Release member for column bracket, column bracket with release member, and steering device

Abstract

To provide a separation member for a column bracket capable of preventing falling-off and positional deviation to the column bracket, while restraining an increase in manufacturing cost of a steering device.SOLUTION: The detachment member 5 is formed in a substantially U-shaped plate shape as a whole, and includes a pair of holding plates 38a and 38b and a coupling portion 39. One clamping plate side 38a has a first claw portion side 40a bent toward the facing surface side 43a in the vertical direction on a front side edge thereof. The first claw portion 43a engages with the engagement hole 35 provided in the rear column bracket 4 in the front-rear direction and the widthwise direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a release member for a column bracket, a column bracket with a release member, and a steering device. [Background technology]

[0002] A steering device is incorporated in a vehicle such as an automobile, and transmits the movement of a steering wheel operated by a driver to a steering gear unit via a steering shaft, thereby applying a steering angle to the left and right steered wheels.

[0003] The steering device is equipped with an impact absorbing structure that moves the steering wheel forward in the event of a secondary collision in which the driver's body collides with the steering wheel, thereby reducing the impact on the driver's body.

[0004] 13 to 15 show a conventional structure of a steering device equipped with a shock absorbing structure, which is described in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 62-3335.

[0005] The steering device 100 includes a steering shaft 102 having a steering wheel 101 fixed to the rear end thereof, and a steering column 103 that supports the steering shaft 102 inside so that the steering shaft 102 can only rotate.

[0006] The front end of the steering shaft 102 is connected to a steering gear unit 106 via a rear universal joint 104a, an intermediate shaft 105, and a front universal joint 104b.

[0007] The steering column 103 is supported by a front column bracket 107 and a rear column bracket 108. Specifically, the front portion of the steering column 103 is supported so as to be slidable forward relative to the front column bracket 107, and the middle portion of the steering column 103 in the front-to-rear direction is fixed to the rear column bracket 108.

[0008] The front column bracket 107 is fixed to the vehicle body 109 so as not to be movable.

[0009] The rear column bracket 108 is supported by the vehicle body 109 using two release members 110 so as to be releasable forward.

[0010] The rear column bracket 108 has a generally U-shaped cross section and includes a central plate portion 111 fixed to the steering column 103, and a pair of generally flat mounting plate portions 112 arranged on both widthwise outer sides of the central plate portion 111.

[0011] The mounting plate portion 112 has a notch 113 extending in the front-rear direction, an inner guide 114 arranged inside the notch 113 in the width direction, and an outer guide 115 arranged outside the notch 113 in the width direction.

[0012] The release member 110 is made of a metal plate and is generally U-shaped. The release member 110 is attached to the mounting plate portion 112 from the outside in the width direction so as to sandwich the mounting plate portion 112 from both the top and bottom sides.

[0013] The release member 110 has a pair of clamping plates 116 arranged spaced apart in the vertical direction, and a connecting portion 117 connecting the outer ends of the pair of clamping plates 116 in the width direction.

[0014] The pair of clamping plates 116 clamp the mounting plate portion 112 in the vertical direction. Each of the pair of clamping plates 116 is provided with a through-hole 118. The surface of at least one of the clamping plates 116 and the mounting plate portion 112 is covered with a coating film made of a low-friction material.

[0015] The rear column bracket 108 is supported by the vehicle body 109 by attaching release members 110 to a pair of mounting plate portions 112, respectively, and threading mounting bolts 119 that are inserted through the through holes 118 and the notches 113 from below into the vehicle body 109.

[0016] When a collision occurs and the driver's body hits the steering wheel 101, an impact load is transmitted to the steering column 103 via the steering shaft 102 to which the steering wheel 101 is fixed. As a result, the rear column bracket 108 slides forward from the release member 110, and at the same time, the steering column 103 slides forward relative to the front column bracket 107. The forward movement of the steering shaft 102 is permitted by the two universal joints 104a, 104b and the intermediate shaft 105, which is contractible in the axial direction. As a result, the impact on the driver's body is reduced. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0017] [Patent Document 1] Jikko No. 62-3335 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0018] In a steering device 100 of a conventional structure, before the steering device 100 is attached to the vehicle body 109, the release member 110 is attached to the mounting plate portion 112 simply by elastically clamping the mounting plate portion 112 with a pair of clamping plates 116. For this reason, when the steering device 100 is transported, there is a possibility that the release member 110 may fall off the mounting plate portion 112 or that the mounting position of the release member 110 may shift from the correct position.

[0019] In order to prevent the detachable member 110 from falling off or shifting position, it is conceivable to temporarily fix the detachable member 110 to the mounting plate portion 112 using adhesive tape or the like. However, in this case, an additional step of applying the adhesive tape is required, and the adhesive tape is expensive, which increases the manufacturing cost of the steering device 100.

[0020] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a release member for a column bracket that can prevent the release member from falling off or being displaced from the column bracket while reducing the manufacturing costs of a steering device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0021] Unless otherwise specified, the release member for a column bracket, the column bracket with release member, and the steering device according to one aspect of the present disclosure will be described using the respective directions when assembled to a vehicle body.

[0022] A release member for a column bracket according to one aspect of the present disclosure supports a column bracket so that it can be released forward relative to the vehicle body, and is configured as a roughly U-shaped plate overall, with a pair of clamping plates and a connecting portion.

[0023] The pair of clamping plates are arranged spaced apart in the vertical direction, have a pair of opposing surfaces facing each other, and have through holes that pass through in the vertical direction.

[0024] The connecting portion connects widthwise outer ends of the pair of clamping plates to each other.

[0025] One of the pair of clamping plates has, on its front side edge, a first claw portion that is bent toward the opposing surface in the up-down direction.

[0026] The first claw portion is capable of engaging with an engaging hole provided in the column bracket in the front-rear direction and the width direction. The engagement hole may be configured as a through hole or a bottomed hole.

[0027] In a release member for a column bracket according to one aspect of the present disclosure, one of the clamping plates can have a second claw portion at its rear side edge that is bent toward the opposing surface in the vertical direction, and at least a portion of the second claw portion can be positioned widthwise outward of the through hole so as to engage with the rear end edge of the column bracket in the front-to-rear direction.

[0028] In a release member for a column bracket according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the inner side edge of the first claw portion in the width direction can be inclined outward in the width direction in the vertical direction as it approaches the other of the pair of clamping plates. In the release member for a column bracket according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the outer side edge in the width direction of the first claw portion can be positioned on an imaginary plane perpendicular to the opposing surface of the one of the clamping plates. Alternatively, in a release member for a column bracket according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the outer side edge of the first claw portion in the width direction can be inclined outward in the width direction as it approaches the other clamping plate in the up-down direction.

[0029] A release member for a column bracket according to one aspect of the present disclosure can have a shape that is symmetrical in the front-to-rear direction. Alternatively, the release member for a column bracket according to one aspect of the present disclosure may have an asymmetric shape in the front-to-rear direction.

