Steering system

Abstract

To provide a steering device that can exhibit more stable sliding performance between the column housing and the inner tube. [Solution] The steering device 1 comprises a column housing 4 supported by the vehicle body, an inner tube 5 that is axially movable relative to the column housing 4, and a retainer 6 interposed between the column housing 4 and the inner tube 5. An inner circumferential projection 64 protruding radially inward is formed on the inner circumferential surface 6b of the retainer 6, and a circumferential groove 66 extending in the circumferential direction is formed on the inner circumferential projection 64.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a steering device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a steering device having a structure in which a resin retainer is interposed between a column housing and an inner tube has been shown (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the conventional steering device, a resin retainer is interposed between the column housing and the inner tube, but it is desirable to be able to exhibit more stable slidability.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the problems of such conventional technologies. And an object of the present invention is to provide a steering device capable of exhibiting more stable slidability between a column housing and an inner tube.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The steering device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a column housing supported by a vehicle body, an inner tube provided movably in an axial direction with respect to the column housing, and a retainer interposed between the column housing and the inner tube. On the inner peripheral surface of the retainer, an inner peripheral surface protruding portion protruding radially inward is formed, and a circumferential groove extending in the circumferential direction is formed in the inner peripheral surface protruding portion.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a steering device comprising a column housing supported by a vehicle body, an inner tube movably mounted axially relative to the column housing, and a retainer interposed between the column housing and the inner tube. The outer circumferential surface of the retainer has an outer circumferential projection that protrudes radially outward and extends circumferentially, and the inner circumferential surface of the retainer has an inner circumferential projection that protrudes radially inward and extends axially. The inner circumferential projection and the outer circumferential projection are configured to overlap radially at both axial ends of the retainer. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a steering device that can exhibit more stable sliding properties between the column housing and the inner tube. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing an example of a steering device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the column housing, inner tube, and retainer. [Figure 3] This is a general overview of a retainer. [Figure 4] This is a schematic perspective view showing the arrangement of protrusions in a retainer. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a schematic side view of the retainer. [Figure 6] This is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 5. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the location where the outer circumferential protrusion and the inner circumferential protrusion overlap in the radial direction. [Figure 8] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a retainer with a circumferential groove formed on the inner circumferential surface projection, corresponding to line AA in Figure 5. [Figure 9] Figure 8 shows a schematic perspective view of the retainer. [Figure 10]This is a magnified view of section B in Figure 9. [Figure 11] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a retainer with a grid-like groove formed on the inner circumferential protrusion, corresponding to line AA in Figure 5. [Figure 12] Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view of the retainer. [Figure 13] This is a magnified view of section C in Figure 12. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The steering device according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may differ from the actual ratios.

[0011] In Figure 1, arrow FR indicates the front of the vehicle, and arrow RR indicates the rear of the vehicle.

[0012] The steering device 1 according to this embodiment is also called an electric steering device and is used, for example, when installed in a vehicle. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the steering device 1 is configured to include a fixed bracket (not shown) fixed to the vehicle body and a column jacket 3 that is supported by the fixed bracket so as to be able to swing in the vertical direction of the vehicle body.

[0013] Furthermore, the steering device 1 includes a steering shaft 7 housed within the column jacket 3 and to which a steering wheel (not shown) is connected at its rear end, a telescopic mechanism 10 driven by an electric motor (not shown), and an energy absorption mechanism 20.

[0014] The column jacket 3 has a cylindrical column housing 4 and a cylindrical inner tube 5 that is inserted axially movably relative to the column housing 4. The column housing 4, also referred to as the lower jacket, is located on the front side of the vehicle body with respect to the fixed bracket. On the other hand, the inner tube 5, also referred to as the upper jacket, is housed in the column housing 4 and is supported axially movably with respect to the column housing 4.

[0015] The column housing 4 is provided with a pressing mechanism 30 for suppressing play between the column housing 4 and the inner tube 5. This pressing mechanism 30 has sliding contact members 31 and pressing members 32 arranged at two locations spaced apart in the axial direction of the column housing 4, and each pressing member 32 is configured to press the inner tube 5 radially inward from the column housing 4 side.

