STEERING DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE

Abstract

The present invention relates to a steering device for a vehicle, wherein the strength and hardness of the fixed gear and the coupling strength of the fixed gear and the coupling axle part are improved by arranging the coupling axle part of the fixed gear such that both ends are formed integrally with the fixed gear and a separating hole is formed between the two ends and the body of the fixed gear, and by forming the coupling rotary part of the movable gear integrally with the movable gear and engaging with the coupling axle part via the separating hole.

Description

[Technical field of the invention]

[0001] The present invention relates to a steering device for a vehicle and, more particularly, to a steering device for a vehicle equipped with a telescopic function. [Technical background of the invention]

[0002] Generally speaking, a vehicle steering device is a device that allows the driver to change the vehicle's direction at will. It includes a steering shaft that can rotate circumferentially, a steering wheel mounted on top of the steering shaft and held by the driver's hands, and a steering column that surrounds the outer periphery of the steering shaft.

[0003] When the driver holds the steering wheel with his hand and turns it, the steering shaft rotates in the direction of rotation of the steering wheel, and accordingly the left and right tie rods are moved in the axial direction by the steering gear meshed with the steering shaft, and thereby the steering knuckles attached to the left and right wheels are rotated, so that the wheels of the vehicle are steered with the front to the left or right.

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

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

[0006] Furthermore, the telescopic function is a function that can adjust the position of the steering wheel in the axial direction. The steering column includes an inner tube and a column housing. The inner tube surrounds the outer periphery of the steering shaft, and the column housing is configured to insert the inner tube. The inner tube is configured to move together with the steering shaft in the axial direction with respect to the column housing while surrounding the outer periphery of the steering shaft. The telescopic function also has the function of absorbing impact energy by folding the steering wheel and steering column during a vehicle collision.

[0007] The steering device for a vehicle is equipped with an operating lever that allows the driver to tilt or telescopically adjust the position of the steering wheel according to their physical abilities. This means that the driver can use the tilt or telescopic function after unlocking the operating lever by rotating it. After using the tilt or telescopic function, the driver can rotate the operating lever to its original position and re-lock it, thus fixing the position of the steering wheel.

[0008] Korean Patent No. 10-2053708 (December 9, 2019) (hereinafter referred to as “Prior Art”) discloses a “steering column tilting device.”

[0009] The prior art device comprises a tilting axis penetrating a tilting bracket, the operating lever coupled to one end of the tilting axis, and a fastening force maintaining means 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 to be rotatable about a rotation axis provided in the fixed gear and to be able to move along the rotation axis.

[0011] However, in the prior art, since 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 the gear teeth deforming during prolonged use. Furthermore, since the rotation axis provided in the fixed gear is formed separately from the fixed gear and mounted on the fixed gear, there was also the problem of the connection strength of the fixed gear and the rotation axis being low, resulting in deformation due to external axial forces. [Disclosure of the invention][Object of the invention]

[0012] 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 constituting the tilt adjusting device are improved.

[0013] Another technical object of the present invention is that the coupling axis part, which is provided on the fixed gear and is rotatably coupled to the movable gear, is formed together with the fixed gear when the fixed gear is formed and also integrally with the fixed gear, so that the coupling strength of the fixed gear and the coupling axis part is improved.

[0014] The technical object of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other objects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Technical solution]

[0015] To achieve the above-mentioned object, the steering device for a vehicle according to the present invention includes a tilt shaft, a fixed gear, and a movable gear. The tilt shaft penetrates both sides of the column housing. A rocker arm is coupled to one end of the tilt shaft. The fixed gear is fixed to one side of both sides of the column housing, which is remote from the rocker arm. The other end of the tilt shaft penetrates the fixed gear. A coupling axis portion is formed at one end of the fixed gear. The other end of the tilt shaft penetrates the movable gear. A coupling rotation portion is formed at one end of the movable gear. The coupling rotation portion is rotatably coupled to the coupling axis portion and can also move along the length of the coupling axis portion.When the rocker arm rotates, the axial movement of the rocker shaft rotates the movable gear around the coupling axis portion to engage or disengage from the fixed gear. The coupling axis portion of the fixed gear is arranged such that both ends are integrally formed with the fixed gear, and a separation hole is formed between the two ends and the fixed gear body. The coupling rotation portion of the movable gear is integrally formed with the movable gear and engages with the coupling axis portion via the separation hole.

[0016] The fixed gear may be formed using a sintering process. When the fixed gear is formed using a sintering process, the coupling axis part may be formed together with the fixed gear using a sintering process and formed integrally with the fixed gear.

