Steering unit

Abstract

To provide a steering unit that stably exerts an impact absorption feature.SOLUTION: A steering unit includes an inner tube 1 accompanied with a steering wheel, a column housing that retains the tube 1 so that the tube can enter or leave, a drive mechanism that causes the tube 1 to enter or leave by means of a drive member 4 which reciprocates along a shaft center X of the housing, an impact absorption member 3 that is included in one of the drive member 4 and tube 1 and has a deformation part 32, and an affecting part 7 that is included in the other one of the drive member 4 and tube 1, and affects the deformation part 32 so that the deformation part 32 plastically deforms. The drive member 4, the impact absorption member 3, and the affecting part 7 are secured by a securing member 6. The drive member 4 includes a posture stabilization part 5 having a first abutting part 511 which abuts on the tube 1 when a predetermined pushing or pulling load acts on the tube 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a steering device having a shock absorbing member between an inner tube to which a steering wheel is attached and a column housing that holds the inner tube so that the inner tube can be moved forward and backward. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, such a steering device has been disclosed, for example, in Patent Document 1 (see

[0013] to

[0016] and Figs. 1 to 4).

[0003] In a conventional steering device, an inner tube to which a steering wheel is attached is inserted into a column housing so as to be movable forward and backward. The inner tube is driven by a drive mechanism provided in the column housing. The drive mechanism includes a screw and a drive member that reciprocates with the screw. However, the drive member is temporarily fixed to an action portion provided in the inner tube, and the temporary fixation is released when the inner tube receives an impact pushing force or the like. This release causes relative movement between the drive member and the inner tube, and a first impact absorbing member attached to the drive member is plastically deformed by the action portion. This absorbs the impact force acting on the steering wheel.

[0004] In this prior art, the three members, particularly the drive member, the first shock absorbing member, and the action portion, are fixed by a single fixing member, which simplifies the fixing structure of these members and improves the ease of assembly.

[0005] In addition, since the drive member and the operating part are fixed by a fixing member, there is no need to utilize the bending rigidity of the first impact absorbing member when moving the inner tube forward and backward as in normal operation, and the unity between the column housing and the inner tube is improved, resulting in a highly rigid steering device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-152635 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In the above-mentioned conventional steering device, the position of the drive member where the screw of the drive mechanism is screwed and the position where the drive member is fixed to the action part are offset in a direction perpendicular to the extending / retracting direction of the inner tube. Therefore, when an external force acts on the inner tube in the extending / retracting direction, a force in the opposite direction acts on the screwing position and the fixed position, causing the attitude of the drive member to tilt.

[0008] In particular, when the external force is strong, the driving member may tilt significantly and unnecessarily interfere with other objects such as the acting part or the inner tube, etc. As a result, the driving member is prevented from separating from the acting part, the deformation part of the first shock absorbing member cannot deform appropriately, and the shock absorbing function is impaired.

[0009] Thus, there are still problems to be solved with the shock absorbing mechanisms of conventional steering devices, and there is a demand for a steering device that can stably exhibit shock absorbing function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] (Features) The steering device according to the present invention has the following characteristic configuration: an inner tube having a vehicle steering wheel attached to one end thereof; a column housing that holds the inner tube so that the inner tube can extend and retract along an axis of the inner tube; a drive mechanism that moves the inner tube forward and backward via a drive member that is attached to the column housing and reciprocates along the axis; an impact absorbing member provided integrally with one of the driving member and the inner tube, the impact absorbing member having a deformation portion; an action portion provided on the other of the drive member and the inner tube, the action portion acting on the deformation portion to plastically deform the deformation portion, the driving member, the shock absorbing member, and the action portion are fixed to each other by a fixing member, and the plastic deformation occurs when a predetermined pushing load or tensile load along the axis acts on the inner tube, The driving member is provided with a posture stabilizing portion having a first contact portion that contacts the inner tube when the predetermined pushing load or tensile load acts on the inner tube.