[0030] In a release member for a column bracket according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the connecting portion can include a pair of flat plate portions that are stacked in the vertical direction and have their outer widthwise ends connected to each other, and can also include a deformation portion that elastically deforms so as to increase the distance between the inner widthwise ends of the pair of flat plate portions. In this case, the connecting portion may have an end face shape that is substantially Y-shaped when viewed from the front-rear direction.

[0031] In a release member for a column bracket according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the pair of opposing surfaces can be covered with a coating film made of a low-friction material, and at least one of the pair of opposing surfaces can have an uncoated portion that is not covered with the coating film.

[0032] In a release member for a column bracket according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the other of the pair of clamping plates can have a guide protrusion at its inner end in the width direction, the guide protrusion having a convex shape on the opposing surface and a generally V-shaped cross section. In this case, the opposing surface of the other clamping plate can be covered with a coating film made of a low-friction material at the portion that is not aligned with the guide protrusion, and the guide protrusion can be an uncoated portion that is not covered with the coating film.

[0033] A column bracket with a release member according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a column bracket and a release member that supports the column bracket so that it can be released forward relative to a vehicle body.

[0034] The column bracket has a mounting plate portion having a substantially flat plate shape.

[0035] The mounting plate portion has a notch that opens at its rear edge, an engagement hole located in front of the notch, an inner guide located widthwise inside the notch, and an outer guide located widthwise outside the notch.

[0036] The rear end edge of the outer guide is located forward of the rear end edge of the inner guide.

[0037] The release member is a release member for a column bracket according to one aspect of the present disclosure, The pair of clamping plates elastically clamp the mounting plate portion in a state where each of the through holes is positioned so as to overlap the corresponding notch in the vertical direction, The first claw portion is capable of engaging with the engaging hole in the front-rear direction and the width direction.

[0038] A steering device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a steering shaft, a steering column that rotatably supports the steering shaft, a column bracket that supports the steering column relative to a vehicle body, and a release member that supports the column bracket so that it can be released forward relative to the vehicle body, wherein the column bracket and the release member are a column bracket with a release member according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0039] According to the release member for a column bracket according to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the release member from falling off or being displaced from the column bracket while suppressing an increase in the manufacturing cost of the steering device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0040] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a partial cutaway side view showing a steering device according to a first example of an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the rear column bracket with a release member according to the first example. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the rear column bracket before the release member of the first example is attached. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. [Figure 6] 6(A), 6(B), and 6(C) are perspective views of the release member of the first example, viewed from different directions, in a state where the release member has been elastically deformed to the attached posture. [Figure 7] 7(A) and 7(B) are end views of the release member of the first example, as viewed from the rear and front in the front-rear direction, in a state where the release member has been elastically deformed to the attached posture. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 2 and showing a second example of an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which the release member of the second example has been elastically deformed to the attached attitude. [Figure 10] 10(A) and 10(B) are diagrams corresponding to FIGS. 7(A) and 7(B) for the second example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 9 and shows a third example of an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 12(A) and 12(B) are diagrams corresponding to FIGS. 7(A) and 7(B) and relate to the third example. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a partially cutaway side view showing a steering device of a conventional structure. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross section taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a plan view showing a portion of a steering device of a conventional structure where a release member and a rear column bracket are provided. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] [Example 1] A first example of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7(B).

[0042] This example shows a case where a column bracket release member according to one aspect of the present disclosure is used to support a rear column bracket for supporting a longitudinally intermediate portion of a steering column so that the rear column bracket can be released forward relative to the vehicle body.

[0043] However, when a steering column is supported on a vehicle body using multiple column brackets, the column bracket release member according to one aspect of the present disclosure is not limited to supporting the rear column bracket, but can also support other column brackets in a manner that allows them to be released forward from the vehicle body.

[0044] Hereinafter, the overall structure of the steering device 1 will be described, and then the structures of the rear column bracket 4 and the release member 5 will be described in detail.

[0045] In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the front-rear direction means the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the up-down direction means the up-down direction of the vehicle, and the width direction (left-right direction) means the width direction of the vehicle. Note that the front-rear direction of the vehicle roughly coincides with the axial direction of the steering column 3.

[0046] [Overall structure of steering device] The steering device 1 is provided with a shock absorbing structure that moves the steering wheel 6 forward to reduce the impact on the driver's body in the event of a secondary collision in which the driver's body collides with the steering wheel 6.

[0047] The steering device 1 includes a steering shaft 2, a steering column 3, a rear column bracket 4, and a release member 5.

[0048] A steering wheel 6 is fixed to the rear end of the steering shaft 2. The steering column 3 has a substantially cylindrical shape and rotatably supports the steering shaft 2 via a plurality of rolling bearings (not shown) inside the steering column 3.

[0049] The front end of the steering shaft 2 is connected to a pinion shaft 10 that constitutes a steering gear unit 9 via universal joints 7a, 7b and an intermediate shaft 8. As a result, the rotation of the steering wheel 6 is transmitted to the pinion shaft 10 and then converted into linear motion of a rack shaft (not shown) that meshes with the pinion shaft 10, and a steering angle corresponding to the amount of rotation of the steering wheel 6 is applied to the left and right steered wheels.

[0050] The rear column bracket 4 supports the steering column 3 at a middle portion in the front-rear direction relative to the vehicle body 11.

[0051] The release member 5 is also called a friction plate (coating plate), and supports the rear column bracket 4 so that it can be released forward relative to the vehicle body 11.

[0052] The release member 5 is fixed to the vehicle body 11 using a mounting bolt 30, and is engaged with the rear column bracket 4 so as to allow the rear column bracket 4 to move forward in the event of a secondary collision.

[0053] The steering device 1 of this example further includes a front column bracket 12 and an electric assist device 13.

[0054] The front column bracket 12 supports the front portion of the steering column 3 on the vehicle body 11. In the illustrated example, the front column bracket 12 supports the front portion of the steering column 3 on the vehicle body 11 via a gear housing 14 (described below) that constitutes the electric assist device 13.

[0055] The electric assist device 13 is provided on the front side of the steering column 3. The electric assist device 13 has a gear housing 14 fixed to the front end of the steering column 3, and an electric motor 15 supported by the gear housing 14. The output torque of the electric motor 15 is applied to the steering shaft 2 via a reduction mechanism housed in the gear housing 14. This reduces the force required to operate the steering wheel 6.

[0056] When implementing a steering device according to an aspect of the present disclosure, it is optional to provide an electric assist device. If an electric assist device is provided, the electric assist device can apply auxiliary power not only to the steering shaft but also to the pinion shaft or rack shaft that constitutes the steering gear unit.

[0057] The steering device 1 of this example is equipped with a position adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of the steering wheel 6 in accordance with the driver's physique and driving posture. Specifically, the steering device 1 is equipped with a tilt mechanism for adjusting the up-down position of the steering wheel 6 and a telescopic mechanism for adjusting the front-rear position of the steering wheel 6.