[0017] The movable gear may be formed using a sintering process. When the movable gear is formed using a sintering process, the coupling rotary part may be formed together with the movable gear using a sintering process and formed integrally with the movable gear.

[0018] A plurality of gear teeth may be formed on opposite surfaces of the other end of the fixed gear and the other end of the movable gear. The coupling rotation part may be open on the opposite side of the movable gear on which the plurality of gear teeth are formed. The coupling rotation part may be rotatably coupled to the coupling axis part through the opening.

[0019] The coupling axis part may consist of a curved portion and a flat portion. The curved portion may be formed as a curved surface corresponding to the inner peripheral surface of the coupling rotary part and may be in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the coupling rotary part. The flat portion may be formed on an opposite side of the curved portion. When the movable gear meshes with the fixed gear, the flat portion may face the opening.

[0020] The grooves between the plurality of gear teeth formed on the fixed gear may be formed such that their depth and width gradually increase as they approach the coupling axis portion. The plurality of gear teeth formed on the movable gear may be formed such that they mesh with grooves between the plurality of gear teeth formed on the fixed gear.

[0021] A first installation block part may be formed on one side of the column housing. The outer surface of the first installation block part may be formed as a flat surface. A second installation block part may be formed within the column housing. The outer surface of the second installation block part may be formed as a flat surface. The tilt shaft may extend through the first installation block part and the second installation block part.

[0022] The steering device for a vehicle according to the present invention may further include a mounting bracket. A first coupling plate part and a second coupling plate part may be formed in the mounting bracket. The first coupling plate part may be arranged on an outer surface of the first installation block part. The second coupling plate part may be arranged on an outer surface of the second installation block part. The tilt shaft may pass through the first coupling plate part and the second coupling plate part. The fixed gear may be fixedly arranged on the outer side of the second coupling plate part.

[0023] The steering device for a vehicle according to the present invention may further include a nut, a first washer, a second washer, and a needle roller cage. The nut may be coupled to the other end of the tilt shaft. The first washer may be disposed between the movable gear and the nut. The first washer may contact the movable gear. The second washer may be disposed between the first washer and the nut. The second washer may contact the nut. The needle roller cage may be disposed between the first washer and the second washer. Both surfaces of the needle roller cage may contact the first washer and the second washer, respectively.

[0024] The steering device for a vehicle according to the present invention may further comprise a bushing tube, an elastic member, and a moving block. The rocking shaft may pass through the bushing tube. One end of the bushing tube may penetrate the fixed gear and support the movable gear in a direction in which it is disengaged from the fixed gear. The rocking shaft may pass through the elastic member. The rocking shaft may pass through the moving block. The other end of the bushing tube may be fitted on one side of the moving block. One end of the elastic member may be fitted on the other side of the moving block. The moving block may 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 member.

[0025] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the description and figures. [Effects of the invention]

[0026] 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 formed by the sintering process, and thereby the strength and hardness of at least one of the fixed gear and the movable gear are increased.

[0027] Furthermore, the steering device for a vehicle according to the present invention also has the effect that the coupling axis part provided on the fixed gear and rotatably coupled to the movable gear is molded together with the fixed gear by the sintering method when molding the fixed gear and is also molded integrally with the fixed gear, so that the coupling strength of the fixed gear and the coupling axis part is improved, whereby deformation due to an external axial force can be prevented.

[0028] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims. [Brief description of the drawings] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a side showing a steering apparatus for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a partial perspective view of the other side showing a steering apparatus for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the main components of the Fig. 2 shown steering device for a vehicle; Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the portion where the tilt adjusting 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 tilt arm; Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the portion where the tilt adjusting 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 side showing the Fig. 3 shows the fixed gear and the movable gear; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the other side showing the Fig. 3 shows the fixed gear and the movable gear; Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a side showing the coupled state of the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 shows the fixed gear and the movable gear; and Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the other side showing the coupled state of the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 shows the fixed gear and the movable gear. List of reference symbols 1 steering device for a vehicle 40 column housings 71 Mounting bracket 71A first coupling plate part 71B second coupling plate part 200 tilt shaft 300 rocker arms 500 mother 600 fixed gear 610 coupling axle part 611 curved part 612 flat part 620, 720 gear tooth 640 Separation hole 700 movable gear 710 coupling turned part 715 Opening 810 first washer 820 second washer 830 needle roller cage 910 bushing tube 920 elastic element 930 Movement Block [Embodiments of the invention]

[0029] Hereinafter, a steering apparatus for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the figures.

[0030] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one side showing a steering apparatus for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] With reference to the Fig. 1, the steering device 1 for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a steering shaft 10 and a steering column 20.