[0016] A through hole 41 is formed through the lower surface of the column housing 4, and the pressing member 32 is disposed in this through hole 41. The pressing member 32 is fixed (screwed) to the through hole 41. In order to screw the pressing member 32 into the through hole 41, threads are formed (threaded) on the outer peripheral surface of the pressing member 32 and the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 41. Also, a spring 33 is interposed between the sliding contact member 31 and the pressing member 32. This spring 33 is, for example, a disc spring.

[0017] A retainer 6 is interposed between the inner peripheral surface of the column housing 4 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube 5. The retainer 6 is formed, for example, in a C shape and is pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the column housing 4 by the elastic force of the retainer 6. An upper slit 61 for passing an energization plate (not shown) for grounding is formed in the upper part of this retainer 6, and a lower slit 62 for passing the sliding contact member 31 of the pressing mechanism 30 is formed in the lower part of the retainer 6.

[0018] As shown in Figures 4 to 7, the outer circumferential surface projection 63 is formed on the outer circumferential surface 6a of the retainer 6, projecting radially outward and extending circumferentially, and the inner circumferential surface projection 64 is formed on the inner circumferential surface 6b of the retainer 6, projecting radially inward and extending axially. The outer circumferential surface projection 63 and the inner circumferential surface projection 64 each protrude slightly (about a few μm) from the outer circumferential surface 6a or the inner circumferential surface 6b of the retainer 6. The outer circumferential surface projection 63 and the inner circumferential surface projection 64 are configured to overlap radially at both axial ends of the retainer 6.

[0019] In the steering device 1, outer circumferential protrusions 63 are formed at both axial ends of the retainer 6, and inner circumferential protrusions 64 are formed at two locations on the upper part of the retainer 6, spaced apart in the circumferential direction. As a result, overlapping portions 65 are formed at both axial ends of the retainer 6 where the outer circumferential protrusions 63 and the inner circumferential protrusions 64 overlap in the radial direction, and a total of four overlapping portions 65 are formed on the retainer 6 as a whole (see Figure 7). In Figures 4 and 7, the overlapping portions 65 where the outer circumferential protrusions 63 and the inner circumferential protrusions 64 overlap in the radial direction are indicated by cross hatching.

[0020] In the steering device 1, the column housing 4 and the retainer 6 are in contact at the point where the outer circumferential projection 63 and the inner circumferential projection 64 of the retainer 6 overlap radially (overlapping portion 65), and the retainer 6 is also in contact with the inner tube 5. This prevents the contact position between each component from changing, and stabilizes the sliding motion between the column housing 4 and the inner tube 5.

[0021] As shown in Figures 8 to 10, an inner circumferential projection 64 is formed on the inner circumferential surface 6b of the retainer 6, projecting radially inward, and a circumferential groove 66 is formed on the inner circumferential projection 64, extending in the circumferential direction and perpendicular to the axial direction of the column housing 4. Alternatively, a circumferential groove extending in the circumferential direction may be formed on an outer circumferential projection 63 formed on the outer circumferential surface 6a of the retainer 6. In other words, a circumferential groove 66 extending in the circumferential direction and perpendicular to the axial direction of the column housing 4 is formed on at least one of the outer circumferential projection 63 and the inner circumferential projection 64.

[0022] In the steering device 1, circumferential grooves 66 are formed at both axial ends of the inner circumferential protrusion 64. That is, the circumferential grooves 66 are formed in the area corresponding to the overlapping portion 65 of the inner circumferential protrusion 64. In Figures 8 to 10, areas where circumferential grooves 66 are not formed on the inner circumferential protrusion 64 are indicated by dashed lines, and areas without circumferential grooves 66 are indicated by dotted lines.

[0023] In the steering device 1, a circumferential groove 66 is formed on the inner circumferential projection 64 of the retainer 6. As grease accumulates in the circumferential groove 66, for example, when the column housing 4 and the inner tube 5 slide against each other, the circumferential groove 66 is formed in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction, which is perpendicular to the axial direction of the column housing 4. This makes it easier for grease to be retained in the circumferential groove 66, thereby suppressing grease depletion. This stabilizes the sliding between the column housing 4 and the inner tube 5.