[0011] (effect) With this configuration, when plastic deformation occurs in the shock absorbing member during a vehicle collision, the attitude of the drive member is stabilized, and the relative attitude between the drive member and the shock absorbing member, or between the drive member and the action part, or unexpected interference between them is unlikely to occur. In other words, the separation between the drive member and the action part and the deformation of the shock absorbing member are performed in an appropriate state. Therefore, a steering device with excellent operational stability can be obtained, with the shock absorbing function being reliably exhibited.

[0012] (Features) In the steering device according to the present invention, the deformation portion includes a winding portion that is wound around the action portion in a semicircular arc shape, and a long portion that is connected to the winding portion and disposed along a longitudinal direction of the inner tube, It is preferable that the posture stabilization portion extends from the driving member along the longitudinal direction of the inner tube, has a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the extension direction that is approximately T-shaped, and the first abutment portion is formed at the tip of this T-shaped portion, and is configured to face the inner tube while avoiding interference with the long portion.

[0013] (effect) In this configuration, the attitude stabilizing part extending from the driving member is disposed opposite the surface of the inner tube while avoiding the long part of the shock absorbing member. Therefore, even if an external force acts on the inner tube in the protruding / retracting direction and the driving member is about to tilt, the first abutment part of the attitude stabilizing part immediately abuts against the surface of the inner tube, and the attitude change caused in the driving member can be kept to a minimum.

[0014] In addition, a space for inserting the long portion can be secured on both sides of the T-shaped portion, which also serves as a guide when the long portion undergoes plastic deformation. Therefore, the shock absorbing member does not deform undesirably and exhibits the desired shock absorbing function.

[0015] (Features) In the steering device of the present invention, it is advantageous if a second abutment portion is provided on the posture stabilizing portion which abuts against the acting portion when the inner tube receives an external force along the longitudinal direction such that the first abutment portion moves away from the surface of the inner tube.

[0016] (effect) The second abutment portion of this configuration functions effectively when an external force acting on the inner tube acts to separate the first abutment portion from the surface of the inner tube, rather than pressing the first abutment portion against the surface of the inner tube. In other words, no matter which direction the driving member tries to tilt along the axis, the first abutment portion or the second abutment portion abuts against the action portion, thereby restricting the change in the attitude of the driving member. By providing the attitude stabilizing portion with two abutment portions as in this configuration, the function of the attitude stabilizing portion is further improved. The number of parts required for this purpose remains the same, and the structure is not complicated, and the shock absorbing function of the shock absorbing member is more appropriately exhibited.

[0017] (Features) In the steering device of the present invention, the action portion is fixed to the inner tube, and the action portion, the impact absorbing member, and the driving member are fixed by the fixing member along the normal direction of the inner tube, and a groove portion into which the posture stabilization portion fits may be formed in the action portion when viewed in the normal direction.

[0018] (effect) The attitude stabilizing portion of this configuration is formed in a state where it protrudes in one direction from the driving member, and is further fitted into the groove of the action portion. As a result, even if the driving member is about to rotate relative to the action portion when the position of the driving member is changed by the driving mechanism or when an external force acts on the inner tube, the attitude stabilizing portion fitted into the groove effectively prevents the rotation of the driving member. This makes it possible to obtain a steering device in which the installation attitude of the driving member is more stable, and the responsiveness when the deformation portion is forced to plastically deform by the action portion is increased, and the shock absorbing function is quickly exerted. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overall configuration of a steering device according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a main part of a steering device according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation mode of a steering device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an action portion of a steering device according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation mode of a steering device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation mode of a steering device according to a first embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] [First embodiment] (overview) An example of a steering device S according to the present invention is shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 6. The steering device S includes an inner tube 1 to which a steering wheel H is attached, and a column housing 2 that holds the inner tube 1 so that the inner tube 1 can be extended and retracted along an axis X of the inner tube 1. A drive mechanism K is provided across the column housing 2 and the inner tube 1 to perform this extending and retracting movement.