[0032] The steering shaft 10 may penetrate the steering column 20 in the axial direction. Here, the axial direction may mean the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft 10, and in the following description, the axial direction may mean the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft 10.

[0033] 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 support the steering shaft 10.

[0034] The steering shaft 10 may be arranged to rotate circumferentially. A steering wheel (not shown) may be coupled to one end of the steering shaft 10. The steering wheel may be arranged near the instrument panel in front of the driver's seat in the vehicle interior and held by the driver's hands to steer the vehicle's wheels. That is, while the vehicle is traveling, the driver may hold the steering wheel with his hand and turn it to the left to change the vehicle's direction of travel to the left, and may hold the steering wheel with his hand and turn it to the right to change the vehicle's direction of travel to the right.

[0035] The steering column 20 may include an inner tube 30 and a column housing 40.

[0036] The inner tube 30 may surround the outer circumference of the steering shaft 10. The steering shaft 10 may be arranged to rotate circumferentially relative to the inner tube 30. A ball bearing may 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 may be coupled to the inner tube 30 via the ball bearing for rotation in the circumferential direction. The inner tube 30 may be arranged to be movable in the axial direction together with the steering shaft 10.

[0037] The steering shaft 10 may be divided into two parts and include a first shaft and a second shaft. The first shaft may be tubular, one end of the second shaft may be inserted inside the first shaft, and the other end of the second shaft may be arranged to protrude from the first shaft and may be rotatably coupled to the column housing 40 via a ball bearing. The first shaft may 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.

[0038] The column housing 40 may surround the outer periphery of the inner tube 30. A portion of the inner tube 30 may be inserted into the interior of the column housing 40 through one end of the column housing 40, and the remaining portion of the inner tube 30 may be protruded outward from the column housing 40 through one end of the column housing 40. The inner tube 30 may penetrate the column housing 40 in the axial direction. The inner tube 30 may be installed in the column housing 40 so that it can move in the axial direction. The column housing 40 may support the inner tube 30 so that it can move in the axial direction.

[0039] The column housing 40 can be installed on the vehicle body. Mounting brackets 71, 72 can be coupled to the column housing 40, and the column housing 40 can be installed on the vehicle body via the mounting brackets 71, 72. The mounting brackets 71 and 72 can include a first mounting bracket 71 installed at the upper end of the column housing 40 and a second mounting bracket 72 installed at the lower end of the column housing 40.

[0040] A tilt adjustment device 100 can be installed in the column housing 40.

[0041] The tilt adjustment device 100 may include a tilt lever 300, and the user may rotate the tilt lever 300 to one side to unlock it and then adjust the inclination of the column housing 40 with respect to the mounting brackets 71, 72 to suit his or her physical condition.

[0042] The adjustment of the inclination of the column housing 40 with respect to the mounting brackets 71, 72 may be referred to as tilt adjustment, and after the tilt adjustment, the user can lock the tilt lever 300 by turning it to the other side.

[0043] In addition, the user can rotate the rocker arm 300 to one side to unlock it and spread the column housing 40 outward so that the inner peripheral surface of the column housing 40 is loosely applied to the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube 30, and then adjust the length of the inner tube 30 relative to the column housing 40 according to his physical condition.

[0044] The adjustment of the length of the inner tube 30 relative to the column housing 40 may be referred to as telephoto adjustment, and after the telephoto adjustment, the user can rotate and lock the rocker arm 300 to the other side to contract the column housing 40 inward so that the inner peripheral surface of the column housing 40 is tightly abutted against the outer peripheral 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.

[0045] Fig. 2 is a partial perspective view of the other side showing a steering apparatus for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] With reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a pair of installation block parts 41, 42 may be formed at the upper end of the column housing 40. The outer surface of the pair of installation block parts 41, 42 may comprise a flat surface. A pair of installation block parts 41, 42 may be arranged on opposite sides in the radial direction of the inner tube 30.

[0047] Hereinafter, of the pair of installation block parts 41, 42, one installation block part 41 arranged close to the rocker arm 300 is referred to and described as a first installation block part 41, and the other installation block part 42 is referred to and described as a second installation block part 42.

[0048] The first installation block part 41 may form one side of the column housing 40 and the second installation block part 42 may form the other side of the column housing 40.

[0049] A first coupling plate part 71A and a second coupling plate part 71B facing each other may be formed on the first mounting bracket 71. The first coupling plate part 71A may be arranged on one side of the column housing 40, and the second coupling plate part 71B may be arranged on the other side of the column housing 40. That is, the first coupling plate part 71A may be coupled to the outside of the first installation block part 41, and the second coupling plate part 71B may be coupled to the outside of the second installation block part 42.