[0024] As shown in Figures 11 to 13, an axial groove 67 extending in the axial direction may be further formed on the inner circumferential projection 64, thereby forming a grid-like groove 68 composed of a circumferential groove 66 and an axial groove 67. Alternatively, an axial groove extending in the axial direction may be further formed on the outer circumferential projection 63 formed on the outer circumferential surface 6a of the retainer 6, thereby forming a grid-like groove composed of a circumferential groove and an axial groove. In other words, an axial groove 67 extending in the axial direction may be further formed on at least one of the outer circumferential projection 63 and the inner circumferential projection 64, thereby forming a grid-like groove 68 composed of a circumferential groove 66 and an axial groove 67.

[0025] In the steering device 1, grid-like grooves 68 are formed at both axial ends of the inner circumferential protrusion 64. That is, the grid-like grooves 68 are formed in the areas corresponding to the overlapping portions 65 of the inner circumferential protrusion 64. In Figures 11 to 13, areas where the grid-like grooves 68 are not formed on the inner circumferential protrusion 64 are indicated by dashed lines, and areas without grid-like grooves 68 are indicated by dotted lines.

[0026] In the steering device 1, by forming a grid-like groove 68 on the inner circumferential projection 64 of the retainer 6, more grease can be accumulated in the grid-like groove 68, thereby more effectively suppressing grease depletion. This makes the sliding between the column housing 4 and the inner tube 5 more stable.

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, the telescopic mechanism 10 comprises a movable body 11 and a main body (casing) 13 that is integrally provided (fixed) to the column housing 4. The movable body 11, which moves in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body relative to the housing 13, drives (moves) the inner tube 5 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body.

[0028] The energy absorption mechanism 20 is pre-unitized (integrated) and is installed between the inner tube 5 and the movable body 11 of the telescopic mechanism 10. The energy absorption mechanism 20 has a first fixed part 21 fixed to the inner tube 5 and a second fixed part 23 fixed to the movable body 11 of the telescopic mechanism 10. This configuration mitigates the impact force applied to the inner tube 5. In other words, it is configured to absorb the energy of the impact force in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body during a secondary collision, thereby mitigating the impact force.

[0029] The effects and advantages of this embodiment will be explained below.

[0030] (1) The steering device 1 comprises a column housing 4 supported by the vehicle body, an inner tube 5 that is axially movable relative to the column housing 4, and a retainer 6 interposed between the column housing 4 and the inner tube 5. An inner circumferential projection 64 is formed on the inner circumferential surface 6b of the retainer 6, and a circumferential groove 66 is formed on the inner circumferential projection 64, which extends in the circumferential direction and is perpendicular to the axial direction of the column housing 4.

[0031] In the steering device 1, a circumferential groove 66 is formed on the inner circumferential projection 64 of the retainer 6. As grease accumulates in the circumferential groove 66, for example, when the column housing 4 and the inner tube 5 slide against each other, the circumferential groove 66 is formed in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction, which is perpendicular to the axial direction of the column housing 4. This makes it easier for grease to be retained in the circumferential groove 66, thereby suppressing grease depletion. This stabilizes the sliding between the column housing 4 and the inner tube 5.

[0032] As described above, according to this embodiment, a steering device 1 can be provided that exhibits more stable sliding performance between the column housing 4 and the inner tube 5.

[0033] (2) In the steering device 1, an axial groove 67 extending in the axial direction may be further formed on the inner circumferential surface projection 64, thereby forming a grid-like groove 68 composed of the circumferential groove 66 and the axial groove 67.

[0034] In the steering device 1, by forming a grid-like groove 68 on the inner circumferential projection 64 of the retainer 6, more grease can be accumulated in the grid-like groove 68, thereby more effectively suppressing grease depletion. This makes the sliding between the column housing 4 and the inner tube 5 more stable.