[0021] An impact absorbing member 3 is provided between the inner tube 1 and the column housing 2. When a predetermined load acts on the inner tube 1 in the pushing direction, the impact absorbing member 3 plastically deforms to absorb energy and suppresses the driver from receiving a strong reaction force from the inner tube 1. Hereinafter, each embodiment of the steering device S of the present invention will be described with reference to each drawing.

[0022] (Drive mechanism) 1, the drive mechanism K is composed of a motor M, a screw M2 meshed with an output shaft M1 of the motor M, and a drive member 4 screwed with the screw M2. The drive member 4 is composed of a top member 41 having a female thread formed therein to screw with the screw M2, and a retainer 42 that contains the top member 41.

[0023] The motor M is provided in the column housing 2 and rotates forward and backward by the driver of the vehicle to determine the position of the inner tube 1. For example, a worm is provided on the output shaft M1 of the motor M, and a worm gear is provided on the end of the screw M2, which mesh with each other.

[0024] 2, the piece member 41 is fitted inside the retainer 42, and the two move back and forth along the axis X. The retainer 42 is, for example, a substantially cylindrical cup-shaped member. A hole 42a is formed in the bottom of the retainer 42, through which a fixing member 6, for example a rivet 61, is inserted. The piece member 41 is inserted and fixed to the retainer 42 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the screw M2, and the two are movable together.

[0025] (Action part) 2, a substantially box-shaped acting portion 7 is attached to the outer surface of the end portion of the inner tube 1. The acting portion 7 is normally fixed integrally with the driving member 4 by a fixing member 6 described below, and when a predetermined load acts on the inner tube 1 in the pushing direction, the acting portion 7 and the shock absorbing member 3 move relative to each other, and a striking portion 74 provided at the end portion of the acting portion 7 plastically deforms the shock absorbing member 3.

[0026] 2, the action portion 7 is formed integrally with the inner tube 1. However, the action portion 7 may be formed separately from the inner tube 1 and attached to the inner tube 1 by screws, welding, or the like, or may be formed integrally with the inner tube 1 from the beginning by injection molding, casting, or the like.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 4, a notch hole 72 through which the fixing member 6 is inserted is formed in a flat portion 71 of the action portion 7 that is spaced apart from the surface of the inner tube 1. The notch hole 72 is not a completely annular hole, but has a notch 73 in a portion thereof. The notch 73 opens toward the tip side along the axis X of the inner tube 1. This notch 73 serves as a first weak portion when the action portion 7 holds the fixing member 6. As described later, when the inner tube 1 receives an impact force of a predetermined value or more in the pushing direction, the notch 73 opens and deforms, and the notch hole 72 separates from the fixing member 6. This allows the inner tube 1 to move toward the back side of the column housing 2. The diameter of the notch hole 72 is formed to a size that does not create a gap between the notch hole 72 and the outer surface of the rivet 61, which is the fixing member 6, for example.

[0028] When providing a first weak portion by such cutout hole 72 and cutout 73, there are a number of elements that can be set for designing the shape of cutout 73, such as the thickness of action portion 7, the width of cutout 73, and the inner diameter of cutout hole 72. Moreover, since the setting of any of the elements is relatively simple, it is possible to design the first weak portion according to the vehicle on which it is mounted.

[0029] In addition, by appropriately setting the plate thickness of the action portion 7, the inner diameter of the notch hole 72, the width dimension of the notch 73, etc., it is possible to set the load at which the notch hole 72 comes out of the fixed member 6. Therefore, the impact absorbing characteristics of the impact absorbing member 3 can be set in combination with the plastic deformation capacity of the deformation portion 32 of the impact absorbing member 3. Providing such a first weak portion in the action portion 7 does not require complicated processing, and the setting of each element is relatively simple. This makes it easy to design the first weak portion according to the vehicle on which it is mounted. In addition, the target on which the first weak portion such as the notch hole 72 is formed may be the retainer 42 according to the installation mode of the impact absorbing member 3, and can be changed as appropriate.