[0050] The tilt adjustment device 100 may include a tilt shaft 200, a tilt lever 300, a first tilt cam 320, a second tilt cam 400, and a nut 500.

[0051] The tilt shaft 200 may have a predetermined length extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft 10. The tilt shaft 200 may penetrate the first installation block part 41 and the second installation block part 42. That is, the tilt shaft 200 may penetrate both sides of the column housing 40. The tilt shaft 200 may extend straight in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft 10. A tilt arm 300 may be coupled to one end of the tilt shaft 200, and a nut 500 may be coupled to the other end of the tilt shaft 200.

[0052] The rocker arm 300 can be formed 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 to rotate about the point where it is coupled to the rocker shaft 200.

[0053] A first rocker cam 320 may be coupled to the inner surface of the other end of the rocker arm 300. One end of the rocker shaft 200 may 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 may be formed in the center of the first rocker cam 320, through which one end of the rocker shaft 200 passes.

[0054] The second rocker cam 400 may be installed on the outer surface of the first coupling plate part 71A of the mounting bracket 71, and the rocker shaft 200 may penetrate the center of the second rocker cam 400. A shaft through-hole through which the rocker shaft 200 passes may be formed in the center of the second rocker cam 400.

[0055] When the user rotates the rocker arm 300 to lock or unlock, the rocker shaft 200 can be moved longitudinally by engagement of the first rocker cam 320 and the second rocker cam 400.

[0056] The rocker shaft 200 is installed to be 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.

[0057] In particular, a plurality of cam protrusions may be formed on opposite surfaces of the first rocker cam 320 and the second rocker cam 400. The plurality of cam protrusions formed on the first rocker cam 320 and the plurality of cam protrusions formed on the second rocker cam 400 may be formed to be spaced apart from each other in the rotational direction of the rocker arm 300.

[0058] The shapes of the plurality of cam protrusions formed on the first rocking cam 320 and the plurality of cam protrusions formed on the second rocking cam 400 may be triangular, but may be changed into various shapes other than triangles.

[0059] When the rocker arm 300 rotates, the plurality of cam protrusions formed on the first rocker cam 320 and the plurality of cam protrusions formed on the second rocker cam 400 come into contact with each other and can rotate together with the rocker arm 300. At this time, the plurality of cam protrusions formed on the first rocker cam 320 move inward or outward along the plurality of cam protrusions formed on the second rocker cam 400, so that the rocker arm 300 can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the shaft 200. When the rocker arm 300 is moved inward, the rocker arm 300 can be unlocked, and when the rocker arm 300 is moved outward, the rocker arm 300 can be locked.

[0060] Meanwhile, with the rocker arm 300 unlocked, the driver moves the inner tube 30 in the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft 10 relative to the column housing 40 to adjust the position of the steering wheel to their physical characteristics. The driver can then lock the rocker arm 300 to prevent the inner tube 30 from moving in the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft 10 relative to the column housing 40.

[0061] In the unlocked position of the rocker arm 300, the inner tube 30 is capable of moving in the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft 10 relative to the column housing 40. Furthermore, in the locked position of the rocker arm 300, the inner tube 30 is not capable of moving in the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft 10 relative to the column housing 40.

[0062] That is, 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.

[0063] In this way, when the rocker arm 300 rotates, the first rocker cam 320 can move outward along with the second rocker cam 400. At this time, the inner peripheral surface of the column housing 40 loosely abuts the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube 30, allowing the inner tube 30 to move in the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft 10 relative to the column housing 40. This allows the driver to move the inner tube 30 in the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft 10 to adjust the position of the steering wheel to their physical condition.

[0064] If the driver wants 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.

[0065] In this way, when the rocker arm 300 rotates, the first rocker cam 320 can move inward together with the second rocker cam 400. At this time, the inner peripheral surface of the column housing 40 tightly abuts the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube 30, so that the inner tube 30 can be fixed so that it does not move in the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft 10 with respect to the column housing 40.

[0066] A slit 44 may be formed in the column housing 40 between the first installation block part 41 and the second installation block part 42. The slit 44 may be formed long in the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft 10 on the outer peripheral surface of the column housing 40. The slit 44 may be formed to open on the outer peripheral surface of the column housing 40. Since the slit 44 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the column housing 40, when the rocker arm 300 is in the locked position, the column housing 40 is contracted inward so that the inner peripheral surface of the column housing 40 can be tightly abutted against the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube 30, and the column housing 40 is expanded outward so that the inner peripheral surface of the column housing 40 can be loosely abutted against the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube 30 when the rocker arm 300 is in the unlocked position.