[0058] However, when implementing a steering device according to an aspect of the present disclosure, it is optional to provide a steering wheel position adjustment mechanism. Furthermore, even when a position adjustment mechanism is provided, it is also possible to provide only a tilt mechanism or only a telescopic mechanism.

[0059] The steering column 3 is made up of a substantially cylindrical inner column 16 located at the front (lower side) and a substantially cylindrical outer column 17 located at the rear (upper side) to enable adjustment of the fore-and-aft position of the steering wheel 6. The inner column 16 and the outer column 17 are fitted together to allow relative displacement in the axial direction. As a result, the steering column 3 is configured so that its entire length can be extended or retracted.

[0060] The steering shaft 2 is made up of an inner shaft 18 and an outer shaft 19. The inner shaft 18 and the outer shaft 19 are connected by spline engagement or the like to enable torque transmission. As a result, the steering shaft 2 is configured to be extendable and contractible over its entire length.

[0061] The steering column 3 is supported to be able to pivot about a tilt axis 20 disposed in the width direction relative to the vehicle body 11 in order to enable adjustment of the vertical position of the steering wheel 6. In the example shown, a gear housing 14 fixed to the front end of the steering column 3 is supported to be able to pivot about the tilt axis 20 relative to the front column bracket 12.

[0062] The steering device 1 further includes a clamping mechanism 21. The clamping mechanism 21 switches between an unclamped state in which the outer column 17 is allowed to move relative to the rear column bracket 4, and a clamped state in which the outer column 17 is prevented from moving relative to the rear column bracket 4.

[0063] The clamp mechanism 21 includes a rod 25 that is inserted in the width direction through a bracket-side through-hole 23 provided in a pair of side plates 22 (described below) that constitute the rear column bracket 4, and a column-side through-hole 24 provided in the outer column 17. The clamp mechanism 21 also includes a pair of pressing members (not shown) that are provided on portions of the rod 25 that protrude outward in both width directions from the pair of side plates 22, and a cam device 26 that can change the distance between the pair of pressing members.

[0064] In this example, the bracket-side through-hole 23 is configured as an elongated hole that is curved in an arc shape centered on the tilt axis 20 and extends in the up-down direction. The column-side through-hole 24 is configured as an elongated hole that is long in the front-rear direction.

[0065] However, when implementing a steering device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, if a tilt mechanism is not provided, the bracket-side through-hole may be a circular hole, and if a telescopic mechanism is not provided, the column-side through-hole may be a circular hole.

[0066] When adjusting the position of the steering wheel 6, the width direction dimension of the cam device 26 is reduced using the lever 27 to increase the distance between the pair of pressing members. This releases the force tightening the outer column 17 by the pair of side plates 22, allowing the outer column 17 to move relative to the rear column bracket 4.

[0067] After adjusting the position of the steering wheel 6, the width direction dimension of the cam device 26 is expanded using the lever 27 to reduce the distance between the pair of pressing members. This increases the force with which the pair of side plates 22 tightens the outer column 17, preventing the outer column 17 from moving relative to the rear column bracket 4.

[0068] [Rear column bracket] The rear column bracket 4 is disposed rearward of the front column bracket 12, and supports a middle portion of the steering column 3 in the front-to-rear direction on the vehicle body 11. Specifically, the rear column bracket 4 supports the outer column 17 on the vehicle body 11.

[0069] The rear column bracket 4 is made of a metal plate having sufficient rigidity, such as steel or an aluminum alloy.

[0070] The rear column bracket 4 has a pair of mounting plate portions 28 each having a substantially flat plate shape.

[0071] The rear column bracket 4 has a top plate 29 provided with a pair of mounting plate portions 28 and a pair of side plates 22 .

[0072] <Tabletop> The top plate 29 is normally supported by the vehicle body 11, but in the event of a collision accident, it detaches forward due to the impact of the secondary collision, allowing the outer column 17 to be displaced forward. For this reason, the top plate 29 is engaged with a detachable member 5 that is fixed to the vehicle body 11 by a mounting bolt 30 in a manner that allows it to detach forward.

[0073] Bridge section In this example, the top plate 29 has a bridge portion 31 in addition to the pair of mounting plate portions 28. The bridge portion 31 is provided in the center of the top plate 29 in the width direction, and is disposed above the outer column 17 that constitutes the steering column 3. The bridge portion 31 has an inverted U-shaped cross section when viewed from the front-rear direction.

[0074] The bridge portion 31 has a central plate portion 32 having a generally flat plate shape, and a pair of inclined plate portions 33 arranged on both outer sides of the central plate portion 32 in the width direction.

[0075] The pair of inclined plate portions 33 are configured in a substantially flat plate shape, and the inner end portion in the width direction of each is connected to the outer end portion in the width direction of the central plate portion 32. The inclined plate portion 33 is inclined downward as it moves away from the central plate portion 32 in the width direction.

[0076] Mounting plate The mounting plate portions 28 are configured in a substantially flat plate shape. The pair of mounting plate portions 28 are arranged on both outer sides of the bridge portion 31 in the width direction. The inner end of the mounting plate portions 28 in the width direction is connected to the outer end (lower end) of the inclined plate portion 33 in the width direction. The pair of mounting plate portions 28 are arranged at the same height position relative to each other in the up-down direction and substantially parallel to the central plate portion 32. The entire mounting plate portions 28 have substantially the same plate thickness.

[0077] The mounting plate 28 has a notch 34 that opens at its rear edge. In other words, the notch 34 is open only at its rear end, and the rest of the notch 34 is closed. The notch 34 is located in the middle of the mounting plate 28 in the width direction.

[0078] The notch 34 has an elliptical shape (semi-elliptical shape) that is long in the front-rear direction. The front edge of the notch 34 is curved in a semicircular arc and is located in the middle of the mounting plate portion 28 in the front-rear direction. In this example, the width dimension of the notch 34 is approximately constant over the entire front-rear direction of the notch 34, except for the front end portion of the notch 34. Therefore, the inner side edge of the notch 34 in the width direction and the outer side edge of the notch 34 in the width direction are disposed approximately parallel to each other.

[0079] When implementing a steering device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the shape of the notch can be any shape as long as it allows a mounting bolt to be inserted inside it and allows the column bracket to move forward, and for example, a trapezoidal shape, a rectangular shape, etc. can be adopted.

[0080] The mounting plate 28 has an engagement hole 35 in front of the cutout 34. The engagement hole 35 is provided in the widthwise middle of the front part of the mounting plate 28. The outer end of the engagement hole 35 in the widthwise direction is located outward of the outer side edge of the cutout 34 in the widthwise direction.

[0081] In this example, the engagement hole 35 has an oval or rectangular opening shape that is long in the width direction. Therefore, the width dimension of the engagement hole 35 is larger than the front-rear dimension. The extension direction (longitudinal direction) of the engagement hole 35 is approximately perpendicular to the extension direction of the notch 34.