[0030] 2, a protrusion 75 that protrudes in the direction of the axis X is provided on the action part 7 next to the handling part 74. When assembling, the shock absorbing member 3 is positioned by hooking the deformation part 32 onto the protrusion 75, which makes it easier to fix the rivet 61.

[0031] Furthermore, the protrusion 75 constantly brings the deforming portion 32 into contact with the striking portion 74 of the action portion 7. The two deforming portions 32 are located on either side of the protrusion 75, and are sandwiched between the side surface 76 of the action portion 7 and the protrusion 75, thereby stabilizing the posture during deformation. As a result, the load required for deformation becomes the desired load, and an appropriate energy absorption function is achieved.

[0032] (shock absorbing material) The impact absorbing member 3 is disposed between the retainer 42 and the action portion 7. As shown in Fig. 2, the impact absorbing member 3 includes, for example, a plate-shaped main body portion 31 and two elongated deformation portions 32 extending from the main body portion 31 and bent so as to be parallel to the main body portion 31.

[0033] A hole 33 is formed in the main body 31, through which the fixing member 6 passes. The periphery of the hole 33 is sandwiched between the bottom surface of the retainer 42 and the outer surface of the flat portion 71 of the action portion 7. The deformation portion 32 is provided at a position offset from the hole 33 to avoid interference with the fixing member 6 passing through the hole 33.

[0034] (Fixing member) In this embodiment, a rivet 61 is used as the fixing member 6. In addition to a normal blind rivet, a hollow rivet or even a solid countersunk rivet can be used as the rivet 61. In particular, if a blind rivet is used, the shock absorbing member 3 and the retainer 42 can be overlapped on the action portion 7, and the retainer 42 can be inserted through the hole 42a of the retainer 42 to easily fasten them together.

[0035] Since the rivet 61 itself is a small member, the spatial volume occupied by the connection portion between the drive mechanism K and the inner tube 1 is also small. The use of the rivet 61 also reduces manufacturing costs. Therefore, the range of application of the steering device S to which the shock absorbing member 3 of this configuration can be attached can be expanded.

[0036] As the fixing member 6, various types of screws and bolts may be used in addition to the rivets 61, and any member can be used as long as it can securely fasten the action portion 7, the shock absorbing member 3, and the retainer 42.

[0037] In this embodiment, the deformable portion 32 does not transmit a driving force when the inner tube 1 moves forward or backward during normal use. Therefore, there is no need to set the load of the deformable portion 32 to suit normal use. The deformable portion 32 only needs to deform when subjected to an impact load, making it easy to set the desired deformation load.

[0038] In particular, because the retainer 42 and the action portion 7 are fixed by the fixing member 6 while sandwiching the impact absorbing member 3, the bending rigidity of the impact absorbing member 3 is not utilized when the inner tube 1 is extended or retracted during normal use. This improves the sense of unity between the column housing 2 and the inner tube 1, and provides a steering device S with high rigidity.

[0039] In addition, in this embodiment, the retainer 42 of the driving member 4, the impact absorbing member 3, and the action portion 7 are fixed by a single fixing member 6, which minimizes the number of fixing members 6, resulting in a simple structure and excellent assembly properties.

[0040] (posture stabilization part) In the steering device S of this embodiment, the retainer 42 of the driving member 4 is provided with a posture stabilizing portion 5 extending along the longitudinal direction of the inner tube 1. When the rivet 61 comes out of the action portion 7, the driving member 4 tends to tilt due to an external force acting on it. This is because the position of the rivet 61 and the position where the screw M2 screws into the piece member 41 are offset with respect to the pushing direction of the inner tube 1. If the driving member 4 tilts, the contact state between the shock absorbing member 3 and the action portion 7 or the retainer 42 changes, and there is a risk that the expected shock absorbing function will not be achieved. For this reason, the driving member 4 is provided with a posture stabilizing portion 5 as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0041] In this embodiment, the posture stabilizing part 5 is an independently constructed member that is inserted into the mounting recess 421 of the retainer 42, and in this state, the two are welded together. The posture stabilizing part 5 protrudes downward and laterally from the retainer 42, and further extends laterally in parallel with the bottom surface of the retainer 42. This extension part 51 faces closely to the inner tube 1.