[0067] The tilt shaft 200 may be arranged further outward than the slot 44 when it penetrates both sides of the column housing 40, and a part of the inner tube 30 may be arranged further inward than the slot 44 when it is inserted into the interior of the column housing 40.

[0068] On the other hand, in the steering device 1 for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, when an external impact is applied 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 when the inner tube 30 moves in the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft 10 with respect to the column housing 40 in the unlocked position of the rocker arm 300 due to its own weight, the inner tube 30 can no longer be moved in the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft 10 at a certain position, so that the driver can easily adjust the position of the inner tube 30.

[0069] For this purpose, a stopper 31 may be formed to protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube 30. When the inner tube 30 is moved in the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft 10, the stopper 31 can be moved within the slot 44 in the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft 10.

[0070] The stopper 31 may be arranged to protrude from the inside of the inner tube 30 through a hole formed in the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube 30 to the outside of the inner tube 30. However, the stopper 31 may also be formed to protrude directly from the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube 30.

[0071] The stopper 31 can move along the slot 44 when the inner tube 30 is moved in the axial direction due to an external impact in the locked position of the rocker arm 300. Therefore, the inner tube 30 does not rotate in the circumferential direction but moves precisely in the longitudinal direction of the slot 44 when an external impact is applied due to a vehicle collision, which can prevent the driver from hitting the steering wheel and thus being seriously injured.

[0072] When the inner tube 30 is moved in the axial direction due to its own weight in the unlocked position of the rocker arm 300, the stopper 31 contacts the stopper projection (not shown) installed on the rocker shaft 200, and thus can limit the axial movement of the inner tube 30. When the driver moves the rocker arm 300 to the unlocked position to adjust the position of the steering wheel to their physical condition, the movement of the inner tube 30 in the axial direction can be limited due to its own weight, allowing the driver to easily adjust the position of the inner tube.

[0073] When the rocker arm 300 is locked, the stopper protrusion can be moved to a position where the stopper 31 is not pinched even when the inner tube 30 is moved in the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft 10. Therefore, when an external impact occurs during a vehicle collision with the rocker arm 300 locked, the inner tube 30 can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft 10 with respect to the column housing 40 due to the external impact.

[0074] In the unlocked state of the rocker arm 300, the stop projection may be arranged at a position where the stop 31 is clamped when the inner tube 30 is moved in the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft 10.

[0075] Therefore, when the driver moves the rocker arm 300 to the unlocked position to adjust the position of the steering wheel to his physical condition, the inner tube 30 is moved due to its own weight in the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft 10 with respect to the column housing 40, and thereby the stopper 31 is moved along the slot 44 in the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft 10 and clamped by the stopper projection.

[0076] 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 in order to adapt the position of the steering wheel to his physical conditions.

[0077] Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the main components of the Fig. 2 shown steering device for a vehicle, Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the portion where the tilt adjusting 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. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the portion where the tilt adjusting 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.

[0078] Referring to the Fig. 3 to 5, the tilt adjustment device 100 may further include 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 member 920, and a moving block 930.

[0079] The tilt 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.

[0080] One end of the bushing tube 910 can be inserted into the second washer 820 through the fixed gear 600, the movable gear 700, the first washer 810, and the needle roller cage 830. 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.

[0081] Furthermore, one end of the tilt shaft 200 may pass through the first tilt cam 320 and be coupled to the rocker arm 300, and the remaining part of the tilt shaft 200 may penetrate the second tilt cam 400, the first coupling plate part 71A, the first installation block part 41, the elastic member 920, the moving 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 tilt shaft 200 passes may be formed in the second tilt cam 400, the first coupling plate part 71A, the first installation block part 41, the elastic member 920, the moving 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.

[0082] The nut 500 is coupled to the other end of the tilt shaft 200 by caulking, so that the tilt adjusting device 100 can be fixed so as not to be separated from the first installation block part 41 and the second installation block part 42 of the column housing 40.

[0083] The fixed gear 600 may be fixedly installed on one of the two sides of the column housing 40 that is farther from the rocker arm 300. That is, the fixed gear 600 may 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 may be fixedly installed on the outer surface of the second coupling plate part 71B, and the movable gear 700 may be rotatably coupled to the fixed gear 600.

[0084] When the rocker arm 300 is in a locked state, the movable gear 700 can be engaged with the fixed gear 600, and when the rocker arm 300 is in an unlocked state, the movable gear 700 can be disengaged from the fixed gear 600.