[0082] However, when implementing a steering device according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the shape of the engagement hole can be determined appropriately in relation to the shape of a first claw portion (described below) provided in the release member.

[0083] In this example, the engagement hole 35 is configured as a through-hole that passes through the mounting plate portion 28 in the vertical direction. However, the engagement hole may also be configured as a bottomed hole that opens only on the top or bottom surface of the mounting plate portion.

[0084] The mounting plate portion 28 has an inner guide 36 arranged on the widthwise inner side of the notch 34, and an outer guide 37 arranged on the widthwise outer side of the notch 34. The inner guide 36 and the outer guide 37 slide relative to the release member 5 when the rear column bracket 4 releases forward from the release member 5 during a secondary collision.

[0085] The inner guide 36 is provided on the inner side in the width direction of the mounting plate portion 28. The outer side edge of the inner guide 36 in the width direction forms the inner side edge of the notch 34 in the width direction.

[0086] The outer guide 37 is provided on the widthwise outer side of the mounting plate 28. The widthwise inner side edge of the outer guide 37 constitutes the widthwise outer side edge of the cutout 34, and the widthwise outer side edge of the outer guide 37 constitutes part of the widthwise outer side edge of the mounting plate 28.

[0087] In this example, the inner guide 36 and the outer guide 37 are configured in a rectangular plate shape. However, when implementing a steering device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the inner guide and the outer guide may have any shape, such as a trapezoidal plate shape.

[0088] The rear end edge of the outer guide 37 is located forward of the rear end edge of the inner guide 36. In this example, the rear end edge of the outer guide 37 is located at the middle (almost the center) of the inner guide 36 in the front-rear direction. 36 (See FIG. 5) is the front-rear dimension X of the outer guide 37 37 (see FIG. 5), and preferably about 1.7 to 2.3 times.

[0089] <Side panel> The pair of side plates 22 are arranged on both outer sides of the steering column 3 in the width direction. In this example, the pair of side plates 22 are arranged on both outer sides of the outer column 17 in the width direction.

[0090] The side plate 22 is welded and fixed to the bridge portion 31 in a state where the outer surface of the upper end portion in the width direction is overlapped with the inner surface of the bridge portion 31 in the width direction.

[0091] The side plate 22 has a bracket-side through-hole 23 through which a rod 25 that constitutes the clamp mechanism 21 is inserted in the width direction. After adjusting the position of the steering wheel 6, the side plate 22 uses a lever 27 to expand the width dimension of the cam device 26 and reduce the distance between the pair of pressing members, thereby clamping the outer column 17 from both sides in the width direction and preventing the outer column 17 from moving relative to the rear column bracket 4.

[0092] [Releasable member] The release member 5 is configured to have a generally U-shaped plate shape. The release member 5 is made of an elastic metal plate. That is, the release member 5 is made by subjecting an elastic metal plate to press working or the like. The type of metal plate constituting the release member 5 is not particularly limited, but for example, an aluminum steel plate, a zinc alloy plate, or the like can be used.

[0093] The release member 5 is attached from the outside in the width direction to the mounting plate portion 28 that constitutes the rear column bracket 4. Specifically, the release member 5 is attached from the outside in the width direction to a portion of the mounting plate portion 28 that includes the inner guide 36 and the outer guide 37.

[0094] The release member 5 has a pair of clamping plates 38a, 38b and a connecting portion 39 that connects the outer ends of the pair of clamping plates 38a, 38b in the width direction together.

[0095] <Holding plate> The pair of clamping plates 38a, 38b are arranged spaced apart in the vertical direction. When the release member 5 is in a free state, the pair of clamping plates 38a, 38b are inclined in directions that move closer to each other the further they are from the connecting portion 39. When the release member 5 is attached to the mounting plate portion 28 (elastically deformed state), the pair of clamping plates 38a, 38b are arranged approximately parallel to each other and elastically clamp the mounting plate portion 28 from both vertical sides.

[0096] The pair of clamping plates 38a, 38b have a pair of opposing surfaces 40a, 40b that face each other. That is, of the pair of clamping plates 38a, 38b, the clamping plate 38a that is arranged above the mounting plate portion 28 has the opposing surface 40a on its lower surface, and the clamping plate 38b that is arranged below the mounting plate portion 28 has the opposing surface 40b on its upper surface. The upper surface of the clamping plate 38a that is arranged above the mounting plate portion 28 becomes the vehicle body mounting surface.

[0097] In this example, the pair of opposing surfaces 40a, 40b are covered with a coating film 41 made of a low-friction material. The coating film 41 is formed on the opposing surfaces 40a, 40b to stabilize, at a low level, the frictional force that is generated when the rear column bracket 4 is released forward from the release member 5. The coating film 41 is a coating made of a substance with a low coefficient of friction, such as molybdenum, fluorine, metal soap, or resin. In Figures 6(A) to 6(C), the coating film 41 is represented by a matte pattern. In this example, almost the entire surface of each of the opposing surfaces 40a, 40b is covered with the coating film 41.

[0098] However, when implementing a release member for a column bracket according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the pair of opposing surfaces may not be covered with a coating film, and the upper and lower surfaces of the mounting plate portion of the column bracket may be covered with a coating film. Also, only one of the pair of opposing surfaces may be covered with a coating film, or only a portion of the opposing surface may be covered with a coating film.

[0099] The clamping plates 38a, 38b have through holes 42a, 42b that penetrate in the up-down direction (plate thickness direction).

[0100] The mounting bolts 30 are inserted vertically through the through holes 42a, 42b. The through holes 42a, 42b are provided in the widthwise and front-rearward central portions of the clamping plates 38a, 38b. The through holes 42a, 42b are closed holes that are closed all around.

[0101] The two through holes 42a, 42b have the same shape and are positioned so as to overlap in the vertical direction. In this example, the through holes 42a, 42b have an oval or rectangular opening shape that is long in the front-to-rear direction. The width dimension of the through holes 42a, 42b is approximately the same as the width dimension of the cutout 34. The front and rear edges of the through holes 42a, 42b have arc shapes with the same radius of curvature as the front edge of the cutout 34.

[0102] With the release member 5 attached to the mounting plate portion 28 that constitutes the rear column bracket 4, the through holes 42a, 42b are positioned so as to overlap in the vertical direction with the cutout 34. More specifically, in this example, the front end edges of the through holes 42a, 42b and the front end edge of the cutout 34 are positioned so as to align with each other, and the widthwise side edges of the through holes 42a, 42b and the widthwise side edges of the cutout 34 are positioned so as to align with each other.

[0103] When implementing a steering device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the shape of the through hole is arbitrary as long as it allows the mounting bolt to be inserted therethrough.

