gear 600 and is rotatably coupled to the movable gear 700, is formed together with the fixed gear 600 by the sintering process and also integrally with the fixed gear 600 during the forming of the fixed gear 600, so that the coupling strength of the fixed gear 600 and the coupling axle part 610 is improved, thereby preventing deformation due to an external axial force. [Commercial Applicability]

[0115] The present invention provides a steering device for a vehicle in which the strength and hardness of at least one of the fixed gear (600) and the movable gear (700), which are components of a tilt adjustment device, are improved.

Claims

[1] Steering device (1) for a vehicle, comprising: a rocker shaft (200) designed to penetrate two opposite sides of a column housing (40) and having an end to which a rocker arm (300) is coupled; a fixed gear (600) which is attached to one of the opposite sides of the column housing (40) facing away from the rocker arm (300), wherein the fixed gear (600) is penetrated by the other end of the rocker shaft (200), and a coupling shaft part (610) is formed at one end of the fixed gear (600); and a movable gear (700) which is penetrated by the other end of the rocker shaft (200), wherein a coupling rotary part (710) is formed at one end of the movable gear (700) which is rotatably coupled to the coupling shaft part (610) and which is movable along a longitudinal extension of the coupling shaft part (610), wherein the movable gear (700) is configured to be brought into or out of engagement with the fixed gear (600) by being rotatable in an axial direction about the coupling shaft part (610) as the axis of rotation during a rotary actuation of the rocker arm (300) by a movement of the rocker shaft (200); wherein two opposite ends of the coupling shaft part (610) of the fixed gear (600) are formed integrally with the fixed gear (600), wherein an intermediate section between the two ends and the body of the fixed gear (600) is arranged such that a separating hole (640) is formed between the body of the fixed gear and the intermediate section, and wherein the coupling rotary part (710) of the movable gear (700) is formed integrally with the movable gear (700) and is captured by the separating hole (640) on the coupling part and inserted into and coupled to it, wherein a plurality of teeth (620, 720) are formed on opposite surfaces of the other end of the fixed gear (600) and the other end of the movable gear (700), wherein one side of the coupling rotary part (710), which is opposite the surface of the movable gear (700) on which the plurality of teeth (720) is formed, has an opening (715), and the coupling rotary part (710) is rotatably coupled to the coupling shaft part (610) through the opening (715), wherein the coupling axle part (610) comprises: a curved section (611) which is designed as a curved surface corresponding to an inner circumferential surface of the coupling rotating part (710) and is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the coupling rotating part (710); and a flat section (612) which is formed opposite the curved section (611), wherein the flat section (612) is shaped such that it protrudes on the opposite side of the curved part (611), and wherein the flat section (612) is formed by a section in which the movable gear (700) does not rotate. [2] Steering device (1) for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the fixed gear (600) is manufactured by sintering, and wherein the coupling shaft part (610) is manufactured in one piece with the fixed gear by sintering. [3] Steering device (1) for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the movable gear (700) is manufactured by sintering, and wherein the coupling rotary part (710) is manufactured in one piece with the movable gear (700) by sintering. [4] Steering device (1) for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the depth and width of the grooves formed between the plurality of teeth of the fixed gear (600) increase in the direction of the coupling shaft part (610), and wherein the several teeth formed on the movable gear (700) are designed such that they mesh with the grooves between the several teeth formed on the fixed gear (600). [5] Steering device (1) for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a first installation block part (41) having an outer surface designed as a flat surface is formed on one side of the column housing (40), wherein a second installation block part (42), which has an outer surface designed as a flat surface, is formed on the other side of the column housing (40), and wherein the tilting wave (200) penetrates the first installation block part (41) and the second installation block part (42). [6] Steering device (1) for a vehicle according to claim 5, further comprising: a mounting bracket comprising a first coupling plate part (71A) arranged on an outer surface of the first installation block part (41) and a second coupling plate part (71B) arranged on an outer surface of the second installation block part (42), wherein the tilting shaft (200) penetrates the first coupling plate part (71A) and the second coupling plate part (71B), and wherein the fixed gear (600) is fixedly arranged outside the second coupling plate part (71B). [7] Steering device (1) for a vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising: a nut (500) which is coupled to the other end of the tilting shaft (200), a first washer (810) which is arranged between the movable gear (700) and the nut (500) and is in contact with the movable gear (700), a second washer (820) which is arranged between the first washer (810) and the nut (500) and is in contact with the nut (500), and a needle roller cage (830) which is arranged between the first washer (810) and the second washer (820) and which has two opposing surfaces which are in contact with the respective first washer (810) and the second washer (820). [8] Steering device (1) for a vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising: a sleeve tube through which the tilting shaft (200) passes and which has an end which penetrates the fixed gear (600), wherein the sleeve tube is designed to support the movable gear (700) in a direction in which it can be disengaged from the fixed gear (600), an elastic element (920) penetrated by the tilting wave (200), and a motion block (930) which is penetrated by the tilting shaft (200) and has one side on which the other end of the bushing tube (910) is located, and another side on which an end of the elastic element (920) is located, wherein the motion block (930) is designed to move the bushing tube (910) by means of an elastic force of the elastic element (920) in the direction in which the movable gear (700) can be disengaged from the fixed gear (600).

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