[0085] The first washer 810 may be disposed between the movable gear 700 and the nut 500. The first washer 810 may be disposed between the movable gear 700 and the second washer 820. The first washer 810 may be disposed between the movable gear 700 and the needle roller cage 830. The first washer 810 may be in contact with the movable gear 700.

[0086] The second washer 820 may be disposed between the first washer 810 and the nut 500. The second washer 820 may be disposed between the movable gear 700 and the nut 500. The second washer 820 may be disposed between the needle roller cage 830 and the nut 500. The second washer 820 may be in contact with the nut 500.

[0087] The needle roller cage 830 may be disposed between the first washer 810 and the second washer 820. The needle roller cage 830 may be disposed between the movable gear 700 and the nut 500. The needle roller cage 830 may be disposed between the first washer 810 and the nut 500. The needle roller cage 830 may be disposed between the movable gear 700 and the second washer 820. Both surfaces of the needle roller cage 830 may be in contact with the first washer 810 and the second washer 820, respectively. The needle roller cage 830 may be formed of a material having elastic force, and in this embodiment, a rubber material.

[0088] One end of the bushing tube 910 can penetrate the fixed gear 600 and support the movable gear 700 in a 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 of the bushing tube 910. Therefore, a step can be formed on the outer surface of the bushing tube 910 between one end of the bushing tube 910 and the other end of the bushing tube 910, and this step is clamped by the movable gear 700 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.

[0089] The elastic member 920 may have an elastic force that allows the movable gear 700 to detach from the fixed gear 600 when the rocker arm 300 is unlocked. The elastic member 920 may be formed as a coil spring. However, the elastic member 920 does not necessarily have to be formed as a coil spring and may be formed of any material with an elastic force that can detach the movable gear 700 from the fixed gear 600 when the rocker arm 300 is unlocked.

[0090] The elastic member 920 may have an elastic force that allows the movable gear 700 to detach from the fixed gear 600 when the rocker arm 300 is unlocked. The elastic member 920 may be configured as a coil spring. However, the elastic member 920 does not necessarily have to be configured as a coil spring and may include any member having an elastic force that can detach the movable gear 700 from the fixed gear 600 when the rocker arm 300 is unlocked.

[0091] The other end of the bushing tube 910 can be seated on one side of the moving block 930. One end of the elastic member 920 can be seated on the other side of the moving block 930. The moving 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 member 920. That is, when the bushing tube 910 is moved by the elastic force of the elastic member 920, the movable gear 700 can be rotated by the bushing tube 910 and disengaged from the fixed gear 600.

[0092] The elastic member 920 and the movement block 930 may be arranged inside the column housing 40, and one end of the bushing tube 910 may be arranged outside the column housing 40 and the other end of the bushing tube 910 may be arranged inside the column housing 40.

[0093] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a side showing the Fig. 3 shows the fixed gear and the movable gear, Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the other side showing the Fig. 3 shows the fixed gear and the movable gear, Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a side showing the coupled state of the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 shown fixed gear and movable gear, and Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the other side showing the coupled state of the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 shows the fixed gear and the movable gear.

[0094] With reference to the Fig.4 to 9, a coupling axis portion 610 may be formed at one end of the fixed gear 600. The coupling axis portion 610 of the fixed gear 600 may be arranged such that both ends are integrally formed with the fixed gear 600, and a separation hole 640 is formed between the two ends and the body of the fixed gear 600.

[0095] A plurality of gear teeth 620 may be formed on the outer surface of the fixed gear 600. A plurality of gear teeth 620 may at the other end of the fixed gear 600, which is opposite to the movable gear 700.

[0096] A first through-hole 630 may be formed in the fixed gear 600 between one end of the fixed gear 600 and the other end of the fixed gear 600. The other end of the tilt shaft 200 may pass through the first through-hole 630.

[0097] On the surface of the fixed gear 600 facing the second coupling plate part 71B, a press-fitting part 650 that is press-fitted into a hole formed in the second coupling plate part 71B may be protruded. The press-fitting part 650 is formed to surround the first through-hole 630 and may be formed with both ends thereof open in the longitudinal direction of the coupling axis part 610. On the peripheral surface of the press-fitting part 650, a plurality of press-fitting protrusions spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction may be formed. The plurality of press-fitting protrusions may be press-fitted into the inner peripheral surface of the hole formed in the second coupling plate part 71B.

[0098] At one end of the movable gear 700, a coupling rotary part 710 may be formed, which is rotatably coupled to the coupling axis part 610 of the fixed gear 600. The coupling rotary part 710 of the movable gear 700 is integrally formed with the movable gear 700 and can be clampingly coupled to the coupling axis part of the fixed gear 600 via the separation hole 640 formed between the body of the fixed gear 600 and the coupling axis part 610. The coupling rotary part 710 may be rotatably coupled to the coupling axis part 610 and may also be movable along the length of the coupling axis part 610.