[0104] One clamping plate 38a of the pair of clamping plates 38a, 38b has a first claw portion 43a on its front side edge that is bent toward the opposing surface 40a in the vertical direction. In this example, one clamping plate 38a further has a second claw portion 43b on its rear side edge that is bent toward the opposing surface 40a in the vertical direction. In contrast, the other clamping plate 38b of the pair of clamping plates 38a, 38b does not have claw portions on either side edge in the front-to-rear direction. When implementing a release member for a column bracket according to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is optional for one clamping plate to have a second claw portion.

[0105] In this example, clamping plate 38a arranged above mounting plate 28 corresponds to one clamping plate having a claw portion, and clamping plate 38b arranged below mounting plate 28 corresponds to the other clamping plate. However, when implementing a release member for a column bracket according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the clamping plate arranged below the mounting plate may correspond to one clamping plate having at least a first claw portion, and the clamping plate arranged above the mounting plate may correspond to the other clamping plate.

[0106] One of the clamping plates 38a is made up of a pair of claws 43a, 43b and a clamping plate body 44a.

[0107] The clamping plate body 44a has a flat plate shape and includes an opposing surface 40a and a through-hole 42a. A pair of claws 43a, 43b are connected to both side edges of the clamping plate body 44a in the front-rear direction. In this example, the claws 43a, 43b are bent at approximately right angles to the clamping plate body 44a.

[0108] The other clamping plate 38b is composed only of a clamping plate body 44b. The clamping plate body 44b has a generally flat plate shape and includes an opposing surface 40b and a through-hole 42b. In this example, the clamping plate body 44b has a tip bent portion 45 at its inner end in the width direction that is bent slightly upward (by approximately 20 to 30 degrees). The surface of the tip bent portion 45 that comes into contact with the mounting plate 28 is an uncoated portion that is not covered with a coating film, so that the release member 5 can be used as a current path.

[0109] In this example, the clamping plate bodies 44a, 44b are configured in a quadrangular plate shape. Specifically, the clamping plate bodies 44a, 44b are configured in a rectangular plate shape (square plate shape). Therefore, the side edges on both sides in the front-rear direction of the clamping plate bodies 44a, 44b are approximately parallel to each other, and the end edges on both sides in the width direction of the clamping plate bodies 44a, 44b are approximately parallel to each other. However, when implementing a release member for a column bracket according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the shape of the clamping plate bodies is arbitrary.

[0110] In this example, the pair of clamping plate bodies 44a, 44b have approximately the same size, but the width dimension of the clamping plate body 44a is slightly larger than the width dimension of the clamping plate body 44b, so that the inner end of the clamping plate body 44a in the width direction is located slightly more inward than the inner end of the clamping plate body 44b in the width direction.

[0111] The widthwise dimension of the clamping plate bodies 44a, 44b is slightly smaller than the widthwise dimension of the mounting plate portion 28. The front-rear direction dimension of the clamping plate bodies 44a, 44b is larger than the front-rear direction dimension of the outer guide 37 and smaller than the front-rear direction dimension of the widthwise outer portion of the mounting plate portion 28 that includes the outer guide 37. Specifically, the front-rear direction dimension of the clamping plate bodies 44a, 44b is approximately the same as the front-rear direction dimension from the rear side surface of the inner surface of the engagement hole 35 to the rear end edge of the outer guide 37.

[0112] The claws 43a and 43b are provided at the widthwise middle portions of the front-rear side edges of the clamping plate body 44a. Specifically, the claws 43a and 43b are provided at positions that are biased outward in the widthwise direction from the widthwise middle portions of the front-rear side edges of the clamping plate body 44a. The claws 43a and 43b are sufficiently smaller than the clamping plate body 44a.

[0113] Of the pair of claw portions 43a, 43b, the first claw portion 43a located on the front side engages in the front-rear direction and the width direction with an engagement hole 35 provided in the mounting plate portion 28 of the rear column bracket 4. In other words, the first claw portion 43a is inserted into the engagement hole 35 of the mounting plate portion 28 and engages with the inner surface of the engagement hole 35 in the front-rear direction and the width direction.

[0114] In this example, with the release member 5 attached to the mounting plate 28 in the correct position, the first claw 43a abuts against the rear side surface of the inner surface of the engagement hole 35 and also abuts against the widthwise outer side surface of the inner surface of the engagement hole 35. As a result, the first claw 43a engages with the rear side surface of the inner surface of the engagement hole 35 in the front-rear direction, and also engages with the widthwise outer side surface of the inner surface of the engagement hole 35 in the width direction.

[0115] However, when implementing a release member for a column bracket according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first claw portion may further engage in the front-to-rear direction with the front side of the inner surface of the engagement hole, or may engage in the width direction with the inner surface of the inner surface of the engagement hole on the inner side in the width direction.

[0116] The first claw portion 43a has a size that allows it to be inserted into the engagement hole 35. Specifically, the width dimension of the first claw portion 43a is slightly smaller than the width dimension of the engagement hole 35. In addition, the front-rear dimension (plate thickness) of the first claw portion 43a is smaller than the front-rear dimension of the engagement hole 35.

[0117] The downward protrusion amount H (see FIG. 7B) of the first claw portion 43a from the opposing surface 40a is smaller than the depth dimension of the engagement hole 35. In this example, the engagement hole 35 is configured as a through hole, so the downward protrusion amount H of the first claw portion 43a is smaller than the plate thickness T (see FIG. 5) of the mounting plate portion 28. The downward protrusion amount H of the first claw portion 43a is preferably approximately 1 / 5 to 4 / 5 times the plate thickness T of the mounting plate portion 28.

[0118] In this example, the widthwise inner side edge 51 of the first claw portion 43a is inclined outward in the widthwise direction as it approaches the other clamping plate 38b in the vertical direction. The magnitude of the inclination angle α (see FIG. 7(B)) of the widthwise inner side edge 51 of the first claw portion 43a is determined depending on the type and thickness of the metal plate constituting the release member 5, and can be, for example, 45 degrees or less, preferably 30 degrees or less.

[0119] In this example, the widthwise outer side edge 52 of the first claw portion 43a is located on an imaginary plane L (see FIG. 7(B)) that is perpendicular to the opposing surface 40a of one of the clamping plates 38a. Therefore, when the first claw portion 43a is inserted into the engagement hole 35, the widthwise outer side edge 52 of the first claw portion 43a and the widthwise outer side surface of the inner surface of the engagement hole 35 are arranged approximately parallel to each other.

[0120] In this example, the first claw portion 43a has a trapezoidal shape (isosceles trapezoidal shape) when viewed in the front-rear direction. However, the first claw portion may be configured in other shapes, such as a right-angled triangle shape when viewed in the front-rear direction.

[0121] At least a part of the second claw portion 43b is located outside the through-hole 42a (42b) in the width direction. In this example, almost the entire second claw portion 43b is located outside the through-hole 42a (42b) in the width direction.

[0122] The second claw portion 43b engages in the front-rear direction with the rear end edge of the rear column bracket 4. In this example, the second claw portion 43b engages in the front-rear direction with the rear end edge of the outer guide 37 that constitutes the mounting plate portion 28.