[0042] When the retainer 42 is installed in the correct posture, it is desirable that the underside of the extension portion 51 is slightly spaced from the surface of the inner tube 1. This is to avoid creating unnecessary resistance to the normal extension and retraction operation of the steering wheel H. When a pushing force is applied to the inner tube 1 in this posture, the drive member 4 tilts slightly and the tip of the extension portion 51 abuts against the inner tube 1. This abutment portion of the posture stabilization part 5 is referred to as the first abutment portion 511.

[0043] This configuration stabilizes the attitude of the driving member 4, making it difficult for unexpected interference to occur between the driving member 4 and the shock absorbing member 3, or between the shock absorbing member 3 and the acting portion 7, and allows the deformation portion 32 of the shock absorbing member 3 to deform in an appropriate state. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a steering device S that reliably exhibits the shock absorbing function and has excellent operational stability.

[0044] 2 and 3, a curved surface portion 52 is provided on the tip side of first contact portion 511. As a result, when inner tube 1 is pushed in, first contact portion 511 comes into contact with the surface of inner tube 1 to stop tilting of driving member 4, and then driving member 4 slides smoothly along the surface of inner tube 1.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, the lower surface of the extension portion 51 has a T-shaped cross section. The lowest end of this T-shaped portion 53 is the surface closest to the inner tube 1, and the first contact portion 511 is provided at the tip of this surface. The deformation portions 32 are respectively disposed in the step portions 54 formed on both sides of the T-shaped portion 53. The height of the step portions 54 is made greater than the thickness of the deformation portion 32 to prevent interference with the deformation portion 32.

[0046] The deforming portion 32 arranged along the T-shaped portion 53 has side surfaces 76 of the action portion 7 on both sides, and the surface of the inner tube 1 below. Thus, the spaces on both sides of the T-shaped portion 53 act as guides for the long deforming portion 32 when it undergoes plastic deformation. With this configuration, no undesirable interference occurs in the shock absorbing member 3, and the shock absorbing member 3 deforms appropriately to exhibit the desired shock absorbing function.

[0047] (Functional aspects of impact absorbing components) The functional state of the shock absorbing member 3 when the inner tube 1 receives an impact load in the pushing direction is shown in FIGS.

[0048] 3(a), the long portion 321 of the deformation portion 32 is attached in a state in which it penetrates the back side of the flat portion 71 of the action portion 7. By arranging it in this manner, when the inner tube 1 is pushed in by an impact force, the ironing portion 74 provided at the end of the action portion 7 presses the winding portion 322 of the deformation portion 32. This pressing causes the winding portion 322 to move sequentially toward the tip side of the deformation portion 32, and the energy of the impact is absorbed.

[0049] Fig. 3(b) shows a state in which an impact force acts on the inner tube 1, causing the acting portion 7 to come off the rivet 61. Fig. 4 shows the details of the notched hole 72 and the rivet 61. The notched hole 72 is formed with a notch 73 formed in one part and is formed in a state in which it opens into a groove portion 77 formed in one of the flat portion 71. The two regions that form the notch 73 are formed as a convex portion 78 that fits between the groove portion 77 and the notched hole 72 and protrudes from both. This shape makes the convex portion 78 more likely to bend and deform from the base end, making it easier to set the pull-out load of the rivet 61.