[0099] A plurality of gear teeth 720 may be formed on the inner surface of the movable gear 700. A plurality of gear teeth 720 may be formed at the other end of the movable gear 700, which is opposite to the fixed gear 600.

[0100] That is, a plurality of gear teeth 620, 720 may be formed on opposite sides of the other end of the fixed gear 600 and the other end of the movable gear 700. Here, the grooves between the plurality of gear teeth 620 formed on the fixed gear 600 may be formed such that their depth and width gradually increase as they approach the coupling axis part 610. The plurality of gear teeth 720 formed on the movable gear 700 may be formed such that they mesh with the grooves between the plurality of gear teeth 620 formed on the fixed gear 600. This can improve the engagement force of the fixed gear 600 and the movable gear 700.

[0101] A second through-hole 730 may be formed in the movable gear 700 between one end of the movable gear 700 and the other end of the movable gear 700. The other end of the tilt shaft 200 may pass through the second through-hole 730.

[0102] The first through-hole 630 of the fixed gear 600, through which the tilt shaft 200 passes, may be long in the tilt adjustment direction to enable tilt adjustment. The second through-hole 730 of the movable gear 600 may be formed in an elongated oval shape 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 may be longer than the length of the second through-hole 730. The length of the second through-hole 730 may be shorter than the first through-hole 630.

[0103] Due to the longitudinal movement of the rocker shaft 200 when the rocker arm 300 rotates, the movable gear 700 is rotated about the coupling axis part 610 and can be engaged or disengaged with the fixed gear 600. Here, the engagement of the movable gear 700 with the fixed gear 600 may mean that the plurality of gear teeth 620 formed on the outer surface of the fixed gear 600 mesh with the plurality of gear teeth 720 formed on the inner surface of the movable gear 700.

[0104] That is, the movable gear 700 rotates about the coupling axis part 610 in a direction toward the fixed gear 600, and thereby the plurality of gear teeth 720 formed on the inner surface of the movable gear 700 mesh with the plurality of gear teeth 620 formed on the outer surface of the fixed gear 600, so that the rocker arm 300 can be in a locked state.

[0105] In addition, when the rocker arm 300 is in the unlocked state, the movable gear 700 rotates about the coupling axis part 610 in a direction away from the fixed gear 600, and thereby the plurality of gear teeth 720 formed on the inner surface of the movable gear 700 are separated from the plurality of 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.

[0106] The coupling axis part 610 can be formed integrally 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 integrally 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.

[0107] Compared with the case where the fixed gear 600 and the coupling axis part 610 are separately formed by a die-casting process and the fixed gear 600 and the coupling axis part 610 are manufactured in separate configurations, the coupling strength of the fixed gear 600 and the coupling axis part 610 is higher, so that deformation due to an external axial force can be prevented because the fixed gear 600 and the coupling axis part 610 are integrally formed by the sintering process. In addition, compared with the case where the fixed gear 600 and the movable gear 700 are formed by the die-casting method, the hardness of the fixed gear 600 and the movable gear 700 is higher, so that it can be advantageous for maintaining the shape of the plurality of gear teeth 620, 720 because the fixed gear 600 and the movable gear 700 are formed by the sintering method.

[0108] The coupling rotation portion 710 of the movable gear 700 may have an opening 715 on the opposite side of the surface of the movable gear 700 on which the plurality of gear teeth 720 are formed. The coupling rotation portion 710 may be rotatably coupled to the coupling axis portion 610 through the opening 715. The coupling rotation portion 710 of the movable gear 700 may be easily coupled to the coupling axis portion 610 of the fixed gear 600 through the opening 715.

[0109] The coupling axis part 610 of the fixed gear 600 may include a curved part 611 and a flat part 612. The curved part 611 is formed as a curved surface corresponding to the inner peripheral surface of the coupling rotary part 710 and may be in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the coupling rotary part 710. The flat part 612 may be formed on the opposite side of the curved part 611. The flat part 612 may be shaped to protrude on the opposite side of the curved part 611. The flat part 612 may face the opening 715 when the movable gear 700 is engaged with the fixed gear 600. Here, the curved portion 611 may be formed with a portion in which the movable gear 700 rotates, so that the rotation of the movable gear 700 can be smoothly performed by the curved part 611.Furthermore, the flat portion 612 may be formed by a portion where the movable gear 700 does not rotate. The weight of the coupling axis part 610 can be reduced by the flat portion 612, and the coupling axis part 610 can be easily manufactured using the sintering method.