[0123] In this example, almost the entire second claw portion 43b is located widthwise outward of the through hole 42a (42b), so that almost the entire second claw portion 43b engages with the rear end edge of the outer guide 37 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0124] In this example, the first claw portion 43a and the second claw portion 43b are configured to have the same shape and size. Therefore, the second claw portion 43b also has a trapezoidal shape when viewed in the front-to-rear direction, and its inner side edge 51 in the width direction slopes outward in the width direction as it approaches the other clamping plate 38b in the up-down direction, and its outer side edge 52 in the width direction is located on the imaginary plane L. However, when implementing a release member for a column bracket according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first claw portion and the second claw portion may have different sizes and / or shapes.

[0125] In this example, the first claw portion 43a and the second claw portion 43b are arranged at the same position in the width direction. However, when implementing a release member for a column bracket according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first claw portion and the second claw portion may be arranged at different positions in the width direction.

[0126] In this example, one clamping plate 38a and the other clamping plate 38b each have a symmetrical shape in the front-to-rear direction. Furthermore, in this example, the entire release member 5 including the connecting portion 39 has a symmetrical shape in the front-to-rear direction. However, when implementing a release member for a column bracket according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, one clamping plate and / or the other clamping plate may have an asymmetrical shape in the front-to-rear direction.

[0127] <Connection part> The connecting portion 39 connects the widthwise outer ends of the pair of clamping plates 38a, 38b to each other. That is, the connecting portion 39 connects the widthwise outer end of the clamping plate body 44a constituting one clamping plate 38a to the widthwise outer end of the clamping plate body 44b constituting the other clamping plate 38b.

[0128] In this example, the connecting portion 39 has a flat plate shape. When the release member 5 is attached to the mounting plate portion 28, the connecting portion 39 is disposed approximately perpendicular to the clamping plate bodies 44a, 44b and closely faces or abuts against the outer side edges of the mounting plate portion 28 in the width direction.

[0129] The release member 5 is attached to the rear column bracket 4 as follows.

[0130] First, the connecting portion 39 is positioned on the side farther from the widthwise outer side edge of the mounting plate portion 28 of the rear column bracket 4, and the pair of clamping plates 38a, 38b is positioned approximately parallel to the mounting plate portion 28. Furthermore, the release member 5 is elastically deformed so that the distance between the widthwise inner ends of the pair of clamping plates 38a, 38b becomes slightly larger than the plate thickness T of the mounting plate portion 28. Then, the release member 5 is moved approximately parallel to the mounting plate portion 28 and approached from the outside in the width direction to the mounting plate portion 28. At this time, the front-to-rear position of the front side surface of the second claw portion 43b of the release member 5 is aligned with the front-to-rear position of the rear end edge of the outer guide 37 that constitutes the mounting plate portion 28.

[0131] Then, the outer side edge of the mounting plate portion 28 in the width direction is pushed between the inner ends of the pair of clamping plates 38a, 38b in the width direction, thereby widening the gap between the pair of clamping plates 38a, 38b.

[0132] Next, the release member 5 is moved widthwise inward relative to the mounting plate portion 28, and the distance between the pair of clamping plates 38a, 38b is further increased when the first claw portion 43a of the release member 5 rides up onto the mounting plate portion 28.

[0133] In this example, the inner widthwise side edge 51 of the first claw portion 43a, which is located on the front side with respect to the pushing direction of the release member 5, is inclined, so that by pressing the inner widthwise side edge 51 of the first claw portion 43a against the outer widthwise side edge of the mounting plate portion 28, a component force is generated in the direction of widening the gap between the pair of clamping plates 38a, 38b.

[0134] Next, while aligning the second claw portion 43b along the rear end edge of the outer guide 37, the release member 5 is further moved widthwise inward relative to the mounting plate portion 28, and the first claw portion 43a is inserted into the engagement hole 35. In other words, a snap-fit ​​engagement is achieved. This reduces the gap between the pair of clamping plates 38a, 38b, and the pair of opposing surfaces 40a, 40b press down on the upper and lower surfaces of the mounting plate portion 28. In this state, the second claw portion 43b faces the rear end edge of the outer guide 37 in the front-to-rear direction. The release member 5 is attached to the rear column bracket 4 in this manner.

[0135] The rear column bracket 4 with the release member 5 is supported by the vehicle body 11 by screwing the tip of the mounting bolt 30, which is inserted from below through the through hole 42b, the notch 34, and the through hole 42a in that order, into the vehicle body 11.

[0136] When a collision accident occurs and a secondary collision occurs in which the driver's body hits the steering wheel 6, the impact load is transmitted to the steering column 3 via the steering shaft 2 to which the steering wheel 6 is fixed. In this example, the impact load is applied to the outer column 17 via the outer shaft 19 to which the steering wheel 6 is fixed.

[0137] An impact load is then applied from the outer column 17 to the rear column bracket 4 via the clamp mechanism 21. As a result, the rear column bracket 4 detaches forward from the detachment member 5, and at the same time, the outer column 17 moves forward relative to the inner column 16, and the outer shaft 19 moves forward relative to the inner shaft 18. In other words, the steering column 3 and the steering shaft 2 each contract. This reduces the impact applied to the driver's body.

[0138] When the rear column bracket 4 is released from the release member 5, the first claw portion 43a is plastically deformed, and the inner guide 36 and the outer guide 37 are caused to slide relative to the pair of opposing surfaces 40a, 40b. This absorbs the impact load when the driver's body collides with the steering wheel 6. Because the opposing surfaces 40a, 40b are covered with a coating film 41 made of a low-friction material, the sliding friction force generated when the rear column bracket 4 is released forward from the release member 5 remains low and stable.

[0139] The release member 5 of this example can prevent the steering device 1 from falling off or being displaced from the rear column bracket 4 while keeping manufacturing costs of the steering device 1 low.

[0140] That is, when the release member 5 is attached to the rear column bracket 4, the first claw portion 43a provided on the front side edge of one of the clamping plates 38a engages in the front-rear direction and the width direction with the engagement hole 35 provided in the mounting plate portion 28. Therefore, when the force acting between the release member 5 and the rear column bracket 4 is small, such as when the steering device 1 is being transported, the release member 5 is prevented from falling off in the front-rear direction from the rear column bracket 4, and the release member 5 is prevented from shifting in position in the front-rear direction relative to the rear column bracket 4. Furthermore, the release member 5 is prevented from falling off in the width direction from the rear column bracket 4, and the release member 5 is prevented from shifting in position in the width direction relative to the rear column bracket 4.

[0141] As described above, by utilizing the first claw portion 43a, the release member 5 can be prevented from falling off or shifting in position relative to the rear column bracket 4 without using adhesive tape or the like. Therefore, preventing the release member 5 from falling off or shifting in position does not require work such as pasting work, and there is no need to incur costs for adhesive tape or the like, so the manufacturing costs of the steering device 1 can be reduced.