[0050] At this time, the piece 41 and the retainer 42 attempt to rotate clockwise as shown in Fig. 3(b). However, the first contact portion 511 of the posture stabilizing part 5 contacts the surface of the inner tube 1 (black circle in Fig. 3(b)) and prevents further tilting. Because the curved surface portion 52 is formed beyond the first contact portion 511, the posture stabilizing part 5 will not get caught on the surface of the inner tube 1 due to the tilt of the retainer 42. Therefore, the driving member 4 slides smoothly along the surface of the inner tube 1.

[0051] 3(c) shows the state in which the action part 7 and the inner tube 1, which have detached from the rivet 61, are moving while striking and deforming the deformation part 32. At this time, the fastening pressure of the rivet 61 is reduced because the action part 7 has come out of the rivet 61. Therefore, there is a possibility that the retainer 42 and the main body part 31 of the shock absorbing member 3 in the figure move relatively in the moving direction of the inner tube 1. However, the rivet 61 is tightly fitted between them, so the retainer 42 and the shock absorbing member 3 will not separate, and the action part 7 will strike and deform the deformation part 32 appropriately.

[0052] When installing the action portion 7 and the shock absorbing member 3, it is advisable to form a first gap B1 (Figure 3(a)) between the bending portion 74 provided at the end of the action portion 7 and the deformation portion 32 in a state where a predetermined pressing load is not acting on the inner tube 1.

[0053] By providing the first gap B1 between the pressing portion 74 and the deformation portion 32, when a predetermined pressing load acts on the inner tube 1, the timing at which the notch 73, which is the first weak portion, deforms can be made different from the timing at which the deformation portion 32 subsequently deforms. Specifically, the notch 73 first functions to release the fixation between the action portion 7 and the shock absorbing member 3. At this time, some energy is absorbed as the action portion 7 and the shock absorbing member 3 are displaced relative to each other. Next, the pressing portion 74 acts on the deformation portion 32, causing the deformation portion 32 to bend and deform, and further absorbing energy.

[0054] If both shock absorbing functions were to occur simultaneously, the threshold energy required to start moving the inner tube 1 would be the sum of both energies and would be excessively large. However, by providing a time difference between the exertion of the shock absorbing functions of the notch 73 and the deformation portion 32, the energy threshold required to start the pushing movement of the inner tube 1 at each timing becomes smaller, and the pushing movement of the inner tube 1 occurs sequentially. As a result, the instantaneous reaction force that the occupant receives from the steering wheel H becomes smaller, and a safer steering device S can be obtained.

[0055] 2, a groove 11 is formed on the outer surface of the inner tube 1 so that the end of the rivet 61 does not come into contact with the outer surface of the inner tube 1. In other words, when the inner tube 1 moves with the action portion 7 separated from the retainer 42 and the shock absorbing member 3, the screw M2 of the motor M may bend, causing the retainer 42 and the shock absorbing member 3 to approach the inner tube 1. Therefore, the provision of the groove 11 prevents the inner tube 1 from interfering with the head of the rivet 61 and impeding the pushing operation.

[0056] (Function of the second contact part) In this embodiment, the drive member 4 is configured not to tilt when the inner tube 1 is pulled toward the steering wheel H, in addition to when a pushing force acts on the inner tube 1.

[0057] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, a portion of the posture stabilizing portion 5 near the base end of the T-shaped extension portion 51 is configured to be inserted and disposed on the back surface of the flat portion 71 of the action portion 7. A portion of the extension portion 51 facing the back surface of the flat portion 71 becomes the second abutment portion 512. The second abutment portion 512 is disposed on the steering wheel H side of the rivet 61 of the fixing member 6. Therefore, when the driving member 4 tries to tilt counterclockwise on the paper surface of FIG. 5, the second abutment portion 512 abuts against the action portion 7 (black circle in FIG. 5), and the tilt is prevented. As a result, even if the driving member 4 tries to tilt in any direction along the axis X, the posture change of the driving member 4 is restricted, and the shock absorbing function of the shock absorbing member 3 can be more appropriately exhibited.