[0110] 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.

[0111] Moreover, in the steering device 1 for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, the coupling axis part 610 provided on the fixed gear 600 and rotatably coupled to the movable gear 700 is molded together with the fixed gear 600 by the sintering method when molding the fixed gear 600, and is also molded integrally with the fixed gear 600, so that the coupling strength of the fixed gear 600 and the coupling axis part 610 is improved, whereby deformation due to an external axial force can be prevented.

[0112] Those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates will understand that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without changing its technical spirit or essential features. Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims described below, rather than by the detailed description above, and any changes or modified forms that occur within the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalent concepts should be construed as falling within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0113] The present invention provides 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 a tilt adjusting device, are improved. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] KR 10-2053708

[0008]

Claims

[1] Steering device for a vehicle, comprising: a tilt shaft configured to penetrate two opposite sides of a column housing and having one end to which a tilt lever is coupled; a fixed gear fixed to one of the opposite sides of the column housing facing away from the rocker arm, the fixed gear being penetrated by the other end of the rocker shaft, and a coupling axis part being formed at one end of the fixed gear; and a movable gear penetrated by the other end of the tilt shaft, wherein a coupling rotary part is formed at one end of the movable gear, which is rotatably coupled to the coupling axis part and which is movable along a longitudinal extent of the coupling axis part, wherein the movable gear is configured to be brought into or out of engagement with the fixed gear by being rotatable about the coupling axis part as a rotation axis during a rotational operation of the rocker arm by a movement of the tilt shaft in an axial direction; wherein two opposite ends of the coupling axis part of the fixed gear are formed integrally with the fixed gear, wherein an intermediate portion is arranged between the two ends and the body of the fixed gear so that a separation hole is formed between the body of the fixed gear and the intermediate portion, and wherein the coupling rotary part of the movable gear is formed integrally with the movable gear and is caught and inserted into and coupled with the coupling part through the separation hole. [2] Steering device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the fixed gear is produced by sintering, and wherein the coupling axis part is manufactured integrally with the fixed gear by sintering. [3] Steering device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the movable gear is manufactured by sintering, and wherein the coupling rotary part is manufactured integrally with the movable gear by sintering. [4] Steering device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of teeth are formed on opposite surfaces of the other end of the fixed gear and the other end of the movable gear, and wherein a side of the coupling rotary member opposite to the surface of the movable gear on which the plurality of teeth are formed has an opening, and wherein the coupling rotary part is rotatably coupled to the coupling axis part through the opening. [5] A steering device for a vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the coupling axis part comprises: a curved portion formed as a curved surface corresponding to an inner peripheral surface of the coupling rotary member and in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the coupling rotary member; and a flat portion formed opposite to the curved portion and facing the opening when the movable gear is engaged with the fixed gear. [6] Steering device for a vehicle according to claim 4, wherein a depth and a width of grooves formed between the plurality of teeth of the fixed gear increase toward the coupling axis part, and wherein the plurality of teeth formed on the movable gear are formed to mesh with the grooves between the plurality of teeth formed on the fixed gear. [7] Steering device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a first installation block part having an outer surface formed as a flat surface is formed on one side of the column housing, wherein a second installation block part having an outer surface formed as a flat surface is formed on the other side of the column housing, and wherein the tilting shaft penetrates the first installation block part and the second installation block part. [8] Steering device for a vehicle according to claim 7, additionally comprising: a mounting bracket having a first coupling plate part arranged on an outer surface of the first installation block part and a second coupling plate part arranged on an outer surface of the second installation block part, wherein the tilting shaft penetrates the first coupling plate part and the second coupling plate part, and wherein the fixed gear is fixedly arranged outside the second coupling plate part. [9] Steering device for a vehicle according to claim 1, additionally comprising: a nut coupled to the other end of the tilt shaft, a first washer disposed between the movable gear and the nut and in contact with the movable gear, a second washer disposed between the first washer and the nut and in contact with the nut, and a needle roller cage disposed between the first washer and the second washer and having two opposing surfaces in contact with the respective first washer and the second washer. [10] Steering device for a vehicle according to claim 1, additionally comprising: a sleeve tube through which the tilting shaft passes and which has one end which penetrates the fixed gear, the sleeve tube being adapted to support the movable gear in a direction in which it can be disengaged from the fixed gear, an elastic element penetrated by the tilting shaft, and a movement block penetrated by the tilting shaft and having one side on which the other end of the bushing tube is seated and another side on which one end of the elastic element is seated, wherein the movement block is adapted to move the bushing tube by an elastic force of the elastic element in the direction in which the movable gear is disengageable from the fixed gear.

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