[0142] Furthermore, in this example, second claw portions 43b are provided on the rear side edge of one of the clamping plates 38a, and at least a portion of the second claw portion 43b is located outward in the width direction from the through-hole 42a (42b) and engages with the rear end edge of the mounting plate portion 28 in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the second claw portions 43b engage with the rear end edge of the outer guide 37 in the front-rear direction, also preventing the release member 5 from falling off or being displaced forward relative to the rear column bracket 4. Therefore, the pair of claw portions 43a, 43b regulates the front-rear direction position of the release member 5 with respect to the mounting plate portion 28 of the rear column bracket 4.

[0143] In addition, in this example, the connecting portion 39 engages with the outer side edge of the mounting plate portion 28 in the width direction, thereby preventing the release member 5 from shifting inward in the width direction relative to the rear column bracket 4.

[0144] The second claw portion 43b can function as a guide for regulating the position of the release member 5 in the front-to-rear direction along the rear end edge of the rear column bracket 4 during the installation work of the release member 5. This improves the workability of the installation work of the release member 5.

[0145] In this example, the widthwise outer side edge 52 of the first claw portion 43a is located on an imaginary plane L perpendicular to the opposing surface 40a of one of the clamping plates 38a and is disposed substantially parallel to the widthwise outer side surface of the inner surface of the engagement hole 35. Therefore, even when a force acting outward in the widthwise direction acts on the release member 5 and the widthwise outer side edge 52 of the first claw portion 43a is strongly pressed against the widthwise outer side surface of the inner surface of the engagement hole 35, a component force that tends to widen the gap between the pair of clamping plates 38a, 38b is not generated, and the widthwise outer side edge 52 of the first claw portion 43a can function as a retaining tab. Therefore, the release member 5 cannot be moved outward in the widthwise direction unless a separate force is applied to the pair of clamping plates 38a, 38b in a direction separating them from each other. This effectively prevents the release member 5 from falling outward in the widthwise direction and becoming displaced.

[0146] In this example, the first claw portion 43a is provided at a position offset outward in the width direction from the widthwise center of the front side edge of the clamping plate body 44a, so that a large force is required to widen the gap between the pair of clamping plates 38a, 38b at the position where the first claw portion 43a rides up onto the mounting plate portion 28 during the installation work of the release member 5. In contrast, in this example, the widthwise inner side edge 51 of the first claw portion 43a, which is located on the front side in the pushing direction of the release member 5, is inclined outward in the width direction as it approaches the other clamping plate 38b in the up-down direction. Therefore, when the widthwise inner side edge 51 of the first claw portion 43a is pressed against the widthwise outer side edge of the mounting plate portion 28, a component force in a direction widening the gap between the pair of clamping plates 38a, 38b can be generated. Therefore, the work of attaching the release member 5 can be performed without applying a separate force to the pair of clamping plates 38a, 38b in a direction separating them from each other, and the workability of the work of attaching the release member 5 can be improved.

[0147] In this example, the release member 5 has a symmetrical shape in the front-rear direction. Therefore, a common release member 5 can be attached to the pair of left and right mounting plate portions 28 that make up the rear column bracket 4. This prevents incorrect assembly of the release member 5, improving the quality of the steering device 1. Furthermore, the number of inspection steps can be reduced, and the management costs of the release member 5 can be reduced, so the manufacturing costs of the steering device 1 can be kept down. Furthermore, because the press mold for manufacturing the release member 5 can be shared, the mold costs can also be reduced.

[0148] In this example, the rear end edge of the outer guide 37 is positioned forward of the rear end edge of the inner guide 36 in order to engage with the second claw portion 43b of the release member 5. Therefore, the dimension of the outer guide 37 in the front-to-rear direction is shortened, which makes it possible to reduce the weight of the rear column bracket 4 and reduce material costs.

[0149] [Example 2] A second example of the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10(B).

[0150] Release member 5a of this example differs from release member 5 of the first example only in the structure of connecting portion 39a. The structure of the pair of clamping plates 38a, 38b is the same as the structure of the pair of clamping plates 38a, 38b that constitute release member 5 of the first example.

[0151] In this example, the connecting portion 39a has a structure that relieves stress during the attachment work of the release member 5a and suppresses plastic deformation of the release member 5a.

[0152] The connecting portion 39a includes a deforming portion 46 that elastically deforms when the gap between the pair of clamping plates 38a, 38b is widened.

[0153] The deforming portion 46 has a pair of flat plate portions 47a, 47b that are stacked in the vertical direction and have their outer widthwise ends connected to each other. When widening the gap between the pair of clamping plates 38a, 38b, the deforming portion 46 elastically deforms so as to widen the gap between the inner widthwise ends of the pair of flat plate portions 47a, 47b, i.e., to bulge. The deforming portion 46 has a substantially U-shaped end face when viewed from the front-to-rear direction.

[0154] In this example, the connecting portion 39a has a substantially Y-shaped end face shape when viewed in the front-rear direction. The connecting portion 39a has a deformed portion 46 on its outer side in the width direction and a pair of curved plate portions 48a, 48b on its inner side in the width direction.

[0155] The curved plate portion 48a connects the widthwise outer end of one clamping plate 38a to the widthwise inner end of the flat plate portion 47a. The curved plate portion 48b connects the widthwise outer end of the other clamping plate 38b to the widthwise inner end of the flat plate portion 47b. The pair of curved plate portions 48a, 48b are arranged in a substantially V-shape when viewed in the front-to-rear direction. In this example, the pair of curved plate portions 48a, 48b engage with the widthwise outer side edges of the mounting plate portion 28, thereby preventing the release member 5a from shifting inward in the width direction relative to the rear column bracket 4.

[0156] In the release member 5a of this example, when the gap between the pair of clamping plates 38a, 38b is widened, the deforming portion 46 constituting the connecting portion 39a elastically deforms to widen the gap between the widthwise inner ends of the pair of flat plate portions 47a, 47b, i.e., bulges. This reduces the bending angle of the pair of clamping plates 38a, 38b, alleviating stress during the installation of the release member 5a and preventing plastic deformation of the release member 5a. This also reduces the pressing force required to install the release member 5a on the installation plate 28 from the widthwise outer side.

[0157] Other configurations and effects of the second example are the same as those of the first example.

[0158] [Example 3] A third example of the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 12(B).

[0159] In release member 5b of this example, of the pair of clamping plates 38a, 38c, only the structure of the other clamping plate 38c differs from the structure of the other clamping plate 38b that constitutes release member 5 of the first example. The structure of one clamping plate 38a and connecting portion 39 is the same as the structure of one clamping plate 38a and connecting portion 39 that constitutes release member 5 of the first example.

[0160] In this example, the width direction dimension of the clamping plate body 44c constituting one of the clamping plates 38a is slightly larger than the width direction dimension of the clamping plate body 44a constituting the other clamping plate 38c. The widthwise inner end of the clamping plate body 44c is located slightly inward in the width direction than the widthwise inner end of the clamping plate body 44a.