[0058] (Rotation prevention function by posture stabilization section) As shown in Fig. 6, the posture stabilizing section 5 of this configuration also has a function of preventing rotation of the driving member 4. During normal extension and retraction of the inner tube 1, the driving member 4 attempts to rotate around the fixing direction of the fixing member 6 as the screw M2 rotates. This rotation may cause a delay in the start of the extension and retraction of the inner tube 1, resulting in a poor operational feel.

[0059] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, when viewed from the fixing direction of the driving member 4 to the action portion 7, the attitude stabilizing portion 5 is configured to fit into the groove portion 77 of the action portion 7.

[0060] According to this configuration, even if the driving member 4 attempts to rotate relative to the action portion 7 when the position of the driving member 4 is changed by the driving mechanism K or when an external force acts on the inner tube 1, the attitude stabilizing portion 5 fitted into the groove portion 77 abuts against the groove portion 77 (black circle in FIG. 6), effectively preventing the rotation of the driving member 4. This makes the installed attitude of the driving member 4 more stable, and improves the responsiveness of the extension and retraction operation of the inner tube 1. Also, it is possible to obtain a steering device S that improves the responsiveness when the deformation portion 32 is forced to undergo plastic deformation by the action portion 7, and quickly demonstrates its shock absorbing function.

[0061] Other embodiments The posture stabilizing portion 5 may be configured as a member integral with the retainer 42. If they are integral, the precision of the parts is improved, and the number of parts and the labor required for assembly are reduced.

[0062] Although not shown in the drawings, the posture stabilizing portion 5 configured as a separate member may be inserted into the retainer 42 and fixed in position with a retaining pin or the like. [Industrial Applicability]

[0063] The steering device of the present invention can be widely used in those in which a shock absorbing member is provided between an inner tube to which a steering wheel is attached and a column housing that holds the inner tube so that the inner tube can be moved forward and backward. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1 inner tube 2 Column Housing 3. Shock absorbing materials 32 Deformation section 321 Long section 322 Winding section 4 Driving member 5 Posture stabilization part 511 1st contact part 512 Second contact part 53 T-shaped part 6 Fixing member 7 Acting part 77 Groove H Steering Wheel K Drive mechanism S Steering device X-axis center

Claims

1. an inner tube having a vehicle steering wheel attached to one end thereof; a column housing that holds the inner tube so that the inner tube can extend and retract along an axis of the inner tube; a drive mechanism that moves the inner tube forward and backward via a drive member that is attached to the column housing and reciprocates along the axis; an impact absorbing member provided integrally with one of the driving member and the inner tube, the impact absorbing member having a deformation portion; an action portion provided on the other of the drive member and the inner tube, the action portion acting on the deformation portion to plastically deform the deformation portion, the driving member, the shock absorbing member, and the action portion are fixed to each other by a fixing member, and the plastic deformation occurs when a predetermined pushing load or tensile load along the axis acts on the inner tube, a steering device in which the driving member is provided with a posture stabilizing portion having a first contact portion that contacts the inner tube when the predetermined pushing load or tensile load acts on the inner tube.

2. the deformation portion includes a winding portion that is wound around the action portion in a semicircular arc shape, and a long portion that is connected to the winding portion and disposed along the longitudinal direction of the inner tube, 2. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein the posture stabilizing portion extends from the driving member along the longitudinal direction of the inner tube, and has a substantially T-shaped cross section perpendicular to the extension direction, the first abutment portion being formed at the tip of this T-shaped portion and configured to face the inner tube while avoiding interference with the long portion.

3. 2. A steering device as described in claim 1, wherein a second abutment portion is provided on the posture stabilization portion and abuts against the action portion when the inner tube receives an external force along the longitudinal direction such that the first abutment portion is separated from the surface of the inner tube.

4. A steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the action portion is fixed to the inner tube, the action portion, the impact absorbing member, and the drive member are fixed by the fixing member along a normal direction of the inner tube, and when viewed in the normal direction, a groove portion into which the posture stabilization portion fits is formed in the action portion.

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