[0035] (3) The steering device 1 comprises a column housing 4 supported by the vehicle body, an inner tube 5 that is axially movable relative to the column housing 4, and a retainer 6 interposed between the column housing 4 and the inner tube 5. The outer circumferential surface 6a of the retainer 6 has an outer circumferential projection 63 that protrudes radially outward and extends in the circumferential direction, and the inner circumferential surface 6b of the retainer 6 has an inner circumferential projection 64 that protrudes radially inward and extends in the axial direction. The outer circumferential projection 63 and the inner circumferential projection 64 are configured to partially overlap radially at both axial ends of the retainer 6.

[0036] In the steering device 1, the column housing 4 and the retainer 6 are in contact at the point where the outer circumferential projection 63 and the inner circumferential projection 64 of the retainer 6 overlap radially (overlapping portion 65), and the retainer 6 is also in contact with the inner tube 5. This prevents the contact position between each component from changing, and stabilizes the sliding motion between the column housing 4 and the inner tube 5.

[0037] As described above, according to this embodiment, a steering device 1 can be provided that exhibits more stable sliding performance between the column housing 4 and the inner tube 5.

[0038] (4) In the steering device 1, a circumferential groove 66 is formed in at least one of the outer circumferential projection 63 and the inner circumferential projection 64, extending in the circumferential direction and perpendicular to the axial direction of the column housing 4.

[0039] In the steering device 1, a circumferential groove 66 is formed on the inner circumferential projection 64 of the retainer 6. As grease accumulates in the circumferential groove 66, for example, when the column housing 4 and the inner tube 5 slide against each other, the circumferential groove 66 is formed in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction, which is perpendicular to the axial direction of the column housing 4. This makes it easier for grease to be retained in the circumferential groove 66, thereby suppressing grease depletion. This stabilizes the sliding between the column housing 4 and the inner tube 5.

[0040] (5) In the steering device 1, an axial groove 67 extending in the axial direction may be further formed on at least one of the outer circumferential projection 63 and the inner circumferential projection 64, thereby forming a grid-like groove 68 composed of the circumferential groove 66 and the axial groove 67.

[0041] In the steering device 1, by forming a grid-like groove 68 on the inner circumferential projection 64 of the retainer 6, more grease can be accumulated in the grid-like groove 68, thereby more effectively suppressing grease depletion. This makes the sliding between the column housing 4 and the inner tube 5 more stable.

[0042] Although this embodiment has been described above, this embodiment is not limited to these, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of this embodiment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0043] 1. Steering system 4 Column Housing 5 Inner Tubes 6 Retainers 6a Outer surface 6b Inner surface 63 Outer peripheral surface protrusion 64 Inner peripheral surface protrusion 65. Areas that overlap in the radial direction (overlapping parts) 66 Circumferential groove 67 Axial groove 68 Lattice-shaped groove

Claims

1. A column housing supported by the vehicle body, An inner tube is provided so as to be movable in the axial direction relative to the column housing, The column housing and the inner tube are interposed retainers, The inner circumferential surface of the retainer has an inner circumferential projection that protrudes radially inward. A circumferential groove extending in the circumferential direction is formed in the inner circumferential surface protrusion. Steering system.

2. An axial groove extending in the axial direction is further formed on the inner circumferential projection, and a grid-like groove is formed by the circumferential groove and the axial groove. The steering device according to claim 1.

3. A column housing supported by the vehicle body, An inner tube is provided so as to be movable in the axial direction relative to the column housing, The column housing and the inner tube are interposed retainers, The outer circumferential surface of the retainer is formed with an outer circumferential projection that protrudes radially outward and extends in the circumferential direction. The inner circumferential surface of the retainer has an inner circumferential projection that protrudes radially inward and extends axially. The outer circumferential projection and the inner circumferential projection are configured to overlap radially at both axial ends of the retainer. Steering system.

4. A circumferential groove extending in the circumferential direction is formed in at least one of the outer circumferential surface protrusion and the inner circumferential surface protrusion. The steering device according to claim 3.

5. An axial groove extending in the axial direction is further formed on at least one of the outer circumferential protrusion and the inner circumferential protrusion, and a grid-like groove is formed by the circumferential groove and the axial groove. The steering device according to claim 4.

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