[0161] The other clamping plate 38c (clamping plate body 44c) has a guide protrusion 49 at its inner end in the width direction, which is convex on the opposing surface 40b side and has a generally V-shaped cross section. In this example, the guide protrusion 49 is provided over the entire length of the other clamping plate 38c in the front-rear direction.

[0162] The opposing surface 40b of the other clamping plate 38c has a portion thereof that is not in contact with the guide protrusion 49 covered with a coating film 41 made of a low-friction material. The portion of the opposing surface 40b that faces the guide protrusion 49 is not covered with the coating film 41 and forms an uncoated portion 50. The uncoated portion 50 is formed by masking the guide protrusion 49 when the opposing surface 40b is subjected to a film treatment (coating treatment).

[0163] In the case of the release member 5b of this example, when the outer side edge in the width direction of the mounting plate portion 28 is pushed between the inner ends in the width direction of the pair of clamping plates 38a, 38c during the installation work, the outer side edge in the width direction of the mounting plate portion 28 rides up onto the guide protrusion 49, generating a component force in a direction that widens the gap between the pair of clamping plates 38a, 38c. This improves the workability of the installation work of the release member 5b.

[0164] Because a coating film made of a low-friction material has high insulating properties, if the entire surface of the pair of opposing surfaces were covered with a coating film, the release member could not be used as an electrical path connecting the vehicle and the steering column. In this example, the release member 5b has guide protrusions 49 that form part of the opposing surface 40b of the clamping plate 38c as uncoated portions 50, so the release member 5b can be used as an electrical path.

[0165] The other configurations and effects of the third example are the same as those of the first example.

[0166] The release member for a column bracket, the column bracket with a release member, and the steering device of the present disclosure can be implemented by appropriately combining the structures of the examples of the above-mentioned embodiments as long as no contradictions arise. In particular, if the structure of the second example is combined with the structure of the third example, the workability of the installation work of the release member will be further improved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0167] 1 Steering device 2 steering shaft 3. Steering column 4 Rear column bracket 5, 5a, 5b Release members 6. Steering wheel 7a, 7b Universal joint 8 Intermediate shaft 9 Steering gear unit 10 Pinion shaft 11 Body 12 Front column bracket 13 Electric assist device 14 Gear housing 15 Electric motor 16 Innacolumn 17 Outer Column 18 Inner shaft 19 Outer shaft 20 Tilt Axis 21 Clamping mechanism 22 Side panel 23 Bracket side through hole 24 Column side through hole 25 rods 26 Cam device 27 Lever 28 Mounting plate 29 Top plate 30 Mounting bolts 31 Bridge section 32 Center plate part 33 Inclined plate part 34 Cutout 35 Engagement hole 36 Inner guide 37 Outer guide 38a, 38b, 38c holding plate 39, 39a connection part 40a, 40b Opposite side 41 Coating film 42a, 42b through hole 43a First claw 43b Second claw 44a, 44b, 44c Holding plate body 45 Tip bend 46 Deformation section 47a, 47b flat plate part 48a, 48b curved plate section 49 Guide protrusion 50 Uncoated section 51 Side edge 52 Side edge 100 Steering device 101 Steering Wheel 102 steering shaft 103 Steering column 104a, 104b Universal joint 105 Intermediate shaft 106 Steering gear unit 107 Front column bracket 108 Rear column bracket 109 Body 110 Release member 111 Center plate part 112 Mounting plate 113 Cutout 114 Inner guide 115 Outer guide 116 Holding plate 117 Connecting part 118 Through Hole 119 Mounting bolt

Claims

1. The column bracket is supported on the vehicle body so as to be releasable forward, and is generally configured in a U-shaped plate shape. The clamping plates are arranged spaced apart in the vertical direction and have a pair of opposing surfaces facing each other, and each have a through-hole that penetrates in the vertical direction, and a connecting portion that connects the outer ends of the pair of clamping plates in the width direction, One of the pair of clamping plates has a first claw portion on a front side edge thereof that is bent toward the opposing surface in the up-down direction, The first claw portion engages with an engagement hole provided in the column bracket in the front-rear direction and the width direction. Release member for column bracket.

2. the one clamping plate has a second claw portion bent toward the opposing surface in the up-down direction on a side edge on the rear side thereof, At least a portion of the second claw portion is located outward in the width direction from the through hole and engages with a rear end edge of the column bracket in the front-rear direction. The release member for a column bracket according to claim 1 .

3. 2. The release member for a column bracket according to claim 1, wherein a widthwise inner side edge of the first claw portion is inclined outward in the widthwise direction in the up-down direction as it approaches the other of the pair of clamping plates.

4. 2. The release member for a column bracket according to claim 1, wherein a widthwise outer side edge of the first claw portion is located on an imaginary plane perpendicular to the opposing surface of the one of the clamping plates.

5. The release member for a column bracket according to claim 2, which has a shape symmetrical in the front-to-rear direction.

6. 2. The release member for a column bracket according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion has a pair of flat plate portions that are overlapped in the vertical direction and whose outer widthwise ends are connected to each other, and includes a deformation portion that elastically deforms so as to increase the distance between the inner widthwise ends of the pair of flat plate portions.

7. The pair of opposing surfaces are covered with a coating film made of a low-friction material, At least one of the pair of opposing surfaces has a non-coated portion that is not covered with the coating film. The release member for a column bracket according to claim 1 .

8. 2. The release member for a column bracket according to claim 1, wherein the other of the pair of clamping plates has a guide protrusion at its widthwise inner end that is convex on the opposing surface side and has a generally V-shaped cross section.

9. 9. A release member for a column bracket according to claim 8, wherein the opposing surface of the other clamping plate has a portion that is not covered with the guide protrusion and is covered with a coating film made of a low-friction material, and the guide protrusion is an uncoated portion that is not covered with the coating film.

10. A column bracket, a release member that supports the column bracket so that it can be released forward relative to the vehicle body, The column bracket has a mounting plate portion having a substantially flat plate shape, the mounting plate portion has a notch that opens to a rear edge portion thereof, an engagement hole that is disposed in front of the notch, an inner guide that is disposed inside the notch in a width direction, and an outer guide that is disposed outside the notch in the width direction, a rear end edge of the outer guide is located forward of a rear end edge of the inner guide, The release member is a release member for a column bracket according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the pair of clamping plates elastically clamp the mounting plate portion in a state in which the through holes are positioned so as to overlap the notches in the vertical direction, The first claw portion engages with the engagement hole in the front-rear direction and the width direction. Column bracket with breakaway member.

11. A steering shaft; a steering column that rotatably supports the steering shaft; a column bracket that supports the steering column relative to a vehicle body; a release member that supports the column bracket so that the column bracket can be released forward relative to the vehicle body, A steering device, wherein the column bracket and the release member are the column bracket with release member according to claim 10.

Images